[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 115 (Thursday, June 13, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 29940]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-14825]



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DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Bureau of Consular Affairs

22 CFR Part 51

[Public Notice Number 2401]


Passports

AGENCY: Bureau of Consular Affairs, State.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This rule amends the regulations at 22 CFR Part 51, Subpart B 
to eliminate obsolete language regarding release of passport 
information.

EFFECTIVE DATE: June 13, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Willaim B. Wharton, Director, Office of Passport Policy and Advisory 
Services, telephone (202) 955-0231.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Present regulations provide for the release 
of passport information in accordance with the provisions of the 
Privacy Act, the Freedom of Information Act and applicable provisions 
of 22 CFR Part 171 and Part 172. This rule is not expected to have 
significant impact on a substantial number of small entities under the 
criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. In addition, this rule does 
not impose information collection requirements under the provisions of 
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980. This rule has been reviewed as 
required by E.O. 12778 and certified to be in compliance therewith. 
This rule is exempt from review under E.O. 12866, but has been reviewed 
internally by the Department to ensure consistency with the objectives 
thereof. In addition, as this amendment involves ``a matter relating to 
agency management,'' it is exempt from the requirement of notice and 
comment pursuant to section 553(a)(2) of the Administrative Procedures 
Act; and, accordingly, it may be promulgated as a final rule.

List of Subjects in 22 CFR Part 51

    Passports and visas, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

    For the reasons set forth in the preamble, 22 CFR Part 51 is 
amended as follows:

PART 51--PASSPORTS

Subpart B--Application

    1. The authority citation for section 51.33 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2658 and 3926; 5 U.S.C. 552, 552a.

    2. Section 51.33 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 51.33   Release of passport information.

    Information in passport files is subject to the provisions of the 
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Privacy Act. Release of this 
information may be requested in accordance with the implementing 
regulations set forth in Subchapter R, Part 171 or Part 172 of this 
title.

    Dated: May 20, 1996.
Mary A. Ryan,
Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs.
[FR Doc. 96-14825 Filed 6-12-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4710-06-M