[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 6 (Monday, January 11, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 1834-1857]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-28056]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

20 CFR Parts 641, 655, 658, 667, and 683

Office of Workers' Compensation Programs

20 CFR Part 726

Office of the Secretary of Labor

29 CFR Parts 7, 8, 22, 24, 26, 29, 37, 38, and 96

Office of Labor-Management Standards

29 CFR Parts 417 and 458

Wage and Hour Division

29 CFR Parts 500, 525, 530, and 580

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

29 CFR Parts 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 
1987, and 1988

Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs

41 CFR Part 60-30

RIN 1290-AA28


Rules of Practice and Procedure Concerning Filing and Service and 
Amended Rules Concerning Filing and Service

AGENCY: Employment and Training Administration, Office of Workers' 
Compensation Programs, Office of the Secretary, Office of Labor-
Management Standards, Wage and Hour Division, Occupational Safety and 
Health Administration, Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Labor (Department or DOL) is issuing this 
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to seek public comments on a 
proposal to require electronic filing (e-filing) and make acceptance of 
electronic service (e-service) automatic for attorneys and non-attorney 
representatives representing parties in proceedings before the 
Administrative Review Board (Board), unless the Board authorizes non-
electronic filing and service for good cause. Self-represented persons

[[Page 1835]]

will have the option of e-filing or of filing papers by conventional 
means. This proposed rule would establish a new part containing rules 
of practice and procedure for the Board and amend existing regulations 
concerning filing and service that would apply where a governing 
statute or executive order does not establish contrary rules of filing 
and service. It would also make other minor corrections to update 
existing regulations.

DATES: The Department invites interested persons to submit comments on 
the proposed rule. To ensure consideration, comments must be in writing 
and must be received by February 10, 2021.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, identified by Regulatory 
Identification Number (RIN) 1290-AA28, only by the following method: 
Electronic Comments. Submit comments through the Federal eRulemaking 
Portal http://www.regulations.gov. To locate the proposed rule, use key 
words such as ``Administrative Review Board'' to search documents 
accepting comments. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. 
All comments must be received by 11:59 p.m. on the date indicated for 
consideration in this rulemaking. Instructions: All submissions 
received must include the agency name and docket number or Regulatory 
Information Number (RIN) for this rulemaking. All comments received 
will generally be posted without change to https://www.regulations.gov, 
including any personal information provided. If you need assistance to 
review the comments or the proposed rule, the Department will consider 
providing the comments and the proposed rule in other formats upon 
request. For assistance to review the comments or obtain the proposed 
rule in an alternate format, contact Mr. Thomas Shepherd, Clerk of the 
Appellate Boards, at 202-693-6319 or [email protected].
    Individuals with hearing or speech impairments may access the 
telephone number above by TTY by calling the toll-free Federal 
Information Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 
    Mr. Thomas Shepherd, Clerk of the Appellate Boards, at 202-693-6319 
or [email protected].

I. Supplementary Information

    This preamble is divided into four sections: Section I describes 
the process of rulemaking using a direct final rule with a companion 
proposed rule; Section II provides general background information on 
the development of the proposed rulemaking; Section III is a discussion 
of the proposed changes to the regulatory text; and Section IV covers 
the administrative requirements for this proposed rulemaking.

II. Proposed Rule Published Concurrently With Companion Direct Final 
Rule

    The Department is simultaneously publishing with this proposed rule 
an identical ``direct final'' rule elsewhere in this issue of the 
Federal Register. In direct final rulemaking, an agency publishes a 
final rule with a statement that the rule will go into effect unless 
the agency receives significant adverse comment within a specified 
period. If the agency receives no significant adverse comment in 
response to the direct final rule, the rule goes into effect. If the 
agency receives significant adverse comment, the agency withdraws the 
direct final rule and treats such comment as submissions on the 
proposed rule. The proposed rule then provides the procedural framework 
to finalize the rule. An agency typically uses direct final rulemaking 
when it anticipates the rule will be non-controversial.
    The Department has determined that this rule is suitable for direct 
final rulemaking. The proposed enactment of the Board's procedural 
regulations and proposed revisions to existing program regulations 
would require parties to use the Board's electronic system for filing 
and serving documents unless exempted by the Board, as well as make 
technical corrections to addresses, add cross-references to rules of 
practice and procedure, and specify where the Secretary has delegated 
authority under a program to the ARB. Some parties are already filing 
documents through the Board's existing electronic system on a voluntary 
basis. Moreover, this system is similar to those used by courts and 
other administrative agencies and will thus be familiar to some 
representatives. The proposed rule would also give self-represented 
(pro se) parties the option to file and serve documents through the 
electronic system or via conventional methods. These changes to the 
Board's procedures and practices should not be controversial. The 
Department has determined that this rule is exempt from the notice and 
comment requirements under 5 U.S.C. 553(b) as a rule of agency practice 
and procedure. Nonetheless, the agency has decided to allow for public 
input by issuing a direct final rule and concurrent notice of proposed 
rulemaking.
    The comment period for this proposed rule runs concurrently with 
the comment period for the direct final rule. Any comments received in 
response to this proposed rule will also be considered as comments 
regarding the direct final rule and vice versa. For purposes of this 
rulemaking, a significant adverse comment is one that explains (1) why 
the rule is inappropriate, including challenges to the rule's 
underlying premise or approach; or (2) why the direct final rule will 
be ineffective or unacceptable without a change. In determining whether 
a significant adverse comment necessitates withdrawal of the direct 
final rule, the Department will consider whether the comment raises an 
issue serious enough to warrant a substantive response had it been 
submitted in a standard notice-and-comment process. A comment 
recommending an addition to the rule will not be considered significant 
and adverse unless the comment explains how the direct final rule would 
be ineffective without the addition.
    The Department requests comments on all issues related to this 
rule, including economic or other regulatory impacts of this rule on 
the regulated community.

III. Background of This rulemaking

    The Department is proposing a rule that would make e-filing 
mandatory and acceptance of e-service automatic for parties before the 
Administrative Review Board represented by attorneys and non-attorney 
representatives. It proposes to do this by enacting its own rules of 
practice and procedure and amending existing program regulations. 
Currently, e-filing is optional and e-service is not available through 
the Board's existing electronic system: DOL Appeals. As a result, the 
Board receives filings in both paper and electronic form. The Board's 
long-term goal is to have entirely electronic case files (e-case 
files), which would significantly benefit both the Board and the 
participants in Board appeals by allowing the Board to more efficiently 
process incoming documents, reducing the time it takes to adjudicate 
claims. Requiring attorneys and non-attorney representatives to use e-
filing and e-service will help the Board move toward this goal.
    The Board currently uses DOL Appeals, a consolidated web-based case 
tracking system deployed in FY2011 to replace individual legacy 
applications and streamline business processes specific to each of the 
three Adjudicatory Boards in the Department: The Board, the Benefits 
Review Board (BRB), and the Employees' Compensation Appeals Board 
(ECAB). The Board has been delegated authority by the Secretary of 
Labor to issue

[[Page 1836]]

decisions on appeal in cases arising under a variety of worker 
protection laws, including those governing environmental, 
transportation, and securities whistleblower protections; H-1B 
immigration provisions; child labor; employment discrimination; job 
training; seasonal and migrant workers; and Federal construction and 
service contracts. The BRB reviews appeals of administrative law 
judges' decisions arising under the Black Lung Benefits Act, the 
Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act and its extensions. ECAB 
hears appeals taken from determinations and awards under the Federal 
Employees' Compensation Act with respect to claims of Federal employees 
injured in the course of their employment.
    The DOL Appeals case management system has provided a broad range 
of capabilities to the Boards' staff for inputting, processing, 
tracking, managing, and reporting specific details on thousands of 
cases since its initial implementation. In FY2013, the system was 
enhanced to provide access to the general public. Currently, more 
than1,400 individuals are registered users of the DOL Appeals system. 
Users have the ability to check their case status, electronically file 
motions and briefs, and receive Board issuances electronically. 
However, users who e-file documents must still serve those documents on 
other parties by some other method (typically mail, commercial 
delivery, or electronic mail), as DOL Appeals does not have an 
automatic e-service function like that of the Federal courts' 
electronic filing and service systems. Moreover, because e-filing is 
optional, the Board continues to receive many paper filings, including 
from attorneys and non-attorney representatives.
    At present, the Board lacks sufficient resources to digitally image 
all pleadings received in paper form, and that option is unduly 
burdensome and labor intensive. Furthermore, if e-filing remains 
optional, it is unlikely that the Board will achieve the goal of 
completely electronic case files. If, however, parties are required to 
e-file all documents through the Department's electronic case 
management system, imaging the remaining paper pleadings from 
authorized parties would be more manageable for the Board. In addition, 
greater utilization of e-filing and e-service will reduce case 
processing times by eliminating the timeframes required to allow for 
the delivery of traditional mailings. These time savings will allow the 
Board to more efficiently process appeals without any sacrifice to 
quality of work and will also greatly reduce mailing and copying costs 
for both the Board and the parties.
    Additionally, in an effort to improve e-filing and e-service 
Department-wide, the rule amends provisions regarding filing and 
service with the Office of Administrative Law Judges (OALJ) for 
consistency with proposed amendments to the OALJ rules of practice and 
procedure in 29 CFR part 18.

IV. Discussion of Changes

A. Administrative Review Board Rules of Practice and Procedure

    The Department proposes to add a new section to the Code of Federal 
Regulations at 29 CFR part 26 in order to establish rules of practice 
and procedure for the Board regarding filing and service and to address 
some general procedural matters.
Sec.  26.1 Purpose and Scope
    This section is a new provision addressing the purpose of part 26 
and the scope of the Board's authority. Proposed paragraph (a) provides 
that part 26 contains the rules of practice of the Board and that these 
rules shall govern all appeals and proceedings before the Board, except 
where inconsistent with a governing statute, regulation, or executive 
order. Proposed paragraph (b) provides that the Board has authority to 
act as the authorized representative of the Secretary of Labor in 
review or on appeal of decisions and recommendations, as provided in 
Secretary's Order 01-2020. The Board shall act as fully and finally as 
the Secretary of Labor concerning such matters, except as provided in 
Secretary's Order 01-2020 (or any successor to that order).
Sec.  26.2 General Procedural Matters
    This section is a new provision containing procedural provisions. 
Proposed paragraph (a) supplies definitions. Proposed paragraph (a)(1) 
defines the ARB to mean the Administrative Review Board. Proposed 
paragraph (a)(2) defines Electronic case management system to mean the 
Department of Labor's electronic filing and electronic service system 
for adjudications.
    Proposed paragraph (b) addresses computation of time. Proposed 
paragraph (b)(1) provides that when computing a time period stated in 
days, the day of the event that triggers the period should be excluded; 
every day, including intermediate Saturdays, Sundays, and legal 
holidays, should be counted; and the last day of the period should be 
included, but if the last day is a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, 
the period continues to run until the next day that is not a Saturday, 
Sunday, or legal holiday. Proposed paragraph (b)(2) addresses when the 
``last day'' ends. Proposed paragraph (b)(2)(i) provides that for 
electronic filing via the Department's electronic case management 
system or via other electronic means, the ``last day'' ends at 11:59:59 
p.m. Eastern Time on the due date. The Board chose this time zone 
because of its location in Washington, DC. Proposed paragraph 
(b)(2)(ii) provides that for non-electronic filing, the ``last day'' 
ends at the time the office of the Clerk of the Appellate Boards is 
scheduled to close in Washington, D.C on the due date. These rules are 
generally consistent with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, see 
Fed. R. Civ. P. 6(a), and the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure, see 
Fed. R. App. P. 26(a)(4). This provides a default where the applicable 
statute, regulation, executive order, or judge's order is silent. 
Proposed paragraph (c) provides the Board's mailing address.
Sec.  26.3 Filing
    This section is a new provision containing all filing requirements. 
Proposed paragraph (a) governs e-filing through the Department's 
electronic case management system. Proposed paragraph (a)(1) requires 
attorneys and lay representatives to file all petitions, pleadings, 
exhibits, and other documents with the Board via the Department's 
electronic case management system, and notes that paper copies are not 
required unless requested by the Board. As discussed above, mandating 
electronic filing and automatically serving documents electronically 
filed through the system will benefit the parties and improve case 
processing. This requirement would apply only to those documents filed 
45 days after the effective date or later. This time period between the 
effective date, when litigants can be certain that the direct final 
rule will not be withdrawn, and the applicability date, on which e-
filing becomes mandatory, would allow the Office of Administrative Law 
Judges to update its notices of appeal rights so that by the time e-
filing is mandatory, parties will have received a notice of appeal 
rights with updated information.
    Although Federal agencies are required by law to provide 
information and services via the internet, agencies must also consider 
the impact on persons without access to the internet and, to the extent 
practicable, ensure that the availability of government services has 
not been diminished for such persons. See 44 U.S.C. 3501.

[[Page 1837]]

Accordingly, the Department proposes to authorize non-electronic filing 
and service for good cause and will make e-filing and e-service 
optional for self-represented parties. The Board notes in this regard 
that e-filing is generally mandatory for attorneys in the Federal 
district courts and U.S. Courts of Appeals, unless an exemption for 
good cause is granted; only self-represented parties have the option of 
filing pleadings in paper form. Accordingly, proposed paragraph (a)(2) 
provides that attorneys and lay representatives may request an 
exemption to e-filing for good cause shown. Such a request must include 
a detailed explanation why e-filing or acceptance of e-service should 
not be required.
    Proposed paragraph (a)(3) allows self-represented (i.e., pro se) 
parties to file in either electronic or non-electronic format. This 
gives these parties the flexibility to easily participate in their 
cases.
    Proposed paragraph (a)(4) provides that documents filed via the 
Department's electronic case management system are filed when received, 
and are received as of the date and time recorded by the system. 
Paragraph (a)(5) allows for electronic signatures when a filing is made 
through a registered user's account and authorized by that person, 
along with the person's name. This is consistent with the Federal Rules 
of Civil Procedure, see Fed. R. Civ. P. 5(d)(3) and the Federal Rules 
of Appellate Procedure, see Fed. R. App. P. 25(2)(B)(iii). Many program 
regulations require filed documents to be signed, and this provision 
allows filers to comply while filing via the Department's electronic 
case management system.
    Proposed paragraph (a)(6) provides that a person who is adversely 
affected by a technical failure in connection with filing or receipt of 
an electronic document may seek appropriate relief from the Board. The 
Board encourages filers to retain documentation of the failure in these 
instances. Additionally, if technical malfunction or other issue 
prevents access to the Department's case management system for a 
protracted period, the Board by special order may provide appropriate 
relief pending restoration of electronic access.
    Proposed paragraph (b) addresses alternate methods of filing for 
persons who are excepted from e-filing or who have opted not to use e-
filing and provides that documents filed using methods other than the 
Department's electronic case management system (e.g., by email or mail) 
are considered filed when received by the Clerk of the Appellate 
Boards. This similar to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, see Fed. 
R. Civ. P. 5(d)(2), and provides a default for when laws governing a 
particular program do not specify the date of filing.
Sec.  26.4 Service
    This section contains all service requirements. Proposed paragraph 
(a) addresses electronic service. Proposed paragraph (a)(1) provides 
that electronic service may be completed by email if consented to in 
writing by the party being served. Proposed paragraph (a)(2) deems 
service completed by sending the document to a user registered with the 
Department's electronic case management system by filing via this 
system. This is consistent with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, 
see Fed. R. Civ. P. 5(b)(2)(E), and the Federal Rules of Appellate 
Procedure, see Fed. R. App. P. 25(c)(2), and provides a default for 
when laws governing a particular program do not specify the date of 
service. Proposed paragraph (a)(2) further provides that registering to 
use the Department's electronic case management system constitutes 
consent to service through the system. The Board would also issue 
decisions and orders electronically to registered users who are parties 
to a case.
    Proposed paragraph (b) addresses non-electronic service and allows 
for service to be completed by personal delivery, mail, or delivery via 
commercial carrier.
    Proposed paragraph (c) provides the effective date of each form of 
service. Proposed paragraph (c)(1) provides that service by personal 
delivery is effected on the date the document is delivered to the 
person being served. Proposed paragraph (c)(2) provides that service by 
mail or commercial carrier is effected on the date the document is 
mailed or delivered to the commercial carrier. Proposed paragraph 
(c)(3) provides that service by electronic means, including via the 
Department's electronic case management system and via email, is 
effective on sending. This is similar to the Federal Rules of Civil 
Procedure, see Fed. R. Civ. P. 5(b)(2), and provides a default for when 
laws governing a particular program do not specify the date of service.

B. Additional Changes

    The Department proposes to revise several parts of the Code of 
Federal Regulations: 20 CFR parts 641, 655, 658, 667, 683, and 726; 29 
CFR parts 7, 8, 22, 24, 29, 37, 38, 96, 417, 458, 500, 525, 530, 580, 
1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987 and 1988; 
and 41 CFR part 60-30 to harmonize the filing provisions with 29 CFR 
part 26 and improve e-filing and e-service Department-wide.
1. Changes to Requirements for Filing and Service by Mail or Personal 
Delivery
    Many regulations require parties to file and serve documents by 
mail or by personal delivery in cases pending before the Board. To 
ensure that the regulations allow for e-filing and e-service through 
the Department's electronic case management system, and via email when 
permissible, the Department proposes to remove requirements for filing 
and service by mail and personal delivery to allow for e-filing and e-
service, except where required by statute. Using the general terms 
``filing'' and ``service'' will allow for all forms of filing and 
service permitted by 29 CFR part 26. The Department also proposes to 
cross-reference the Board's rules of practice and procedure at 29 CFR 
part 26 and the OALJ's rules of practice and procedure at 29 CFR part 
18 where necessary to clarify the application of those parts.
    Further, in 29 CFR parts 24 and 1978-88, where the Occupational 
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is required to deliver its 
findings and orders by certified mail, the Department proposes to allow 
OSHA to deliver such findings and orders by means that allow it to 
confirm delivery to all parties of record and each party's legal 
counsel. This would provide flexibility to the agency and allow for 
electronic delivery when appropriate.
2. Changes to Requirements To Send Copies of Documents
    Many regulations require parties to send additional paper copies of 
all documents to the Board. To allow for better transition to full 
electronic case management and to simplify the filing process for 
parties, the Department proposes to remove requirements to send copies 
of all documents to the Board. Paper copies are not necessary when e-
filing, and the Board no longer needs multiple paper copies from self-
represented parties or those who are granted an exemption from e-
filing.
3. Nomenclature and Other Technical Changes
    To update the regulations for clarity, accuracy, and to comply with 
29 CFR part 26, the Department proposes to make several technical 
changes to the regulations. Specifically, the Department proposes to 
remove outdated mailing addresses for both the Board and the Office of 
Administrative

[[Page 1838]]

Law Judges. The Department also proposes to update the regulations that 
require documents to be filed with the Executive Director of the Board 
to require that documents be filed the Clerk of the Appellate Boards. 
The Department also proposes to update the authorities section in 29 
CFR parts 7, 8, and 458 to include the applicable Secretary's Order, 
Secretary's Order 01-2020. Finally, the Department proposes to update 
the pronouns in 29 CFR 417.15 to account for a previous change from 
``Secretary'' to ``Board.''
    4. Changes to References to the Secretary
    The Department proposes to revise references to the ``Secretary'' 
or the ``authority head'' to the ``Administrative Review Board,'' 
``Board,'' or ``ARB'' to clarify the authority and responsibilities of 
the Board. Many regulations, particularly older ones, contain 
references to the ``Secretary'' or ``authority head'' for 
responsibilities that have been delegated to the Board by the 
Secretary. Where necessary, these changes are accompanied by a 
provision allowing for discretionary review by the Secretary, in 
accordance with Secretary's Order 01-2020 (or any successor to that 
order). In such cases, Board decisions would become final in accordance 
with the finality provisions of Secretary's Order 01-2020, or any 
successor to that order.

V. Administrative Requirements of the Proposed Rulemaking

Executive Orders 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review; 13563, 
Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review; and 13777, Reducing 
Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs

    Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess the 
costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if 
regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize 
net benefits (including potential economic, environmental, public 
health and safety effects, distributive impacts, and equity). Executive 
Order 13563 emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and 
benefits, of reducing costs, of harmonizing rules, and of promoting 
flexibility. Executive Order 13771 directs agencies to reduce 
regulation and control regulatory costs and provides that ``for every 
one new regulation issued, at least two prior regulations be identified 
for elimination, and that the cost of planned regulations be prudently 
managed and controlled through a budgeting process.''
    This proposed rule has been drafted and reviewed in accordance with 
Executive Order 12866. The Department of Labor, in coordination with 
the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), determined that this 
proposed rule is not a significant regulatory action under section 3(f) 
of Executive Order 12866 because the rule will not have an annual 
effect on the economy of $100 million or more; will not create a 
serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere with an action taken or 
planned by another agency; and will not materially alter the budgetary 
impact of entitlements, grants, user fees, or loan programs or the 
rights and obligations of recipients thereof. Furthermore, the rule 
does not raise a novel legal or policy issue arising out of legal 
mandates, the President's priorities, or the principles set forth in 
the Executive Order.
    OMB has not designated this rule a significant regulatory action 
under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866. Accordingly, OMB has not 
reviewed it. As this rule is not a significant regulatory action, this 
rule is exempt from the requirements of Executive Order 13771. See 
OMB's Memorandum ``Guidance Implementing Executive Order 13771, Titled 
`Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs''' (April 5, 
2017).

Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980

    Because no notice of proposed rulemaking is required for this rule 
under section 553(b) of the Administrative Procedure Act, the 
regulatory flexibility requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 
5 U.S.C. 601, do not apply to this rule. See 5 U.S.C. 601(2).

Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA)

    The Department has determined that this proposed rule is not 
subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. 
3501 et seq. (PRA), as this rulemaking involves administrative actions 
to which the Federal government is a party or that occur after an 
administrative case file has been opened regarding a particular 
individual. See 5 CFR 1320.4(a)(2), (c).

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 and Executive Order 13132, 
Federalism

    The Department has reviewed this proposed rule in accordance with 
the requirements of Executive Order 13132 and the Unfunded Mandates 
Reform Act of 1995, 2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq., and has found no potential 
or substantial direct effects on the states, on the relationship 
between the national government and the states, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. 
As there is no Federal mandate contained herein that could result in 
increased expenditures by state, local, and tribal governments, or by 
the private sector, the Department has not prepared a budgetary impact 
statement.

Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal 
Governments

    The Department has reviewed this proposed rule in accordance with 
Executive Order 13175 and has determined that it does not have ``tribal 
implications.'' The proposed rule does not ``have substantial direct 
effects on one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the 
Federal government and Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power 
and responsibilities between the Federal government and Indian 
tribes.''

Executive Order 13211, Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use

    The Department has reviewed this proposed rule and has determined 
that the provisions of Executive Order 13211 are not applicable as this 
is not a significant regulatory action and there are no direct or 
implied effects on energy supply, distribution, or use.

List of Subjects

20 CFR Part 641

    Administrative practice and procedure, Grievance procedure and 
appeals process, Senior Community Service Employment Program, Services 
to participants.

20 CFR Part 655

    Administrative practice and procedure, Labor certification process 
for temporary employment.

20 CFR Part 658

    Administrative practice and procedure, Complaint system, 
Discontinuation of services, State workforce agency compliance, Federal 
application of remedial action to state workforce agencies, Wagner-
Peyser Act Employment Service.

20 CFR Part 667

    Adjudication and Judicial Review, Administrative practice and 
procedure, Oversight and monitoring, Grievance procedures, complaints, 
and state appeal processes, Sanctions, corrective actions, and waiver 
of liability, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Resolution of 
findings, Workforce Investment Act.

20 CFR Part 683

    Adjudication and judicial review, Administrative practice and 
procedure, Funding and closeout, Grievance

[[Page 1839]]

procedures, complaints, and state appeal processes, Oversight and 
resolution of findings, Pay-for-performance contract strategies, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Rules, costs, and 
limitations, Sanctions, corrective actions, and waiver of liability, 
Workforce Innovation And Opportunity Act.

20 CFR Part 726

    Administrative practice and procedure, Black lung benefits, 
Authorization of self-insurers, Civil money penalties.

29 CFR Part 7

    Administrative practice and procedure, Government contracts, 
Minimum wages.

29 CFR Part 8

    Administrative practice and procedure, Government contracts, 
Minimum wages.

29 CFR Part 22

    Administrative practice and procedure, Appeal to the Administrative 
Review Board.

29 CFR Part 24

    Administrative practice and procedure, Employee protection, 
Findings, Litigation, Investigations, Retaliation complaints, 
Environmental protection, Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, as 
amended.

29 CFR Part 26

    Administrative practice and procedure.

29 CFR Part 29

    Administrative practice and procedure, Apprenticeship programs, 
Labor standards, State apprenticeship agencies.

29 CFR Part 37

    Administrative practice and procedure, Workforce Investment Act of 
1998, Obligations of recipients and governors, Compliance procedures.

29 CFR Part 38

    Administrative practice and procedure, Compliance procedures, 
Obligations of recipients and governors, Workforce Innovation and 
Opportunity Act.

29 CFR Part 96

    Administrative practice and procedure, Audit requirements, Grants, 
contracts, and other agreements.

29 CFR Part 417

    Administrative practice and procedure, Labor management standards, 
Procedures for removal of local labor organization officers.

29 CFR Part 458

    Administrative practice and procedure, Standards of conduct, Labor-
Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959.

29 CFR Part 500

    Administrative practice and procedure, Migrant and seasonal 
agricultural worker protection, Enforcement, Worker protections, 
Registration, Motor vehicles, Housing.

29 CFR Part 525

    Administrative practice and procedure, Workers with disabilities, 
Wage rates, Special certificates.

29 CFR Part 530

    Administrative practice and procedure, Homeworkers, Employer 
Certificates, Denial/revocation of certificates, Civil money penalties.

29 CFR Part 580

    Administrative practice and procedure, Assessing and contesting, 
Civil money penalties.

29 CFR Part 1978

    Administrative practice and procedure, Employee protection, 
Findings, Investigations Litigation, Retaliation complaints, Surface 
Transportation Assistance Act of 1982.

29 CFR Part 1979

    Administrative practice and procedure, Employee protection, 
Findings, Litigation, Investigations, Retaliation complaints, Wendell 
H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century.

29 CFR Part 1980

    Administrative practice and procedure, Employee protection, 
Findings, Investigations, Litigation, Retaliation complaints, Sarbanes-
Oxley Act of 2002.

29 CFR Part 1981

    Administrative practice and procedure, Employee protection, 
Findings, Litigation, Investigations, Pipeline Safety Improvement Act 
of 2002, Retaliation complaints.

29 CFR Part 1982

    Administrative practice and procedure, Employee protection, 
Findings, Litigation, Investigations, National Transit Systems Security 
Act, Federal Railroad Safety Act, Retaliation complaints.

29 CFR Part 1983

    Administrative practice and procedure, Consumer Product Safety 
Improvement Act of 2008, Employee protection, Findings, Investigations, 
Litigation, Retaliation complaints.

29 CFR Part 1984

    Administrative practice and procedure, Affordable Care Act, 
Employee protection, Findings, Investigations, Litigation, Retaliation 
complaints.

29 CFR Part 1985

    Administrative practice and procedure, Consumer Financial 
Protection Act of 2010, Employee protection, Findings, Investigations, 
Litigation, Retaliation complaints.

29 CFR Part 1986

    Administrative practice and procedure, Employee protection, 
Findings, Investigations, Litigation, Retaliation complaints, Seaman's 
Protection Act.

29 CFR Part 1987

    Administrative practice and procedure, Employee protection, FDA 
Food Safety Modernization Act, Findings, Investigations, Litigation, 
Retaliation complaints.

29 CFR Part 1988

    Administrative practice and procedure, Employee protection, 
Findings, Investigations, Litigation, Moving Ahead for Progress in the 
21st Century Act, Retaliation complaints.

41 CFR Part 60-30

    Administrative practice and procedure, Equal opportunity, Executive 
Order 11246, Property management, Public contracts.

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Department proposes 
to amend Titles 20, 29, and 41 of the Code of Federal Regulations as 
set forth below:

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Title 20: Employees' Benefits

Employment and Training Administration

PART 641--PROVISIONS GOVERNING THE SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICE 
EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM

0
1. The authority citation for part 641 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 3056 et seq.; Pub. L. 114-144, 130 Stat. 
334 (Apr. 19, 2016).


[[Page 1840]]


0
2. In Sec.  641.900, revise paragraphs (d) and (e) to read as follows:


Sec.  641.900  What appeal process is available to an applicant that 
does not receive a grant?

* * * * *
    (d) A request for a hearing must be filed with the Chief 
Administrative Law Judge, U.S. Department of Labor, with one copy to 
the Departmental official who issued the determination.
    (e) The decision of the ALJ constitutes final agency action unless, 
within 21 days of the decision, a party dissatisfied with the ALJ's 
decision, in whole or in part, has filed a petition for review with the 
Administrative Review Board (ARB) (established under Secretary's Order 
No. 01-2020), specifically identifying the procedure, fact, law, or 
policy to which exception is taken, in accordance with 29 CFR part 26. 
The Department will deem any exception not specifically urged to have 
been waived. A copy of the petition for review must be sent to the 
grant officer at that time. If, within 30 days of the filing of the 
petition for review, the ARB does not notify the parties that the case 
has been accepted for review, then the decision of the ALJ constitutes 
final agency action. In any case accepted by the ARB, a decision must 
be issued by the ARB within 180 days of acceptance. If a decision is 
not so issued, the decision of the ALJ constitutes final agency action.
* * * * *
0
3. In Sec.  641.920, revise paragraphs (d)(1) and (5) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  641.920  What actions of the Department may a grantee appeal and 
what procedures apply to those appeals?

* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (1) Within 21 days of receipt of the Department's final 
determination, the grantee may file a request for a hearing with the 
Chief Administrative Law Judge, United States Department of Labor, in 
accordance with 29 CFR part 18, with a copy to the Department official 
who signed the final determination.
* * * * *
    (5) The decision of the ALJ constitutes final agency action unless, 
within 21 days of the decision, a party dissatisfied with the ALJ's 
decision, in whole or in part, has filed a petition for review with the 
ARB (established under Secretary's Order No. 01-2020), specifically 
identifying the procedure, fact, law, or policy to which exception is 
taken, in accordance with 29 CFR part 26. The Department will deem any 
exception not specifically argued to have been waived. A copy of the 
petition for review must be sent to the grant officer at that time. If, 
within 30 days of the filing of the petition for review, the ARB does 
not notify the parties that the case has been accepted for review, then 
the decision of the ALJ constitutes final agency action. In any case 
accepted by the ARB, a decision must be issued by the ARB within 180 
days of acceptance. If a decision is not so issued, the decision of the 
ALJ constitutes final agency action.

PART 655--TEMPORARY EMPLOYMENT OF FOREIGN WORKERS IN THE UNITED 
STATES

0
4. The authority citation for part 655 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: Section 655.0 issued under 8 U.S.C. 
1101(a)(15)(E)(iii), 1101(a)(15)(H)(i) and (ii), 8 U.S.C. 
1103(a)(6), 1182(m), (n), and (t), 1184(c), (g), and (j), 1188, and 
1288(c) and (d); sec. 3(c)(1), Pub. L. 101-238, 103 Stat. 2099, 2102 
(8 U.S.C. 1182 note); sec. 221(a), Pub. L. 101-649, 104 Stat. 4978, 
5027 (8 U.S.C. 1184 note); sec. 303(a)(8), Pub. L. 102-232, 105 
Stat. 1733, 1748 (8 U.S.C. 1101 note); sec. 323(c), Pub. L. 103-206, 
107 Stat. 2428; sec. 412(e), Pub. L. 105-277, 112 Stat. 2681 (8 
U.S.C. 1182 note); sec. 2(d), Pub. L. 106-95, 113 Stat. 1312, 1316 
(8 U.S.C. 1182 note); 29 U.S.C. 49k; Pub. L. 107-296, 116 Stat. 
2135, as amended; Pub. L. 109-423, 120 Stat. 2900; 8 CFR 
214.2(h)(4)(i); 8 CFR 214.2(h)(6)(iii); and sec. 6, Pub. L. 115-218, 
132 Stat. 1547 (48 U.S.C. 1806).
    Subpart A issued under 8 CFR 214.2(h).
    Subpart B issued under 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(a), 1184(c), 
and 1188; and 8 CFR 214.2(h).
    Subpart E issued under 48 U.S.C. 1806.
    Subparts F and G issued under 8 U.S.C. 1288(c) and (d); sec. 
323(c), Pub. L. 103-206, 107 Stat. 2428; and 28 U.S.C. 2461 note, 
Pub. L. 114-74 at section 701.
    Subparts H and I issued under 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) and 
(b)(1), 1182(n) and (t), and 1184(g) and (j); sec. 303(a)(8), Pub. 
L. 102-232, 105 Stat. 1733, 1748 (8 U.S.C. 1101 note); sec. 412(e), 
Pub. L. 105-277, 112 Stat. 2681; 8 CFR 214.2(h); and 28 U.S.C. 2461 
note, Pub. L. 114-74 at section 701.
    Subparts L and M issued under 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(c) and 
1182(m); sec. 2(d), Pub. L. 106-95, 113 Stat. 1312, 1316 (8 U.S.C. 
1182 note); Pub. L. 109-423, 120 Stat. 2900; and 8 CFR 214.2(h).

* * * * *
0
5. In Sec.  655.182, revise paragraphs (f)(3) and (f)(5)(i) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  655.182  Debarment.

* * * * *
    (f) * * *
    (3) Hearing. The recipient of a Notice of Debarment may request a 
debarment hearing within 30 calendar days of the date of a Notice of 
Debarment or the date of a final determination of the OFLC 
Administrator after review of rebuttal evidence submitted pursuant to 
Sec.  655.182(f)(2). To obtain a debarment hearing, the debarred party 
must, within 30 days of the date of the Notice or the final 
determination, file a written request with the Chief Administrative Law 
Judge, United States Department of Labor, in accordance with 29 CFR 
part 18, and simultaneously serve a copy to the OFLC Administrator. The 
debarment will take effect 30 days from the date the Notice of 
Debarment or final determination is issued, unless a request for review 
is properly filed within 30 days from the issuance of the Notice of 
Debarment or final determination. The timely filing of a request for a 
hearing stays the debarment pending the outcome of the hearing. Within 
10 days of receipt of the request for a hearing, the OFLC Administrator 
will send a certified copy of the ETA case file to the Chief ALJ by 
means normally assuring next-day delivery. The Chief ALJ will 
immediately assign an ALJ to conduct the hearing. The procedures in 29 
CFR part 18 apply to such hearings, except that the request for a 
hearing will not be considered to be a complaint to which an answer is 
required.
* * * * *
    (5) Review by the ARB. (i) Any party wishing review of the decision 
of an ALJ must, within 30 days of the decision of the ALJ, petition the 
ARB to review the decision in accordance with 29 CFR part 26. Copies of 
the petition must be served on all parties and on the ALJ. The ARB will 
decide whether to accept the petition within 30 days of receipt. If the 
ARB declines to accept the petition, or if the ARB does not issue a 
notice accepting a petition within 30 days after the receipt of a 
timely filing of the petition, the decision of the ALJ will be deemed 
the final agency action. If a petition for review is accepted, the 
decision of the ALJ will be stayed unless and until the ARB issues an 
order affirming the decision. The ARB must serve notice of its decision 
to accept or not to accept the petition upon the ALJ and upon all 
parties to the proceeding.
* * * * *
0
6. In Sec.  655.473, revise paragraphs (f)(3)(i) and (f)(5)(i) to read 
as follows:


Sec.  655.473  Debarment.

* * * * *
    (f) * * *
    (3) Request for review. (i) The recipient of a Notice of Debarment 
or Final Determination seeking to challenge the debarment must request 
review of the debarment within 30 calendar days of the date of the 
Notice of Debarment or the date of the Final Determination by the OFLC 
Administrator after review of rebuttal

[[Page 1841]]

evidence submitted under paragraph (f)(2) of this section. A request 
for review of debarment must be filed in writing with the Chief ALJ, 
United States Department of Labor, in accordance with 29 CFR part 18, 
with a simultaneous copy served on the OFLC Administrator; the request 
must clearly identify the particular debarment determination for which 
review is sought; and must set forth the particular grounds for the 
request. If no timely request for review is filed, the debarment will 
take effect on the date specified in the Notice of Debarment or Final 
Determination, or if no date is specified, 30 calendar days from the 
date the Notice of Debarment or Final Determination is issued.
* * * * *
    (5) Review by the ARB. (i) Any party wishing review of the decision 
of an ALJ must, within 30 calendar days of the decision of the ALJ, 
petition the ARB to review the decision in accordance with 29 CFR part 
26. Copies of the petition must be served on all parties and on the 
ALJ. The ARB will decide whether to accept the petition within 30 
calendar days of receipt. If the ARB declines to accept the petition, 
or if the ARB does not issue a notice accepting a petition within 30 
calendar days after the receipt of a timely filing of the petition, the 
decision of the ALJ is the final agency action. If a petition for 
review is accepted, the decision of the ALJ will be stayed unless and 
until the ARB issues an order affirming the decision. The ARB must 
serve notice of its decision to accept or not to accept the petition 
upon the ALJ and upon all parties to the proceeding.
* * * * *
0
7. In Sec.  655.845, revise paragraph (f) to read as follows:


Sec.  655.845  What rules apply to appeal of the decision of the 
administrative law judge?

* * * * *
    (f) All documents submitted to the Board shall be filed with the 
Administrative Review Board in accordance with 29 CFR part 26. 
Documents are not deemed filed with the Board until actually received 
by the Board. All documents, including documents filed by mail, shall 
be received by the Board either on or before the due date.
* * * * *
0
8. In Sec.  655.1245, revise paragraph (f) to read as follows:


Sec.  655.1245   Who can appeal the ALJ's decision and what is the 
process?

* * * * *
    (f) All documents submitted to the Board must be filed with the 
Administrative Review Board in accordance with 29 CFR part 26. 
Documents are not deemed filed with the Board until actually received 
by the Board. All documents, including documents filed by mail, must be 
received by the Board either on or before the due date.
* * * * *

PART 658--ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS GOVERNING THE 
WAGNER[dash]PEYSER ACT EMPLOYMENT SERVICE

0
9. The authority citation for part 658 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: Secs. 189, 503, Pub. L. 113-128, 128 Stat. 1425 (Jul. 
22, 2014); 29 U.S.C. chapter 4B.

0
10. In Sec.  658.710, revise paragraph (d) to read as follows:


Sec.  658.710  Decision of the Administrative Law Judge.

* * * * *
    (d) If the case involves the decertification of an appeal to the 
SWA, the decision of the ALJ must contain a notice stating that, within 
30 calendar days of the decision, the SWA or the Administrator may 
appeal to the Administrative Review Board, United States Department of 
Labor, by filing an appeal with the Administrative Review Board in 
accordance with 29 CFR part 26.

PART 667--ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS UNDER TITLE I OF THE WORKFORCE 
INVESTMENT ACT

0
11. The authority citation for part 667 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: Subtitle C of Title I, Sec. 506(c), Pub. L. 105-220, 
112 Stat. 936 (20 U.S.C. 9276(c)); Executive Order 13198, 66 FR 
8497, 3 CFR 2001 Comp., p. 750; Executive Order 13279, 67 FR 77141, 
3 CFR 2002 Comp., p. 258.

0
12. In Sec.  667.800, revise paragraph (d) to read as follows:


Sec.  667.800  What actions of the Department may be appealed to the 
Office of Administrative Law Judges?

* * * * *
    (d) A request for a hearing must be filed with the Chief 
Administrative Law Judge, U.S. Department of Labor, in accordance with 
29 CFR part 18, with one copy to the Departmental official who issued 
the determination.
* * * * *
0
13. In Sec.  667.830, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  667.830  When will the Administrative Law Judge issue a decision?

* * * * *
    (b) The decision of the ALJ constitutes final agency action unless, 
within 20 days of the decision, a party dissatisfied with the ALJ's 
decision has filed a petition for review with the Administrative Review 
Board (ARB) (established under Secretary's Order No. 01-2020), 
specifically identifying the procedure, fact, law, or policy to which 
exception is taken, in accordance with 29 CFR part 26. Any exception 
not specifically urged is deemed to have been waived. A copy of the 
petition for review must be sent to the opposing party at that time. 
Thereafter, the decision of the ALJ constitutes final agency action 
unless the ARB, within 30 days of the filing of the petition for 
review, notifies the parties that the case has been accepted for 
review. In any case accepted by the ARB, a decision must be issued by 
the ARB within 180 days of acceptance. If a decision is not so issued, 
the decision of the ALJ constitutes final agency action.

PART 683--ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS UNDER TITLE I OF THE WORKFORCE 
INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY ACT

0
14. The authority citation for Part 683 is revised to read as follows:

    Authority: Secs. 102, 116, 121, 127, 128, 132, 133, 147, 167, 
169, 171, 181, 185, 186, 189, 195, 503, Pub. L. 113-128, 128 Stat. 
1425 (Jul. 22, 2014).

0
15. In Sec.  683.800, revise paragraph (d) to read as follows:


Sec.  683.800  What actions of the Department may be appealed to the 
Office of Administrative Law Judges?

* * * * *
    (d) A request for a hearing must be filed with the Chief 
Administrative Law Judge, U.S. Department of Labor, in accordance with 
29 CFR part 18, with one copy to the Departmental official who issued 
the determination.
* * * * *
0
16. In Sec.  683.830, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  683.830  When will the Administrative Law Judge issue a decision?

* * * * *
    (b) The decision of the ALJ constitutes final agency action unless, 
within 20 days of the decision, a party dissatisfied with the ALJ's 
decision has filed a petition for review with the Administrative Review 
Board (ARB) (established under Secretary's Order No. 01-2020), 
specifically identifying the procedure, fact, law, or policy to which 
exception is taken, in accordance with 29 CFR part 26. Any exception 
not specifically raised in the petition is deemed to have been waived. 
A copy of

[[Page 1842]]

the petition for review also must be sent to the opposing party and if 
an applicant or recipient, to the Grant Officer and the Grant Officer's 
Counsel at the time of filing. Unless the ARB, within 30 days of the 
filing of the petition for review, notifies the parties that the case 
has been accepted for review, the decision of the ALJ constitutes final 
agency action. In any case accepted by the ARB, a decision must be 
issued by the ARB within 180 days of acceptance. If a decision is not 
so issued, the decision of the ALJ constitutes final agency action.

PART 726--BLACK LUNG BENEFITS; REQUIREMENTS FOR COAL MINE 
OPERATOR'S INSURANCE

0
17. The authority citation for part 726 is revised to read as follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 30 U.S.C. 901 et seq., 902(f), 925, 
932, 933, 934, 936; 33 U.S.C. 901 et seq.; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note 
(Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990 (as 
amended by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act 
Improvements Act of 2015)); Pub. L. 114-74 at sec. 701; 
Reorganization Plan No. 6 of 1950, 15 FR 3174; Secretary's Order 10-
2009, 74 FR 58834.

0
18. In Sec.  726.308, revise paragraphs (a) and (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  726.308  Service and computation of time.

    (a) Service of documents under this subpart while the matter is 
before OWCP shall be made by delivery to the person, an officer of a 
corporation, or attorney of record, or by mailing the document to the 
last known address of the person, officer, or attorney. If service is 
made by mail, it shall be considered complete upon mailing. Unless 
otherwise provided in this subpart, service need not be made by 
certified mail. If service is made by delivery, it shall be considered 
complete upon actual receipt by the person, officer, or attorney; upon 
leaving it at the person's, officer's, or attorney's office with a 
clerk or person in charge; upon leaving it at a conspicuous place in 
the office if no one is in charge; or by leaving it at the person's or 
attorney's residence.
    (b) Service made after a complaint is filed under Sec.  726.309 
must be made in accordance with 29 CFR part 18, as appropriate. When 
proceedings are initiated for review by the Administrative Review Board 
under Sec.  726.314, service must be made in accordance with 29 CFR 
part 26, as appropriate.
* * * * *
0
19. In Sec.  726.314, revise the section heading and paragraph (a) to 
read as follows:


Sec.  726.314  Review by the Administrative Review Board.

    (a) The Director or any party aggrieved by a decision of the 
Administrative Law Judge may petition the Administrative Review Board 
(Board) for review of the decision by filing a petition within 30 days 
of the date on which the decision was issued. Any other party may file 
a cross-petition for review within 15 days of its receipt of a petition 
for review or within 30 days of the date on which the decision was 
issued, whichever is later. Copies of any petition or cross-petition 
shall be served on all parties and on the Chief Administrative Law 
Judge.
* * * * *
0
20. Revise Sec.  726.316 to read as follows:


Sec.  726.316  Filing and service.

    (a) Filing. All documents submitted to the Administrative Review 
Board (Board) shall be filed in accordance with 29 CFR part 26.
    (b) Computation of time for delivery by mail. Documents are not 
deemed filed with the Board until actually received by the Board either 
on or before the due date. No additional time shall be added where 
service of a document requiring action within a prescribed time was 
made by mail.
    (c) Manner and proof of service. A copy of each document filed with 
the Board shall be served upon all other parties involved in the 
proceeding in accordance with 29 CFR part 26.
0
21. Revise Sec.  726.317 to read as follows:


Sec.  726.317  Discretionary review.

    (a) Following receipt of a timely petition for review, the 
Administrative Review Board (Board) shall determine whether the 
decision warrants review, and shall send a notice of such determination 
to the parties and the Chief Administrative Law Judge. If the Board 
declines to review the decision, the Administrative Law Judge's 
decision shall be considered the final decision of the agency. The 
Board's determination to review a decision by an Administrative Law 
Judge under this subpart is solely within the discretion of the Board.
    (b) The Board's notice shall specify:
    (1) The issue or issues to be reviewed; and
    (2) The schedule for submitting arguments, in the form of briefs or 
such other pleadings as the Board deems appropriate.
    (c) Upon receipt of the Board notice, the Director shall forward 
the record to the Board.
0
22. Revise Sec.  726.318 to read as follows:


Sec.  726.318  Decision of the Administrative Review Board.

    The Administrative Review Board's (Board) review shall be based 
upon the hearing record. The findings of fact in the decision under 
review shall be conclusive if supported by substantial evidence in the 
record as a whole. The Board's review of conclusions of law shall be de 
novo. Upon review of the decision, the Board may affirm, reverse, 
modify, or vacate the decision, and may remand the case to the Office 
of Administrative Law Judges for further proceedings. The Board's 
decision shall be served upon all parties and the Chief Administrative 
Law Judge in accordance with 29 CFR part 26.

Title 29: Labor

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF LABOR

PART 7--PRACTICE BEFORE THE ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW BOARD WITH REGARD 
TO FEDERAL AND FEDERALLY ASSISTED CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS

0
23. The authority citation for part 7 is revised to read as follows:

    Authority: Reorg. Plan No. 14 of 1950, 64 Stat. 1267; 5 U.S.C. 
301, 3 CFR, 1949-1953 Comp., p. 1007; sec. 2, 48 Stat. 948 as 
amended; 40 U.S.C. 276c; secs. 104, 105, 76 Stat. 358, 359; 40 
U.S.C. 330, 331; 65 Stat. 290; 36 FR 306, 8755; Secretary's Order 
No. 01-2020, 85 FR 13186 (March 6, 2020).

0
24. Revise Sec.  7.3 to read as follows:


Sec.  7.3  Where to file.

    The petition accompanied by a statement of service shall be filed 
with the Administrative Review Board, U.S. Department of Labor, in 
accordance with 29 CFR part 26. In addition, copies of the petition 
shall be served upon each of the following:
    (a) The Federal, State, or local agency, or agencies involved;
    (b) The officer issuing the wage determination; and
    (c) Any other person (or the authorized representatives of such 
persons) known, or reasonably expected, to be interested in the subject 
matter of the petition.
0
25. Revise Sec.  7.7 to read as follows:


Sec.  7.7   Presentations of other interested persons.

    Interested persons other than the petitioner shall have a 
reasonable opportunity as specified by the Board in particular cases to 
submit to the Board written data, views, or arguments relating to the 
petition. Such matter

[[Page 1843]]

should be filed with the Administrative Review Board, U.S. Department 
of Labor, in accordance with 29 CFR part 26. Copies of any such matter 
shall be served on the petitioner and other interested persons.
0
26. In Sec.  7.9, revise paragraph (a) to read as follows:


Sec.  7.9  Review of decisions in other proceedings.

    (a) Any party or aggrieved person shall have a right to file a 
petition for review with the Board within a reasonable time from any 
final decision in any agency action under part 1, 3, or 5 of this 
subtitle.
* * * * *
0
27. Revise Sec.  7.12 to read as follows:


Sec.  7.12  Intervention; other participation.

    (a) For good cause shown, the Board may permit any interested 
person or party to intervene or otherwise participate in any proceeding 
held by the Board. Except when requested orally before the Board, a 
petition to intervene or otherwise participate shall be in writing and 
shall state with precision and particularity:
    (1) The petitioner's relationship to the matters involved in the 
proceedings; and
    (2) The nature of the presentation which he would make.
    (b) Copies of the petition shall be served to all parties or 
interested persons known to participate in the proceeding, who may 
respond to the petition. Appropriate service shall be made of any 
response.
0
28. Amend Sec.  7.16 by:
0
a. Revising paragraph (a);
0
b. Removing paragraph (b);
0
c. Redesignating paragraphs (c) and (d) as paragraphs (b) and (c); and
0
d. Revising newly redesignated paragraph (b).
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  7.16  Filing and service.

    (a) Filing. All papers submitted to the Board under this part shall 
be filed with the Clerk of the Appellate Boards, U.S. Department of 
Labor.
    (b) Manner of service. Service under this part shall be by the 
filing party or interested person and in accordance with 29 CFR part 
26. Service by mail is complete on mailing.
* * * * *

PART 8--PRACTICE BEFORE THE ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW BOARD WITH REGARD 
TO FEDERAL SERVICE CONTRACTS

0
29. The authority citation for part 8 is revised to read as follows:

    Authority: Secs. 4 and 5, 79 Stat. 1034, 1035, as amended by 86 
Stat. 789, 790, 41 U.S.C. 353, 354; 5 U.S.C. 301; Reorg. Plan No. 14 
of 1950, 64 Stat. 1267, 5 U.S.C. Appendix; 76 Stat. 357-359, 40 
U.S.C. 327-332; Secretary's Order No. 01-2020, 85 FR 13186 (March 6, 
2020).

0
30. Amend Sec.  8.10 by:
0
a. Revising paragraph (a);
0
b. Removing paragraph (b);
0
c. Redesignating paragraphs (c), (d), and (e) as paragraphs (b), (c), 
and (d); and
0
d. Revising newly redesignated paragraph (b).
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  8.10   Filing and service.

    (a) Filing. All papers submitted to the Board under this part shall 
be filed with the Clerk of the Appellate Boards, U.S. Department of 
Labor.
    (b) Manner of service. Service under this part shall be in 
accordance with 29 CFR part 26. Service by mail is complete on mailing. 
For purposes of this part, filing is accomplished upon the day of 
service, by mail or otherwise.
* * * * *
0
31. In Sec.  8.12, by revise the introductory text to read as follows:


Sec.  8.12  Intervention; other participation.

    For good cause shown, the Board may permit any interested party to 
intervene or otherwise participate in any proceeding held by the Board. 
Except when requested orally before the Board, a petition to intervene 
or otherwise participate shall be in writing and shall state with 
precision and particularity:
* * * * *

PART 22--PROGRAM FRAUD CIVIL REMEDIES ACT OF 1986

0
32. The authority citation for part 22 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: Pub. L. 99-509, Sec.  6101-6104, 100 Stat. 1874, 31 
U.S.C. 3801-3812.

0
33. In Sec.  22.2:
0
a. Redesignate paragraphs (b) through (r) as paragraphs (c) through 
(s); and
0
b. Add new paragraph (b).
    The addition reads as follows:


Sec.  22.2  Definitions.

* * * * *
    (b) ARB means the Administrative Review Board delegated to act as 
the authorized representative of the Secretary of Labor in review or on 
appeal of decisions and recommendations as provided in Secretary's 
Order 01-2020 (or any successor to that order).
* * * * *
0
34. In Sec.  22.10, remove the words ``authority head'' and add in 
their place the word ``ARB'' wherever they occur in paragraphs (h) 
through (k) and revise paragraph (l).
    The revision reads as follows:


Sec.  22.10  Default upon failure to file an answer.

* * * * *
    (l) If the ARB decides that the defendant's failure to file a 
timely answer is not excused, the ARB shall reinstate the initial 
decision of the ALJ, which shall become final and binding upon the 
parties 30 days after the ARB issues such decision and it becomes final 
in accordance with Secretary's Order 01-2020 (or any successor to that 
order).
0
35. In Sec.  22.12, revise paragraph (a) to read as follows:


Sec.  22.12  Notice of hearing.

    (a) When the ALJ receives the complaint and answer, the ALJ shall 
promptly serve a notice of hearing upon the defendant in the manner 
prescribed by 29 CFR part 18. At the same time, the ALJ shall send a 
copy of such notice to the representative for the Government.
* * * * *
0
36. In Sec.  22.14, revise paragraph (a)(2) to read as follows:


Sec.  22.14  Separation of functions.

    (a) * * *
    (2) Participate or advise in the initial decision or the review of 
the initial decision by the ARB, except as a witness or a 
representative in public proceedings; or
* * * * *
0
37. In Sec.  22.16, revise paragraph (f)(3) to read as follows:


Sec.  22.16  Disqualification of reviewing official or ALJ.

* * * * *
    (f) * * *
    (3) If the ALJ denies a motion to disqualify, the ARB may determine 
the matter only as part of its review of the initial decision upon 
appeal, if any.
0
38. In Sec.  22.26, revise paragraphs (b) and (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  22.26  Form, filing and service of papers.

* * * * *
    (b) Service. A party filing a document with the ALJ shall, at the 
time of filing, serve a copy of such document on every other party. 
Service upon any party of any document other than those required to be 
served as prescribed in Sec.  22.8 shall be made in accordance with 29 
CFR part 18. When a party is represented by a representative, service 
shall be made upon such representative in lieu of the actual party.
    (c) Proof of service. A certificate of the individual serving the 
document, setting

[[Page 1844]]

forth the manner of service, shall be proof of service.


Sec.  22.31  [Amended]

0
39. In Sec.  22.31, remove the words ``authority head'' and add in 
their place the word ``ARB'' in paragraphs (a), (b) introductory text, 
and (c).
0
40. In Sec.  22.35, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  22.35  The record.

* * * * *
    (b) The transcript of testimony, exhibits, and other evidence 
admitted at the hearing, and all papers and requests filed in the 
proceeding constitute the record for the decision by the ALJ, the ARB, 
and the authority head.
* * * * *
0
41. In Sec.  22.37, revise paragraphs (c) and (d) to read as follows:


Sec.  22.37   Initial decision.

* * * * *
    (c) The ALJ shall promptly serve the initial decision on all 
parties within 90 days after the time for submission of post-hearing 
briefs and reply briefs (if permitted) has expired. The ALJ shall at 
the same time serve all parties with a statement describing the right 
of any defendant determined to be liable for a civil penalty or 
assessment to file a motion for reconsideration with the ALJ or a 
notice of appeal with the ARB. If the ALJ fails to meet the deadline 
contained in this paragraph, the ALJ shall notify the parties of the 
reason for the delay and shall set a new deadline.
    (d) Unless the initial decision of the ALJ is timely appealed to 
the ARB, or a motion for reconsideration of the initial decision is 
timely filed, the initial decision shall constitute the final decision 
of the authority head and shall be final and binding on the parties 30 
days after it is issued by the ALJ.
0
42. In Sec.  22.38, revise paragraphs (f) and (g) to read as follows:


Sec.  22.38  Reconsideration of initial decision.

* * * * *
    (f) If the ALJ denies a motion for reconsideration, the initial 
decision shall constitute the final decision of the authority head and 
shall be final and binding on the parties 30 days after the ALJ denies 
the motion, unless the initial decision is timely appealed to the ARB 
in accordance with Sec.  22.39.
    (g) If the ALJ issues a revised initial decision, that decision 
shall constitute the final decision of the authority head and shall be 
final and binding on the parties 30 days after it is issued, unless it 
is timely appealed to the ARB in accordance with Sec.  22.39.
0
43. In Sec.  22.39, revise paragraphs (a), (b)(3), (c), (f), and (h) 
through (l) to read as follows:


Sec.  22.39  Appeal to ARB.

    (a) Any defendant who has filed a timely answer and who is 
determined in an initial decision to be liable for a civil penalty or 
assessment may appeal such decision to the ARB by filing a notice of 
appeal with the ARB in accordance with this section and with 29 CFR 
part 26.
    (b) * * *
    (3) The ARB may extend the initial 30-day period for an additional 
30 days if the defendant files with the ARB a request for an extension 
within the initial 30-day period and shows good cause.
    (c) If the defendant files a timely notice of appeal with the ARB, 
and the time for filing motions for reconsideration under Sec.  22.38 
has expired, the ALJ shall forward the record of the proceeding to the 
ARB.
* * * * *
    (f) There is no right to appear personally before the ARB.
* * * * *
    (h) In reviewing the initial decision, the ARB shall not consider 
any objection that was not raised before the ALJ unless a demonstration 
is made of extraordinary circumstances causing the failure to raise the 
objection.
    (i) If any party demonstrates to the satisfaction of the ARB that 
additional evidence not presented at such hearing is material and that 
there were reasonable grounds for the failure to present such evidence 
at such hearing, the ARB shall remand the matter to the ALJ for 
consideration of such additional evidence.
    (j) The ARB may affirm, reduce, reverse, compromise, remand, or 
settle any penalty or assessment, determined by the ALJ in any initial 
decision. The ARB's decision is subject to discretionary review by the 
Secretary as provided in Secretary's Order 01-2020 (or any successor to 
that order).
    (k) The ARB shall promptly serve each party to the appeal with a 
copy of the decision of the ARB and a statement describing the right of 
any person determined to be liable for a penalty or assessment to seek 
judicial review.
    (l) Unless a petition for review is filed as provided in 31 U.S.C. 
3805 after a defendant has exhausted all administrative remedies under 
this part and within 60 days after the date on which the authority head 
serves the defendant with a copy of the authority head's decision, a 
determination that a defendant is liable under Sec.  22.3 is final and 
is not subject to judicial review.
0
44. In Sec.  22.41, revise paragraph (a) to read as follows:


Sec.  22.41  Stay pending appeal.

    (a) An initial decision is stayed automatically pending disposition 
of a motion for reconsideration or of an appeal to the ARB.
* * * * *

PART 24--PROCEDURES FOR THE HANDLING OF RETALIATION COMPLAINTS 
UNDER THE EMPLOYEE PROTECTION PROVISIONS OF SIX ENVIRONMENTAL 
STATUTES AND SECTION 211 OF THE ENERGY REORGANIZATION ACT OF 1974, 
AS AMENDED

0
45. The authority citation for part 24 is revised to read as follows:

    Authority: 15 U.S.C. 2622; 33 U.S.C. 1367; 42 U.S.C. 300j-
9(i)BVG, 5851, 6971, 7622, 9610; Secretary of Labor's Order No. 5-
2007, 72 FR 31160 (June 5, 2007); Secretary's Order No. 01-2020, 85 
FR 13186 (March 6, 2020).

0
46. In Sec.  24.105, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  24.105   Issuance of findings and orders.

* * * * *
    (b) The findings and order will be sent by means that allow OSHA to 
confirm delivery to all parties of record (and each party's legal 
counsel if the party is represented by counsel). The findings and order 
will inform the parties of their right to file objections and to 
request a hearing and provide the address of the Chief Administrative 
Law Judge. The Assistant Secretary will file a copy of the original 
complaint and a copy of the findings and order with the Chief 
Administrative Law Judge, U.S. Department of Labor.
* * * * *
0
47. In Sec.  24.106, revise paragraph (a) to read as follows:


Sec.  24.106  Objections to the findings and order and request for a 
hearing.

    (a) Any party who desires review, including judicial review, of the 
findings and order must file any objections and/or a request for a 
hearing on the record within 30 days of receipt of the findings and 
order pursuant to Sec.  24.105(b). The objection and/or request for a 
hearing must be in writing and state whether the objection is to the 
findings and/or the order. The date of the postmark, facsimile 
transmittal, email communication, or electronic submission will be 
considered to be the date of filing; if the objection is filed in 
person, by hand-delivery or other means, the objection is filed upon 
receipt. Objections must be filed with the Chief Administrative Law 
Judge,

[[Page 1845]]

U.S. Department of Labor, in accordance with 29 CFR part 18, and copies 
of the objections must be served at the same time on the other parties 
of record, the OSHA official who issued the findings and order, the 
Assistant Secretary, and the Associate Solicitor, Division of Fair 
Labor Standards, U.S. Department of Labor.
* * * * *
0
48. In Sec.  24.107, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  24.107  Hearings.

* * * * *
    (b) Upon receipt of an objection and request for hearing, the Chief 
Administrative Law Judge will promptly assign the case to a judge who 
will notify the parties of the day, time, and place of hearing. The 
hearing is to commence expeditiously, except upon a showing of good 
cause or otherwise agreed to by the parties. Hearings will be conducted 
de novo, on the record.
* * * * *
0
49. In Sec.  24.110, revise paragraphs (a) and (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  24.110  Decision and orders of the Administrative Review Board.

    (a) Any party desiring to seek review, including judicial review, 
of a decision of the ALJ must file a written petition for review with 
the ARB, U.S. Department of Labor, in accordance with 29 CFR part 26. 
The decision of the ALJ will become the final order of the Secretary 
unless, pursuant to this section, a timely petition for review is filed 
with the ARB and the ARB accepts the case for review. The parties 
should identify in their petitions for review the legal conclusions or 
orders to which they object, or the objections will ordinarily be 
deemed waived. A petition must be filed within 10 business days of the 
date of the decision of the ALJ. The date of the postmark, facsimile 
transmittal, email communication, or electronic submission will be 
considered to be the date of filing; if the petition is filed in 
person, by hand-delivery or other means, the petition is considered 
filed upon receipt. The petition must be served on all parties and on 
the Chief Administrative Law Judge at the time it is filed with the 
ARB. Copies of the petition for review and all briefs must be served on 
the Assistant Secretary, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 
and on the Associate Solicitor, Division of Fair Labor Standards, U.S. 
Department of Labor.
* * * * *
    (c) The final decision of the ARB will be issued within 90 days of 
the filing of the complaint. The decision will be served upon all 
parties and the Chief Administrative Law Judge. The final decision will 
also be served on the Assistant Secretary, Occupational Safety and 
Health Administration, and on the Associate Solicitor, Division of Fair 
Labor Standards, U.S. Department of Labor, even if the Assistant 
Secretary is not a party.
* * * * *
0
50. Add part 26 to read as follows:

PART 26--ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW BOARD RULES OF PRACTICE AND 
PROCEDURE

Sec.
26.1 Purpose and scope.
26.2 General procedural matters.
26.3 Filing.
26.4 Service.

    Authority: Secretary's Order 01-2020, 85 FR 13186 (March 6, 
2020).


Sec.  26.1  Purpose and scope.

    (a) This part contains the rules of practice of the Administrative 
Review Board (ARB) when it is exercising its authority as described in 
paragraph (b) of this section. These rules shall govern all appeals and 
proceedings before the ARB except when inconsistent with a governing 
statute, regulation, or executive order, in which event the latter 
shall control.
    (b) The ARB has authority to act as the authorized representative 
of the Secretary of Labor in review or on appeal of decisions and 
recommendations as provided in Secretary's Order 01-2020 (or any 
successor to that order). The ARB shall act as fully and finally as the 
Secretary of Labor concerning such matters, except as provided in 
Secretary's Order 01-2020 (or any successor to that order).


Sec.  26.2  General procedural matters.

    (a) Definitions. (1) ARB means the Administrative Review Board.
    (2) Electronic case management system means the Department of 
Labor's electronic filing and electronic service system for 
adjudications.
    (b) Computing time. (1) Unless a different time is set by statute, 
regulation, executive order, or judge's order, when computing a time 
period stated in days,
    (i) Exclude the day of the event that triggers the period;
    (ii) Count every day, including intermediate Saturdays, Sundays, 
and legal holidays; and
    (iii) Include the last day of the period, but if the last day is a 
Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the period continues to run until 
the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday.
    (2) Unless a different time is set by statute, regulation, 
executive order, or judge's order, the ``last day'' ends:
    (i) For electronic filing via the Department's electronic case 
management system or via other electronic means, at 11:59:59 Eastern 
Time on the due date.
    (ii) For non-electronic filing, at the time the office of the Clerk 
of the Appellate Boards is scheduled to close in Washington, DC on the 
due date.
    (c) Mailing address. The mailing address for the ARB is: 
Administrative Review Board, Clerk of the Appellate Boards, U.S. 
Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20210.


Sec.  26.3  Filing.

    (a) Filing by electronic submission (e-filing) via the Department's 
electronic case management system--(1) Attorneys and lay 
representatives. Except as otherwise provided in this section, 
beginning on [DATE 45 DAYS AFTER EFFECTIVE DATE OF FINAL RULE], 
attorneys and lay representatives must file all petitions, pleadings, 
exhibits, and other documents with the ARB via the Department's 
electronic case management system. Paper copies are not required unless 
requested by the ARB.
    (2) Good cause exception. Attorneys and lay representatives may 
request an exemption to e-filing for good cause shown. Such a request 
must include a detailed explanation why e-filing or acceptance of e-
service should not be required.
    (3) Self-represented persons. Self-represented persons may use but 
are not required to use the Department's electronic case management 
system to file documents.
    (4) Filing--date of receipt. Unless a different time is set by 
statute, regulation, executive order, or judge's order, a document is 
considered filed when received by the Clerk of the Appellate Boards. 
Documents filed through the Department's electronic case management 
system are considered received by the Clerk of the Appellate Boards as 
of the date and time recorded by the Department's electronic case 
management system.
    (5) Signing. A filing made through a registered user's account on 
the Department's electronic case management system and authorized by 
that person, together with that person's name on a signature block, 
constitutes the person's signature.
    (6) Relief for Technical Failures. A person who is adversely 
affected by a technical failure in connection with filing or receipt of 
an electronic

[[Page 1846]]

document may seek appropriate relief from the ARB. If a technical 
malfunction or other issue prevents access to the Department's case 
management system for a protracted period, the ARB by special order may 
provide appropriate relief pending restoration of electronic access.
    (b) Alternate methods of filing. Unless a different time is set by 
statute, regulation, executive order, or judge's order, a document 
filed using a method other than the Department's electronic case 
management system is considered filed when received by the Clerk of the 
Appellate Boards.


Sec.  26.4  Service.

    (a) Electronic service. Electronic service may be completed by
    (1) Electronic mail, if consented to in writing by the person 
served; or
    (2) Sending it to a user registered with the Department's 
electronic case management system by filing via this system. A person 
who registers to use the Department's case management system is deemed 
to have consented to accept service through the system.
    (b) Non-electronic service. Unless otherwise provided by statute, 
regulation, executive order, or judge's order, non-electronic service 
may be completed by:
    (1) Personal delivery;
    (2) Mail; or
    (3) Commercial delivery.
    (c) When service is effected. Unless otherwise provided by statute, 
regulation, executive order, or judge's order,
    (1) Service by personal delivery is effected on the date the 
document is delivered to the recipient.
    (2) Service by mail or commercial carrier is effected on mailing or 
delivery to the carrier.
    (3) Service by electronic means is effected on sending.

PART 29--LABOR STANDARDS FOR THE REGISTRATION OF APPRENTICESHIP 
PROGRAMS

0
51. The authority citation for part 29 is revised to read as follow:

    Authority: Section 1, 50 Stat. 664, as amended (29 U.S.C. 50; 40 
U.S.C. 3145; 5 U.S.C. 301) Reorganization Plan No. 14 of 1950, 64 
Stat. 1267 (5 U.S.C. App. P. 534).

0
52. In Sec.  29.10, revise paragraphs (a) introductory text and (c) to 
read as follows:


Sec.  29.10  Hearings for deregistration.

    (a) Within 10 days of receipt of a request for a hearing, the 
Administrator of the Office of Apprenticeship must contact the 
Department's Office of Administrative Law Judges to request the 
designation of an Administrative Law Judge to preside over the hearing. 
The Administrative Law Judge shall give reasonable notice of such 
hearing to the appropriate sponsor. Such notice will include:
* * * * *
    (c) The Administrative Law Judge should issue a written decision 
within 90 days of the close of the hearing record. The Administrative 
Law Judge's decision constitutes final agency action unless, within 15 
days from receipt of the decision, a party dissatisfied with the 
decision files a petition for review with the Administrative Review 
Board in accordance with 29 CFR part 26, specifically identifying the 
procedure, fact, law, or policy to which exception is taken. Any 
exception not specifically urged is deemed to have been waived. A copy 
of the petition for review must be served on the opposing party at the 
same time in accordance with 29 CFR part 26. Thereafter, the decision 
of the Administrative Law Judge remains final agency action unless the 
Administrative Review Board, within 30 days of the filing of the 
petition for review, notifies the parties that it has accepted the case 
for review. The Administrative Review Board may set a briefing schedule 
or decide the matter on the record. The Administrative Review Board 
must issue a decision in any case it accepts for review within 180 days 
of the close of the record. If a decision is not so issued, the 
Administrative Law Judge's decision constitutes final agency action.
0
53. In Sec.  29.13, revise paragraph (g) introductory text and 
paragraph (g)(3) to read as follows:


Sec.  29.13  Recognition of State Apprenticeship Agencies.

* * * * *
    (g) Denial of state apprenticeship agency recognition. A denial by 
the Office of Apprenticeship of a State Apprenticeship Agency's 
application for new or continued recognition must be in writing and 
must set forth the reasons for denial. The notice must be sent by 
certified mail, return receipt requested. In addition to the reasons 
stated for the denial, the notice must specify the remedies which must 
be undertaken prior to consideration of a resubmitted request, and must 
state that a request for administrative review of a denial of 
recognition may be made within 30 calendar days of receipt of the 
notice of denial from the Department. Such request must be filed with 
the Chief Administrative Law Judge for the Department in accordance 
with 29 CFR part 18. Within 30 calendar days of the filing of the 
request for review, the Administrator must prepare an administrative 
record for submission to the Administrative Law Judge designated by the 
Chief Administrative Law Judge.
* * * * *
    (3) Within 20 days of the receipt of the recommended decision, any 
party may file exceptions. Any party may file a response to the 
exceptions filed by another party within 10 days of receipt of the 
exceptions. All exceptions and responses must be filed with the 
Administrative Review Board with copies served on all parties and amici 
curiae in accordance with 29 CFR part 26.
* * * * *

PART 37--IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NONDISCRIMINATION AND EQUAL 
OPPORTUNITY PROVISIONS OF THE WORKFORCE INVESTMENT ACT OF 1998 
(WIA)

0
54. The authority citation for part 37 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: Sections 134(b), 136(d)(2)(F), 136(e), 172(a), 
183(c), 185(d)(1)(E), 186, 187 and 188 of the Workforce Investment 
Act of 1998, 29 U.S.C. 2801, et seq.; Title VI of the Civil Rights 
Act of 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2000d, et seq.; Section 504 of 
the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, 29 U.S.C. 794; the Age 
Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 6101; Title IX of 
the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended, 29 U.S.C. 1681; 
Executive Order 13198, 66 FR 8497, 3 CFR 2001 Comp., p. 750; and 
Executive Order 13279, 67 FR 77141, 3 CFR 2002 Comp., p. 258.

0
55. In Sec.  37.111, revise paragraph (b)(2) introductory text to read 
as follows:


Sec.  37.111  What hearing procedures does the Department follow?

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (2) To request a hearing, the grant applicant or recipient must 
file a written answer to the Final Determination or Notification of 
Breach of Conciliation Agreement, and a copy of the Final Determination 
or Notification of Breach of Conciliation Agreement, with the Office of 
the Administrative Law Judges in accordance with 29 CFR part 18.
* * * * *
0
56. Revise Sec.  37.112 to read as follows:


Sec.  37.112  What procedures for initial and final decisions does the 
Department follow?

    (a) Initial decision. After the hearing, the Administrative Law 
Judge must issue an initial decision and order, containing findings of 
fact and conclusions of law. The initial decision and order must be 
served on all parties in accordance with 29 CFR part 18.
    (b) Exceptions; final decision--(1) Final decision after a hearing. 
The

[[Page 1847]]

initial decision and order becomes the Final Decision and Order of the 
Secretary unless exceptions are filed by a party or, in the absence of 
exceptions, the Administrative Review Board (Board) serves notice that 
it will review the decision.
    (i) A party dissatisfied with the initial decision and order may, 
within 45 days of receipt, file with the Board and serve on the other 
parties to the proceedings and on the Administrative Law Judge, 
exceptions to the initial decision and order or any part thereof, in 
accordance with 29 CFR part 26.
    (ii) Upon receipt of exceptions, the Administrative Law Judge must 
index and forward the record and the initial decision and order to the 
Board within three days of such receipt.
    (iii) A party filing exceptions must specifically identify the 
finding or conclusion to which exception is taken. Any exception not 
specifically urged is waived.
    (iv) Within 45 days of the date of filing such exceptions, a reply, 
which must be limited to the scope of the exceptions, may be filed and 
served by any other party to the proceeding.
    (v) Requests for extensions for the filing of exceptions or replies 
must be received by the Board no later than 3 days before the 
exceptions or replies are due.
    (vi) If no exceptions are filed, the Board may, within 30 days of 
the expiration of the time for filing exceptions, on its own motion 
serve notice on the parties that it will review the decision.
    (vii) Final decision and order.
    (A) Where exceptions have been filed, the initial decision and 
order of the Administrative Law Judge becomes the Final Decision and 
Order of the Secretary unless the Board, within 30 days of the 
expiration of the time for filing exceptions and replies, has notified 
the parties that the case is accepted for review.
    (B) Where exceptions have not been filed, the initial decision and 
order of the Administrative Law Judge becomes the Final Decision and 
Order of the Secretary unless the Board has served notice on the 
parties that it will review the decision, as provided in paragraph 
(b)(1)(vi) of this section.
    (viii) In any case reviewed by the Board under this paragraph, a 
decision must be issued within 180 days of the notification of such 
review. If the Board fails to issue a Decision and Order within the 
180-day period, the initial decision and order of the Administrative 
Law Judge becomes the Final Decision and Order of the Secretary.
    (2) Final Decision where a hearing is waived. (i) If, after 
issuance of a Final Determination under Sec.  37.100 or Notification of 
Breach of Conciliation Agreement under Sec.  37.104, voluntary 
compliance has not been achieved within the time set by this part and 
the opportunity for a hearing has been waived as provided for in Sec.  
37.111(b)(4), the Final Determination or Notification of Breach of 
Conciliation Agreement becomes the Final Decision of the Secretary.
    (ii) When a Final Determination or Notification of Breach of 
Conciliation Agreement becomes the Final Decision of the Secretary, the 
Secretary may, within 45 days, issue an order terminating or denying 
the grant or continuation of assistance or imposing other appropriate 
sanctions for the grant applicant or recipient's failure to comply with 
the required corrective and/or remedial actions, or referring the 
matter to the Attorney General for further enforcement action.

PART 38--IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NONDISCRIMINATION AND EQUAL 
OPPORTUNITY PROVISIONS OF THE WORKFORCE INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY 
ACT

0
57. The authority citation for part 38 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 29 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.; 42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.; 29 
U.S.C. 794; 42 U.S.C. 6101 et seq.; and 20 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.

0
58. In Sec.  38.111, revise paragraph (b)(2) introductory text to read 
as follows:


Sec.  38.111  Hearing procedures.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (2) To request a hearing, the grant applicant or recipient must 
file a written answer to the Final Determination or Notification of 
Breach of Conciliation Agreement, and a copy of the Final Determination 
or Notification of Breach of Conciliation Agreement, with the Office of 
the Administrative Law Judges in accordance with 29 CFR part 18.
* * * * *
0
59. In Sec.  38.112, revise paragraphs (a) and (b)(1)(i) and (iv) to 
read as follows:


Sec.  38.112  Initial and final decision procedures.

    (a) Initial decision. After the hearing, the Administrative Law 
Judge must issue an initial decision and order, containing findings of 
fact and conclusions of law. The initial decision and order must be 
served on all parties.
    (b) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (i) Exceptions. A party dissatisfied with the initial decision and 
order may, within 45 days of receipt, file with the Administrative 
Review Board and serve on the other parties to the proceedings and on 
the Administrative Law Judge, exceptions to the initial decision and 
order or any part thereof, in accordance with 29 CFR part 26.
* * * * *
    (iv) Reply. Within 45 days of the date of filing such exceptions, a 
reply, which must be limited to the scope of the exceptions, may be 
filed and served by any other party to the proceeding in accordance 
with 29 CFR part 26.
* * * * *

PART 96--AUDIT REQUIREMENTS FOR GRANTS, CONTRACTS, AND OTHER 
AGREEMENTS

0
60. The authority citation for part 96 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 31 U.S.C. 7501 et seq. and OMB Circular No. A-133, as 
amended.

0
61. In Sec.  96.63, revise paragraphs (b)(1)(i) and (b)(4) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  96.63  Federal financial assistance

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (i) Request for hearing. Within 21 days of receipt of the grant 
officer's final determination, the recipient may file a request for 
hearing with the Chief Administrative Law Judge, United States 
Department of Labor, with a copy to the grant officer who signed the 
final determination. The Chief Administrative Law Judge shall designate 
an administrative law judge to hear the appeal.
* * * * *
    (4) Filing exceptions to decision. The decision of the 
administrative law judge shall constitute final action by the Secretary 
of Labor, unless, within 21 days after receipt of the decision of the 
administrative law judge, a party dissatisfied with the decision or any 
part thereof has filed exceptions with the Administrative Review Board 
(the Board), specifically identifying the procedure or finding of fact, 
law, or policy with which exception is taken, in accordance with 29 CFR 
part 26. Any exceptions not specifically urged shall be deemed to have 
been waived. Thereafter, the decision of the administrative law judge 
shall become the decision of the Secretary, unless the Board, within 30 
days of such filing, has notified the parties that the case has been 
accepted for review.
* * * * *

[[Page 1848]]

Office of Labor-Management Standards

PART 417--PROCEDURE FOR REMOVAL OF LOCAL LABOR ORGANIZATION 
OFFICERS

0
62. The authority for part 417 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: Secs. 401, 402, 73 Stat. 533, 534 (29 U.S.C. 481, 
482); Secretary's Order No. 03-2012, 77 FR 69376, November 16, 2012; 
Secretary's Order No. 01-2020, 85 FR 13186 (March 6, 2020).

0
63. In Sec.  417.14, revise paragraph (a) to read as follows:


Sec.  417.14  Form and time for filing of appeal with the 
Administrative Review Board.

    (a) An interested person may appeal from the Administrative Law 
Judge's initial decision by filing written exceptions with the 
Administrative Review Board within 15 days of the issuance of the 
Administrative Law Judge's initial decision (or such additional time as 
the Administrative Review Board may allow), together with supporting 
reasons for such exceptions, in accordance with 29 CFR part 26. Blanket 
appeals shall not be received. Impertinent or scandalous matter may be 
stricken by the Administrative Review Board, or an appeal containing 
such matter or lacking in specification of exceptions may be dismissed.
* * * * *
0
64. Revise Sec.  417.15 to read as follows:


Sec.  417.15  Decision of the Administrative Review Board.

    Upon appeal filed with the Administrative Review Board pursuant to 
Sec.  417.14, or within its discretion upon its own motion, the 
complete record of the proceedings shall be certified to it; it shall 
notify all interested persons who participated in the proceedings; and 
it shall review the record, the exceptions filed and supporting 
reasons, and shall issue a decision as to the adequacy of the 
constitution and bylaws for the purpose of removing officers, or shall 
order such further proceedings as it deems appropriate. Its decision 
shall become a part of the record and shall include a statement of its 
findings and conclusions, as well as the reasons or basis therefor, 
upon all material issues.

PART 458--STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

0
65. The authority for part 458 is revised to read as follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 7105, 7111, 7120, 7134; 22 U.S.C. 4107, 
4111, 4117; 2 U.S.C. 1351(a)(1); Secretary's Order No. 03-2012, 77 
FR 69376, November 16, 2012; Secretary's Order No. 01-2020, 85 FR 
13186 (March 6, 2020).

0
66. In Sec.  458.88, revise paragraph (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  458.88  Submission of the Administrative Law Judge's recommended 
decision and order to the Administrative Review Board; exceptions.

* * * * *
    (c) Exceptions to the Administrative Law Judge's recommended 
decision and order may be filed by any party with the Administrative 
Review Board within fifteen (15) days after service of the recommended 
decision and order, in accordance with 29 CFR part 26. The 
Administrative Review Board may for good cause shown extend the time 
for filing such exceptions. Requests for additional time in which to 
file exceptions shall be in writing, and copies thereof shall be served 
on the other parties. Requests for extension of time must be received 
no later than three (3) days before the date the exceptions are due. 
Copies of such exceptions and any supporting briefs shall be served on 
all other parties, and a statement of such service shall be furnished 
to the Administrative Review Board.
0
67. In Sec.  458.90, revise paragraph (a) introductory text to read as 
follows:


Sec.  458.90   Briefs in support of exceptions.

    (a) Any brief in support of exceptions shall be filed in accordance 
with 29 CFR part 26, contain only matters included within the scope of 
the exceptions, and contain, in the order indicated, the following:
* * * * *

Wage and Hour Division

PART 500--MIGRANT AND SEASONAL AGRICULTURAL WORKER PROTECTION

0
68. The authority for part 500 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: Pub. L. 97-470, 96 Stat. 2583 (29 U.S.C. 1801-1872); 
Secretary's Order No. 01-2014 (Dec. 19, 2014), 79 FR 77527 (Dec. 24, 
2014); 28 U.S.C. 2461 Note (Federal Civil Penalties Inflation 
Adjustment Act of 1990); and Pub. L. 114-74, 129 Stat 584.

0
69. In Sec.  500.20, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  500.20   Definitions.

* * * * *
    (b) Administrative Law Judge means a person appointed as provided 
in title 5 U.S.C. and qualified to preside at hearings under 5 U.S.C. 
557. Chief Administrative Law Judge means the Chief Administrative Law 
Judge, United States Department of Labor.
* * * * *
0
70. In Sec.  500.263, revise the section heading and introductory text 
to read as follows:


Sec.  500.263  Authority of the Administrative Review Board.

    The Administrative Review Board may modify or vacate the Decision 
and Order of the Administrative Law Judge whenever it concludes that 
the Decision and Order:
* * * * *
0
71. In Sec.  500.264, revise paragraph (a) to read as follows:


Sec.  500.264  Procedures for initiating review.

    (a) Within twenty (20) days after the date of the decision of the 
Administrative Law Judge, the respondent, the Administrator, or any 
other party desiring review thereof, may file with the Administrative 
Review Board (Board) a petition for issuance of a Notice of Intent as 
described under Sec.  500.265. The petition shall be in writing and 
shall contain a concise and plain statement specifying the grounds on 
which review is sought. A copy of the Decision and Order of the 
Administrative Law Judge shall be attached to the petition.
* * * * *
0
72. Revise 500.265 to read as follows:


Sec.  500.265  Implementation by the Administrative Review Board.

    (a) Whenever, on the Administrative Review Board's (Board) own 
motion or upon acceptance of a party's petition, the Board believes 
that a Decision and Order may warrant modifying or vacating, the Board 
shall issue a Notice of Intent to modify or vacate.
    (b) The Notice of Intent to Modify or Vacate a Decision and Order 
shall specify the issue or issues to be considered, the form in which 
submission shall be made (i.e., briefs, oral argument, etc.), and the 
time within which such presentation shall be submitted. The Board shall 
closely limit the time within which the briefs must be filed or oral 
presentations made, so as to avoid unreasonable delay.
    (c) The Notice of Intent shall be issued within thirty (30) days 
after the date of the Decision and Order in question.
    (d) Service of the Notice of Intent shall be made upon each party 
to the proceeding, and upon the Chief Administrative Law Judge, in 
accordance with 29 CFR part 26.
0
73. Revise Sec.  500.266 to read as follows:


Sec.  500.266  Responsibility of the Office of Administrative Law 
Judges.

    Upon receipt of the Administrative Review Board's (Board) Notice of 
Intent

[[Page 1849]]

to Modify or Vacate a Decision and Order of an Administrative Law 
Judge, the Chief Administrative Law Judge shall, within fifteen (15) 
days, index, certify, and forward a copy of the complete hearing record 
to the Board.
0
74. Revise Sec.  500.267 to read as follows:


Sec.  500.267  Filing and service.

    (a) Filing. All documents submitted to the Administrative Review 
Board (Board) shall be filed in accordance with 29 CFR part 26.
    (b) Computation of time for delivery. Documents are not deemed 
filed with the Board until actually received by that office. All 
documents, including documents filed by mail, must be received by the 
Board either on or before the due date.
    (c) Manner and proof of service. A copy of all documents filed with 
the Board shall be served upon all other parties involved in the 
proceeding. Service under this section shall be in accordance with 29 
CFR part 26.
0
75. Revise Sec.  500.268 to read as follows:


Sec.  500.268   Decision of the Administrative Review Board.

    (a) The Administrative Review Board's (Board) Decision and Order 
shall be issued within 120 days from the notice of intent granting the 
petition, except that in cases involving the review of an 
Administrative Law Judge decision in a certificate action as described 
in Sec.  500.224(b), the Board's decision shall be issued within ninety 
(90) days from the date such notice. The Board's Decision and Order 
shall be served upon all parties and the Chief Administrative Law 
Judge, in accordance with 29 CFR part 26.
    (b) Upon receipt of an Order of the Board modifying or vacating the 
Decision and Order of an Administrative Law Judge, the Chief 
Administrative Law Judge shall substitute such Order for the Decision 
and Order of the Administrative Law Judge.
    (c) The Board's decision is subject to discretionary review by the 
Secretary as provided in Secretary's Order 01-2020 (or any successor to 
that order).

PART 525--EMPLOYMENT OF WORKERS WITH DISABILITIES UNDER SPECIAL 
CERTIFICATES

0
76. The authority citation for part 525 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 52 Stat. 1060, as amended (29 U.S.C. 201-219); Pub. 
L. 99-486, 100 Stat. 1229 (29 U.S.C. 214).

0
77. In Sec.  525.22, revise paragraphs (e) through (h) to read as 
follows:


 Sec.  525.22  Employee's right to petition

* * * * *
    (e) The ALJ shall issue a decision within 30 days after the 
termination of the hearing and shall serve the decision on the 
Administrator and all interested parties in accordance with 29 CFR part 
18. The decision shall contain appropriate findings and conclusions and 
an order. If the ALJ finds that the special minimum wage being paid or 
which has been paid is not justified, the order shall specify the 
lawful rate and the period of employment to which the rate is 
applicable. In the absence of evidence sufficient to support the 
conclusion that the proper wage should be less than the minimum wage, 
the ALJ shall order that the minimum wage be paid.
    (f) Within 15 days after the date of the decision of the ALJ, the 
petitioner, the Administrator, or the employer who seeks review thereof 
may request review by the Administrative Review Board (Board). The 
request must be filed in accordance with 29 CFR part 26 and must 
include a copy of the ALJ's decision. Any other interested party may 
file a reply thereto with the Board and the Administrator within 5 
working days of receipt of such request for review. The request for 
review and reply thereto shall be transmitted by the Administrator to 
all interested parties by a method guaranteeing one-day delivery.
    (g) The decision of the ALJ shall be deemed to be final agency 
action 30 days after issuance thereof, unless within 30 days of the 
date of the decision the Board grants a request to review the decision. 
Where such request for review is granted, within 30 days after receipt 
of such request the Board shall review the record and shall either 
adopt the decision of the ALJ or issue exceptions. The decision of the 
ALJ, together with any exceptions issued by the Board, shall be deemed 
to be a final agency action, unless the Secretary exercises 
discretionary review over the decision and exceptions as provided in 
Secretary's Order 01-2020 (or any successor to that order).
    (h) Within 30 days of issuance of the decision of the ALJ, ARB, or 
Secretary becoming a final action, any person adversely affected or 
aggrieved by such action may seek judicial review pursuant to chapter 7 
of title 5, United States Code. The record of the case, including the 
record of proceedings before the ALJ, shall be transmitted by the Board 
to the appropriate court pursuant to the rules of such court.

PART 530--EMPLOYMENT OF HOMEWORKERS IN CERTAIN INDUSTRIES

0
78. The authority citation for part 530 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: Sec. 11, 52 Stat. 1066 (29 U.S.C. 211) as amended by 
sec. 9, 63 Stat. 910 (29 U.S.C. 211(d)); Secretary's Order No. 01-
2014 (Dec. 19, 2014), 79 FR 77527 (Dec. 24, 2014); 28 U.S.C. 2461 
note (Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990); 
Pub. L. 114-74 at Sec.  701, 129 Stat 584.

0
79. In Sec.  530.403, revise paragraph (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  530.403  Request for hearing.

* * * * *
    (c) In the case of an emergency revocation, a request for an 
administrative hearing shall be filed with the Chief Administrative Law 
Judge in accordance with 29 CFR part 18, and must be received no later 
than 20 days after the issuance of the notice referred to in Sec.  
530.402 of this subpart.
0
80. In Sec.  530.406, revise paragraph (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  530.406  Decision and order of Administrative Law Judge.

* * * * *
    (c) The decision shall be served on all parties and the Secretary. 
The decision when served by the Administrative Law Judge shall 
constitute the final order of the Department of Labor unless the 
Administrative Review Board, as provided for in Sec.  530.407 of this 
subpart, determines to review the decision.


Sec.  530.407  [Amended]

0
81. In Sec.  530.407, remove the word ``Secretary'' wherever it occurs 
and add in its place the words ``Administrative Review Board''.


Sec.  530.408  [Amended]

0
82. In Sec.  530.408, remove the word ``Secretary'' wherever it occurs 
and add in its place the words ``Administrative Review Board''.
0
83. Revise Sec.  530.409 to read as follows:


Sec.  530.409  Decision of the Secretary.

    The Administrative Review Board's decision shall be served upon all 
parties and the Administrative Law Judge. The Administrative Review 
Board's decision is subject to discretionary review by the Secretary as 
provided in Secretary's Order 01-2020 (or any successor to that order).
0
84. In Sec.  530.411, revise paragraphs (c), (d), and (f) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  530.411  Emergency certificate revocation procedures.

* * * * *

[[Page 1850]]

    (c) The Office of Administrative Law Judges shall notify the 
parties, electronically or at their last known address, of the date, 
time, and place for the hearing, which shall be no more than 60 days 
from the date of receipt of the request for the hearing. All parties 
shall be given at least 5 days' notice of such hearing. No requests for 
postponement shall be granted except for compelling reasons.
    (d) The Administrative Law Judge shall issue a decision pursuant to 
Sec.  530.406 of this subpart within 30 days after the termination of a 
proceeding at which evidence was submitted. The decision shall be 
served on all parties and the Administrative Review Board (``Board'') 
and shall constitute the final order of the Department of Labor unless 
the Board determines to review the decision.
* * * * *
    (f) The Board's decision shall be issued within 60 days of the 
notice by the Board accepting the submission, and shall be served upon 
all parties and the Administrative Law Judge. The Board's decision is 
subject to discretionary review by the Secretary as provided in 
Secretary's Order 01-2020 (or any successor to that order).

PART 580--CIVIL MONEY PENALTIES--PROCEDURES FOR ASSESSING AND 
CONTESTING PENALTIES

0
85. The authority citation for part 580 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 29 U.S.C. 9a, 203, 209, 211, 212, 213(c), 216; Reorg. 
Plan No. 6 of 1950, 64 Stat. 1263, 5 U.S.C. App; secs. 25, 29, 88 
Stat. 72, 76; Secretary's Order 01-2014 (Dec. 19, 2014), 79 FR 77527 
(Dec. 24, 2014); 5 U.S.C. 500, 503, 551, 559; 103 Stat. 938.

0
86. In Sec.  580.8, revise paragraphs (a) and (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  580.8  Service and computation of time.

    (a) Service of documents under this subpart shall be made to the 
individual, an officer of a corporation, or attorney of record in 
accordance with 29 CFR part 18.
* * * * *
    (c) Time will be computed in accordance with part 18.
0
87. In Sec.  580.13, revise paragraphs (b) and (d) to read as follows:


Sec.  580.13  Procedures for appeals to the Administrative Review 
Board.

* * * * *
    (b) All documents submitted to the Board shall be filed with the 
Administrative Review Board in accordance with 29 CFR part 26.
* * * * *
    (d) A copy of each document filed with the Board shall be served 
upon all other parties involved in the proceeding in accordance with 29 
CFR part 26. Service by mail is deemed effected at the time of mailing 
to the last known address of the party.
0
88. Revise Sec.  580.16 to read as follows:


Sec.  580.16  Decision of the Administrative Review Board.

    The Board's decision shall be served upon all parties and the Chief 
Administrative Law Judge.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

PART 1978--PROCEDURES FOR THE HANDLING OF RETALIATION COMPLAINTS 
UNDER THE EMPLOYEE PROTECTION PROVISION OF THE SURFACE 
TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE ACT OF 1982 (STAA), AS AMENDED

0
89. The authority citation for part 1978 is revised to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 31101 and 31105; Secretary's Order 1-2012 
(Jan. 18, 2012), 77 FR 3912 (Jan. 25, 2012); Secretary's Order 01-
2020, 85 FR 13186 (March 6, 2020).

0
90. In Sec.  1978.105, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  1978.105  Issuance of findings and preliminary orders.

* * * * *
    (b) The findings and, where appropriate, the preliminary order will 
be sent by means that allow OSHA to confirm delivery to all parties of 
record (and each party's legal counsel if the party is represented by 
counsel). The findings and, where appropriate, the preliminary order 
will inform the parties of the right to object to the findings and/or 
the order and to request a hearing. The findings and, where 
appropriate, the preliminary order also will give the address of the 
Chief Administrative Law Judge, U.S. Department of Labor, or 
appropriate information regarding filing objections electronically with 
the Office of Administrative Law Judges. At the same time, the 
Assistant Secretary will file with the Chief Administrative Law Judge a 
copy of the original complaint and a copy of the findings and/or order.
* * * * *
0
91. In Sec.  1978.106, revise paragraph (a) to read as follows:


Sec.  1978.106  Objections to the findings and the preliminary order 
and request for a hearing.

    (a) Any party who desires review, including judicial review, must 
file any objections and a request for a hearing on the record within 30 
days of receipt of the findings and preliminary order pursuant to Sec.  
1978.105(c). The objections and request for a hearing must be in 
writing and state whether the objections are to the findings and/or the 
preliminary order. The date of the postmark, facsimile transmittal, or 
electronic transmittal is considered the date of filing; if the 
objection is filed in person, by hand-delivery or other means, the 
objection is filed upon receipt. Objections must be filed with the 
Chief Administrative Law Judge, U.S. Department of Labor, in accordance 
with 29 CFR part 18, and copies of the objections must be served at the 
same time on the other parties of record and the OSHA official who 
issued the findings.
* * * * *
0
92. In Sec.  1978.107, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  1978.107  Hearings.

* * * * *
    (b) Upon receipt of an objection and request for hearing, the Chief 
Administrative Law Judge will promptly assign the case to an ALJ who 
will notify the parties of the day, time, and place of hearing. The 
hearing is to commence expeditiously, except upon a showing of good 
cause or unless otherwise agreed to by the parties. Hearings will be 
conducted de novo on the record. Administrative law judges have broad 
discretion to limit discovery in order to expedite the hearing.
* * * * *
0
93. In Sec.  1978.110, revise paragraph (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  1978.110  Decisions and orders of the Administrative Review 
Board.

* * * * *
    (c) The decision of the ARB will be issued within 120 days of the 
conclusion of the hearing, which will be deemed to be 14 days after the 
date of the decision of the ALJ, unless a motion for reconsideration 
has been filed with the ALJ in the interim. In such case, the 
conclusion of the hearing is the date the motion for reconsideration is 
ruled upon or 14 days after a new decision is issued. The ARB's 
decision will be served upon all parties and the Chief Administrative 
Law Judge. The decision also will be served on the Assistant Secretary, 
and on the Associate Solicitor, Division of Occupational Safety and 
Health, U.S, Department of Labor, even if the Assistant Secretary is 
not a party.
* * * * *

[[Page 1851]]

PART 1979--PROCEDURES FOR THE HANDLING OF DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINTS 
UNDER SECTION 519 OF THE WENDELL H. FORD AVIATION INVESTMENT AND 
REFORM ACT FOR THE 21ST CENTURY

0
94. The authority citation for part 1979 is revised to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 42121; Secretary's Order 1-2012 (Jan. 18, 
2012), 77 FR 3912 (Jan. 25, 2012); Secretary's Order 01-2020, 85 FR 
13186 (March 6, 2020).

0
95. In Sec.  1979.105, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  1979.105  Issuance of findings and preliminary orders.

* * * * *
    (b) The findings and the preliminary order will be sent by means 
that allow OSHA to confirm delivery to all parties of record. The 
letter accompanying the findings and order will inform the parties of 
their right to file objections and to request a hearing, and of the 
right of the named person to request attorney's fees from the 
administrative law judge, regardless of whether the named person has 
filed objections, if the named person alleges that the complaint was 
frivolous or brought in bad faith. The letter also will give the 
address of the Chief Administrative Law Judge or appropriate 
information regarding filing objections electronically with the Office 
of Administrative Law Judges. At the same time, the Assistant Secretary 
will file with the Chief Administrative Law Judge, U.S. Department of 
Labor, a copy of the original complaint and a copy of the findings and 
order.
* * * * *
0
96. In Sec.  1979.106, revise paragraph (a) to read as follows:


Sec.  1979.106  Objections to the findings and the preliminary order 
and request for a hearing.

    (a) Any party who desires review, including judicial review, of the 
findings and preliminary order, or a named person alleging that the 
complaint was frivolous or brought in bad faith who seeks an award of 
attorney's fees, must file any objections and/or a request for a 
hearing on the record within 30 days of receipt of the findings and 
preliminary order pursuant to Sec.  1979.105(b). The objection or 
request for attorney's fees and request for a hearing must be in 
writing and state whether the objection is to the findings, the 
preliminary order, and/or whether there should be an award of 
attorney's fees. The date of the postmark, facsimile transmittal, or 
electronic transmittal will be considered to be the date of filing; if 
the objection is filed in person, by hand-delivery or other means, the 
objection is filed upon receipt. Objections must be filed with the 
Chief Administrative Law Judge, U.S. Department of Labor, in accordance 
with 29 CFR part 18, and copies of the objections must be served at the 
same time on the other parties of record, the OSHA official who issued 
the findings and order, and the Associate Solicitor, Division of Fair 
Labor Standards, U.S. Department of Labor.
* * * * *
0
97. In Sec.  1979.107, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  1979.107  Hearings.

* * * * *
    (b) Upon receipt of an objection and request for hearing, the Chief 
Administrative Law Judge will promptly assign the case to a judge who 
will notify the parties of the day, time, and place of hearing. The 
hearing is to commence expeditiously, except upon a showing of good 
cause or unless otherwise agreed to by the parties. Hearings will be 
conducted as hearings de novo, on the record. Administrative law judges 
shall have broad discretion to limit discovery in order to expedite the 
hearing.
* * * * *
0
98. In Sec.  1979.110, revise paragraphs (a) and (c) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  1979.110  Decision and orders of the Administrative Review Board.

    (a) Any party desiring to seek review, including judicial review, 
of a decision of the administrative law judge, or a named person 
alleging that the complaint was frivolous or brought in bad faith who 
seeks an award of attorney's fees, must file a written petition for 
review with the Administrative Review Board (``the Board''). The 
decision of the Administrative Law Judge shall become the final order 
of the Secretary unless, pursuant to this section, a petition for 
review is timely filed with the Board. The petition for review must 
specifically identify the findings, conclusions, or orders to which 
exception is taken. Any exception not specifically urged ordinarily 
shall be deemed to have been waived by the parties. To be effective, a 
petition must be filed within ten business days of the date of the 
decision of the Administrative Law Judge. The date of the postmark, 
facsimile transmittal, or electronic transmittal will be considered to 
be the date of filing; if the petition is filed in person, by hand-
delivery or other means, the petition is considered filed upon receipt. 
The petition must be served on all parties and on the Chief 
Administrative Law Judge at the time it is filed with the Board. Copies 
of the petition for review and all briefs must be served on the 
Assistant Secretary, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and 
on the Associate Solicitor, Division of Fair Labor Standards, U.S. 
Department of Labor.
* * * * *
    (c) The decision of the Board shall be issued within 120 days of 
the conclusion of the hearing, which shall be deemed to be the 
conclusion of all proceedings before the Administrative Law Judge--
i.e., 10 business days after the date of the decision of the 
Administrative Law Judge unless a motion for reconsideration has been 
filed with the Administrative Law Judge in the interim. The decision 
will be served upon all parties and the Chief Administrative Law Judge. 
The decision will also be served on the Assistant Secretary, 
Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and on the Associate 
Solicitor, Division of Fair Labor Standards, U.S. Department of Labor, 
even if the Assistant Secretary is not a party.
* * * * *

PART 1980--PROCEDURES FOR THE HANDLING OF RETALIATION COMPLAINTS 
UNDER SECTION 806 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002, AS AMENDED

0
99. The authority citation for part 1980 is revised to read as follows:

    Authority: 18 U.S.C. 1514A, as amended by the Dodd-Frank Wall 
Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, Pub. L. 111-203 
(July 21, 2010); Secretary of Labor's Order No. 01-2012 (Jan. 18, 
2012), 77 FR 3912 (Jan. 25, 2012); Secretary's Order No. 01-2020, 85 
FR 13186 (March 6, 2020).

0
100. In Sec.  1980.105, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  1980.105  

* * * * *
    (b) The findings, and where appropriate, the preliminary order will 
be sent by means that allow OSHA to confirm delivery to all parties of 
record (and each party's legal counsel if the party is represented by 
counsel). The findings, and where appropriate, the preliminary order 
will inform the parties of the right to object to the findings and/or 
order and to request a hearing, and of the right of the respondent to 
request an award of attorney fees not exceeding $1,000 from the 
administrative law judge (ALJ) regardless of whether the respondent has 
filed objections, if the complaint was frivolous or brought in bad 
faith. The findings, and where appropriate,

[[Page 1852]]

the preliminary order, also will give the address of the Chief 
Administrative Law Judge, U.S. Department of Labor, or appropriate 
information regarding filing objections electronically with the Office 
of Administrative Law Judges. At the same time, the Assistant Secretary 
will file with the Chief Administrative Law Judge a copy of the 
original complaint and a copy of the findings and/or order.
* * * * *
0
101. In Sec.  1980.106, revise paragraph (a) to read as follows:


Sec.  1980.106  Objections to the findings and the preliminary order 
and request for a heading.

    (a) Any party who desires review, including judicial review, of the 
findings and preliminary order, or a respondent alleging that the 
complaint was frivolous or brought in bad faith who seeks an award of 
attorney fees under the Act, must file any objections and/or a request 
for a hearing on the record within 30 days of receipt of the findings 
and preliminary order pursuant to Sec.  1980.105(b). The objections 
and/or request for a hearing must be in writing and state whether the 
objections are to the findings and/or the preliminary order, and/or 
whether there should be an award of attorney fees. The date of the 
postmark, facsimile transmittal, or electronic transmittal is 
considered the date of filing; if the objection is filed in person, by 
hand-delivery or other means, the objection is filed upon receipt. 
Objections must be filed with the Chief Administrative Law Judge, U.S. 
Department of Labor, in accordance with 29 CFR part 18, and copies of 
the objections must be served at the same time on the other parties of 
record, the OSHA official who issued the findings and order, the 
Assistant Secretary, and the Associate Solicitor, Division of Fair 
Labor Standards, U.S. Department of Labor.
* * * * *
0
102. In Sec.  1980.107, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  1980.107  Hearings.

* * * * *
    (b) Upon receipt of an objection and request for hearing, the Chief 
Administrative Law Judge will promptly assign the case to an ALJ who 
will notify the parties of the day, time, and place of hearing. The 
hearing is to commence expeditiously, except upon a showing of good 
cause or unless otherwise agreed to by the parties. Hearings will be 
conducted de novo, on the record. ALJs have broad discretion to limit 
discovery in order to expedite the hearing.
* * * * *
0
103. In Sec.  1980.110, revise paragraph (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  1980.110  Decision and orders of the Administrative Review Board.

* * * * *
    (c) The decision of the ARB shall be issued within 120 days of the 
conclusion of the hearing, which will be deemed to be 14 days after the 
date of the decision of the ALJ unless a motion for reconsideration has 
been filed with the ALJ in the interim. In such case, the conclusion of 
the hearing is the date the motion for reconsideration is ruled upon or 
14 days after a new decision is issued. The ARB's decision will be 
served upon all parties and the Chief Administrative Law Judge. The 
decision will also be served on the Assistant Secretary and on the 
Associate Solicitor, Division of Fair Labor Standards, even if the 
Assistant Secretary is not a party.
* * * * *

PART 1981--PROCEDURES FOR THE HANDLING OF DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINTS 
UNDER SECTION 6 OF THE PIPELINE SAFETY IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2002

0
104. The authority citation for Part 1981 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 60129; Secretary's Order 1-2012 (Jan. 18, 
2012), 77 FR 3912 (Jan. 25, 2012); Secretary's Order 01-2020, 85 FR 
13186 (March 6, 2020).

0
105. In Sec.  1981.105, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  1981.105  Issuance of findings and preliminary orders.

* * * * *
    (b) The findings and the preliminary order will be sent by means 
that allow OSHA to confirm delivery to all parties of record. The 
letter accompanying the findings and order will inform the parties of 
their right to file objections and to request a hearing, and of the 
right of the named person to request attorney's fees from the 
administrative law judge, regardless of whether the named person has 
filed objections, if the named person alleges that the complaint was 
frivolous or brought in bad faith. The letter also will give the 
address of the Chief Administrative Law Judge or appropriate 
information regarding filing objections electronically with the Office 
of Administrative Law Judges. At the same time, the Assistant Secretary 
will file with the Chief Administrative Law Judge, U.S. Department of 
Labor, a copy of the original complaint and a copy of the findings and 
order.
* * * * *
0
106. In Sec.  1981.106, revise paragraph (a) to read as follows:


Sec.  1981.106  Objections to the findings and the preliminary order 
and request for a hearing.

    (a) Any party who desires review, including judicial review, of the 
findings and preliminary order, or a named person alleging that the 
complaint was frivolous or brought in bad faith who seeks an award of 
attorney's fees, must file any objections and/or a request for a 
hearing on the record within 60 days of receipt of the findings and 
preliminary order pursuant to Sec.  1981.105(b). The objection or 
request for attorney's fees and request for a hearing must be in 
writing and state whether the objection is to the findings, the 
preliminary order, and/or whether there should be an award of 
attorney's fees. The date of the postmark, facsimile transmittal, or 
electronic transmittal will be considered to be the date of filing; if 
the objection is filed in person, by hand-delivery or other means, the 
objection is filed upon receipt. Objections must be filed with the 
Chief Administrative Law Judge, U.S. Department of Labor, in accordance 
with 29 CFR part 18, and copies of the objections must be served at the 
same time on the other parties of record, the OSHA official who issued 
the findings and order, and the Associate Solicitor, Division of Fair 
Labor Standards, U.S. Department of Labor.
* * * * *
0
107. In Sec.  1981.107, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  1981.107  Hearings.

* * * * *
    (b) Upon receipt of an objection and request for hearing, the Chief 
Administrative Law Judge will promptly assign the case to a judge who 
will notify the parties of the day, time, and place of hearing. The 
hearing is to commence expeditiously, except upon a showing of good 
cause or unless otherwise agreed to by the parties. Hearings will be 
conducted de novo, on the record. Administrative law judges have broad 
discretion to limit discovery in order to expedite the hearing.
* * * * *
0
108. In Sec.  1981.110, revise paragraph (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  1981.110  

* * * * *
    (c) The decision of the Board shall be issued within 90 days of the 
conclusion of the hearing, which will be deemed to be the conclusion of 
all proceedings before the Administrative Law Judge--i.e., 10 business 
days after the date of the decision of the Administrative Law Judge 
unless a motion for reconsideration has been filed with the

[[Page 1853]]

Administrative Law Judge in the interim. The decision will be served 
upon all parties and the Chief Administrative Law Judge. The decision 
will also be served on the Assistant Secretary, Occupational Safety and 
Health Administration, and on the Associate Solicitor, Division of Fair 
Labor Standards, U.S. Department of Labor, even if the Assistant 
Secretary is not a party.
* * * * *

PART 1982--PROCEDURES FOR THE HANDLING OF RETALIATION COMPLAINTS 
UNDER THE NATIONAL TRANSIT SYSTEMS SECURITY ACT AND THE FEDERAL 
RAILROAD SAFETY ACT

0
109. The authority citation for part 1982 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 6 U.S.C. 1142 and 49 U.S.C. 20109; Secretary of 
Labor's Order 01-2012 (Jan. 18, 2012), 77 FR 3912 (Jan. 25, 2012); 
Secretary's Order No. 01-2020, 85 FR 13186 (March 6, 2020).

0
110. In Sec.  1982.105, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  1982.105   Issuance of findings and preliminary orders.

* * * * *
    (b) The findings and, where appropriate, the preliminary order will 
be sent by means that allow OSHA to confirm delivery to all parties of 
record (and each party's legal counsel if the party is represented by 
counsel). The findings and, where appropriate, the preliminary order 
will inform the parties of the right to object to the findings and/or 
order and to request a hearing, and of the right of the respondent 
under NTSSA to request award of attorney fees not exceeding $1,000 from 
the administrative law judge (ALJ) regardless of whether the respondent 
has filed objections, if the respondent alleges that the complaint was 
frivolous or brought in bad faith. The findings and, where appropriate, 
the preliminary order also will give the address of the Chief 
Administrative Law Judge, U.S. Department of Labor, or appropriate 
information regarding filing objections electronically with the Office 
of Administrative Law Judges. At the same time, the Assistant Secretary 
will file with the Chief Administrative Law Judge a copy of the 
original complaint and a copy of the findings and/or order.
* * * * *
0
111. In Sec.  1982.106, revise paragraph (a) to read as follows:


Sec.  1982.106  Objections to the findings and the preliminary order 
and requests for a hearing.

    (a) Any party who desires review, including judicial review, of the 
findings and preliminary order, or a respondent alleging that the 
complaint was frivolous or brought in bad faith who seeks an award of 
attorney fees under NTSSA, must file any objections and/or a request 
for a hearing on the record within 30 days of receipt of the findings 
and preliminary order pursuant to Sec.  1982.105. The objections, 
request for a hearing, and/or request for attorney fees must be in 
writing and state whether the objections are to the findings, the 
preliminary order, and/or whether there should be an award of attorney 
fees. The date of the postmark, facsimile transmittal, or electronic 
transmittal is considered the date of filing; if the objection is filed 
in person, by hand-delivery or other means, the objection is filed upon 
receipt. Objections must be filed with the Chief Administrative Law 
Judge, U.S. Department of Labor, in accordance with 29 CFR part 18, and 
copies of the objections must be served at the same time on the other 
parties of record, the OSHA official who issued the findings and order, 
the Assistant Secretary, and the Associate Solicitor, Division of Fair 
Labor Standards, U.S. Department of Labor.
* * * * *
0
112. In Sec.  1982.107, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  1982.107  Hearings.

* * * * *
    (b) Upon receipt of an objection and request for hearing, the Chief 
Administrative Law Judge will promptly assign the case to an ALJ who 
will notify the parties of the day, time, and place of hearing. The 
hearing is to commence expeditiously, except upon a showing of good 
cause or unless otherwise agreed to by the parties. Hearings will be 
conducted de novo on the record. Administrative Law Judges have broad 
discretion to limit discovery in order to expedite the hearing.
* * * * *
0
113. In Sec.  1982.110, revise paragraph (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  1982.110  Decision and orders of the Administrative Review Board.

* * * * *
    (c) The decision of the ARB will be issued within 120 days of the 
conclusion of the hearing, which will be deemed to be 14 days after the 
date of the decision of the ALJ, unless a motion for reconsideration 
has been filed with the ALJ in the interim. In such case, the 
conclusion of the hearing is the date the motion for reconsideration is 
denied or 14 days after a new decision is issued. The ARB's decision 
will be served upon all parties and the Chief Administrative Law Judge. 
The decision also will be served on the Assistant Secretary, and on the 
Associate Solicitor, Division of Fair Labor Standards, U.S. Department 
of Labor, even if the Assistant Secretary is not a party.
* * * * *

PART 1983--PROCEDURES FOR THE HANDLING OF RETALIATION COMPLAINTS 
UNDER SECTION 219 OF THE CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 
2008

0
114. The authority citation for part 1983 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 15 U.S.C. 2087; Secretary's Order 1-2012 (Jan. 18, 
2012), 77 FR 3912 (Jan. 25, 2012); Secretary's Order 01-2020, 85 FR 
13186 (March 6, 2020).

0
115. In Sec.  1983.105, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  1983.105  Issuance of findings and preliminary orders.

* * * * *
    (b) The findings and, where appropriate, the preliminary order will 
be sent by means that allow OSHA to confirm delivery to all parties of 
record (and each party's legal counsel if the party is represented by 
counsel). The findings and, where appropriate, the preliminary order 
will inform the parties of the right to object to the findings and/or 
order and to request a hearing, and of the right of the respondent to 
request an award of attorney's fees not exceeding $1,000 from the ALJ, 
regardless of whether the respondent has filed objections, if the 
respondent alleges that the complaint was frivolous or brought in bad 
faith. The findings and, where appropriate, the preliminary order also 
will give the address of the Chief Administrative Law Judge, U.S. 
Department of Labor, or appropriate information regarding filing 
objections electronically with the Office of Administrative Law Judges. 
At the same time, the Assistant Secretary will file with the Chief 
Administrative Law Judge a copy of the original complaint and a copy of 
the findings and/or order.
* * * * *
0
116. In Sec.  1983.106, revise paragraph (a) to read as follows:


Sec.  1983.106  Objections to the findings and the preliminary order 
and requests for a hearing.

    (a) Any party who desires review, including judicial review, of the 
findings and/or preliminary order, or a

[[Page 1854]]

respondent alleging that the complaint was frivolous or brought in bad 
faith who seeks an award of attorney's fees under CPSIA, must file any 
objections and/or a request for a hearing on the record within 30 days 
of receipt of the findings and preliminary order pursuant to Sec.  
1983.105. The objections, request for a hearing, and/or request for 
attorney's fees must be in writing and state whether the objections are 
to the findings, the preliminary order, and/or whether there should be 
an award of attorney's fees. The date of the postmark, facsimile 
transmittal, or electronic transmittal is considered the date of 
filing; if the objection is filed in person, by hand-delivery or other 
means, the objection is filed upon receipt. Objections must be filed 
with the Chief Administrative Law Judge, U.S. Department of Labor, in 
accordance with 29 CFR part 18, and copies of the objections must be 
served at the same time on the other parties of record, the OSHA 
official who issued the findings and order, the Assistant Secretary, 
and the Associate Solicitor, Division of Fair Labor Standards, U.S. 
Department of Labor.
* * * * *
0
117. In Sec.  1983.107, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  1983.107  Hearings.

* * * * *
    (b) Upon receipt of an objection and request for hearing, the Chief 
Administrative Law Judge will promptly assign the case to an ALJ who 
will notify the parties of the day, time, and place of hearing. The 
hearing is to commence expeditiously, except upon a showing of good 
cause or unless otherwise agreed to by the parties. Hearings will be 
conducted de novo on the record. ALJs have broad discretion to limit 
discovery in order to expedite the hearing.
* * * * *
0
118. In Sec.  1983.110, revise paragraph (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  1983.110  Decision and orders of the Administrative Review Board.

* * * * *
    (c) The decision of the ARB will be issued within 120 days of the 
conclusion of the hearing, which will be deemed to be 14 days after the 
date of the decision of the ALJ, unless a motion for reconsideration 
has been filed with the ALJ in the interim. In such case, the 
conclusion of the hearing is the date the motion for reconsideration is 
ruled upon or 14 days after a new decision is issued. The ARB's 
decision will be served upon all parties and the Chief Administrative 
Law Judge. The decision will also be served on the Assistant Secretary 
and on the Associate Solicitor, Division of Fair Labor Standards, U.S. 
Department of Labor, even if the Assistant Secretary is not a party.
* * * * *

PART 1984--PROCEDURES FOR THE HANDLING OF RETALIATION COMPLAINTS 
UNDER SECTION 1558 OF THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT

0
119. The authority citation for part 1984 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 29 U.S.C. 218C; Secretary of Labor's Order 1-2012 
(Jan. 18, 2012), 77 FR 3912 (Jan. 25, 2012); Secretary's Order No. 
01-2020, 85 FR 13186 (March 6, 2020).

0
120. In Sec.  1984.105, revise paragraph (b) as follows:


Sec.  1984.105  Issuance of findings and preliminary orders.

* * * * *
    (b) The findings and, where appropriate, the preliminary order will 
be sent by means that allow OSHA to confirm delivery to all parties of 
record (and each party's legal counsel if the party is represented by 
counsel). The findings and, where appropriate, the preliminary order 
will inform the parties of the right to object to the findings and/or 
order and to request a hearing, and of the right of the respondent to 
request an award of attorney fees not exceeding $1,000 from the 
administrative law judge (ALJ), regardless of whether the respondent 
has filed objections, if respondent alleges that the complaint was 
frivolous or brought in bad faith. The findings, and where appropriate, 
the preliminary order, also will give the address of the Chief 
Administrative Law Judge, U.S. Department of Labor, or appropriate 
information regarding filing objections electronically with the Office 
of Administrative Law Judges. At the same time, the Assistant Secretary 
will file with the Chief Administrative Law Judge a copy of the 
original complaint and a copy of the findings and/or order.
* * * * *
0
121. In Sec.  1984.106, revise paragraph (a) to read as follows:


Sec.  1984.106  Objections to the findings and the preliminary order 
and requests for a hearing.

    (a) Any party who desires review, including judicial review, of the 
findings and/or preliminary order, or a respondent alleging that the 
complaint was frivolous or brought in bad faith who seeks an award of 
attorney fees under section 18C of the FLSA, must file any objections 
and/or a request for a hearing on the record within 30 days of receipt 
of the findings and preliminary order pursuant to Sec.  1984.105(b). 
The objections, request for a hearing, and/or request for attorney fees 
must be in writing and state whether the objections are to the findings 
and/or the preliminary order, and/or whether there should be an award 
of attorney fees. The date of the postmark, facsimile transmittal, or 
electronic transmittal is considered the date of filing; if the 
objection is filed in person, by hand-delivery or other means, the 
objection is filed upon receipt. Objections must be filed with the 
Chief Administrative Law Judge, U.S. Department of Labor, in accordance 
with 29 CFR part 18, and copies of the objections must be served at the 
same time on the other parties of record, the OSHA official who issued 
the findings and order, the Assistant Secretary, and the Associate 
Solicitor, Division of Fair Labor Standards, U.S. Department of Labor.
* * * * *
0
122. In Sec.  1984.107, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  1984.107  Hearings.

* * * * *
    (b) Upon receipt of an objection and request for hearing, the Chief 
Administrative Law Judge will promptly assign the case to an ALJ who 
will notify the parties of the day, time, and place of hearing. The 
hearing is to commence expeditiously, except upon a showing of good 
cause or unless otherwise agreed to by the parties. Hearings will be 
conducted de novo on the record. ALJs have broad discretion to limit 
discovery in order to expedite the hearing.
* * * * *
0
123. In Sec.  1984.110, revise paragraph (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  1984.110  Decision and orders of the Administrative Review Board.

* * * * *
    (c) The decision of the ARB will be issued within 120 days of the 
conclusion of the hearing, which will be deemed to be 14 days after the 
date of the decision of the ALJ, unless a motion for reconsideration 
has been filed with the ALJ in the interim. In such case, the 
conclusion of the hearing is the date the motion for reconsideration is 
ruled upon or 14 days after a new decision is issued. The ARB's 
decision will be served upon all parties and the Chief Administrative 
Law Judge. The decision will also be served on the Assistant Secretary, 
and on the Associate Solicitor, Division of Fair Labor Standards, U.S. 
Department of Labor,

[[Page 1855]]

even if the Assistant Secretary is not a party.
* * * * *

PART 1985--PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING RETALIATION COMPLAINTS UNDER THE 
EMPLOYEE PROTECTION PROVISION OF THE CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION 
ACT OF 2010

0
124. The authority citation for part 1985 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 12 U.S.C. 5567; Secretary of Labor's Order No. 1-2012 
(Jan. 18, 2012), 77 FR 3912 (Jan. 25, 2012); Secretary's Order No. 
01-2020, 85 FR 13186 (March 6, 2020).

0
125. In Sec.  1985.105, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  1985.105  Issuance of findings and preliminary orders.

* * * * *
    (b) The findings and, where appropriate, the preliminary order will 
be sent by means that allow OSHA to confirm delivery to all parties of 
record (and each party's legal counsel if the party is represented by 
counsel). The findings and, where appropriate, the preliminary order 
will inform the parties of the right to object to the findings and/or 
order and to request a hearing, and of the right of the respondent to 
request an award of attorney fees not exceeding $1,000 from the ALJ, 
regardless of whether the respondent has filed objections, if the 
respondent alleges that the complaint was frivolous or brought in bad 
faith. The findings and, where appropriate, the preliminary order also 
will give the address of the Chief Administrative Law Judge, U.S. 
Department of Labor, or appropriate information regarding filing 
objections electronically with the Office of Administrative Law Judges. 
At the same time, the Assistant Secretary will file with the Chief 
Administrative Law Judge a copy of the original complaint and a copy of 
the findings and/or order.
* * * * *
0
126. In Sec.  1985.106, revise paragraph (a) to read as follows:


Sec.  1985.106  Objections to the findings and the preliminary order 
and requests for a hearing.

    (a) Any party who desires review, including judicial review, of the 
findings and/or preliminary order, or a respondent alleging that the 
complaint was frivolous or brought in bad faith who seeks an award of 
attorney fees under CFPA, must file any objections and/or a request for 
a hearing on the record within 30 days of receipt of the findings and 
preliminary order pursuant to Sec.  1985.105. The objections, request 
for a hearing, and/or request for attorney fees must be in writing and 
state whether the objections are to the findings, the preliminary 
order, and/or whether there should be an award of attorney fees. The 
date of the postmark, facsimile transmittal, or electronic transmittal 
is considered the date of filing; if the objection is filed in person, 
by hand-delivery or other means, the objection is filed upon receipt. 
Objections must be filed with the Chief Administrative Law Judge, U.S. 
Department of Labor, in accordance with 29 CFR part 18, and copies of 
the objections must be served at the same time on the other parties of 
record, the OSHA official who issued the findings and order, the 
Assistant Secretary, and the Associate Solicitor, Division of Fair 
Labor Standards, U.S. Department of Labor.
* * * * *
0
127. In Sec.  1985.107, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  1985.107  Hearings.

* * * * *
    (b) Upon receipt of an objection and request for hearing, the Chief 
Administrative Law Judge will promptly assign the case to an ALJ who 
will notify the parties of the day, time, and place of hearing. The 
hearing is to commence expeditiously, except upon a showing of good 
cause or unless otherwise agreed to by the parties. Hearings will be 
conducted de novo on the record. ALJs have broad discretion to limit 
discovery in order to expedite the hearing.
* * * * *
0
128. In Sec.  1985.110, revise paragraph (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  1985.110  Decision and orders of the Administrative Review Board.

* * * * *
    (c) The decision of the ARB will be issued within 120 days of the 
conclusion of the hearing, which will be deemed to be 14 days after the 
decision of the ALJ, unless a motion for reconsideration has been filed 
with the ALJ in the interim. In such case, the conclusion of the 
hearing is the date the motion for reconsideration is ruled upon or 14 
days after a new decision is issued. The ARB's decision will be served 
upon all parties and the Chief Administrative Law Judge. The decision 
will also be served on the Assistant Secretary and on the Associate 
Solicitor, Division of Fair Labor Standards, U.S. Department of Labor, 
even if the Assistant Secretary is not a party.
* * * * *

PART 1986--PROCEDURES FOR THE HANDLING OF RETALIATION COMPLAINTS 
UNDER THE EMPLOYEE PROTECTION PROVISION OF THE SEAMAN'S PROTECTION 
ACT (SPA), AS AMENDED

0
129. The authority citation for part 1986 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 46 U.S.C. 2114; 49 U.S.C. 31105; Secretary's Order 1-
2012 (Jan. 18, 2012), 77 FR 3912 (Jan. 25, 2012); Secretary's Order 
01-2020, 85 FR 13186 (March 6, 2020).

0
130. In Sec.  1986.105, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  1986.105  Issuance of findings and preliminary orders.

* * * * *
    (b) The findings and, where appropriate, the preliminary order will 
be sent by means that allow OSHA to confirm delivery to all parties of 
record (and each party's legal counsel if the party is represented by 
counsel). The findings and, where appropriate, the preliminary order 
will inform the parties of the right to object to the findings and/or 
the order and to request a hearing. The findings and, where 
appropriate, the preliminary order also will give the address of the 
Chief Administrative Law Judge, U.S. Department of Labor, or 
appropriate information regarding filing objections electronically with 
the Office of Administrative Law Judges. At the same time, the 
Assistant Secretary will file with the Chief Administrative Law Judge a 
copy of the original complaint and a copy of the findings and/or order.
* * * * *
0
131. In Sec.  1986.106, revise paragraph (a) to read as follows:


Sec.  1986.106  Objections to the findings and the preliminary order 
and request for a hearing.

    (a) Any party who desires review, including judicial review, must 
file any objections and a request for a hearing on the record within 30 
days of receipt of the findings and preliminary order pursuant to Sec.  
1986.105(c). The objections and request for a hearing must be in 
writing and state whether the objections are to the findings and/or the 
preliminary order. The date of the postmark, facsimile transmittal, or 
electronic transmittal is considered the date of filing; if the 
objection is filed in person, by hand-delivery or other means, the 
objection is filed upon receipt. Objections must be filed with the 
Chief Administrative Law Judge, U.S. Department of Labor, in accordance 
with 29 CFR part 18, and copies of the objections must be served at the 
same time on the other parties of record, and

[[Page 1856]]

the OSHA official who issued the findings.
* * * * *
0
132. In Sec.  1986.107, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  1986.107  Hearings.

* * * * *
    (b) Upon receipt of an objection and request for hearing, the Chief 
Administrative Law Judge will promptly assign the case to an ALJ who 
will notify the parties of the day, time, and place of hearing. The 
hearing is to commence expeditiously, except upon a showing of good 
cause or unless otherwise agreed to by the parties. Hearings will be 
conducted de novo on the record. ALJs have broad discretion to limit 
discovery in order to expedite the hearing.
* * * * *
0
133. In Sec.  1986.110, revise paragraph (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  1986.110  Decision and orders of the Administrative Review Board.

* * * * *
    (c) The decision of the ARB will be issued within 120 days of the 
conclusion of the hearing, which will be deemed to be 14 days after the 
date of the decision of the ALJ, unless a motion for reconsideration 
has been filed with the ALJ in the interim. In such case, the 
conclusion of the hearing is the date the motion for reconsideration is 
ruled upon or 14 days after a new decision is issued. The ARB's 
decision will be served upon all parties and the Chief Administrative 
Law Judge. The decision also will be served on the Assistant Secretary 
and on the Associate Solicitor, Division of Occupational Safety and 
Health, U.S. Department of Labor, even if the Assistant Secretary is 
not a party.
* * * * *

PART 1987--PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING RETALIATION COMPLAINTS UNDER 
SECTION 402 OF THE FDA FOOD SAFETY MODERNIZATION ACT

0
134. The authority citation for part 1987 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 399d; Secretary of Labor's Order No. 1-2012 
(Jan. 18, 2012), 77 FR 3912 (Jan. 25, 2012); Secretary's Order No. 
01-2020, 85 FR 13186 (March 6, 2020).

0
135. In Sec.  1987.105, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  1987.105   Issuance of findings and preliminary orders.

* * * * *
    (b) The findings and, where appropriate, the preliminary order will 
be sent by means that allow OSHA to confirm delivery to all parties of 
record (and each party's legal counsel if the party is represented by 
counsel). The findings and, where appropriate, the preliminary order 
will inform the parties of the right to object to the findings and/or 
order and to request a hearing, and of the right of the respondent to 
request an award of attorney fees not exceeding $1,000 from the 
administrative law judge (ALJ), regardless of whether the respondent 
has filed objections, if the respondent alleges that the complaint was 
frivolous or brought in bad faith. The findings and, where appropriate, 
the preliminary order also will give the address of the Chief 
Administrative Law Judge, U.S. Department of Labor, or appropriate 
information regarding filing objections electronically with the Office 
of Administrative Law Judges. At the same time, the Assistant Secretary 
will file with the Chief Administrative Law Judge a copy of the 
original complaint and a copy of the findings and/or order.
* * * * *
0
136. In Sec.  1987.106, revise paragraph (a) to read as follows:


Sec.  1987.106  Objections to the findings and the preliminary order 
and requests for a hearing.

    (a) Any party who desires review, including judicial review, of the 
findings and/or preliminary order, or a respondent alleging that the 
complaint was frivolous or brought in bad faith who seeks an award of 
attorney fees under FSMA, must file any objections and/or a request for 
a hearing on the record within 30 days of receipt of the findings and 
preliminary order pursuant to Sec.  1987.105. The objections, request 
for a hearing, and/or request for attorney fees must be in writing and 
state whether the objections are to the findings, the preliminary 
order, and/or whether there should be an award of attorney fees. The 
date of the postmark, facsimile transmittal, or electronic transmittal 
is considered the date of filing; if the objection is filed in person, 
by hand-delivery or other means, the objection is filed upon receipt. 
Objections must be filed with the Chief Administrative Law Judge, U.S. 
Department of Labor, in accordance with 29 CFR part 18, and copies of 
the objections must be served at the same time on the other parties of 
record, the OSHA official who issued the findings and order, the 
Assistant Secretary, and the Associate Solicitor, Division of Fair 
Labor Standards, U.S. Department of Labor.
* * * * *
0
137. In Sec.  1987.107, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  1987.107  Hearings.

* * * * *
    (b) Upon receipt of an objection and request for hearing, the Chief 
Administrative Law Judge will promptly assign the case to an ALJ who 
will notify the parties of the day, time, and place of hearing. The 
hearing is to commence expeditiously, except upon a showing of good 
cause or unless otherwise agreed to by the parties. Hearings will be 
conducted de novo on the record. ALJs have broad discretion to limit 
discovery in order to expedite the hearing.
* * * * *
0
138. In Sec.  1987.110, revise paragraph (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  1987.110  Decision and orders of the Administrative Review Board.

* * * * *
    (c) The decision of the ARB will be issued within 120 days of the 
conclusion of the hearing, which will be deemed to be 14 days after the 
date of the decision of the ALJ, unless a motion for reconsideration 
has been filed with the ALJ in the interim. In such case the conclusion 
of the hearing is the date the motion for reconsideration is denied or 
14 days after a new decision is issued. The ARB's decision will be 
served upon all parties and the Chief Administrative Law Judge. The 
decision will also be served on the Assistant Secretary and on the 
Associate Solicitor, Division of Fair Labor Standards, U.S. Department 
of Labor, even if the Assistant Secretary is not a party.
* * * * *

PART 1988--PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING RETALIATION COMPLAINTS UNDER 
SECTION 31307 OF THE MOVING AHEAD FOR PROGRESS IN THE 21ST CENTURY 
ACT (MAP-21)

0
139. The authority citation for part 1988 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 30171; Secretary of Labor's Order No. 1-
2012 (Jan. 18, 2012), 77 FR 3912 (Jan. 25, 2012); Secretary's Order 
No. 01-2020, 85 FR 13186 (March 6, 2020).

0
140. In Sec.  1988.105, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  1988.105  Issuance of findings and preliminary orders.

* * * * *
    (b) The findings and, where appropriate, the preliminary order will 
be sent by means that allow OSHA to confirm delivery to all parties of 
record (and each party's legal counsel if the party is represented by 
counsel). The findings and, where appropriate, the preliminary order 
will inform the

[[Page 1857]]

parties of the right to object to the findings and/or order and to 
request a hearing, and of the right of the respondent to request an 
award of attorney fees not exceeding $1,000 from the ALJ, regardless of 
whether the respondent has filed objections, if the respondent alleges 
that the complaint was frivolous or brought in bad faith. The findings 
and, where appropriate, the preliminary order also will give the 
address of the Chief Administrative Law Judge, U.S. Department of 
Labor, or appropriate information regarding filing objections 
electronically with the Office of Administrative Law Judges. At the 
same time, the Assistant Secretary will file with the Chief 
Administrative Law Judge a copy of the original complaint and a copy of 
the findings and/or order.
* * * * *
0
141. In Sec.  1988.106, revise paragraph (a) to read as follows:


Sec.  1988.106  Objections to the findings and the preliminary order 
and requests for a hearing.

    (a) Any party who desires review, including judicial review, of the 
findings and/or preliminary order, or a respondent alleging that the 
complaint was frivolous or brought in bad faith who seeks an award of 
attorney fees under MAP-21, must file any objections and/or a request 
for a hearing on the record within 30 days of receipt of the findings 
and preliminary order pursuant to Sec.  1988.105. The objections, 
request for a hearing, and/or request for attorney fees must be in 
writing and state whether the objections are to the findings, the 
preliminary order, and/or whether there should be an award of attorney 
fees. The date of the postmark, facsimile transmittal, or electronic 
transmittal is considered the date of filing; if the objection is filed 
in person, by hand-delivery or other means, the objection is filed upon 
receipt. Objections must be filed with the Chief Administrative Law 
Judge, U.S. Department of Labor, in accordance with 29 CFR part 18, and 
copies of the objections must be served at the same time on the other 
parties of record, the OSHA official who issued the findings and order, 
the Assistant Secretary, and the Associate Solicitor, Division of Fair 
Labor Standards, U.S. Department of Labor.
* * * * *
0
142. In Sec.  1988.107, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  1988.107   Hearings.

* * * * *
    (b) Upon receipt of an objection and request for hearing, the Chief 
Administrative Law Judge will promptly assign the case to an ALJ who 
will notify the parties of the day, time, and place of hearing. The 
hearing is to commence expeditiously, except upon a showing of good 
cause or unless otherwise agreed to by the parties. Hearings will be 
conducted de novo on the record. ALJs have broad discretion to limit 
discovery in order to expedite the hearing.
* * * * *
0
143. In Sec.  1988.110, revise paragraph (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  1988.110  Decision and orders of the Administrative Review Board.

* * * * *
    (c) The decision of the ARB will be issued within 120 days of the 
conclusion of the hearing, which will be deemed to be 14 days after the 
decision of the ALJ, unless a motion for reconsideration has been filed 
with the ALJ in the interim. In such case, the conclusion of the 
hearing is the date the motion for reconsideration is ruled upon or 14 
days after a new decision is issued. The ARB's decision will be served 
upon all parties and the Chief Administrative Law Judge. The decision 
will also be served on the Assistant Secretary and on the Associate 
Solicitor, Division of Fair Labor Standards, U.S. Department of Labor, 
even if the Assistant Secretary is not a party.
* * * * *

Title 41: Public Contracts and Property Management

PART 60--30 RULES OF PRACTICE FOR ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDINGS TO 
ENFORCE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY UNDER EXECUTIVE ORDER 11246

0
144. The authority citation for part 60-30 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: Executive Order 11246, as amended, 30 FR 12319, 32 FR 
14303, as amended by E.O. 12086; 29 U.S.C. 793, as amended, and 38 
U.S.C. 4212, as amended.
0
145. In Sec.  60-30.4, revise paragraphs (b) and (c) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  60-30.4  Form, filing, service of pleadings and papers.

* * * * *
    (b) Service. Service upon any party shall be made by the party 
filing the pleading or document in accordance with 29 CFR part 26. When 
a party is represented by an attorney, the service shall be upon the 
attorney.
    (c) Proof of service. A certificate of the person serving the 
pleading or other document, setting forth the manner of service, shall 
be proof of the service.

    Signed on this 14th day of December, 2020, in Washington, DC.
Eugene Scalia,
Secretary of Labor.
[FR Doc. 2020-28056 Filed 1-8-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-HW-P