[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] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 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