ILW.COM - immigration news: Department Of Labor Publishes Its Semi-Annual Regulatory Agenda

[December 13, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 238)] [Unified Agenda] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [frwais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID: f:ua041213.wais] [Page 73450-73482] Department of Labor ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Part XIII ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Semiannual Regulatory Agenda [[Page 73450]] DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL) _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Office of the Secretary 20 CFR Chs. I, IV, V, VI, VII, and IX 29 CFR Subtitle A and Chs. II, IV, V, XVII, and XXV 30 CFR Ch. I 41 CFR Ch. 60 48 CFR Ch. 29 Semiannual Agenda of Regulations AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Labor. ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda. _______________________________________________________________________ SUMMARY: This document sets forth the Department's semiannual agenda of regulations that have been selected for review or development during the coming year. The Department's agencies have carefully assessed their available resources and what they can accomplish in the next twelve months and have adjusted their agendas accordingly. The agenda complies with the requirements of both Executive Order 12866 and the Regulatory Flexibility Act. The agenda lists all regulations that are expected to be under review or development between November 2004 and November 2005, as well as those completed during the past six months. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathleen Franks, Director for the Office of Regulatory Policy, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Policy, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room S- 2312, Washington, DC 20210, (202) 693-5959. Note: Information pertaining to a specific regulation can be obtained from the agency contact listed for that particular regulation. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Executive Order 12866 and the Regulatory Flexibility Act require the semiannual publication in the Federal Register of an agenda of regulations. As permitted by law, the Department of Labor is combining the publication of its agendas under the Regulatory Flexibility Act and Executive Order 12866. Executive Order 12866 became effective September 30, 1993, and, in substance, requires the Department of Labor to publish an agenda listing all the regulations it expects to have under active consideration for promulgation, proposal, or review during the coming 1-year period. The focus of all departmental regulatory activity will be on the development of effective rules that advance the Department's goals and that are understandable and usable to the employers and employees in all affected workplaces. The Regulatory Flexibility Act became effective on January 1, 1981, and applies only to regulations for which a notice of proposed rulemaking was issued on or after that date. It requires the Department of Labor to publish an agenda, listing all the regulations it expects to propose or promulgate that are likely to have a ``significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities'' (5 U.S.C. 602). The Regulatory Flexibility Act (under section 610) also requires agencies to periodically review rules ``which have or will have a significant economic impact upon a substantial number of small entities'' and to annually publish a list of the rules that will be reviewed during the succeeding 12 months. The purpose of the review is to determine whether the rule should be continued without change, amended, or rescinded. The next 12-month review list for the Department of Labor is provided below and public comment is invited on the listing. A brief description of each rule, the legal basis for the rule, and the agency contact are provided with each agenda item. Occupational Safety and Health Administration Occupational Exposure to Ethylene Oxide (RIN 1218-AB60) Excavations (RIN 1218-AC02) Lead in Construction (RIN 1218-AC18) Employee Benefits Security Administration Prohibited Transaction Exemption Procedures (RIN 1210-AA98) Statutory Exemption for Loans to Plan Participants (RIN 1210- AA99) OSHA's Presence Sensing Device Initiation of Mechanical Power Presses was completed in June 2004. All interested members of the public are invited and encouraged to let departmental officials know how our regulatory efforts can be improved, and, of course, to participate in and comment on the review or development of the regulations listed on the agenda. Elaine L. Chao, Secretary of Labor. Office of the Secretary--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1972 Production or Disclosure of Information or Materials.................................. 1290-AA17 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Office of the Secretary--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1973 Equal Treatment in Department of Labor Programs for Faith-Based and Community 1290-AA21 Organizations; Protection of Religious Liberty of Department of Labor Social Service Providers and Beneficiaries........................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 73451]] Employment Standards Administration--Prerule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1974 Child Labor Regulations, Orders, and Statements of Interpretation..................... 1215-AB44 1975 Union Organization and Voting Rights: Criteria for Characterizing a Labor Organization 1215-AB50 as a Local, Intermediate, or National or International Labor Organization............. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Employment Standards Administration--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1976 Davis Bacon Volunteers Under the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act................. 1215-AA96 1977 Amendments to the Fair Labor Standards Act............................................ 1215-AB13 1978 Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993; Conform to the Supreme Court's Ragsdale Decision 1215-AB35 (Reg Plan Seq No. 88)................................................................. 1979 Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination Obligations of Contractors and Subcontractors 1215-AB46 for Special Disabled Veterans and Veterans of the Vietnam Era......................... 1980 Service Contract Act Wage Determination OnLine Request Process........................ 1215-AB47 1981 Standards of Conduct for Federal Sector Labor Organizations........................... 1215-AB48 1982 Labor Organization Officer and Employee Reports....................................... 1215-AB49 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. Employment Standards Administration--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1983 Child Labor Regulations, Orders, and Statements of Interpretation (ESA/W-H) (Reg Plan 1215-AA09 Seq No. 89)........................................................................... 1984 Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination Obligations of Contractors and Subcontractors 1215-AB24 for Special Disabled Veterans and Veterans of the Vietnam Era......................... 1985 Government Contractors: Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Obligations, 1215-AB28 Executive Order 11246 (ESA/OFCCP) (Revised)........................................... 1986 Requirements for Security of Insurance Obligations Under the Longshore and Harbor 1215-AB38 Workers' Compensation Act............................................................. 1987 Obligation To Solicit Race and Gender Data for Agency Enforcement Purposes............ 1215-AB45 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. Employment Standards Administration--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1988 Labor Condition Applications and Requirements for Employers Using Nonimmigrants on H- 1215-AB09 1B Visas in Specialty Occupations and as Fashion Models............................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Employment Standards Administration--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1989 Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, and Bona Fide Employee Stock Purchase 1215-AB31 Programs Under the Fair Labor Standards Act........................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 73452]] Employment and Training Administration--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1990 Revision to the Department of Labor Benefit Regulations for Trade Adjustment 1205-AB32 Assistance for Workers Under the Trade Act of 1974, as Amended (Reg Plan Seq No. 90).. 1991 Post-Adjudication Audits of H-2B Petitions Other Than Logging in the United States.... 1205-AB36 1992 Labor Condition Applications for Employers Using Nonimmigrants on H-1B Visas in 1205-AB39 Specialty Occupations and as Fashion Models; Filing Procedures........................ 1993 Revision to the Department of Labor Regulations for Petitions and Determinations of 1205-AB40 Eligibility To Apply for Trade Adjustment Assistance for Workers and Issuance of Regulations for the Alternative TAA (Reg Plan Seq No. 91)............................. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. Employment and Training Administration--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1994 Labor Certification Process for the Permanent Employment of Aliens in the United 1205-AA66 States (Reg Plan Seq No. 92).......................................................... 1995 Indian and Native American Welfare-to-Work Program.................................... 1205-AB16 1996 Federal-State Unemployment Compensation (UC) Program; Confidentiality and Disclosure 1205-AB18 of Information in State UC Records.................................................... 1997 Labor Certification for the Permanent Employment of Aliens in the United States; 1205-AB37 Backlog Reduction..................................................................... 1998 Labor Condition Applications and Requirements for Employers Using Nonimmigrants on H- 1205-AB38 1B Visas in Specialty Occupations and as Fashion Models; Labor Attestations Re H-1B1 Visas and Chile and Singapore......................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. Employment and Training Administration--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1999 Attestations by Facilities Temporarily Employing H-1C Nonimmigrant Aliens as 1205-AB27 Registered Nurses..................................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Employee Benefits Security Administration--Prerule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2000 Prohibited Transaction Exemption Procedures (Section 610 Review)...................... 1210-AA98 2001 Statutory Exemption for Loans to Plan Participants (Section 610 Review)............... 1210-AA99 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Employee Benefits Security Administration--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2002 Rulemaking Relating to the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998............... 1210-AA75 2003 Rulemaking Relating to Termination of Abandoned Individual Account Plans (Reg Plan Seq 1210-AA97 No. 93)............................................................................... 2004 Annual Funding Notice for Multiemployer Plans......................................... 1210-AB00 2005 Amendment of Regulation Relating to Definition of Plan Assets--Participant 1210-AB02 Contributions (Reg Plan Seq No. 94)................................................... 2006 Voluntary Fiduciary Correction Program................................................ 1210-AB03 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. [[Page 73453]] Employee Benefits Security Administration--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2007 Regulations Implementing the Health Care Access, Portability, and Renewability 1210-AA54 Provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (Reg Plan Seq No. 95)...................................................................... 2008 Mental Health Benefits Parity......................................................... 1210-AA62 2009 Health Care Standards for Mothers and Newborns........................................ 1210-AA63 2010 Prohibiting Discrimination Against Participants and Beneficiaries Based on Health 1210-AA77 Status (Reg Plan Seq No. 96).......................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. Employee Benefits Security Administration--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2011 Adequate Consideration................................................................ 1210-AA15 2012 Civil Penalty for Failure To Provide Section 302 Notice............................... 1210-AB01 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Employee Benefits Security Administration--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2013 Default Rollover Safe Harbor.......................................................... 1210-AA92 2014 Electronic Filing By Investment Advisers.............................................. 1210-AA94 2015 Suspension of Benefits Regulation..................................................... 1210-AA96 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mine Safety and Health Administration--Prerule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2016 Respirable Crystalline Silica Standard................................................ 1219-AB36 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mine Safety and Health Administration--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2017 Asbestos Exposure Limit (Reg Plan Seq No. 97)......................................... 1219-AB24 2018 Revising Electrical Product Approval Regulations...................................... 1219-AB37 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. Mine Safety and Health Administration--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2019 Improving and Eliminating Regulations................................................. 1219-AA98 2020 Diesel Particulate Matter Exposure of Underground Metal and Nonmetal Miners (Reg Plan 1219-AB29 Seq No. 98)........................................................................... 2021 High-Voltage Continuous Mining Machine Standards for Underground Coal Mines........... 1219-AB34 2022 Training Standards for Shaft and Slope Construction Workers at Underground Mines...... 1219-AB35 2023 Part 5--Fees for Testing, Evaluation and Approval of Mining Products.................. 1219-AB38 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. [[Page 73454]] Mine Safety and Health Administration--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2024 Verification of Underground Coal Mine Operators' Dust Control Plans and Compliance 1219-AB14 Sampling for Respirable Dust.......................................................... 2025 Determination of Concentration of Respirable Coal Mine Dust........................... 1219-AB18 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2026 Implementation of the Nondiscrimination and Equal Opportunity Requirements of the 1291-AA29 Workforce Investment Act of 1998...................................................... 2027 Grants and Agreements................................................................. 1291-AA30 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Prerule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2028 Occupational Exposure to Ethylene Oxide (Section 610 Review).......................... 1218-AB60 2029 Occupational Exposure to Crystalline Silica (Reg Plan Seq No. 99)..................... 1218-AB70 2030 Occupational Exposure to Beryllium.................................................... 1218-AB76 2031 Excavations (Section 610 Review)...................................................... 1218-AC02 2032 Ionizing Radiation.................................................................... 1218-AC11 2033 Emergency Response and Preparedness................................................... 1218-AC17 2034 Lead in Construction (Section 610 Review)............................................. 1218-AC18 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2035 Occupational Exposure to Hexavalent Chromium (Preventing Occupational Illness: 1218-AB45 Chromium) (Reg Plan Seq No. 100)...................................................... 2036 Confined Spaces in Construction (Part 1926): Preventing Suffocation/ Explosions in 1218-AB47 Confined Spaces....................................................................... 2037 General Working Conditions for Shipyard Employment.................................... 1218-AB50 2038 Electric Power Transmission and Distribution; Electrical Protective Equipment......... 1218-AB67 2039 Walking Working Surfaces and Personal Fall Protection Systems (1910) (Slips, Trips, 1218-AB80 and Fall Prevention).................................................................. 2040 Cranes and Derricks................................................................... 1218-AC01 2041 Explosives............................................................................ 1218-AC09 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2042 Assigned Protection Factors: Amendments to the Final Rule on Respiratory Protection 1218-AA05 (Reg Plan Seq No. 101)................................................................ 2043 Longshoring and Marine Terminals (Parts 1917 and 1918)--Reopening of the Record 1218-AA56 (Vertical Tandem Lifts (VTLs))........................................................ 2044 Employer Payment for Personal Protective Equipment.................................... 1218-AB77 2045 Standards Improvement (Miscellaneous Changes) for General Industry, Marine Terminals, 1218-AB81 and Construction Standards (Phase II) (Reg Plan Seq No. 102).......................... 2046 Revision and Update of Subpart S--Electrical Standards................................ 1218-AB95 2047 Updating OSHA Standards Based on National Consensus Standards......................... 1218-AC08 [[Page 73455]] 2048 Procedures for Handling Discrimination Complaints Under Section 6 of the Pipeline 1218-AC12 Safety Improvement Act of 2002........................................................ 2049 Oregon State Plan..................................................................... 1218-AC13 2050 Slip Resistance of Skeletal Structural Steel.......................................... 1218-AC14 2051 Rollover Protective Structures; Overhead Protection................................... 1218-AC15 2052 NFPA Standards in Shipyard Fire Protection............................................ 1218-AC16 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2053 Hearing Conservation Program for Construction Workers................................. 1218-AB89 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2054 Fire Protection in Shipyard Employment (Part 1915, Subpart P) (Shipyards: Fire Safety) 1218-AB51 2055 Controlled Negative Pressure Fit Testing Protocol: Amendment to the Final Rule on 1218-AC05 Respiratory Protection................................................................ 2056 Procedures for Handling Discrimination Complaints Under Section 806 of the Corporate 1218-AC10 and Criminal Fraud Accountability Act of 2002......................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and Training--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2057 Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act Regulations (Reg Plan Seq 1293-AA09 No. 103).............................................................................. 2058 Jobs for Veterans Act of 2002: Contract Threshold and Eligibility Groups for Federal 1293-AA12 Contractor Program.................................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and Training--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2059 Jobs for Veterans Act of 2002: State Grant Funding Formula FY 2005 and Beyond......... 1293-AA11 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Final Rule Stage Office of the Secretary (OS) _______________________________________________________________________ 1972. PRODUCTION OR DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION OR MATERIALS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 5 USC 552 as amended; 5 USC Reorganization Plan No. 6 of 1950; EO 12600, 52 FR 23781 (June 25, 1987) CFR Citation: 29 CFR 70 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The regulation will incorporate the provisions of the 1996 FOIA amendments. These include extending DOL processing time from 10 to 20 days for most FOIA requests and requiring that all reading room materials created since November 1, 1996, be made available by electronic means such as the Internet. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/30/04 69 FR 16740 [[Page 73456]] NPRM Comment Period End 05/14/04 Final Action 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Miriam McD. Miller, of Legislation and Legislative Counsel, Department of Labor, Office of the Secretary, Room N2428, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-5500 Email: miller-miriam@dol.gov RIN: 1290-AA17 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Completed Actions Office of the Secretary (OS) _______________________________________________________________________ 1973. EQUAL TREATMENT IN DEPARTMENT OF LABOR PROGRAMS FOR FAITH-BASED AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS; PROTECTION OF RELIGIOUS LIBERTY OF DEPARTMENT OF LABOR SOCIAL SERVICE PROVIDERS AND BENEFICIARIES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: EO 13279; EO 13198; PL 105-220, subtitle C, sec 506(c); 12 Stat. 936 (20 USC 2881 et seq and 9276(c)); 5 USC 301 CFR Citation: 20 CFR 667 (Revision); 20 CFR 670 (Revision); 29 CFR 2 (Revision); 29 CFR 37 (Revision) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The final rule clarifies, within the framework of constitutional guidelines, that faith-based and community organizations are able to participate in DOL social service programs without regard to their religious character or affiliation, and are able to apply for and compete on an equal footing with other eligible organizations to receive DOL support. In addition, in order to consolidate in one place the Department's regulations on religious activities, the final rule revises both the Employment and Training Administration (ETA) regulation on religious services at Job Corps centers and the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) regulations relating to the use of WIA Title I financial assistance to support employment and training in religious activities. DOL supports the participation of faith-based and community organizations in its programs. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/09/04 69 FR 11234 NPRM Comment Period End 05/10/04 Final Action 07/12/04 69 FR 41882 Final Action Effective 08/11/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal URL For More Information: www.dol.gov/cfbci URL For Public Comments: www.regulations.gov/grndr@dol.gov Agency Contact: Brent Orrell, Director, Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, Department of Labor, Office of the Secretary, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room S-2235, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-6450 Fax: 202 693-6146 Email: grndr@dol.gov RIN: 1290-AA21 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Prerule Stage Employment Standards Administration (ESA) _______________________________________________________________________ 1974. CHILD LABOR REGULATIONS, ORDERS, AND STATEMENTS OF INTERPRETATION Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 29 USC 203(1) CFR Citation: 29 CFR 570 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department of Labor is considering further possible revisions to the hazardous occupation orders that may be undertaken to address recommendations of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health in its May 2002 report to the Department on child labor regulations. (See the related Plan entry for RIN 1215-AA09.) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 02/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions Government Levels Affected: Local, State Federalism: Undetermined Agency Contact: Alfred B. Robinson, Acting Administrator, Wage and Hour Division, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, S3502, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-0051 Fax: 202 693-1302 Related RIN: Related to 1215-AA09 RIN: 1215-AB44 _______________________________________________________________________ 1975. UNION ORGANIZATION AND VOTING RIGHTS: CRITERIA FOR CHARACTERIZING A LABOR ORGANIZATION AS A LOCAL, INTERMEDIATE, OR NATIONAL OR INTERNATIONAL LABOR ORGANIZATION Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 29 USC 481 and 482 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 452.11 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Request for Information will seek comments from the public as to whether and how to revise the [[Page 73457]] current tests for determining whether a labor organization is a local union, intermediate union, or national or international union. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Request for Information 11/03/04 69 FR 64234 Comment Period End 12/03/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None URL For More Information: www.olms.dol.gov Agency Contact: Kay H. Oshel, Chief, Division of Interpretations and Standards, Office of Labor-Management Standards, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building Room N-5605, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-1233 Fax: 202 693-1340 Email: oshel.kay@dol.gov RIN: 1215-AB50 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Proposed Rule Stage Employment Standards Administration (ESA) _______________________________________________________________________ 1976. DAVIS BACON VOLUNTEERS UNDER THE FEDERAL ACQUISITION STREAMLINING ACT Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 103-355, 108 Stat. 3243 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 4; 29 CFR 5; 41 CFR 50-201; 41 CFR 50-206 Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, May 11, 1995. Final, Statutory, October 1, 1995. Abstract: The Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994, signed on October 13, 1994, amended several acts administered by the Department of Labor: (1) The Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act (CWHSSA) to limit its applicability to contracts in an amount of $100,000 or greater; (2) the Davis-Bacon Act (DB) to provide waivers from the Act's prevailing wage requirements under selected laws for volunteers performing services to a State or local government or agency and for volunteers performing services to a public or private nonprofit recipient of Federal assistance; and (3) the Walsh-Healey Public Contracts Act (PCA) to eliminate the requirements that contractors on covered contracts be either manufacturers or regular dealers in the items to be supplied under the contract but retains the Secretary of Labor's authority to define the terms ``regular dealer'' and ``manufacturer.'' A final rule implementing the CWHSSA and PCA changes was published on August 5, 1996 (61 FR 40714). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/07/95 60 FR 46553 NPRM Comment Period End 10/10/95 Final Rule 08/05/96 61 FR 40714 Second NPRM 01/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State Agency Contact: Alfred B. Robinson, Acting Administrator, Wage and Hour Division, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, S3502, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-0051 Fax: 202 693-1302 RIN: 1215-AA96 _______________________________________________________________________ 1977. AMENDMENTS TO THE FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 29 USC 201 et seq; PL 104-188, sec 2101 to 2105 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 4; 29 CFR 531; 29 CFR 541; 29 CFR 778; 29 CFR 785; 29 CFR 790; 29 CFR 870; 41 CFR 50-202 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996 (H.R. 3448) enacted on August 20, 1996 (Public Law 104-188, Title II) amended the Portal- to-Portal Act (PA) and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The PA amendment excludes (under certain circumstances) from compensable ``hours worked'' the time spent by an employee in home-to-work travel in an employer-provided vehicle. The FLSA amendments: (1) Increased the $4.25 Federal minimum hourly wage in two steps to $5.15 on September 1, 1997; (2) provided a $4.25 subminimum wage for youth under age 20 in their first 90 calendar days of employment with an employer; (3) set the employer's direct wage payment obligation for tipped employees at $2.13 per hour (provided such employees receive the balance of the full minimum wage in tips); and (4) set the hourly compensation requirements at no less than $27.63 per hour for certain exempt professional employees in computer-related occupations. Changes will be required in the regulations to reflect these amendments. Other updates will address needed clarifications to additional sections of the regulations, including sections affected by Public Law 106-151, section 1 (Dec. 9, 1999), 113 Stat. 1731, and Public Law 106-202 (May 18, 2002), 114 Stat. 308. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State Agency Contact: Alfred B. Robinson, Acting Administrator, Wage and Hour Division, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, S3502, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-0051 Fax: 202 693-1302 RIN: 1215-AB13 _______________________________________________________________________ 1978. FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT OF 1993; CONFORM TO THE SUPREME COURT'S RAGSDALE DECISION Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 88 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 1215-AB35 [[Page 73458]] _______________________________________________________________________ 1979. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION AND NONDISCRIMINATION OBLIGATIONS OF CONTRACTORS AND SUBCONTRACTORS FOR SPECIAL DISABLED VETERANS AND VETERANS OF THE VIETNAM ERA Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 38 USC 4211; 38 USC 4212; 29 USC 793; EO 11758 CFR Citation: 41 CFR 60-300 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: OFCCP proposes to create a new regulation implementing the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) 38 USC 4212, to conform to the Jobs for Veterans Act (JFVA). JFVA amended VEVRAA in four ways. First, JFVA raised contract coverage from $25,000 to $100,000. Second, JFVA granted VEVRAA protection to a new group of veterans-those who, while serving on active duty in the Armed Forces, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces Service Medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985. Third, JFVA changed the definition of ``recently separated veteran'' to include ``any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or released from active duty.'' Fourth, JFVA changed ``Special Disabled Veterans'' to ``Disabled Veterans,'' expanding the coverage to conform to 38 USC section 4211(3). This proposal will also increase the AAP threshold from $50,000 to $100,000 and will make other minor changes to the regulations. The VEVRAA Final Rule implementing the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 and Veterans Benefits Health Care Improvement Act of 2000 at 41 CFR 60-250, is RIN 1215-AB24. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Joseph J. DuBray Jr., Director, Div. of Policy, Planning & Program Development, Off. of Fed. Contract Compliance Programs, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room N-3422, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-0102 TDD Phone: 202 693-1308 Fax: 202 693-1304 Email: ofccp-mail@dol-esa.gov Related RIN: Related to 1215-AB24 RIN: 1215-AB46 _______________________________________________________________________ 1980. SERVICE CONTRACT ACT WAGE DETERMINATION ONLINE REQUEST PROCESS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 41 USC 351 et seq; 41 USC 38; 41 USC 39; 5 USC 301 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 4 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department of Labor is revising the Service Contract Act (SCA) regulations to reflect changes and improvements in the process for requesting SCA wage determinations through the Wage Determinations OnLine (WDOL) system. WDOL (www.wdol.gov) is part of the Integrated Acquisition Environment, one of the e-Government initiatives in the President's Management Agenda. The WDOL program provides a Web-based environment for Federal contracting agencies to use when obtaining appropriate wage determinations for their SCA-covered contract actions. The regulatory requirements set forth at 29 CFR part 4 that refer to the preparation and submission of Standard Form 98/98a, Notice of Intention to Make a Service Contract, will be revised to reflect the wage determination request process contemplated by the new WDOL program. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Alfred B. Robinson, Acting Administrator, Wage and Hour Division, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, S3502, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-0051 Fax: 202 693-1302 RIN: 1215-AB47 _______________________________________________________________________ 1981. STANDARDS OF CONDUCT FOR FEDERAL SECTOR LABOR ORGANIZATIONS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 5 USC 7120 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 458.4 (New) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking action will revise the regulations implementing the standards of conduct for Federal sector unions under the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA). Under the CSRA standards of conduct provisions, the implementing regulations are to conform to the principles applied to private sector unions. Accordingly, the implementing regulations generally follow the provisions of the Labor- Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959, as amended (LMRDA). However, the standards of conduct regulations do not include one important provision of the LMRDA which requires unions to inform their members of the provisions of the statute. The proposed rule would amend the standards of conduct regulations to include this important provision. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/03/04 69 FR 64221 NPRM Comment Period End 01/03/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Organizations Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Don Todd, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Labor- Management Standards Employment Standards Administration, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Room N5605, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-0122 TDD Phone: 800 877-8339 Fax: 202 693-1340 Email: olms-public@dol.gov RIN: 1215-AB48 _______________________________________________________________________ 1982. LABOR ORGANIZATION OFFICER AND EMPLOYEE REPORTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 29 USC 432, 438 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 404.3 Legal Deadline: None [[Page 73459]] Abstract: This notice of proposed rulemaking will propose revising Form LM-30, the report filed by labor organization officers and employees who have engaged in certain transactions or received certain payments from employers and businesses. The proposed revision would clarify a number of ambiguities in the current instructions. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None URL For More Information: www.olms.dol.gov Agency Contact: Kay H. Oshel, Chief, Division of Interpretations and Standards, Office of Labor-Management Standards, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building Room N-5605, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-1233 Fax: 202 693-1340 Email: oshel.kay@dol.gov RIN: 1215-AB49 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Final Rule Stage Employment Standards Administration (ESA) _______________________________________________________________________ 1983. CHILD LABOR REGULATIONS, ORDERS, AND STATEMENTS OF INTERPRETATION (ESA/W-H) Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 89 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 1215-AA09 _______________________________________________________________________ 1984. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION AND NONDISCRIMINATION OBLIGATIONS OF CONTRACTORS AND SUBCONTRACTORS FOR SPECIAL DISABLED VETERANS AND VETERANS OF THE VIETNAM ERA Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 38 USC 4211; 38 USC 4212; 29 USC 793; EO 11758 CFR Citation: 41 CFR 60-250 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The regulation is a final rule that revises the current regulations implementing the nondiscrimination and affirmative action provisions of the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, as amended (VEVRAA). VEVRAA requires Government contractors and subcontractors to take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified special disabled veterans and veterans of the Vietnam era. Today's rule makes three general types of revisions to the VEVRAA regulations. First, it generally conforms the VEVRAA regulations to the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) and the Veterans Benefits and Health Care Improvement Act of 2000 (VBHCIA). Second, it removes reference to Letters of Commitment (LOC) because the violations formerly incorporated into the LOC are now summarized in the Compliance Evaluation Closure Letter. Third, it removes language about the effective date of the rule published in 1998 because the language is obsolete, and regulations no longer contain an ``effective date'' paragraph. The Department of Labor has determined that this rulemaking need not be published as a proposed rule, as generally required by the Administrative Procedures Act (APA), 5 U.S.C. 553, because the revisions in the rule are either nondiscretionary ministerial actions that merely incorporate, without change, statutory amendments into the preexisting regulations or are rules of agency procedures or practice. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Rule 04/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Joseph J. DuBray Jr., Director, Div. of Policy, Planning & Program Development, Off. of Fed. Contract Compliance Programs, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room N-3422, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-0102 TDD Phone: 202 693-1308 Fax: 202 693-1304 Email: ofccp-mail@dol-esa.gov Related RIN: Related to 1215-AB46 RIN: 1215-AB24 _______________________________________________________________________ 1985. GOVERNMENT CONTRACTORS: NONDISCRIMINATION AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION OBLIGATIONS, EXECUTIVE ORDER 11246 (ESA/OFCCP) (REVISED) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 29 USC 793; EO 11246, as amended; 38 USC 4211; PL 94- 502; EO 11758; PL 98-223; PL 102-16; PL 102-127; PL 95-520; PL 105-339; 29 USC 706; PL 97-306; PL 102-484; 38 USC 4212; PL 93-508, amended; PL 96-466; PL 101-237 CFR Citation: 41 CFR 60-1 (Revision); 41 CFR 60-250 (Revision); 41 CFR 60-741 (Revision) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The final rule would remove the obligation to visit an establishment during a compliance check, which is currently required by section 60-1.20(a)(3) in order to enhance efficiency in resource allocation. OFCCP proposes also to make the same revision in section 60-250.60(a)(3) of the regulations implementing the affirmative action provisions of the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA). Lastly, OFCCP proposes to conform regulations implementing section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, to the compliance evaluation procedures contained in the regulations implementing Executive Order 11246, as amended, and the affirmative action provisions of VEVRAA, both of which expressly authorize OFCCP to use additional investigative procedures to determine a contractor's compliance with the regulations. [[Page 73460]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/12/00 65 FR 60815 NPRM Comment Period End 12/11/00 Final Rule 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Joseph J. DuBray Jr., Director, Div. of Policy, Planning & Program Development, Off. of Fed. Contract Compliance Programs, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room N-3422, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-0102 TDD Phone: 202 693-1308 Fax: 202 693-1304 Email: ofccp-mail@dol-esa.gov RIN: 1215-AB28 _______________________________________________________________________ 1986. REQUIREMENTS FOR SECURITY OF INSURANCE OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE LONGSHORE AND HARBOR WORKERS' COMPENSATION ACT Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 33 USC 939(a) CFR Citation: 20 CFR 701 (Revision); 20 CFR 703 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA) makes a covered employer liable for compensation to employees injured in the course of their work. An employer may satisfy this liability by contracting with a private insurance carrier. By statute, an insurance carrier must obtain authorization from the Secretary of Labor to insure compensation, and the Secretary may revoke authorization for good cause. This proposed regulation would require, as a condition to authorization to write LHWCA insurance, an insurance carrier in certain circumstances to establish that its potential LHWCA obligations are sufficiently secured. Obligations would be considered sufficiently secured if funds would be available to cover all workers' compensation claims in the event of adverse market conditions and the carrier's insolvency. A carrier could fully secure its obligations by posting security deposits with the Secretary. Carriers would not, however, be required to make this showing in states which have a guaranty fund that fully and immediately covers LHWCA claims in the event of a carrier's insolvency. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/15/04 69 FR 12218 NPRM Comment Period End 05/14/04 Final Action 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Michael Niss, Director, Division of Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation, OWCP, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Room C4315, 200 Constitution Ave., NW, Room C-4315, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-0038 Fax: 202 693-1380 RIN: 1215-AB38 _______________________________________________________________________ 1987. OBLIGATION TO SOLICIT RACE AND GENDER DATA FOR AGENCY ENFORCEMENT PURPOSES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: EO 11246; EO 11375; EO 12086; EO 13279 CFR Citation: 41 CFR 60-1 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) has promulgated regulations requiring covered federal contractors to maintain certain employment records for OFCCP compliance monitoring and other enforcement purposes. These regulations were amended on November 13, 2000, to require employers to be able to identify, where possible, the gender, race, and ethnicity of each applicant for employment. OFCCP promulgated this regulatory requirement to govern OFCCP compliance monitoring and enforcement purposes (e.g., to allow OFCCP to verify EEO data), consistent with the Uniform Guidelines on Employee Selection Procedures. The Uniform Guidelines on Employee Selection Procedures were issued in 1978 by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Department of Labor, the Department of Justice, and the predecessor to the Office of Personnel Management (UGESP agencies). The Uniform Guidelines on Employee Selection Procedures require employers to keep certain kinds of information and detail methods for validating tests and selection procedures that are found to have a disparate impact. In 2000, the Office of Management and Budget instructed the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to consult with the Department of Labor, the Department of Justice, and the Office of Personnel Management and ``evaluate the need for changes to the Questions and Answers accompanying the Uniform Guidelines necessitated by the growth of the Internet as a job search mechanism.'' The UGESP agencies recently have promulgated interpretive guidelines in question and answer format to clarify how the Uniform Guidelines on Employee Selection Procedures apply in the context of the Internet and related technologies. The recent interpretive guidelines expressly contemplate that each agency may provide further information, as appropriate, through the issuance of additional guidance or regulations that will allow each agency to carry out its specific enforcement responsibilities. The final rule would amend OFCCP recordkeeping requirements for OFCCP enforcement and compliance monitoring and other enforcement purposes to conform to the new interpretive guidance promulgated by the UGESP agencies. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/29/04 69 FR 16446 NPRM Comment Period End 05/28/04 Final Action 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Joseph J. DuBray Jr., Director, Div. of Policy, Planning & Program Development, Off. of Fed. Contract Compliance Programs, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room N-3422, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 [[Page 73461]] Phone: 202 693-0102 TDD Phone: 202 693-1308 Fax: 202 693-1304 Email: ofccp-mail@dol-esa.gov RIN: 1215-AB45 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Long-Term Actions Employment Standards Administration (ESA) _______________________________________________________________________ 1988. LABOR CONDITION APPLICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS USING NONIMMIGRANTS ON H-1B VISAS IN SPECIALTY OCCUPATIONS AND AS FASHION MODELS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 29 USC 49 et seq; 8 USC 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b); 8 USC 1182(n); 8 USC 1184; PL 102-232; PL 105-277 CFR Citation: 20 CFR 655, subparts H and I Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The H-1B visa program of the Immigration and Nationality Act allows employers to temporarily employ nonimmigrants admitted into the United States under the H-1B visa category in specialty occupations and as fashion models, under specified labor conditions. An employer must file a labor condition application with the Department of Labor before the Immigration and Naturalization Service may approve a petition to employ a foreign worker on an H-1B visa. The Department's Employment and Training Administration administers the labor condition application process; the Wage and Hour Division of the Department's Employment Standards Administration handles complaints and investigations regarding labor condition applications. The Department published a proposed rule on January 5, 1999, in response to statutory changes in the H-1B program made by the American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act of 1998 (title IV, Pub. L. 105-277; Oct. 21, 1998). Those changes placed additional obligations on ``H-1B-dependent'' employers (generally, those with work forces comprised of more than 15 percent H-1B workers) and on willful violators. These employers must recruit for U.S. workers, hire U.S. workers who are at least as qualified as H-1B workers, and not displace U.S. workers by hiring H-1B workers or placing them at another employer's job site. The 1998 amendments also imposed additional obligations on all H-1B employers, such as offering benefits to H-1B workers on the same basis and according to the same criteria as offered to U.S. workers, and payment to H-1B workers during periods they are not working for an employment- related reason. The 1999 proposed rule also requested further public comment on earlier proposed provisions published in October 1995, and on particular interpretations of the statute and of the existing regulations which the Department proposed to incorporate into the regulations. Since publishing the proposed rule, Congress enacted further amendments to the H-1B provisions under the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-First Century Act of 2000 (Pub. L. 106- 313; Oct. 17, 2000), the Immigration and Nationality Act--Amendments (Pub. L. 106-311; Oct. 17, 2000), and section 401 of the Visa Waiver Permanent Program Act (Pub. L. 106-396; Oct. 30, 2000). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/31/95 60 FR 55339 NPRM Comment Period End 11/30/95 NPRM 01/05/99 64 FR 628 NPRM Comment Period End 02/04/99 Interim Final Rule 12/20/00 65 FR 80110 Interim Final Rule Effective 01/19/01 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 04/23/01 66 FR 10865 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Additional Information: On December 20, 2000, the Department published an interim final rule to implement the recent amendments and clarify the existing rules, and requested further public comment on those provisions. Agency Contact: Alfred B. Robinson, Acting Administrator, Wage and Hour Division, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, S3502, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-0051 Fax: 202 693-1302 RIN: 1215-AB09 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Completed Actions Employment Standards Administration (ESA) _______________________________________________________________________ 1989. STOCK OPTIONS, STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS, AND BONA FIDE EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PROGRAMS UNDER THE FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 29 USC 207(e)(8); PL 106-202, sec 2(e) CFR Citation: 29 CFR 546; 29 CFR 778 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Worker Economic Opportunity Act, Public Law 106-202 (May 18, 2000), amended section 7(e) of the Fair Labor Standards Act to clarify how certain employer-provided stock option programs are to be treated for purposes of overtime pay. Certain programs meeting prescribed criteria would not have to be factored into the ``regular rate'' otherwise required when calculating ``time-and-one-half'' overtime premium pay for overtime hours of work. The legislation does not obligate the Department to promulgate regulations; rather, it provides that the Secretary of Labor ``may'' promulgate such regulations as ``may'' be necessary. Moreover, Congress included a detailed statement of legislative intent in the Congressional Record (146 Cong. Rec. H2437-43 (May 3, 2002); 146 Cong. Rec. S2576-81 (April 12, 2000)). After [[Page 73462]] reviewing the clear statutory language and thorough statement of legislative intent, ESA's Wage and Hour Division has determined that rulemaking is not necessary. Accordingly, ESA is permanently withdrawing this entry from the regulatory agenda. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 10/29/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Alfred B. Robinson, Acting Administrator, Wage and Hour Division, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, S3502, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-0051 Fax: 202 693-1302 RIN: 1215-AB31 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Proposed Rule Stage Employment and Training Administration (ETA) _______________________________________________________________________ 1990. REVISION TO THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR BENEFIT REGULATIONS FOR TRADE ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE FOR WORKERS UNDER THE TRADE ACT OF 1974, AS AMENDED Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 90 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 1205-AB32 _______________________________________________________________________ 1991. POST-ADJUDICATION AUDITS OF H-2B PETITIONS OTHER THAN LOGGING IN THE UNITED STATES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b); 8 USC 1184; 29 USC 49 et seq CFR Citation: 8 CFR 214.2(h)(5); 20 CFR 655.1 to 655.4 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Under the redesigned H-2B temporary nonagricultural program employers seeking to import H-2B workers, except for applications filed for employment on Guam or in logging, will file directly with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The employer will be required to conduct recruitment before filing its petition. The petition will include a number of attestations concerning labor market and related issues. DHS will administer the petition adjudication process. After adjudication, the Department of Labor (DOL) will audit selected approved petitions. In such audits, DOL will exclusively examine whether the employer has complied with those aspects of the approved petition related to the labor market and other related attestations. Employers will be expected to have documentation available supporting their attestations as specified in the regulation and will be required to provide this supporting documentation to DOL within 30 days from notice of audit. If, after completion of the audit, DOL determines that the employer has failed to comply with the terms of the attestations contained in the DHS petition or made material misrepresentations in its attestation, DOL will, after notice to the employer and opportunity for a hearing, recommend to DHS that the employer be debarred, for a period up to three years. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: State Agency Contact: William L. Carlson, Chief, Division of Foreign Labor Certification, Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room C4312 FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-3010 Fax: 202 693-2768 Email: carlson.william@dol.gov RIN: 1205-AB36 _______________________________________________________________________ 1992. LABOR CONDITION APPLICATIONS FOR EMPLOYERS USING NONIMMIGRANTS ON H-1B VISAS IN SPECIALTY OCCUPATIONS AND AS FASHION MODELS; FILING PROCEDURES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1182(n) CFR Citation: 20 CFR 655.720; 20 CFR 655.730 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Currently, Department of Labor Regulations (hereinafter Department or DOL) allows employers to file labor condition applications (LCA) electronically, by facsimile transmission (FAX), and by mail. The Department seeks comments on a proposal to eliminate the provision that allows employers to file LCAs by FAX. Employers that could not file LCAs electronically due to physical impairments would be allowed to submit LCAs by mail. The rulemaking would also inform employers of an impending change in address for the submission of LCA by mail. The Department believes the e-filing process will ensure expeditious processing of H-1B petitions and limit the number of potentially incomplete applications. In addition it will ease the filing burden on employers. Through e-filing the Department will be better able to capture statistics and analyze H-1B program data to identify areas that need improvement as well as any fraud or abuse that may lead to future administrative, civil or criminal enforcement actions against H-1B employers or alien beneficiaries. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: William L. Carlson, Chief, Division of Foreign Labor Certification, Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room C4312 FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-3010 Fax: 202 693-2768 [[Page 73463]] Email: carlson.william@dol.gov RIN: 1205-AB39 _______________________________________________________________________ 1993. REVISION TO THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR REGULATIONS FOR PETITIONS AND DETERMINATIONS OF ELIGIBILITY TO APPLY FOR TRADE ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE FOR WORKERS AND ISSUANCE OF REGULATIONS FOR THE ALTERNATIVE TAA Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 91 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 1205-AB40 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Final Rule Stage Employment and Training Administration (ETA) _______________________________________________________________________ 1994. LABOR CERTIFICATION PROCESS FOR THE PERMANENT EMPLOYMENT OF ALIENS IN THE UNITED STATES Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 92 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 1205-AA66 _______________________________________________________________________ 1995. INDIAN AND NATIVE AMERICAN WELFARE-TO-WORK PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 42 USC 612(a)(3)(c)(iii); PL 106-113, Division B, section 1000(a)(4) CFR Citation: 20 CFR 646 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, November 4, 1997, 90 days from enactment. Other, Statutory, January 1, 2000, for 1999 amendments. Abstract: These are program regulations needed to implement the Indian and Native American set-aside under the Welfare-to-Work program authorized by section 412(a)(3) of the Social Security Act. New interim final regulations are being issued to implement changes made by the Welfare-to-Work and Child Support Amendments of 1999 and other legislation. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2001 authorized the Department to extend welfare-to-work grants an additional two years. Therefore, the grants may operate until September 2004. The Department received no comments in response to the March 1, 1998, interim final rule, but through consultation received feedback on the interim final rule from 14 interested parties. None of these would substantively change the regulations. Because authority to spend WtW funds will expire on September 30, 2004, we have decided not to finalize the interim final rule. Instead, we will remove 20 CFR part 646 following closeout of these grants. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 04/01/98 63 FR 15985 Interim Final Rule Effective 04/01/98 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 06/01/98 To Be Repealed 06/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Tribal Agency Contact: Gregory Gross, Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Room N4641, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-3752 Email: gross.gregory@dol.gov RIN: 1205-AB16 _______________________________________________________________________ 1996. FEDERAL-STATE UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION (UC) PROGRAM; CONFIDENTIALITY AND DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION IN STATE UC RECORDS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 26 USC ch 23; 42 USC 1302 (a); 42 USC 1320b-7; 42 USC 503; Secretary's Orders 4-75 and 14-75 CFR Citation: 20 CFR 603 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Employment and Training Administration of the Department of Labor prepared a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on confidentiality and disclosure of State UC information. The NPRM would modify and expand the regulations implementing the Income and Eligibility Verification System (IEVS) to include statutory requirements in title III of the Social Security Act and the Federal Unemployment Tax Act concerning confidentiality and disclosure of State UC information. The use of UC wage records and other information under these and other statutes has increased in recent years while privacy and confidentiality issues have not yet been fully addressed. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/12/04 69 FR 50022 NPRM Comment Period End 10/12/04 Final Action 10/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: State Federalism: This action may have federalism implications as defined in EO 13132. Additional Information: Formerly RIN 1205-AA74; was taken off regulatory agenda in 1994 due to inactivity. An earlier NPRM was published on 3/23/92 at 57 FR 10063 with comment period ending 5/22/92. Agency Contact: Gerard Hildebrand, Chief, Division of Legislation, Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Office of Workforce Security, 200 Constitution [[Page 73464]] Avenue NW., Room C-4518, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-3038 Email: hildebrand.gerard@dol.gov RIN: 1205-AB18 _______________________________________________________________________ 1997. LABOR CERTIFICATION FOR THE PERMANENT EMPLOYMENT OF ALIENS IN THE UNITED STATES; BACKLOG REDUCTION Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 8 USC 1182(a)(5)A) CFR Citation: 20 CFR 656 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Seeks comment on a proposed amendment to the regulations governing labor certification applications for the permanent employment of aliens in the United States. To reduce an existing backlog in pending applications for permanent employment certification, the amendment would allow that National Certifying Officer to transfer to a centralized ETA processing center(s) applications that are awaiting processing by State Workforce Agencies (SWA's) or ETA Regional Offices. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 07/21/04 69 FR 43716 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 08/20/04 Final Action 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: William L. Carlson, Chief, Division of Foreign Labor Certification, Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room C4312 FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-3010 Fax: 202 693-2768 Email: carlson.william@dol.gov RIN: 1205-AB37 _______________________________________________________________________ 1998. LABOR CONDITION APPLICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS USING NONIMMIGRANTS ON H-1B VISAS IN SPECIALTY OCCUPATIONS AND AS FASHION MODELS; LABOR ATTESTATIONS RE H-1B1 VISAS AND CHILE AND SINGAPORE Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: PL 108-77 sec 402; PL 108-78 sec 402 CFR Citation: 20 CFR 656 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department of Labor intends to amend its regulations relating to the temporary employment of foreign professionals to implement procedural requirements applicable to a new visa category - the H-1B1 visa. Congress created the new visa category as part of its approval of the Chile-United States Free Trade Agreement and the Singapore-United States Free Trade Agreement. Under the implementing legislation and the Chile and Singapore agreements, the H-1B1 program is to be implemented in a manner similar to the existing H-1B program for temporary employment in specialty occupations and as fashion models. Employers in the United States seeking to temporarily employ foreign professionals in specialty occupations through H-1B1 visas must file a labor condition application with the Department of Labor making the same attestations regarding payment of prevailing wages, working conditions, absence of strikes or lockouts, and notice to other employees that employers currently make when seeking entry of a foreign worker under the H-1B program. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: William L. Carlson, Chief, Division of Foreign Labor Certification, Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room C4312 FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-3010 Fax: 202 693-2768 Email: carlson.william@dol.gov RIN: 1205-AB38 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Long-Term Actions Employment and Training Administration (ETA) _______________________________________________________________________ 1999. ATTESTATIONS BY FACILITIES TEMPORARILY EMPLOYING H-1C NONIMMIGRANT ALIENS AS REGISTERED NURSES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 29 USC 49 et seq; 8 USC 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(c); 8 USC 1182(m); 8 USC 1184; PL 106-95, 113 Stat. 1312 CFR Citation: 20 CFR 655, subparts L and M Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, February 11, 2000. Abstract: The Nursing Relief for Disadvantaged Areas Act of 1999 (P.L. 106-95; November 12, 1999) amended the Immigration and Nationality Act to create a new temporary visa program for nonimmigrant aliens to work as registered nurses for up to three years in facilities serving health professional shortage areas, subject to certain conditions. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 08/22/00 65 FR 51137 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 09/21/00 Interim Final Rule Effective 09/21/00 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Federal Agency Contact: Michael Ginley, Director, Office of Enforcement Policy, Department of Labor, Room S3510, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Room S3510, Washington, DC 20210 [[Page 73465]] Phone: 202 693-0745 RIN: 1205-AB27 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Prerule Stage Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) _______________________________________________________________________ 2000. PROHIBITED TRANSACTION EXEMPTION PROCEDURES (SECTION 610 REVIEW) Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 29 USC 1135; 29 USC 1108 (a); Reorganization Plan No. 4 or 1978; Secretary of Labor's Order 1-2003 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2570.30 to 2570.52 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: EBSA is conducting a review of the prohibited transaction exemption procedures regulation in accordance with the requirements of Section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. The review will cover the continued need for the rules; the nature of complaints or comments received from the public concerning the rules; the complexity of the rules; the extent to which the rules overlap, duplicate or conflict with other Federal rules and, to the extent feasible, with State and local rules; and the extent to which technology, economic conditions, or other factors have changed in industries affected by the rules. EBSA is preparing a Request for Information, which will invite interested persons to submit written comments on the regulation. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Begin Review 12/01/03 RFI 01/00/05 End Review 03/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Brian Buyniski, Pension Law Specialist, Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room N5649, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-8540 RIN: 1210-AA98 _______________________________________________________________________ 2001. STATUTORY EXEMPTION FOR LOANS TO PLAN PARTICIPANTS (SECTION 610 REVIEW) Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 29 USC 1135; 29 USC 1108 (b)(1) CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2550.408 b-1 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: EBSA is conducting a review of the participant loan rules under section 408(b)(1) of ERISA in accordance with the requirements of section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. The review will cover the continued need for the rules; the nature of complaints or comments received from the public concerning the rules; the complexity of the rules; the extent to which the rules overlap, duplicate, or conflict with other Federal rules, and to the extent feasible, with State and local rules; and the extent to which technology, economic conditions, or other factors have changed in industries affected by the rules. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Begin Review 12/01/03 End Review 01/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Rudy Nuissl, Senior Pension Law Specialist, Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, Rm N5669, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-8500 RIN: 1210-AA99 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Proposed Rule Stage Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) _______________________________________________________________________ 2002. RULEMAKING RELATING TO THE WOMEN'S HEALTH AND CANCER RIGHTS ACT OF 1998 Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 29 USC 1135; 29 USC 1185; 29 USC 1191c CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 (WHCRA) was enacted on October 21, 1998 (P.L. 105-277). WHCRA amended the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Public Health Service Act (PHS Act) to provide protection for patients who elect breast reconstruction in connection with a mastectomy. The WHCRA provisions are set forth in part 7 of subtitle B of title I of ERISA and in title XXVII of the PHS Act. These proposed rules would provide guidance with respect to the WHCRA provisions. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Request for Information (RFI) 05/28/99 64 FR 29186 Request for Information Comment Period End 06/28/99 NPRM 06/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Elena Lynett, Pension Law Specialist, Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Room C5331, 200 [[Page 73466]] Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, C5331, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-8335 RIN: 1210-AA75 _______________________________________________________________________ 2003. RULEMAKING RELATING TO TERMINATION OF ABANDONED INDIVIDUAL ACCOUNT PLANS Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 93 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 1210-AA97 _______________________________________________________________________ 2004. ANNUAL FUNDING NOTICE FOR MULTIEMPLOYER PLANS Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 29 USC 1021(f); PL 108-218; ERISA sec 101(f); ERISA sec 505 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2520 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, April 10, 2005, PL 108-218 sec 103(a). Abstract: This rulemaking implements the requirements of section 103 of the Pension Funding Equity Act of 2004, which amended section 101 of ERISA by adding a new subsection (f) that requires the administrator of a defined benefit multiemployer plan to provide participants, beneficiaries, and other parties with an annual funding notice indicating, among other things, whether the plan's funded current liability percentage is at least 100 percent. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Jeffrey Turner, Senior Pension Law Specialist, Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, N 5669, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, Room N5669, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-8500 RIN: 1210-AB00 _______________________________________________________________________ 2005. AMENDMENT OF REGULATION RELATING TO DEFINITION OF PLAN ASSETS--PARTICIPANT CONTRIBUTIONS Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 94 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 1210-AB02 _______________________________________________________________________ 2006. VOLUNTARY FIDUCIARY CORRECTION PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 29 USC 1132; 29 USC 1134 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2560 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: To encourage and facilitate voluntary correction of certain breaches by employee benefit plan fiduciaries of their obligations under title I of ERISA, EBSA previously implemented a Voluntary Fiduciary Correction Program (the Program). The Program relieves certain plan officials of the possibility of investigation and civil action by the Department and the imposition of civil penalties to the extent that plan officials satisfy the conditions for correcting breaches described in the Program. EBSA has decided to amend the Program by covering two additional transactions and by clarifying certain other operational requirements. EBSA will issue a restatement of the Program in its entirety and request public comment on the included amendments. EBSA believes that the restated Program will benefit workers by further encouraging the voluntary and timely correction of possible fiduciary breaches of part 4 of title I of ERISA. EBSA also anticipates that the restated Program will better assist plan officials in understanding the requirements of part 4 of title I of ERISA and their legal responsibilities in correcting fiduciary breaches. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Louis J. Campagna, Chief, Division of Fiduciary Interpretations, Office of Regulations and Interpretations, Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, Rm N5669, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-8512 Fax: 202 219-7291 RIN: 1210-AB03 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Final Rule Stage Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) _______________________________________________________________________ 2007. REGULATIONS IMPLEMENTING THE HEALTH CARE ACCESS, PORTABILITY, AND RENEWABILITY PROVISIONS OF THE HEALTH INSURANCE PORTABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 1996 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 95 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 1210-AA54 _______________________________________________________________________ 2008. MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS PARITY Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 29 USC 1135; 29 USC 1182; 29 USC 1194; PL 104-204, 110 Stat. 2944; PL 107-313; 29 USC 1027; 29 USC 1059; 29 USC 1181; 29 USC 1183; 29 USC 1185 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2590 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Mental Health Parity Act of 1996 (MHPA) was enacted on September 26, 1996 (Pub. L. 104-204). MHPA amended the Public Health Service Act (PHS Act) and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), as amended, to provide for parity in the application of certain mental health benefits with limits on medical surgical benefits. These changes were subsequently added to the Internal Revenue Code (the Code). MHPA provisions are set forth in chapter 100 of subtitle K of [[Page 73467]] the Code, title XXVII of the PHS Act, and part 7 of subtitle B of title I of ERISA. The Department of Labor has amended the interim final regulations, in consultation with the Departments of the Treasury and Health and Human Services, conforming the regulatory sunset date to the current statutory sunset date of December 31, 2004. Final action depends on legislation extending the sunset date. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 12/22/97 62 FR 66932 Interim Final Rule Amendment Effective 09/30/01 Interim Final Rule Amendment 09/27/02 67 FR 60859 Interim Final Rule Amendment Effective 12/02/02 68 FR 18048 Interim Final Rule Amendment 04/14/03 68 FR 18048 Interim Final Rule Amendment 01/26/04 69 FR 3816 Final Action 04/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Lisa Campbell, Pension Law Specialist, Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-8335 RIN: 1210-AA62 _______________________________________________________________________ 2009. HEALTH CARE STANDARDS FOR MOTHERS AND NEWBORNS Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 29 USC 1027; 29 USC 1059; 29 USC 1135; 29 USC 1185; 29 USC 1191 to 1191c CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2590.711 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Newborns' and Mothers' Health Protection Act of 1996 (NMHPA) was enacted on September 26, 1996 (PL 104-204). NMHPA amended the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, (ERISA) to provide protection for mothers and their newborn children with regard to the length of hospital stays following the birth of a child. NMHPA provisions are set forth in title XXVII of the PHSA and part 7 of subtitle B of title I of ERISA. This rulemaking will provide further guidance with regard to the provisions of the NMHPA. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 10/27/98 63 FR 57546 Final Action 03/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Amy Turner, Pension Law Specialist, Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Room N5677, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-8335 RIN: 1210-AA63 _______________________________________________________________________ 2010. PROHIBITING DISCRIMINATION AGAINST PARTICIPANTS AND BENEFICIARIES BASED ON HEALTH STATUS Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 96 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 1210-AA77 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Long-Term Actions Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) _______________________________________________________________________ 2011. ADEQUATE CONSIDERATION Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 29 USC 1002(18); 29 USC 1135 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2510 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The regulation would set forth standards for determining ``adequate consideration'' under section 3(18) of ERISA for assets other than securities for which there is a generally recognized market. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/17/88 53 FR 17632 NPRM Comment Period End 07/17/88 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Morton Klevan, Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, N5669, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-8500 RIN: 1210-AA15 _______________________________________________________________________ 2012. CIVIL PENALTY FOR FAILURE TO PROVIDE SECTION 302 NOTICE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 29 USC 1132(c)(4); PL 108-218; ERISA sec 502(c)(4); ERISA sec 505 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2560 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking implements the civil penalty provisions in section 103 of the Pension Funding Equity Act of 2004 (PFEA), which amended section 502(c)(4) of ERISA to permit the Secretary of Labor to assess a civil penalty of not more than $1,000 a day for each violation by any person of the notice requirement in section 302(b)(7)(F)(vi) of ERISA, also added by the PFEA, relating to an election for deferral of charge for portion of net experience loss. Pursuant to section 101 of Presidential Reorganization Plan No.4 of 1978, 43 FR 47713 (Oct. 17, 1978), all authority of the Secretary of Labor to issue regulations, rulings, opinions, variances and waivers under parts 2 and 3 of subtitle B of title I, including section 302 of ERISA, has been transferred to the Secretary of the Treasury. Timetable: Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined [[Page 73468]] Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Jeffrey Turner, Senior Pension Law Specialist, Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, N 5669, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, Room N5669, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-8500 RIN: 1210-AB01 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Completed Actions Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) _______________________________________________________________________ 2013. DEFAULT ROLLOVER SAFE HARBOR Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 29 USC 1104(c); 29 USC 1105; PL 107-16, sec 657 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2550 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, June 7, 2004, Deadline prescribed by sec 657(c)(2)(A) of the Economic Growth and Tax Reconciliation Act of 2001 (PL 107-16). Abstract: This regulation would provide safe harbors under which the designation of an institution and investment of funds is deemed to satisfy the fiduciary requirements of section 404(a) of ERISA. The Department had previously issued a request for information in order to obtain additional information from the public to assist it in developing the required safe harbors. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Request for Information (RFI) 01/07/03 68 FR 992 NPRM 03/02/04 69 FR 9899 NPRM Comment Period End 04/01/04 69 FR 9900 Final Action 09/28/04 69 FR 58018 Final Action Effective 03/28/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Louis J. Campagna, Supervisory Pension Law Specialist, Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Room N5669, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-8500 RIN: 1210-AA92 _______________________________________________________________________ 2014. ELECTRONIC FILING BY INVESTMENT ADVISERS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 29 USC 1002 note; 29 USC 1002(38); 29 USC 1135 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2510.3-38 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This regulation clarifies that an electronic filing with the Investment Advisers Registration Depository (IARD), a centralized electronic filing system established by the Securities and Exchange Commission in conjunction with the NASD and State securities authorities, will satisfy the filing requirement for investment advisers seeking investment manager status under section 3(38) of ERISA. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/09/03 68 FR 68709 NPRM Comment Period End 02/09/04 Final Action 08/24/04 69 FR 52120 Final Action Effective 10/25/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Florence Novellino-Ott, Pension Law Specialist, Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-8500 RIN: 1210-AA94 _______________________________________________________________________ 2015. SUSPENSION OF BENEFITS REGULATION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 29 USC 1053(a)(3)(B); 29 USC 1135(a)(3)(B) CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2530.203-3 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This regulation would amend the requirements of 29 CFR 2530.203-3(b)(4), relating to notification of suspension of benefit payments. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 08/23/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Susan G. Lahne, Senior Pension Law Specialist, Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Room N5669, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-8500 RIN: 1210-AA96 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Prerule Stage Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) _______________________________________________________________________ 2016. RESPIRABLE CRYSTALLINE SILICA STANDARD Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 30 USC 811; 30 USC 813 CFR Citation: 30 CFR 70; 30 CFR 71; 30 CFR 90; 30 CFR 72; 30 CFR 58; . . . Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Current standards limit exposures to quartz (crystalline silica) in respirable dust. The coal mining industry standard is based on the formula 10mg/m3 divided by the percentage of quartz where the quartz percent is 5.0 percent or greater calculated as an MRE equivalent concentration. The metal and nonmetal mining industry standard is based on the 1973 American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Values formula: 10 mg/m3 divided by the [[Page 73469]] percentage of quartz plus 2. Overexposure to crystalline silica can result in some miners developing silicosis which may ultimately be fatal. Both formulas are designed to maintain exposures to 0.1 mg/m3 (100 ug) of silica. The Secretary of Labor's Advisory Committee on the Elimination of Pneumoconiosis Among Coal Mine Workers made several recommendations related to reducing exposure to silica. NIOSH and ACGIH recommend a 50ug/ m3 exposure limit for respirable crystalline silica. MSHA is considering several options to reduce miners' exposure to crystalline silica. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Request for Information 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Marvin W. Nichols Jr., Director, Office of Standards, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 2352, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209 Phone: 202 693-9440 Fax: 202 693-9441 Email: nichols-marvin@dol.gov RIN: 1219-AB36 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Proposed Rule Stage Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) _______________________________________________________________________ 2017. ASBESTOS EXPOSURE LIMIT Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 97 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 1219-AB24 _______________________________________________________________________ 2018. REVISING ELECTRICAL PRODUCT APPROVAL REGULATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 30 USC 957 CFR Citation: 30 CFR 18; 30 CFR 22; 30 CFR 23; 30 CFR 27 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Part 18 of 30 CFR, entitled ``Electric Motor-Driven Mine Equipment and Accessories,'' sets out the requirements to obtain MSHA approval of electrically operated machines and accessories intended for use in underground gassy mines, as well as other related matters, such as approval procedures, certification of components, and acceptance of flame-resistant hoses and conveyor belts. Aside from minor modifications, part 18 has been largely unchanged since it was promulgated in 1968. This update of part 18 is intended to improve the efficiency of the approval process, recognize new technology, add quality assurance provisions, and address existing policies through the rulemaking process. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Marvin W. Nichols Jr., Director, Office of Standards, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 2352, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209 Phone: 202 693-9440 Fax: 202 693-9441 Email: nichols-marvin@dol.gov RIN: 1219-AB37 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Final Rule Stage Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) _______________________________________________________________________ 2019. IMPROVING AND ELIMINATING REGULATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 30 USC 811; 30 USC 957 CFR Citation: 30 CFR 1 to 199 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or duplication, and to streamline requirements. We have reviewed our current regulations and identified provisions that are outdated, redundant, unnecessary, or otherwise require change. We will be making these changes through notice and comment rulemaking where necessary. We will also consider new regulations that reflect ``best practices'' in the mining industry. We view this effort to be evolving and ongoing and will continue to accept recommendations from the public. MSHA will propose a rule addressing issues related to portable diesel generators. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM Comment Period End: Methane Testing 11/25/02 67 FR 60611 NPRM: Spring-Loaded Locks 01/22/03 68 FR 2941 Direct Final Rule: Spring-Loaded Locks 01/22/03 68 FR 2879 Withdrawal of Direct Final Rule: Spring-Loaded Locks 03/07/03 68 FR 10965 NPRM: Sanitary Toilets 04/21/03 68 FR 19477 NPRM: Seatbelts 04/21/03 68 FR 19474 Direct Final Rule: Sanitary Toilets 04/21/03 68 FR 19347 Direct Final Rule: Seatbelts 04/21/03 68 FR 19344 Final Rule: Sanitary Toilets 06/23/03 68 FR 37082 Final Rule: Spring-Loaded Locks 06/23/03 68 FR 37077 Final Rule Effective (Confirmation): Seatbelts 06/30/03 68 FR 36913 NPRM: Methane Testing 07/07/03 68 FR 40132 Final Rule: Methane Testing 07/07/03 68 FR 40132 [[Page 73470]] Final Rule Effective: Sanitary Toilets 07/23/03 68 FR 37082 Final Rule Effective: Spring- Loaded Locks 08/22/03 68 FR 37077 NPRM: Portable Diesel Generator 06/25/04 69 FR 35992 Notice of Public Hearing - Diesel Generators 08/23/04 69 FR 51784 NPRM Comment Period End 08/24/04 Final Action 06/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Marvin W. Nichols Jr., Director, Office of Standards, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 2352, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209 Phone: 202 693-9440 Fax: 202 693-9441 Email: nichols-marvin@dol.gov RIN: 1219-AA98 _______________________________________________________________________ 2020. DIESEL PARTICULATE MATTER EXPOSURE OF UNDERGROUND METAL AND NONMETAL MINERS Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 98 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 1219-AB29 _______________________________________________________________________ 2021. HIGH-VOLTAGE CONTINUOUS MINING MACHINE STANDARDS FOR UNDERGROUND COAL MINES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 30 USC 811; 30 USC 957; 30 USC 961 CFR Citation: 30 CFR 18; 30 CFR 75 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Our current standards require that high-voltage equipment and transformers be kept at least 150 feet from coal extraction areas in underground coal mines. These requirements are intended to eliminate an ignition source for methane and coal dust in close proximity to the work area. The use of new mining technology, in the form of high- voltage continuous mining machines, is becoming more widespread in the mining industry. This equipment uses high-voltage electrical equipment and associated cables. Mine operators, however, must apply to MSHA for a petition for modification from the existing standards if they want to use this high-voltage equipment. The rule will eliminate the need for a modification to use this equipment, and will establish safety requirements for its use. The rule will also include design approval requirements for high-voltage continuous mining machines operated in face areas of underground coal mines. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/16/04 69 FR 42812 NPRM Comment Period End 08/23/04 69 FR 51784 Final Action 07/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Marvin W. Nichols Jr., Director, Office of Standards, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 2352, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209 Phone: 202 693-9440 Fax: 202 693-9441 Email: nichols-marvin@dol.gov RIN: 1219-AB34 _______________________________________________________________________ 2022. TRAINING STANDARDS FOR SHAFT AND SLOPE CONSTRUCTION WORKERS AT UNDERGROUND MINES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 30 USC 811; 30 USC 825 CFR Citation: 30 CFR 48.2; 30 CFR 48.3; 30 CFR 48.8; 30 CFR 48.22; 30 CFR 48.23; 30 CFR 49.28 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule would remove the language that exempts shaft and slope construction workers from being required to take part 48 training. Shaft and slope construction workers, for training purposes, would be treated like underground and surface extraction and production miners. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/16/04 69 FR 42842 Final Action 04/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Marvin W. Nichols Jr., Director, Office of Standards, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 2352, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209 Phone: 202 693-9440 Fax: 202 693-9441 Email: nichols-marvin@dol.gov RIN: 1219-AB35 _______________________________________________________________________ 2023. PART 5--FEES FOR TESTING, EVALUATION AND APPROVAL OF MINING PRODUCTS Priority: Info./Admin./Other Legal Authority: 30 USC 957 CFR Citation: 30 CFR 5 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: MSHA intends to publish a direct final rule to amend provisions of 30 CFR part 5, ``Fees for testing, evaluation, and approval of mining products.'' MSHA has streamlined the manner in which the fee system is administered. This rule would update the existing regulation to reflect these changes, including: (1) The existing rule requires an application fee to offset costs of the initial administrative review of the application. Upon approval, this amount is deducted from the total fees due. MSHA deemed the practice to be an unnecessary administrative burden and eliminated the requirement. (2) Most fees are set on an hourly basis; however, the MSHA Stamped Notification Acceptance Program (SNAP) and Stamped Revision Acceptance (SRA) Program charged only a nominal fixed fee for acceptance of certain changes to existing approvals. Each program covered specific types of products. To streamline this process, MSHA replaced both programs with the Revised Acceptance Modification Program (RAM), which provided one process for all types of products. (3) The existing rule requires MSHA to initially research the application and provide the applicant with an estimated maximum fee prior to beginning the technical investigation of the product. To expedite the approval process, MSHA now permits the applicant to pre-authorize an amount for each approval, which in turn allows MSHA [[Page 73471]] to immediately begin the technical investigation while the fee estimate is being processed. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions Government Levels Affected: Local, Tribal Agency Contact: Marvin W. Nichols Jr., Director, Office of Standards, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 2352, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209 Phone: 202 693-9440 Fax: 202 693-9441 Email: nichols-marvin@dol.gov RIN: 1219-AB38 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Long-Term Actions Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) _______________________________________________________________________ 2024. VERIFICATION OF UNDERGROUND COAL MINE OPERATORS' DUST CONTROL PLANS AND COMPLIANCE SAMPLING FOR RESPIRABLE DUST Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 30 USC 811; 30 USC 813; 30 USC 961; 30 USC 957 CFR Citation: 30 CFR 70; 30 CFR 75; 30 CFR 90 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Our current standards require that all underground coal mine operators develop and follow a mine ventilation plan for each mechanized mining unit that we approve. However, we do not have a requirement that provides for verification of each plan's effectiveness under typical mining conditions. Consequently, plans may be implemented by mine operators that could be inadequate to control respirable dust. In response to comments received on the July 2000 proposed rule for MSHA to withdraw the rule, MSHA published a new proposed rule on March 6, 2003. The proposed rule would have required mine operators to verify, through sampling, the effectiveness of the dust control parameters for each mechanized mining unit specified in the approved mine ventilation plan. The use of approved powered air-purifying respirators and/or verifiable administrative controls would have been allowed as a supplemental means of compliance when MSHA had determined that all feasible engineering or environmental controls were exhausted. Public hearings were held in May 2003, and the rulemaking record originally scheduled to close on June 4, 2003, was extended until July 3, 2003. On June 24, 2003, MSHA announced that all work on the final rule would cease and the rulemaking record would remain open in order to obtain information concerning Personal Dust Monitors being tested by NIOSH. A Federal Register notice was published on July 3, 2003, extending the comment period indefinitely. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/07/00 65 FR 42122 Notice of Hearings; Close of Record 07/07/00 65 FR 42186 Extension of Comment Period; Close 09/08/00 65 FR 49215 NPRM 03/06/03 68 FR 10784 Notice of Public Hearing; Close of Record 03/17/03 68 FR 12641 Extension of Comment Period 05/29/03 68 FR 32005 NPRM Comment Period End 06/04/03 Extension of Comment Period 07/03/03 68 FR 39881 NPRM To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: This rulemaking is related to RIN 1219-AB18 (Determination of Concentration of Respirable Coal Mine Dust). Agency Contact: Marvin W. Nichols Jr., Director, Office of Standards, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 2352, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209 Phone: 202 693-9440 Fax: 202 693-9441 Email: nichols-marvin@dol.gov Related RIN: Related to 1219-AB18 RIN: 1219-AB14 _______________________________________________________________________ 2025. DETERMINATION OF CONCENTRATION OF RESPIRABLE COAL MINE DUST Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 30 USC 811 CFR Citation: 30 CFR 72 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the Mine Safety and Health Administration jointly proposed that a single, full-shift measurement (single sample) will accurately represent the atmospheric condition to which a miner is exposed. The proposed rule addresses the U.S. Court of Appeals' concerns raised in National Mining Association v. Secretary of Labor, 153 3d 1264 (11th Cir. 1998). MSHA and NIOSH reopened the rulemaking record on March 6, 2003, to obtain comments on documents added to the rulemaking record since the proposed rule was published July 7, 2000. Public hearings were held in May 2003 and the rulemaking record, originally scheduled to close on June 4, 2003, was extended until July 3, 2003. However, on June 24, 2003, MSHA announced that all work on the final rule would cease. On August 12, 2003, the Agencies reopened the rulemaking record and extended the comment period indefinitely. MSHA will be collaborating with NIOSH, miners' representatives, industry and the manufacturer in the in-mine testing of production prototype Personal Dust Monitors (PDMs) units. The results of the collaborative effort will guide the Agency in determining the functionality of these real- time dust monitoring devices and need for revisions to the coal respirable dust monitoring requirements. [[Page 73472]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/07/00 65 FR 42068 Notice of Hearings; Close of Record 07/07/00 65 FR 42185 Extension of Comment Period; Close 09/08/00 65 FR 49215 Reopen Record for Comments 03/06/03 68 FR 10940 Notice of Public Hearings; Close of Record 03/17/03 68 FR 12641 Extension of Comment Period 05/29/03 68 FR 32005 Reopen Record Comment Period End06/04/03 Extension of Comment Period; Reopening of Record 08/12/03 68 FR 47886 NPRM To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: This rulemaking is related to RIN 1219-AB14 (Verification of Underground Coal Mine Operators' Dust Control Plans and Compliance Sampling for Respirable Dust). Agency Contact: Marvin W. Nichols Jr., Director, Office of Standards, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 2352, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209 Phone: 202 693-9440 Fax: 202 693-9441 Email: nichols-marvin@dol.gov Related RIN: Related to 1219-AB14 RIN: 1219-AB18 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Long-Term Actions Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management (OASAM) _______________________________________________________________________ 2026. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NONDISCRIMINATION AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY REQUIREMENTS OF THE WORKFORCE INVESTMENT ACT OF 1998 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 29 USC 2938 Workforce Investment Act CFR Citation: 29 CFR 37 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, August 7, 1999. Abstract: The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) was signed into law by President Clinton on August 7, 1998. Section 188 of the Act prohibits discrimination by recipients of financial assistance under title I on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religion, political affiliation or belief, and for beneficiaries only, citizenship or participation in a WIA title I- financial assisted program or activity. Section 188(e) requires that the Secretary of Labor issue regulations necessary to implement section 188 not later than one year after the date of the enactment of WIA. Such regulations are to include standards for determining compliance and procedures for enforcement that are consistent with the acts referenced in section 188(a)(1), as well as procedures to ensure that complaints filed under section 188 and such acts are processed in a manner that avoids duplication of effort. The reauthorization of WIA is currently under consideration by the Congress. It may include amendments to the nondiscrimination provisions contained in section 188 that would directly impact these regulations. This final rule will be issued after congressional action on the reauthorization of WIA. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 11/12/99 64 FR 61692 Interim Final Rule Comment Period 12/13/99 NPRM 09/30/03 68 FR 56386 NPRM Comment Period End 12/01/03 Final Rule To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State, Tribal Agency Contact: Annabelle T. Lockhart, Director, Civil Rights Center, Department of Labor, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management, Room N4123, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-6500 TDD Phone: 202 693-6515 Fax: 202 693-6505 Email: civilrightscenter@dol.gov RIN: 1291-AA29 _______________________________________________________________________ 2027. GRANTS AND AGREEMENTS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 105-277 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 95 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This regulation amends 29 CFR 95.36, to ensure that all data produced under an award will be available to the public through the procedures established in the Freedom of Informatin Act. P.L. 105-277 mandated this change. The regulation was published as ``interim final'' on May 16, 2000, and is in effect. This is a regulation developed and published as a common rule (Governmentwide). Since its publication, the lead agency (HHS) has not approached other Federal agencies to finalize the regulation. Public comments were submitted to HHS and to DOL (1 comment received) to be addressed in the publication of the regulation as final. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 03/16/00 65 FR 14405 Interim Final Rule Effective 04/17/00 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 05/15/00 Final Rule To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Daniel P. Murphy, Management Services, Department of Labor, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building Room S-1513(B), Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-7283 Fax: 202 693-7290 Email: oasamregcomments@dol.gov RIN: 1291-AA30 [[Page 73473]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Prerule Stage Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) _______________________________________________________________________ 2028. OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO ETHYLENE OXIDE (SECTION 610 REVIEW) Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 5 USC 553; 5 USC 610 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910.1047 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: OSHA has undertaken a review of the ethylene oxide (ETO) standard in accordance with the requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act and section 5 of EO 12866. The review is considering the continued need for the rule, the impacts of the rule, comments on the rule received from the public, the complexity of the rule, whether the rule overlaps, duplicates or conflicts with other Federal, State or local regulations, and the degree to which technology, economic conditions or other factors may have changed since the rule was last evaluated. The Agency's findings with respect to this review will be published in a report available to the public in 2005. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Begin Review 10/01/96 End Review 03/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John Smith, Directorate of Evaluation and Analysis, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-2225 Fax: 202 693-1641 Email: smith.john@dol.gov RIN: 1218-AB60 _______________________________________________________________________ 2029. OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO CRYSTALLINE SILICA Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 99 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 1218-AB70 _______________________________________________________________________ 2030. OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO BERYLLIUM Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 29 USC 657 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: In 1999 and 2001, OSHA was petitioned to issue an emergency temporary standard by the Paper Allied-Industrial, Chemical, and Energy Workers Union, Public Citizen Health Research Group and others. The Agency denied the petitions but stated its intent to begin data gathering to collect needed information on beryllium's toxicity, risks, and patterns of usage. On November 26, 2002, OSHA published a Request for Information (RFI) (67 FR 70707) to solicit information pertinent to occupational exposure to beryllium including: current exposures to beryllium; the relationship between exposure to beryllium and the development of adverse health effects; exposure assessment and monitoring methods; exposure control methods; and medical surveillance. In addition, the Agency conducted field surveys of selected work sites to assess current exposures and control methods being used to reduce employee exposures to beryllium. OSHA is using this information to develop a proposed rule addressing occupational exposure to beryllium. OSHA plans to initiate the SBREFA process by January 2005. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Request for Information 11/26/02 67 FR 70707 Initiate SBREFA Process 01/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Steven F. Witt, Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room N-3718, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-1950 Fax: 202 693-1678 RIN: 1218-AB76 _______________________________________________________________________ 2031. EXCAVATIONS (SECTION 610 REVIEW) Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 29 USC 651 et seq; 5 USC 610 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1926.650 to 1926.652 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: OSHA has undertaken a review of the Agency's Excavations Standard (29 CFR 1926.650 to 1926.652) in accordance with the requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act and section 5 of Executive Order 12866. The review is considering the continued need for the rule, the impacts of the rule, public comments on the rule, the complexity of the rule, and whether the rule overlaps, duplicates, or conflicts with other regulations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Begin Review 12/01/01 Request for Comments 08/21/02 67 FR 54103 Comment Period End 11/19/02 End Review 09/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John Smith, Directorate of Evaluation and Analysis, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-2225 Fax: 202 693-1641 Email: smith.john@dol.gov RIN: 1218-AC02 _______________________________________________________________________ 2032. IONIZING RADIATION Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b) CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910.109 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: OSHA is considering amending 29 CFR 1910.1096 that addresses exposure to ionizing radiation. The OSHA regulations were published in 1974, with only minor revisions since that time. The Department of Energy and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission both have more [[Page 73474]] extensive radiation standards that reflect new technological and safety advances. In addition, radiation is now used for a broader variety of purposes, including health care, food safety, mail processing, and baggage screening. OSHA is in the process of reviewing information about the issue, and will determine the appropriate course of action regarding this standard when the review is completed. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Request for Information (RFI) 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Steven F. Witt, Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room N-3718, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-1950 Fax: 202 693-1678 RIN: 1218-AC11 _______________________________________________________________________ 2033. EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND PREPAREDNESS Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 29 USC 657 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Emergency responder health and safety is currently regulated primarily under the following standards: the fire brigade standard (29 CFR 1910.156); hazardous waste operations and emergency response (29 CFR 1910.120); the respiratory protection standard (29 CFR 1910.134); the permit-required confined space standard (29 CFR 1910.146); and the bloodborne pathogens standard (29 CFR 1910.1030). Some of these standards were promulgated decades ago and none were designed as comprehensive emergency response standards. Consequently, they do not address the full range of hazards or concerns currently facing emergency responder. Many do not reflect major changes in performance specifications for protective clothing and equipment. Current OSHA standards also do not reflect all the major developments in safety and health practices that have already been accepted by the emergency response community and incorporated into National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and American National Standards Institute consensus standards. OSHA will be collecting information to evaluate what action the agency should take. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Request for Information 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Federalism: Undetermined Agency Contact: Steven F. Witt, Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room N-3718, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-1950 Fax: 202 693-1678 RIN: 1218-AC17 _______________________________________________________________________ 2034. LEAD IN CONSTRUCTION (SECTION 610 REVIEW) Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b0); 5 USC 553; 5 USC 610 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1926.62 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: OSHA will undertake a review of the Lead in Construction Standard (29 CFR 1926.62) in accordance with the requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act and section 5 of Executive Order 12866. The review will consider the continued need for the rule, impacts of the rule comments on the rule received from the public, the complexity of the rule, whether the rule overlaps, duplicates or conflicts with other Federal, State or local regulations, and the degree to which technology, economic conditions or other factors may have changed since the rule was last evaluated. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Begin Review 03/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John Smith, Directorate of Evaluation and Analysis, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-2225 Fax: 202 693-1641 Email: smith.john@dol.gov RIN: 1218-AC18 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Proposed Rule Stage Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) _______________________________________________________________________ 2035. OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO HEXAVALENT CHROMIUM (PREVENTING OCCUPATIONAL ILLNESS: CHROMIUM) Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 100 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 1218-AB45 _______________________________________________________________________ 2036. CONFINED SPACES IN CONSTRUCTION (PART 1926): PREVENTING SUFFOCATION/ EXPLOSIONS IN CONFINED SPACES Priority: Economically Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 40 USC 333 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1926.36 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: In January 1993, OSHA issued a general industry rule to protect employees who enter confined spaces (29 CFR 1910.146). This standard does not apply to the construction industry [[Page 73475]] because of differences in the nature of the worksite in the construction industry. In discussions with the United Steel Workers of America on a settlement agreement for the general industry standard, OSHA agreed to issue a proposed rule to extend confined-space protection to construction workers appropriate to their work environment. OSHA intends to issue a proposed rule addressing this construction industry hazard next year. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ SBREFA Panel Report 11/24/03 NPRM 03/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Russell B. Swanson, Director, Directorate of Construction, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Room N3468, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-2020 Fax: 202 693-1689 Email: bswanson@dol.gov RIN: 1218-AB47 _______________________________________________________________________ 2037. GENERAL WORKING CONDITIONS FOR SHIPYARD EMPLOYMENT Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 33 USC 941 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1915 subpart F Legal Deadline: None Abstract: During the 1980s, OSHA initiated a project to update and consolidate the various OSHA shipyard standards that were applied in the shipbuilding, ship repair, and shipbreaking industries. Publication of a proposal addressing general working conditions in shipyards is part of this project. The operations addressed in this rulemaking relate to general working conditions such as housekeeping, illumination, sanitation, first aid, and lockout/tagout. About 100,000 workers are potentially exposed to these hazards annually. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Steven F. Witt, Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room N-3718, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-1950 Fax: 202 693-1678 RIN: 1218-AB50 _______________________________________________________________________ 2038. ELECTRIC POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION; ELECTRICAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 40 USC 333 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910.136; 29 CFR 1910.137; 29 CFR 1910.269; 29 CFR 1926 subpart V; 29 CFR 1926.97 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Electrical hazards are a major cause of occupational death in the United States. The annual fatality rate for power line workers is about 50 deaths per 100,000 employees. The construction industry standard addressing the safety of these workers during the construction of electric power transmission and distribution lines is over 30 years old. OSHA is developing a revision of this standard that will prevent many of these fatalities, add flexibility to the standard, and update and streamline the standard. OSHA also intends to amend the corresponding standard for general industry so that requirements for work performed during the maintenance of electric power transmission and distribution installations are the same as those for similar work in construction. In addition, OSHA will be revising a few miscellaneous general industry requirements primarily affecting electric transmission and distribution work, including provisions on electrical protective equipment and foot protection. This rulemaking will also address fall protection in aerial lifts for power generation, transmission and distribution work. The SBREFA process has been completed, and OSHA is making changes to the regulatory analysis based on that review. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ SBREFA Report 06/30/03 NPRM 01/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Steven F. Witt, Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room N-3718, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-1950 Fax: 202 693-1678 RIN: 1218-AB67 _______________________________________________________________________ 2039. WALKING WORKING SURFACES AND PERSONAL FALL PROTECTION SYSTEMS (1910) (SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALL PREVENTION) Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 29 USC 655 (b) CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910 subparts D and I Legal Deadline: None Abstract: In 1990, OSHA proposed a rule (55 FR 13360) addressing slip, trip, and fall hazards and establishing requirements for personal fall protection systems. Since that time, new technologies and procedures have become available to protect employees from these hazards. The Agency has been working to update these rules to reflect current technology. OSHA published a notice to re-open the rulemaking for comment on a number of issues raised in the record for the NPRM. As a result of the comments received on that notice, OSHA has determined that additional information is needed on its proposed requirements to allow certain employees (qualified climbers) to climb fixed ladders [[Page 73476]] without fall protection. OSHA plans to reopen the record and ask the public for more, specific information about the concept of ``qualified climbers'' and to solicit comment on an updated/revised economic analysis and related issues. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/10/90 55 FR 13360 NPRM Comment Period End 08/22/90 Hearing 09/11/90 55 FR 29224 Reopen Record 05/02/03 68 FR 23527 Comment Period End 07/31/03 Reopen Record 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Steven F. Witt, Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room N-3718, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-1950 Fax: 202 693-1678 RIN: 1218-AB80 _______________________________________________________________________ 2040. CRANES AND DERRICKS Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 29 USC 651(b); 29 USC 655(b); 40 USC 333 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1926 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Subpart N addresses hazards associated with various types of hoisting equipment used at construction sites. Such equipment includes cranes and derricks. The existing rule, which dates back to 1971, is based in part on industry consensus standards from 1958, 1968, and 1969. There have been considerable technological changes since those consensus standards were developed. Industry consensus standards for derricks and for crawler, truck and locomotive cranes were updated as recently as 1995. A cross-section of the industry has asked OSHA to update subpart N. OSHA has determined that the existing rule needs to be revised and has established a negotiated rulemaking committee to develop a draft proposed rule. The negotiated rulemaking committee completed 11 meetings since July of 2003 and has submitted a drafted revision of the crane standard to the Assistant Secretary of OSHA. OSHA is currently conducting an economic analysis of the draft rule to determine if a SBREFA Panel will be needed. Should the SBREFA process not be needed, as determined by a regulatory flexibility screening analysis, a proposed rule is anticipated to be issued in August of 2005. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice of Intent To Establish Negotiated Rulemaking 07/16/02 67 FR 46612 Comment Period End 09/16/02 Request for Comments on Proposed Committee Members 02/27/03 68 FR 9036 Request for Comment Period End 03/31/03 68 FR 9036 Established Negotiated Rulemaking Committee 06/12/03 68 FR 35172 Rulemaking Negotiations Completed 07/30/04 Initiate SBREFA Panel 05/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Russell B. Swanson, Director, Directorate of Construction, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Room N3468, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-2020 Fax: 202 693-1689 Email: bswanson@dol.gov RIN: 1218-AC01 _______________________________________________________________________ 2041. EXPLOSIVES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b) CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910.109 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: OSHA is considering amending 29 CFR 1910.109 that addresses explosives and blasting agents. These OSHA regulations were published in 1974, and many of the provisions do not reflect technological and safety advances made by the industry since that time. Additionally, the standard contains outdated references and classifications. Two trade associations representing many of the employers subject to this rule have petitioned the Agency to consider revising it, and have recommended changes they believe address the concerns they are raising. OSHA has reviewed the petition and related information about the issue. Initially, OSHA planned to revise the pyrotechnics requirement in this NPRM. However, based on our work to date, it appears appropriate to reserve action on these requirements for a second phase of rulemaking. The agency therefore plans to propose revisions to 29 CFR 1910.109 without any changes to the existing pyrotechnics requirements, and at a future date will develop a proposed rule for pyrotechnics revision. OSHA expects to publish an NPRM by February 2005. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Steven F. Witt, Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room N-3718, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-1950 Fax: 202 693-1678 RIN: 1218-AC09 [[Page 73477]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Final Rule Stage Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) _______________________________________________________________________ 2042. ASSIGNED PROTECTION FACTORS: AMENDMENTS TO THE FINAL RULE ON RESPIRATORY PROTECTION Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 101 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 1218-AA05 _______________________________________________________________________ 2043. LONGSHORING AND MARINE TERMINALS (PARTS 1917 AND 1918)--REOPENING OF THE RECORD (VERTICAL TANDEM LIFTS (VTLS)) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 33 USC 941 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1918.11; 29 CFR 1918.85 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: OSHA issued a final rule on Longshoring on July 25, 1997 (62 FR 40142). However, in that rule, the Agency reserved provisions related to vertical tandem lifts. Vertical tandem lifts (VTLs) involve the lifting of two or more empty intermodal containers, secured together with twist locks, at the same time. OSHA has continued to work with national and international organizations to gather additional information on the safety of VTLs. The Agency has published an NPRM to address safety issues related to VTLs. The extended comment period concluded 2/13/04, and an informal public hearing was held on 7/29-30/ 04. The rulemaking record will remain open through 11/30/04. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/06/94 59 FR 28594 NPRM Comment Period End 09/23/94 Final Rule on Longshoring/Marine07/25/97 62 FR 40142 Public Meeting on VTLs - 1/27/ 1998 10/09/97 62 FR 52671 Second NPRM 09/16/03 68 FR 54298 NPRM Comment Period End 2/13/04 12/10/03 68 FR 68804 Public Hearing 07/29/04 69 FR 19361 Final Action 06/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Steven F. Witt, Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room N-3718, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-1950 Fax: 202 693-1678 RIN: 1218-AA56 _______________________________________________________________________ 2044. EMPLOYER PAYMENT FOR PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 29 USC 657; 33 USC 941; 40 USC 333 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910.132; 29 CFR 1915.152; 29 CFR 1917.96; 29 CFR 1918.106; 29 CFR 1926.95 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Generally, OSHA standards require that protective equipment (including personal protective equipment (PPE)) be provided and used when necessary to protect employees from hazards that can cause them injury, illness, or physical harm. In this discussion, OSHA uses the abbreviation PPE to cover both personal protective equipment and other protective equipment. In 1999, OSHA proposed to require employers to pay for PPE, with a few exceptions. The Agency continues to consider how to address this issue, and re-opened the record on 7/8/2004 to get input on issues related to PPE considered to be a ``tool of the trade''. The comment period ended 8/23/2004. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/30/99 64 FR 15401 NPRM Comment Period End 06/14/99 Informal Public Hearing End 08/13/99 Limited Reopening of Record 07/08/04 69 FR 41221 Comment Period End 08/23/04 Final Action 03/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State Agency Contact: Steven F. Witt, Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room N-3718, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-1950 Fax: 202 693-1678 RIN: 1218-AB77 _______________________________________________________________________ 2045. STANDARDS IMPROVEMENT (MISCELLANEOUS CHANGES) FOR GENERAL INDUSTRY, MARINE TERMINALS, AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS (PHASE II) Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 102 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 1218-AB81 _______________________________________________________________________ 2046. REVISION AND UPDATE OF SUBPART S--ELECTRICAL STANDARDS Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b) CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910 subpart S Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is planning to revise and update its 29 CFR 1910 subpart S-Electrical Standards. OSHA will rely heavily on the 2000 edition of the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA's) 70 E standard for Electrical Safety Requirements for Employee Workplaces. This revision will provide the first update of the General Industry-Electrical Standard since it was originally published in 1981. OSHA intends to complete this project in several stages. The first stage will cover design safety standards for electrical systems, while the second stage will cover safety- related maintenance and work practice requirements and safety requirements for special equipment. It will thus allow the latest technological developments to be considered. Several of these state-of- the-art safety developments will be addressed by OSHA for the first time. OSHA is evaluating public comment in response to the NPRM. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/05/04 69 FR 17773 NPRM Comment Period End 06/04/04 Final Action 06/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None [[Page 73478]] Agency Contact: Steven F. Witt, Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room N-3718, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-1950 Fax: 202 693-1678 RIN: 1218-AB95 _______________________________________________________________________ 2047. UPDATING OSHA STANDARDS BASED ON NATIONAL CONSENSUS STANDARDS Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b) CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910; 29 CFR 1915; 29 CFR 1917; 29 CFR 1918; 29 CFR 1926 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Under section 6(a) of the OSH Act, during the first two years of the Act, the Agency was directed to adopt national consensus standards as OSHA standards. Some of these standards were adopted as regulatory text, while others were incorporated by reference. In the thirty years since these standards were adopted by OSHA, the organizations responsible for these consensus standards have issued updated versions of these standards. However, in most cases, OSHA has not revised its regulations to reflect later editions of the consensus standards. OSHA standards also continue to incorporate by reference various consensus standards that are now outdated and, in some cases, out of print. The Agency is now considering the possibility of initiating rulemaking to update some of these standards. In that regard, OSHA has asked various consensus standards organizations to review their standards, compare the latest versions of these standards to the ones currently adopted by OSHA, and determine which ones are most important for OSHA to update. Additionally, OSHA has asked them to consider whether the changes to these standards would be noncontroversial, and if the new versions would reduce risk. The organizations were enthusiastic about the possibility of updating references to their standards, and they have provided considerable information on priorities and other related issues. OSHA is in the process of evaluating the information it has received in order to determine the best way to proceed. It is possible that a direct final rule may be appropriate to address some of these standards, and others may be more appropriately addressed by an NPRM. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Direct Final Rule 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Steven F. Witt, Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room N-3718, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-1950 Fax: 202 693-1678 RIN: 1218-AC08 _______________________________________________________________________ 2048. PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINTS UNDER SECTION 6 OF THE PIPELINE SAFETY IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2002 Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 29 USC 60129 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1981 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule establishes procedures and timeframes for the handling of complaints under section 6 of the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002, including investigations by OSHA, appeals to the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), appeals of ALJ decisions to the Administrative Review Board and judicial review. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 04/05/04 69 FR 17587 Interim Final Rule Effective 04/05/04 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 06/04/04 Final Action 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Marple, Director, Office of Investigative Assistance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room N3622, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-2122 Fax: 202 693-1681 RIN: 1218-AC12 _______________________________________________________________________ 2049. OREGON STATE PLAN Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 29 USC 667 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1952 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: OSHA will propose to grant final approval under section 18(e) of the OSH Act for the Oregon State occupational safety and health plan, administered by the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (OR-OSHA) of the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services. Following a comment period and opportunity to request a public hearing, OSHA will make a final determination as a whether to grant final approval of the State plan. Actual performance by the State must be ``at least as effective'' overall as the Federal OSHA program in all areas covered under the State plan. Final approval results in the relinquishment of authority for Federal concurrent enforcement jurisdiction in the State with respect to safety and health issues covered by the plan. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice of Eligibility for Final Approval 11/00/04 Notice of Final Approval Determination 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: State Agency Contact: Paula O. White, Director, Federal-State Operations, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Room N3700, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-2200 Fax: 202 693-1671 Email: paula.white@osha.gov RIN: 1218-AC13 [[Page 73479]] _______________________________________________________________________ 2050. SLIP RESISTANCE OF SKELETAL STRUCTURAL STEEL Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b) ; 40 USC 333; 29 CFR 1911 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1926.754(c)(3) Legal Deadline: Other, Judicial, July 18, 2004, Notice of limited reopening of record for 1926.754(c)(3). Final, Judicial, January 18, 2006, Final Rule Deadline. Per Settlement Agreement (Steel Coaltion, Resilient Floor Covering Institute v. OSHA). Abstract: On May 11, 1994 OSHA established the Steel Erection Negotiated Rulemaking Advisory Committee. On August 13, 1998 OSHA published a notice of proposed rule making, permitting time for written comments and public hearings. Following notice and comment the final rule for the steel erection standard was published on January 18, 2001. On April 3, 2003, OSHA entered into a settlement agreement with the Steel Coalition and Resilient Floor Covering Institute whereby OSHA agreed to a limited reopening of the administrative record of docket S- 775 regarding paragraph 1926.754(c)(3). On July 15, 2004, OSHA published a notice in the Federal Register reopening the record for this limited purpose. The July notice solicited information regarding section 1926.754(c)(3) only. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/15/04 69 FR 42379 NPRM Comment Period End 10/13/04 Final Rule 09/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Federalism: Undetermined Agency Contact: Bruce Swanson, Director, Directorate of Construction, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N-3468, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-2020 Fax: 202 693-1689 RIN: 1218-AC14 _______________________________________________________________________ 2051. ROLLOVER PROTECTIVE STRUCTURES; OVERHEAD PROTECTION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 29 CFR 1928 subpart C; Sections 4,6, and 8 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970(29 USC 653,655,657); Secretary of Labor's Order No. 12.71(36 FR 8754), 8-76(41 FR 25059), 9- 83(48 FR 35736, 1-90(55 FR 9033), 6-96(62 FR 111), 3-2000(65 FR 50017) or 5-2002(67 FR 65008) as applicable.Sections 1928.51, 192; 29 CFR 1926 subpart W - Rollover Protective Structures; Overhead Protection: Section 107, Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act (Construction Safety Act), 40 USC 333; Sections 1926.1002 and 19 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1926; 29 CFR 1928 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: In 1996, OSHA published a technical amendment revising the construction and agriculture standards that regulate testing of roll- over protective structures (ROPS) used to protect employees who operate wheel-type tractors. This revision removed the original, detailed ROPS standards and replaced them with references to national consensus standards for ROPS-testing requirements. The Agency believed that the national consensus standards largely duplicated the ROPS standards they replaced, and that any differences between them were not substantive. Subsequently, OSHA identified several substantive differences between the national consensus standards and the original ROPS standards. The rulemaking would reinstate the original ROPS standards. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Direct Final Rule 02/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Federalism: Undetermined Agency Contact: Steven F. Witt, Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room N-3718, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-1950 Fax: 202 693-1678 RIN: 1218-AC15 _______________________________________________________________________ 2052. NFPA STANDARDS IN SHIPYARD FIRE PROTECTION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 29 USC 657 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1915.4; 29 CFR 1915.505; 29 CFR 1915.507 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: In this rulemaking, OSHA is updating National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards incorporated reference in the OSHA 29 CFR part 1915 subpart P fire protection standards. OSHA published a final rule subpart P in 2004 that included nine NFPA standards that have been updated since the rule was proposed. OSHA plans to issue a direct final rulemaking, along with a notice of proposed rulemaking, to update the NFPA standards and encourage the use of the most recent NFPA guidance. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Direct Final Rule 01/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Steven F. Witt, Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room N-3718, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-1950 Fax: 202 693-1678 RIN: 1218-AC16 [[Page 73480]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Long-Term Actions Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) _______________________________________________________________________ 2053. HEARING CONSERVATION PROGRAM FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKERS Priority: Economically Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 40 USC 333 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1926.52 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: OSHA issued a section 6(b)(5) health standard mandating a comprehensive hearing conservation program for noise-exposed workers in general industry in 1983. However, no rule was promulgated to cover workers in the construction industry. A number of recent studies have shown that many construction workers experience work-related hearing loss. In addition, the use of engineering, administrative and personal protective equipment to reduce exposures to noise is not extensive in this industry. OSHA published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking to gather information on the extent of noise-induced hearing loss among workers in different trades in this industry, current practices to reduce this loss, and additional approaches and protections that could be used to prevent such loss in the future. The Agency continues to review comments received, the additional public input from Stakeholder meetings that were held in March and July of 2004, and is determining the next appropriate action. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 08/05/02 67 FR 50610 ANPRM Comment Period End 11/04/02 Stakeholder Meetings 03/24/04 Additional Stakeholder Meeting 07/21/04 Next Action Undetermined To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Steven F. Witt, Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room N-3718, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-1950 Fax: 202 693-1678 RIN: 1218-AB89 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Completed Actions Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) _______________________________________________________________________ 2054. FIRE PROTECTION IN SHIPYARD EMPLOYMENT (PART 1915, SUBPART P) (SHIPYARDS: FIRE SAFETY) Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 29 USC 655 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1915, subpart P Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The rule updates and revises an important but outdated part of OSHA's shipyard rules. The original rule was adopted by OSHA in 1971 and has remained unchanged since then. A negotiated rulemaking committee was convened on October 15, 1996. Members of the committee included: OSHA, State government, Federal agency, small and large shipyard employers, and maritime and firefighter union representatives. The committee completed work in February 2002, and recommended proposal requirements to OSHA. The Agency published an NPRM based on their recommendations. Comments were received and reviewed and a final rule has been issued. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/11/02 67 FR 76213 NPRM Comment Period End 03/11/03 Final Rule 09/15/04 69 FR 55668 Final Rule Effective 12/14/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State Agency Contact: Steven F. Witt, Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room N-3718, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-1950 Fax: 202 693-1678 RIN: 1218-AB51 _______________________________________________________________________ 2055. CONTROLLED NEGATIVE PRESSURE FIT TESTING PROTOCOL: AMENDMENT TO THE FINAL RULE ON RESPIRATORY PROTECTION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 29 USC 657 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910.134 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: In this rulemaking, OSHA is approving an additional quantitative fit testing protocol, the controlled negative pressure (CNP)REDON fit testing protocol, for inclusion in Appendix A of its Respiratory Protection Standard. The protocol affects, in addition to general industry, OSHA respiratory protection standards for shipyard employment and construction. The Agency is adopting this protocol under the provisions contained in the Respiratory Protection Standard that allow individuals to submit evidence for including additional fit testing protocols in this standard. The (CNP)REDON protocol requires the performance of three different test exercises followed by two redonnings of the respirator, while the CNP protocol approved previously by OSHA specifies eight test exercises, including one redonning of the respirator. In addition to amending the Standard to include the (CNP)REDON protocol, this rulemaking makes several editorial and non-substantive technical revisions to the Standard associated with the (CNP)REDON protocol and the previously approved CNP protocol. When OSHA published the Final Respiratory Protection standard in 1998, it allowed for later rulemaking on new fit test methods. This rulemaking action incorporates the (CNP)REDON fit test method into 1910.134. [[Page 73481]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/06/03 68 FR 33887 NPRM Comment Period End 09/04/03 Final Rule 08/04/04 69 FR 46986 Final Action Effective 09/03/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal Agency Contact: Steven F. Witt, Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room N-3718, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-1950 Fax: 202 693-1678 RIN: 1218-AC05 _______________________________________________________________________ 2056. PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINTS UNDER SECTION 806 OF THE CORPORATE AND CRIMINAL FRAUD ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2002 Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 18 USC 1514A CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1980 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002, Public Law 107-204 was enacted July 30, 2002. Among other provisions, title VIII, entitled the Corporate and Criminal Fraud Accountability Act of 2002, provides protection for employees of publicly traded companies who provide evidence of fraud to any Federal law enforcement agency, members of Congress, or a person with supervisory authority over the employee. This rule establishes procedures and time frames for the handling of complaints under the Act. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 05/28/03 68 FR 318859 Final Rule 08/24/04 69 FR 52103 Final Rule Effective 08/24/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Marple, Director, Office of Investigative Assistance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room N3622, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-2122 Fax: 202 693-1681 RIN: 1218-AC10 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Proposed Rule Stage Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and Training (ASVET) _______________________________________________________________________ 2057. UNIFORMED SERVICES EMPLOYMENT AND REEMPLOYMENT RIGHTS ACT REGULATIONS Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 103 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 1293-AA09 _______________________________________________________________________ 2058. JOBS FOR VETERANS ACT OF 2002: CONTRACT THRESHOLD AND ELIGIBILITY GROUPS FOR FEDERAL CONTRACTOR PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 38 USC 4212 (d) as amended by PL 107-288 CFR Citation: 41 CFR 61-300 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) is proposing to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to implement changes required by the Jobs For Veterans Act (JVA) of 2002. This act amended the Vietnam Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, as amended (VEVRAA), by revising the reporting threshold from $25,000 to $100,000. JVA also eliminated the collection categories of special disabled veterans and veterans of the Vietnam era and added the new collection categories of disabled veterans and armed forces expeditionary medal veterans. JVA continues the collection for the recently separated veterans category, but changed the definition for that category to include any veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military ground, naval, or air service during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty. Additionally, Federal contractors and subcontractors will be required to report the total number of all current employees in nine job categories for each hiring location. This proposal will assist VETS in meeting the statutory requirement of annually collecting the VETS-100 Report. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Robert Wilson, Chief, Investigation and Compliance Division, Department of Labor, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and Training, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room S- 1316, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-4719 Fax: 202 693-4755 RIN: 1293-AA12 [[Page 73482]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Final Rule Stage Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and Training (ASVET) _______________________________________________________________________ 2059. JOBS FOR VETERANS ACT OF 2002: STATE GRANT FUNDING FORMULA FY 2005 AND BEYOND Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 38 USC 4102A (c) (2) (B) as amended by PL 107-288 CFR Citation: 20 CFR 1001.150 to 1001.152 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Public Law 107-288, the Jobs for Veterans Act, enacted November 7, 2002 requires establishment of a new grant allocation formula for Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) and Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) that reflects the ratio of the total number of veterans seeking employment residing in the State to the total number of veterans seeking employment in all States. Congress allowed for the phasing-in of this funding formula requirement ``over the three fiscal-year period'' beginning October 1, 2002. Because funding for fiscal year 2003 had already been established before enactment of the law, this effectively meant the phase-in of this new funding formula would actually take place over a two-year period--fiscal years 2004 and 2005. To help minimize States' annual funding reductions, allocations will be limited to no more than eighty percent of the prior year's funding allocation, during the two-year phase-in period and ninety percent, after the funding formula is fully implemented. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/06/04 69 FR 40724 NPRM Comment Period End 09/07/04 Final Action 03/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: State Agency Contact: Ronald Drach, Team Leader, Department of Labor, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and Training, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room S1325, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-4749 Fax: 202 693-4755 RIN: 1293-AA11 [FR Doc. 04-22107 Filed 12-10-04; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4510-23-S .

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