Legal Definitions - comment period

A comment period is a time frame during which an administrative agency publishes a proposed regulation and receives public comments on the regulation. This period is also known as a notice-and-comment period. The regulation cannot take effect until after this period expires.

For example, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) may propose a new regulation to limit the amount of pollution that factories can release into the air. The EPA will then publish the proposed regulation and allow the public to comment on it during a comment period. The EPA will consider these comments before finalizing the regulation.

Another example is when the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) proposes a new rule that would affect how internet service providers operate. The FCC will publish the proposed rule and allow the public to comment on it during a comment period. The FCC will then consider these comments before making a final decision.

These examples illustrate how a comment period allows the public to provide feedback on proposed regulations before they become final. This process ensures that the government is taking into account the opinions and concerns of the people who will be affected by the regulation.