[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 227 (Friday, November 26, 1999)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 66433]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-30793]


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RAILROAD RETIREMENT BOARD

20 CFR Part 219

RIN 3220-AB43


Evidence Required for Payment

AGENCY: Railroad Retirement Board.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: The Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) hereby proposes to amend 
its regulations to permit the use of noncertified copies and facsimile 
copies of records or documents needed to establish eligibility for 
benefits under the Railroad Retirement Act. These amendments will make 
it easier for individuals to apply for benefits under the Act.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before January 25, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Comments should be submitted to the Secretary to the Board, 
Railroad Retirement Board, 844 North Rush Street, Chicago, Illinois 
60611.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Thomas W. Sadler, Senior Attorney, 
(312) 751-4513, TTD (312) 751-4701.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In order to receive benefits under the 
Railroad Retirement Act an individual may be required to provide proof 
of age, marriage, divorce, or death. Section 219.6 of the Board's 
regulations generally requires that where a claimant must provide a 
record or document to establish an eligibility requirement, the 
original or a certified copy of such document or record must be 
provided. This requirement has proven burdensome for claimants. Many 
claimants now wish to transmit their documentary evidence 
electronically by use of telefax devices. Consequently, the Board 
proposes to amend its regulations to permit the use of uncertified 
copies and facsimiles of certain official records when the official 
custodian of such records transmits the facsimile directly to an office 
of the Board and the source of the transmittal is clearly identified on 
the facsimile. In addition, the Board proposes to permit Board 
employees to certify translations of foreign documents.
    The Board, with the concurrence of the Office of Management and 
Budget, has determined that this is not a significant regulatory action 
under Executive Order 12866; therefore, no regulatory impact analysis 
is required. There are no information collections associated with this 
rule.

List of Subjects in 20 CFR Part 219

    Pensions, Railroad employees, Railroad retirement.

    For the reasons set out in the preamble, the Railroad Retirement 
Board proposes to amend chapter II of title 20 of the Code of Federal 
Regulations as follows:

PART 219--EVIDENCE REQUIRED FOR PAYMENT

    1. The authority citation for part 219 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 45 U.S.C. 231f.

    2. In Sec. 219.6 the section heading and paragraphs (a) and (b) are 
revised, and a new paragraph (d) is added to read as follows:


Sec. 219.6  Records as evidence.

    (a) General. If a claimant or an annuitant provides an original 
document or record as evidence to prove eligibility or continued 
entitlement to payments, where possible, a Board employee will make a 
photocopy or transcript of these original documents or records and 
return the original documents to the person who furnished them. A 
claimant may also submit certified copies of original records as 
described in paragraph (c) of this section. The Board may also accept 
uncertified copies as described in paragraph (d) of this section.
    (b) Foreign-language documents. If the evidence submitted is a 
foreign-language document, the Board may require that the record be 
translated. An acceptable translation includes, but is not limited to, 
a translation certified by a United States consular official or 
employee of the Department of State authorized to certify evidence, or 
by an employee of the Board or the Social Security Administration.
* * * * *
    (d) Uncertified copies and facsimiles. In lieu of certified paper 
copies of records or extracts from such official sources as listed in 
paragraph (c) of this section, the Board will accept facsimile copies 
of such records or extracts when the official custodian of such records 
transmits the facsimile directly to an office of the Board and the 
source of the transmittal is clearly identified on the facsimile.

    Dated: November 18, 1999.

    By Authority of the Board.
Beatrice Ezerski,
Secretary to the Board.
[FR Doc. 99-30793 Filed 11-24-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7905-01-P