Today we added five rules to our Midnight Regulations Chart, where we’re tracking the rules and regulations that the Bush administration is pushing through in its waning days. Thanks to the steady stream of suggestions from our readers, there will be more in the coming days.

Of particular interest is a rule that would potentially increase the use of electronic onboard recorders within the trucking industry. These devices could improve compliance among truckers with the hours of service rule by recording the number of hours the engine was in use. The recorders offer a better alternative to the currently used paper logs—referred to by industry insiders as comic books. The proposed rule includes three options from the Department of Transportation:  1. Require all truckers to use the recorders; 2. require those with the most violations to use the recorders; 3. leave use of the recorders voluntary—just as they are now.

Today’s additions also include a rule on transparency of mortgage settlement costs and one on the Fair Labor Standards Act.

As always, you can use our tip-sheet to get started on your rules research.