[Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions] [Department of Labor Semiannual Regulatory Agenda] [From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov] Part XII Department of Labor _______________________________________________________________________ Semiannual Regulatory Agenda [[Page 23014]]DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL) _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Office of the Secretary 20 CFR Chs. I, IV, V, VI, VII, and IX 29 CFR Subtitle A and Chs. II, IV, V, XVII, and XXV 30 CFR Ch. I 41 CFR Ch. 60 48 CFR Ch. 29 Semiannual Agenda of Regulations AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Labor. ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda. _______________________________________________________________________ SUMMARY: This document sets forth the Department's semiannual agenda of regulations that have been selected for review or development during the coming year. The agenda complies with the requirements of both Executive Order 12866 and the Regulatory Flexibility Act. The agenda lists all regulations that are expected to be under review or development between April 2000 and April 2001 as well as those completed during the past 6 months. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Barbara Bingham, Acting Director for the Office of Regulatory Economics, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Policy, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room S-2312, Washington, DC 20210, (202) 219-6197. Note: Information pertaining to a specific regulation can be obtained from the agency contact listed for that particular regulation. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Executive Order 12866 and the Regulatory Flexibility Act require the semiannual publication in the Federal Register of an agenda of regulations. As permitted by law, the Department of Labor is combining the publication of its agendas under the Regulatory Flexibility Act and Executive Order 12866. Executive Order 12866 became effective September 30, 1993, and, in substance, requires the Department of Labor to publish an agenda listing all the regulations it expects to have under active consideration for promulgation, proposal, or review during the coming 1-year period. The focus of all departmental regulatory activity will be on the development of effective rules that advance the Department's goals and that are understandable and usable to the employers and employees in all affected workplaces. The Regulatory Flexibility Act became effective on January 1, 1981, and applies only to regulations for which a notice of proposed rulemaking was issued on or after that date. It requires the Department of Labor to publish an agenda, listing all the regulations it expects to propose or promulgate that are likely to have a ``significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities'' (5 U.S.C. 602). All interested members of the public are invited and encouraged to let departmental officials know how our regulatory efforts can be improved and, of course, to participate in and comment on the review or development of the regulations listed on the agenda. Alexis M. Herman, Secretary of Labor. Office of the Secretary--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1836 Production or Disclosure of Information or Materials................................ 1290-AA17 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Office of the Secretary--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1837 Supplemental Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Department of Labor.. 1290-AA15 1838 Equal Access to Justice Act......................................................... 1290-AA18 1839 Process for Electing State Employment Statistics Agency Representatives for 1290-AA19 Consultations With Department of Labor.............................................. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Employment Standards Administration--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1840 Government Contractors: Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Obligations, 1215-AA01 Executive Order 11246 (ESA/OFCCP) (Section 610 Review).............................. 1841 Regulations to Implement the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994, 29 CFR 1215-AA96 Parts 4 and 5, 41 CFR Parts 50-201 and 50-206....................................... 1842 Records To Be Kept by Employers Under the Fair Labor Standards Act.................. 1215-AB03 1843 Assessment and Collection of User Fees.............................................. 1215-AB06 1844 Implementation of the 1996 Amendments to the Fair Labor Standards Act............... 1215-AB13 [[Page 23015]] 1845 Labor Standards Provisions Applicable to Contracts Covering Federally Financed and 1215-AB21 Assisted Construction (29 CFR Part 5) Definition of ``Site of the Work'' Under the Davis-Bacon Act..................................................................... 1846 Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination Obligations of Contractors and 1215-AB23 Subcontractors Regarding Individuals With Disabilities.............................. 1847 Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination Obligations of Contractors and 1215-AB24 Subcontractors for Special Disabled Veterans and Veterans of the Vietnam Era........ 1848 Service Contract Act Exemption for Certain Commercial Service Contracts............. 1215-AB26 1849 Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination Obligations of Contractors and 1215-AB27 Subcontractors Regarding Special Disabled Veterans and Veterans of the Vietnam Era (Revised)........................................................................... 1850 Government Contractors: Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Obligations, 1215-AB28 Executive Order 11246 (ESA/OFCCP) (Revised)......................................... 1851 Longshore Act Medical Fee Schedule.................................................. 1215-AB30 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Employment Standards Administration--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1852 Child Labor Regulations, Orders, and Statements of Interpretation (ESA/W-H)......... 1215-AA09 1853 Standards for Waivers Under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act................... 1215-AA84 1854 Procedures for Predetermination of Wage Rates (29 CFR Part 1) and Labor Standards 1215-AA94 Provisions Applicable to Contracts Covering Federally Financed and Assisted Construction (29 CFR Part 5)........................................................ 1855 Black Lung Benefits Under the Federal Coal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1969, as 1215-AA99 Amended............................................................................. 1856 Labor Condition Applications and Requirements for Employers Using Nonimmigrants on H- 1215-AB09 1B Visas in Specialty Occupations and as Fashion Models............................. 1857 Minimum Wage and Overtime Violations--Civil Money Penalties (29 CFR 578); Child 1215-AB20 Labor Violations--Civil Money Penalties (29 CFR 579); Adjustment of Civil Money Penalties for Inflation............................................................. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Employment Standards Administration--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1858 Defining and Delimiting the Term ``Any Employee Employed in a Bona Fide Executive, 1215-AA14 Administrative, or Professional Capacity'' (ESA/W-H)................................ 1859 Application of the Fair Labor Standards Act to Domestic Service..................... 1215-AA82 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Employment Standards Administration--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1860 Enforcement of Contractual Obligations for Temporary Alien Agricultural Workers 1215-AA43 Admitted Under Section 216 of the Immigration and Nationality Act................... 1861 Exemptions Applicable to Agriculture, Processing of Agricultural Commodities, and 1215-AB11 Related Subjects Under the Fair Labor Standards Act................................. 1862 Reporting by Labor Relations Consultants and Other Persons.......................... 1215-AB14 1863 Labor Organization Annual Financial Report.......................................... 1215-AB29 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Employment and Training Administration--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1864 Disaster Unemployment Assistance Program, Amendment to Regulations.................. 1205-AB02 [[Page 23016]] 1865 Federal-State Unemployment Compensation Program; Unemployment Insurance Performance 1205-AB10 System.............................................................................. 1866 Labor Certification and Petition Process for the Temporary Employment of 1205-AB24 Nonimmigrant Aliens in Agriculture in the United States; Modification of Fee Structure........................................................................... 1867 Labor Certification Process for the Permanent Employment of Aliens in the United 1205-AB25 States; Refiling of Applications.................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Employment and Training Administration--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1868 Trade Adjustment Assistance for Workers--Implementation of 1988 Amendments.......... 1205-AB05 1869 Trade Adjustment Assistance for Workers--Transitional Adjustment Assistance NAFTA- 1205-AB07 TAA................................................................................. 1870 Welfare-to-Work (WTW) Grants........................................................ 1205-AB15 1871 (UC) Program; Confidentiality and Disclosure of Information in State UC Records..... 1205-AB18 1872 Workforce Investment Act of 1998.................................................... 1205-AB20 1873 Birth and Adoption Unemployment Compensation........................................ 1205-AB21 1874 Labor Certification and Petition Process for the Temporary Employment of 1205-AB23 Nonimmigrant Aliens in Agriculture in the United States; Delegation of Authority to Adjudicate H-2A Petitions........................................................... 1875 Attestations by Facilities Temporarily Employing H-1C Nonimmigrant Aliens as 1205-AB27 Registered Nurses................................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Employment and Training Administration--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1876 Services to Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers, Job Service Complaint System, 1205-AA37 Monitoring, and Enforcement......................................................... 1877 Labor Certification Process for the Permanent Employment of Aliens in the United 1205-AA66 States.............................................................................. 1878 Establishment of Fees for Immigration Programs Administered by the Employment and 1205-AB14 Training Administration............................................................. 1879 Indian and Native American Welfare-to-Work Program.................................. 1205-AB16 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1880 Definition of Collective Bargaining Agreement (ERISA Section 3(40))................. 1210-AA48 1881 Rulemaking Relating to Notice Requirements for Continuation of Health Care Coverage. 1210-AA60 1882 Voluntary Fiduciary Correction Program.............................................. 1210-AA76 1883 Regulation Exempting Certain Broker-Dealer and Investment Advisers from Bonding 1210-AA80 Requirements........................................................................ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1884 Revision of the Form 5500 Series and Implementing and Related Regulations Under the 1210-AA52 Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA)............................. 1885 Regulations Implementing the Health Care Access, Portability and Renewability 1210-AA54 Provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996....... 1886 Amendment of Summary Plan Description and Related ERISA Regulations to Implement 1210-AA55 Statutory Changes in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 1887 Amendments to Employee Benefit Plan Claims Procedures Regulation.................... 1210-AA61 1888 Mental Health Benefits Parity....................................................... 1210-AA62 1889 Health Care Standards for Mothers and Newborns...................................... 1210-AA63 1890 Reporting Requirements for MEWAs Providing Medical Care Benefits.................... 1210-AA64 [[Page 23017]] 1891 Elimination of Filing Requirements for Summary Plan Descriptions.................... 1210-AA66 1892 Requirement To Furnish Plan Documents Upon Request by the Secretary of Labor........ 1210-AA67 1893 Civil Penalty for Failure To Furnish Certain Plan Documents......................... 1210-AA68 1894 Amendments to Summary Plan Description Regulations.................................. 1210-AA69 1895 Electronic Disclosure of Employee Benefit Plan Information.......................... 1210-AA71 1896 National Medical Support Notice..................................................... 1210-AA72 1897 Small Pension Plan Security Amendments.............................................. 1210-AA73 1898 Soft Dollar (Interpretive Bulletin)................................................. 1210-AA74 1899 Rulemaking Relating to the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998............. 1210-AA75 1900 Prohibiting Discrimination Against Participants and Beneficiaries Based on Health 1210-AA77 Status.............................................................................. 1901 Amendments Regarding Allocation of Fiduciary Responsibility; Federal Retirement 1210-AA79 Thrift Investment Board............................................................. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1902 Adequate Consideration.............................................................. 1210-AA15 1903 Civil Penalties Under ERISA Section 502(1).......................................... 1210-AA37 1904 Individual Benefits Reporting Requirements for Defined Contribution Plans........... 1210-AA65 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1905 Limitation of Liability for Insurers and Others Under Part 4 of Title I of ERISA and 1210-AA58 Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code........................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mine Safety and Health Administration--Prerule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1906 Occupational Exposure to Coal Mine Dust (Lowering Exposure Limit)................... 1219-AB08 1907 Mine Rescue Teams................................................................... 1219-AB20 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mine Safety and Health Administration--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1908 Air Quality, Chemical Substances, and Respiratory Protection Standards.............. 1219-AA48 1909 Belt Entry Use as Intake Aircourse To Ventilate Working Sections.................... 1219-AA76 1910 Metal/Nonmetal Impoundments......................................................... 1219-AA83 1911 Surface Haulage..................................................................... 1219-AA93 1912 Improving and Eliminating Regulations............................................... 1219-AA98 1913 Respirable Crystalline Silica Standard.............................................. 1219-AB12 1914 Underground Coal Mine Operators Plan Verification and MSHA Compliance Sampling for 1219-AB14 Respirable Dust..................................................................... 1915 Determination of Concentration of Respirable Coal Mine Dust......................... 1219-AB18 1916 Safety Standards for Self-Contained Self-Rescue Devices in Coal and Metal/Nonmetal 1219-AB19 Underground Mines................................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 23018]] Mine Safety and Health Administration--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1917 Hazard Communication................................................................ 1219-AA47 1918 Diesel Particulate Matter (Exposure of Underground Coal Miners)..................... 1219-AA74 1919 Longwall Equipment (Including High-Voltage)......................................... 1219-AA75 1920 Independent Laboratory Testing...................................................... 1219-AA87 1921 Requirements for Approval of Flame-Resistant Conveyor Belts......................... 1219-AA92 1922 Diesel Particulate Matter (Exposure of Underground Metal and Nonmetal Miners)....... 1219-AB11 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mine Safety and Health Administration--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1923 Confined Spaces..................................................................... 1219-AA54 1924 Safety Standard Revisions for Underground Anthracite Mines.......................... 1219-AA96 1925 Electrical Standards for Metal and Nonmetal Mines................................... 1219-AB01 1926 Training and Retraining of Miners................................................... 1219-AB02 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mine Safety and Health Administration--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1927 Safety Standards for the Use of Roof-Bolting Machines............................... 1219-AA94 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1928 Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Programs and Activities Receiving or 1291-AA28 Benefiting From Federal Financial Assistance........................................ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1929 Implementation of the Nondiscrimination and Equal Opportunity Requirements of the 1291-AA29 Workforce Investment Act of 1998.................................................... 1930 Grants and Agreements............................................................... 1291-AA30 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1931 Department of Labor Acquisition Regulation.......................................... 1291-AA20 1932 Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Age in Programs and Activities Receiving Federal 1291-AA21 Financial Assistance From the Department of Labor................................... 1933 Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations.................... 1291-AA26 1934 Audit Requirements for Grants, Contracts, and Other Agreements...................... 1291-AA27 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 23019]] Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Prerule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1935 Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals............................. 1218-AB63 1936 Safety Standards for Scaffolds Used in the Construction Industry--Part II........... 1218-AB68 1937 Grain Handling Facilities (Section 610 Review)...................................... 1218-AB73 1938 Cotton Dust (Section 610 Review).................................................... 1218-AB74 1939 Prevention of Needlestick and Other Sharps Injuries................................. 1218-AB85 1940 Occupational Exposure to Perchloroethylene.......................................... 1218-AB86 1941 Sanitation.......................................................................... 1218-AB87 1942 Hearing Loss Prevention in Construction Workers..................................... 1218-AB89 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1943 Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs) for Air Contaminants............................. 1218-AB54 1944 Occupational Exposure to Ethylene Oxide (Section 610 Review)........................ 1218-AB60 1945 Plain Language Revision of the Flammable and Combustible Liquids Standard........... 1218-AB61 1946 Plain Language Revision of the Mechanical Power-Transmission Apparatus Standard..... 1218-AB66 1947 Electric Power Transmission and Distribution; Electrical Protective Equipment in the 1218-AB67 Construction Industry............................................................... 1948 Standards Improvement (Miscellaneous Changes) for General Industry, Marine 1218-AB81 Terminals, and Construction Standards (Phase II).................................... 1949 Plain Language Revisions to Spray Applications...................................... 1218-AB84 1950 Signs, Signals, and Barricades...................................................... 1218-AB88 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1951 Steel Erection (Part 1926) (Safety Protection for Ironworkers)...................... 1218-AA65 1952 Recording and Reporting Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (Simplified Injury/ 1218-AB24 Illness Recordkeeping Requirements)................................................. 1953 Ergonomics Programs: Preventing Musculoskeletal Disorders........................... 1218-AB36 1954 Occupational Exposure to Tuberculosis............................................... 1218-AB46 1955 Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories Programs: Fees........................... 1218-AB57 1956 Employer Payment for Personal Protective Equipment.................................. 1218-AB77 1957 Consultation Agreements............................................................. 1218-AB79 1958 Plain Language Revisions to the Exit Routes Standard................................ 1218-AB82 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1959 Respiratory Protection (Proper Use of Modern Respirators)........................... 1218-AA05 1960 Longshoring and Marine Terminals (Parts 1917 and 1918) -- Reopening of the Record 1218-AA56 (Vertical Tandem Lifts (VTLs))...................................................... 1961 Scaffolds in Shipyards (Part 1915 -- Subpart N)..................................... 1218-AA68 1962 Access and Egress in Shipyards (Part 1915, Subpart E) (Shipyards: Emergency Exits 1218-AA70 and Aisles)......................................................................... 1963 Glycol Ethers: 2-Methoxyethanol, 2-Ethoxyethanol, and Their Acetates: Protecting 1218-AA84 Reproductive Health................................................................. 1964 Accreditation of Training Programs for Hazardous Waste Operations (Part 1910)....... 1218-AB27 1965 Indoor Air Quality in the Workplace................................................. 1218-AB37 1966 Safety and Health Programs (for General Industry and the Maritime Industries)....... 1218-AB41 1967 Occupational Exposure to Hexavalent Chromium (Preventing Occupational Illness: 1218-AB45 Chromium)........................................................................... 1968 Confined Spaces in Construction (Part 1926): Preventing Suffocation/Explosions in 1218-AB47 Confined Spaces..................................................................... 1969 General Working Conditions for Shipyard Employment.................................. 1218-AB50 [[Page 23020]] 1970 Fire Protection in Shipyard Employment (Part 1915, Subpart P) (Shipyards: Fire 1218-AB51 Safety)............................................................................. 1971 Metalworking Fluids: Protecting Respiratory Health.................................. 1218-AB58 1972 Fall Protection in the Construction Industry........................................ 1218-AB62 1973 Revocation of Certification Records for Tests, Inspections, and Training............ 1218-AB65 1974 Safety and Health Programs for Construction......................................... 1218-AB69 1975 Occupational Exposure to Crystalline Silica......................................... 1218-AB70 1976 Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout) in Construction (Part 1926) (Preventing 1218-AB71 Construction Injuries/Fatalities: Lockout).......................................... 1977 Occupational Exposure to Beryllium.................................................. 1218-AB76 1978 Consolidation of Records Maintenance Requirements in OSHA Standards................. 1218-AB78 1979 Walking Working Surfaces and Personal Fall Protection Systems (1910) (Slips, Trips 1218-AB80 and Fall Prevention)................................................................ 1980 Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing............................................. 1218-AB83 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1981 Control of Hazardous Energy Sources (Lockout/Tagout)................................ 1218-AB59 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment & Training--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1982 Annual Report for Federal Contractors............................................... 1293-AA07 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL) Proposed Rule Stage Office of the Secretary (OS) _______________________________________________________________________ 1836. PRODUCTION OR DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION OR MATERIALS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 5 USC 552 as amended; 5 USC Reorganization Plan No. 6 of 1950; EO 12600, 52 FR 23781 (June 25, 1987) CFR Citation: 29 CFR 70 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The regulation will incorporate the provisions of the 1996 FOIA amendments. These include extending DOL processing time from 10 to 20 days for most FOIA requests and requiring that all reading room materials created since November 1, 1996, be made available by electronic means such as the Internet. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Miriam McD. Miller, Co-Counsel for Administrative Law, Division of Legislation and Legislative Counsel, Department of Labor, Office of the Secretary, Room N2428, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 219-8188 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1290-AA17 [[Page 23021]] _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL) Completed Actions Office of the Secretary (OS) _______________________________________________________________________ 1837. SUPPLEMENTAL STANDARDS OF ETHICAL CONDUCT FOR EMPLOYEES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Priority: Info./Admin./Other Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 5 USC 7301; 5 USC 7353; 5 USC app (Ethics in Government Act); EO 12674; 18 USC 208 CFR Citation: 5 CFR 5201; 29 CFR 0; 3 CFR 1989 Comp; 5 CFR 2634; 5 CFR 2635; 3 CFR 1990 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department of Labor is developing a rule for its employees that supplements the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch issued by the Office of Government Ethics (OGE). The rule would designate certain components of the Department as separate agencies for the purposes of provisions in the Executive Branch-wide standards regarding gifts from outside sources, the receipt of compensation for teaching, speaking, or writing, and fundraising in a personal capacity. The rule would also restrict the outside financial interests for employees of the Mine Safety and Health Administration and require approval of outside employment for employees of the Office of Inspector General. It repeals existing regulations governing outside employment and financial interests. Issuance of this rule would require OGE concurrence. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 11/06/96 61 FR 57281 Final Action 12/30/99 64 FR 73853 Final Action Effective 01/31/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Robert A. Shapiro, Associate Solicitor for Legislation and Legal Counsel, Department of Labor, Office of the Secretary, Room N2428, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 219-8201 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1290-AA15 _______________________________________________________________________ 1838. EQUAL ACCESS TO JUSTICE ACT Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 504; 28 USC 2412 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 16 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The regulation will incorporate the 1996 amendments to the Equal Access to Justice Act and revise the existing regulation to conform with the case law which has evolved since 1981. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 02/25/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Robert A. Shapiro, Associate Solicitor for Legislation and Legal Counsel, Department of Labor, Office of the Secretary, Room N2428, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 219-8201 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1290-AA18 _______________________________________________________________________ 1839. PROCESS FOR ELECTING STATE EMPLOYMENT STATISTICS AGENCY REPRESENTATIVES FOR CONSULTATIONS WITH DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 20 USC 927(c); 29 USC 49e-2; 5 USC 301 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 44 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, December 31, 1999. Abstract: This final rule establishes a process for the election of State representatives to participate in formal consultations with the Department of Labor relating to the development of an annual employment statistics plan and to address other employment statistics issues. Section 15(d)(2) of the Wagner-Peyser Act, as recently amended by section 309 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, requires the Secretary to establish a process for the election of representatives from each of the 10 Federal regions of the Department. This provision requires that the representatives be elected by and from the directors of the State employment statistics agencies designed to carry at employment statistics responsibilities under section 15 of the Wagner- Peyser Act. The interim final rule addresses the election cycles, the tenure of representatives, the process for the distribution of ballots, tie-breaking procedures, methods of transmitting ballots and votes, and the filling of vacancies. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 12/18/98 63 FR 70260 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 03/18/99 Final Action 02/11/00 65 FR 7194 Final Action Effective 03/13/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal, State Agency Contact: Mark Morin, Senior Attorney Adviser, Department of Labor, Office of the Secretary, Room N2428, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 219-8065 RIN: 1290-AA19 [[Page 23022]] _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL) Proposed Rule Stage Employment Standards Administration (ESA) _______________________________________________________________________ 1840. GOVERNMENT CONTRACTORS: NONDISCRIMINATION AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION OBLIGATIONS, EXECUTIVE ORDER 11246 (ESA/OFCCP) (SECTION 610 REVIEW) Priority: Other Significant Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or duplication, or streamline requirements. Legal Authority: EO 11246, as amended CFR Citation: 41 CFR 60-1; 41 CFR 60-2 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: These regulations cover nondiscrimination and affirmative action obligations of Federal contractors under Executive Order 11246 as amended. The part 60-1 final rule, published 8/19/97, revised parts of the regulations implementing E.O. 11246. OFCCP's review of regulatory options continues with emphasis on streamlining and clarifying the regulatory language and reducing paperwork requirements associated with compliance. OFCCP plans to propose revisions to written affirmative action program (AAP) requirements to reduce burdens on the regulated community and to improve the enforcement of the Executive order. Statement of Need: Parts of the regulations implementing Executive Order 11246 need to be revised to reflect changes in the law that have occurred over time, streamlined, and clarified. Executive Order 11246 requires all Federal contractors and subcontractors and federally assisted construction contractors and subcontractors to apply a policy of nondiscrimination and affirmative action in employment with respect to race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. The regulatory revisions are necessary in order to allow the DOL to effectively and efficiently enforce the provisions of the Executive Order. As a first step in updating its Executive Order regulations, the Department published changes to the provisions that govern preaward review requirements; recordkeeping and record retention requirements; certification requirements; and related provisions. In addition, other revisions have been made that conform Executive Order 11246 regulations to the recent changes made in the Department's regulations implementing section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. A second phase of revision will contain proposals to change provisions that govern requirements for written affirmative action plans and the provisions concerning evaluation of contractor procedures. Summary of Legal Basis: No aspect of this action is required by statute or court order. Alternatives: After careful review, it was decided that the most effective way to improve compliance with the Executive Order 11246 provisions and reduce burdens on contractors, was to propose revisions to these regulations. Administrative actions alone could not produce the desired results. Anticipated Cost and Benefits: It is anticipated that the net effect of the proposed changes will increase compliance with the nondiscrimination and affirmative action requirements of the Executive order and reduce compliance costs to Federal contractors. The Department will also be able to utilize its resources more efficiently and more effectively. Risks: Failure to move forward with OFCCP's regulatory agenda would cause the continuation of outdated methods of evaluating contractor compliance and impede effective enforcement of Executive Order 11246. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM Affirmative Action Plans (60-2) 04/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Additional Information: Under the Reinventing Government initiative, OFCCP's emphasis is on regulatory reform, e.g., to revise the Executive Order 11246 regulations to reduce paperwork burdens, eliminate unnecessary regulations, and simplify and clarify the regulations while improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the contract compliance program. Agency Contact: James I. Melvin, Director, Division of Policy, Planning, and Program Development, OFCCP, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Room N3424, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-0102 TDD Phone: 202 693-1308 Fax: 202 693-1304 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1215-AA01 _______________________________________________________________________ 1841. REGULATIONS TO IMPLEMENT THE FEDERAL ACQUISITION STREAMLINING ACT OF 1994, 29 CFR PARTS 4 AND 5, 41 CFR PARTS 50-201 AND 50-206 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or duplication, or streamline requirements. Legal Authority: PL 103-355, 108 Stat. 3243 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 4; 29 CFR 5; 41 CFR 50 to 201; 41 CFR 50 to 206 Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, May 11, 1995. Final, Statutory, October 1, 1995. Abstract: The Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994, signed on October 13, 1994, amends several Acts administered by the Department of Labor: (1) It amends the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act (CWHSSA) to limit its applicability to contracts in an amount of $100,000 or greater. (2) It amends the Davis-Bacon Act (DB) to provide waivers from the Act's prevailing wage requirements under selected laws for volunteers performing services to a State or local government or agency and for volunteers performing services to a public or private nonprofit recipient of Federal assistance. (3) It also amends the Walsh-Healey Public Contracts Act (PCA) to eliminate the requirements that contractors on covered contracts be either manufacturers or regular dealers in the items to be supplied under the contract but retains the Secretary of Labor's authority to define the terms ``regular dealer'' and ``manufacturer.'' A final rule implementing the CWHSSA and PCA changes was published on August 5, 1996 (61 FR 40714). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/07/95 60 FR 46553 NPRM Comment Period End 10/10/95 [[Page 23023]] Final Rule - Walsh-Healey/CWHSSA Rule 08/05/96 61 FR 40714 Second NPRM 12/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal, State, Local Agency Contact: John R. Fraser, Deputy Administrator (WHD), Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Room S3502, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-0051 Fax: 202 693-1432 RIN: 1215-AA96 _______________________________________________________________________ 1842. RECORDS TO BE KEPT BY EMPLOYERS UNDER THE FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or duplication, or streamline requirements. Legal Authority: 29 USC 211; 29 USC 201 et seq; 29 USC 207(g); 52 Stat 1066, sec 11; 52 Stat 1060, sec 11; 103 Stat 944, sec 7 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 516 et seq Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This regulation gives guidance to employers on the information they must keep in records deemed essential for determining compliance with the monetary requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) regarding payment of minimum wages and overtime compensation to covered and nonexempt employees, or for determining that certain statutory exemptions to FLSA's requirements for payment of the minimum wage or overtime (or both) may apply. This regulation was included in the Department's regulatory reinvention initiative as a candidate for possible simplification of regulatory language and streamlining of regulatory requirements to ensure that applicable standards are easily understandable and reasonable. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal, State, Local Agency Contact: John R. Fraser, Deputy Administrator (WHD), Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Room S3502, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-0051 Fax: 202 693-1432 RIN: 1215-AB03 _______________________________________________________________________ 1843. ASSESSMENT AND COLLECTION OF USER FEES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 97-470; 96 Stat 2583; 29 USC 1801 to 1872; Secretary's Order No. 1-93 (58 FR 21190); PL 99-603, sec 210A(f); 100 Stat 3359; 8 USC 1161(f); 52 Stat 1068, sec 11 and 14; 75 Stat 74, sec 11; 29 USC 211; 29 USC 214; 52 Stat 1066, sec 11; 63 Stat 910, sec 9; 29 USC 211(d); 80 Stat 843 to 844, sec 501 and 602 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 500.45; 29 CFR 500.52; 29 CFR 519.3; 29 CFR 519.13; 29 CFR 530.4; 29 CFR 530.102 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: In accordance with the authority provided by title V of the Independent Offices Appropriations Act of 1952, often referred to as the ``user fee statute,'' and the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education and Related Agencies Appropriation Act of 1995 (PL 103-333), the Department is proposing to establish and collect user fees to recover the costs of providing certain services that are required by law and without which, the recipients of the services would not legally be allowed to engage in particular employment practices. The services for which user fees are to be collected include processing applications and issuing farm labor contractor certificates of registration under the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act; processing applications and issuing certificates authorizing employers to employ certain students at special minimum wages under section 14(b) of the Fair Labor Standards Act; and processing applications and issuing certificates authorizing employers to employ homeworkers under section 11(d) of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John R. Fraser, Deputy Administrator (WHD), Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Room S3502, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-0051 Fax: 202 693-1432 RIN: 1215-AB06 _______________________________________________________________________ 1844. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 1996 AMENDMENTS TO THE FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 104-188, sec 2101 to 2105; 29 USC 201 et seq CFR Citation: 29 CFR 4; 29 CFR 531; 29 CFR 541; 29 CFR 778; 29 CFR 785; 29 CFR 790; 29 CFR 870; 41 CFR 50-202 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The ``Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996'' (H.R. 3448) was enacted on August 20, 1996, as Public Law 104-188. Title II of this enactment amended the Portal-to-Portal Act (PA) and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The PA amendment excludes (under certain circumstances) from compensable ``hours worked'' the time spent by an employee in home-to-work travel in an employer-provided vehicle. The FLSA amendments: (1) increase the $4.25 Federal minimum hourly wage by $.90 in two steps over two years (i.e., to $4.75 on October 1, 1996, and to $5.15 on September 1, 1997); (2) provide a $4.25 subminimum wage for youth under age 20 in their first 90 calendar days of employment with an employer; (3) set the employer's direct wage payment obligation for tipped employees at $2.13 per hour (provided such employees receive the balance of the full minimum wage in tips); and (4) set the hourly compensation requirements at not less than $27.63 per hour for certain exempt professional employees in computer- [[Page 23024]] related occupations. Changes will be required in the regulations to reflect these amendments. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal, State, Local Agency Contact: John R. Fraser, Deputy Administrator (WHD), Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Room S3502, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-0051 Fax: 202 693-1432 RIN: 1215-AB13 _______________________________________________________________________ 1845. LABOR STANDARDS PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO CONTRACTS COVERING FEDERALLY FINANCED AND ASSISTED CONSTRUCTION (29 CFR PART 5) DEFINITION OF ``SITE OF THE WORK'' UNDER THE DAVIS-BACON ACT Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 40 USC 276a to 276a-7; 40 USC 276c CFR Citation: 29 CFR 5 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Two appellate court decisions have ruled that the Department of Labor's definition of ``site of the work'' in section 5.2(l) of the Davis-Bacon Act regulations does not conform to the statutory language of the Davis-Bacon Act, which requires payment of prevailing wages as determined under the Act to all laborers and mechanics ``employed directly upon the site of the work.'' (See e.g., Ball, Ball and Brosamer v. Reich, 24 F.3d 1447, (D.C. Cir. 1994); L.P. Cavett Company v. U.S. Department of Labor, 101 F.3d 1111 (6th Cir. 1996).) The Department is proposing technical clarifications of Davis-Bacon coverage based on the site of the work definition as interpreted by these court decisions. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal, State, Local Agency Contact: John R. Fraser, Deputy Administrator (WHD), Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Room S3502, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-0051 Fax: 202 693-1432 RIN: 1215-AB21 _______________________________________________________________________ 1846. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION AND NONDISCRIMINATION OBLIGATIONS OF CONTRACTORS AND SUBCONTRACTORS REGARDING INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 29 USC 706; 29 USC 793; EO 11758 CFR Citation: 41 CFR 60-741 (Revision) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: OFCCP proposes to revise the regulation implementing section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, to conform to the recently revised section 60-1.20(a) of the regulation implementing E.O. 11246, as amended. The section authorizes OFCCP to use a range of methods to evaluate a contractor's compliance with the regulations. In incorporating the recent revisions of 60-1.20, however, this NPRM would remove the obligation to visit an establishment during a compliance check, which is currently required by section 60-1.20(a)(3) in order to enhance efficiency in resource allocation. (OFCCP also proposes to make the same revision in section 60-1.20(a)(3) and in section 60-250.60(a)(3) of the regulation implementing the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA).) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: James I. Melvin, Director, Division of Policy, Planning, and Program Development, OFCCP, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Room N3424, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-0102 TDD Phone: 202 693-1308 Fax: 202 693-1304 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1215-AB23 _______________________________________________________________________ 1847. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION AND NONDISCRIMINATION OBLIGATIONS OF CONTRACTORS AND SUBCONTRACTORS FOR SPECIAL DISABLED VETERANS AND VETERANS OF THE VIETNAM ERA Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 38 USC 4211; PL 95-520; PL 93-508, amended; PL 94-502; PL 96-466; PL 101-237; EO 11758; PL 97-306; PL 98-223;PL 105-339; 38 USC 4212; PL 102-16; PL 102-127; PL 102-484 CFR Citation: 41 CFR 60-250 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: OFCCP proposes to amend the regulations implementing the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) 38 USC 4212, to conform with the newly enacted Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998. The Act increases the current threshold for coverage from $10,000 to $25,000. The Act expands the existing definition of Veterans, i.e., special disabled veterans and veterans of the Vietnam Era, to include any other veterans who served on active duty during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized. The Act also requires the contractor to add additional information to its annual VETS-100 report to provide the maximum and minimum number of employees of such contractor's workforce during the period covered by the report. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James I. Melvin, Director, Division of Policy, Planning, and Program Development, OFCCP, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Room N3424, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-0102 TDD Phone: 202 693-1308 [[Page 23025]] Fax: 202 693-1304 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1215-AB24 _______________________________________________________________________ 1848. SERVICE CONTRACT ACT EXEMPTION FOR CERTAIN COMMERCIAL SERVICE CONTRACTS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 41 USC 351; 41 USC 38; 41 USC 39; 5 USC 301 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 4.123(e) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule proposes to exempt from prevailing wage, fringe benefit and related labor standards requirements of the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act(SCA) certain types of commercial service contracts meeting prescribed criteria pursuant to Section 4(b) of the SCA. The exemption has been requested by the Office of Federal Procurement Policy(OFPP) following its review of an earlier final rule issued in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) that exempted all subcontracts for commercial services from the SCA based on the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: John R. Fraser, Deputy Administrator (WHD), Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Room S3502, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-0051 Fax: 202 693-1432 RIN: 1215-AB26 _______________________________________________________________________ 1849. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION AND NONDISCRIMINATION OBLIGATIONS OF CONTRACTORS AND SUBCONTRACTORS REGARDING SPECIAL DISABLED VETERANS AND VETERANS OF THE VIETNAM ERA (REVISED) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 38 USC 4211; 38 USC 4212; PL 93-508,amended; PL 94- 502; PL 96-466; PL 101-237; EO 11758; PL 97-306; PL 98-223; PL 102-16; PL 102-127; PL 102-484; PL 95-520; PL 105-339 CFR Citation: 41 CFR 60-250 (Revision) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: OFCCP proposes to amend the regulations at 60-250.60(a)(3) to remove the obligation to visit an establishment during a compliance check in order to enhance efficiency in resource allocation. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: James I. Melvin, Director, Division of Policy, Planning, and Program Development, OFCCP, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Room N3424, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-0102 TDD Phone: 202 693-1308 Fax: 202 693-1304 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1215-AB27 _______________________________________________________________________ 1850. GOVERNMENT CONTRACTORS: NONDISCRIMINATION AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION OBLIGATIONS, EXECUTIVE ORDER 11246 (ESA/OFCCP) (REVISED) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: EO 11246, as amended CFR Citation: 41 CFR 60-1 (Revision) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: OFCCP proposes to amend the regulations at 60-1.20(a)(3) to remove the obligation to visit an establishment during a compliance check in order to enhance efficiency in resource allocation. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: James I. Melvin, Director, Division of Policy, Planning, and Program Development, OFCCP, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Room N3424, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-0102 TDD Phone: 202 693-1308 Fax: 202 693-1304 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1215-AB28 _______________________________________________________________________ 1851. LONGSHORE ACT MEDICAL FEE SCHEDULE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 33 USC 907(g); 33 USC 939 CFR Citation: 20 CFR 702.301; 20 CFR 702.406; 20 CFR 702.407; 20 CFR 702.411; 20 CFR 702.413; 20 CFR 702.414; 20 CFR 702.417; 20 CFR 702.435; ... Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act(LHWCA) directs the Secretary of Labor to actively supervise the medical care and treatment given to injured workers and to determine the necessity, character and sufficiency of the care furnished and to regulate the amounts charged by medical providers for providing such medical services and supplies. The proposed rule clarifies this authority, which is delegated to OWCP's district directors, and the procedure for challenging its exercise. The proposed rule also provides that the recent expansion of the OWCP Medical Fee Schedule to cover pharmacy and inpatient hospital care may be used to determine the prevailing community rate for such services under the LHWCA. Finally, the proposed rule clarifies the circumstances under which a doctor may not be selected to perform an impartial medical examination. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Michael Niss, Director, Longshore and Harborworkers' Compensation, OWCP, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Room C4315, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 [[Page 23026]] Phone: 202 693-0038 Fax: 202 693-1380 RIN: 1215-AB30 _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL) Final Rule Stage Employment Standards Administration (ESA) _______________________________________________________________________ 1852. CHILD LABOR REGULATIONS, ORDERS, AND STATEMENTS OF INTERPRETATION (ESA/W-H) Priority: Other Significant Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or duplication, or streamline requirements. Legal Authority: 29 USC 203(e) CFR Citation: 29 CFR 570 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Section 3(l) of the Fair Labor Standards Act requires the Secretary of Labor to issue regulations with respect to minors between 14 and 16 years of age ensuring that the periods and conditions of their employment do not interfere with their schooling, health, or well-being. The Secretary is also directed to designate occupations that may be particularly hazardous for minors 16 and 17 years of age. Child Labor Regulation No. 3 sets forth the permissible industries and occupations in which 14- and 15-year-olds may be employed, and specifies the number of hours in a day and in a week, and time periods within a day, that such minors may be employed. The Department has invited public comment in considering whether changes in technology in the workplace and job content over the years require new hazardous occupation orders, and whether changes are needed in some of the applicable hazardous occupation orders. Comment has also been solicited on whether revisions should be considered in the permissible hours and time-of-day standards for 14- and 15-year-olds. Comment has been sought on appropriate changes required to implement school-to-work transition programs. Additionally, Congress enacted Public Law 104-174 (August 6, 1996), which amended FLSA section 13(c) and requires changes in the regulations under Hazardous Occupation Order No. 12 regarding power- driven paper balers and compactors, to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to load, but not operate or unload, machines meeting applicable American National Standards Institute (ANSI) safety standards and certain other conditions. Statement of Need: Because of changes in the workplace and the introduction of new processes and technologies, the Department is undertaking a comprehensive review of the regulatory criteria applicable to child labor. Other factors necessitating a review of the child labor regulations are changes in places where young workers find employment opportunities, the existence of differing Federal and State standards, and the divergent views on how best to correlate school and work experiences. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Secretary of Labor is directed to provide by regulation or by order for the employment of youth between 14 and 16 years of age under periods and conditions which will not interfere with their schooling, health and well-being. The Secretary is also directed to designate occupations that may be particularly hazardous for youth between the ages of 16 and 18 years or detrimental to their health or well-being. The Secretary has done so by specifying, in regulations, the permissible industries and occupations in which 14- and 15-year-olds may be employed, and the number of hours per day and week and the time periods within a day in which they may be employed. In addition, these regulations designate the occupations declared particularly hazardous for minors between 16 and 18 years of age or detrimental to their health or well-being. Public comment has been invited in considering whether changes in technology in the workplace and job content over the years require new hazardous occupation orders or necessitate revision to some of the existing hazardous orders. Comment has also been invited on whether revisions should be considered in the permissible hours and time-of-day standards for the employment of 14- and 15-year-olds, and whether revisions should be considered to facilitate school-to-work transition programs. When developing regulatory proposals (after receipt of public comment on the advance notice of proposed rulemaking), the Department's focus will be on assuring healthy, safe and fair workplaces for young workers, and at the same time promoting job opportunities for young people and making regulatory standards less burdensome to the regulated community. Summary of Legal Basis: These regulations are issued under sections 3(1), 11, and 12 of the Fair Labor Standards Act, 29 USC secs. 203(1), 211, and 212 which require the Secretary of Labor to issue regulations prescribing permissible time periods and conditions of employment for minors between 14 and 16 years old so as not to interfere with their schooling, health, or well-being, and to designate occupations that may be particularly hazardous or detrimental to the health or well-being of minors under 18 years old. Alternatives: Regulatory alternatives developed based on recent legislation and the public comments responding to the advance notice of proposed rulemaking included specific proposed additions or modifications to the paper baler, teen driving, explosive materials, and roofing hazardous occupation orders, and proposed changes to the permissible cooking activities that 14- and 15-year-0lds may perform in retail establishments. Anticipated Cost and Benefits: Preliminary estimates of the anticipated costs and benefits of this regulatory action indicated that the rule was not economically significant. Benefits will include safer working environments and the avoidance of injuries with respect to young workers. Risks: The child labor regulations, by ensuring that permissible job opportunities for working youth are safe and healthy and not detrimental [[Page 23027]] to their education as required by the statute, produce positive benefits by reducing health and productivity costs employers may otherwise incur from higher accident and injury rates to young and inexperienced workers. Given the limited nature of the changes in this proposed rule, a detailed assessment of the magnitude of risk was not prepared. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action HOS 2, 10 and 12 11/20/91 56 FR 58626 Final Rule Effective 12/20/91 ANPRM 05/13/94 59 FR 25167 ANPRM Comment Period End 08/11/94 59 FR 40318 NPRM 11/30/99 64 FR 67130 NPRM Comment Period End 01/31/00 Final Action 10/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John R. Fraser, Deputy Administrator (WHD), Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Room S3502, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-0051 Fax: 202 693-1432 RIN: 1215-AA09 _______________________________________________________________________ 1853. STANDARDS FOR WAIVERS UNDER SECTION 503 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 29 USC 706; 29 USC 793, as amended by PL 99-506; PL 100-630; PL 100-259; PL 101-336; PL 102-569; EO 11758 CFR Citation: 41 CFR 60-741 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: OFCCP is planning to issue regulations that will set forth standards for waivers (from provisions of section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act) sought by Federal contractors for facilities that they deem totally separate from and not involved in Government contract work. OFCCP is required to issue these regulations by the 1992 Rehabilitation Act amendments. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/14/96 61 FR 5902 NPRM Comment Period End 04/15/96 Final Action 06/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James I. Melvin, Director, Division of Policy, Planning, and Program Development, OFCCP, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Room N3424, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-0102 TDD Phone: 202 693-1308 Fax: 202 693-1304 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1215-AA84 _______________________________________________________________________ 1854. PROCEDURES FOR PREDETERMINATION OF WAGE RATES (29 CFR PART 1) AND LABOR STANDARDS PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO CONTRACTS COVERING FEDERALLY FINANCED AND ASSISTED CONSTRUCTION (29 CFR PART 5) Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 40 USC 276a to 276a(7) CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1; 29 CFR 5 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department attempted to implement revised rules governing the circumstances in which ``helpers'' may be used on federally funded and assisted construction contracts subject to the Davis-Bacon Act in May 1982 (see 47 FR 23644, 23658 (May 28, 1982); 47 FR 32090 (July 20, 1982)). After protracted litigation, a final rule was published in January 1989 (see 54 FR 4234) which became effective on February 4, 1991. Thereafter, on two occasions Congress acted to prevent the Department from expending any funds to implement these revised helper regulations--through the Dire Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act of 1991, PL 102-27, 105 Stat. 130,151 (1991), and then through section 104 of the DOL Appropriations Act of 1994, PL 103-112. There is no such prohibition in the DOL's Appropriations Act for fiscal year 1999 Public Law 105-277 (October 21, 1998). Given the uncertainty of continuation of such moratoriums, the Department has determined that the helper issue needs to be addressed through further rulemaking. A notice inviting public comment on a proposal to continue the suspension of the former helper regulations while the Department conducts additional rulemaking proceedings was published August 2, 1996 (61 FR 40366). A final rule continuing the suspension while further rulemaking is considered was published December 30, 1996 (61 FR 68641). Statement of Need: The current helper rules are difficult to administer and enforce and--as evidenced by the prolonged litigation history and subsequent Congressional actions--are highly controversial. In May 1982, the Department attempted to implement revised rules governing the circumstances in which ``helpers'' may be used on federally funded and assisted construction contracts subject to the Davis-Bacon Act. After protracted litigation, a final rule was published in January 1989 and became effective on February 4, 1991. Thereafter, on two occasions, Congress acted to prevent the Department from expending any funds to implement these revised helper regulations through appropriations riders. Given the uncertainty of continuation of such moratoriums, the Department has determined that the helper issue needs to be addressed through further rulemaking. Summary of Legal Basis: These regulations are issued under the authority conferred upon the Secretary of Labor by Reorganization Plan No. 14 of 1950 (64 Stat. 1267, 5 USC appendix) and the Copeland Act (40 USC 276c) in order to provide coordinated enforcement of the prevailing wage provisions of the Davis-Bacon Act (40 USC 276a-276a-7) and several additional Federal statutes that require payment of prevailing wages as determined by the Secretary of Labor according to the Davis-Bacon Act to laborers and mechanics working on federally funded or assisted construction contracts (see list of statutes in 29 CFR sec. 5.1). Alternatives: The Administration has determined that there are only limited alternatives to addressing this issue through rulemaking, in addition to possible legislative changes. Anticipated Cost and Benefits: A new rulemaking regarding the helper criteria will seek to make administration of the [[Page 23028]] Davis-Bacon Act more efficient by establishing reasonable ``helper'' criteria and methodology--thus resolving the controversy and uncertainty currently experienced by interested parties. Changes in the helper regulations may affect prior estimates of potential construction procurement cost savings anticipated from the earlier rulemaking. Estimates of the financial impacts of revised ``helper'' regulations included in the NPRM range from $72.8 million to $296 million, depending upon the alternative considered and the data sources used. Risks: This action does not affect public health, safety, or the environment. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM Continue Suspension 08/02/96 61 FR 40367 Final Continue Suspension 12/30/96 61 FR 68641 NPRM 04/09/99 64 FR 17442 NPRM Comment Period End 06/08/99 Final Action 08/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal, State, Local, Tribal Agency Contact: John R. Fraser, Deputy Administrator (WHD), Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Room S3502, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-0051 Fax: 202 693-1432 RIN: 1215-AA94 _______________________________________________________________________ 1855. BLACK LUNG BENEFITS UNDER THE FEDERAL COAL MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ACT OF 1969, AS AMENDED Priority: Other Significant Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or duplication, or streamline requirements. Legal Authority: 30 USC 901 et seq CFR Citation: 20 CFR 718; 20 CFR 722; 20 CFR 725; 20 CFR 726; 20 CFR 727 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Division of Coal Mine Workers' Compensation reviewed its existing regulations, pursuant to Executive Order 12866, with a goal of eliminating outdated and unnecessary rules and streamlining the processes. The result is a proposal to revise existing rules to facilitate the resolution of claims through the informal conference; streamline the litigation process by encouraging the early development and submission of evidence; reduce costs; raise the dollar limit for prior approval for medical equipment; and rewrite existing rules to make them more customer-oriented. There will be no additional administrative costs associated with these changes, but savings can be expected through streamlining. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/22/97 62 FR 3338 NPRM Comment Period End 03/24/97 NPRM Comment Period End Extended to 8/22/97 05/24/97 62 FR 8201 Second NPRM 10/08/99 64 FR 54966 Second NPRM Comment Period Extended to 1/6/00 11/18/99 64 FR 62997 Second NPRM Comment Period End 12/07/99 Final Action 12/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James L. DeMarce, Director, Coal Mine Workers' Compensation, OWCP, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Room C3520, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-0046 Fax: 202 693-1395 RIN: 1215-AA99 _______________________________________________________________________ 1856. LABOR CONDITION APPLICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS USING NONIMMIGRANTS ON H-1B VISAS IN SPECIALTY OCCUPATIONS AND AS FASHION MODELS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b); 8 USC 1182(n); 8 USC 1184; 29 USC 49 et seq; PL 102-232 CFR Citation: 20 CFR 655, subparts H & I Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed rule is a republication for notice and public comment of various provisions of the Department's final rule implementing provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act as it relates to the temporary employment in the United States of nonimmigrants admitted under H-1B visas. As part of the DOL regulatory reinvention efforts, Regulations, 29 CFR part 507 which duplicate 20 CFR part 655, subparts H and I, have been removed from title 29. (See 61 FR 51013.) In addition, amendments are proposed to implement the American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act of 1998 (Title IV, Public Law 105-277, October 21, 1998; 112 Stat. 2681). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/31/95 60 FR 55339 NPRM Comment Period End 11/30/95 NPRM 01/05/99 64 FR 628 NPRM Comment Period End 02/04/99 Interim Final Rule 04/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: John R. Fraser, Deputy Administrator (WHD), Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Room S3502, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-0051 Fax: 202 693-1432 RIN: 1215-AB09 _______________________________________________________________________ 1857. MINIMUM WAGE AND OVERTIME VIOLATIONS--CIVIL MONEY PENALTIES (29 CFR 578); CHILD LABOR VIOLATIONS--CIVIL MONEY PENALTIES (29 CFR 579); ADJUSTMENT OF CIVIL MONEY PENALTIES FOR INFLATION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 29 USC 216(e); PL 101-410; PL 104-134 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 578; 29 CFR 579 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, October 23, 1996. [[Page 23029]] Abstract: The Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996 (PL 104-134) amended the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990 (PL 101-410) to require Federal agencies to adjust certain civil money penalties for inflation. The Department is proposing adjustments in the civil money penalties that may be assessed under section 16(e) of the Fair Labor Standards Act for (1) repeated or willful violations of the minimum wage or overtime provisions; and (2) child labor violations. Any increase in the penalty amounts shall apply only to violations which occur after the effective date of the increase. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/28/98 63 FR 71405 NPRM Comment Period End 01/27/99 Final Action 04/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal, State, Local, Tribal Agency Contact: John R. Fraser, Deputy Administrator (WHD), Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Room S3502, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-0051 Fax: 202 693-1432 RIN: 1215-AB20 _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL) Long-Term Actions Employment Standards Administration (ESA) _______________________________________________________________________ 1858. DEFINING AND DELIMITING THE TERM ``ANY EMPLOYEE EMPLOYED IN A BONA FIDE EXECUTIVE, ADMINISTRATIVE, OR PROFESSIONAL CAPACITY'' (ESA/W-H) Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. Unfunded Mandates: This action may affect State, local or tribal governments and the private sector. Legal Authority: 29 USC 213(a)(1) CFR Citation: 29 CFR 541 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: These regulations set forth the criteria for exemption from the Fair Labor Standards Act's minimum wage and overtime requirements for ``executive,'' ``administrative,'' ``professional'' and ``outside sales employees.'' To be exempt, employees must meet certain tests relating to duties and responsibilities and be paid on a salary basis at specified levels. A final rule increasing the salary test levels was published on January 13, 1981 (46 FR 3010), to become effective on February 13, 1981, but was indefinitely stayed on February 12, 1981 (46 FR 11972). On March 27, 1981, a proposal to suspend the final rule indefinitely was published (46 FR 18998), with comments due by April 28, 1981. As a result of numerous comments and petitions from industry groups on the duties and responsibilities tests, and as a result of recent case law developments, the Department concluded that a more comprehensive review of these regulations was needed. An ANPRM reopening the comment period and broadening the scope of review to include all aspects of the regulations was published on November 19, 1985, with the comment period subsequently extended to March 22, 1986. The Department has revised these regulations since the ANPRM to address specific issues. In 1991, as the result of an amendment to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the regulations were revised to permit certain computer systems analysts, computer programmers, software engineers, and other similarly skilled professional employees to qualify for the exemption, including those paid on an hourly basis if their rates of pay exceed 6 1/2 times the applicable minimum wage. Also, in 1992 the Department issued a final rule which provided, in part, that an otherwise exempt public sector employee would not be disqualified from the exemption's requirement for payment on a ``salary basis'' solely because the employee is paid according to a public pay and leave system that, absent the use of paid leave, requires the employee's pay to be reduced for absences of less than one workday. In addition, a number of court rulings have caused confusion on the factors to consider in meeting the regulation's ``salary basis'' criteria, in both the public and private sectors. Statement of Need: These regulations set forth the criteria used in the determination of the application of the FLSA exemption for ``executive,'' ``administrative,'' ``professional,'' and ``outside sales employees.'' The existing salary test levels used in determining which employees qualify as exempt from the minimum wage and overtime rules were adopted in 1975 on an interim basis. These salary level tests are outdated and offer little practical guidance in the application of the exemption. In addition numerous comments and petitions have been received in recent years from industry groups regarding the duties and responsibilities tests in the regulations. These factors, as well as recent case law developments, have led the Department to conclude that a review of these regulations is needed. These regulations have been revised in recent years to deal with specific issues. In 1991, as the result of an amendment to the FLSA, the regulations were revised to permit certain computer systems analysts, computer programmers, software engineers, and other similarly skilled professional employees to qualify for the exemption, including those paid on an hourly basis if their rates of pay exceed 6 1/2 times the applicable minimum wage. Also in 1991, the Department undertook separate rulemaking on another aspect of the regulations, the definition of ``salary basis'' for public-sector employees. This interim final rule provided, in part, that an otherwise exempt public- sector employee would not be disqualified from the exemption's requirement for payment on a ``salary basis'' solely because the employee is paid according to a public pay and leave system that, absent the use of paid leave, requires the employee's pay to be reduced for absences of less than one workday. In 1992, the Department issued its final rule on this matter. Because of the limited nature of these revisions, the regulations are still in need of updating and clarification. In addition, recent court rulings have caused confusion as to what constitutes [[Page 23030]] compliance with the regulation's ``salary basis'' criteria in both the public and private sectors. Summary of Legal Basis: These regulations are issued under the statutory exemption from minimum wage and overtime pay provided by section 13(a)(1) of the Fair Labor Standards Act, 29 USC 213(a)(1), which requires the Secretary of Labor to issue regulations that define and delimit the terms ``any employee employed in a bona fide executive administrative, or professional capacity ..., or in the capacity of outside salesman...,'' for purposes of applying the exemption to employees who meet the specified criteria. Alternatives: The Department will involve affected interest groups in developing regulatory alternatives. Following completion of these outreach and consultation activities, full regulatory alternatives will be developed. Although legislative proposals have been introduced in the Congress to address certain aspects of these regulations, the Department will continue to pursue revisions to the regulations as the appropriate response to the concerns raised. Alternatives likely to be considered include particular changes to address ``salary basis'' and salary level issues to a comprehensive overhaul of the regulations that also addresses the duties and responsibilities tests. Anticipated Cost and Benefits: Some 23 million employees are estimated to be within the scope of these regulations. Legal developments in court cases are causing progressive loss of control of the guiding interpretations under this exemption and are creating law without considering a comprehensive analytical approach to current compensation concepts and workplace practices. These court rulings are creating apprehension in both the private and public sectors. Clear, comprehensive, and up-to-date regulations would provide for central, uniform control over the application of these regulations and ameliorate this apprehension. In the public sector, State and local government employers contend that the rules are based on production workplace environments from the 1940s and 1950s, and that they do not readily adapt to contemporary government functions. The Federal government also has concerns regarding the manner in which the courts and arbitration decisions are applying the exemption to the Federal workforce. Resolution of confusion over how the regulations are to be applied in the public sector will ensure that employees are protected, that employers are able to comply with their responsibilities under the law, and that the regulations are enforceable. Preliminary estimates of the specific costs and benefits of this regulatory action will be developed once the various regulatory alternatives are identified. Risks: This action does not affect public health, safety, or the environment. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Indefinite Stay of Final Rule 02/12/81 46 FR 11972 Proposal To Suspend Rule Indefinitely 03/27/81 46 FR 18998 ANPRM 11/19/85 50 FR 47696 Extension of ANPRM Comment Period From 01/21/86 to 03/22/8601/17/86 51 FR 2525 ANPRM Comment Period End 03/22/86 NPRM 04/00/01 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions, Organizations Government Levels Affected: Local, State, Federal Federalism: Undetermined Agency Contact: John R. Fraser, Deputy Administrator (WHD), Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Room S3502, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-0051 Fax: 202 693-1432 RIN: 1215-AA14 _______________________________________________________________________ 1859. APPLICATION OF THE FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT TO DOMESTIC SERVICE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: Sec 13(a)(15), Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), as amended; Sec 13(b)(21), FLSA, as amended; 29 USC 213(a)(15); 29 USC 213(b)(21) 88 Stat 62; Sec 29(b), FLSA of 1974; PL 93-259 88 Stat 76 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 552 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Section 13(a)(15) of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) provides an exemption from minimum wage and overtime compensation for domestic service employees engaged in providing companionship services. Section 13(b)(21) of the FLSA provides an exemption from overtime compensation for live-in domestic service employees. DOL proposed certain technical amendments to update the regulations, 29 CFR part 552, Application of the Fair Labor Standards Act to Domestic Service, and to clarify that these exemptions are applicable to third-party employers or temporary help agencies only where the domestic service worker is jointly employed by the third-party employer or temporary help agency and the family or household using their services (58 FR 69310). After reviewing the public comments, the Department adopted technical changes to update the regulations, including a revision necessitated by recently-enacted amendments to title II of the Social Security Act under Public Law 103-387 (Social Security Domestic Employment Reform Act) 10/22/94, (see 60 FR 46766) and reopened the public comment period on proposed revisions affecting third-party employers (section 552.109). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/30/93 58 FR 69310 NPRM Comment Period End 02/28/94 NPRM Second 09/08/95 60 FR 46797 Final Rule 09/08/95 60 FR 46766 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal, State, Local Federalism: Undetermined Agency Contact: John R. Fraser, Deputy Administrator (WHD), Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Room S3502, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-0051 Fax: 202 693-1432 RIN: 1215-AA82 [[Page 23031]] _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL) Completed Actions Employment Standards Administration (ESA) _______________________________________________________________________ 1860. ENFORCEMENT OF CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS FOR TEMPORARY ALIEN AGRICULTURAL WORKERS ADMITTED UNDER SECTION 216 OF THE IMMIGRATION AND NATIONALITY ACT Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 99-603 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 501 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, June 1, 1987. Abstract: The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 contains certain labor standards requirements for foreign agricultural workers employed under the H-2A foreign agricultural worker program, as well as for U.S. workers hired by employers who utilize foreign agricultural workers. The standards relate to pay, working conditions, housing, transportation and recruitment. The Employment Standards Administration issued an interim final rule on June 1, 1987 (53 FR 20524), that incorporates the labor standards issued by the Employment and Training Administration (ETA) and sets forth procedures for enforcement of these labor standards. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/05/87 52 FR 16795 NPRM Comment Period End 05/19/87 Interim Final Rule 06/01/87 52 FR 20524 Withdrawn 02/25/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Additional Information: This regulatory agenda item is being withdrawn. Agency Contact: John R. Fraser, Deputy Administrator (WHD), Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Room S3502, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-0051 Fax: 202 693-1432 RIN: 1215-AA43 _______________________________________________________________________ 1861. EXEMPTIONS APPLICABLE TO AGRICULTURE, PROCESSING OF AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES, AND RELATED SUBJECTS UNDER THE FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or duplication, or streamline requirements. Legal Authority: 29 USC 201 et seq CFR Citation: 29 CFR 780 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This regulation interprets various exemptions applicable to employees in agriculture, processing of agricultural commodities and related issues under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The regulation was targeted for possible updating and streamlining. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 02/25/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal, State Additional Information: This regulatory agenda item is being withdrawn. Agency Contact: John R. Fraser, Deputy Administrator (WHD), Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Room S3502, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-0051 Fax: 202 693-1432 RIN: 1215-AB11 _______________________________________________________________________ 1862. REPORTING BY LABOR RELATIONS CONSULTANTS AND OTHER PERSONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or duplication, or streamline requirements. Legal Authority: 29 USC 433; 29 USC 438 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 406.3 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) is proposing to amend Receipts and Disbursements Report (Form LM-21) to narrow the scope of reporting. A Receipts and Disbursements Report is required in the circumstances specified in section 203(b) of the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959, as amended (LMRDA). It is required to be filed by any labor relations consultant, or other individual or organization, who has made or received payment as a party to an agreement or arrangement with an employer, pursuant to which he has undertaken persuader or information-supplying activities on behalf of the employer. The proposed amendment would reflect reporting guidelines established in Donovan v. The Rose Law Firm, 768 F.2d 964 (8th Cir. 1985). This judicial decision narrowed the scope of reporting to eliminate reporting of receipts and disbursements in connection with labor relations advice and services rendered to employers for whom no persuader or information-supplying activities were undertaken. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 03/13/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Kay H. Oshel, Chief, Division of Interpretations and Standards, OLMS, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Room N5605, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-0123 Fax: 202 693-1340 RIN: 1215-AB14 _______________________________________________________________________ 1863. LABOR ORGANIZATION ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 29 USC 401 et seq; ``Secretary's Order 5-96'' CFR Citation: 29 CFR 403 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This final rule makes only minor and technical revisions to existing regulations which do not require notice and comment. These revisions, which relate to the annual financial reporting forms which labor organizations are required to file under the Labor Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959, as amended (LMRDA), are being made in order to enable the Department to optically scan the reports and make them available on its Internet Web site, and to make the reports more uniform. [[Page 23032]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 12/21/99 64 FR 71622 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Kay H. Oshel, Chief, Division of Interpretations and Standards, OLMS, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Room N5605, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-0123 Fax: 202 693-1340 RIN: 1215-AB29 _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL) Proposed Rule Stage Employment and Training Administration (ETA) _______________________________________________________________________ 1864. DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, AMENDMENT TO REGULATIONS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 42 USC 1302; 42 USC 5177; EO 12673 CFR Citation: 20 CFR 625 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: During the past few years, several disasters have highlighted the complexity of interpreting the present regulations. In addition, other provisions of the current regulations are perceived to be unduly restrictive and/or result in perceived inequities in some situations. To correct a serious problem with the monetary computation provisions the Department published an interim final rule on May 11, 1995. In addition, an ANPRM was published on 12/8/94 soliciting comments for other changes. In-the-meantime the administration's Federal Government reinvention effort was initiated to, among other matters, make comunicatin more understandable with the public. Therefore, this NPRM will completely revise part 625 to utilize a plain language format to correct and implify complex provisions and add amendments due to law changes affecting the disaster unemployment assistance program. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 12/08/94 59 FR 63670 ANPRM Comment Period End 02/06/95 Interim Final Rule 05/11/95 60 FR 25560 NPRM 07/00/00 Final Action 12/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Governmental Jurisdictions Government Levels Affected: Federal, State Agency Contact: Robert Gillham, Team Leader, Federal Programs Team, Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 219-5616 RIN: 1205-AB02 _______________________________________________________________________ 1865. FEDERAL-STATE UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION PROGRAM; UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE PERFORMANCE SYSTEM Priority: Other Significant Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or duplication, or streamline requirements. Legal Authority: 42 USC 503(a)(1); 42 USC 503(a)(6); 42 USC 503(b); 42 USC 1302 CFR Citation: 20 CFR 602; 20 CFR 614.7(c); 20 CFR 640; 20 CFR 650; 20 CFR 609.6(f); 20 CFR 614.6(f) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This regulation will formally establish a comprehensive system for helping ensure continuous improvement in UI operational performance. It will enunciate as the system's building blocks principles for Federal and State cooperation, key nationwide performance measures, criteria distinguishing satisfactory from unsatisfactory performance, an annual planning process, and actions which the Department may take when a State fails to perform satisfactorily. This regulation will be as brief and general as possible; detail and measures, standards, criteria and plans will be contained in implementing handbooks. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 01/16/97 62 FR 2543 ANPRM Comment Period End 03/17/97 NPRM 06/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: State Agency Contact: Sandra T. King, Chief, Division of Performance Review, Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Room S4321, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 219-5223 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1205-AB10 _______________________________________________________________________ 1866. LABOR CERTIFICATION AND PETITION PROCESS FOR THE TEMPORARY EMPLOYMENT OF NONIMMIGRANT ALIENS IN AGRICULTURE IN THE UNITED STATES; MODIFICATION OF FEE STRUCTURE Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(a); 8 USC 1184; 8 USC 1188; 29 USC 49 et seq; 8 CFR 103.1(f)(iii)(j); 8 CFR 103.1(f)(iii)(w); 8 CFR 214.2(h)(5); 8 CFR 214.2(h)(11); 8 CFR 214.2(h)(12) CFR Citation: 8 CFR 655 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Employment and Training Administration (ETA) of the Department of Labor (Department or DOL) proposes to amend its regulations relating to the temporary employment of nonimmigrant agricultural workers (H-2A workers) in the United States. The proposed amendments would require employers to submit fees for labor certification and the associated H-2A petitions with consolidated application form at the time of filing. The proposal also would modify the fee structure for labor certification. If the application is denied, both fees will be [[Page 23033]] refunded to the employer. It is conceivable in rare instances that the statutory and regulatory standards for issuance of the certification will be met, but those applicable to the petition will not be met. In such occurrence, neither fee will be refunded because the certification fee is an issuance, while the petition fee is a processing fee. Concurrently with the publication of this proposed rule, the Department is publishing an interim final rule with a request for comments setting forth the procedures and requirements for submission and processing of a consolidated Application for Temporary Agricultural Labor Certification and H-2A Petition (Form ETA 9079). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/00/00 NPRM Comment Period End 05/00/00 Final Action 07/00/00 Final Action Effective 08/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James Norris, Director, Division of Foreign Labor Certification, Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Room N4456, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 219-5263 Fax: 202 208-5844 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1205-AB24 _______________________________________________________________________ 1867. LABOR CERTIFICATION PROCESS FOR THE PERMANENT EMPLOYMENT OF ALIENS IN THE UNITED STATES; REFILING OF APPLICATIONS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1182(a)(5)(A) CFR Citation: 20 CFR 656 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the regulations relating to the permanent employment of aliens in the United States. The proposed amendments would permit employers to request that any labor certification application for permanent employment filed prior to a certain date and which has not been sent to the regional certifying officer to be processed as a reduction in recruitment request, provided recruitment has not been conducted pursuant to the permanent labor certification regulations. ETA anticipates that proposed amendment would reduce the backlog of labor certification application for permanent employment in State Employment Security Agencies. This Measure to reduce backlogs would result in a variety of desirable benefits, including a reduction in government resources necessary to process applications for alien employment certification a reduction in processing time for both new application and those applications currently in the queue, and would facilitate the development and implementation of a new, more efficient system for processing labor certification applications for permanent employment in the United States. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/00/00 Final Action 06/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James Norris, Director, Division of Foreign Labor Certification, Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Room N4456, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 219-5263 Fax: 202 208-5844 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1205-AB25 _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL) Final Rule Stage Employment and Training Administration (ETA) _______________________________________________________________________ 1868. TRADE ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE FOR WORKERS--IMPLEMENTATION OF 1988 AMENDMENTS Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 19 USC 2320 CFR Citation: 20 CFR 617 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The final rule implementing the 1988 Amendments to the TAA program was published in the Federal Register on January 6, 1994. Although published as final, comments were requested on several material changes being made in the final rule which differ from the November 1988 proposed rule and on a number of other changes which were not included in the proposed rule. Comments have been received and another final rule will be published relating to these substantive changes. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 09/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Edward A. Tomchick, Director, Division of Trade Adjustment Assistance, Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Room C4318, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 219-5555 RIN: 1205-AB05 _______________________________________________________________________ 1869. TRADE ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE FOR WORKERS--TRANSITIONAL ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE NAFTA-TAA Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: PL 103-182, title V CFR Citation: 20 CFR 617 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Title V of the North American Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (PL 103-182) amends chapter 2 of title II of the Trade Act of 1974 by adding a new [[Page 23034]] Transitional Adjustment Assistance Program (NAFTA-TAA) for workers who lose their jobs because of increased imports from or a shift of production to Mexico and Canada. Most of the provisions of title V are in the form of amendments to chapter 2, title II, of the Trade Act. While some of the provisions are not in the form of amendments to the Trade Act they nonetheless must be given effect in implementing the NAFTA-TAA program. A proposed rule to amend the regulations on the trade adjustment assistance program for workers was published in the Federal Register on January 17, 1995. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/17/95 60 FR 3472 NPRM Comment Period End 03/20/95 Final Action 12/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Edward A. Tomchick, Director, Division of Trade Adjustment Assistance, Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Room C4318, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 219-5555 RIN: 1205-AB07 _______________________________________________________________________ 1870. WELFARE-TO-WORK (WTW) GRANTS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 42 USC 601 to 619 CFR Citation: 20 CFR 645 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, November 3, 1997, 90 days from enactment. Other, Statutory, January 1, 2000, For 1999 amendments. Abstract: The Employment and Training Administration published interim final regulations on November 18, 1997, implementing the Welfare-to- Work Grants Program. The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act reformed the Nation's welfare laws, when enacted in August 1996, by creating a new system of block grants to the States for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Moving people from welfare to work is one of the primary goals of Federal welfare policy as well as one of five goals the Secretary of Labor has identified for the Department of Labor. Section 5001 of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 authorized the Department of Labor to provide Welfare-to-Work Grants to States and local communities to create additional job opportunities for the hardest-to-employ recipients of TANF and certain noncustodial parents. The Welfare-to-Work Grants will be provided to the States through the use of a formula, and in a competitive process to local communities. A small amount of total grant funds will be set aside for special purposes: one percent for Indian tribes; 0.8 percent for evaluation; and $100 million for performance bonuses to successful States. The interim final regulations and other guidance focus on providing maximum local flexibility. Guidance and regulations reflect minimal amplification of the law and provide further information or clarification as needed to make the program operational. Existing regulations and systems are used wherever possible. Reporting requirements will assure program integrity and provide timely information for tracking performance. Performance measures have been established and will serve as the basis for the award of FY 2000 bonus grants to the States based on successful performance. Products provided link welfare agencies and workforce development system agencies at the operational level in order to maximize resources available and avoid duplication and overlap. Leveraging of non-Federal resources at the State and local level is encouraged. These funds will allow States and local communities to help move eligible individuals into jobs by: job creation through public or private sector wage subsidies; on-the-job training; contracts with public or private providers of job readiness, job placement, and post- employment services; job vouchers for similar services; community service or work experience; or job retention and supportive services (if such services are not otherwise available). Statement of Need: Since the passage of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act, the President and the Congress recognized the need for a measure to complement the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant created as a result of the Act. On August 5, 1997, President Clinton signed into law the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, which authorized the Department of Labor to provide Welfare-to-Work Grants to States and local communities to create additional job opportunities for the hardest-to-employ recipients of TANF. The basic goal of the program is to move welfare recipients into unsubsidized jobs with good career potential for economic self-sufficiency. Welfare-to-Work formula and competitive grants provide States and local communities with an array of tools to help them accomplish this goal in ways that make sense and are most effective for their particular population needs. The Employment and Training Administration will issue final regulations and other guidance, provide technical assistance, and establish performance standards which will drive State and local efforts towards the program's goal while still allowing maximum local flexibility. Summary of Legal Basis: Promulgation of these regulations is authorized by SSA section 403 (a)(1)(5)(C)(viii). Alternatives: Regulatory alternatives will be developed once determinations have been made with regard to the scope and nature of the regulatory guidance which will be necessary to carry out the new provisions. Anticipated Cost and Benefits: Preliminary estimates of the anticipated costs of this regulatory action have not been determined at this time and will be determined at a later date. Welfare recipients will receive job placement and temporary, transitional employment opportunities leading to lasting employment and self-sufficiency. Employers will have ready access to a large pool of motivated hard-working entry-level workers who will be eligible for job retention and support services to maintain employment. Businesses will be eligible to receive wage and on-the-job training subsidies when they hire the hard-to-employ welfare recipients. Risks: This action does not affect public health, safety, or the environment. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 11/18/97 62 FR 61587 Interim Final Rule 06/00/00 Final Rule 06/00/00 [[Page 23035]] Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal Agency Contact: Dennis Lieberman, Director, Division of Welfare to Work, Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, C4524, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 219-0181 RIN: 1205-AB15 _______________________________________________________________________ 1871. (UC) PROGRAM; CONFIDENTIALITY AND DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION IN STATE UC RECORDS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 42 USC 1302 (a); 42 USC 503; 42 USC 1320b-7; 26 USC chapter 23; Secretary's Orders 4-75 and 14-75 CFR Citation: 20 CFR 603 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Employment and Training Administration of the Department of Labor is preparing to issue a final rule on confidentiality and disclosure of information in State records collected, created, or maintained for purposes of the Federal-State Unemployment Compensation program. The final rule modifies and expands the regulations implementing the Income and Eligibility Verification System (IEVS) to include the statutory requirements in title III of the Social Security Act, the Federal Unemployment Tax Act, and the Wagner-Peyser Act concerning confidentiality and disclosure of information in State UC records. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 06/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: State Additional Information: Formerly RIN 1205-AA74; was taken off regulatory agenda in 1994 due to inactivity. An NPRM was published 3/ 23/92 at 57 FR 100063 with comment period ending 5/22/92. Agency Contact: Gerard Hildebrand, Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, C4512, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 219-5201 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1205-AB18 _______________________________________________________________________ 1872. WORKFORCE INVESTMENT ACT OF 1998 Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: Workforce Investment Act of 1998, section 189(2)- 506(c); 29 USC 939(a) CFR Citation: 20 CFR 660 to 671; 20 CFR 652 Legal Deadline: Other, Statutory, February 7, 1999, Interim Final Rule. Final, Statutory, December 31, 1999. Abstract: The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 was signed into law by President Clinton on August 7, 1998. Titles I and III, and V of the Act fall under the purview of the Employment and Training Administration. Title V falls under the purview of ETA as well as the Department of Education. The Act makes significant changes in the way this country's employment and training programs do business. The Act will ensure that Americans have the information and training they need to qualify for good jobs and successfully manage their careers. The interim final regulations, final regulations, and other guidance will focus on providing maximum local flexibility. Guidance and regulations will reflect minimal amplification of the law and will provide further information or clarification as needed to make the program operational. Reporting requirements will assure program integrity and provide timely information for tracking performance. Statement of Need: The purpose of title I of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 is to provide workforce investment activities, through statewide and local workforce investment systems, that increase the employment, retention, and earnings of participants, and skill attainment of participants, and as a result, improve the quality of the workforce, reduce welfare dependency, and enhance the productivity and competitiveness of the Nation. The Employment and Training Administration will issue regulations and other guidance and provide technical assistance that will focus State and local efforts towards the program's goal while allowing maximum local flexibility. The Department of Labor and its partners must move quickly to implement the reforms contained in the legislation. Interim final regulations were published on April 15, 1999. The law requires that final regulations be published no later than December 31, 1999. Alternatives: Regulatory alternatives will be developed once determinations have been made with regard to the scope and nature of the regulatory guidance necessary to carry out new provisions under the new legislation, the Workforce Investment Act of 1998. Anticipated Cost and Benefits: Preliminary estimates of the anticipated costs of this newly enacted legislation have not been determined at this time, but will be at a later date. It is anticipated, however, that successful implementation of this legislation will result in changes in the way this country's employment and training programs do business, and will ensure that Americans have the training they need to qualify for good jobs and successfully manage their careers. The Act consolidates more than 60 Federal programs. It will significantly enhance the ability of State and local areas to effectively implement welfare reform and move welfare recipients from welfare to work. It establishes a single delivery system for adult employment and training and for dislocated worker employment and training that maximizes choice in the selection of occupations and training providers. Under the Act, individuals with disabilities will have access to a comprehensive job training system capable of serving all. Unemployed individuals with disabilities will have broader job opportunities allowing them to re- enter or in some cases enter the workforce for the first time. Risks: This action does not affect public health, safety, or the environment. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 04/15/99 64 FR 18662 Interim Final Rule Effective 05/17/99 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 07/14/99 Final Action 06/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined [[Page 23036]] Government Levels Affected: Federal, State, Local, Tribal Federalism: This action may have federalism implications as defined in EO 13132. Agency Contact: Eric Johnson, Director, Office of Career Transition Assistance, Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Room S5513, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 219-0316 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1205-AB20 _______________________________________________________________________ 1873. BIRTH AND ADOPTION UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 42 USC 1302(a); 42 USC 503(a)(2) and (5); Secretary's Order No. 4-75 (40 FR 18515); Secretary's Order No. 14-75 (November 12, 1975); 26 USC 3306(h); 26 USC 3304(a)(1) and (4) CFR Citation: 20 CFR 604 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department of Labor plans to issue a Final Rule to create, by regulation, the opportunity for the State agencies that administer the Unemployment Compensation (UC) program to pay, under a voluntary experimental program, UC to parents who take time off from employment after the birth or placement for adoption of a child. This regulation will permit interested States to experiment with methods for allowing the use of the UC program for this purpose. Statement of Need: This effort responds to the President's Executive Memorandum issued May 24, 1999, directing the Secretary of Labor to allow States the opportunity to develop innovative ways of using UC to support parents taking leave to be with their newborns or newly-adopted children and to evaluate the effectiveness of using the UC system for these or related purposes. That Memorandum cited a Family and Medical Leave Commission study indicating that lost pay was the most significant barrier to parents taking advantage of unpaid leave after the birth or adoption of a child. The Department of Labor wants to test whether providing parents with BAA-VC at a point during the first year of a newborn's life, or after placement of a child for adoption, will help employees maintain or even promote their connection to the workforce by allowing them time to bond with their children and to develop stable child care systms while adjusting to the accompanying changes in lifestyle before returning to work. Summary of Legal Basis: This rulemaking action is undertaken under the authority of sections 1102(a) and 303(a)(2) and (5) of the Social Security Act, sections 3304(a)(1) and (4) and 3306(h) of the Federal Unemployment Tax Act, and the Secretary's Orders No. 4-75 and 14-75. Alternatives: The Department of Labor considered different regulatory alternatives and intends to pursue, in the proposed rule, an approach that gives States as much flexibility as possible within the defined parameters of the experimental program. Anticipated Cost and Benefits: The Department estimates that the possible annual aggregate cost for BAA-VC could range from zero to approximately $68 million. The regulation is permissive, and the Department of Labor does not know how many states will choose to enact experimental BAA-VC programs. The estimate of the annual aggregate BAA- VC cost of $68 million is based on the expressed interest of a small number of states. The benefit of this regulatory action will be to help eliminate a significant barrier that parents face in taking leave, thus having a positive effect on family well-being. Risks: This action does not affect public health, safety, or the environment. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/03/99 64 FR 67971 NPRM Comment Period End 02/12/00 Final Action 05/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: State Agency Contact: Gerard Hildebrand, Chief Division of Legislation, Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, C-4512, FP Bldg, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 219-5201 Fax: 202 219-8506 RIN: 1205-AB21 _______________________________________________________________________ 1874. LABOR CERTIFICATION AND PETITION PROCESS FOR THE TEMPORARY EMPLOYMENT OF NONIMMIGRANT ALIENS IN AGRICULTURE IN THE UNITED STATES; DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY TO ADJUDICATE H-2A PETITIONS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(a); 8 USC 1184; 8 USC 1188; 29 USC 49 et seq; 8 CFR 103.1(f)(iii)(j); 8 CFR 103.1(f)(iii)(w); 8 CFR 214.2(h)(5); 8 CFR 214.2(h)(11); 8 CFR 214.2(h)(12) CFR Citation: 8 CFR 655 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule amends the Employment and Training Administration (ETA) regulations to implement the delegation of authority to adjudicate petitions for temporary nonimmigrant agricultural workers (H-2A's) from the Department of Justice, Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), to the United States Department of Labor (DOL). Among the implementation measures is a new form, Application for Temporary Agricultural Labor Certification and H-2A Petition. The rulemaking further implements the delegation of authority, from INS to DOL, to hear appeals on determinations and to revoke petition approvals. The rule does not affect INS authority to make determinations at port-of- entry of an alien's admissibility to the United States, to make determinations of an alien's eligibility for change of nonimmigrant status, or to make determinations of an alien's eligibility for extension of stay. This rule streamlines existing H-2A processes to make it more efficient for petitioners to seek the admission of temporary agricultural workers without diminishing the workplace rights of U.S. workers or foreign workers admitted under the program. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 04/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None [[Page 23037]] Agency Contact: James Norris, Director, Division of Foreign Labor Certification, Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Room N4456, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 219-5263 Fax: 202 208-5844 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1205-AB23 _______________________________________________________________________ 1875. ATTESTATIONS BY FACILITIES TEMPORARILY EMPLOYING H-1C NONIMMIGRANT ALIENS AS REGISTERED NURSES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(c); 8 USC 1182(m); 8 USC 1184; 29 USC 49 et seq; PL 106-95, 113 Stat. 1312 CFR Citation: 20 CFR 655, subparts L and M Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, February 11, 2000. Final or Interim Final regulations required within 90 days of enactment. Abstract: The Nursing Relief for Disadvantaged Areas Act of 1999 (P.L. 106-95; November 12, 1999) amended the Immigration and Nationality Act to create a new temporary visa program for nonimmigrant aliens to work as registered nurses for up to three years in facilities serving health professional shortage areas, subject to certain conditions. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 04/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Federal Agency Contact: Michael Ginley, Director, Office of Enforcement Policy, Wage and Hour Division, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Room N3510, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693-0071 RIN: 1205-AB27 _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL) Long-Term Actions Employment and Training Administration (ETA) _______________________________________________________________________ 1876. SERVICES TO MIGRANT AND SEASONAL FARMWORKERS, JOB SERVICE COMPLAINT SYSTEM, MONITORING, AND ENFORCEMENT Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 29 USC 49k CFR Citation: 20 CFR 653; 20 CFR 658; 20 CFR 651 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: ETA is reviewing services to migrant and seasonal farmworkers under the Wagner-Peyser Act as a result of amendments to Wagner-Peyser under title VI of the Job Training Partnership Act. Timetable: Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Federal, State, Local Federalism: Undetermined Agency Contact: Tim Sullivan, Director, Division of U.S. Employment Service, Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 219-5257 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1205-AA37 _______________________________________________________________________ 1877. LABOR CERTIFICATION PROCESS FOR THE PERMANENT EMPLOYMENT OF ALIENS IN THE UNITED STATES Priority: Other Significant Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or duplication, or streamline requirements. Legal Authority: INA 212(a)(5)(A) CFR Citation: 20 CFR 656 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department of Labor (DOL) is currently re-engineering the labor certification process that is set forth in DOL regulations at 20 CFR 656. DOL's goals are to make fundamental changes and refinements that will (a) better serve customers, (b) streamline the process, (c) improve effectiveness, and (d) save resources. The re-engineering effort is a collaborative effort of Federal and State staff who are involved in the administration of alien certification programs. The re- engineering effort also involves consultation throughout the process with sponsors, stakeholders State partners, and outside interest groups to solicit ideas and suggestions for change. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal, State Agency Contact: James Norris, Director, Division of Foreign Labor Certification, Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Room N4456, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 219-5263 Fax: 202 208-5844 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1205-AA66 _______________________________________________________________________ 1878. ESTABLISHMENT OF FEES FOR IMMIGRATION PROGRAMS ADMINISTERED BY THE EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING ADMINISTRATION Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: Not yet determined CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The regulation would establish a new fee charged to employers for processing of alien labor certification and attestation applications by the Department of Labor (DOL) and State Employment Security Agencies. The user fee would be proposed in the FY 2000 Appropriations. The user fee would be a government receipt and would be [[Page 23038]] applied to Federal and State expenditures for Federal and State program administration in the State Unemployment Insurance and Employment Service account and the Program Operations Account in DOL's Employment and Training Administration (ETA). Timetable: Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: State, Local Additional Information: Funding of ETA immigration programs has been reduced by 39 percent since FY 1995. The fee proceeds would be used to offset the costs of administering the alien labor certification program. However, in each of Fiscal Years 1999 and 2000 regular appropriations of $41 million would be required in addition to user fees to work off a large backlog of applications already in the pipeline and future growing backlogs created primarily by appropriations reduction in FY 1996 and 1997. Agency Contact: James Norris, Director, Division of Foreign Labor Certification, Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Room N4456, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 219-5263 Fax: 202 208-5844 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1205-AB14 _______________________________________________________________________ 1879. INDIAN AND NATIVE AMERICAN WELFARE-TO-WORK PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 42 USC 612(a)(3)(c)(iii), The Social Security Act, as amended CFR Citation: 20 CFR 646 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, November 4, 1997, 90 days from enactment Citation mandates Secretary to prescribe regulations within 90 days of enactment to publish Interim Final rule by 10/31/98. Abstract: These are program regulations needed to implement the Indian and Native American set-aside under the Welfare-to-Work program authorized by section 412(a)(3) of the Social Security Act, as amended. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 04/01/98 63 FR 15985 Interim Final Rule Effective 04/01/98 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 06/01/98 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Tribal Additional Information: There are two possibilities for future action anticipated for this regulation. A final rule will be published if (1) Congress extends the program and/or changes the eligibility criteria; or (2) Congress does not extend the program but (retroactive or not) eases the eligibility criteria. Agency Contact: Gregory Gross, Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Room N4641, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 219-8502 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1205-AB16 _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL) Proposed Rule Stage Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration (PWBA) _______________________________________________________________________ 1880. DEFINITION OF COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT (ERISA SECTION 3(40)) Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 29 USC 1002(40) CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2510.3-40 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The regulation will establish standards for determining whether an employee benefit plan is established or maintained under or pursuant to one or more collective bargaining agreements for purposes of its exclusion from the Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangement (MEWA) definition in section 3(40) of ERISA, and thus exempted from State regulation. The regulation will clarify the scope of the exception from the MEWA definition for plans established or maintained under or pursuant to one or more collective bargaining agreements by providing criteria which will serve to distinguish welfare benefit arrangements which are maintained by legitimate unions pursuant to bona fide collective bargaining agreements from insurance arrangements promoted and marketed under the guise of ERISA-covered plans exempt from State insurance regulation. The regulation will also serve to limit the extent to which plans maintained pursuant to bona fide collective bargaining agreements may extend plan coverage to individuals not covered by such agreements. The Department is developing a revised proposal utilizing the negotiated rulemaking process. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/01/95 60 FR 39208 NPRM Comment Period Extended to 11/16/95 09/29/95 60 FR 50508 NPRM Comment Period End 10/02/95 60 FR 39208 Notice Establishing Negotiated Rulemaking Advisory Committee 09/22/98 63 FR 50542 Second NPRM 06/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Governmental Jurisdictions Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Federalism: This action may have federalism implications as defined in EO 13132. Agency Contact: Elizabeth A. Goodman, Pension Law Specialist, Office of Regulations and Interpretations, Department of Labor, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, Room N5669, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 219-8671 RIN: 1210-AA48 [[Page 23039]] _______________________________________________________________________ 1881. RULEMAKING RELATING TO NOTICE REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTINUATION OF HEALTH CARE COVERAGE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 29 USC 1135; 29 USC 1136 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2520 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking will provide guidance concerning the notification requirements pertaining to continuation coverage under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Section 606 of ERISA requires that group health plans provide employees notification of the continuation coverage provisions of the plan and imposes notification obligations upon plan administrators, employers, employees, and qualified beneficiaries relating to certain qualifying events. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 09/23/97 62 FR 49894 ANPRM Comment Period End 11/24/97 NPRM 09/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Susan G. Lahne, Senior Pension Law Specialist, Department of Labor, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, Room N5669, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 219-0521 RIN: 1210-AA60 _______________________________________________________________________ 1882. VOLUNTARY FIDUCIARY CORRECTION PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 29 USC 1132; 29 USC 1134 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2560 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Section 409 of ERISA provides that an employee benefit plan fiduciary who breaches any of the responsibilities, obligations, or duties imposed upon him or her by part 4 of title I of ERISA shall be personally liable to make good to such plan any losses to the plan resulting from each such breach, and to restore to such plan any profits that such fiduciary may have made through use of assets of the plan. The Department has the authority under section 504 of ERISA to conduct investigations to deter and correct violations of title I of ERISA and under section 502(a)(2) and 502(a)(5) to bring civil actions to enforce the provisions thereof. Section 502(l) of ERISA requires the assessment of a civil penalty in an amount equal to 20 percent of the applicable recovery amount with respect to any breach of fiduciary responsibility under (or other violation of) part 4 by a fiduciary. To encourage and facilitate voluntary correction of certain breaches of fiduciary responsibility, PWBA is adopting a Voluntary Fiduciary Correction Program (VFC Program). Under this VFC Program, plan officials will be relieved of the possibility of investigation and civil action by the Department and imposition of civil penalties, to the extent that plan officials satisfy the conditions for correcting breaches described in the Program. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Enforcement Policy 03/15/00 65 FR 14164 Comment Period End 05/15/00 Final Action 11/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Elizabeth A. Goodman, Pension Law Specialist, Office of Regulations and Interpretations, Department of Labor, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, Room N5669, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 219-8671 RIN: 1210-AA76 _______________________________________________________________________ 1883. REGULATION EXEMPTING CERTAIN BROKER-DEALER AND INVESTMENT ADVISERS FROM BONDING REQUIREMENTS Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 29 USC 1135; 29 USC 1112 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2580 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed regulation would provide an exemption from the bonding requirements of Section 412(a) of ERISA for certain broker dealers and investment advisers who handle plan assets. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: George M. Holmes, Pension Law Specialist, Department of Labor, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, Room N5669, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 523-8521 RIN: 1210-AA80 [[Page 23040]] _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL) Final Rule Stage Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration (PWBA) _______________________________________________________________________ 1884. REVISION OF THE FORM 5500 SERIES AND IMPLEMENTING AND RELATED REGULATIONS UNDER THE EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY ACT OF 1974 (ERISA) Priority: Economically Significant Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or duplication, or streamline requirements. Legal Authority: 29 USC 1021; 29 USC 1022; 29 USC 1023; 29 USC 1024; 29 USC 1025; 29 USC 1026; 29 USC 1027; 29 USC 1029; 29 USC 1030; 29 USC 1059; 29 USC 1135; 29 USC 1166; 29 USC 1168 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2520 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Under title I of ERISA, title IV of ERISA, and the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, pension and other employee benefit plans are generally required to file returns/reports annually concerning, among other things, the financial condition and operations of the plan. These annual reporting requirements are satisfied generally by filing the Form 5500 Series in accordance with its instructions and related regulations. The Department of Labor, IRS, and PBGC have undertaken a comprehensive review of the annual return/report forms in an effort to streamline the information required to be reported and the methods by which such information is filed and processed. Statement of Need: The Form 5500 Series is the primary source of information concerning the operation, funding, assets and investments of pension and other employee benefit plans, and is an important compliance and research tool for the Department, and a disclosure document for plan participants and beneficiaries and a source of information and data for use by other Federal agencies, Congress and the private sector in assessing employee benefit, tax, and economic trends and policies. Summary of Legal Basis: Title I of ERISA, sections 101 through 105, 107, 209, and 606 impose specific reporting and disclosure obligations on administrators of employee benefit plans. Sections 104(a)(2), 104(a)(3) and 110 of ERISA provide the Secretary with the authority to prescribe simplified reports, exemptions and alternative methods of compliance for employee welfare benefit plans and employee pension benefit plans. Section 505 provides the Secretary with general authority to prescribe regulations necessary or appropriate to carry out the provisions of title I of ERISA. Alternatives: Amendments to the annual report regulations implementing the revisions to the Form 5500 Series are in development. Anticipated Cost and Benefits: By simplifying the Form 5500 Series and creating an automated processing system for the filed reports, it is anticipated that filer costs of preparing forms and Government processing costs will be reduced. These measures will eliminate reporting requirements for information that is not needed for the discharge of the Department's statutory responsibilities, while ensuring that participants and beneficiaries have access to the information they need to protect their rights and benefits under ERISA. Risks: Failure to revise the Form 5500 Series Annual Reports for Employee Benefit Plans could deprive plans, sponsors, participants and beneficiaries, as well as the Government, of the cost savings and related benefits associated with streamlining the forms and their processing. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Proposed Forms Revisions 09/03/97 62 FR 46556 Proposed Forms Comment Period End 11/03/97 NPRM Implementing Related Regulations 12/10/98 63 FR 68370 NPRM Comment Period End 02/08/99 Final Action Forms 02/02/00 65 FR 5026 Final Action Implementing Related Regulations 04/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: Public hearing held November 17, 1997. Hearing comment period ended 12/03/97. Agency Contact: Eric A. Raps, Pension Law Specialist, Department of Labor, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, Room N5669, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 219-8521 RIN: 1210-AA52 _______________________________________________________________________ 1885. REGULATIONS IMPLEMENTING THE HEALTH CARE ACCESS, PORTABILITY AND RENEWABILITY PROVISIONS OF THE HEALTH INSURANCE PORTABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 1996 Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: PL 104-91 section 101; 29 USC 1027; 29 USC 1059; 29 USC 1135; 29 USC 1171; 29 USC 1172; 29 USC 1177 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2590 Legal Deadline: Other, Statutory, April 1, 1997, Interim Final Rule. Per Section 734 of ERISA as added by Section 101 of HIPAA. Abstract: The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) amended title I of ERISA by adding a new part 7, designed to improve health care access, portability and renewability. This rulemaking will provide regulatory guidance to implement these provisions. Statement of Need: HIPAA added a new part 7 to title I of ERISA, containing provisions designed to improve the availability and portability of health insurance coverage. Part 7 includes provisions limiting exclusions for preexisting conditions and providing credit for prior coverage, guaranteeing availability of health coverage for small employers, prohibiting discrimination against employees and dependents based on health status, and guaranteeing renewability of health coverage to employers and individuals. Summary of Legal Basis: Promulgation of these regulations is authorized by sections 505 and 734 of ERISA. Alternatives: Regulatory alternatives will be developed once determinations have been made, in conjunction with other concerned agencies with regard to the scope and nature of the final regulatory guidance which will be necessary to carry out the new provisions. [[Page 23041]] Anticipated Cost and Benefits: Preliminary estimates of the anticipated costs and benefits of the regulatory actions found to be necessary to implement the new provision will be developed once decisions are reached on which specific actions are necessary. Risks: Failure to provide regulatory guidance necessary to carry out these important health care reforms would adversely impact the availability and portability of health insurance coverage for American families. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 04/08/97 62 FR 16894 Interim Final Rule Effective 06/07/97 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 07/07/97 Request for Information 10/25/99 64 FR 57520 Comment Period End 01/25/00 Final Rule 09/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Daniel J. Maguire, Director, Health Care Task Force, Department of Labor, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, Room N5677, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 219-4592 RIN: 1210-AA54 _______________________________________________________________________ 1886. AMENDMENT OF SUMMARY PLAN DESCRIPTION AND RELATED ERISA REGULATIONS TO IMPLEMENT STATUTORY CHANGES IN THE HEALTH INSURANCE PORTABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 1996 Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 104-191 sec 101; PL 104-204 sec 603 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2520.102-3; 29 CFR 2520.104b-1; 29 CFR 2520.104b-3 Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, April 1, 1997, Per sections 707 and 734 of ERISA as added by section 101 of HIPAA. Abstract: The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) amended ERISA's summary plan description (SPD) and related reporting and disclosure provisions to require that participants and beneficiaries receive from their group health plans: (i) more timely notice if there is a material reduction in services or benefits under the plan; (ii) more information regarding the financing and administration of the plan; and (iii) specific identification of Department of Labor offices through which they can seek assistance or information about HIPAA. The Newborns' and Mothers' Health Protection Act of 1996 (NMHPA) also amended ERISA's SPD and related reporting and disclosure provisions. This rulemaking will amend the Department's SPD and related regulations to implement those statutory changes. Statement of Need: The existing SPD and related reporting and disclosure provisions need to be revised to reflect the changes made by HIPAA. HIPAA's statutory changes modify the requirements concerning the manner and timing of how certain important plan information is communicated to participants and beneficiaries by plan administrators. Without revised regulatory guidance administrators may not be able to improve the timely disclosure of plan information on both a quantitative and qualitative basis. HIPAA also requires the Secretary to issue regulations within 180 days after its enactment providing alternative mechanisms to delivery by mail through which group health plans may notify participants and beneficiaries of material reductions in covered services or benefits. Summary of Legal Basis: Promulgation of these regulations is authorized by sections 104(b), 505 and 734 of ERISA. Alternatives: Regulatory alternatives will be developed once determinations have been made with regard to the scope and nature of the regulatory guidance which will be necessary to carry out the new provisions. Anticipated Cost and Benefits: There is estimated to be no capital/ start-up cost. Total burden cost for operating/maintenance is estimated to average $73,000,000 annually for the years 1997, 1998, and 1999. However, the Department believes that the regulation assures that participants have better access to more complete information about their benefit plans. Risks: The SPD is a critical plan document for participants and beneficiaries. Without access to accurate and timely information participants and beneficiaries will not be able to protect their rights under ERISA. Improved disclosure requirements also should serve to facilitate compliance by plan administrators, thereby reducing litigation and penalty risks to plan administrators. The failure to issue revised disclosure regulations also may result in a failure to achieve HIPAA's objective of improving the disclosure of plan information. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 04/08/97 62 FR 16979 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 05/31/97 Interim Final Rule Effective 06/01/97 Second Interim Final Rule 09/09/98 63 FR 48372 Interim Final Rule Effective 11/09/98 Comment Period End 11/09/98 Final Action 11/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Eric A. Raps, Pension Law Specialist, Department of Labor, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, Room N5669, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 219-8521 RIN: 1210-AA55 _______________________________________________________________________ 1887. AMENDMENTS TO EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN CLAIMS PROCEDURES REGULATION Priority: Other Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. Unfunded Mandates: This action may affect the private sector under PL 104-4. Legal Authority: 29 USC 1133; 29 USC 1135 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2560.503-1 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department has proposed to amend the regulation governing the establishment and maintenance of benefit claims procedures by employee benefit plans covered by title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). The amendment would establish new standards for the processing of group health and other [[Page 23042]] employee benefit plan claims filed by participants and beneficiaries. In the case of group health plans, as well as certain plans providing disability benefits, the new standards are intended to ensure more timely benefit determinations, improved access to information on which a benefit determination is based, and greater assurance that participants and beneficiaries will be afforded a full and fair review of denied claims. Statement of Need: This regulation is necessary to insure more timely benefit determinations, improve access to information on which a benefit determination is made, and provide greater assurance that participants and beneficiaries will be afforded a full and fair review of denied claims. Summary of Legal Basis: Promulgation of this regulation is authorized by sections 503 and 505 of ERISA. Alternatives: Regulatory alternatives will be developed once determinations have been made with regard to the scope and nature of the amendments necessary to update the rules that implement section 503 of ERISA. Anticipated Cost and Benefits: On the basis of available data, the Department believes that the projected benefits of this proposed regulation would outweigh its projected costs. In particular, updating the existing regulation to address recent changes in the delivery and financing of health care services would improve health care quality by averting harmful, inappropriate delays and denials of health benefits thereby yielding substantial social benefits. Risks: Failure to issue this regulation would deprive many plan participants and beneficiaries of the benefits of an improved claims review process. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Request for Information-- Amendment of Regulations on Plan Claims Procedures 09/08/97 62 FR 47262 Comment Period End 11/07/97 NPRM 09/09/98 63 FR 48390 NPRM Comment Period End 11/09/98 Notice of Public Hearing Held on Feb. 17,18 & 19, 1999 01/04/99 64 FR 65 Final Action 11/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Federalism: This action may have federalism implications as defined in EO 13132. Agency Contact: Susan H. Halliday, Pension Law Specialist, Department of Labor, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, Room N5669, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 219-8671 RIN: 1210-AA61 _______________________________________________________________________ 1888. MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS PARITY Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 29 USC 1135; 29 USC 1182 (PL 104-204; 110 Stat 2944); 29 USC 1194 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2590 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Mental Health Parity Act of 1996 (MHPA) was enacted on September 26, 1996 (P.L. 104-204). MHPA amended the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), as amended, to provide for parity in the application of limits on certain mental health benefits with limits on medical and surgical benefits. MHPA provisions are set forth in chapter 100 of subtitle K of the Code, title XXVII of the PHSA, and part 7 of subtitle B of title I of ERISA. This rulemaking will provide further guidance with regard to the provisions of the MHPA. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 12/22/97 62 FR 66932 Final Action 09/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: LEGAL AUTHORITIES CONT: Secs. 107, 209, 505, 701-703, 711, 712 731-734 of ERISA (29 U.S.C. 1027, 1059, 1135, 1171- 1173, 1181 1182, 1191-1194), as amended by HIPAA (Pub. L. 104-191, 101 Stat. 1936) and NMHPA (Pub. L. 104-204) and Secretary of Labor's Order No. 1-87, 52 FR 13139, April 21, 1987. Agency Contact: Mark Connor, Supervisory Pension Law Specialist, Department of Labor, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, Room N5669, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 219-7006 RIN: 1210-AA62 _______________________________________________________________________ 1889. HEALTH CARE STANDARDS FOR MOTHERS AND NEWBORNS Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 29 USC 1181 (PL 104-204, 110 Stat 2935); 29 USC 1135; 29 USC 1194 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2590.711 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Newborns' and Mothers' Health Protection Act of 1996 (NMHPA) was enacted on September 26, 1996 (PL 104-204). NMHPA amended the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, (ERISA) to provide protection for mothers and their newborn children with regard to the length of hospital stays following the birth of a child. NMHPA provisions are set forth in title XXVII of the PHSA and part 7 of subtitle B of title I of ERISA. This rulemaking will provide further guidance with regard to the provisions of the NMHPA. Statement of Need: These regulations are needed to provide guidance to the public concerning the application of the provisions of section 711 of ERISA, which establishes requirements for group health plan standards for minimum hospital stays following birth. Summary of Legal Basis: Promulgation of these regulations is authorized by sections 505 and 734 of ERISA. Alternatives: Regulatory alternatives will be developed once determinations have been made with regard to the scope and nature of the regulatory guidance which will be necessary to implement section 711 of ERISA. Anticipated Cost and Benefits: Preliminary estimates of the anticipated costs and benefits of the regulatory actions found to be necessary to [[Page 23043]] implement the new provision will be developed once decisions are reached on which specific actions are necessary. Risks: Failure to issue these regulations would be likely to impair compliance by group health plans with the new standards established by section 711 of ERISA for mothers' and newborns' health care. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 10/27/98 63 FR 57546 Final Action 12/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: LEGAL AUTHORITY CONT: Secs. 107, 209, 505, 701- 703, 711, 712 731-734 of ERISA (29 U.S.C. 1027, 1059, 1135, 1171-1173, 1181 1182, 1191-1194), as amended by HIPAA (Pub. L. 104-191, 101 Stat. 1936) and NMHPA (Pub. L. 104-204) and Secretary of Labor's Order No. 1- 87, 52 FR 13139, April 21, 1987. Agency Contact: Amy Turner, Pension Law Specialist, Department of Labor, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, Room N5669, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 219-7006 RIN: 1210-AA63 _______________________________________________________________________ 1890. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR MEWAS PROVIDING MEDICAL CARE BENEFITS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 29 USC 1135; 29 USC 1021(g)(h) (PL 104-191; 110 Stat 1952); 29 USC 1194 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2520 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: These interim final rules govern certain reporting requirements under title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA) for multiple employer welfare arrangements (MEWAs) that provide benefits consisting of medical care. In part, the rules implement recent changes made to ERISA by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). The rules also set forth elements that MEWAs would be required to file with the Department of Labor for the purpose of determining compliance with the portability nondiscrimination, renewability and other requirements of part 7 of subtitle B of title I of ERISA including the requirements of the Mental Health Parity Act of 1996 and the Newborns' and Mothers' Protection Act of 1996. The rules would provide guidance with respect to section 502(c)(5) of ERISA which authorizes the Secretary of Labor to assess a civil penalty of up to $1,000 a day for failure to comply with the new reporting requirements. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 02/11/00 65 FR 7152 Final Action 03/00/01 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Amy Turner, Pension Law Specialist, Department of Labor, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, Room N5669, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 219-7006 RIN: 1210-AA64 _______________________________________________________________________ 1891. ELIMINATION OF FILING REQUIREMENTS FOR SUMMARY PLAN DESCRIPTIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing Government effort. It will eliminate existing text in the CFR. Legal Authority: 29 USC 1024; 29 USC 1135; PL 105-34, sec 1503 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2520.104a-2; 29 CFR 2520.104a-3; 29 CFR 2520.104a- 4; 29 CFR 2520.104a-7 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking will remove from the CFR certain regulations that have been superseded by amendments to title I of ERISA effected by the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 (PL 105-34) that eliminate the requirement for plan administrators to file summary plan descriptions (SPDs), summaries of material modifications (SMMs), and updated SPDs with the Department of Labor. Under the amendments plan administrators must continue to furnish participants and beneficiaries with copies of these documents. Separate rulemakings (RIN: 1210-AA67 and 1210-AA68) will implement the Taxpayer Relief Act amendments that require plan administrators to furnish copies of SPDs and any other documents relating to the plan to the Department on request, and authorize the Secretary of Labor to assess a civil penalty for failure to do so. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/05/99 64 FR 42792 NPRM Comment Period End 10/04/99 Final Action 08/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Lisa M. Fields, Pension Law Specialist, Department of Labor, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, Room N5669, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 219-8671 RIN: 1210-AA66 _______________________________________________________________________ 1892. REQUIREMENT TO FURNISH PLAN DOCUMENTS UPON REQUEST BY THE SECRETARY OF LABOR Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 29 USC 1024; 29 USC 1135; PL 105-34, section 1503 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2520.104a-8 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking will implement an amendment to title I of ERISA made by section 1503 of the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 (PL 105- 34) which requires plan administrators to furnish copies of any documents relating to the plan to the Department on request. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/05/99 64 FR 42797 NPRM Comment Period End 10/04/99 Final Action 08/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Lisa M. Fields, Pension Law Specialist, Department of Labor, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, Room N5669, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 [[Page 23044]] Phone: 202 219-8671 RIN: 1210-AA67 _______________________________________________________________________ 1893. CIVIL PENALTY FOR FAILURE TO FURNISH CERTAIN PLAN DOCUMENTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 105-34, sec 1503; 29 USC 1135; 29 USC 1132 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2560; 29 CFR 2570 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking will implement the enforcement aspects of amendments to title I of ERISA made by section 1503 of the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 (Public Law 105-34) which, while eliminating the requirement that plan administrators file summary plan descriptions (SPDs), summaries of material modifications (SMMs) and updated SPDs with the Department of Labor, also provided that administrators must furnish copies of any documents relating to the plan, including but not limited to SPDs, to the Department on request. In particular, this rulemaking will implement the amendments that authorize the Secretary of Labor to assess a civil penalty of up to $100 a day, up to a maximum of $1,000 per request, against a plan administrator who fails to furnish the requested documents on a timely basis. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/05/99 64 FR 42797 NPRM Comment Period End 10/04/99 Final Action 08/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Lisa M. Fields, Pension Law Specialist, Department of Labor, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, Room N5669, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 219-8671 RIN: 1210-AA68 _______________________________________________________________________ 1894. AMENDMENTS TO SUMMARY PLAN DESCRIPTION REGULATIONS Priority: Other Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 29 USC 1024; 29 USC 1135 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2520.102-3; 29 CFR 2520.102-5 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: These amendments to the regulations governing the contents of summary plan descriptions (SPD) will ensure that all participants in group health plans are provided, consistent with the recommendations of the President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality in the Health Care Industry, understandable information concerning their plan; provider network composition; preauthorization and utilization review procedures; whether, and under what circumstances, coverage is provided for existing and new drugs; and whether, and under what circumstances, coverage is provided for experimental drugs, devices, and procedures. These amendments will repeal special rules limiting the information that must be included in summary plan descriptions with respect to certain health maintenance organizations. In addition, the amendments include provisions that update or clarify the application of certain SPD content requirements affecting both pension and welfare benefit plans. Statement of Need: This regulation is necessary to improve the disclosure of group health plan benefit information, consistent with the recommendations of the President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality in the Health Care Industry, as set forth in its November 20, 1997, report. The amendments will also update the general SPD content requirements and update other relevant regulatory provisions. Summary of Legal Basis: Promulgation of this regulation is authorized by sections 101(a), 102(b), and 505 of ERISA. Alternatives: Regulatory alternatives will be developed once determinations have been made with regard to the scope and nature of the amendments which are necessary to improve the disclosure of benefit information to participants and beneficiaries of group health plans under the applicable ERISA regulations. Anticipated Cost and Benefits: The Department estimates that the aggregate additional costs associated with the regulation would average approximately $125 million per year for the years 2000, 2001, and 2002. However, the Department believes that the regulation would assure that participants have better access to more complete information on their benefit plans. Better information will lead both participants and plan sponsors to make more economically efficient decisions regarding benefit plans. This enhanced value and efficiency from better information constitute the benefits of the regulation. Risks: Failure to issue the regulation would deprive participants, beneficiaries, and plan sponsors of the improvements in health care market efficiency which would be generated by the regulatory amendments specified therein. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/09/98 63 FR 48376 NPRM Comment Period End 11/09/98 Final Action 11/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Organizations Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John J. Canary, Supervisory Pension Law Specialist, Department of Labor, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, Room N5669, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 219-8521 RIN: 1210-AA69 _______________________________________________________________________ 1895. ELECTRONIC DISCLOSURE OF EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN INFORMATION Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 29 USC 1024; 29 USC 1135; PL 105-34, Taxpayer Relief Act; Secretary of Labor's Order No. 1-87, April 21,1987 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2520.104b Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, December 31, 1998. Abstract: This rulemaking will improve the ability of sponsors and administrators of all employee benefit plans covered by title I of ERISA to make certain disclosures of plan information to participants and beneficiaries through electronic means. The rule will provide guidance with [[Page 23045]] respect to the conditions under which electronic disclosures will be deemed to satisfy the disclosure requirements under title I of ERISA. The rule also will establish recordkeeping standards for maintaining or storing data in electronic form. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/28/99 64 FR 4506 NPRM Comment Period End 03/29/99 Final Action 07/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Eric A. Raps, Pension Law Specialist, Department of Labor, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, Room N5669, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 219-8521 RIN: 1210-AA71 _______________________________________________________________________ 1896. NATIONAL MEDICAL SUPPORT NOTICE Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 105-200, sec 401(b); 29 USC 1135; 29 USC 1169 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2565 Legal Deadline: Other, Statutory, May 16, 1999, Interim Final Rule. Final, Statutory, November 15, 2000. Abstract: The purpose of this rulemaking is to develop regulations which establish a model qualified medical child support order for use by State child support agencies to facilitate the extension of health care coverage to children under their jurisdiction. This initiative is mandated by the Child Support Performance and Incentive Act of 1998 (CSPIA), P.L. 105-200. Statement of Need: These regulations are needed to provide guidance to the public concerning the application of the provisions of section 401 of the Child Support Performance and Incentive Act of 1998 and section 609 of ERISA, which require, respectively, the promulgation of a National Medical Support Notice to be used by State child support agencies to order health care coverage for children under their jurisdiction, and that such notice is to be deemed a qualified medical child support order for purposes of section 609 of ERISA. Summary of Legal Basis: Promulgation of these regulations is mandated by section 401 of CSPIA, and authorized by sections 505 and 609 of ERISA. Alternatives: Regulatory alternatives will have been considered based on the scope and nature of the regulatory guidance which will be necessary to implement section 401 of CSPIA and section 609 of ERISA. Section 401 of CSPIA mandates the promulgation of a National Medical Support Notice. Anticipated Cost and Benefits: Preliminary estimates of the anticipated costs and benefits of the regulatory actions found necessary to implement the new provisions have been developed based on the published proposal. Risks: Failure to issue these regulations would be likely to impair compliance by State child support agencies with the new standards established by section 401 of CSPIA and by group health plans with the requirements of section 609 of ERISA for the extension of health care coverage to children of plan participants. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/15/99 64 FR 62054 Comment Period End 02/14/00 Final Action 09/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Federalism: This action may have federalism implications as defined in EO 13132. Agency Contact: David J. Lurie, Pension Law Specialist, Department of Labor, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, Room N5669, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 219-8671 RIN: 1210-AA72 _______________________________________________________________________ 1897. SMALL PENSION PLAN SECURITY AMENDMENTS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 29 USC 1135; 29 USC 1024; 29 USC 1191c; Secretary of Labor's Order No. 1-87, April 21,1987 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2520.104-41; 29 CFR 2520.104.46 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This initiative would amend the conditions under which small pension plans (i.e., those with fewer than 100 participants) will be exempt from the requirements of section 103(a)(3)(A) to engage an independent qualified public accountant and to include the report of such accountant as part of the plan's annual report. Specifically, the amendment would condition the availability of the exemption on the plan meeting certain additional conditions regarding plan assets being held by a regulated financial institution and related improvements in fidelity bonding and disclosures to plan participants and beneficiaries. This initiative is being undertaken to improve security and accountability with respect to assets of small employee pension benefit plans. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/01/99 64 FR 67436 Final Action 09/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John Keene, Pension Law Specialist, Department of Labor, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, Room N5669, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 219-8521 RIN: 1210-AA73 _______________________________________________________________________ 1898. SOFT DOLLAR (INTERPRETIVE BULLETIN) Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 29 USC 1103; 29 USC 1104; 29 USC 1106; 29 USC 1108; 29 USC 1135 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2509.98-2 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This Interpretive Bulletin will codify the guidance provided by the Department concerning ``soft dollar'' and directed commission arrangements, for ease of reference by employee benefit plan fiduciaries, plan service providers, and others. [[Page 23046]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interpretive Bulletin 07/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: David J. Lurie, Pension Law Specialist, Department of Labor, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, Room N5669, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 219-8671 RIN: 1210-AA74 _______________________________________________________________________ 1899. RULEMAKING RELATING TO THE WOMEN'S HEALTH AND CANCER RIGHTS ACT OF 1998 Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 29 USC 1185; PL 105-277; 112 Stat 2681; 29 USC 1135; 29 USC 1194 CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 (WHCRA) was enacted on October 21, 1998 (P.L. 105-277). WHCRA amended the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Public Health Service Act (PHS Act) to provide protection for patients who elect breast reconstruction in connection with a mastectomy. The WHCRA provisions are set forth in Part 7 of Subtitle B of Title I of ERISA and in Title XXVII of the PHS Act. These interim rules will provide guidance with respect to the WHCRA provisions. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Request for Information (RFI) 05/28/99 64 FR 29186 RFI Comment Period End 06/28/99 Interim Final Rule 08/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Mila Kofman, Pension Law Specialist, Department of Labor, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, Room N5669, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 219-7006 RIN: 1210-AA75 _______________________________________________________________________ 1900. PROHIBITING DISCRIMINATION AGAINST PARTICIPANTS AND BENEFICIARIES BASED ON HEALTH STATUS Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 29 USC 1027; 29 USC 1059; 29 USC 1135; 29 USC 1171; 29 USC 1167; 29 USC 1194; PL 104-191 sec 101; 29 USC 1181, 101 Stat 1936; Secretary of Labor's Order No. 1-37; 52 FR 13139, April 21, 1987 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2590.702 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Section 702 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, amended by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), establishes that a group health plan or a health insurance issuer may not establish rules for eligibility (including continued eligibility) of any individual to enroll under the terms of the plan based on any health status-related factor. These provisions are also contained in the Internal Revenue Code under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Treasury, and the Public Health Service Act within the jurisdiction of the Department of Health and Human Services. On April 8, 1997, the Department, in conjunction with the Departments of the Treasury and Health and Human Services (collectively, the Departments) published interim final regulations implementing the nondiscrimination provisions of HIPAA. These regulations can be found at 26 CFR 54.9802-1 (Treasury), 29 CFR 2590.702 (Labor), and 45 146.121 (HHS). That notice of rulemaking also solicited comments on the nondiscrimination provisions and indicated that the Departments intend to issue further regulations on the nondiscrimination rules. This rulemaking will contain additional regulatory guidance under HIPAA's nondiscrimination provisions. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 04/08/97 62 FR 16894 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 07/07/97 Final Action 06/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Additional Information: This item is being split off from RIN 210-AA54 in order to provide focused guidance on section 702 of ERISA, which prohibits discrimination against participants and beneficiaries by group health plans and health insurance issuers based on health status. Agency Contact: Amy Turner, Pension Law Specialist, Department of Labor, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, Room N5669, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 219-7006 RIN: 1210-AA77 _______________________________________________________________________ 1901. AMENDMENTS REGARDING ALLOCATION OF FIDUCIARY RESPONSIBILITY; FEDERAL RETIREMENT THRIFT INVESTMENT BOARD Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 8477(e)(1)(E); Secretary of Labor's Order No.1- 87 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2584.8477(e)-2 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the Department's current regulation regarding the allocation of fiduciary responsibility by the Executive Director of the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board to provide for the allocation to investment managers of fiduciary responsibility for two new investment funds, the Small Capitalization Index Stock Investment Fund and the International Stock Index Investment Fund. These amendments will also update the definition of investment manager and make other miscellaneous changes to 29 Part 2584. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 05/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Rudy Nuissl, Senior Pension Law Specialist, Department of Labor, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, N-5669, 200 [[Page 23047]] Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 291-7461 RIN: 1210-AA79 _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL) Long-Term Actions Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration (PWBA) _______________________________________________________________________ 1902. ADEQUATE CONSIDERATION Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 29 USC 1002(18); 29 USC 1135 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2510 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This regulation would provide guidance as to what constitutes ``adequate consideration'' under section 3(18) of ERISA for assets other than securities for which there is a generally recognized market. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/17/88 53 FR 17632 NPRM Comment Period End 07/17/88 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Paul Mannina, Staff Attorney, Plan Benefits Security Division, Department of Labor, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, Room N4611, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 219-4592 RIN: 1210-AA15 _______________________________________________________________________ 1903. CIVIL PENALTIES UNDER ERISA SECTION 502(1) Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 29 USC 1132 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2570.80 (Procedural); 29 CFR 2560.502(l)-l (Substantive) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Section 502(l) of ERISA requires the Secretary of Labor to assess a civil penalty against a fiduciary who breaches a fiduciary duty under, or commits a violation of, part 4 of title I of ERISA, or any other person who knowingly participates in such breach or violation. The Department has published an interim rule setting forth the procedures for the assessment of penalties under ERISA section 502(l) and for petitioning the Secretary to exercise his or her discretion to waive or reduce the mandated assessment, as well as a proposed rule that defines the following pivotal terms contained in section 502(l): ``applicable recovery amount,'' ``breach of fiduciary responsibility or violation,'' ``settlement agreement,'' and ``court order.'' The Department intends to finalize these two regulations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/20/90 55 FR 25284 Interim Final Rule 06/20/90 NPRM Comment Period End 08/20/90 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Vicki Shteir-Dunn, Staff Attorney, Plan Benefits Security Division, Department of Labor, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, Room N4638, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 219-8610 RIN: 1210-AA37 _______________________________________________________________________ 1904. INDIVIDUAL BENEFITS REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 29 USC 1025; 29 USC 1059; 29 USC 1135 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2520.105-1 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: ERISA sections 105 and 209 require the furnishing of statements of accrued and vested pension benefits upon request of a participant or beneficiary, upon a participant's termination of service with an employer, and upon a participant's incurring a one-year break in service. This regulation will provide guidance with respect to the furnishing of individual benefit reports to participants and beneficiaries in defined contribution pension plans. Timetable: Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: John J. Canary, Supervisory Pension Law Specialist, Department of Labor, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, Room N5669, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 219-8521 RIN: 1210-AA65 [[Page 23048]] _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL) Completed Actions Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration (PWBA) _______________________________________________________________________ 1905. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR INSURERS AND OTHERS UNDER PART 4 OF TITLE I OF ERISA AND SECTION 4975 OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 104-188, sec 1460; 29 USC 1101(c)(1); 29 USC 1135; 29 USC 1021 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2550.401(c-1); 29 CFR 2510.3-101 Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, June 30, 1997, Per Section 734 of ERISA as added by Section 101 of HIPAA per Section 707 of ERISA as added by Section 101 of HIPAA. Other, Statutory, September 30, 1997, Per Section 734 of ERISA as added by Section 101 of HIPAA per Section 707 of ERISA as added by Section 101 of HIPAA. Specifies 6/30/99 as latest date for the regulation to take effect. Final, Statutory, December 31, 1997, Per Section 734 of ERISA as added by Section 101 of HIPAA Per Section 707 of ERISA as added by Section 101 of HIPAA. Specifies 6/30/99 as latest date for the regulation to take effect. Abstract: Section 1460 of the Small Business Job Protection Act of 1991 (Public Law 104-188) amended ERISA section 401 to limit the liability of insurers and others under part 4 of title I of ERISA and section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code with regard to certain policies or contracts issued to or for the benefit of employee benefit plans which are supported by assets in the insurers' general accounts. Subsection 401(c) specifies the timetable by which the Secretary must issue regulatory guidance concerning this provision. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Request for Information 11/25/96 61 FR 59845 NPRM 12/22/97 62 FR 66908 NPRM Comment Period End 03/23/98 Final Action 01/05/00 65 FR 614 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Ivan L. Strasfeld, Director, of Exemption Determinations, Department of Labor, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, Room N5649, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 219-8194 RIN: 1210-AA58 _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL) Prerule Stage Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) _______________________________________________________________________ 1906. OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO COAL MINE DUST (LOWERING EXPOSURE LIMIT) Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 30 USC 811 CFR Citation: 30 CFR 70; 30 CFR 71; 30 CFR 90 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: In 1996 the Secretary of Labor's Advisory Committee on the Elimination of Pneumoconiosis Among Coal Miners recommended that we consider lowering the coal dust permissible exposure limit (PEL). In 1995, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health issued a Criteria Document in which they recommended that the respirable coal mine dust PEL be cut in half. We are considering rulemaking to lower the coal dust PEL because miners continue to be at risk of developing dust-induced occupational lung disease. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 07/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Carol J. Jones, Acting Director, Office of Standards, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 631, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203 Phone: 703 235-1910 Fax: 703 235-5551 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1219-AB08 _______________________________________________________________________ 1907. MINE RESCUE TEAMS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 30 USC 811 CFR Citation: 30 CFR 49 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: We are assessing our current regulations to identify areas where we might increase flexibility and provide increased safety for miners. We anticipate publishing an ANPRM to solicit ideas from the mining community. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 05/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Carol J. Jones, Acting Director, Office of Standards, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 631, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203 Phone: 703 235-1910 Fax: 703 235-5551 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1219-AB20 [[Page 23049]] _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL) Proposed Rule Stage Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) _______________________________________________________________________ 1908. AIR QUALITY, CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES, AND RESPIRATORY PROTECTION STANDARDS Priority: Other Significant Unfunded Mandates: This action may affect State, local or tribal governments. Legal Authority: 30 USC 811; 30 USC 813 CFR Citation: 30 CFR 56; 30 CFR 57; 30 CFR 58; 30 CFR 70; 30 CFR 71; 30 CFR 72; 30 CFR 75; 30 CFR 90 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Our current regulations for exposure to hazardous airborne contaminants are over 25 years old. They do not fully protect today's miners, who are potentially exposed to an array of toxic chemicals, and other hazards. Examples of these include lead, cyanide, arsenic benzene, asbestos and other well-documented hazards. We will propose provisions of the air quality rule in phases based on our assessment of priority needs. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 07/06/83 48 FR 31171 ANPRM 11/19/85 50 FR 47702 NPRM 08/29/89 54 FR 35760 NPRM Comment Period End 08/30/91 56 FR 29201 NPRM Phase 3 - PELs 12/00/00 NPRM Phase 2 - Respiratory Protection - Reproposal To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal, State, Local, Tribal Agency Contact: Carol J. Jones, Acting Director, Office of Standards, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 631, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203 Phone: 703 235-1910 Fax: 703 235-5551 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1219-AA48 _______________________________________________________________________ 1909. BELT ENTRY USE AS INTAKE AIRCOURSE TO VENTILATE WORKING SECTIONS Priority: Other Significant Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or duplication, or streamline requirements. Legal Authority: 30 USC 811 CFR Citation: 30 CFR 75 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Our current regulations prohibit belt haulage entries from being used to ventilate active working places in mines. This prevents smoke from a belt conveyor fire from being coursed to a miner's workplace. Improved technology, including sophisticated atmospheric monitoring systems, makes it possible now to safely use belt haulage entries to ventilate active working places in mines provided certain conditions are met. In some instances this would result in more efficient and effective ventilation systems. Mine operators, however, must apply to MSHA for a modification of the current regulations if they want to use belt haulage entries for ventilation purposes. The proposed rule would permit the use of this type ventilation in certain circumstances and eliminate the need for the mine operator to apply for a modifcation. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: A public hearing was held in April 1990. Agency Contact: Carol J. Jones, Acting Director, Office of Standards, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 631, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203 Phone: 703 235-1910 Fax: 703 235-5551 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1219-AA76 _______________________________________________________________________ 1910. METAL/NONMETAL IMPOUNDMENTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 30 USC 811 CFR Citation: 30 CFR 56; 30 CFR 57 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Water, sediment, and slurry impoundments for metal and nonmetal mining and milling operations are located throughout the country. Some are within flood range of homes and well-traveled roads. Impoundment failures could endanger lives and cause property damage. The proposed rule will address proper design, construction, and other safety issues. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/01 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Carol J. Jones, Acting Director, Office of Standards, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 631, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203 Phone: 703 235-1910 Fax: 703 235-5551 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1219-AA83 _______________________________________________________________________ 1911. SURFACE HAULAGE Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 30 USC 811 CFR Citation: 30 CFR 56; 30 CFR 57; 30 CFR 77 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Approximately thirty percent of the fatal accidents which occurred during the past 4 years involved large haulage vehicles, over- the-road trucks, front-end loaders, and similar equipment. The proposed rule will set safety requirements for restraint systems, lighting, and blind areas for this equipment. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 07/30/98 63 FR 40800 NPRM 07/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Carol J. Jones, Acting Director, Office of Standards, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 631, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203 Phone: 703 235-1910 Fax: 703 235-5551 [[Page 23050]] Email: [email protected] RIN: 1219-AA93 _______________________________________________________________________ 1912. IMPROVING AND ELIMINATING REGULATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or duplication, or streamline requirements. Legal Authority: 30 USC 811; 30 USC 957 CFR Citation: 30 CFR 1 to 199 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: We have reviewed our current regulations and identified provisions that are outdated, redundant, unnecessary or otherwise require change. We will be making these changes through notice and comment rulemaking where necessary. We will also consider new regulations that reflect ``best practices'' in the mining industry. We view this effort to be evolving and ongoing and will continue to accept recommendations from the public. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM - Phase 1 Removal of 30 CFR 21 and 24 08/30/96 61 FR 45925 Final Rule - Phase 1 Removal of 30 CFR 21, 24, and 75 09/03/98 63 FR 47118 Final Rule Effective - Phase 1 Removal of 30 CFR 21 and 24 11/02/98 Final Rule - Phase 2 Removal of 30 CFR 26 and 29 08/10/99 64 FR 43280 Final Rule - Phase 3 Update of Reference IR 1240 08/10/99 64 FR 43283 Final Rule - Phase 4 Part 75 Subpart S 08/10/99 64 FR 43286 NPRM - Phase 5 Miscellaneous Technology Improvements 06/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Carol J. Jones, Acting Director, Office of Standards, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 631, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203 Phone: 703 235-1910 Fax: 703 235-5551 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1219-AA98 _______________________________________________________________________ 1913. RESPIRABLE CRYSTALLINE SILICA STANDARD Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 30 USC 811 CFR Citation: 30 CFR 70.101 et seq; 30 CFR 90.101 et seq; 30 CFR 71.101 et seq; 30 CFR 72.101 et seq Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Our current regulations set limits for respirable coal dust when crystalline silica is present. We are also aware of many conditions that result in worker overexposure to silica. This overexposure will result in the development of silicosis in some workers. Therefore, we are currently evaluating recommendations of the Secretary of Labor's Advisory Committee on the Elimination of Pneumoconiosis Among Coal Mine Workers to determine which one, or combination of recommendations, will most effectivly reduce worker overexposure to silica. We are considering rulemaking to implement relevant recommendations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/00/01 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Carol J. Jones, Acting Director, Office of Standards, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 631, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203 Phone: 703 235-1910 Fax: 703 235-5551 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1219-AB12 _______________________________________________________________________ 1914. UNDERGROUND COAL MINE OPERATORS PLAN VERIFICATION AND MSHA COMPLIANCE SAMPLING FOR RESPIRABLE DUST Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 30 USC 811; 30 USC 812 CFR Citation: 30 CFR 70; 30 CFR 75; 30 CFR 90 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Our current regulations require that all underground coal mine operators develop and follow a mine ventilation plan that we approve. However, we do not have a requirement that provides for in- mine verification of each plan's effectiveness under typical mining conditions. Consequently, plans may be implemented by mine operators that could be inadequate to control respirable dust. The proposed rule would require mine operators to verify a plan's adequacy in controlling respirable dust. For longwall mine operators we are proposing to permit the use of either approved loose-fitting powered, air purifying respirators (PAPRS) or verifiable administrative controls as a supplemental means of compliance if we have determined that further reduction in respirable dust levels cannot be achieved using all feasible engineering or environmental controls appropriate for operational condition involved. Furthermore, this proposal would revoke underground operator compliance and abatement sampling. Consequently, in underground coal mines, we intend to increase the number of compliance inspections per year, and we will conduct abatement sampling for non-compliance. The proposed rule also will discuss our long term objective to use continuous monitoring for sampling. Statement of Need: Respirable coal mine dust levels in this country are significantly lower than they were two decades ago. Despite this progress, there continues to be concern about the respirable coal mine dust sampling program and its effectiveness in maintaining of exposure levels in mines at or below the applicable standard. Our regulations require that all underground coal mine operators develop and follow a mine ventilation plan approved by us. The dust control portion of the mine ventilation plan is the key element of an operator's strategy to control respirable dust in the work environment. Although such plans are required to be designed to control respirable dust, there is no current requirement that provides for verification of each proposed plan's effectiveness under typical mining conditions. Consequently, plans may be [[Page 23051]] implemented that may later be shown as inadequate to control respirable dust. Therefore, we are considering regulatory action which would require mine operators to verify the adequacy of the dust control provisions in new or revised plans by demonstrating that the plan will be effective under typical mining conditions. Alternatives: In developing the proposed rule, we will consider alternatives related to typical production levels and the use of appropriate dust control strategies, use of supplemental controls for mining entities other than longwalls, and the level of protection of loose-fitting (PAPRS) in underground coal mines. Anticipated Cost and Benefits: Benefits sought are reduced dust levels over a miner's working lifetime by the elimination of over-exposures to respirable coal dust on each and every production shift, the key to eliminating lung disease as a risk to coal miners. Enhanced protection of miners from disease will reduce the number of cases of pneumoconiosis and their associated costs, reduce the cost of future black lung benefits, and lead to lower operator insurance premiums. Underground mine operators would have a reduction in cost due to MSHA completely taking over compliance and abatement sampling for respirable dust once this rule is promulgated. We will develop estimates and make them available for public review. Risks: Respirable coal mine dust is one of the most serious occupational hazards in the mining industry. Long-term exposure to excessive levels of respirable coal mine dust can cause black lung and silicosis, which are potentially disabling and can cause death. We are pursuing both regulatory and nonregulatory actions to eliminate these diseases through the control of coal mine respirable dust levels in mines and the reduction of miners' exposure. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: This rulemaking is related to RIN 1219-AB18. Agency Contact: Carol J. Jones, Acting Director, Office of Standards, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 631, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203 Phone: 703 235-1910 Fax: 703 235-5551 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1219-AB14 _______________________________________________________________________ 1915. DETERMINATION OF CONCENTRATION OF RESPIRABLE COAL MINE DUST Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 30 USC 811 CFR Citation: 30 CFR 70; 30 CFR 71; 30 CFR 72; 30 CFR 90 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the Mine Safety and Health Administration jointly determined that a single, full-shift measurement ``single, full-shift sample'' will accurately represent the atmospheric condition to which a miner is exposed. The proposed rule will address the U.S. Court of Appeals' final decision and order in National Mining Association v. Secretary of Labor, 1535 F2d 1267 (11th Cir. 1998). Statement of Need: Respirable coal mine dust levels in this country are significantly lower than they were over two decades ago. Despite this progress, there continues to be concern about our current sampling programs'ability to accurately measure and maintain respirable coal mine dusts exposure at or below the applicable standard on each shift. For as long as miners have taken coal from the ground, many have suffered respiratory problems due to their occupational exposures to respirable coal mine dust. These respiratory problems affect the current workforce and range from mild impairment of respiratory function to more severe diseases, such as silicosis and pulmonary massive fibrosis. For some miners, the impairment of their respiratory systems is so severe, they die prematurely. Since there is a clear relationship between a miner's cumulative exposure to respirable coal mine dust and the severity of the resulting respiratory conditions it is imperative that each miner's exposure not exceed the applicable standard on each and every shift. Alternatives: The requirements of this rule (``single, full-shift sample rule'') will work in tandem with those of the proposed rule (RIN 1219-AB14) requiring operators to verify the effectiveness of their ventilation plans as well as our assumption for all compliance sampling underground coal mines. We believe that modification of operator compliance sampling and their verification of ventilation plans will off-set costs for this rule. Anticipated Cost and Benefits: Benefits sought are reduced dust levels over a miner's working lifetime by the elimination of over-exposures to respirable coal dust on each and every production shift, a key to reducing occupationally induced lung disease among coal miners. Enhanced protection of miners from disease will reduce the costs to society, mining families, and operators. For example, there will be a decrease in future black lung benefits, leading to lower operator insurance premiums. As we proceed, we will develop cost estimates and make them available for public review. Risks: Respirable coal mine dust is one of the most serious occupational hazards in the mining industry. Occupational exposure to excessive levels of respirable coal mine dust can cause coal workers' pneumoconiosis and silicosis, which are potentially disabling and can cause death. Even after eliminating or substantially reducing individual shift overexposures, reductions in lung disease prevalence are not expected to materialize immediately. We are pursuing both regulatory and nonregulatory actions to eliminate these diseases through the control of coal mine respirable dust levels in mines and reduction of miners' exposure. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: This rulemaking is related to RIN 1219-AB14 (Underground Coal Mine Operator's Plan Verification and MSHA Compliance Sampling for Respirable Dust). [[Page 23052]] Agency Contact: Carol J. Jones, Acting Director, Office of Standards, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 631, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203 Phone: 703 235-1910 Fax: 703 235-5551 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1219-AB18 _______________________________________________________________________ 1916. SAFETY STANDARDS FOR SELF-CONTAINED SELF-RESCUE DEVICES IN COAL AND METAL/NONMETAL UNDERGROUND MINES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 30 USC 811; 30 USC 825 CFR Citation: 30 CFR 48; 30 CFR 75; 30 CFR 57 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Self-contained self-rescuers (SCSR) are closed circuit breathing apparatuses that provide a source of oxygen and greatly increase a miner's chance of surviving a mine emergency involving an irrespirable atmosphere. The mining industry has had recent experiences with SCSRs which did not function properly or were not donned properly, rendering them ineffective. We are considering a rule to limit the service life of the devices, address the appropriate inspection of SCSRs and the adequacy of training. In addition, we are proposing to apply SCSR regulations to metal and nonmetal mines. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 07/07/99 64 FR 36632 NPRM 05/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Additional Information: This rulemaking includes the metal and nonmetal rulemaking RIN 1219-AB06 (Self-Contained Self-Rescue Devices in Underground Metal and Nonmetal Mines). This new rulemaking addresses SCSRs at both coal and metal and nonmetal mines. Agency Contact: Carol J. Jones, Acting Director, Office of Standards, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 631, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203 Phone: 703 235-1910 Fax: 703 235-5551 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1219-AB19 _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL) Final Rule Stage Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) _______________________________________________________________________ 1917. HAZARD COMMUNICATION Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 30 USC 811 CFR Citation: 30 CFR 47 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Today's complex mining environment subjects miners to many hazards such as from wastes burned as fuel supplements at cement kilns and from the many chemicals brought onto mine property. The rule as proposed would provide miners with the means to receive necessary information on the hazards of chemicals to which they are exposed and the actions necessary to protect them from such hazards. It would be consistent with OSHA's rule to the extent appropriate. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 03/30/88 53 FR 10257 ANPRM Comment Period End 07/31/88 NPRM 11/02/90 55 FR 46400 NPRM Comment Period End 01/31/92 56 FR 48720 Reopen Record 03/30/99 64 FR 15144 Final Action 07/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal, State, Local, Tribal Agency Contact: Carol J. Jones, Acting Director, Office of Standards, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 631, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203 Phone: 703 235-1910 Fax: 703 235-5551 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1219-AA47 _______________________________________________________________________ 1918. DIESEL PARTICULATE MATTER (EXPOSURE OF UNDERGROUND COAL MINERS) Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 30 USC 811; 30 USC 813 CFR Citation: 30 CFR 72; 30 CFR 75 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Epidemiological studies indicate that diesel exhaust presents potential health risks to workers ranging from headaches and nausea to respiratory disease and cancer. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health considers whole diesel exhaust to be a potential occupational carcinogen. The International Agency for Research on Cancer found that diesel engine exhaust is probably carcinogenic to humans. The rule as proposed for underground coal mines requires the use of filtration to remove diesel particulate matter and requires the use of engineering and work practice controls to reduce diesel particulate matter. Statement of Need: The use of diesel-powered equipment in underground mines has increased significantly and rapidly during the past decade. We estimate that approximately 13,000 miners are occupationally exposed to diesel exhaust emissions in underground coal mines. Several epidemiological studies have shown a positive carcinogenic risk associated with exposure to diesel exhaust. Other reported health effects associated with exposure to diesel exhaust include dizziness, drowsiness, headaches, nausea, decreased visual acuity, and decreased forced expiratory volume. In addition, studies by MSHA and the former Bureau of Mines show that miners working in underground mining operations that use diesel equipment are probably the most heavily exposed workers of any occupational group. Based on the levels of diesel particulate measured in underground mining operations and the evidence of adverse health effects associated with exposure to diesel [[Page 23053]] exhaust, we are concerned about the potential health risk to miners. Alternatives: In the fall of 1995, we held a series of public workshops to gather suggestions for possible approaches to limit miners' exposure to diesel particulate. In addition, over the past 10 years, MSHA and the former Bureau of Mines have conducted research on methodologies for the measurement and control of diesel particulate in the mining environment. This research has demonstrated that the use of low sulfur fuel, good engine maintenance, exhaust after-treatment, new engine technology, and optimized application of ventilating air all play a role in reducing miners' exposure to diesel exhaust particulate matter. We considered establishing a PEL for diesel particulate in coal mines, but found that technology for measuring it in the presence of coal mine dust is not currently feasible. Therefore, the use of filtration to remove diesel particulate matter is required by the proposed rule. Anticipated Cost and Benefits: We estimate that the per year compliance costs are just over $10 million, of which underground coal mine operators would incur about $10 million and manufacturers of diesel engines and equipment would incur about $14,000. The proposed rule would reduce a significant health risk to underground miners, reducing the potential for acute sensory irritations and respiratory symptoms, lung cancer, and premature death, along with the attendant suffering and costs to the miners, their families, and society. In addition to savings related to acute health effects, we estimate that some lung cancers would also be avoided. Risks: Several epidemiological studies have found that exposure to diesel exhaust presents potential health risks to workers. Laboratory tests have shown diesel exhaust to be carcinogenic in rats, as well as toxic and mutagenic. These potential adverse health effects range from headaches and nausea to respiratory disease and cancer. In the confined space of the underground mine environment, occupational exposure to diesel exhaust may present a greater hazard due to ventilation limitations and the presence of other airborne contaminants, such as toxic mine dusts or mine gases. We believe that the health evidence forms a reasonable basis for reducing miners' exposure to diesel particulate. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 01/06/92 57 FR 500 ANPRM Comment Period End 07/10/92 57 FR 7906 NPRM 04/09/98 63 FR 17492 Notice Significant Environment Impact 07/14/98 63 FR 37796 Extension of Comment Period; Notice of Hearings; Close of Record 08/05/98 63 FR 41755 Notice of Hearings; Close of Record 10/19/98 63 FR 55811 Extension of Comment Period; Availability of Studies; Close of Record 02/12/99 64 FR 7144 Extension of Comment Period; Close of Record 04/27/99 64 FR 2259 Corrections 07/08/99 64 FR 36826 Final Action 09/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Carol J. Jones, Acting Director, Office of Standards, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 631, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203 Phone: 703 235-1910 Fax: 703 235-5551 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1219-AA74 _______________________________________________________________________ 1919. LONGWALL EQUIPMENT (INCLUDING HIGH-VOLTAGE) Priority: Other Significant Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or duplication, or streamline requirements. Legal Authority: 30 USC 811; 30 USC 957 CFR Citation: 30 CFR 18; 30 CFR 75 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Our current regulations require that high-voltage cables and transformers be kept at least 150 feet from coal extraction areas. These requirements are intended to eliminate an ignition source for methane and coal dust in close proximity to the work area. Highly productive longwall mining systems are now in widespread use in the mining industry. They use safe high-voltage electrical equipment and associated cables. Mine operators, however, currently must apply to us for a modification from the existing regulations if they want to use this high-voltage equipment. The rule as proposed would eliminate the need for a modification to use this equipment and would establish safety requirements for the design, construction, installation, use, and maintenance of high-voltage longwall equipment and associated cables. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/27/92 57 FR 39036 Extension of Comment Period to 11/13/1992 08/27/92 57 FR 48350 Reopen Record 10/18/95 60 FR 53891 Extension of Comment Period 11/14/95 60 FR 57203 Comment Period End 12/18/95 Reopen Record 12/28/99 64 FR 72620 Comment Period End 02/28/00 Final Rule 07/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Carol J. Jones, Acting Director, Office of Standards, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 631, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203 Phone: 703 235-1910 Fax: 703 235-5551 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1219-AA75 _______________________________________________________________________ 1920. INDEPENDENT LABORATORY TESTING Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or duplication, or streamline requirements. Legal Authority: 30 USC 957 CFR Citation: 30 CFR 6; 30 CFR 18; 30 CFR 19; 30 CFR 20; 30 CFR 22; 30 CFR 23; 30 CFR 26; 30 CFR 27; 30 CFR 28; 30 CFR 29; 30 CFR 33; 30 CFR 35 Legal Deadline: None [[Page 23054]] Abstract: Our current regulations allow us to set approval requirements and test products used in mines. The rule as proposed would allow us to: accept testing of certain mine equipment by independent laboratories; and approve products which satisfy alternative testing and evaluation requirements if those requirements are equivalent to ours, or could be enhanced to be equivalent. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/30/94 59 FR 61376 NPRM Comment Period Extended to 2/21/1995 02/13/95 60 FR 8209 Public Hearing Notice 10/10/95 60 FR 52640 Notice to Reschedule Public Hearing to 4/30/1996 02/09/96 61 FR 15743 Comment Period End 05/31/96 Final Action 12/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Carol J. Jones, Acting Director, Office of Standards, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 631, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203 Phone: 703 235-1910 Fax: 703 235-5551 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1219-AA87 _______________________________________________________________________ 1921. REQUIREMENTS FOR APPROVAL OF FLAME-RESISTANT CONVEYOR BELTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 30 USC 957; 30 USC 811 CFR Citation: 30 CFR 14; 30 CFR 18; 30 CFR 75 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Our current regulations require conveyor belts used in underground coal mines to be flame-resistant. The rule as proposed would set new procedures and requirements for testing and approval of these belts to provide additional protective measures relating to fire ignition and propagation. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/24/92 57 FR 61524 Extension of Comment Period to 3/36/93 02/11/93 58 FR 8028 Reopen Record and Notice of Public Hearing 03/31/95 60 FR 16589 Record Closed 06/05/95 60 FR 16558 Reopen Record 10/31/95 60 FR 55353 Extension of Comment Period to 2/5/1996 12/20/95 60 FR 65509 Reopen Record 12/28/99 64 FR 72617 Final Action 07/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Carol J. Jones, Acting Director, Office of Standards, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 631, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203 Phone: 703 235-1910 Fax: 703 235-5551 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1219-AA92 _______________________________________________________________________ 1922. DIESEL PARTICULATE MATTER (EXPOSURE OF UNDERGROUND METAL AND NONMETAL MINERS) Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 30 USC 811; 30 USC 813 CFR Citation: 30 CFR 57 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Epidemiological studies indicate that diesel exhaust presents potential health risks to workers ranging from headaches and nausea to respiratory disease and cancer. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health considers whole diesel exhaust to be a potential occupational carcinogen. The International Agency for Research on Cancer found that diesel engine exhaust is probably carcinogenic to humans. The rule as proposed for underground metal and nonmetal mines would establish a concentration limit for diesel particulate matter and require the use of engineering and work practice controls to reduce diesel particulate matter. Statement of Need: The use of diesel-powered equipment in underground mines has increased significantly and rapidly during the past decade. We estimate that about 7,500 miners working in production or development areas are occupationally exposed to diesel exhaust emissions in underground metal and nonmetal mines. Several epidemiological studies have shown a positive carcinogenic risk associated with exposure to diesel exhaust. Other reported health effects associated with exposure to diesel exhaust include dizziness, drowsiness, headaches, nausea, decreased visual activity, and decreased forced expiratory volume. In addition, studies by MSHA and the former Bureau of Mines show that miners working in underground mining operations that use diesel equipment are probably the most heavily exposed workers of any occupational group. Based on the levels of diesel particulate measured in underground mining operations and the evidence of adverse health effects associated with exposure to diesel exhaust, MSHA is concerned about the potential health risk to miners. Alternatives: In the fall of 1995, we held a series of public workshops to gather suggestions for possible approaches to limit miners' exposure to diesel particulate. In addition, over the past 10 years, MSHA and the former Bureau of Mines have conducted research on methodologies for the measurement and control of diesel particulate in the mining environment. This research has demonstrated that the use of low sulfur fuel, good engine maintenance, exhaust after-treatment, new engine technology, and optimized application of ventilating air all play a role in reducing miners' exposure to diesel exhaust particulate matter. Anticipated Cost and Benefits: We estimate that the compliance costs for underground metal and nonmetal operators would be approximately $19 million. The compliance costs to manufacturers are assumed to be passed through to underground metal and nonmetal operators and therefore, they would not incur any direct costs as a result of the rule. The proposed rule would reduce a significant health risk to underground miners, reducing the potential for acute sensory irritations and respiratory symptoms, lung cancer, and premature death, along with the attendant suffering and costs to the miners, their families, and society. In addition to savings related to acute health effects, we estimate that some lung cancer would also be avoided. [[Page 23055]] Risks: Several epidemiological studies have found that exposure to diesel exhaust presents potential health risks to workers. Laboratory tests have shown diesel exhaust to be carcinogenic in rats, as well as toxic and mutagenic. These potential adverse health effects range from headaches and nausea to respiratory disease and cancer. In the confined space of the underground mine environment, occupational exposure to diesel exhaust may present a greater hazard due to ventilation limitations and the presence of other airborne contaminants, such as toxic mine dusts or mine gases. We believe that the health evidence forms a reasonable basis for reducing miners' exposure to diesel particulate. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 01/06/92 57 FR 500 ANPRM Comment Period End 07/10/92 57 FR 7906 NPRM 10/29/98 63 FR 58104 Extension of Comment Period; Availability of Studies; Close of Record 02/12/99 64 FR 7144 Notice of Hearings; Close of Record 03/24/99 64 FR 14200 Corrections 07/08/99 64 FR 36826 Final Action 09/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Carol J. Jones, Acting Director, Office of Standards, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 631, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203 Phone: 703 235-1910 Fax: 703 235-5551 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1219-AB11 _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL) Long-Term Actions Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) _______________________________________________________________________ 1923. CONFINED SPACES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 30 USC 811; 30 USC 813 CFR Citation: 30 CFR 56; 30 CFR 57; 30 CFR 70; 30 CFR 71; 30 CFR 75; 30 CFR 77 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Storage bins, hoppers, tanks, stockpiles, and other confined spaces at mining operations create hazards to miners. These hazards include entrapment by shifting piles of loose materials, falling into materials, and being struck by overhanging materials. Additionally, miners are exposed to toxic and physical hazards in these confined spaces. We will explore both regulatory and non-regulatory ways to eliminate or reduce these hazards. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 12/30/91 56 FR 67364 ANPRM Comment Period End 05/01/92 57 FR 8102 NPRM To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Carol J. Jones, Acting Director, Office of Standards, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 631, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203 Phone: 703 235-1910 Fax: 703 235-5551 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1219-AA54 _______________________________________________________________________ 1924. SAFETY STANDARD REVISIONS FOR UNDERGROUND ANTHRACITE MINES Priority: Other Significant Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or duplication, or streamline requirements. Legal Authority: 30 USC 811 CFR Citation: 30 CFR 75 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Our current regulations for coal mines do not adequately apply to anthracite coal mining because of the significant difference in conditions and hazards in those mines. Mining methods in anthracite mines include minimal use of mechanized equipment and a slow rate of advance into the coal seam. In addition, anthracite coal is found in pitched, undulating seams. Mine operators currently must petition us for a modification of the existing regulations for certain mining situations. The proposed rule will address the specific conditions of the anthracite mining industry and eliminate the need for a modification of existing safety requirements. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Carol J. Jones, Acting Director, Office of Standards, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 631, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203 Phone: 703 235-1910 Fax: 703 235-5551 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1219-AA96 _______________________________________________________________________ 1925. ELECTRICAL STANDARDS FOR METAL AND NONMETAL MINES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 30 USC 811 CFR Citation: 30 CFR 56; 30 CFR 57 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Electricity is used widely in the mining industry to power mining equipment, transport material and people, and for other purposes. Our records show that accidents occur from inadequate or improper equipment grounding. We are considering rulemaking to address proper equipment grounding. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Carol J. Jones, Acting Director, Office of Standards, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 631, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203 [[Page 23056]] Phone: 703 235-1910 Fax: 703 235-5551 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1219-AB01 _______________________________________________________________________ 1926. TRAINING AND RETRAINING OF MINERS (RULEMAKING RESULTING FROM A SECTION 610 REVIEW) Priority: Other Significant Unfunded Mandates: This action may affect State, local or tribal governments and the private sector. Legal Authority: 30 USC 811; 30 USC 825 CFR Citation: 30 CFR 48 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Our current regulations require all mine operators to have approved plans for training of their miners. We reviewed these requirements as part of our Regulatory Flexibility Review to determine if changes were appropriate. We are considering developing a proposed rule to reflect a more flexible approach. In response to public comments we are considering increasing the number of hours of annual refresher training for supervisors from 8 hours to 12 hours. The training needs of supervisors are broader in scope than those of miners. We believe that better trained, more knowledgeable, supervisors will contribute to their own safety and that of miners under their supervision. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Begin Review 10/01/96 End Review 10/30/98 NPRM To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal Additional Information: RIN 1219-AB16 (Training and Retraining of Miners: Supervisor Training) is combined with this rulemaking. Agency Contact: Carol J. Jones, Acting Director, Office of Standards, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 631, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203 Phone: 703 235-1910 Fax: 703 235-5551 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1219-AB02 _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL) Completed Actions Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) _______________________________________________________________________ 1927. SAFETY STANDARDS FOR THE USE OF ROOF-BOLTING MACHINES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 30 USC 811 CFR Citation: 30 CFR 57; 30 CFR 75 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: We believe that the current design of some roof-bolting machines may contribute to or cause accidents during drilling and roof- bolt installation procedures. Accident and fatality information points to the need to modify the design of such machines and take additional precautions in their use. Nonregulatory actions have significantly reduced these hazards; therefore, regulatory action will not be taken. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 12/09/97 62 FR 64789 ANPRM Comment Period End 02/09/98 Extension of Comment Period to 3/9/98 02/12/98 63 FR 7089 Withdrawn 02/25/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Carol J. Jones, Acting Director, Office of Standards, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 631, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203 Phone: 703 235-1910 Fax: 703 235-5551 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1219-AA94 _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL) Proposed Rule Stage Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management (OASAM) _______________________________________________________________________ 1928. NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF DISABILITY IN PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES RECEIVING OR BENEFITING FROM FEDERAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 29 USC 794 Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended CFR Citation: 29 CFR 32 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in federally financed programs and activities. The Department last published a final rule implementing section 504 on October 7, 1980. Since that time, section 504 has been amended several times, generally to update terminology and provide new definitions. The Department is undertaking this rulemaking to update 29 CFR part 32 to incorporate those changes. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/00/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal Agency Contact: Annabelle T. Lockhart, Director, Civil Rights Center, Department of Labor, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management, Room N4123, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 219-8927 TDD Phone: 800 326-2577 Fax: 202 219-5658 [[Page 23057]] Email: