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 10, 2025, the Judicial Conference Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure (Standing Committee) approved publication of proposed amendments to the following:
- Appellate Rule 15;
- Bankruptcy Rule 2002, Official Forms 101 and 106C;
- Civil Rules 7.1, 26, 41, 45, and 81;
- Criminal Rule 17; and
- Evidence Rule 609 and new Rule 707.
The comment period is open from August 15, 2025 to February 16, 2026. Read the text of the proposed amendments and supporting materials:
- Preliminary Draft of Proposed Amendments to Federal Rules (PDF) - August 2025
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 16, 2026.
Comments 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 Rule – Submit or Review Comments on Proposed Amendment
- Bankruptcy Rule & Forms – Submit or Review Comments on Proposed Amendments
- Civil Rules – Submit or Review Comments on Proposed Amendments
- Criminal Rule – Submit or Review Comments on Proposed Amendment
- Evidence Rules – Submit or Review Comments on Proposed Amendments
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 may be canceled or consolidated based on lack of public interest in testifying.