[The Regulatory Plan and Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions]
[Department of Labor Semiannual Regulatory Agenda]
[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]


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Part XIII





Department of Labor





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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

[[Page 73196]]



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 Department's agencies have carefully assessed 
their available resources and what they can accomplish in the next 
twelve months and have adjusted their agendas accordingly.

     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 November 2003 and November 2004, as well as those completed 
during the past six months.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathleen Franks, Director for the 
Office of Regulatory Policy, Office of the Assistant Secretary for 
Policy, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room S-
2312, Washington, DC 20210, (202) 693-5959.

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).

     The Regulatory Flexibility Act (under section 610) also 
requires agencies to periodically review rules ``which have or will 
have a significant economic impact upon a substantial number of 
small entities'' and to annually publish a list of the rules that 
will be reviewed during the succeeding 12 months. The purpose of 
the review is to determine whether the rule should be continued 
without change, amended, or rescinded.

     The next 12-month review list for the Department of Labor is 
provided below and public comment is invited on the listing. A 
brief description of each rule, the legal basis for the rule, and 
the agency contact are provided with each agenda item. Note that 
the items from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration 
were on last year's list.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

     Occupational Exposure to Ethylene Oxide (RIN 1218-AB60)

     Excavations (RIN 1218-AC02)

     Presence Sensing Device Initiation of Mechanical Power Presses 
(RIN 1218-AC03)

Employee Benefits Security Administration

     Prohibited Transaction Exemption Procedures (RIN 1210-AA98)

     Statutory Exemption for Loans to Plan Participants (RIN 1210-
AA99)

    OSHA's Grain Handling Facilities regulation was completed in 
final last year.

     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.

 Elaine L. Chao,

Secretary of Labor.

                                  Office of the Secretary--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2044        Production or Disclosure of Information or Materials................................    1290--AA17
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                               Employment Standards Administration--Prerule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2045        Child Labor Regulations, Orders, and Statements of Interpretation...................    1215--AB44
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 73197]]


                            Employment Standards Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2046        Davis Bacon Volunteers Under the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act...............    1215--AA96
2047        Amendments to the Fair Labor Standards Act..........................................    1215--AB13
2048        Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination Obligations of Contractors and                 1215--AB24
            Subcontractors for Special Disabled Veterans and Veterans of the Vietnam Era........
2049        Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, and Bona Fide Employee Stock Purchase         1215--AB31
            Programs Under the Fair Labor Standards Act.........................................
2050        Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (Reg Plan Seq No. 77)..........................    1215--AB35
2051        Requirements for Security of Insurance Obligations Under the Longshore and Harbor       1215--AB38
            Workers' Compensation Act...........................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


                              Employment Standards Administration--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2052        Child Labor Regulations, Orders, and Statements of Interpretation (ESA/W--H) (Reg       1215--AA09
            Plan Seq No. 78)....................................................................
2053        Defining and Delimiting the Term ``Any Employee Employed in a Bona Fide Executive,      1215--AA14
            Administrative, or Professional Capacity'' (ESA/W--H) (Reg Plan Seq No. 79).........
2054        Labor Condition Applications and Requirements for Employers Using Nonimmigrants on      1215--AB09
            H--1B Visas in Specialty Occupations and as Fashion Models..........................
2055        Government Contractors: Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Obligations,           1215--AB28
            Executive Order 11246 (ESA/OFCCP) (Revised).........................................
2056        Obligation of Federal Contractors and Subcontractors, Notice of Employee Rights         1215--AB33
            Concerning Payment of Union Dues or Fees............................................
2057        Amendments to Title 20 Parts 718 and 725 That Implement the Black Lung Benefits Act.    1215--AB40
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


                             Employment Standards Administration--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2058        Labor Organization Annual Financial Reports.........................................    1215--AB34
2059        Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination Obligations of Government Contractors,         1215--AB39
            Executive Order 11246; Exemption for Religious Entities.............................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                           Employment and Training Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2060        Federal--State Unemployment Compensation (UC) Program; Confidentiality and              1205--AB18
            Disclosure of Information in State UC Records.......................................
2061        Trade Adjustment Assistance for Workers (Reg Plan Seq No. 80).......................    1205--AB32
2062        Post--Adjudication Audits of H--2B Petitions Other than Logging in the United States    1205--AB36
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


                            Employment and Training Administration--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2063        Labor Certification Process for the Permanent Employment of Aliens in the United        1205--AA66
            States (Reg Plan Seq No. 81)........................................................
2064        Indian and Native American Welfare--to--Work Program................................    1205--AB16

[[Page 73198]]

 
2065        Senior Community Service Employment Program (Reg Plan Seq No. 82)...................    1205--AB28
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


                           Employment and Training Administration--Long--Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2066        Attestations by Facilities Temporarily Employing H--1C Nonimmigrant Aliens as           1205--AB27
            Registered Nurses...................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                            Employment and Training Administration--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2067        Unemployment Compensation--Trust Fund Integrity Rule: Birth and Adoption                1205--AB33
            Unemployment Compensation; Removal of Regulations...................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                            Employee Benefits Security Administration--Prerule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2068        Prohibited Transaction Exemption Procedures (Section 610 Review)....................    1210--AA98
2069        Statutory Exemption for Loans to Plan Participants (Sec. 610 Review)................    1210--AA99
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                         Employee Benefits Security Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2070        Default Rollover Safe Harbor........................................................    1210--AA92
2071        Electronic Filing By Investment Advisers............................................    1210--AA94
2072        Suspension of Benefits Regulation...................................................    1210--AA96
2073        Rulemaking Relating to Termination of Abandoned Individual Account Plans (Reg Plan      1210--AA97
            Seq No. 83).........................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


                           Employee Benefits Security Administration--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2074        Regulations Implementing the Health Care Access, Portability, and Renewability          1210--AA54
            Provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (Reg
            Plan Seq No. 84)....................................................................
2075        Rulemaking Relating to Notice Requirements for Continuation of Health Care Coverage     1210--AA60
            (Reg Plan Seq No. 85)...............................................................
2076        Mental Health Benefits Parity.......................................................    1210--AA62
2077        Health Care Standards for Mothers and Newborns......................................    1210--AA63
2078        Rulemaking Relating to the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998.............    1210--AA75
2079        Prohibiting Discrimination Against Participants and Beneficiaries Based on Health       1210--AA77
            Status (Reg Plan Seq No. 86)........................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


[[Page 73199]]


                          Employee Benefits Security Administration--Long--Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2080        Adequate Consideration..............................................................    1210--AA15
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              Mine Safety and Health Administration--Prerule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2081        Respirable Crystalline Silica Standard..............................................    1219--AB36
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                           Mine Safety and Health Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2082        Improving and Eliminating Regulations...............................................    1219--AA98
2083        Asbestos Exposure Limit (Reg Plan Seq No. 87).......................................    1219--AB24
2084        High--Voltage Continuous Mining Machine Standards for Underground Coal Mines........    1219--AB34
2085        Training Standards for Shaft and Slope Construction Workers at Underground Mines....    1219--AB35
2086        Revising Electrical Product Approval Regulations....................................    1219--AB37
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


                             Mine Safety and Health Administration--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2087        Underground Coal Mine Ventilation--Safety Standards for the Belt Entry as an Intake     1219--AA76
            Air Course..........................................................................
2088        Diesel Particulate Matter Exposure of Underground Metal and Nonmetal Miners (Reg        1219--AB29
            Plan Seq No. 88)....................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


                            Mine Safety and Health Administration--Long--Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2089        Verification of Underground Coal Mine Operators' Dust Control Plans and Compliance      1219--AB14
            Sampling for Respirable Dust........................................................
2090        Determination of Concentration of Respirable Coal Mine Dust.........................    1219--AB18
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                            Mine Safety and Health Administration--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2091        Testing and Evaluation by Independent Laboratories and Non--MSHA Product Safety         1219--AA87
            Standards...........................................................................
2092        Focused Inspections.................................................................    1219--AB30
2093        Emergency Evacuation; Emergency Temporary Standard..................................    1219--AB33
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 73200]]


            Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2094        Implementation of the Nondiscrimination and Equal Opportunity Requirements of the       1291--AA29
            Workforce Investment Act of 1998....................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


              Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2095        Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Age in Programs and Activities Receiving Federal      1291--AA21
            Financial Assistance From the Department of Labor...................................
2096        Department of Labor Acquisition Regulations.........................................    1291--AA34
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


             Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management--Long--Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2097        Grants and Agreements...............................................................    1291--AA30
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


             Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2098        Effectuation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Implementation of          1291--AA31
            Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.......................................
2099        Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide             1291--AA33
            Requirements for Drug--Free Workplace (Grants) 29 CFR 98............................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                          Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Prerule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2100        Occupational Exposure to Hexavalent Chromium (Preventing Occupational Illness:          1218--AB45
            Chromium) (Reg Plan Seq No. 89).....................................................
2101        Confined Spaces in Construction (Part 1926): Preventing Suffocation/Explosions in       1218--AB47
            Confined Spaces.....................................................................
2102        Occupational Exposure to Ethylene Oxide (Section 610 Review)........................    1218--AB60
2103        Occupational Exposure to Crystalline Silica (Reg Plan Seq No. 90)...................    1218--AB70
2104        Occupational Exposure to Beryllium..................................................    1218--AB76
2105        Excavations (Section 610 Review)....................................................    1218--AC02
2106        Presence Sensing Device Initiation of Mechanical Power Presses (Section 610 Review).    1218--AC03
2107        Ionizing Radiation..................................................................    1218--AC11
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


                       Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2108        Longshoring and Marine Terminals (Parts 1917 and 1918) -- Reopening of the Record       1218--AA56
            (Vertical Tandem Lifts (VTLs))......................................................
2109        General Working Conditions for Shipyard Employment..................................    1218--AB50
2110        Electric Power Transmission and Distribution; Electrical Protective Equipment.......    1218--AB67

[[Page 73201]]

 
2111        Walking Working Surfaces and Personal Fall Protection Systems (1910) (Slips, Trips,     1218--AB80
            and Fall Prevention)................................................................
2112        Hearing Conservation Program for Construction Workers...............................    1218--AB89
2113        Revision and Update of Subpart S--Electrical Standards..............................    1218--AB95
2114        Updating OSHA Standards Based on National Consensus Standards.......................    1218--AC08
2115        Explosives..........................................................................    1218--AC09
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                         Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2116        Assigned Protection Factors: Amendments to the Final Rule on Respiratory Protection     1218--AA05
            (Reg Plan Seq No. 91)...............................................................
2117        Glycol Ethers: 2--Methoxyethanol, 2--Ethoxyethanol, and Their Acetates: Protecting      1218--AA84
            Reproductive Health.................................................................
2118        Occupational Exposure to Tuberculosis...............................................    1218--AB46
2119        Fire Protection in Shipyard Employment (Part 1915, Subpart P) (Shipyards: Fire          1218--AB51
            Safety) (Reg Plan Seq No. 92).......................................................
2120        Standards Improvement (Miscellaneous Changes) for General Industry, Marine              1218--AB81
            Terminals, and Construction Standards (Phase II) (Reg Plan Seq No. 93)..............
2121        Commercial Diving Operations: Revision..............................................    1218--AB97
2122        Controlled Negative Pressure Fit Testing Protocol: Amendment to the Final Rule on       1218--AC05
            Respiratory Protection..............................................................
2123        Procedures for Handling Discrimination Complaints Under Section 806 of the Corporate    1218--AC10
            and Criminal Fraud Accountability Act of 2002.......................................
2124        Procedures for Handling Discrimination Complaints Under Section 6 of the Pipeline       1218--AC12
            Safety Improvement Act of 2002......................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


                        Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Long--Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2125        Employer Payment for Personal Protective Equipment..................................    1218--AB77
2126        Cranes and Derricks.................................................................    1218--AC01
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                        Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2127        Occupational Injury and Illness Recording and Reporting Requirements................    1218--AC06
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


           Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment & Training--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2128        Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act Regulations (Reg Plan Seq     1293--AA09
            No. 94).............................................................................
2129        Jobs for Veterans Act of 2002: State Grant Funding Formula FY 2005..................    1293--AA11
2130        Jobs for Veterans Act of 2002: Contract Threshold and Eligibility Groups for Federal    1293--AA12
            Contractor Program..................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


[[Page 73202]]


            Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment & Training--Long--Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2131        Jobs for Veterans Act of 2002: Uniform National Threshold...........................    1293--AA13
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


            Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment & Training--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2132        Jobs for Veterans Act of 2002.......................................................    1293--AA10
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                           Proposed Rule Stage


Office of the Secretary (OS)



_______________________________________________________________________




2044. 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                            12/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Miriam McD. Miller, of Legislation and Legislative 
Counsel, Department of Labor, Office of the Secretary, Room N2428, 200 
Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693--5500
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1290-AA17
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                                 Prerule Stage


Employment Standards Administration (ESA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2045. [bull] CHILD LABOR REGULATIONS, ORDERS, AND STATEMENTS OF 
INTERPRETATION

Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 29 USC 203(1)

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 570

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Labor is considering further possible 
revisions to the hazardous occupation orders that may be undertaken to 
address recommendations of the National Institute for Occupational 
Safety and Health in its May 2002 report to the Department on child 
labor regulations. (See the related Plan entry for RIN: 1215--AA09.)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           04/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Tammy D. McCutchen, Administrator, Wage and Hour 
Division, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, 200 
Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building Room S3502, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693--0051
Fax: 202 693--1303

RIN: 1215-AB44

[[Page 73203]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                           Proposed Rule Stage


Employment Standards Administration (ESA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2046. DAVIS BACON VOLUNTEERS UNDER THE FEDERAL ACQUISITION STREAMLINING 
ACT

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 103--355, 108 Stat. 3243

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 4; 29 CFR 5; 41 CFR 50--201; 41 CFR 50--206

Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, May 11, 1995, NPRM.
Final, Statutory, October 1, 1995, Final.

Abstract: The Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994, signed on 
October 13, 1994, amended several acts administered by the Department 
of Labor: (1) the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act (CWHSSA) 
to limit its applicability to contracts in an amount of $100,000 or 
greater; (2) 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; and (3) 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
Final Rule                      08/05/96                    61 FR 40714
Second NPRM                     06/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State

Agency Contact: Tammy D. McCutchen, Administrator, Wage and Hour 
Division, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, 200 
Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building Room S3502, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693--0051
Fax: 202 693--1303

RIN: 1215-AA96
_______________________________________________________________________




2047. AMENDMENTS TO THE FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 201 et seq; PL 104--188, sec 2101 to 2105

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 no less than $27.63 per hour for certain 
exempt professional employees in computer--related occupations. Changes 
will be required in the regulations to reflect these amendments.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State

Agency Contact: Tammy D. McCutchen, Administrator, Wage and Hour 
Division, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, 200 
Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building Room S3502, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693--0051
Fax: 202 693--1303

RIN: 1215-AB13
_______________________________________________________________________




2048. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION AND NONDISCRIMINATION OBLIGATIONS OF 
CONTRACTORS AND SUBCONTRACTORS FOR SPECIAL DISABLED VETERANS AND 
VETERANS OF THE VIETNAM ERA

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 4211; 38 USC 4212; PL 101--237; PL 102--127; PL 
102--16; PL 102--484; PL 105--339; PL 93--508, amended; PL 94--502; PL 
95--520; PL 96--466; PL 97--306; PL 98--223

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 Jobs for Veterans Act of 2002 (JFVA). JFVA amended 
VEVRAA in four ways. First, JFVA raised contract coverage from $25,000 
to $100,000. Second, JFVA granted VEVRAA protection to a new group of 
veterans--those who, while serving on active duty in the Armed Forces, 
participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed 
Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985. 
Third, JFVA changed the definition of ``recently separated veteran'' to 
include ``any veteran during the three--year period beginning on the 
date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty.'' Fourth, 
JFVA changed ``Special Disabled Veterans'' to ``Disabled Veterans,'' 
expanding the coverage to conform to 38 U.S.C. section 4211 (3). JFVA 
also superseded changes to VEVRAA from the Veterans Employment 
Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) and the Veterans Benefits and Health 
Care Improvement Act of 2000 (VBHCIA). This proposal revises these 
regulations to conform to the requirements of JFVA.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: James I. Melvin, Program Development, OFCCP, Department 
of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue 
NW., Room N--3422, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210

[[Page 73204]]

Phone: 202 693--0102
TDD Phone: 202 693--1308
Fax: 202 693--1304
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1215-AB24
_______________________________________________________________________




2049. STOCK OPTIONS, STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS, AND BONA FIDE EMPLOYEE 
STOCK PURCHASE PROGRAMS UNDER THE FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 207(e)(8); PL 106--202, sec 2(e)

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 546; 29 CFR 778

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Worker Economic Opportunity Act, Public Law 106--202 (May 
18, 2000), amended section 7(e) of the Fair Labor Standards Act to 
clarify how certain employer--provided stock option programs are to be 
treated for purposes of overtime pay. Certain programs meeting 
prescribed criteria would not have to be factored into the ``regular 
rate'' otherwise required when calculating ``time--and--one--half'' 
overtime premium pay for overtime hours of work. The legislation calls 
for regulations to be promulgated as necessary, which will include 
amendments to some of the existing regulations on overtime pay.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tammy D. McCutchen, Administrator, Wage and Hour 
Division, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, 200 
Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building Room S3502, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693--0051
Fax: 202 693--1303

RIN: 1215-AB31
_______________________________________________________________________




2050. FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT OF 1993

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 77 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1215-AB35
_______________________________________________________________________




2051. REQUIREMENTS FOR SECURITY OF INSURANCE OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE 
LONGSHORE AND HARBOR WORKERS' COMPENSATION ACT

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 33 USC 939(a)

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 701 (Revision); 20 CFR 703

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA) 
makes a covered employer liable for compensation to employees injured 
in the course of their work. An employer may satisfy this liability by 
contracting with a private insurance carrier. By statute, an insurance 
carrier must obtain authorization from the Secretary of Labor to insure 
compensation, and the Secretary may revoke authorization for good 
cause. This proposed regulation would require, as a condition to 
authorization to write LHWCA insurance, an insurance carrier in certain 
circumstances to establish that its potential LHWCA obligations are 
sufficiently secured. Obligations would be considered sufficiently 
secured if funds would be available to cover all workers' compensation 
claims in the event of adverse market conditions and the carrier's 
insolvency. A carrier could fully secure its obligations by posting 
security deposits with the Secretary. Carriers would not, however, be 
required to make this showing in states which have a guaranty fund that 
fully and immediately covers LHWCA claims in the event of a carrier's 
insolvency.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Michael Niss, Director, Division of Longshore and 
Harbor Workers' Compensation, OWCP, Department of Labor, Employment 
Standards Administration, Room C4315, 200 Constitution Ave., NW, Room 
C--4315, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693--0038
Fax: 202 693--1380

RIN: 1215-AB38
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                              Final Rule Stage


Employment Standards Administration (ESA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2052. CHILD LABOR REGULATIONS, ORDERS, AND STATEMENTS OF INTERPRETATION 
(ESA/W--H)

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 78 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1215-AA09
_______________________________________________________________________




2053. DEFINING AND DELIMITING THE TERM ``ANY EMPLOYEE EMPLOYED IN A BONA 
FIDE EXECUTIVE, ADMINISTRATIVE, OR PROFESSIONAL CAPACITY'' (ESA/W--H)

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 79 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1215-AA14
_______________________________________________________________________




2054. LABOR CONDITION APPLICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS USING 
NONIMMIGRANTS ON H--1B VISAS IN SPECIALTY OCCUPATIONS AND AS FASHION 
MODELS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 49 et seq; 8 USC 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b); 8 USC 
1182(n); 8 USC 1184; PL 102--232; PL 105--277

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 655, subparts H and I

[[Page 73205]]

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The H--1B visa program of the Immigration and Nationality Act 
allows employers to temporarily employ nonimmigrants admitted into the 
United States under the H--1B visa category in specialty occupations 
and as fashion models, under specified labor conditions. An employer 
must file a labor condition application with the Department of Labor 
before the Immigration and Naturalization Service may approve a 
petition to employ a foreign worker on an H--1B visa. The Department's 
Employment and Training Administration administers the labor condition 
application process; the Wage and Hour Division of the Department's 
Employment Standards Administration handles complaints and 
investigations regarding labor condition applications. The Department 
published a proposed rule on January 5, 1999, in response to statutory 
changes in the H--1B program made by the American Competitiveness and 
Workforce Improvement Act of 1998 (title IV, Pub. L. 105--277; Oct. 21, 
1998). Those changes placed additional obligations on ``H--1B--
dependent'' employers (generally, those with work forces comprised of 
more than 15 percent H--1B workers) and on willful violators. These 
employers must recruit for U.S. workers, hire U.S. workers who are at 
least as qualified as H--1B workers, and not displace U.S. workers by 
hiring H--1B workers or placing them at another employer's job site. 
The 1998 amendments also imposed additional obligations on all H--1B 
employers, such as offering benefits to H--1B workers on the same basis 
and according to the same criteria as offered to U.S. workers, and 
payment to H--1B workers during periods they are not working for an 
employment--related reason. The 1999 proposed rule also requested 
further public comment on earlier proposed provisions published in 
October 1995, and on particular interpretations of the statute and of 
the existing regulations which the Department proposed to incorporate 
into the regulations. Since publishing the proposed rule, Congress 
enacted further amendments to the H--1B provisions under the American 
Competitiveness in the Twenty--First Century Act of 2000 (Pub. L. 106--
313; Oct. 17, 2000), the Immigration and Nationality Act -- Amendments 
(Pub. L. 106--311; Oct. 17, 2000), and section 401 of the Visa Waiver 
Permanent Program Act (Pub. L. 106--396; Oct. 30, 2000).

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              12/20/00                    65 FR 80110
Interim Final Rule Effective    01/19/01
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      04/23/01                    66 FR 10865
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Additional Information: On December 20, 2000, the Department published 
an interim final rule to implement the recent amendments and clarify 
the existing rules, and requested further public comment on those 
provisions.

Agency Contact: Tammy D. McCutchen, Administrator, Wage and Hour 
Division, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, 200 
Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building Room S3502, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693--0051
Fax: 202 693--1303

RIN: 1215-AB09
_______________________________________________________________________




2055. GOVERNMENT CONTRACTORS: NONDISCRIMINATION AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION 
OBLIGATIONS, EXECUTIVE ORDER 11246 (ESA/OFCCP) (REVISED)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 793; EO 11758; EO 11246, as amended; 38 USC 
4211; PL 94--502; EO 11758; PL 98--223; PL 102--16; PL 102--127; PL 
95--520; PL 105--339; 29 USC 706; PL 97--306; PL 102--484; 38 USC 4212; 
PL 93--508, amended; PL 96--466; PL 101--237

CFR Citation: 41 CFR 60--1 (Revision); 41 CFR 60--250 (Revision); 41 
CFR 60--741 (Revision)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The final rule 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 proposes also to make the same revision in section 
60--250.60(a)(3) of the regulations implementing the affirmative action 
provisions of the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act 
(VEVRAA). Lastly, OFCCP proposes to conform regulations implementing 
section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, to the 
compliance evaluation procedures contained in the regulations 
implementing Executive Order 11246, as amended, and the affirmative 
action provisions of VEVRAA, both of which expressly authorize OFCCP to 
use additional investigative procedures to determine a contractor's 
compliance with the regulations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/12/00                    65 FR 60815
NPRM Comment Period End         12/11/00
Final Rule                      02/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: James I. Melvin, Program Development, OFCCP, Department 
of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue 
NW., Room N--3422, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693--0102
TDD Phone: 202 693--1308
Fax: 202 693--1304
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1215-AB28
_______________________________________________________________________




2056. OBLIGATION OF FEDERAL CONTRACTORS AND SUBCONTRACTORS, NOTICE OF 
EMPLOYEE RIGHTS CONCERNING PAYMENT OF UNION DUES OR FEES

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: EO 13201

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 470

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: On January 2, 2002, the Federal District Court for the 
District of Columbia issued a decision in UAW--Labor Employment & 
Training Corp v. Chao, holding the Executive Order 13201 is invalid 
because it

[[Page 73206]]

conflicts with the National Labor Relations Act. The court permanently 
enjoined the Department of Labor from implementing and enforcing 
Executive Order 13201. The decision was appealed. On April 22, 2003, 
the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia reversed the 
January 2, 2002, decision of the Federal District Court for the 
District of Columbia in UAW--Labor Employment and Training Corp. v. 
Chao, and directed the lower court to grant summary judgment in favor 
of the Secretary of Labor.
This regulation would implement E.O. 13201 which requires Government 
contractors and subcontractors to post notices informing their 
employees that (1) under Federal law they cannot be required to join a 
union or maintain membership in a union to retain their jobs, and (2) 
employees who choose not to be union members may object to the use of 
their compulsory union dues and fees for activities other than 
collective bargaining, contract administration, and grievance 
adjustment, and may be entitled to a refund and an appropriate 
reduction in their future payments. The proposed regulation, in 
accordance with E.O. 13201, would also require that, where applicable, 
each Government contracting agency include certain provisions of the 
Order in its Government contracts, and that Government contractors and 
subcontractors include these provisions in their nonexempt subcontracts 
and purchase orders.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Procedural Rule         04/18/01                    66 FR 19988
NPRM                            10/01/01                    66 FR 50010
NPRM Comment Period End         11/30/01
Final Action                    03/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Don Todd, Programs, Department of Labor, Employment 
Standards Administration, Room N5605, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP 
Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693--0122
TDD Phone: 800 877--8339
Fax: 202 693--1340
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1215-AB33
_______________________________________________________________________




2057. AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 20 PARTS 718 AND 725 THAT IMPLEMENT THE BLACK 
LUNG BENEFITS ACT

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; Reorganization Plan No. 6 of 1950; 15 FR 
3174; 30 USC 901, et seq, 902(f), 934, 936, 945; 33 USC 901 et seq; 42 
USC 405; Secretary's Order 7--87; 52 FR 48466; Employment Standards 
Order No. 90--02; . . .

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 718.2; 20 CFR 725.2; 20 CFR 725.459

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The amendments implement National Mining Ass'n v. Department 
of Labor, 292 F.3d 849 (D.C. Cir. 2002) which invalidated a portion of 
20 CFR 725.459 and required several other provisions which became 
effective in January 2001 to be prospective only in their application.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Rule                      12/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: James L. DeMarce, Director, Division of Coal Mine 
Workers' Compensation, Department of Labor, Employment Standards 
Administration, Room C3520, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, 
Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693--0046
Fax: 202 693--1398
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1215-AB40
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                             Completed Actions


Employment Standards Administration (ESA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2058. LABOR ORGANIZATION ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORTS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 431; 29 USC 438; 5 USC 7120(d); 22 USC 4117(d)

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 402; 29 CFR 403; 29 CFR 458

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This regulation will revise Form LM--2, which will be used by 
labor organizations with $250,000 or more in annual receipts to file 
the annual financial reports required under title II of the Labor--
Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 (LMRDA). The proposed 
revisions will improve the transparency and accountability of labor 
organizations to their members, increase the information available to 
labor organization members, and make data disclosed in such reports 
more understandable and accessible. Among other things, unions filing 
the revised Form LM--2 will be required to report electronically 
(unless granted an exemption), to identify certain ``major'' receipts 
and disbursements, to allocate disbursements among categories such as 
representational activities, political activities and lobbying, and 
union administration, and to report receipts and disbursements of 
organizations that meet the statutory definition of a ``trust in which 
a labor organization is interested'' on a new Form T--1.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/27/02                    67 FR 79280
NPRM Comment Period End         03/27/03
Final Rule                      10/09/03                    68 FR 58374
Final Rule Effective            01/01/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Don Todd, Programs, Department of Labor, Employment 
Standards Administration, Room N5605, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP 
Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693--0122
TDD Phone: 800 877--8339
Fax: 202 693--1340
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1215-AB34

[[Page 73207]]

_______________________________________________________________________




2059. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION AND NONDISCRIMINATION OBLIGATIONS OF GOVERNMENT 
CONTRACTORS, EXECUTIVE ORDER 11246; EXEMPTION FOR RELIGIOUS ENTITIES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: EO 13279; EO 11246, as amended

CFR Citation: 41 CFR 60--1.5

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: On December 12, 2002, President Bush issued Executive Order 
13279 regarding faith--based and community organizations that, in part, 
amends Executive Order 11246. Section 4 of Executive Order 13279 amends 
section 204 of Executive Order 11246 by adding an exemption for 
religious entities. The final rule would make religious entities exempt 
from allegations of discrimination based on religion. OFCCP regulations 
at 41 CFR 60--1.5 will be amended to add the new religious entity 
exemption. The new exemption is limited to religious discrimination by 
religious entities. Religious entities will continue to be precluded 
from basing employment decisions on race, color, sex, or national 
origin.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Rule                      09/30/03                    68 FR 56392
Final Rule Effective            10/30/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: James I. Melvin, Program Development, OFCCP, Department 
of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue 
NW., Room N--3422, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693--0102
TDD Phone: 202 693--1308
Fax: 202 693--1304
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1215-AB39
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                           Proposed Rule Stage


Employment and Training Administration (ETA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2060. FEDERAL--STATE UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION (UC) PROGRAM; 
CONFIDENTIALITY AND DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION IN STATE UC RECORDS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 26 USC ch 23; 42 USC 1302 (a); 42 USC 1320b--7; 42 USC 
503; 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 notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) 
on confidentiality and disclosure of State UC information. The NPRM 
would modify and expand the regulations implementing the Income and 
Eligibility Verification System (IEVS) to include statutory 
requirements in title III of the Social Security Act and the Federal 
Unemployment Tax Act concerning confidentiality and disclosure of State 
UC information. The use of UC wage records and other information under 
these and other statutes has increased in recent years while privacy 
and confidentiality issues have not yet been fully addressed.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State

Federalism:  This action may have federalism implications as defined in 
EO 13132.

Additional Information: Formerly RIN 1205--AA74; was taken off 
regulatory agenda in 1994 due to inactivity. An earlier NPRM was 
published on 3/23/92 at 57 FR 10063 with comment period ending 5/22/92.

Agency Contact: Gerard Hildebrand, Chief, Division of Legislation, 
Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Office of 
Workforce Security, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room C--4518, 
Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693--3038
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1205-AB18
_______________________________________________________________________




2061. TRADE ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE FOR WORKERS

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 80 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1205-AB32
_______________________________________________________________________




2062. [bull] POST--ADJUDICATION AUDITS OF H--2B PETITIONS OTHER THAN 
LOGGING IN THE UNITED STATES

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b); 8 USC 1184; 29 USC 49 et 
seq

CFR Citation: 8 CFR 214.2(h)(5); 20 CFR 655.1 to 655.4

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Under the redesigned H--2B temporary nonagricultural program 
employers seeking to import H--2B workers, except for applications 
filed for employment on Guam or in logging, will file directly with the 
Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The employer will be required to 
conduct recruitment before filing its petition. The petition will 
include a number of attestations concerning labor market and related 
issues. DHS will administer the petition adjudication process. After 
adjudication, the Department of Labor (DOL) will audit selected 
approved petitions. In such audits, DOL will exclusively examine 
whether the employer has complied with those aspects of the approved 
petition related to the labor market and other related attestations. 
Employers will be expected to have documentation available supporting 
their attestations as specified in the regulation and will be required 
to provide this supporting documentation to DOL within 30 days from 
notice of audit. If, after

[[Page 73208]]

completion of the audit, DOL determines that the employer has failed to 
comply with the terms of the attestations contained in the DHS petition 
or made material misrepresentations in its attestation, DOL will, after 
notice to the employer and opportunity for a hearing, recommend to DHS 
that the employer be debarred, for a period up to three years.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: William Carlson, Chief, Division of Foreign Labor 
Certification, Department of Labor, Employment and Training 
Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room C4318 FP Building, 
Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693--3989
Fax: 202 693--2760
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1205-AB36
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                              Final Rule Stage


Employment and Training Administration (ETA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2063. LABOR CERTIFICATION PROCESS FOR THE PERMANENT EMPLOYMENT OF ALIENS 
IN THE UNITED STATES

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 81 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1205-AA66
_______________________________________________________________________




2064. INDIAN AND NATIVE AMERICAN WELFARE--TO--WORK PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 612(a)(3)(c)(iii); PL 106--113, Division B, 
section 1000(a)(4)

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 646

Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, November 4, 1997, Final.
Other, Statutory, January 1, 2000, Other.

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. New interim 
final regulations are being issued to implement changes made by the 
Welfare--to--Work and Child Support Amendments of 1999 and other 
legislation. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2001 authorized the 
Department to extend welfare--to--work grants an additional two years. 
Therefore, the grants may operate until September 2004.
The Department received 14 comments on the March 1, 1998 interim final 
rule, and none would substantively change the regulations. The 
Department will provide guidance in response to those comments. The 
March 1, 1998 interim final rule will be adopted as the final rule, 
subject to the changes made by the new interim final rule implementing 
the 1999 amendments.

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
To Be Withdrawn                 01/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Tribal

Additional Information: Congress has changed eligibility criteria. A 
final rule will be published to conform with the State programs.

Agency Contact: Gregory Gross, Department of Labor, Employment and 
Training Administration, Room N4641, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP 
Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693--3752
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1205-AB16
_______________________________________________________________________




2065. SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICE EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 82 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1205-AB28
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                             Long-Term Actions


Employment and Training Administration (ETA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2066. ATTESTATIONS BY FACILITIES TEMPORARILY EMPLOYING H--1C 
NONIMMIGRANT ALIENS AS REGISTERED NURSES

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 49 et seq; 8 USC 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(c); 8 USC 
1182(m); 8 USC 1184; PL 106--95, 113 Stat. 1312

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 655, subparts L and M

Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, February 11, 2000, Final.

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              08/22/00                    65 FR 51137
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      09/21/00
Interim Final Rule Effective    09/21/00
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

[[Page 73209]]

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Federal

Agency Contact: Michael Ginley, Wage and Hour Division, Department of 
Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Room S3510, 200 
Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693--0745

RIN: 1205-AB27
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                             Completed Actions


Employment and Training Administration (ETA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2067. UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION--TRUST FUND INTEGRITY RULE: BIRTH AND 
ADOPTION UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION; REMOVAL OF REGULATIONS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 503(a)(2) and 503(a)(5); 42 USC 1302(a); 26 USC 
3304(a)(1) and 3304(a)(4); 26 USC 3306

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 604

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Labor is proposing to remove the Birth and 
Adoption Unemployment Compensation regulations. Those regulations 
permit states to provide, in the form of UC, partial wage replacement 
to employees who take approved leave or otherwise leave their 
employment following the birth or placement for adoption of a child.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/04/02                    67 FR 72122
NPRM Comment Period End         02/03/03
Final Rule                      10/09/03                    68 FR 58540
Final Rule Effective            11/10/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State

Federalism:  No

Agency Contact: Gerard Hildebrand, Chief, Division of Legislation, 
Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Office of 
Workforce Security, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room C--4518, 
Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693--3038
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1205-AB33
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                                 Prerule Stage


Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2068. [bull] PROHIBITED TRANSACTION EXEMPTION PROCEDURES

Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 29 USC 1135; 29 USC 1108 (a); Reorganization Plan No. 
4 or 1978; Secretary of Labor's Order 1--2003

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2570.30 to 2570.52

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: EBSA is conducting a review of the prohibited transaction 
exemption procedures regulation in accordance with the requirements of 
Section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. The review will cover 
the continued need for the rules; the nature of complaints or comments 
received from the public concerning the rules; the complexity of the 
rules; the extent to which the rules overlap, duplicate or conflict 
with other Federal rules and, to the extent feasible, with State and 
local rules; and the extent to which technology, economic conditions, 
or other factors have changed in industries affected by the rules. To 
facilitate the review, EBSA is preparing a Request for Information, 
which will invite interested persons to submit written comments on 
these and related matters.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Begin Review                    12/00/03
RFI                             07/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Karen E. Lloyd, Supervisory Pension Law Specialist, 
Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, 200 
Constitution Avenue NW., Room N5649, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693--8554

RIN: 1210-AA98
_______________________________________________________________________




2069. [bull] STATUTORY EXEMPTION FOR LOANS TO PLAN PARTICIPANTS (SEC. 
610 REVIEW)

Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 29 USC 1135; 29 USC 1108 (b)(1)

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2550.408 b--1

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: EBSA is conducting a review of the participant loan rules 
under section 408(b)(1) of ERISA in accordance with the requirements of 
section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. The review will cover 
the continued need for the rules; the nature of complaints or comments 
received from the public concerning the rules; the complexity of the 
rules; the extent to which the rules overlap, duplicate, or conflict 
with other Federal rules, and to the extent feasible, with State and 
local rules; and the extent to which technology, economic conditions, 
or other factors have changed in industries affected by the rules.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Begin Review                    12/00/03
End Review                      12/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

[[Page 73210]]

Agency Contact: Rudy F. Nuissl, Senior Pension Law Specialist, 
Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, 200 
Constitution Avenue NW, Rm N5669, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693--8500

RIN: 1210-AA99
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                           Proposed Rule Stage


Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2070. DEFAULT ROLLOVER SAFE HARBOR

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 29 USC 1104(c); 29 USC 1105; PL 107--16, sec 657

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2550

Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, June 7, 2004, Final.

Abstract: This regulation would provide safe harbors under which the 
designation of an institution and investment of funds is deemed to 
satisfy the fiduciary requirements of sec. 404(a) of ERISA. The 
Department has issued a request for information in order to obtain 
additional information from the public to assist it in developing the 
required safe harbors.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Request for Information (RFI)   01/07/03                      68 FR 992
NPRM                            02/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Louis J. Campagna, Supervisory Pension Law Specialist, 
Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Room 
N5669, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693--8500

RIN: 1210-AA92
_______________________________________________________________________




2071. ELECTRONIC FILING BY INVESTMENT ADVISERS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 1002 note; 29 USC 1002(38); 29 USC 1135

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2510.3--38

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Upon adoption, this proposed regulation will clarify that an 
electronic filing with the Investment Advisers Registration Depository 
(IARD), a centralized electronic filing system established by the 
Securities and Exchange Commission in conjunction with the NASD and 
State securities authorities, will satisfy the filing requirement for 
investment advisers seeking investment manager status under section 
3(38) of ERISA.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Florence Novellino--Ott, Pension Law Specialist, 
Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, 200 
Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693--8500

RIN: 1210-AA94
_______________________________________________________________________




2072. SUSPENSION OF BENEFITS REGULATION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 29 USC 1053(a)(3)(B); 29 USC 1135(a)(3)(B)

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2530.203--3

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This regulation would amend the requirements of 29 CFR 
2530.203--3(b)(4) relating to notification of suspension of benefit 
payments.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Susan G. Lahne, Senior Pension Law Specialist, 
Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Room 
N5669, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693--8500

RIN: 1210-AA96
_______________________________________________________________________




2073. [bull] RULEMAKING RELATING TO TERMINATION OF ABANDONED INDIVIDUAL 
ACCOUNT PLANS

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 83 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1210-AA97

[[Page 73211]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                              Final Rule Stage


Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2074. REGULATIONS IMPLEMENTING THE HEALTH CARE ACCESS, PORTABILITY, AND 
RENEWABILITY PROVISIONS OF THE HEALTH INSURANCE PORTABILITY AND 
ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 1996

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 84 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1210-AA54
_______________________________________________________________________




2075. RULEMAKING RELATING TO NOTICE REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTINUATION OF 
HEALTH CARE COVERAGE

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 85 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1210-AA60
_______________________________________________________________________




2076. 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; 29 USC 1194; PL 104--204, 
110 Stat. 2944; PL 107--313; 29 USC 1027; 29 USC 1059; 29 USC 1181; 29 
USC 1183; 29 USC 1185

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2590

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Mental Health Parity Act of 1996 (MHPA) was enacted on 
September 26, 1996 (Pub. L. 104--204). MHPA amended the Public Health 
Service Act (PHS Act) and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act 
of 1974 (ERISA), as amended, to provide for parity in the application 
of certain mental health benefits with limits on medical surgical 
benefits. These changes were subsequently added to the Internal Revenue 
Code (the Code). MHPA provisions are set forth in chapter 100 of 
subtitle K of the Code, title XXVII of the PHS Act, and part 7 of 
subtitle B of title I of ERISA. On December 2, 2002, President Bush 
signed H.R. 5716 (Pub. L. 107--313), the Mental Health Parity 
Reauthorization Act of 2002. This legislation amended ERISA and the PHS 
Act to further extend MHPA's original sunset date to December 31, 2003 
(the Code provisions already contained a sunset date of December 31, 
2003). As a result of this statutory amendment, and to assist 
employers, plan sponsors, health insurance issuers, and workers, the 
Department of Labor has amended the interim final regulations, in 
consultation with the Departments of the Treasury and Health and Human 
Services, conforming the regulatory sunset date to the current 
statutory sunset date of December 31, 2003.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              12/22/97                    62 FR 66932
Interim Final Rule Amendment 
Effective                       09/30/01
Interim Final Rule Amendment    09/27/02                    67 FR 60859
Interim Final Rule Amendment 
Effective                       12/02/02                    68 FR 18048
Interim Final Rule Amendment    04/14/03                    68 FR 18048
Final Action                    03/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Mark Connor, Supervisory Pension Law Specialist, 
Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Room 
C5331, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693--8335

RIN: 1210-AA62
_______________________________________________________________________




2077. 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 1027; 29 USC 1059; 29 USC 1135; 29 USC 1185; 29 
USC 1191 to 1191c

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.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              10/27/98                    63 FR 57546
Final Action                    04/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Amy Turner, Pension Law Specialist, Department of 
Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Room N5677, 200 
Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693--8335

RIN: 1210-AA63
_______________________________________________________________________




2078. 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 1135; 29 USC 1185; 29 USC 1191c

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
Request for Information Comment 
Period End                      06/28/99
Interim Final Rule              05/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Elena Lynett, Pension Law Specialist, Department of 
Labor, Employee Benefits Security

[[Page 73212]]

Administration, Room C5331, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, 
C5331, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693--8335

RIN: 1210-AA75
_______________________________________________________________________




2079. PROHIBITING DISCRIMINATION AGAINST PARTICIPANTS AND BENEFICIARIES 
BASED ON HEALTH STATUS

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 86 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1210-AA77
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                             Long-Term Actions


Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2080. 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: The regulation would set forth standards for determining 
``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: Morton Klevan, Department of Labor, Employee Benefits 
Security Administration, N5669, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP 
Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693--8500

RIN: 1210-AA15
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                                 Prerule Stage


Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2081. [bull] RESPIRABLE CRYSTALLINE SILICA STANDARD

Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority: 30 USC 811; 30 USC 813

CFR Citation: 30 CFR 70; 30 CFR 71; 30 CFR 90; 30 CFR 72; 30 CFR 58; . 
. .

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Current standards limit exposures to quartz (crystalline 
silica) in respirable dust. The coal mining industry standard is based 
on the formula 10mg/m3 divided by the percentage of quartz where the 
quartz percent is 5.0 percent or greater calculated as an MRE 
equivalent concentration. The metal and nonmetal mining industry 
standard is based on the 1973 American Conference of Governmental 
Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Values formula: 10 mg/m3 
divided by the percentage of quartz plus 2. Overexposure to crystalline 
silica can result in some miners developing silicosis which may 
ultimately be fatal. Both formulas are designed to maintain exposures 
to 0.1 mg/m3 (100 ug) of silica.
The Secretary of Labor's Advisory Committee on the Elimination of 
Pneumoconiosis Among Coal Mine Workers made several recommendations 
related to reducing exposure to silica. NIOSH and ACGIH recommend a 
50ug/ m3 exposure limit for respirable crystalline silica. MSHA is 
considering several options to reduce miners' exposure to crystalline 
silica.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           05/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Energy Effects:  Statement of Energy Effects planned as required by 
Executive Order 13211.

Agency Contact: Marvin W. Nichols Jr., Director, Office of Standards, 
Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 2352, 
1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: 202 693--9440
Fax: 202 693--9441
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1219-AB36

[[Page 73213]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                           Proposed Rule Stage


Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2082. IMPROVING AND ELIMINATING REGULATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 30 USC 811; 30 USC 957

CFR Citation: 30 CFR 1 to 199

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rulemaking will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden 
or duplication, and to streamline requirements. 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. MSHA will 
propose a rule addressing issues related to portable diesel generators.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM Comment Period End: Methane 
Testing                         11/25/02                    67 FR 60611
NPRM: Spring--Loaded Locks      01/22/03                     68 FR 2941
Direct Final Rule: Spring--
Loaded Locks                    01/22/03                     68 FR 2879
Withdrawal of Direct Final Rule: 
Spring--Loaded Locks            03/07/03                    68 FR 10965
NPRM: Sanitary Toilets          04/21/03                    68 FR 19477
NPRM: Seatbelts                 04/21/03                    68 FR 19474
Direct Final Rule: Sanitary 
Toilets                         04/21/03                    68 FR 19347
Direct Final Rule: Seatbelts    04/21/03                    68 FR 19344
Final Rule: Sanitary Toilets    06/23/03                    68 FR 37082
Final Rule: Spring--Loaded Locks06/23/03                    68 FR 37077
Final Rule Effective 
(Confirmation): Seatbelts       06/30/03                    68 FR 36913
NPRM: Methane Testing           07/07/03                    68 FR 40132
Final Rule: Methane Testing     07/07/03                    68 FR 40132
Final Rule Effective: Sanitary 
Toilets                         07/23/03                    68 FR 37082
Final Rule Effective: Spring--
Loaded Locks                    08/22/03                    68 FR 37077
NPRM: Portable Diesel Generator 03/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Marvin W. Nichols Jr., Director, Office of Standards, 
Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 2352, 
1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: 202 693--9440
Fax: 202 693--9441
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1219-AA98
_______________________________________________________________________




2083. ASBESTOS EXPOSURE LIMIT

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 87 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1219-AB24
_______________________________________________________________________




2084. [bull] HIGH--VOLTAGE CONTINUOUS MINING MACHINE STANDARDS FOR 
UNDERGROUND COAL MINES

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 30 USC 811; 30 CFR 957; 30 CFR 961

CFR Citation: 30 CFR 18; 30 CFR 75

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Our current standards require that high--voltage and 
transformers be kept at least 150 feet from coal extraction areas in 
underground coal mines. These requirements are intended to eliminate an 
ignition source for methane and coal dust in close proximity to the 
work area. The use of new mining technology, in the form of high--
voltage continuous mining machines, is becoming more widespread in the 
mining industry. This equipment uses high--voltage electrical equipment 
and associated cables. Mine operators, however, must apply to MSHA for 
a petition for modification from the existing standards if they want to 
use this high--voltage equipment. The proposed rule would eliminate the 
need for a modification to use this equipment, and would establish 
safety requirements for its use. The proposed rule would also include 
design approval requirements for high--voltage continuous mining 
machines operated in face areas of underground coal mines.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Government Levels Affected: None

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Marvin W. Nichols Jr., Director, Office of Standards, 
Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 2352, 
1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: 202 693--9440
Fax: 202 693--9441
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1219-AB34
_______________________________________________________________________




2085. [bull] TRAINING STANDARDS FOR SHAFT AND SLOPE CONSTRUCTION WORKERS 
AT UNDERGROUND MINES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority: 30 USC 811; 30 USC 825

CFR Citation: 30 CFR 48.2; 30 CFR 48.7; 30 CFR 48.8; 30 CFR 48.22; 30 
CFR 48.23; 30 CFR 49.28

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule would remove the language that exempts shaft and 
slope construction workers from being required to take part 48 
training. Shaft and slope construction workers, for training purposes, 
would be treated like underground and surface extraction and production 
miners.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Marvin W. Nichols Jr., Director, Office of Standards, 
Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 2352, 
1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: 202 693--9440
Fax: 202 693--9441
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1219-AB35

[[Page 73214]]

_______________________________________________________________________




2086. [bull] REVISING ELECTRICAL PRODUCT APPROVAL REGULATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority: 30 USC 957

CFR Citation: 30 CFR 18; 30 CFR 22; 30 CFR 23; 30 CFR 27

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Part 18 of 30 CFR, entitled ``Electric Motor--Driven Mine 
Equipment and Accessories,'' sets out the requirements to obtain MSHA 
approval of electrically operated machines and accessories intended for 
use in underground mines, as well as other related matters, such as 
approval procedures, certification of components, and acceptance of 
flame--resistant hoses and conveyor belts. Aside from minor 
modifications, part 18 has been largely un changed since it was 
promulgated in 1968. This update of part 18 is intended to improve the 
efficiency of the approval process, recognize new technology, add 
quality assurance provisions, and address existing policies through the 
rulemaking process.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Marvin W. Nichols Jr., Director, Office of Standards, 
Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 2352, 
1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: 202 693--9440
Fax: 202 693--9441
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1219-AB37
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                              Final Rule Stage


Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2087. UNDERGROUND COAL MINE VENTILATION--SAFETY STANDARDS FOR THE BELT 
ENTRY AS AN INTAKE AIR COURSE

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 30 USC 811; 30 USC 961

CFR Citation: 30 CFR 75

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The proposed rule would give a coal mine operator the option 
of using air from a belt entry (belt air) in mines with three or more 
entries (parallel tunnels), as an intake air course to ventilate 
working sections and areas where mechanized mining equipment is being 
installed or removed. Current standards require belt air to be 
separated from intake and return air courses for mines opened after 
1970, unless a mine operator is granted a petition for modification of 
a safety standard (30 CFR 75.350) as set forth in the Federal Mine 
Safety and Health Act (Mine Act) of 1977 section 101(c), 30 USC 811(c) 
(1998). For three or more entry mines, regardless of the date they were 
opened, the proposed rule would eliminate the need for mine operators 
to seek a petition for modification to use belt air and establish 
safety requirements for its use.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/27/88                     53 FR 2382
Public Hearing Notice           01/27/03                     68 FR 3936
Second NPRM                     01/27/03                     68 FR 3936
Second NPRM Comment Period End  03/28/03
Final Rule                      03/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Marvin W. Nichols Jr., Director, Office of Standards, 
Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 2352, 
1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: 202 693--9440
Fax: 202 693--9441
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1219-AA76
_______________________________________________________________________




2088. DIESEL PARTICULATE MATTER EXPOSURE OF UNDERGROUND METAL AND 
NONMETAL MINERS

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 88 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1219-AB29
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                             Long-Term Actions


Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2089. VERIFICATION OF UNDERGROUND COAL MINE OPERATORS' DUST CONTROL 
PLANS AND COMPLIANCE SAMPLING FOR RESPIRABLE DUST

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 30 USC 811; 30 USC 813; 30 USC 961; 30 USC 957

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 for each 
mechanized mining unit that we approve. However, we do not have a 
requirement that provides for 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.
In response to comments received on the July 2000 proposed rule for 
MSHA to withdraw the rule, MSHA published a new proposed rule on March 
6, 2003. The proposed rule would have required mine operators to 
verify, through sampling, the effectiveness of the dust control 
parameters for each mechanized

[[Page 73215]]

mining unit specified in the approved mine ventilation plan.
The use of approved powered air--purifying respirators and/or 
verifiable administrative controls would have been allowed as a 
supplemental means of compliance when MSHA had determined that all 
feasible engineering or environmental controls were exhausted.
Public hearings were held in May 2003, and the rulemaking record 
originally scheduled to close on June 4, 2003, was extended until July 
3, 2003. On June 24, 2003, MSHA announced that all work on the final 
rule would cease and the rulemaking record would remain open in order 
to obtain information concerning PDMs being tested by NIOSH. A Federal 
Register notice was published on July 3, 2003, extending the comment 
period indefinitely.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/07/00                    65 FR 42122
Notice of Hearings; Close of 
Record                          07/07/00                    65 FR 42186
Extension of Comment Period; 
Close                           09/08/00                    65 FR 49215
NPRM                            03/06/03                    68 FR 10784
Notice of Public Hearing; Close 
of Record                       03/17/03                    68 FR 12641
Extension of Comment Period     05/29/03                    68 FR 32005
NPRM Comment Period End         06/04/03
Extension of Comment Period     07/03/03                    68 FR 39881
NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Government Levels Affected: None

Additional Information: This rulemaking is related to RIN 1219--AB18 
(Determination of Concentration of Respirable Coal Mine Dust).

Agency Contact: Marvin W. Nichols Jr., Director, Office of Standards, 
Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 2352, 
1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: 202 693--9440
Fax: 202 693--9441
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1219-AB14
_______________________________________________________________________




2090. DETERMINATION OF CONCENTRATION OF RESPIRABLE COAL MINE DUST

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 30 USC 811

CFR Citation: 30 CFR 72

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and 
the Mine Safety and Health Administration jointly proposed that a 
single, full--shift measurement (single sample) will accurately 
represent the atmospheric condition to which a miner is exposed. The 
proposed rule addresses the U.S. Court of Appeals' concerns raised in 
National Mining Association v. Secretary of Labor, 153 3d 1264 (11th 
Cir. 1998). MSHA and NIOSH reopened the rulemaking record on March 6, 
2003, to obtain comments on documents added to the rulemaking record 
since the proposed rule was published July 7, 2000. Public hearings 
were held in May 2003 and the rulemaking record, originally scheduled 
to close on June 4, 2003, was extended until July 3, 2003. However, on 
June 24, 2003, MSHA announced that all work on the final rule would 
cease. On August 12, 2003, the Agencies reopened the rulemaking record 
and extended the comment period indefinitely. MSHA will be 
collaborating with NIOSH, miners' representatives, industry and the 
manufacturer in the in--mine testing of production prototype Personal 
Dust Monitors (PDMs) units. The results of the collaborative effort 
will guide the Agency in determining the functionality of these real--
time dust monitoring devices and need for revisions to the coal 
respirable dust monitoring requirements.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/07/00                    65 FR 42068
Notice of Hearings; Close of 
Record                          07/07/00                    65 FR 42185
Extension of Comment Period; 
Close                           09/08/00                    65 FR 49215
Reopen Record for Comments      03/06/03                    68 FR 10940
Notice of Public Hearings; Close 
of Record                       03/17/03                    68 FR 12641
Extension of Comment Period     05/29/03                    68 FR 32005
Reopen Record Comment Period End06/04/03
Extension of Comment Period; 
Reopening of Record             08/12/03                    68 FR 47886
NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Government Levels Affected: None

Additional Information: This rulemaking is related to RIN 1219--AB14 
(Verification of Underground Coal Mine Operators' Dust Control Plans 
and Compliance Sampling for Respirable Dust).

Agency Contact: Marvin W. Nichols Jr., Director, Office of Standards, 
Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 2352, 
1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: 202 693--9440
Fax: 202 693--9441
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1219-AB18
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                             Completed Actions


Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2091. TESTING AND EVALUATION BY INDEPENDENT LABORATORIES AND NON--MSHA 
PRODUCT SAFETY STANDARDS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 30 USC 957

CFR Citation: 30 CFR 18; 30 CFR 19; 30 CFR 20; 30 CFR 22; 30 CFR 23; 30 
CFR 27; 30 CFR 33; 30 CFR 35; 30 CFR 36; 30 CFR 6; 30 CFR 7

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The proposed rule contains modifications to MSHA's existing 
product approval requirements for use of products in gassy underground 
mines. MSHA currently issues product approvals from MSHA's Approval and 
Certification Center after MSHA tests and evaluates the products based 
on regulations in 30 CFR parts 7 through 36. The proposed rule would 
establish

[[Page 73216]]

alternative requirements for the testing and evaluation of products for 
MSHA approval. It would permit manufacturers who seek MSHA product 
approval to use an independent laboratory to perform the necessary 
product testing and evaluation in lieu of it being performed by MSHA. 
It also would allow MSHA product approval to be based on equivalent 
non--MSHA product safety standards.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/30/94                    59 FR 61376
NPRM                            02/13/95                     60 FR 8209
Public Hearing Notice           10/10/95                    60 FR 52640
Notice to Reschedule Public 
Hearing                         04/09/96                    61 FR 15743
Comment Period End              04/09/96
Public Hearing Notice           10/17/02                    67 FR 64196
Second NPRM                     10/17/02                    67 FR 64196
Second NPRM Comment Period End  12/31/02
Final Rule                      06/17/03                    68 FR 36408
Final Rule Effective            08/18/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Marvin W. Nichols Jr., Director, Office of Standards, 
Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 2352, 
1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: 202 693--9440
Fax: 202 693--9441
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1219-AA87
_______________________________________________________________________




2092. FOCUSED INSPECTIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 30 USC 957

CFR Citation: 30 CFR 4

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Compliance history and safety and health performance are 
factors that provide a quantifiable means for focusing MSHA resources. 
MSHA seeks comment on how best to maximize the effectiveness of 
resources and to further develop inspection procedures based upon 
experience. MSHA has withdrawn this item and will address this issue 
through non--regulatory means.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       08/28/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Marvin W. Nichols Jr., Director, Office of Standards, 
Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, 1100 Wilson 
Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: 202 693--9440
Fax: 202 693--9441
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1219-AB30
_______________________________________________________________________




2093. EMERGENCY EVACUATION; EMERGENCY TEMPORARY STANDARD

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 30 USC 811

CFR Citation: 30 CFR 75.1501; 30 CFR 75.1502

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) issued an 
Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) under the Federal Mine Safety and 
Health Act of 1977 (Mine Act), section 101(b) in response to the grave 
danger that underground coal miners are exposed to during mine fires, 
explosions, and gas or water inundation emergencies. The deaths of 14 
miners at two underground coal mines demonstrated the need for MSHA to 
address proper training and mine emergency evacuation procedures. Under 
the Mine Act, the ETS, which became effective on December 12, 2002, 
acts as a proposed rule. MSHA conducted public hearings and accepted 
written comments on the proposed rule. The Mine Act requires that the 
Secretary promulgate a final rule no later than 9 months after 
publication of the ETS as provided for under section 101(b) of the Mine 
Act.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Emergency Temporary Standard    12/12/02                    67 FR 76658
Comment Period End              01/13/03
Post Hearing Comment End        02/28/03
Final Rule                      09/09/03                    68 FR 53037
Final Rule Effective            09/09/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Marvin W. Nichols Jr., Director, Office of Standards, 
Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, 1100 Wilson 
Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: 202 693--9440
Fax: 202 693--9441
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1219-AB33
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                           Proposed Rule Stage


Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management 
(OASAM)



_______________________________________________________________________




2094. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NONDISCRIMINATION AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY 
REQUIREMENTS OF THE WORKFORCE INVESTMENT ACT OF 1998

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 2938 Workforce Investment Act

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 37

Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, August 7, 1999, Final.

Abstract: The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) was signed into 
law by President Clinton on August 7, 1998. Section 188 prohibits 
discrimination by recipients of financial assistance under title I of 
WIA on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age, 
disability, religion, political affiliation or belief, and for 
beneficiaries only, participant status, and against certain 
noncitizens. Section 188(e) requires that the Secretary of Labor issue 
regulations necessary to implement section 188 not later than one year 
after the date of the enactment of the WIA. Such regulations will 
include standards for determining compliance and procedures for 
enforcement that are

[[Page 73217]]

consistent with the acts referred to in section 188(a)(1), as well as 
procedures to ensure that complaints filed under section 188 and such 
acts are processed in a manner that avoids duplication of effort. The 
reauthorization of WIA is currently under consideration by the 
Congress. It may include amendments to the nondiscrimination provisions 
contained in section 188 that would directly impact these regulations. 
A final rule will be issued after congressional action on the 
reauthorization of WIA.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              11/12/99                    64 FR 61692
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period                          12/13/99
NPRM                            09/30/03                    68 FR 56386
NPRM Comment Period End         12/01/03
Second Interim Final Rule        To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State, 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: 202 693--6500
TDD Phone: 202 693--6515
Fax: 202 693--6505
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1291-AA29
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                              Final Rule Stage


Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management 
(OASAM)



_______________________________________________________________________




2095. NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF AGE IN PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES 
RECEIVING FEDERAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 6101 et seq, Age Discrimination Act of 1975

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 35

Legal Deadline: NPRM, Judicial, September 10, 1979, NPRM.

Abstract: The proposed regulatory action implements the Age 
Discrimination Act of 1975 (the Act). The Act prohibits discrimination 
on the basis of age in programs or activities receiving Federal 
financial assistance. The Age Act also contains specific exceptions 
that permit the use of certain age distinctions and factors other than 
age that meet the Age Act's requirements. This NPRM will be the third 
republication of an NPRM published on June 10, 2002, with updates to 
reflect the passage of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 and to add 
the term ``program or activity'' as it is defined in the Civil Rights 
Restoration Act of 1987. These changes do not alter the substance of 
the NPRM.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/29/98                    63 FR 71714
NPRM Comment Period End         03/01/99
Second NPRM                     06/10/02                    67 FR 39829
Second NPRM Comment Period End  08/09/02
Third NPRM                      07/11/03
Third NPRM Comment Period End   09/09/03
Final Rule                      12/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State, 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: 202 693--6500
TDD Phone: 202 693--6515
Fax: 202 693--6505
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1291-AA21
_______________________________________________________________________




2096. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR ACQUISITION REGULATIONS

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority: 40 USC 486(C); 5 USC 301

CFR Citation: 48 CFR 2900 to 2999

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Labor's Acquisition Regulations are being 
completely revised in order to reflect the significant changes made to 
the Federal Acquisition Regulation over the last 17 years, as well as 
organizational changes within DOL.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/11/03                    68 FR 48996
NPRM Comment Period End         10/14/03
Final Rule                      01/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Jeffrey D. Saylor, Management Services, Department of 
Labor, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and 
Management, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room N5425, FP Building, 
Washington, DC 20210--0001
Phone: 202 693--7282
Fax: 202 693--7290
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1291-AA34

[[Page 73218]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                             Long-Term Actions


Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management 
(OASAM)



_______________________________________________________________________




2097. GRANTS AND AGREEMENTS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 105--277

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 95

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department is joining with other Federal agencies to 
establish revised regulations for grants. Congress included a two--
sentence provision in OMB's appropriation for fiscal year 1999, 
contained in Public Law 105--277, directing OMB to revise section 95.36 
of Circular A--110 ``to require Federal awarding agencies to ensure 
that all data produced under an award will be made available to the 
public through the procedures established under the Freedom of 
Information Act.'' Circular A--110 applies to grants and cooperative 
agreements with institutions of higher education, hospitals, and 
nonprofit institutions, from all Federal agencies. OMB finalized the 
revision on September 30, 1999 (64 FR 54926). This interim final rule 
amends the agencies' codification of Circular A--110 so they reflect 
OMB's recent action.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              03/16/00                    65 FR 14405
Interim Final Rule Effective    04/17/00
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period                          05/15/00
Final Rule                       To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Additional Information: HHS is the lead agency and will coordinate the 
next action with

Agency Contact: Jeffrey D. Saylor, Management Services, Department of 
Labor, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and 
Management, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room N5425, FP Building, 
Washington, DC 20210--0001
Phone: 202 693--7282
Fax: 202 693--7290
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1291-AA30
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                             Completed Actions


Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management 
(OASAM)



_______________________________________________________________________




2098. EFFECTUATION OF TITLE VI OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964 AND 
IMPLEMENTATION OF SECTION 504 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 794; 42 USC 2000(d)

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 31; 29 CFR 32

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposal would incorporate into 29 CFR parts 31 and 32 
the term ``program or activity'' and the definition of that term as it 
was defined in the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987. Part 31 
effectuates title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits 
discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in 
programs or activities that receive financial assistance from the 
Department of Labor. Part 32 implements section 504 of the 
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibits discrimination on the basis 
of disability in programs or activities that receive financial 
assistance from the Department of Labor. The publication of this rule 
is being coordinated by the Department of Justice and will be published 
as part of a Governmentwide issuance.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/06/00                    65 FR 76460
NPRM Comment Period End         01/05/01
Final Action                    08/26/03                    68 FR 51333
Final Action Effective          09/25/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State, 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: 202 693--6500
TDD Phone: 202 693--6515
Fax: 202 693--6505
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1291-AA31
_______________________________________________________________________




2099. GOVERNMENTWIDE DEBARMENT AND SUSPENSION (NONPROCUREMENT) AND 
GOVERNMENTWIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR DRUG--FREE WORKPLACE (GRANTS) 29 CFR 98

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 40 USC 486(c); 41 USC 701; 5 USC 301

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 94; 29 CFR 98

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document proposed substantive changes and amendments to 
the Governmentwide nonprocurement common rule for debarment and 
suspension and the Governmentwide rule implementing the Drug--Free 
Workplace Act of 1988. The most significant changes are: (1) This 
proposed common rule on debarment and suspension would limit the 
mandatory lower tier application of an exclusion to the first 
procurement level under a nonprocurement covered transaction; (2) This 
proposed common rule on debarment and suspension would set the dollar 
threshold on prohibited lower--tier procurement transactions with 
excluded persons at $25,000; (3) Both this proposed rule on debarment 
and suspension and the proposed rule on drug--free workplace 
requirements would eliminate the mandate for agencies and participants 
to obtain written certifications from awardees or persons with whom 
they propose to enter into covered transactions. The proposed rules 
will allow agencies and participants the flexibility to use other means 
if they so choose, such as award conditions or electronic access to the 
GSA List on the Internet, to enforce compliance with the rules; and (4) 
The proposed rule on drug--free workplace requirements would be 
separated from this proposed rule on debarment and suspension. The 
drug--free workplace requirements currently are in subpart

[[Page 73219]]

F of the debarment and suspension nonprocurement common rule.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/23/02                     67 FR 3265
NPRM Comment Period End         03/25/02
Final Rule                      11/26/03                    68 FR 66533

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Federalism:  This action may have federalism implications as defined in 
EO 13132.

Additional Information: Lead agencies are developing responses to the 
comments submitted.

Agency Contact: Jeffrey D. Saylor, Management Services, Department of 
Labor, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and 
Management, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room N5425, FP Building, 
Washington, DC 20210--0001
Phone: 202 693--7282
Fax: 202 693--7290
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1291-AA33
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                                 Prerule Stage


Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2100. OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO HEXAVALENT CHROMIUM (PREVENTING 
OCCUPATIONAL ILLNESS: CHROMIUM)

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 89 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1218-AB45
_______________________________________________________________________




2101. CONFINED SPACES IN CONSTRUCTION (PART 1926): PREVENTING 
SUFFOCATION/EXPLOSIONS IN CONFINED SPACES

Priority: Economically Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 40 USC 333

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1926.36

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: In January 1993, OSHA issued a general industry rule to 
protect employees who enter confined spaces (29 CFR 1910.146). This 
standard does not apply to the construction industry because of 
differences in the nature of the worksite in the construction industry. 
In discussions with the United Steel Workers of America on a settlement 
agreement for the general industry standard, OSHA agreed to issue a 
proposed rule to extend confined--space protection to construction 
workers appropriate to their work environment. OSHA intends to issue a 
proposed rule addressing this construction industry hazard next year.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

SBREFA Panel Report             12/00/03
NPRM                            08/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Russell B. Swanson, Director, Directorate of 
Construction, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health 
Administration, Room N3468, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, 
Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693--2020
Fax: 202 693--1689
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1218-AB47
_______________________________________________________________________




2102. OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO ETHYLENE OXIDE

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 5 USC 553; 5 USC 610

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910.1047

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: OSHA has undertaken a review of the ethylene oxide (ETO) 
standard in accordance with the requirements of the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act and section 5 of EO 12866. The review is considering 
the continued need for the rule, the impacts of the rule, comments on 
the rule received from the public, the complexity of the rule, whether 
the rule overlaps, duplicates or conflicts with other Federal, State or 
local regulations, and the degree to which technology, economic 
conditions or other factors may have changed since the rule was last 
evaluated. The Agency's findings with respect to this review will be 
published in a report available to the public in 2004.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Begin Review                    10/01/96
End Review                      04/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John F. Martonik, Evaluation, Department of Labor, 
Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Room N3641, 200 
Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693--2043
Fax: 202 693--1641
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1218-AB60
_______________________________________________________________________




2103. OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO CRYSTALLINE SILICA

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 90 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1218-AB70
_______________________________________________________________________




2104. OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO BERYLLIUM

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 29 USC 657

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: In 1999 and 2001, OSHA was petitioned to issue an emergency 
temporary standard by the Paper Allied--Industrial, Chemical, and 
Energy Workers Union, Public Citizen Health Research Group and others. 
The Agency denied the petitions but stated

[[Page 73220]]

its intent to begin data gathering to collect needed information on 
beryllium's toxicity, risks, and patterns of usage.
On November 26, 2002, OSHA published a Request for Information (RFI) 
(67 FR 70707) to solicit information pertinent to occupational exposure 
to beryllium including: current exposures to beryllium; the 
relationship between exposure to beryllium and the development of 
adverse health effects; exposure assessment and monitoring methods; 
exposure control methods; and medical surveillance. In addition, the 
Agency conducted field surveys of selected work sites to assess current 
exposures and control methods being used to reduce employee exposures 
to beryllium. OSHA is using this infoprmation to develop a proposed 
rule addressing occupational exposure to beryllium. OSHA plans to 
initiate the SBREFA process could be initiated by September 2004.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Request for Information         11/26/02                    67 FR 70707
Initiate SBREFA Process         09/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Steven F. Witt, Director, Directorate of Standards and 
Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health 
Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N--3718, FP Building, 
Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693--1950
Fax: 202 693--1678

RIN: 1218-AB76
_______________________________________________________________________




2105. EXCAVATIONS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 651 et seq; 5 USC 610

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1926.650 to 1926.652

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: OSHA has undertaken a review of the Agency's trenching and 
excavations standard (29 CFR 1926.650 to 1926.652) in accordance with 
the requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act and section 5 of 
Executive Order 12866. The review is considering the continued need for 
the rule, the impacts of the rule, public comments on the rule, the 
complexity of the rule, and whether the rule overlaps, duplicates, or 
conflicts with other regulations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Begin Review                    12/01/01
Request for Comments            08/21/02                    67 FR 54103
Comment Period End              11/19/02
End Review                      09/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John F. Martonik, Evaluation, Department of Labor, 
Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Room N3641, 200 
Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693--2043
Fax: 202 693--1641
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1218-AC02
_______________________________________________________________________




2106. PRESENCE SENSING DEVICE INITIATION OF MECHANICAL POWER PRESSES

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 651 et seq; 5 USC 610

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910.217(h), app A,B,C

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: OSHA has undertaken a review of the Agency's Presence Sensing 
Device Initiation of Mechanical Power Presses rule (29 CFR 1910.217) in 
accordance with the requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act and 
section 5 of Executive Order 12866. The review is considering among 
other things, the need for the rule, the impacts of the rule, public 
comments on the rule, the complexity of the rule, and whether the rule 
overlaps, duplicates, or conflicts with other regulations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Begin Review                    12/01/01
Request for Comments            08/28/02                    67 FR 55181
Comment Period End              01/27/03
End Review                      02/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: John F. Martonik, Evaluation, Department of Labor, 
Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Room N3641, 200 
Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693--2043
Fax: 202 693--1641
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1218-AC03
_______________________________________________________________________




2107. IONIZING RADIATION

Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b)

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910.109

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: OSHA is considering amending 29 CFR 1910.1096 that addresses 
exposure to ionizing radiation. The OSHA regulations were published in 
1974, with only minor revisions since that time. The Department of 
Energy and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission both have more extensive 
radiation standards that reflect new technological and safety advances. 
In addition, radiation is now used for a broader variety of purposes, 
including health care, food safety, mail processing, and baggage 
screening. OSHA is in the process of reviewing information about the 
issue, and will determine the appropriate course of action regarding 
this standard when the review is completed.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Request for Information (RFI)   01/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Steven F. Witt, Director, Directorate of Standards and 
Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health 
Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N--3718, FP Building, 
Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693--1950

[[Page 73221]]

Fax: 202 693--1678

RIN: 1218-AC11
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                           Proposed Rule Stage


Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2108. LONGSHORING AND MARINE TERMINALS (PARTS 1917 AND 1918) -- 
REOPENING OF THE RECORD (VERTICAL TANDEM LIFTS (VTLS))

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 33 USC 941

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1918.11; 29 CFR 1918.85

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: OSHA issued a final rule on Longshoring on July 25, 1997 (62 
FR 40142). However, in that rule, the Agency reserved provisions 
related to vertical tandem lifts. Vertical tandem lifts (VTLs) involve 
the lifting of two or more empty intermodal containers, secured 
together with twist locks, at the same time. OSHA has continued to work 
with national and international organizations to gather additional 
information on the safety of VTLs. The Agency has published an NPRM to 
address safety issues related to VTLs.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/06/94                    59 FR 28594
NPRM Comment Period End         09/23/94
Final Rule on Longshoring/Marine07/25/97                    62 FR 40142
Public Meeting on VTLs -- 1/27/
1998                            10/09/97                    62 FR 52671
Second NPRM                     09/16/03                    68 FR 54298
NPRM Comment Period End         12/15/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Steven F. Witt, Director, Directorate of Standards and 
Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health 
Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N--3718, FP Building, 
Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693--1950
Fax: 202 693--1678

RIN: 1218-AA56
_______________________________________________________________________




2109. GENERAL WORKING CONDITIONS FOR SHIPYARD EMPLOYMENT

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 33 USC 941

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1915 subpart F

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: During the 1980s, OSHA initiated a project to update and 
consolidate the various OSHA shipyard standards that were applied in 
the shipbuilding, ship repair, and shipbreaking industries. Publication 
of a proposal addressing general working conditions in shipyards is 
part of this project. The operations addressed in this rulemaking 
relate to general working conditions such as housekeeping, 
illumination, sanitation, first aid, and lockout/tagout. About 100,000 
workers are potentially exposed to these hazards annually.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Steven F. Witt, Director, Directorate of Standards and 
Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health 
Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N--3718, FP Building, 
Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693--1950
Fax: 202 693--1678

RIN: 1218-AB50
_______________________________________________________________________




2110. ELECTRIC POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION; ELECTRICAL 
PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 40 USC 333

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910.136; 29 CFR 1910.137; 29 CFR 1910.269; 29 CFR 
1926 subpart V; 29 CFR 1926.97

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Electrical hazards are a major cause of occupational death in 
the United States. The annual fatality rate for power line workers is 
about 50 deaths per 100,000 employees. The construction industry 
standard addressing the safety of these workers during the construction 
of electric power transmission and distribution lines is over 30 years 
old. OSHA is developing a revision of this standard that will prevent 
many of these fatalities, add flexibility to the standard, and update 
and streamline the standard. OSHA also intends to amend the 
corresponding standard for general industry so that requirements for 
work performed during the maintenance of electric power transmission 
and distribution installations are the same as those for similar work 
in construction. In addition, OSHA will be revising a few miscellaneous 
general industry requirements primarily affecting electric transmission 
and distribution work, including provisions on electrical protective 
equipment and foot protection. This rulemaking will also address fall 
protection in aerial lifts for power generation, transmission and 
distribution work. The SBREFA process has now been completed, and OSHA 
is making changes to the regulatory analysis based on that review.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

SBREFA Report                   06/30/03
NPRM                            06/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Steven F. Witt, Director, Directorate of Standards and 
Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health 
Administration, 200 Constitution

[[Page 73222]]

Avenue, NW, Room N--3718, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693--1950
Fax: 202 693--1678

RIN: 1218-AB67
_______________________________________________________________________




2111. WALKING WORKING SURFACES AND PERSONAL FALL PROTECTION SYSTEMS 
(1910) (SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALL PREVENTION)

Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655 (b)

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910 subparts D and I

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: In 1990, OSHA proposed a rule (55 FR 13360) addressing slip, 
trip, and fall hazards and establishing requirements for personal fall 
protection systems. Since that time, new technologies and procedures 
have become available to protect employees from these hazards. The 
Agency has been working to update these rules to reflect current 
technology. OSHA published a notice to re--open the rulemaking for 
comment on a number of issues raised in the record for the NPRM, or 
related to technological advances. OSHA is currently reviewing the 
comments and the record will be reopened again for comment on the 
revised analysis.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/10/90                    55 FR 13360
NPRM Comment Period End         08/22/90
Hearing                         09/11/90                    55 FR 29224
Reopening of Record             05/02/03                    68 FR 23527
Comment Period End              07/31/03
Reopen the Record               09/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Steven F. Witt, Director, Directorate of Standards and 
Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health 
Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N--3718, FP Building, 
Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693--1950
Fax: 202 693--1678

RIN: 1218-AB80
_______________________________________________________________________




2112. HEARING CONSERVATION PROGRAM FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKERS

Priority: Economically Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 40 USC 333

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1926.52

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: OSHA issued a section 6(b)(5) health standard mandating a 
comprehensive hearing conservation program for noise--exposed workers 
in general industry in 1983. However, no rule was promulgated to cover 
workers in the construction industry. A number of recent studies have 
shown that many construction workers experience work--related hearing 
loss. In addition, the use of engineering, administrative and personal 
protective equipment to reduce exposures to noise is not extensive in 
this industry. OSHA published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking 
to gather information on the extent of noise--induced hearing loss 
among workers in different trades in this industry, current practices 
to reduce this loss, and additional approaches and protections that 
could be used to prevent such loss in the future. The Agency has 
reviewed the comments received and other information to determine the 
appropriate course of action. In order to get additional public input, 
stakeholder meetings will be convened.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           08/05/02                    67 FR 50610
ANPRM Comment Period End        11/04/02
Stakeholder Meetings            03/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Steven F. Witt, Director, Directorate of Standards and 
Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health 
Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N--3718, FP Building, 
Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693--1950
Fax: 202 693--1678

RIN: 1218-AB89
_______________________________________________________________________




2113. REVISION AND UPDATE OF SUBPART S--ELECTRICAL STANDARDS

Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b)

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910 subpart S

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is 
planning to revise and update its 29 CFR 1910 subpart S--Electrical 
Standards. OSHA will rely heavily on the 2000 edition of the National 
Fire Protection Association's (NFPA's) 70 E standard for Electrical 
Safety Requirements for Employee Workplaces. This revision will provide 
the first update of the General Industry--Electrical Standard since it 
was originally published in 1981. OSHA intends to complete this project 
in several stages. The first stage will cover design safety standards 
for electrical systems, while the second stage will cover safety--
related maintenance and work practice requirements and safety 
requirements for special equipment. It will thus allow the latest 
technological developments to be considered. Several of these state--
of--the--art safety developments will be addressed by OSHA for the 
first time.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Steven F. Witt, Director, Directorate of Standards and 
Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health 
Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N--3718, FP Building, 
Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693--1950
Fax: 202 693--1678

RIN: 1218-AB95
_______________________________________________________________________




2114. UPDATING OSHA STANDARDS BASED ON NATIONAL CONSENSUS STANDARDS

Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b)

[[Page 73223]]

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910; 29 CFR 1915; 29 CFR 1917; 29 CFR 1918; 29 
CFR 1926

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Under section 6(a) of the OSH Act, during the first two years 
of the Act, the Agency was directed to adopt national consensus 
standards as OSHA standards. Some of these standards were adopted as 
regulatory text, while others were incorporated by reference. In the 
thirty years since these standards were adopted by OSHA, the 
organizations responsible for these consensus standards have issued 
updated versions of these standards. However, in most cases, OSHA has 
not revised its regulations to reflect later editions of the consensus 
standards. OSHA standards also continue to incorporate by reference 
various consensus standards that are now outdated and, in some cases, 
out of print.
The Agency is now considering the possibility of initiating rulemaking 
to update some of these standards. In that regard, OSHA has asked 
various consensus standards organizations to review their standards, 
compare the latest versions of these standards to the ones currently 
adopted by OSHA, and determine which ones are most important for OSHA 
to update. Additionally, OSHA has asked them to consider whether the 
changes to these standards would be noncontroversial, and if the new 
versions would reduce risk. The organizations were enthusiastic about 
the possibility of updating references to their standards, and they 
have provided considerable information on priorities and other related 
issues. OSHA is in the process of evaluating the information it has 
received in order to determine the best way to proceed. It is possible 
that a direct final rule may be appropriate to address some of these 
standards, and others may be more appropriately addressed by an NPRM.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Steven F. Witt, Director, Directorate of Standards and 
Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health 
Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N--3718, FP Building, 
Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693--1950
Fax: 202 693--1678

RIN: 1218-AC08
_______________________________________________________________________




2115. EXPLOSIVES

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b)

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910.109

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: OSHA is considering amending 29 CFR 1910.109 that addresses 
explosives and blasting agents. These OSHA regulations were published 
in 1974, and many of the provisions do not reflect technological and 
safety advances made by the industry since that time. Additionally, the 
standard contains outdated references and classifications. Two trade 
associations representing many of the employers subject to this rule 
have petitioned the Agency to consider revising it, and have 
recommended changes they believe address the concerns they are raising. 
OSHA is in the process of reviewing the petition and related 
information about the issue, and will determine the appropriate course 
of action regarding this standard when the review is completed. OSHA 
expects to publish an NPRM by July 2004.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Steven F. Witt, Director, Directorate of Standards and 
Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health 
Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N--3718, FP Building, 
Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693--1950
Fax: 202 693--1678

RIN: 1218-AC09
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                              Final Rule Stage


Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2116. ASSIGNED PROTECTION FACTORS: AMENDMENTS TO THE FINAL RULE ON 
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 91 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1218-AA05
_______________________________________________________________________




2117. GLYCOL ETHERS: 2--METHOXYETHANOL, 2--ETHOXYETHANOL, AND THEIR 
ACETATES: PROTECTING REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH

Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 29 USC 651; 29 USC 655; 29 USC 657

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910.1000; 29 CFR 1910.1031

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: OSHA published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking 
(ANPRM) on April 2, 1987 (52 FR 10586). OSHA used the information 
received in response to the ANPRM, as well as other information and 
analysis, and published a proposal on March 23, 1993 (58 FR 15526), 
that would reduce the permissible exposure limits for four glycol 
ethers and provide protection for approximately 46,000 workers exposed 
to these substances. OSHA re--opened the record to collect updated 
information to help determine what action should be taken. Based on the 
information received and a review of the record, the Agency has decided 
to withdraw the proposal.

[[Page 73224]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           04/02/87                    52 FR 10586
ANPRM Comment Period End        07/31/87
NPRM                            03/23/93                    58 FR 15526
NPRM Comment Period End         06/07/93
Reopen Record                   08/08/02                    67 FR 51524
Comment Period End              11/06/02
To Be Withdrawn                 01/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Steven F. Witt, Director, Directorate of Standards and 
Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health 
Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N--3718, FP Building, 
Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693--1950
Fax: 202 693--1678

RIN: 1218-AA84
_______________________________________________________________________




2118. OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO TUBERCULOSIS

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b)

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910.1035

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: In 1993, the Labor Coalition to Fight TB in the Workplace 
petitioned the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to 
develop an occupational health standard to protect workers who care for 
or oversee patients or others with active tuberculosis (TB) against the 
transmission of TB. After reviewing the available information, OSHA 
preliminarily concluded that a significant risk of occupational 
transmission of TB exists for some workers in some work settings and 
began rulemaking on a proposed standard. On October 17, 1997, OSHA 
published its proposed standard for occupational exposure to TB (62 FR 
54160). The proposed standard would require employers to protect TB--
exposed workers using infection control measures that have been shown 
to be highly effective in reducing or eliminating work--related TB 
infections. Such measures include procedures for the early 
identification of individuals with infectious TB, isolation of 
individuals with infectious TB using appropriate ventilation, use of 
respiratory protection in certain situations, and skin testing and 
training of employees.
Informal public hearings were held in Washington, DC, Los Angeles, CA, 
New York City, NY, and Chicago, IL. The post--hearing comment period 
closed on October 5, 1998. On June 17, 1999, OSHA reopened the 
rulemaking record for 90 days to submit the Agency's report on homeless 
shelters and certain other documents that became available to the 
Agency after the close of the post--hearing comment period. During this 
limited reopening of the rulemaking record, OSHA also requested 
interested parties to submit comments and data on the Agency's 
preliminary risk assessment in order to obtain the best, most recent 
data for providing the most accurate estimates of the occupational risk 
of tuberculosis.
At the request of Congress, the Institute of Medicine of the National 
Academy of Sciences (IOM) conducted a study of OSHA's proposal and the 
need for a TB standard. That study was completed in January 2001. OSHA 
reopened the record to obtain comment on the IOM study, the draft final 
risk assessment and the peer reviewers' comment on the risk assessment.
The Agency has decided to withdraw the proposal and terminate the 
rulemaking.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

SBREFA Panel                    09/10/96
NPRM                            10/17/97                    62 FR 54160
NPRM Comment Period End         02/17/98                    62 FR 65388
Post Hearing Comment End        10/05/98
Record Reopening                06/17/99                    64 FR 32447
Second Reopening Comment Period 
End                             06/28/99                    64 FR 34625
Reopening Comment Period End    08/02/99
Third Reopening Comment Period  01/24/02                     67 FR 3465
Extension of Comment Period of  03/05/02                     67 FR 9934
Reopening Comment Period End    03/25/02
Comment Period End              05/24/02
To Be Withdrawn                 11/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal

Federalism:  This action may have federalism implications as defined in 
EO 13132.

Agency Contact: Steven F. Witt, Director, Directorate of Standards and 
Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health 
Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N--3718, FP Building, 
Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693--1950
Fax: 202 693--1678

RIN: 1218-AB46
_______________________________________________________________________




2119. FIRE PROTECTION IN SHIPYARD EMPLOYMENT (PART 1915, SUBPART P) 
(SHIPYARDS: FIRE SAFETY)

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 92 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1218-AB51
_______________________________________________________________________




2120. STANDARDS IMPROVEMENT (MISCELLANEOUS CHANGES) FOR GENERAL 
INDUSTRY, MARINE TERMINALS, AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS (PHASE II)

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 93 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1218-AB81
_______________________________________________________________________




2121. COMMERCIAL DIVING OPERATIONS: REVISION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b)

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910.423; 29 CFR 1910.426

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: OSHA's Commercial Diving Operations standard (29 CFR 1910.401 
to 1910.441) was published in 1977. In the intervening years, major 
changes in the technology of diving systems and equipment have 
occurred. In December 1999, OSHA granted a permanent variance to Dixie 
Divers, Inc., permitting recreational diving instructors employed by 
that company to comply with the provisions of the variance rather than 
with paragraphs (b)(2) and (c)(3)(iii) of 1910.423 and paragraph (b)(1) 
of 1910.426. Since OSHA granted the variance, other employers of 
recreational diving

[[Page 73225]]

instructors have asked OSHA to clarify the applicability of the 
variance to their operations. OSHA published a notice of proposed 
rulemaking to amend the commercial diving operations standard to 
reflect the alternative specified in the permanent variance granted to 
Dixie Divers, Inc. Comments have been received and reviewed, and a 
final rule is being issued.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/10/03                     68 FR 1399
NPRM Comment Period End         04/10/03
Final Rule                      12/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Steven F. Witt, Director, Directorate of Standards and 
Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health 
Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N--3718, FP Building, 
Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693--1950
Fax: 202 693--1678

RIN: 1218-AB97
_______________________________________________________________________




2122. CONTROLLED NEGATIVE PRESSURE FIT TESTING PROTOCOL: AMENDMENT TO 
THE FINAL RULE ON RESPIRATORY PROTECTION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 29 USC 657

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910.134

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: In January 1998, OSHA published the final Respiratory 
Protection standard (29 CFR 1910.134). In the final revised respirator 
standard, OSHA set up a mechanism for OSHA's acceptance of new fit test 
protocols under Mandatory Appendix A. Any person may submit to OSHA an 
application for approval of a new fit test protocol, and if the 
application meets certain criteria, OSHA will initiate a rulemaking 
proceeding under 6(b)(7) of the OSH Act to determine whether to list 
the new protocol as an approved fit test protocol in Appendix A. OSHA 
has been petitioned to allow the use of a modified Controlled Negative 
Pressure (CNP) fit test protocol.
Employers, employees, and safety and health professionals use fit 
testing to select respirators. Currently OSHA relies on fit testing 
methods specified in Appendix A of the final revised Respiratory 
Protection standard.
When OSHA published the final Respiratory Protection standard in 1998, 
it allowed for later rulemaking on new fit test methods. This 
rulemaking action will allow for the incorporation of new fit test 
methods into 1910.134.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/06/03                    68 FR 33887
NPRM Comment Period End         09/04/03
Final Action                    02/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal

Agency Contact: Steven F. Witt, Director, Directorate of Standards and 
Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health 
Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N--3718, FP Building, 
Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693--1950
Fax: 202 693--1678

RIN: 1218-AC05
_______________________________________________________________________




2123. PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINTS UNDER SECTION 
806 OF THE CORPORATE AND CRIMINAL FRAUD ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2002

Priority: Other Significant

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 18 USC 1514A

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1980

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002, Public Law 107--204 was 
enacted July 30, 2002. Among other provisions, title VIII, entitled the 
Corporate and Criminal Fraud Accountability Act of 2002, provides 
protection for employees of publicly traded companies who provide 
evidence of fraud to any Federal law enforcement agency, members of 
Congress, or a person with supervisory authority over the employee. 
This rule establishes procedures and time frames for the handling of 
complaints under the Act.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              05/28/03                   68 FR 318859
Final Rule                      02/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John Robert Spear, Director, Office of Investigative 
Assistance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health 
Administration, Rm 3603, 200 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 
20210
Phone: 202 693--2187
Fax: 202 693--1681
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1218-AC10
_______________________________________________________________________




2124. [bull] PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINTS UNDER 
SECTION 6 OF THE PIPELINE SAFETY IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2002

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 60129

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1981

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule establishes procedures and timeframes for the 
handling of complaints under section 6 of the Pipeline Safety 
Improvement Act of 2002, including investigations by OSHA, appeals to 
the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), appeals of ALJ decisions to the 
Administrative Review Board and judicial review.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              02/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John Robert Spear, Director, Office of Investigative 
Assistance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health 
Administration, Rm 3603, 200 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 
20210
Phone: 202 693--2187
Fax: 202 693--1681
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1218-AC12

[[Page 73226]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                             Long-Term Actions


Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2125. EMPLOYER PAYMENT FOR PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 29 USC 657; 33 USC 941; 40 USC 333

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910.132; 29 CFR 1915.152; 29 CFR 1917.96; 29 CFR 
1918.106; 29 CFR 1926.95

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Generally, OSHA standards require that protective equipment 
(including personal protective equipment (PPE)) be provided and used 
when necessary to protect employees from hazards that can cause them 
injury, illness, or physical harm. In this discussion, OSHA uses the 
abbreviation PPE to cover both personal protective equipment and other 
protective equipment. The Agency continues to consider how to address 
this issue.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/30/99                    64 FR 15401
NPRM Comment Period End         06/14/99
Informal Public Hearing End     08/13/99


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State

Agency Contact: Steven F. Witt, Director, Directorate of Standards and 
Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health 
Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N--3718, FP Building, 
Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693--1950
Fax: 202 693--1678

RIN: 1218-AB77
_______________________________________________________________________




2126. CRANES AND DERRICKS

Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority: 29 USC 651(b); 29 USC 655(b); 40 USC 333

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1926

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Subpart N addresses hazards associated with various types of 
hoisting equipment used at construction sites. Such equipment includes 
cranes and derricks. The existing rule, which dates back to 1971, is 
based in part on industry consensus standards from 1958, 1968, and 
1969. There have been considerable technological changes since those 
consensus standards were developed. Industry consensus standards for 
derricks and for crawler, truck and locomotive cranes were updated as 
recently as 1995.
A cross--section of the industry has asked OSHA to update subpart N. 
OSHA has determined that the existing rule needs to be revised and has 
established a negotiated rulemaking committee to develop a draft 
proposed rule.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice of Intent To Establish 
Negotiated Rulemaking           07/16/02                    67 FR 46612
Comment Period Ends             09/16/02
Request for Comments on Proposed 
Committee Members               02/27/03                     68 FR 9036
Request for Comment Period Ends 03/31/03                     68 FR 9036
Establishing Negotiated 
Rulemaking Committee            06/12/03                    68 FR 35172
NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Russell B. Swanson, Director, Directorate of 
Construction, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health 
Administration, Room N3468, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, 
Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693--2020
Fax: 202 693--1689
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1218-AC01
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                             Completed Actions


Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2127. OCCUPATIONAL INJURY AND ILLNESS RECORDING AND REPORTING 
REQUIREMENTS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 553; 29 USC 657

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1904.10; 29 CFR 1904.12; 29 CFR 1904.29(b)(7)(vi)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 
issued a final rule on Occupational Injury and Illness Recording and 
Reporting Requirements (66 FR 5916, January 19,2001), scheduled to 
become effective on January 1, 2002. Following a thorough regulatory 
review, the Agency determined that all but two provisions of the final 
rule, regarding the recording of occupational hearing (1904.10) and 
musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) (1904.12), would take effect as 
scheduled (66 FR 35113, July 3, 2001). Following notice and comment, 
OSHA published a final rule delaying the effective dates for sections 
1904.10, 1910.12 and a note to 1904.29(b)(7)(vi) until January 1, 2003. 
The same final rule provided interim guidance on recording hearing loss 
and MSD cases during 2002 (66 FR 52031, October 12, 2001).
OSHA issued a final 1904.10 regulation setting recording criteria for 
occupational hearing loss (67 FR 44037, July 1, 2002), and 
simultaneously issued a proposal to delay the requirements for checking 
a separate hearing loss column on the 300 Log, as well as an additional 
one--year delay for the 1904.12 MSD requirements (67 FR 44124, July 1, 
2002). The final rule on hearing loss and delay of the effective date 
was published in December of 2002. The final rule on MSD column was 
issued on June 30, 2003.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/03/01                    66 FR 35113
NPRM Comment Period End         09/04/01
Final Rule                      10/12/01                    66 FR 52031

[[Page 73227]]

NPRM                            07/01/02                    67 FR 44124
Final Rule                      07/01/02                    67 FR 44037
NPRM Comment Period End         08/30/02
Final Rule                      12/17/02                    67 FR 77165
Final Rule                      06/30/03                    68 FR 38601

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Steven F. Witt, Director, Directorate of Standards and 
Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health 
Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N--3718, FP Building, 
Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693--1950
Fax: 202 693--1678

RIN: 1218-AC06
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                           Proposed Rule Stage


Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment & Training 
(ASVET)



_______________________________________________________________________




2128. UNIFORMED SERVICES EMPLOYMENT AND REEMPLOYMENT RIGHTS ACT 
REGULATIONS

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 94 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1293-AA09
_______________________________________________________________________




2129. [bull] JOBS FOR VETERANS ACT OF 2002: STATE GRANT FUNDING FORMULA 
FY 2005

Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority: 38 USC 4102A (c) (2) (B) as amended by PL 107--288

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 1001.150 to 1001.152

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Public Law 107--288, the Jobs for Veterans Act, enacted 
November 7, 2002 requires establishment of a new grant allocation 
formula for Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) and Local 
Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) that reflects the ratio of 
the total number of veterans seeking employment residing in the state 
to the total number of veterans seeking employment in all states. 
Congress allowed for the phasing--in of this funding formula 
requirement ``over the three fiscal--year period'' beginning October 1, 
2002. Because funding for fiscal year 2003 had already been established 
before enactment of the law, this effectively meant the phase--in of 
this new funding formula would actually take place over a two--year 
period -- fiscal years 2004 and 2005. To help minimize states' annual 
funding reductions, allocations will be limited to no more than eighty 
percent of the prior year's funding allocation, during the two--year 
phase--in period and ninety percent, after the funding formula is fully 
implemented.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Ronald Drach, Team Leader, Department of Labor, Office 
of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment & Training, 200 
Constitution Avenue, NW, Room S1325, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693--4749

RIN: 1293-AA11
_______________________________________________________________________




2130. [bull] JOBS FOR VETERANS ACT OF 2002: CONTRACT THRESHOLD AND 
ELIGIBILITY GROUPS FOR FEDERAL CONTRACTOR PROGRAM

Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority: 38 USC 4212(a) as amended by PL 107--288

CFR Citation: 41 CFR 61--250

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) is 
proposing to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to implement 
changes required by the Jobs For Veterans Act (JFVA) of 2002. This act 
amended the Vietnam Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, as 
amended (VEVRAA), by revising the reporting threshold from $25,000 to 
$100,000. JFVA also eliminated the collection categories of special 
disabled veterans and veterans of the Vietnam era and added the new 
collection categories of disabled veterans and armed forces 
expeditionary medal veterans. JFVA continues the collection for the 
recently separated veterans category, but changed the definition for 
that category to include any veteran who served on active duty in the 
U.S. military ground, naval, or air service during the three--year 
period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release 
from active duty. Additionally, Federal contractors and subcontractors 
will be required to report the total number of all current employees in 
each of the nine categories and for each hiring location. This proposal 
will assist VETS in meeting the statutory requirement of annually 
collecting the VETS--100 Report.
PL 107--288 also requires VETS to establish in regulations a uniform 
national threshold entered employment rate for veterans receiving 
service through the public labor exchange. States will be gauged 
against a national entered employment rate threshold measured 
considering the state's unemployment rate and the states economic 
condition. This proposed rule will assist in determining performance 
deficiencies.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Norm Lance, Chief, Investigations and Compliance, VETS, 
Department of Labor, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' 
Employment & Training, S--1316, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, 
Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693--4731
Fax: 202 693--4755

RIN: 1293-AA12

[[Page 73228]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                             Long-Term Actions


Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment & Training 
(ASVET)



_______________________________________________________________________




2131. [bull] JOBS FOR VETERANS ACT OF 2002: UNIFORM NATIONAL THRESHOLD

Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority: 38 USC 4102(c) (3) (B) as amended by PL 107--288

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 1001

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Public Law 107--288, the Jobs for Veterans Act, enacted 
November 7, 2002 requires the establishment of a uniform threshold 
Veterans' Entered Employment Rate (EER). The uniform national threshold 
Veterans' Entered Employment Rate (EER) is the rate at which veterans 
enter employment after receiving labor exchange services. A state's EER 
is considered deficient if it falls below this established national 
threshold for the preceding program year. As a condition for receipt of 
funds, the Act stipulates that any state found to be deficient in its 
EER shall develop a plan to improve its performance.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Ronald Drach, Team Leader, Department of Labor, Office 
of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment & Training, 200 
Constitution Avenue, NW, Room S1325, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693--4749

RIN: 1293-AA13
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                             Completed Actions


Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment & Training 
(ASVET)



_______________________________________________________________________




2132. JOBS FOR VETERANS ACT OF 2002

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 107--288

CFR Citation: 41 CFR 61--250

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Jobs for Veterans Act requires the Department to 
establish and phase--in a new funding formula for Disabled Veterans 
Outreach Program (DVOP) and Local Veterans Employment Representatives 
(LVER) grants to states over a three--year period beginning October 1, 
2002. Because funding for fiscal year 2003 had already been established 
before enactment of the law, this effectively meant the phase--in of 
this new funding formual would actually take place over a two--year 
period -- fiscal years 2004 and 2005. The interim final rule applies 
only to fiscal year 2004. This new formual is based on the ratio of the 
total number of veterans seeking employment residing in a State to the 
total number of veterans seeking employment in all States.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule: State Grant 
Funding Formula--FY 2004        06/30/03                    68 FR 39000
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End: State Grant Funding 
Formula--FY 2004                06/30/03
Comments Integrated Into RIN 
1293--AA11                      10/22/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Ronald Drach, Team Leader, Department of Labor, Office 
of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment & Training, 200 
Constitution Avenue, NW, Room S1325, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693--4749

RIN: 1293-AA10
[FR Doc. 03-27748 Filed 12-19-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-23-S
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