Proposed Amendments Published for Public Comment

When an advisory committee recommends an amendment to its rules or forms, it must obtain the approval of the Judicial Conference Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure to publish the proposed amendment for public comment. During the comment period, the public is encouraged to submit written comments and may also request to testify at public hearings on the proposed amendment.

On June 4, 2024, the Judicial Conference Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure (Standing Committee) approved publication of proposed amendments to the following:

• Appellate Rules 29 and 32, Appendix on Length Limits, and Form 4;
• Bankruptcy Rules 1007, 3018, 5009, 9006, 9014, 9017, new Rule 7043, and Official Form 410S1; and
• Evidence Rule 801.

The comment period is open from August 15, 2024 to February 17, 2025. Read the text of the proposed amendments and supporting materials:

• Preliminary Draft of Proposed Amendments to Federal Rules (pdf) – August 2024

How to Submit or Review Comments on the Proposed Amendments to the Federal Rules & Forms

Written comments are welcome on each proposed amendment. The advisory committees will review all timely comments, which are made part of the official record and are available to the public. The comment period closes on February 17, 2025.

Comments and supporting files must be submitted electronically using the regulations.gov portal. Follow the online instructions for submitting or reviewing comments at regulations.gov under the general FAQs section.

• Appellate Rules & Form – Submit or Review Comments on Proposed Amendments
  • The Advisory Committee is particularly interested in receiving comments on the proposal to eliminate the option to file an amicus brief on consent during a court’s initial consideration of a case on the merits. The change can be seen in proposed Rule 29(a)(2). It is also reflected in conforming changes to proposed Rules 29(a)(6) and 29(f). The corresponding discussion in the committee note is at lines 232-41. The change is also discussed in the excerpt from the Advisory Committee report at pages 10-27 of the Preliminary Draft.

  Public Hearings

  Members of the public who wish to present testimony on the proposed amendments may appear at scheduled hearings. Requests must be received at least 30 days prior to the hearing dates. Hearings are subject to cancellation due to lack of requests to testify.