[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 73450]]



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 2004 and November 2005, 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.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

     Occupational Exposure to Ethylene Oxide (RIN 1218-AB60)

     Excavations (RIN 1218-AC02)

     Lead in Construction (RIN 1218-AC18)

Employee Benefits Security Administration

     Prohibited Transaction Exemption Procedures (RIN 1210-AA98)

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

    OSHA's Presence Sensing Device Initiation of Mechanical Power 
Presses was completed in June 2004.

     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--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1972        Production or Disclosure of Information or Materials..................................    1290-AA17
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                   Office of the Secretary--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1973        Equal Treatment in Department of Labor Programs for Faith-Based and Community             1290-AA21
            Organizations; Protection of Religious Liberty of Department of Labor Social Service
            Providers and Beneficiaries...........................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 73451]]


                               Employment Standards Administration--Prerule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1974        Child Labor Regulations, Orders, and Statements of Interpretation.....................    1215-AB44
1975        Union Organization and Voting Rights: Criteria for Characterizing a Labor Organization    1215-AB50
            as a Local, Intermediate, or National or International Labor Organization.............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                            Employment Standards Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1976        Davis Bacon Volunteers Under the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act.................    1215-AA96
1977        Amendments to the Fair Labor Standards Act............................................    1215-AB13
1978        Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993; Conform to the Supreme Court's Ragsdale Decision    1215-AB35
            (Reg Plan Seq No. 88).................................................................
1979        Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination Obligations of Contractors and Subcontractors    1215-AB46
            for Special Disabled Veterans and Veterans of the Vietnam Era.........................
1980        Service Contract Act Wage Determination OnLine Request Process........................    1215-AB47
1981        Standards of Conduct for Federal Sector Labor Organizations...........................    1215-AB48
1982        Labor Organization Officer and Employee Reports.......................................    1215-AB49
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1983        Child Labor Regulations, Orders, and Statements of Interpretation (ESA/W-H) (Reg Plan     1215-AA09
            Seq No. 89)...........................................................................
1984        Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination Obligations of Contractors and Subcontractors    1215-AB24
            for Special Disabled Veterans and Veterans of the Vietnam Era.........................
1985        Government Contractors: Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Obligations,             1215-AB28
            Executive Order 11246 (ESA/OFCCP) (Revised)...........................................
1986        Requirements for Security of Insurance Obligations Under the Longshore and Harbor         1215-AB38
            Workers' Compensation Act.............................................................
1987        Obligation To Solicit Race and Gender Data for Agency Enforcement Purposes............    1215-AB45
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


                             Employment Standards Administration--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1988        Labor Condition Applications and Requirements for Employers Using Nonimmigrants on H-     1215-AB09
            1B Visas in Specialty Occupations and as Fashion Models...............................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                             Employment Standards Administration--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1989        Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, and Bona Fide Employee Stock Purchase           1215-AB31
            Programs Under the Fair Labor Standards Act...........................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 73452]]


                           Employment and Training Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1990        Revision to the Department of Labor Benefit Regulations for Trade Adjustment              1205-AB32
            Assistance for Workers Under the Trade Act of 1974, as Amended (Reg Plan Seq No. 90)..
1991        Post-Adjudication Audits of H-2B Petitions Other Than Logging in the United States....    1205-AB36
1992        Labor Condition Applications for Employers Using Nonimmigrants on H-1B Visas in           1205-AB39
            Specialty Occupations and as Fashion Models; Filing Procedures........................
1993        Revision to the Department of Labor Regulations for Petitions and Determinations of       1205-AB40
            Eligibility To Apply for Trade Adjustment Assistance for Workers and Issuance of
            Regulations for the Alternative TAA (Reg Plan Seq No. 91).............................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1994        Labor Certification Process for the Permanent Employment of Aliens in the United          1205-AA66
            States (Reg Plan Seq No. 92)..........................................................
1995        Indian and Native American Welfare-to-Work Program....................................    1205-AB16
1996        Federal-State Unemployment Compensation (UC) Program; Confidentiality and Disclosure      1205-AB18
            of Information in State UC Records....................................................
1997        Labor Certification for the Permanent Employment of Aliens in the United States;          1205-AB37
            Backlog Reduction.....................................................................
1998        Labor Condition Applications and Requirements for Employers Using Nonimmigrants on H-     1205-AB38
            1B Visas in Specialty Occupations and as Fashion Models; Labor Attestations Re H-1B1
            Visas and Chile and Singapore.........................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1999        Attestations by Facilities Temporarily Employing H-1C Nonimmigrant Aliens as              1205-AB27
            Registered Nurses.....................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                            Employee Benefits Security Administration--Prerule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2000        Prohibited Transaction Exemption Procedures (Section 610 Review)......................    1210-AA98
2001        Statutory Exemption for Loans to Plan Participants (Section 610 Review)...............    1210-AA99
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                         Employee Benefits Security Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2002        Rulemaking Relating to the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998...............    1210-AA75
2003        Rulemaking Relating to Termination of Abandoned Individual Account Plans (Reg Plan Seq    1210-AA97
            No. 93)...............................................................................
2004        Annual Funding Notice for Multiemployer Plans.........................................    1210-AB00
2005        Amendment of Regulation Relating to Definition of Plan Assets--Participant                1210-AB02
            Contributions (Reg Plan Seq No. 94)...................................................
2006        Voluntary Fiduciary Correction Program................................................    1210-AB03
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


[[Page 73453]]


                           Employee Benefits Security Administration--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2007        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. 95)......................................................................
2008        Mental Health Benefits Parity.........................................................    1210-AA62
2009        Health Care Standards for Mothers and Newborns........................................    1210-AA63
2010        Prohibiting Discrimination Against Participants and Beneficiaries Based on Health         1210-AA77
            Status (Reg Plan Seq No. 96)..........................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


                          Employee Benefits Security Administration--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2011        Adequate Consideration................................................................    1210-AA15
2012        Civil Penalty for Failure To Provide Section 302 Notice...............................    1210-AB01
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                          Employee Benefits Security Administration--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2013        Default Rollover Safe Harbor..........................................................    1210-AA92
2014        Electronic Filing By Investment Advisers..............................................    1210-AA94
2015        Suspension of Benefits Regulation.....................................................    1210-AA96
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              Mine Safety and Health Administration--Prerule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2016        Respirable Crystalline Silica Standard................................................    1219-AB36
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                           Mine Safety and Health Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2017        Asbestos Exposure Limit (Reg Plan Seq No. 97).........................................    1219-AB24
2018        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                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2019        Improving and Eliminating Regulations.................................................    1219-AA98
2020        Diesel Particulate Matter Exposure of Underground Metal and Nonmetal Miners (Reg Plan     1219-AB29
            Seq No. 98)...........................................................................
2021        High-Voltage Continuous Mining Machine Standards for Underground Coal Mines...........    1219-AB34
2022        Training Standards for Shaft and Slope Construction Workers at Underground Mines......    1219-AB35
2023        Part 5--Fees for Testing, Evaluation and Approval of Mining Products..................    1219-AB38
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


[[Page 73454]]


                            Mine Safety and Health Administration--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2024        Verification of Underground Coal Mine Operators' Dust Control Plans and Compliance        1219-AB14
            Sampling for Respirable Dust..........................................................
2025        Determination of Concentration of Respirable Coal Mine Dust...........................    1219-AB18
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


             Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2026        Implementation of the Nondiscrimination and Equal Opportunity Requirements of the         1291-AA29
            Workforce Investment Act of 1998......................................................
2027        Grants and Agreements.................................................................    1291-AA30
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                          Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Prerule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2028        Occupational Exposure to Ethylene Oxide (Section 610 Review)..........................    1218-AB60
2029        Occupational Exposure to Crystalline Silica (Reg Plan Seq No. 99).....................    1218-AB70
2030        Occupational Exposure to Beryllium....................................................    1218-AB76
2031        Excavations (Section 610 Review)......................................................    1218-AC02
2032        Ionizing Radiation....................................................................    1218-AC11
2033        Emergency Response and Preparedness...................................................    1218-AC17
2034        Lead in Construction (Section 610 Review).............................................    1218-AC18
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2035        Occupational Exposure to Hexavalent Chromium (Preventing Occupational Illness:            1218-AB45
            Chromium) (Reg Plan Seq No. 100)......................................................
2036        Confined Spaces in Construction (Part 1926): Preventing Suffocation/ Explosions in        1218-AB47
            Confined Spaces.......................................................................
2037        General Working Conditions for Shipyard Employment....................................    1218-AB50
2038        Electric Power Transmission and Distribution; Electrical Protective Equipment.........    1218-AB67
2039        Walking Working Surfaces and Personal Fall Protection Systems (1910) (Slips, Trips,       1218-AB80
            and Fall Prevention)..................................................................
2040        Cranes and Derricks...................................................................    1218-AC01
2041        Explosives............................................................................    1218-AC09
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


                         Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2042        Assigned Protection Factors: Amendments to the Final Rule on Respiratory Protection       1218-AA05
            (Reg Plan Seq No. 101)................................................................
2043        Longshoring and Marine Terminals (Parts 1917 and 1918)--Reopening of the Record           1218-AA56
            (Vertical Tandem Lifts (VTLs))........................................................
2044        Employer Payment for Personal Protective Equipment....................................    1218-AB77
2045        Standards Improvement (Miscellaneous Changes) for General Industry, Marine Terminals,     1218-AB81
            and Construction Standards (Phase II) (Reg Plan Seq No. 102)..........................
2046        Revision and Update of Subpart S--Electrical Standards................................    1218-AB95
2047        Updating OSHA Standards Based on National Consensus Standards.........................    1218-AC08

[[Page 73455]]

 
2048        Procedures for Handling Discrimination Complaints Under Section 6 of the Pipeline         1218-AC12
            Safety Improvement Act of 2002........................................................
2049        Oregon State Plan.....................................................................    1218-AC13
2050        Slip Resistance of Skeletal Structural Steel..........................................    1218-AC14
2051        Rollover Protective Structures; Overhead Protection...................................    1218-AC15
2052        NFPA Standards in Shipyard Fire Protection............................................    1218-AC16
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2053        Hearing Conservation Program for Construction Workers.................................    1218-AB89
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                        Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2054        Fire Protection in Shipyard Employment (Part 1915, Subpart P) (Shipyards: Fire Safety)    1218-AB51
2055        Controlled Negative Pressure Fit Testing Protocol: Amendment to the Final Rule on         1218-AC05
            Respiratory Protection................................................................
2056        Procedures for Handling Discrimination Complaints Under Section 806 of the Corporate      1218-AC10
            and Criminal Fraud Accountability Act of 2002.........................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


          Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and Training--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2057        Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act Regulations (Reg Plan Seq       1293-AA09
            No. 103)..............................................................................
2058        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.


            Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and Training--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2059        Jobs for Veterans Act of 2002: State Grant Funding Formula FY 2005 and Beyond.........    1293-AA11
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                              Final Rule Stage


Office of the Secretary (OS)



_______________________________________________________________________




1972. 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                            03/30/04                    69 FR 16740

[[Page 73456]]

NPRM Comment Period End         05/14/04
Final Action                    12/00/04

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)                             Completed Actions


Office of the Secretary (OS)



_______________________________________________________________________




1973. EQUAL TREATMENT IN DEPARTMENT OF LABOR PROGRAMS FOR FAITH-BASED 
AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS; PROTECTION OF RELIGIOUS LIBERTY OF 
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR SOCIAL SERVICE PROVIDERS AND BENEFICIARIES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: EO 13279; EO 13198; PL 105-220, subtitle C, sec 
506(c); 12 Stat. 936 (20 USC 2881 et seq and 9276(c)); 5 USC 301

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 667 (Revision); 20 CFR 670 (Revision); 29 CFR 2 
(Revision); 29 CFR 37 (Revision)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The final rule clarifies, within the framework of 
constitutional guidelines, that faith-based and community organizations 
are able to participate in DOL social service programs without regard 
to their religious character or affiliation, and are able to apply for 
and compete on an equal footing with other eligible organizations to 
receive DOL support. In addition, in order to consolidate in one place 
the Department's regulations on religious activities, the final rule 
revises both the Employment and Training Administration (ETA) 
regulation on religious services at Job Corps centers and the Workforce 
Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) regulations relating to the use of WIA 
Title I financial assistance to support employment and training in 
religious activities. DOL supports the participation of faith-based and 
community organizations in its programs.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/09/04                    69 FR 11234
NPRM Comment Period End         05/10/04
Final Action                    07/12/04                    69 FR 41882
Final Action Effective          08/11/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal

URL For More Information:
www.dol.gov/cfbci

URL For Public Comments:
www.regulations.gov/[email protected]">www.regulations.gov/[email protected]

Agency Contact: Brent Orrell, Director, Center for Faith-Based and 
Community Initiatives, Department of Labor, Office of the Secretary, 
200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room S-2235, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-6450
Fax: 202 693-6146
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1290-AA21
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                                 Prerule Stage


Employment Standards Administration (ESA)



_______________________________________________________________________




1974. 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                           02/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Small Entities Affected:  Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Alfred B. Robinson, Acting Administrator, Wage and Hour 
Division, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, 200 
Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, S3502, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-0051
Fax: 202 693-1302

Related RIN: Related to 1215-AA09
RIN: 1215-AB44
_______________________________________________________________________




1975.  UNION ORGANIZATION AND VOTING RIGHTS: CRITERIA 
FOR CHARACTERIZING A LABOR ORGANIZATION AS A LOCAL, INTERMEDIATE, OR 
NATIONAL OR INTERNATIONAL LABOR ORGANIZATION

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 481 and 482

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 452.11

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Request for Information will seek comments from the 
public as to whether and how to revise the

[[Page 73457]]

current tests for determining whether a labor organization is a local 
union, intermediate union, or national or international union.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Request for Information         11/03/04                    69 FR 64234
Comment Period End              12/03/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

URL For More Information:
www.olms.dol.gov

Agency Contact: Kay H. Oshel, Chief, Division of Interpretations and 
Standards, Office of Labor-Management Standards, Department of Labor, 
Employment Standards Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP 
Building Room N-5605, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1233
Fax: 202 693-1340
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1215-AB50
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                           Proposed Rule Stage


Employment Standards Administration (ESA)



_______________________________________________________________________




1976. 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.
Final, Statutory, October 1, 1995.

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                     01/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State

Agency Contact: Alfred B. Robinson, Acting Administrator, Wage and Hour 
Division, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, 200 
Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, S3502, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-0051
Fax: 202 693-1302

RIN: 1215-AA96
_______________________________________________________________________




1977. 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: Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996 (H.R. 3448) enacted 
on August 20, 1996 (Public Law 104-188, Title II) 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) Increased the 
$4.25 Federal minimum hourly wage in two steps to $5.15 on September 1, 
1997; (2) provided 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. Other updates will address 
needed clarifications to additional sections of the regulations, 
including sections affected by Public Law 106-151, section 1 (Dec. 9, 
1999), 113 Stat. 1731, and Public Law 106-202 (May 18, 2002), 114 Stat. 
308.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State

Agency Contact: Alfred B. Robinson, Acting Administrator, Wage and Hour 
Division, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, 200 
Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, S3502, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-0051
Fax: 202 693-1302

RIN: 1215-AB13
_______________________________________________________________________




1978. FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT OF 1993; CONFORM TO THE SUPREME 
COURT'S RAGSDALE DECISION

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

RIN: 1215-AB35

[[Page 73458]]

_______________________________________________________________________




1979. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION AND NONDISCRIMINATION OBLIGATIONS OF 
CONTRACTORS AND SUBCONTRACTORS FOR SPECIAL DISABLED VETERANS AND 
VETERANS OF THE VIETNAM ERA

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

Legal Authority: 38 USC 4211; 38 USC 4212; 29 USC 793; EO 11758

CFR Citation: 41 CFR 60-300

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: OFCCP proposes to create a new regulation implementing the 
Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) 38 USC 4212, 
to conform to the Jobs for Veterans Act (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 released from active duty.'' 
Fourth, JFVA changed ``Special Disabled Veterans'' to ``Disabled 
Veterans,'' expanding the coverage to conform to 38 USC section 
4211(3). This proposal will also increase the AAP threshold from 
$50,000 to $100,000 and will make other minor changes to the 
regulations. The VEVRAA Final Rule implementing the Veterans Employment 
Opportunities Act of 1998 and Veterans Benefits Health Care Improvement 
Act of 2000 at 41 CFR 60-250, is RIN 1215-AB24.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Joseph J. DuBray Jr., Director, Div. of Policy, 
Planning & Program Development, Off. of Fed. Contract Compliance 
Programs, 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]

Related RIN: Related to 1215-AB24
RIN: 1215-AB46
_______________________________________________________________________




1980. SERVICE CONTRACT ACT WAGE DETERMINATION ONLINE REQUEST PROCESS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 41 USC 351 et seq; 41 USC 38; 41 USC 39; 5 USC 301

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 4

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Labor is revising the Service Contract Act 
(SCA) regulations to reflect changes and improvements in the process 
for requesting SCA wage determinations through the Wage Determinations 
OnLine (WDOL) system. WDOL (www.wdol.gov) is part of the Integrated 
Acquisition Environment, one of the e-Government initiatives in the 
President's Management Agenda. The WDOL program provides a Web-based 
environment for Federal contracting agencies to use when obtaining 
appropriate wage determinations for their SCA-covered contract actions. 
The regulatory requirements set forth at 29 CFR part 4 that refer to 
the preparation and submission of Standard Form 98/98a, Notice of 
Intention to Make a Service Contract, will be revised to reflect the 
wage determination request process contemplated by the new WDOL 
program.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Alfred B. Robinson, Acting Administrator, Wage and Hour 
Division, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, 200 
Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, S3502, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-0051
Fax: 202 693-1302

RIN: 1215-AB47
_______________________________________________________________________




1981. STANDARDS OF CONDUCT FOR FEDERAL SECTOR LABOR ORGANIZATIONS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 7120

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 458.4 (New)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rulemaking action will revise the regulations 
implementing the standards of conduct for Federal sector unions under 
the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA). Under the CSRA standards 
of conduct provisions, the implementing regulations are to conform to 
the principles applied to private sector unions. Accordingly, the 
implementing regulations generally follow the provisions of the Labor-
Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959, as amended (LMRDA). 
However, the standards of conduct regulations do not include one 
important provision of the LMRDA which requires unions to inform their 
members of the provisions of the statute. The proposed rule would amend 
the standards of conduct regulations to include this important 
provision.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/03/04                    69 FR 64221
NPRM Comment Period End         01/03/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Organizations

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Don Todd, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Labor-
Management Standards Employment Standards Administration, 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-AB48
_______________________________________________________________________




1982.  LABOR ORGANIZATION OFFICER AND EMPLOYEE REPORTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 432, 438

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 404.3

Legal Deadline: None

[[Page 73459]]

Abstract: This notice of proposed rulemaking will propose revising Form 
LM-30, the report filed by labor organization officers and employees 
who have engaged in certain transactions or received certain payments 
from employers and businesses. The proposed revision would clarify a 
number of ambiguities in the current instructions.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

URL For More Information:
www.olms.dol.gov

Agency Contact: Kay H. Oshel, Chief, Division of Interpretations and 
Standards, Office of Labor-Management Standards, Department of Labor, 
Employment Standards Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP 
Building Room N-5605, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1233
Fax: 202 693-1340
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1215-AB49
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                              Final Rule Stage


Employment Standards Administration (ESA)



_______________________________________________________________________




1983. CHILD LABOR REGULATIONS, ORDERS, AND STATEMENTS OF INTERPRETATION 
(ESA/W-H)

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

RIN: 1215-AA09
_______________________________________________________________________




1984. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION AND NONDISCRIMINATION OBLIGATIONS OF 
CONTRACTORS AND SUBCONTRACTORS FOR SPECIAL DISABLED VETERANS AND 
VETERANS OF THE VIETNAM ERA

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 4211; 38 USC 4212; 29 USC 793; EO 11758

CFR Citation: 41 CFR 60-250

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The regulation is a final rule that revises the current 
regulations implementing the nondiscrimination and affirmative action 
provisions of the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 
1974, as amended (VEVRAA). VEVRAA requires Government contractors and 
subcontractors to take affirmative action to employ and advance in 
employment qualified special disabled veterans and veterans of the 
Vietnam era. Today's rule makes three general types of revisions to the 
VEVRAA regulations. First, it generally conforms the VEVRAA regulations 
to the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) and the 
Veterans Benefits and Health Care Improvement Act of 2000 (VBHCIA). 
Second, it removes reference to Letters of Commitment (LOC) because the 
violations formerly incorporated into the LOC are now summarized in the 
Compliance Evaluation Closure Letter. Third, it removes language about 
the effective date of the rule published in 1998 because the language 
is obsolete, and regulations no longer contain an ``effective date'' 
paragraph. The Department of Labor has determined that this rulemaking 
need not be published as a proposed rule, as generally required by the 
Administrative Procedures Act (APA), 5 U.S.C. 553, because the 
revisions in the rule are either nondiscretionary ministerial actions 
that merely incorporate, without change, statutory amendments into the 
preexisting regulations or are rules of agency procedures or practice.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Rule                      04/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Joseph J. DuBray Jr., Director, Div. of Policy, 
Planning & Program Development, Off. of Fed. Contract Compliance 
Programs, 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]

Related RIN: Related to 1215-AB46
RIN: 1215-AB24
_______________________________________________________________________




1985. GOVERNMENT CONTRACTORS: NONDISCRIMINATION AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION 
OBLIGATIONS, EXECUTIVE ORDER 11246 (ESA/OFCCP) (REVISED)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 793; 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.

[[Page 73460]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

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

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Joseph J. DuBray Jr., Director, Div. of Policy, 
Planning & Program Development, Off. of Fed. Contract Compliance 
Programs, 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
_______________________________________________________________________




1986. 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                            03/15/04                    69 FR 12218
NPRM Comment Period End         05/14/04
Final Action                    12/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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
_______________________________________________________________________




1987. OBLIGATION TO SOLICIT RACE AND GENDER DATA FOR AGENCY ENFORCEMENT 
PURPOSES

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: EO 11246; EO 11375; EO 12086; EO 13279

CFR Citation: 41 CFR 60-1

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) 
has promulgated regulations requiring covered federal contractors to 
maintain certain employment records for OFCCP compliance monitoring and 
other enforcement purposes. These regulations were amended on November 
13, 2000, to require employers to be able to identify, where possible, 
the gender, race, and ethnicity of each applicant for employment. OFCCP 
promulgated this regulatory requirement to govern OFCCP compliance 
monitoring and enforcement purposes (e.g., to allow OFCCP to verify EEO 
data), consistent with the Uniform Guidelines on Employee Selection 
Procedures.
The Uniform Guidelines on Employee Selection Procedures were issued in 
1978 by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Department of 
Labor, the Department of Justice, and the predecessor to the Office of 
Personnel Management (UGESP agencies). The Uniform Guidelines on 
Employee Selection Procedures require employers to keep certain kinds 
of information and detail methods for validating tests and selection 
procedures that are found to have a disparate impact.
In 2000, the Office of Management and Budget instructed the Equal 
Employment Opportunity Commission to consult with the Department of 
Labor, the Department of Justice, and the Office of Personnel 
Management and ``evaluate the need for changes to the Questions and 
Answers accompanying the Uniform Guidelines necessitated by the growth 
of the Internet as a job search mechanism.''
The UGESP agencies recently have promulgated interpretive guidelines in 
question and answer format to clarify how the Uniform Guidelines on 
Employee Selection Procedures apply in the context of the Internet and 
related technologies. The recent interpretive guidelines expressly 
contemplate that each agency may provide further information, as 
appropriate, through the issuance of additional guidance or regulations 
that will allow each agency to carry out its specific enforcement 
responsibilities. The final rule would amend OFCCP recordkeeping 
requirements for OFCCP enforcement and compliance monitoring and other 
enforcement purposes to conform to the new interpretive guidance 
promulgated by the UGESP agencies.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/29/04                    69 FR 16446
NPRM Comment Period End         05/28/04
Final Action                    12/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Joseph J. DuBray Jr., Director, Div. of Policy, 
Planning & Program Development, Off. of Fed. Contract Compliance 
Programs, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, 200 
Constitution Avenue NW., Room N-3422, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210

[[Page 73461]]

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

RIN: 1215-AB45
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                             Long-Term Actions


Employment Standards Administration (ESA)



_______________________________________________________________________




1988. 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

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: Alfred B. Robinson, Acting Administrator, Wage and Hour 
Division, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, 200 
Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, S3502, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-0051
Fax: 202 693-1302

RIN: 1215-AB09
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                             Completed Actions


Employment Standards Administration (ESA)



_______________________________________________________________________




1989. 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 does 
not obligate the Department to promulgate regulations; rather, it 
provides that the Secretary of Labor ``may'' promulgate such 
regulations as ``may'' be necessary. Moreover, Congress included a 
detailed statement of legislative intent in the Congressional Record 
(146 Cong. Rec. H2437-43 (May 3, 2002); 146 Cong. Rec. S2576-81 (April 
12, 2000)). After

[[Page 73462]]

reviewing the clear statutory language and thorough statement of 
legislative intent, ESA's Wage and Hour Division has determined that 
rulemaking is not necessary. Accordingly, ESA is permanently 
withdrawing this entry from the regulatory agenda.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       10/29/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Alfred B. Robinson, Acting Administrator, Wage and Hour 
Division, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, 200 
Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, S3502, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-0051
Fax: 202 693-1302

RIN: 1215-AB31
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                           Proposed Rule Stage


Employment and Training Administration (ETA)



_______________________________________________________________________




1990. REVISION TO THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR BENEFIT REGULATIONS FOR TRADE 
ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE FOR WORKERS UNDER THE TRADE ACT OF 1974, AS 
AMENDED

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

RIN: 1205-AB32
_______________________________________________________________________




1991. 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 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                            01/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: William L. Carlson, Chief, Division of Foreign Labor 
Certification, Department of Labor, Employment and Training 
Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room C4312 FP Building, 
Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-3010
Fax: 202 693-2768
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1205-AB36
_______________________________________________________________________




1992. LABOR CONDITION APPLICATIONS FOR EMPLOYERS USING NONIMMIGRANTS ON 
H-1B VISAS IN SPECIALTY OCCUPATIONS AND AS FASHION MODELS; FILING 
PROCEDURES

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 8 USC 1182(n)

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 655.720; 20 CFR 655.730

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Currently, Department of Labor Regulations (hereinafter 
Department or DOL) allows employers to file labor condition 
applications (LCA) electronically, by facsimile transmission (FAX), and 
by mail. The Department seeks comments on a proposal to eliminate the 
provision that allows employers to file LCAs by FAX. Employers that 
could not file LCAs electronically due to physical impairments would be 
allowed to submit LCAs by mail. The rulemaking would also inform 
employers of an impending change in address for the submission of LCA 
by mail. The Department believes the e-filing process will ensure 
expeditious processing of H-1B petitions and limit the number of 
potentially incomplete applications. In addition it will ease the 
filing burden on employers. Through e-filing the Department will be 
better able to capture statistics and analyze H-1B program data to 
identify areas that need improvement as well as any fraud or abuse that 
may lead to future administrative, civil or criminal enforcement 
actions against H-1B employers or alien beneficiaries.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/04
NPRM Comment Period End         01/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: William L. Carlson, Chief, Division of Foreign Labor 
Certification, Department of Labor, Employment and Training 
Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room C4312 FP Building, 
Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-3010
Fax: 202 693-2768

[[Page 73463]]

Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1205-AB39
_______________________________________________________________________




1993.  REVISION TO THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR REGULATIONS 
FOR PETITIONS AND DETERMINATIONS OF ELIGIBILITY TO APPLY FOR TRADE 
ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE FOR WORKERS AND ISSUANCE OF REGULATIONS FOR THE 
ALTERNATIVE TAA

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

RIN: 1205-AB40
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                              Final Rule Stage


Employment and Training Administration (ETA)



_______________________________________________________________________




1994. LABOR CERTIFICATION PROCESS FOR THE PERMANENT EMPLOYMENT OF ALIENS 
IN THE UNITED STATES

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

RIN: 1205-AA66
_______________________________________________________________________




1995. 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, 90 days from 
enactment.
Other, Statutory, January 1, 2000, for 1999 amendments.

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 no comments in response to the March 1, 1998, 
interim final rule, but through consultation received feedback on the 
interim final rule from 14 interested parties. None of these would 
substantively change the regulations. Because authority to spend WtW 
funds will expire on September 30, 2004, we have decided not to 
finalize the interim final rule. Instead, we will remove 20 CFR part 
646 following closeout of these grants.

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 Repealed                  06/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Tribal

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
_______________________________________________________________________




1996. 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 prepared 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                            08/12/04                    69 FR 50022
NPRM Comment Period End         10/12/04
Final Action                    10/00/05

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

[[Page 73464]]

Avenue NW., Room C-4518, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-3038
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1205-AB18
_______________________________________________________________________




1997. LABOR CERTIFICATION FOR THE PERMANENT EMPLOYMENT OF ALIENS IN THE 
UNITED STATES; BACKLOG REDUCTION

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

Legal Authority: 8 USC 1182(a)(5)A)

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 656

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Seeks comment on a proposed amendment to the regulations 
governing labor certification applications for the permanent employment 
of aliens in the United States. To reduce an existing backlog in 
pending applications for permanent employment certification, the 
amendment would allow that National Certifying Officer to transfer to a 
centralized ETA processing center(s) applications that are awaiting 
processing by State Workforce Agencies (SWA's) or ETA Regional Offices.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              07/21/04                    69 FR 43716
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      08/20/04
Final Action                    12/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: William L. Carlson, Chief, Division of Foreign Labor 
Certification, Department of Labor, Employment and Training 
Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room C4312 FP Building, 
Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-3010
Fax: 202 693-2768
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1205-AB37
_______________________________________________________________________




1998. LABOR CONDITION APPLICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS USING 
NONIMMIGRANTS ON H-1B VISAS IN SPECIALTY OCCUPATIONS AND AS FASHION 
MODELS; LABOR ATTESTATIONS RE H-1B1 VISAS AND CHILE AND SINGAPORE

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

Legal Authority: PL 108-77 sec 402; PL 108-78 sec 402

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 656

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Labor intends to amend its regulations 
relating to the temporary employment of foreign professionals to 
implement procedural requirements applicable to a new visa category - 
the H-1B1 visa. Congress created the new visa category as part of its 
approval of the Chile-United States Free Trade Agreement and the 
Singapore-United States Free Trade Agreement. Under the implementing 
legislation and the Chile and Singapore agreements, the H-1B1 program 
is to be implemented in a manner similar to the existing H-1B program 
for temporary employment in specialty occupations and as fashion 
models. Employers in the United States seeking to temporarily employ 
foreign professionals in specialty occupations through H-1B1 visas must 
file a labor condition application with the Department of Labor making 
the same attestations regarding payment of prevailing wages, working 
conditions, absence of strikes or lockouts, and notice to other 
employees that employers currently make when seeking entry of a foreign 
worker under the H-1B program.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              12/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: William L. Carlson, Chief, Division of Foreign Labor 
Certification, Department of Labor, Employment and Training 
Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room C4312 FP Building, 
Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-3010
Fax: 202 693-2768
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1205-AB38
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                             Long-Term Actions


Employment and Training Administration (ETA)



_______________________________________________________________________




1999. 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.

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


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Federal

Agency Contact: Michael Ginley, Director, Office of Enforcement Policy, 
Department of Labor, Room S3510, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP 
Building, Room S3510, Washington, DC 20210

[[Page 73465]]

Phone: 202 693-0745

RIN: 1205-AB27
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                                 Prerule Stage


Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2000. PROHIBITED TRANSACTION EXEMPTION PROCEDURES (SECTION 610 REVIEW)

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. EBSA 
is preparing a Request for Information, which will invite interested 
persons to submit written comments on the regulation.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Begin Review                    12/01/03
RFI                             01/00/05
End Review                      03/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Brian Buyniski, Pension Law Specialist, Department of 
Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, 200 Constitution 
Avenue NW., Room N5649, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-8540

RIN: 1210-AA98
_______________________________________________________________________




2001. STATUTORY EXEMPTION FOR LOANS TO PLAN PARTICIPANTS (SECTION 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                    12/01/03
End Review                      01/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Rudy 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)



_______________________________________________________________________




2002. 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 proposed rules would 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
NPRM                            06/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Elena Lynett, Pension Law Specialist, Department of 
Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Room C5331, 200

[[Page 73466]]

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

RIN: 1210-AA75
_______________________________________________________________________




2003. RULEMAKING RELATING TO TERMINATION OF ABANDONED INDIVIDUAL ACCOUNT 
PLANS

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

RIN: 1210-AA97
_______________________________________________________________________




2004. ANNUAL FUNDING NOTICE FOR MULTIEMPLOYER PLANS

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

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 29 USC 1021(f); PL 108-218; ERISA sec 101(f); ERISA 
sec 505

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2520

Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, April 10, 2005, PL 108-218 sec 
103(a).

Abstract: This rulemaking implements the requirements of section 103 of 
the Pension Funding Equity Act of 2004, which amended section 101 of 
ERISA by adding a new subsection (f) that requires the administrator of 
a defined benefit multiemployer plan to provide participants, 
beneficiaries, and other parties with an annual funding notice 
indicating, among other things, whether the plan's funded current 
liability percentage is at least 100 percent.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Jeffrey Turner, Senior Pension Law Specialist, 
Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, N 5669, 
200 Constitution Avenue NW, Room N5669, FP Building, Washington, DC 
20210
Phone: 202 693-8500

RIN: 1210-AB00
_______________________________________________________________________




2005.  AMENDMENT OF REGULATION RELATING TO DEFINITION 
OF PLAN ASSETS--PARTICIPANT CONTRIBUTIONS

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

RIN: 1210-AB02
_______________________________________________________________________




2006.  VOLUNTARY FIDUCIARY CORRECTION PROGRAM

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

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 29 USC 1132; 29 USC 1134

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2560

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: To encourage and facilitate voluntary correction of certain 
breaches by employee benefit plan fiduciaries of their obligations 
under title I of ERISA, EBSA previously implemented a Voluntary 
Fiduciary Correction Program (the Program). The Program relieves 
certain plan officials of the possibility of investigation and civil 
action by the Department and the imposition of civil penalties to the 
extent that plan officials satisfy the conditions for correcting 
breaches described in the Program. EBSA has decided to amend the 
Program by covering two additional transactions and by clarifying 
certain other operational requirements. EBSA will issue a restatement 
of the Program in its entirety and request public comment on the 
included amendments. EBSA believes that the restated Program will 
benefit workers by further encouraging the voluntary and timely 
correction of possible fiduciary breaches of part 4 of title I of 
ERISA. EBSA also anticipates that the restated Program will better 
assist plan officials in understanding the requirements of part 4 of 
title I of ERISA and their legal responsibilities in correcting 
fiduciary breaches.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Louis J. Campagna, Chief, Division of Fiduciary 
Interpretations, Office of Regulations and Interpretations, Department 
of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, 200 Constitution 
Avenue NW, Rm N5669, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-8512
Fax: 202 219-7291

RIN: 1210-AB03
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                              Final Rule Stage


Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2007. 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. 95 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1210-AA54
_______________________________________________________________________




2008. 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

[[Page 73467]]

the Code, title XXVII of the PHS Act, and part 7 of subtitle B of title 
I of ERISA. 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, 2004. Final action 
depends on legislation extending the sunset date.

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
Interim Final Rule Amendment    01/26/04                     69 FR 3816
Final Action                    04/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 1210-AA62
_______________________________________________________________________




2009. 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                    03/00/05

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
_______________________________________________________________________




2010. PROHIBITING DISCRIMINATION AGAINST PARTICIPANTS AND BENEFICIARIES 
BASED ON HEALTH STATUS

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 96 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)



_______________________________________________________________________




2011. 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
_______________________________________________________________________




2012. CIVIL PENALTY FOR FAILURE TO PROVIDE SECTION 302 NOTICE

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

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 29 USC 1132(c)(4); PL 108-218; ERISA sec 502(c)(4); 
ERISA sec 505

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2560

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rulemaking implements the civil penalty provisions in 
section 103 of the Pension Funding Equity Act of 2004 (PFEA), which 
amended section 502(c)(4) of ERISA to permit the Secretary of Labor to 
assess a civil penalty of not more than $1,000 a day for each violation 
by any person of the notice requirement in section 302(b)(7)(F)(vi) of 
ERISA, also added by the PFEA, relating to an election for deferral of 
charge for portion of net experience loss. Pursuant to section 101 of 
Presidential Reorganization Plan No.4 of 1978, 43 FR 47713 (Oct. 17, 
1978), all authority of the Secretary of Labor to issue regulations, 
rulings, opinions, variances and waivers under parts 2 and 3 of 
subtitle B of title I, including section 302 of ERISA, has been 
transferred to the Secretary of the Treasury.

Timetable: Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

[[Page 73468]]

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Jeffrey Turner, Senior Pension Law Specialist, 
Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, N 5669, 
200 Constitution Avenue NW, Room N5669, FP Building, Washington, DC 
20210
Phone: 202 693-8500

RIN: 1210-AB01
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                             Completed Actions


Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2013. DEFAULT ROLLOVER SAFE HARBOR

Priority: Other Significant

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, Deadline prescribed by 
sec 657(c)(2)(A) of the Economic Growth and Tax Reconciliation Act of 
2001 (PL 107-16).

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 section 404(a) of ERISA. The 
Department had previously 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                            03/02/04                     69 FR 9899
NPRM Comment Period End         04/01/04                     69 FR 9900
Final Action                    09/28/04                    69 FR 58018
Final Action Effective          03/28/05

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
_______________________________________________________________________




2014. 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: This regulation clarifies 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                            12/09/03                    68 FR 68709
NPRM Comment Period End         02/09/04
Final Action                    08/24/04                    69 FR 52120
Final Action Effective          10/25/04

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
_______________________________________________________________________




2015. SUSPENSION OF BENEFITS REGULATION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       08/23/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                                 Prerule Stage


Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2016. RESPIRABLE CRYSTALLINE SILICA STANDARD

Priority: Other Significant

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

[[Page 73469]]

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

________________________________________________________________________

Request for Information         12/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

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-AB36
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                           Proposed Rule Stage


Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2017. ASBESTOS EXPOSURE LIMIT

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 97 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1219-AB24
_______________________________________________________________________




2018. 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 gassy 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 unchanged 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                            05/00/05

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)



_______________________________________________________________________




2019. 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 Locks 06/23/03                    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

[[Page 73470]]

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 06/25/04                    69 FR 35992
Notice of Public Hearing - 
Diesel Generators               08/23/04                    69 FR 51784
NPRM Comment Period End         08/24/04
Final Action                    06/00/05

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-AA98
_______________________________________________________________________




2020. DIESEL PARTICULATE MATTER EXPOSURE OF UNDERGROUND METAL AND 
NONMETAL MINERS

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 98 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1219-AB29
_______________________________________________________________________




2021. HIGH-VOLTAGE CONTINUOUS MINING MACHINE STANDARDS FOR UNDERGROUND 
COAL MINES

Priority: Other Significant

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

CFR Citation: 30 CFR 18; 30 CFR 75

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Our current standards require that high-voltage equipment 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 rule will eliminate the need for a 
modification to use this equipment, and will establish safety 
requirements for its use. The rule will 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                            07/16/04                    69 FR 42812
NPRM Comment Period End         08/23/04                    69 FR 51784
Final Action                    07/00/05

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-AB34
_______________________________________________________________________




2022. 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 48.3; 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                            07/16/04                    69 FR 42842
Final Action                    04/00/05

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
_______________________________________________________________________




2023. PART 5--FEES FOR TESTING, EVALUATION AND APPROVAL OF MINING 
PRODUCTS

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority: 30 USC 957

CFR Citation: 30 CFR 5

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: MSHA intends to publish a direct final rule to amend 
provisions of 30 CFR part 5, ``Fees for testing, evaluation, and 
approval of mining products.'' MSHA has streamlined the manner in which 
the fee system is administered. This rule would update the existing 
regulation to reflect these changes, including: (1) The existing rule 
requires an application fee to offset costs of the initial 
administrative review of the application. Upon approval, this amount is 
deducted from the total fees due. MSHA deemed the practice to be an 
unnecessary administrative burden and eliminated the requirement. (2) 
Most fees are set on an hourly basis; however, the MSHA Stamped 
Notification Acceptance Program (SNAP) and Stamped Revision Acceptance 
(SRA) Program charged only a nominal fixed fee for acceptance of 
certain changes to existing approvals. Each program covered specific 
types of products. To streamline this process, MSHA replaced both 
programs with the Revised Acceptance Modification Program (RAM), which 
provided one process for all types of products. (3) The existing rule 
requires MSHA to initially research the application and provide the 
applicant with an estimated maximum fee prior to beginning the 
technical investigation of the product. To expedite the approval 
process, MSHA now permits the applicant to pre-authorize an amount for 
each approval, which in turn allows MSHA

[[Page 73471]]

to immediately begin the technical investigation while the fee estimate 
is being processed.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions

Government Levels Affected: Local, Tribal

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-AB38
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                             Long-Term Actions


Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2024. 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 standards 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 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 Personal Dust Monitors 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

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

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]

Related RIN: Related to 1219-AB18
RIN: 1219-AB14
_______________________________________________________________________




2025. 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.

[[Page 73472]]

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

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

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]

Related RIN: Related to 1219-AB14
RIN: 1219-AB18
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                             Long-Term Actions


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



_______________________________________________________________________




2026. 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.

Abstract: The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) was signed into 
law by President Clinton on August 7, 1998. Section 188 of the Act 
prohibits discrimination by recipients of financial assistance under 
title I on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age, 
disability, religion, political affiliation or belief, and for 
beneficiaries only, citizenship or participation in a WIA title I-
financial assisted program or activity. 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 WIA. 
Such regulations are to include standards for determining compliance 
and procedures for enforcement that are consistent with the acts 
referenced 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. This 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
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
_______________________________________________________________________




2027. GRANTS AND AGREEMENTS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 105-277

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 95

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This regulation amends 29 CFR 95.36, to ensure that all data 
produced under an award will be available to the public through the 
procedures established in the Freedom of Informatin Act. P.L. 105-277 
mandated this change. The regulation was published as ``interim final'' 
on May 16, 2000, and is in effect. This is a regulation developed and 
published as a common rule (Governmentwide). Since its publication, the 
lead agency (HHS) has not approached other Federal agencies to finalize 
the regulation. Public comments were submitted to HHS and to DOL (1 
comment received) to be addressed in the publication of the regulation 
as final.

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 End                      05/15/00
Final Rule                       To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Daniel P. Murphy, Management Services, Department of 
Labor, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and 
Management, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building Room S-1513(B), 
Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-7283
Fax: 202 693-7290
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1291-AA30

[[Page 73473]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                                 Prerule Stage


Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2028. OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO ETHYLENE OXIDE (SECTION 610 REVIEW)

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 2005.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Begin Review                    10/01/96
End Review                      03/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John Smith, Directorate of Evaluation and Analysis, 
Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 
Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-2225
Fax: 202 693-1641
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1218-AB60
_______________________________________________________________________




2029. OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO CRYSTALLINE SILICA

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 99 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1218-AB70
_______________________________________________________________________




2030. 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 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 information to develop a proposed rule 
addressing occupational exposure to beryllium. OSHA plans to initiate 
the SBREFA process by January 2005.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Request for Information         11/26/02                    67 FR 70707
Initiate SBREFA Process         01/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

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-AB76
_______________________________________________________________________




2031. EXCAVATIONS (SECTION 610 REVIEW)

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 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                      09/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John Smith, Directorate of Evaluation and Analysis, 
Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 
Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-2225
Fax: 202 693-1641
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1218-AC02
_______________________________________________________________________




2032. 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

[[Page 73474]]

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)   12/00/04

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-AC11
_______________________________________________________________________




2033.  EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND PREPAREDNESS

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

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

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

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Emergency responder health and safety is currently regulated 
primarily under the following standards: the fire brigade standard (29 
CFR 1910.156); hazardous waste operations and emergency response (29 
CFR 1910.120); the respiratory protection standard (29 CFR 1910.134); 
the permit-required confined space standard (29 CFR 1910.146); and the 
bloodborne pathogens standard (29 CFR 1910.1030). Some of these 
standards were promulgated decades ago and none were designed as 
comprehensive emergency response standards. Consequently, they do not 
address the full range of hazards or concerns currently facing 
emergency responder. Many do not reflect major changes in performance 
specifications for protective clothing and equipment. Current OSHA 
standards also do not reflect all the major developments in safety and 
health practices that have already been accepted by the emergency 
response community and incorporated into National Fire Protection 
Association (NFPA) and American National Standards Institute consensus 
standards. OSHA will be collecting information to evaluate what action 
the agency should take.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Request for Information         12/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Federalism:  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-AC17
_______________________________________________________________________




2034.  LEAD IN CONSTRUCTION (SECTION 610 REVIEW)

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b0); 5 USC 553; 5 USC 610

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1926.62

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: OSHA will undertake a review of the Lead in Construction 
Standard (29 CFR 1926.62) in accordance with the requirements of the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act and section 5 of Executive Order 12866. The 
review will consider the continued need for the rule, 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.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Begin Review                    03/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John Smith, Directorate of Evaluation and Analysis, 
Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 
Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-2225
Fax: 202 693-1641
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1218-AC18
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                           Proposed Rule Stage


Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2035. OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO HEXAVALENT CHROMIUM (PREVENTING 
OCCUPATIONAL ILLNESS: CHROMIUM)

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 100 in part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.

RIN: 1218-AB45
_______________________________________________________________________




2036. 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

[[Page 73475]]

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             11/24/03
NPRM                            03/00/05

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
_______________________________________________________________________




2037. 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                            03/00/05

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-AB50
_______________________________________________________________________




2038. 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 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                            01/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

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-AB67
_______________________________________________________________________




2039. 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. As a 
result of the comments received on that notice, OSHA has determined 
that additional information is needed on its proposed requirements to 
allow certain employees (qualified climbers) to climb fixed ladders

[[Page 73476]]

without fall protection. OSHA plans to reopen the record and ask the 
public for more, specific information about the concept of ``qualified 
climbers'' and to solicit comment on an updated/revised economic 
analysis and related issues.

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
Reopen Record                   05/02/03                    68 FR 23527
Comment Period End              07/31/03
Reopen Record                   12/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

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
_______________________________________________________________________




2040. 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.
The negotiated rulemaking committee completed 11 meetings since July of 
2003 and has submitted a drafted revision of the crane standard to the 
Assistant Secretary of OSHA. OSHA is currently conducting an economic 
analysis of the draft rule to determine if a SBREFA Panel will be 
needed. Should the SBREFA process not be needed, as determined by a 
regulatory flexibility screening analysis, a proposed rule is 
anticipated to be issued in August of 2005.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice of Intent To Establish 
Negotiated Rulemaking           07/16/02                    67 FR 46612
Comment Period End              09/16/02
Request for Comments on Proposed 
Committee Members               02/27/03                     68 FR 9036
Request for Comment Period End  03/31/03                     68 FR 9036
Established Negotiated 
Rulemaking Committee            06/12/03                    68 FR 35172
Rulemaking Negotiations 
Completed                       07/30/04
Initiate SBREFA Panel           05/00/05

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
_______________________________________________________________________




2041. 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 has reviewed the petition and related information about the issue. 
Initially, OSHA planned to revise the pyrotechnics requirement in this 
NPRM. However, based on our work to date, it appears appropriate to 
reserve action on these requirements for a second phase of rulemaking. 
The agency therefore plans to propose revisions to 29 CFR 1910.109 
without any changes to the existing pyrotechnics requirements, and at a 
future date will develop a proposed rule for pyrotechnics revision. 
OSHA expects to publish an NPRM by February 2005.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/00/05

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-AC09

[[Page 73477]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                              Final Rule Stage


Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2042. ASSIGNED PROTECTION FACTORS: AMENDMENTS TO THE FINAL RULE ON 
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 101 in part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.

RIN: 1218-AA05
_______________________________________________________________________




2043. 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. The extended comment period 
concluded 2/13/04, and an informal public hearing was held on 7/29-30/
04. The rulemaking record will remain open through 11/30/04.

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 2/13/04 12/10/03                    68 FR 68804
Public Hearing                  07/29/04                    69 FR 19361
Final Action                    06/00/05

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
_______________________________________________________________________




2044. 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. In 1999, OSHA proposed to require employers to 
pay for PPE, with a few exceptions. The Agency continues to consider 
how to address this issue, and re-opened the record on 7/8/2004 to get 
input on issues related to PPE considered to be a ``tool of the 
trade''. The comment period ended 8/23/2004.

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
Limited Reopening of Record     07/08/04                    69 FR 41221
Comment Period End              08/23/04
Final Action                    03/00/05

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
_______________________________________________________________________




2045. STANDARDS IMPROVEMENT (MISCELLANEOUS CHANGES) FOR GENERAL 
INDUSTRY, MARINE TERMINALS, AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS (PHASE II)

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 102 in part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.

RIN: 1218-AB81
_______________________________________________________________________




2046. 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. OSHA is evaluating public comment in response to the NPRM.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/05/04                    69 FR 17773
NPRM Comment Period End         06/04/04
Final Action                    06/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

[[Page 73478]]

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
_______________________________________________________________________




2047. 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)

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

________________________________________________________________________

Direct Final Rule               12/00/04

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
_______________________________________________________________________




2048. 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              04/05/04                    69 FR 17587
Interim Final Rule Effective    04/05/04
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      06/04/04
Final Action                    12/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Marple, Director, Office of Investigative 
Assistance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health 
Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room N3622, Washington, DC 
20210
Phone: 202 693-2122
Fax: 202 693-1681

RIN: 1218-AC12
_______________________________________________________________________




2049. OREGON STATE PLAN

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 667

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1952

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: OSHA will propose to grant final approval under section 18(e) 
of the OSH Act for the Oregon State occupational safety and health 
plan, administered by the Division of Occupational Safety and Health 
(OR-OSHA) of the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services. 
Following a comment period and opportunity to request a public hearing, 
OSHA will make a final determination as a whether to grant final 
approval of the State plan. Actual performance by the State must be 
``at least as effective'' overall as the Federal OSHA program in all 
areas covered under the State plan. Final approval results in the 
relinquishment of authority for Federal concurrent enforcement 
jurisdiction in the State with respect to safety and health issues 
covered by the plan.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice of Eligibility for Final 
Approval                        11/00/04
Notice of Final Approval 
Determination                   12/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Paula O. White, Director, Federal-State Operations, 
Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 
Room N3700, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 
20210
Phone: 202 693-2200
Fax: 202 693-1671
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1218-AC13

[[Page 73479]]

_______________________________________________________________________




2050. SLIP RESISTANCE OF SKELETAL STRUCTURAL STEEL

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

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b) ; 40 USC 333; 29 CFR 1911

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1926.754(c)(3)

Legal Deadline: Other, Judicial, July 18, 2004, Notice of limited 
reopening of record for 1926.754(c)(3).
Final, Judicial, January 18, 2006, Final Rule Deadline.
Per Settlement Agreement (Steel Coaltion, Resilient Floor Covering 
Institute v. OSHA).

Abstract: On May 11, 1994 OSHA established the Steel Erection 
Negotiated Rulemaking Advisory Committee. On August 13, 1998 OSHA 
published a notice of proposed rule making, permitting time for written 
comments and public hearings. Following notice and comment the final 
rule for the steel erection standard was published on January 18, 2001. 
On April 3, 2003, OSHA entered into a settlement agreement with the 
Steel Coalition and Resilient Floor Covering Institute whereby OSHA 
agreed to a limited reopening of the administrative record of docket S-
775 regarding paragraph 1926.754(c)(3). On July 15, 2004, OSHA 
published a notice in the Federal Register reopening the record for 
this limited purpose. The July notice solicited information regarding 
section 1926.754(c)(3) only.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/15/04                    69 FR 42379
NPRM Comment Period End         10/13/04
Final Rule                      09/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Bruce Swanson, Director, Directorate of Construction, 
Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 
Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N-3468, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-2020
Fax: 202 693-1689

RIN: 1218-AC14
_______________________________________________________________________




2051. ROLLOVER PROTECTIVE STRUCTURES; OVERHEAD PROTECTION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 29 CFR 1928 subpart C; Sections 4,6, and 8 of the 
Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970(29 USC 653,655,657); 
Secretary of Labor's Order No. 12.71(36 FR 8754), 8-76(41 FR 25059), 9-
83(48 FR 35736, 1-90(55 FR 9033), 6-96(62 FR 111), 3-2000(65 FR 50017) 
or 5-2002(67 FR 65008) as applicable.Sections 1928.51, 192; 29 CFR 1926 
subpart W - Rollover Protective Structures; Overhead Protection: 
Section 107, Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act (Construction 
Safety Act), 40 USC 333; Sections 1926.1002 and 19

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1926; 29 CFR 1928

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: In 1996, OSHA published a technical amendment revising the 
construction and agriculture standards that regulate testing of roll-
over protective structures (ROPS) used to protect employees who operate 
wheel-type tractors. This revision removed the original, detailed ROPS 
standards and replaced them with references to national consensus 
standards for ROPS-testing requirements. The Agency believed that the 
national consensus standards largely duplicated the ROPS standards they 
replaced, and that any differences between them were not substantive. 
Subsequently, OSHA identified several substantive differences between 
the national consensus standards and the original ROPS standards. The 
rulemaking would reinstate the original ROPS standards.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Direct Final Rule               02/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Federalism:  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-AC15
_______________________________________________________________________




2052.  NFPA STANDARDS IN SHIPYARD FIRE PROTECTION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1915.4; 29 CFR 1915.505; 29 CFR 1915.507

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: In this rulemaking, OSHA is updating National Fire Protection 
Association (NFPA) standards incorporated reference in the OSHA 29 CFR 
part 1915 subpart P fire protection standards. OSHA published a final 
rule subpart P in 2004 that included nine NFPA standards that have been 
updated since the rule was proposed. OSHA plans to issue a direct final 
rulemaking, along with a notice of proposed rulemaking, to update the 
NFPA standards and encourage the use of the most recent NFPA guidance.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Direct Final Rule               01/00/05

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-AC16

[[Page 73480]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                             Long-Term Actions


Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2053. 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 continues to 
review comments received, the additional public input from Stakeholder 
meetings that were held in March and July of 2004, and is determining 
the next appropriate action.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           08/05/02                    67 FR 50610
ANPRM Comment Period End        11/04/02
Stakeholder Meetings            03/24/04
Additional Stakeholder Meeting  07/21/04
Next Action Undetermined         To Be                       Determined

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
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                             Completed Actions


Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2054. FIRE PROTECTION IN SHIPYARD EMPLOYMENT (PART 1915, SUBPART P) 
(SHIPYARDS: FIRE SAFETY)

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1915, subpart P

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The rule updates and revises an important but outdated part 
of OSHA's shipyard rules. The original rule was adopted by OSHA in 1971 
and has remained unchanged since then. A negotiated rulemaking 
committee was convened on October 15, 1996. Members of the committee 
included: OSHA, State government, Federal agency, small and large 
shipyard employers, and maritime and firefighter union representatives. 
The committee completed work in February 2002, and recommended proposal 
requirements to OSHA. The Agency published an NPRM based on their 
recommendations. Comments were received and reviewed and a final rule 
has been issued.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/11/02                    67 FR 76213
NPRM Comment Period End         03/11/03
Final Rule                      09/15/04                    69 FR 55668
Final Rule Effective            12/14/04

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-AB51
_______________________________________________________________________




2055. 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 this rulemaking, OSHA is approving an additional 
quantitative fit testing protocol, the controlled negative pressure 
(CNP)REDON fit testing protocol, for inclusion in Appendix A of its 
Respiratory Protection Standard. The protocol affects, in addition to 
general industry, OSHA respiratory protection standards for shipyard 
employment and construction. The Agency is adopting this protocol under 
the provisions contained in the Respiratory Protection Standard that 
allow individuals to submit evidence for including additional fit 
testing protocols in this standard.
The (CNP)REDON protocol requires the performance of three different 
test exercises followed by two redonnings of the respirator, while the 
CNP protocol approved previously by OSHA specifies eight test 
exercises, including one redonning of the respirator. In addition to 
amending the Standard to include the (CNP)REDON protocol, this 
rulemaking makes several editorial and non-substantive technical 
revisions to the Standard associated with the (CNP)REDON protocol and 
the previously approved CNP protocol.
When OSHA published the Final Respiratory Protection standard in 1998, 
it allowed for later rulemaking on new fit test methods. This 
rulemaking action incorporates the (CNP)REDON fit test method into 
1910.134.

[[Page 73481]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/06/03                    68 FR 33887
NPRM Comment Period End         09/04/03
Final Rule                      08/04/04                    69 FR 46986
Final Action Effective          09/03/04

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
_______________________________________________________________________




2056. PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINTS UNDER SECTION 
806 OF THE CORPORATE AND CRIMINAL FRAUD ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2002

Priority: Other Significant

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                      08/24/04                    69 FR 52103
Final Rule Effective            08/24/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Marple, Director, Office of Investigative 
Assistance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health 
Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room N3622, Washington, DC 
20210
Phone: 202 693-2122
Fax: 202 693-1681

RIN: 1218-AC10
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                           Proposed Rule Stage


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



_______________________________________________________________________




2057. UNIFORMED SERVICES EMPLOYMENT AND REEMPLOYMENT RIGHTS ACT 
REGULATIONS

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 103 in part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.

RIN: 1293-AA09
_______________________________________________________________________




2058. 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 (d) as amended by PL 107-288

CFR Citation: 41 CFR 61-300

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 (JVA) 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. JVA 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. JVA 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 
nine job categories for each hiring location. This proposal will assist 
VETS in meeting the statutory requirement of annually collecting the 
VETS-100 Report.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert Wilson, Chief, Investigation and Compliance 
Division, Department of Labor, Office of the Assistant Secretary for 
Veterans' Employment and Training, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room S-
1316, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-4719
Fax: 202 693-4755

RIN: 1293-AA12

[[Page 73482]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                              Final Rule Stage


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



_______________________________________________________________________




2059. JOBS FOR VETERANS ACT OF 2002: STATE GRANT FUNDING FORMULA FY 2005 
AND BEYOND

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                            07/06/04                    69 FR 40724
NPRM Comment Period End         09/07/04
Final Action                    03/00/05

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 and Training, 200 
Constitution Avenue, NW, Room S1325, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-4749
Fax: 202 693-4755

RIN: 1293-AA11
[FR Doc. 04-22107 Filed 12-10-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-23-S