Negotiated Rulemaking Underway: Week One Review of the RISE Committee

The U.S. Department of Education will soon enter the second and final week of negotiated rulemaking for the Re-imagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) Committee, which is developing changes to the Federal student loan programs as directed by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OB3). As we prepare for the final week of discussions, we offer a look back at week one, highlighting key topics that may affect the digital learning and interstate compliance community. We’ll also note a few procedural changes in this rulemaking process compared to those held under the previous administration.

As background, in late July 2025, the Department published the announcement: Public Hearing; Negotiated Rulemaking Committees, announcing the formation of two committees to draft proposed regulations affecting Title IV Federal Student Aid programs. Because these regulations implement statutory provisions under the Higher Education Act (HEA), the Department must follow a specific process called negotiated rulemaking. This process brings together a committee of stakeholders—nominated by the public—to collaboratively discuss, negotiate, and draft the proposed rules.

Within a few months after the negotiated rulemaking sessions are concluded, the Department will prepare and release the proposed regulations for public comment. For those interested in a concise overview of this process, we encourage you to review our one-page SAN Resource, U.S. Department of Education Rulemaking Process.[...]