This bill clarifies the applicability of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) to certain actions of the Small Business Administration (SBA). Its primary purpose is to ensure that the SBA adheres to public notice and comment rulemaking procedures for a broader range of its regulatory activities. Specifically, the legislation overrides an existing exemption under 5 U.S.C. § 553(a)(2) of the APA. This means that SBA rulemakings involving matters related to public property, loans, grants, benefits, or contracts will now be subject to the standard notice and comment requirements, which typically allow for public input before rules are finalized. The bill aims to enhance transparency and stakeholder participation in the SBA's regulatory process concerning these vital areas affecting small businesses.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on Small Business, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on Small Business, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Commerce
Maintaining Small Business Engagement Act of 2026
USA119th CongressHR-9885| House
| Updated: 7/22/2026
This bill clarifies the applicability of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) to certain actions of the Small Business Administration (SBA). Its primary purpose is to ensure that the SBA adheres to public notice and comment rulemaking procedures for a broader range of its regulatory activities. Specifically, the legislation overrides an existing exemption under 5 U.S.C. § 553(a)(2) of the APA. This means that SBA rulemakings involving matters related to public property, loans, grants, benefits, or contracts will now be subject to the standard notice and comment requirements, which typically allow for public input before rules are finalized. The bill aims to enhance transparency and stakeholder participation in the SBA's regulatory process concerning these vital areas affecting small businesses.
Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better
Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on Small Business, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on Small Business, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.