[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 64896]]



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 12 
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 October 2005 and October 2006, as well as those completed 
during the past 6 months.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathleen Franks, Director, 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, which became effective on 
January 1, 1981, 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

     Excavations (RIN 1218-AC02)

     Lead in Construction (RIN 1218-AC18)

Employee Benefits Security Administration

     Prohibited Transaction Exemption Procedures (RIN 1210-AA98)

     Plan Assets-Participant Contributions Regulations (RIN 1210-
AB11)

     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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2046        Production or Disclosure of Information or Materials..................................    1290-AA17
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                               Employment Standards Administration--Prerule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2047        Child Labor Regulations, Orders, and Statements of Interpretation.....................    1215-AB44
2048        Union Officials: Guidelines for Fiduciary Responsibilities Under Section 501(a) of the    1215-AB52
            Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act.........................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 64897]]


                            Employment Standards Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2049        Amendments to the Fair Labor Standards Act............................................    1215-AB13
2050        Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993; Conform to the Supreme Court's Ragsdale Decision    1215-AB35
            (Reg Plan Seq No. 74).................................................................
2051        Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination Obligations of Contractors and Subcontractors    1215-AB46
            for Special Disabled Veterans and Veterans of the Vietnam Era.........................
2052        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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2053        Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination Obligations of Contractors and Subcontractors    1215-AB24
            for Special Disabled Veterans and Veterans of the Vietnam Era.........................
2054        Standards of Conduct for Federal Sector Labor Organizations...........................    1215-AB48
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                             Employment Standards Administration--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2055        Labor Condition Applications and Requirements for Employers Using Nonimmigrants on H-     1215-AB09
            1B Visas in Specialty Occupations and as Fashion Models...............................
2056        Union Organization and Voting Rights: Criteria for Characterizing a Labor Organization    1215-AB50
            as a Local, Intermediate, or National or International Labor Organization.............
2057        Claims for Compensation Under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation      1215-AB51
            Program Act of 2000, as Amended.......................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                             Employment Standards Administration--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2058        Government Contractors: Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Obligations,             1215-AB28
            Executive Order 11246 (ESA/OFCCP) (Revised)...........................................
2059        Requirements for Security of Insurance Obligations Under the Longshore and Harbor         1215-AB38
            Workers' Compensation Act.............................................................
2060        Obligation To Solicit Race and Gender Data for Agency Enforcement Purposes............    1215-AB45
2061        Service Contract Act Wage Determination OnLine Request Process........................    1215-AB47
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                           Employment and Training Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2062        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. 75)..
2063        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. 76).............................
2064        Labor Certification for the Permanent Employment of Aliens in the United States;          1205-AB42
            Reducing the Incentives and Opportunities for Fraud and Abuse and Enhancing Program
            Integrity.............................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


[[Page 64898]]


                            Employment and Training Administration--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2065        Federal-State Unemployment Compensation (UC) Program; Confidentiality and Disclosure      1205-AB18
            of Information in State UC Records....................................................
2066        Attestations by Facilities Temporarily Employing H-1C Nonimmigrant Aliens as              1205-AB27
            Registered Nurses.....................................................................
2067        Post-Adjudication Audits of H-2B Petitions Other Than Logging in the United States....    1205-AB36
2068        Labor Certification for the Permanent Employment of Aliens in the United States;          1205-AB37
            Backlog Reduction.....................................................................
2069        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 for Chile and Singapore.........................................................
2070        Labor Condition Applications for Employers Using Nonimmigrants on H-1B Visas in           1205-AB39
            Specialty Occupations and as Fashion Models; Filing Procedures........................
2071        Federal-State Unemployment Compensation Program; Eligibility..........................    1205-AB41
2072        Labor Conditions Applications for E-3 Visas in Specialty Occupations for Australian       1205-AB43
            Non-immigrants........................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                            Employment and Training Administration--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2073        Indian and Native American Welfare-to-Work Program....................................    1205-AB16
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                            Employee Benefits Security Administration--Prerule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2074        Prohibited Transaction Exemption Procedures (Section 610 Review)......................    1210-AA98
2075        Independence of Accountant............................................................    1210-AB09
2076        Plan Assets--Participant Contributions Regulation (610 Review) (Section 610 Review)...    1210-AB11
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                         Employee Benefits Security Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2077        Civil Penalty for Failure To Provide Section 302 Notice...............................    1210-AB01
2078        Amendment of Regulation Relating to Definition of Plan Assets--Participant                1210-AB02
            Contributions (Reg Plan Seq No. 77)...................................................
2079        Electronic Filing of Annual Reports...................................................    1210-AB04
2080        Revision of the Form 5500 Series and Implementing Regulations.........................    1210-AB06
2081        Amendment of Section 404(c) Regulation--Disclosure....................................    1210-AB07
2082        Amendment of Standards Applicable to General Statutory Exemption for Services.........    1210-AB08
2083        Amendment of Section 404(c) Regulation Default Investments (Reg Plan Seq No. 78)......    1210-AB10
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


                           Employee Benefits Security Administration--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2084        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. 79)......................................................................
2085        Health Care Standards for Mothers and Newborns........................................    1210-AA63
2086        Prohibiting Discrimination Against Participants and Beneficiaries Based on Health         1210-AA77
            Status (Reg Plan Seq No. 80)..........................................................
2087        Rulemaking Relating to Termination of Abandoned Individual Account Plans (Reg Plan Seq    1210-AA97
            No. 81)...............................................................................
2088        Annual Funding Notice for Multiemployer Plans.........................................    1210-AB00
2089        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 64899]]


                          Employee Benefits Security Administration--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2090        Adequate Consideration................................................................    1210-AA15
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                          Employee Benefits Security Administration--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2091        Rulemaking Relating to the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998...............    1210-AA75
2092        Statutory Exemption for Loans to Plan Participants (Completion of a Section 610           1210-AA99
            Review)...............................................................................
2093        Claims Procedures for Medicare Integrated Plans.......................................    1210-AB05
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              Mine Safety and Health Administration--Prerule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2094        Use of or Impairment From Alcohol and Other Drugs on Mine Property....................    1219-AB41
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                           Mine Safety and Health Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2095        High-Voltage Continuous Mining Machine Standards for Underground Coal Mines...........    1219-AB34
2096        Revising Electrical Product Approval Regulations......................................    1219-AB37
2097        Part 5--Fees for Testing, Evaluation, and Approval of Mining Products.................    1219-AB38
2098        Field Modifications of Permissible Mobile Diesel-Powered Equipment....................    1219-AB39
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                             Mine Safety and Health Administration--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2099        Improving and Eliminating Regulations.................................................    1219-AA98
2100        Asbestos Exposure Limit (Reg Plan Seq No. 82).........................................    1219-AB24
2101        Diesel Particulate Matter Exposure of Underground Metal and Nonmetal Miners (Reg Plan     1219-AB29
            Seq No. 83)...........................................................................
2102        Training Standards for Shaft and Slope Construction Workers at Underground Mines......    1219-AB35
2103        Fire Extinguishers at Temporary Electrical Installations..............................    1219-AB40
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


                            Mine Safety and Health Administration--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2104        Verification of Underground Coal Mine Operators' Dust Control Plans and Compliance        1219-AB14
            Sampling for Respirable Dust..........................................................
2105        Determination of Concentration of Respirable Coal Mine Dust...........................    1219-AB18
2106        Respirable Crystalline Silica Standard................................................    1219-AB36
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 64900]]


             Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2107        Implementation of the Nondiscrimination and Equal Opportunity Requirements of the         1291-AA29
            Workforce Investment Act of 1998......................................................
2108        Grants and Agreements.................................................................    1291-AA30
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                          Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Prerule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2109        Occupational Exposure to Crystalline Silica (Reg Plan Seq No. 84).....................    1218-AB70
2110        Occupational Exposure to Beryllium....................................................    1218-AB76
2111        Cranes and Derricks...................................................................    1218-AC01
2112        Excavations (Section 610 Review)......................................................    1218-AC02
2113        Ionizing Radiation....................................................................    1218-AC11
2114        Emergency Response and Preparedness...................................................    1218-AC17
2115        Lead in Construction (Section 610 Review).............................................    1218-AC18
2116        Standards Improvement.................................................................    1218-AC19
2117        Hazard Communication..................................................................    1218-AC20
2118        Notice on Supplier's Declaration of Conformity (SDoC).................................    1218-AC21
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2119        Confined Spaces in Construction (Part 1926): Preventing Suffocation/ Explosions in        1218-AB47
            Confined Spaces.......................................................................
2120        General Working Conditions for Shipyard Employment....................................    1218-AB50
2121        Electric Power Transmission and Distribution; Electrical Protective Equipment.........    1218-AB67
2122        Explosives............................................................................    1218-AC09
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                         Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2123        Assigned Protection Factors: Amendments to the Final Rule on Respiratory Protection       1218-AA05
            (Reg Plan Seq No. 85).................................................................
2124        Longshoring and Marine Terminals (Parts 1917 and 1918)--Reopening of the Record           1218-AA56
            (Vertical Tandem Lifts (VTLs))........................................................
2125        Occupational Exposure to Hexavalent Chromium (Preventing Occupational Illness:            1218-AB45
            Chromium) (Reg Plan Seq No. 86).......................................................
2126        Employer Payment for Personal Protective Equipment....................................    1218-AB77
2127        Revision and Update of Subpart S--Electrical Standards................................    1218-AB95
2128        Updating OSHA Standards Based on National Consensus Standards.........................    1218-AC08
2129        Slip Resistance of Skeletal Structural Steel..........................................    1218-AC14
2130        Rollover Protective Structures; Overhead Protection...................................    1218-AC15
2131        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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2132        Walking Working Surfaces and Personal Fall Protection Systems (1910) (Slips, Trips,       1218-AB80
            and Fall Prevention)..................................................................

[[Page 64901]]

 
2133        Hearing Conservation Program for Construction Workers.................................    1218-AB89
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                        Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2134        Oregon State Plan.....................................................................    1218-AC13
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


          Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and Training--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2135        Jobs for Veterans Act of 2002: Contract Threshold and Eligibility Groups for Federal      1293-AA12
            Contractor Program....................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


            Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and Training--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2136        Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act Regulations (Reg Plan Seq       1293-AA09
            No. 87)...............................................................................
2137        Notice of Rights, Benefits, and Obligations Under the USERRA..........................    1293-AA14
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2138        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)



_______________________________________________________________________




2046. 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
NPRM Comment Period End         05/14/04
Final Action                    10/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Miriam McD. Miller, FOIA Counsel, Department of Labor, 
Office of the Secretary, Room N2428, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP 
Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-5522
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1290-AA17

[[Page 64902]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                                 Prerule Stage


Employment Standards Administration (ESA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2047. 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.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           03/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Small Entities Affected:  Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

Federalism:  Undetermined

URL For Public Comments:
www.regulations.gov

Agency Contact: Alfred B. Robinson, Deputy 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
_______________________________________________________________________




2048. UNION OFFICIALS: GUIDELINES FOR FIDUCIARY RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER 
SECTION 501(A) OF THE LABOR-MANAGEMENT REPORTING AND DISCLOSURE ACT

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 501(a); 29 USC 521

CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This notice requests information from the public to assist 
the Department of Labor in determining whether to issue guidelines 
concerning the fiduciary obligations of union officers and other 
representative under section 501(a) of the LMRDA, 29 U.S.C. section 
501. Section 501 states in general terms that officers and other 
representatives of a labor organization occupy ``positions of trust'' 
within their labor organizations and must act in the best interest of 
their union. The LMRDA does not, however, describe in any detail the 
nature and scope of these fiduciary duties.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Request for Information         08/29/05                    70 FR 51227
Comment Period End              10/28/05
Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kay H. Oshel, Director, Office of Policy, Reports and 
Disclosure, 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
TDD Phone: 800 877-8399
Fax: 202 693-1340
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1215-AB52
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                           Proposed Rule Stage


Employment Standards Administration (ESA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2049. 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                            12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State

URL For Public Comments:
http://www.regulations.gov

Agency Contact: Alfred B. Robinson, Deputy 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

[[Page 64903]]

_______________________________________________________________________




2050. FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT OF 1993; CONFORM TO THE SUPREME 
COURT'S RAGSDALE DECISION

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 74 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1215-AB35
_______________________________________________________________________




2051. 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: The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (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 (JVA). JVA amended VEVRAA in four ways. 
First, JVA raised contract coverage from $25,000 to $100,000. Second, 
JVA 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, JVA changed 
the definition of ``recently separated veteran'' to include ``any 
veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such 
veteran's discharge or release from active duty.'' Fourth, JVA 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 
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                            12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: James C. Pierce, Acting Deputy Director, Div. of 
Policy, Planning & Program Development, OFCCP, Department of Labor, 
Employment Standards Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room 
N3422, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-0102
TDD Phone: 202 693-1337
Fax: 202 693-1304
Email: [email protected]

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




2052. LABOR ORGANIZATION OFFICER AND EMPLOYEE REPORTS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 432, 438

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 404.3

Legal Deadline: None

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                            08/29/05                    70 FR 51166
NPRM Comment Period End         10/28/05
Final Action                    05/00/06

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, Director, Office of Policy, Reports and 
Disclosure, 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
TDD Phone: 800 877-8399
Fax: 202 693-1340
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1215-AB49
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                              Final Rule Stage


Employment Standards Administration (ESA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2053. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION AND NONDISCRIMINATION OBLIGATIONS OF 
CONTRACTORS AND SUBCONTRACTORS FOR SPECIAL DISABLED VETERANS AND 
VETERANS OF THE VIETNAM ERA

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 4211; 38 USC 4212; 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 (VEVRAA), as amended. 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 and the Veterans 
Benefits and Health Care Improvement Act of 2000. Secondly, 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, 5 U.S.C. 553, 
because the revisions in the rule are either nondiscretionary 
ministerial actions that merely

[[Page 64904]]

incorporate, without change, statutory amendments into the preexisting 
regulations or are rules of agency procedures or practice.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Rule                      10/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: James C. Pierce, Acting Deputy Director, Div. of 
Policy, Planning & Program Development, OFCCP, Department of Labor, 
Employment Standards Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room 
N3422, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-0102
TDD Phone: 202 693-1337
Fax: 202 693-1304
Email: [email protected]

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




2054. 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
Final Action                    12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Organizations

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kay H. Oshel, Director, Office of Policy, Reports and 
Disclosure, 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
TDD Phone: 800 877-8399
Fax: 202 693-1340
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1215-AB48
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                             Long-Term Actions


Employment Standards Administration (ESA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2055. 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

[[Page 64905]]

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.
On December 8, 2004, Congress enacted the H-1B Visa Reform Act of 2004 
as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2005 (Pub. L. 108-
447, 188 Stat. 2809, Division J, Title IV, Subtitle B (Dec. 8, 2004)), 
which reinstated (effective March 8, 2005) certain attestation 
requirements for H-1B dependent employers and employers found to have 
committed willful violations or misrepresentations of material facts 
during the five-year period prior to filing the H-1B Labor Condition 
Application.

Agency Contact: Alfred B. Robinson, Deputy 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
_______________________________________________________________________




2056. 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 sought comments from the public 
as to whether and how to revise the 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
Other/Comment Period Extended   12/03/04                    69 FR 70288
Other/Comment Period End        01/03/05


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

Agency Contact: Kay H. Oshel, Director, Office of Policy, Reports and 
Disclosure, 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
TDD Phone: 800 877-8399
Fax: 202 693-1340
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1215-AB50
_______________________________________________________________________




2057. CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION UNDER THE ENERGY EMPLOYEES OCCUPATIONAL 
ILLNESS COMPENSATION PROGRAM ACT OF 2000, AS AMENDED

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

Legal Authority: 42 USC 7384d(a); 42 USC 7385s-10(e); EO 13179

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 1; 20 CFR 30

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The regulations govern how the Office of Workers' 
Compensation Programs (OWCP) administers the Energy Employees 
Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000, as amended 
(EEOICPA), 42 U.S.C. 7384 et seq. Since July 31, 2001, OWCP has 
administered the provisions of Part B of the EEOICPA that were not 
assigned to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to the 
Secretary of Energy, or to the Attorney General by EO 13179. Part B of 
the EEOICPA provides for the payment of lump-sum compensation and 
medical benefits to Department of Energy employees and certain of its 
contractors and subcontractors (or their survivors) who sustained an 
occupational illness due to exposure to radiation, beryllium or silica. 
Part B also provides for medical benefits and a supplemental lump-sum 
payment to awardees under section 5 of the Radiation Exposure 
Compensation Act (RECA), 42 U.S.C. 2210 (note).
On October 28, 2004, the President signed legislation repealing former 
Part D of the EEOICPA that had been administered by the Secretary of 
Energy and creating a new Part E, which provides for the payment of 
additional monetary compensation (based on permanent impairment and/or 
wage loss) and medical benefits for DOE contractor employees (or their 
survivors) and uranium miners, millers and ore transporters covered by 
section 5 of the RECA (or their survivors) who sustained a covered 
illness due to exposure to a toxic substance while working at a DOE 
facility, or a uranium mine or mill covered under section 5 of RECA. 
Responsibility for administration of Part E of the EEOICPA was assigned 
to the Secretary of Labor.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              06/08/05                    70 FR 33590
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      08/08/05
Interim Final Rule Effective    06/08/05
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Peter Turcic, Director, Division of Energy Employees 
Occupational Illness Compensation, OWCP, Department of Labor, 
Employment Standards Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP 
Building, Room C-3321, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-0081
Fax: 202 693-1465
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1215-AB51

[[Page 64906]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                             Completed Actions


Employment Standards Administration (ESA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2058. GOVERNMENT CONTRACTORS: NONDISCRIMINATION AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION 
OBLIGATIONS, EXECUTIVE ORDER 11246 (ESA/OFCCP) (REVISED)

Priority: Other Significant

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

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/12/00                    65 FR 60815
NPRM Comment Period End         12/11/00
Final Action                    06/22/05                    70 FR 36262
Final Action Effective          07/22/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: James C. Pierce, Acting Deputy Director, Div. of 
Policy, Planning & Program Development, OFCCP, Department of Labor, 
Employment Standards Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room 
N3422, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-0102
TDD Phone: 202 693-1337
Fax: 202 693-1304
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1215-AB28
_______________________________________________________________________




2059. REQUIREMENTS FOR SECURITY OF INSURANCE OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE 
LONGSHORE AND HARBOR WORKERS' COMPENSATION ACT

Priority: Other Significant

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                    07/26/05                    70 FR 43224
Final Action Effective          08/25/05

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, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room C-4315, FP 
Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-0038
Fax: 202 693-1380

RIN: 1215-AB38
_______________________________________________________________________




2060. 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

[[Page 64907]]

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                    10/07/05                    70 FR 58946
Final Action Effective          02/06/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: James C. Pierce, Acting Deputy Director, Div. of 
Policy, Planning & Program Development, OFCCP, Department of Labor, 
Employment Standards Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room 
N3422, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-0102
TDD Phone: 202 693-1337
Fax: 202 693-1304
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1215-AB45
_______________________________________________________________________




2061. SERVICE CONTRACT ACT WAGE DETERMINATION ONLINE REQUEST PROCESS

Priority: Other Significant

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                            12/16/04                    69 FR 75408
NPRM Comment Period End         01/18/05
Final Action                    08/26/05                    70 FR 50888
Final Action Effective          09/26/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

URL For Public Comments:
www.regulations.gov

Agency Contact: Alfred B. Robinson, Deputy 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
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                           Proposed Rule Stage


Employment and Training Administration (ETA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2062. 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. 75 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1205-AB32
_______________________________________________________________________




2063. 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. 76 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1205-AB40
_______________________________________________________________________




2064. LABOR CERTIFICATION FOR THE PERMANENT EMPLOYMENT OF ALIENS IN THE 
UNITED STATES; REDUCING THE INCENTIVES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR FRAUD AND 
ABUSE AND ENHANCING PROGRAM INTEGRITY

Priority: Other Significant

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

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 656

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Labor and the Department of Homeland 
Security are simultaneously proposing changes to reduce the incentives 
and opportunities for fraud and abuse related to the permanent 
employment of aliens in the United States. Among other key changes, the 
Department is

[[Page 64908]]

proposing to eliminate the current practice of allowing the 
substitution of alien beneficiaries on applications and approved labor 
certifications. DOL is proposing to further reduce the likelihood of 
the submission of fraudulent applications for the permanent employment 
of aliens in the United States by proposing a 45-day deadline for 
employers to file approved permanent labor certifications in support of 
a petition with the Department of Homeland Security. The proposed rule 
expressly prohibits the sale, barter, or purchase of permanent labor 
certifications or applications, as well as related payments. DOL will 
also propose enforcement mechanisms to protect program integrity, 
including debarment with appeal rights. These proposed amendments would 
apply to employers using both the Application for Alien Employment 
Certification (Form ETA 750) or the Application for Permanent 
Employment Certification (Form ETA 9089).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Leticia Sierra, Acting 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-AB42
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                              Final Rule Stage


Employment and Training Administration (ETA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2065. 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                    02/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State

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

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

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

RIN: 1205-AB18
_______________________________________________________________________




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

Priority: Other Significant

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

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 655, subparts L and M

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

Abstract: The Nursing Relief for Disadvantaged Areas Act of 1999 (P.L. 
106-95; November 12, 1999) amended the Immigration and Nationality Act 
to create a new temporary visa program for nonimmigrant aliens to work 
as registered nurses for up to three years in facilities serving health 
professional shortage areas, subject to certain conditions.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              08/22/00                    65 FR 51137
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      09/21/00
Interim Final Rule Effective    09/21/00
Final Action                    09/00/06

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, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Room 
S3510, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-0745

RIN: 1205-AB27
_______________________________________________________________________




2067. 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 use H-2B workers,

[[Page 64909]]

except for applications filed for employment in Guam or in logging, 
will file directly with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) 
instead of first filing an application for labor certification with the 
Department of Labor (DOL), as required under the current regulation. 
Under the regulations simultaneously proposed by DOL and 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 identified in the DOL regulation. DHS 
will administer the petition adjudication process. After adjudication, 
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                            01/27/05                     70 FR 3993
NPRM Comment Period End         02/28/05
NPRM Comment Period Reopened    03/09/05                    70 FR 11592
NPRM Comment Period Extended to 
April 8, 2005                   03/09/05
Final Action                    07/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Leticia Sierra, Acting 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
_______________________________________________________________________




2068. 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: To reduce an existing backlog in pending applications for 
permanent employment certification, the amendment allowed the National 
Certifying Officer to transfer to a centralized ETA processing 
center(s) applications that were awaiting processing by State Workforce 
Agencies (SWA's) or ETA Regional Offices. The interim final rule sought 
comments on the backlog reduction measures, and took effect 30 days 
after publication.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              07/21/04                    69 FR 43716
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      08/20/04
Interim Final Rule Effective    08/20/04
Final Action                    10/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Leticia Sierra, Acting 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
_______________________________________________________________________




2069. 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 FOR CHILE AND SINGAPORE

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

Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101(a)(15)(H)(:)(b1) and 1184 (g)(8)(A); PL 
108-77 sec 402; PL 108-78 sec 402

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 656

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Labor has amended 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, DOL's 
responsibilities regarding H-1B1 visas are to be implemented in a 
manner similar to the existing H-1B program for temporary employment in 
specialty occupations and as fashion models. Under the regulatory 
procedures established by this Interim Final Rule, 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              11/23/04                    69 FR 68222
Interim Final Rule Effective    11/23/04
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      01/24/05
Final Rule                      02/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

[[Page 64910]]

Agency Contact: Leticia Sierra, Acting 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
_______________________________________________________________________




2070. 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) and 1182(t)

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 655.720; 20 CFR 655.730

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Currently, Department of Labor Regulations (hereinafter 
Department or DOL) allow employers to file labor condition applications 
(LCA) for the H-1B and H-1B1 programs electronically, by facsimile 
transmission (FAX), and by mail. The Department seeks comments on a 
proposal that will require employers to file LCAs electronically, 
except 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 changes in address for the 
submission of LCAs by mail. The Department believes the e-filing 
process will ensure expeditious processing of H-1B and H-1B1 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 and H-1B1 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 and H-1B1 employers 
or alien beneficiaries.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/01/05                    70 FR 16774
NPRM Comment Period End         05/02/05
Final Action                    12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Leticia Sierra, Acting 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-AB39
_______________________________________________________________________




2071. FEDERAL-STATE UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION PROGRAM; ELIGIBILITY

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 503(a)(5); 26 USC 3304(a)(4)

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 604 (New)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Federal Unemployment Compensation (UC) law is inherently 
based on wage insurance principles. The regulation would interpret and 
apply these principles, thereby establishing minimum standards that 
states will be required to meet if their employers are to continue to 
receive credit against the Federal unemployment tax and if the state is 
to continue to receive UC administrative grants.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/22/05                    70 FR 42474
NPRM Comment Period End         09/20/05
Final Action                    06/00/06

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.

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

RIN: 1205-AB41
_______________________________________________________________________




2072. [bull] LABOR CONDITIONS APPLICATIONS FOR E-3 VISAS IN SPECIALTY 
OCCUPATIONS FOR AUSTRALIAN NON-IMMIGRANTS

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

Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined

CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense, 
the Global War on Terror, and Tsunami Relief, 2005, P.L. 109-13, 119 
Stat. 231 was signed into law May 11, 2005. The Act adds a new treaty 
visa classification for Australian nonimmigrants coming to the U.S. 
solely to perform services in a specialty occupation. The Department 
proposes to amend the current H-1B regulation to incorporate references 
and provisions for the new E-3 program.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    02/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Leticia Sierra, Acting 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-AB43

[[Page 64911]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                             Completed Actions


Employment and Training Administration (ETA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2073. 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 were 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 operated 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 expired on September 30, 2004, we have decided not to finalize 
the interim final rule. Instead, we removed 20 CFR part 646.

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
Final Rule                      07/14/05                    70 FR 40869
Final Rule Effective            07/14/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Tribal

Agency Contact: Athena Brown, Department of Labor, Employment and 
Training Administration, Room N4641, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP 
Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-3841
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1205-AB16
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                                 Prerule Stage


Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2074. 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                             11/00/05
End Review                      11/00/05

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
_______________________________________________________________________




2075. [bull] INDEPENDENCE OF ACCOUNTANT

Priority: Other Significant

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 29 USC 1023(a)(3)(A); 29 USC 1135

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2509

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: EBSA is conducting a review of the guidelines applicable to 
determining when a qualified public accountant is independent for 
purposes of auditing and rendering an opinion on the financial 
information required to be included in the annual report of an employee 
benefit plan for purposes of section 103(a)(3)(A) of ERISA. The current 
guidelines, set forth as an Interpretive Bulletin at 29 CFR section 
2509.75-9, were adopted in 1975. Given the changes that have taken 
place with respect to employee benefit plans and auditing practices and 
standards, as well as changes in the industry, since the issuance of 
those guidelines, EBSA is preparing a Request for Information that will 
invite interested persons to submit written comments and suggestions 
concerning whether and to what extent the current guidelines should be 
modified.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Request for Information         05/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John J. Canary, Suoervisory 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-AB09

[[Page 64912]]

_______________________________________________________________________




2076. [bull] PLAN ASSETS - PARTICIPANT CONTRIBUTIONS REGULATION (610 
REVIEW) (SECTION 610 REVIEW)

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

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 29 USC 1135

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2510.3-102

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: EBSA is conducting a review of the plan assets - participant 
contributions regulation in accordance with the requirements of section 
610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. The review will cover the 
continued need for the rule; the nature of complaints or comments 
received from the public concerning the rule; the complexity of the 
rule; the extent to which the rule overlaps duplicates or conflicts 
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 chanted in industries affected by the rule.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Begin Review                    12/00/05
End Review                      12/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Rudolph F. Nuissl, 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-AB11
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                           Proposed Rule Stage


Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2077. 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:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/06

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-AB01
_______________________________________________________________________




2078. AMENDMENT OF REGULATION RELATING TO DEFINITION OF PLAN ASSETS--
PARTICIPANT CONTRIBUTIONS

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

RIN: 1210-AB02
_______________________________________________________________________




2079. ELECTRONIC FILING OF ANNUAL REPORTS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 1135; 29 USC 1024(a)

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2520.104a-2

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the regulations under sec. 104(a) 
of ERISA setting forth the annual reporting requirements for employee 
benefit plans to require that such reports be filed electronically.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/30/05                    70 FR 51542
NPRM Comment Period End         10/03/05
Final Action                    06/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations

Government Levels Affected: None

Public Compliance Cost: Initial Cost: $23,000,000; Yearly Recurring 
Cost: $10,000,000; Base Year for Dollar Estimates: 2007

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
Fax: 202 219-7291

RIN: 1210-AB04
_______________________________________________________________________




2080. REVISION OF THE FORM 5500 SERIES AND IMPLEMENTING REGULATIONS

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

Legal Authority: 29 USC 1135; 29 USC 1021, 1023, 1024

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2520

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rulemaking would amend and update the regulatory and

[[Page 64913]]

related requirements for annual reporting by employer benefit plans in 
conjunction with EBSA's proposal to amend the regulations under section 
104 to require that such reports be filed electronically.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: June Solonsky, Pension Law Specialist, Department of 
Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, 200 Constitution 
Avenue NW., FP Building, Room N-5669, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-8500
Fax: 202 219-7291

RIN: 1210-AB06
_______________________________________________________________________




2081. AMENDMENT OF SECTION 404(C) REGULATION--DISCLOSURE

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

Legal Authority: 29 USC 1104(c); 29 USC 1135

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2550

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the regulations governing ERISA 
section 404(c) plans (29 CFR section 2550.404c-1) to ensure that the 
participants and beneficiaries in such plans are provided the 
information they need, including information about fees and expenses, 
to make informed investment decisions. The section 404(c) regulation 
sets forth the conditions under which participants and beneficiaries 
are considered to be exercising control over the assets in their 
account, thereby relieving plan fiduciaries from liability for the 
results of the investment decisions of the participant or beneficiary. 
The regulation conditions relief on participants and beneficiaries 
being furnished or having access to certain information about their 
plan and the investment options offered thereunder. This amendment is 
needed to clarify and improve the information currently required to be 
furnished to participants and beneficiaries.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 1210-AB07
_______________________________________________________________________




2082. AMENDMENT OF STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO GENERAL STATUTORY EXEMPTION 
FOR SERVICES

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

Legal Authority: 29 USC 1108(b)(2); 29 USC 1135

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2550

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the regulation setting forth the 
standards applicable to the exemption under ERISA section 408(b)(2) for 
contracting or making a reasonable arrangements with a party in 
interest for office spaces for services (29 CFR section 2550.408b-2). 
This amendment will ensure that plan fiduciaries are provided or have 
access to that information necessary to a determination whether an 
arrangement for services is ``reasonable'' within the meaning of the 
statutory exemption, as well as the prudence requirements of ERISA 
section 404(a)(1)(B). This regulation is needed to eliminate the 
current uncertainty as to what information relating to services and 
fees plan fiduciaries must obtain and service providers must furnish 
for purposes of determining whether a contract for services to be 
rendered to a plan is reasonable.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 1210-AB08
_______________________________________________________________________




2083. [bull] AMENDMENT OF SECTION 404(C) REGULATION DEFAULT INVESTMENTS

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

RIN: 1210-AB10
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                              Final Rule Stage


Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2084. 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. 79 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1210-AA54
_______________________________________________________________________




2085. 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

[[Page 64914]]

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                    06/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Amy Turner, Senior 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
_______________________________________________________________________




2086. PROHIBITING DISCRIMINATION AGAINST PARTICIPANTS AND BENEFICIARIES 
BASED ON HEALTH STATUS

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

RIN: 1210-AA77
_______________________________________________________________________




2087. RULEMAKING RELATING TO TERMINATION OF ABANDONED INDIVIDUAL ACCOUNT 
PLANS

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

RIN: 1210-AA97
_______________________________________________________________________




2088. ANNUAL FUNDING NOTICE FOR MULTIEMPLOYER PLANS

Priority: Other Significant

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                            02/04/05                     70 FR 6306
NPRM Comment Period End         03/07/05
Final Action                    11/00/05

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
_______________________________________________________________________




2089. 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

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    01/00/06

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., Room N5669, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-8512
Fax: 202 219-7291

RIN: 1210-AB03
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                             Long-Term Actions


Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2090. 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.

[[Page 64915]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/17/88                    53 FR 17632
NPRM Comment Period End         07/17/88


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Morton Klevan, Department of Labor, Employee Benefits 
Security Administration, N5669, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP 
Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-8500

RIN: 1210-AA15
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                             Completed Actions


Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2091. RULEMAKING RELATING TO THE WOMEN'S HEALTH AND CANCER RIGHTS ACT OF 
1998

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 1135; 29 USC 1185; 29 USC 1191c

CFR Citation: None

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. This regulatory action is being 
withdrawn pending further interagency review.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Request for Information (RFI)   05/28/99                    64 FR 29186
Request for Information Comment 
Period End                      06/28/99
Withdrawn                       07/15/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 1210-AA75
_______________________________________________________________________




2092. STATUTORY EXEMPTION FOR LOANS TO PLAN PARTICIPANTS (COMPLETION OF 
A SECTION 610 REVIEW)

Priority: Other Significant

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

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2550.408 b-1

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: EBSA has determined that the participant loan regulations 
under section 408(b)(1) of ERISA (29 CFR Part 2550) do not have a 
significant economic impact upon a substantial number of small entities 
within the meaning of section 610(a) of the Regulatory Flexibility Act 
(RFA). Accordingly, a substantive review thereof is not required by 
section 610(b) of the RFA.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Begin Review                    12/01/03
End Review                      05/27/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 1210-AA99
_______________________________________________________________________




2093. CLAIMS PROCEDURES FOR MEDICARE INTEGRATED PLANS

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

Legal Authority: 29 USC 1133; ERISA 503; 29 USC 1135; ERISA 505

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2560.503-2

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This regulation would establish an alternative method of 
complying with the requirements of 29 CFR 2560.503-1 with respect to 
claims for benefits under group health plans that are integrated with 
Medicare programs, such as plans providing supplemental health benefits 
to enrollees in Medicare Advantage plan. This regulatory action is 
being withdrawn pending further agency review.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       08/11/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Jeffrey Turner, Senior Pension Law Specialist, Office 
of Regulations & Interpretations, Department of Labor, Employee 
Benefits Security Administration, Room N5669, 200 Constitution Avenue 
NW., FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-8500
Fax: 202 219-7219
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1210-AB05

[[Page 64916]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                                 Prerule Stage


Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2094. [bull] USE OF OR IMPAIRMENT FROM ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS ON MINE 
PROPERTY

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined

CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: MSHA is considering rulemaking to address the risks and 
hazards to miner safety and health from the use of or impairment from 
alcohol and drugs on mine property and is soliciting information from 
the public to help determine how to proceed.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           10/04/05                    70 FR 57808
ANPRM Comment Period End        11/27/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions

Government Levels Affected: Local

Agency Contact: Rebecca J. Smith, Acting Director, Office of Standards, 
Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, 1100 Wilson 
Boulevard, Rm 2350, Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: 202 693-9440
Fax: 202 693-9441
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1219-AB41
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                           Proposed Rule Stage


Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2095. 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
Second NPRM                     12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Rebecca J. Smith, Acting Director, Office of Standards, 
Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, 1100 Wilson 
Boulevard, Rm 2350, Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: 202 693-9440
Fax: 202 693-9441
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1219-AB34
_______________________________________________________________________




2096. REVISING ELECTRICAL PRODUCT APPROVAL REGULATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 30 USC 957

CFR Citation: 30 CFR 7, 17, 18, 22, 23, and 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                            01/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Rebecca J. Smith, Acting Director, Office of Standards, 
Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, 1100 Wilson 
Boulevard, Rm 2350, Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: 202 693-9440
Fax: 202 693-9441
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1219-AB37
_______________________________________________________________________




2097. PART 5--FEES FOR TESTING, EVALUATION, AND APPROVAL OF MINING 
PRODUCTS

Priority: Other Significant

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

[[Page 64917]]

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

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/09/05                    70 FR 46345
Direct Final Rule               08/09/05                    70 FR 46336
NPRM Comment Period End         10/11/05
Direct Final Rule Effective     11/07/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Rebecca J. Smith, Acting Director, Office of Standards, 
Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, 1100 Wilson 
Boulevard, Rm 2350, Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: 202 693-9440
Fax: 202 693-9441
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1219-AB38
_______________________________________________________________________




2098. [bull] FIELD MODIFICATIONS OF PERMISSIBLE MOBILE DIESEL-POWERED 
EQUIPMENT

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 30 USC 957; 30 USC 961

CFR Citation: 30 CFR 36

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We are considering adding field modification requirements to 
part 36 - approval requirements for permissible mobile diesel-powered 
transportation equipment. The implementation of diesel regulations in 
30 CFR parts 7, 36, 57, 72 and 75 has resulted in an increase in 
requests from owners of approved equipment, typically mine operators, 
to use modified permissible diesel-powered equipment, including mobile 
diesel-powered transportation equipment. These modifications allow 
permissible equipment to be modified for mine-specific use or to comply 
with existing diesel standards.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Rebecca J. Smith, Acting Director, Office of Standards, 
Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, 1100 Wilson 
Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209-3939
Phone: 202 693-9440
Fax: 202-693-9441
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1219-AB39
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                              Final Rule Stage


Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2099. 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. We published a 
proposed rule addressing the use of low-and medium voltage three-phase 
circuits in underground coal mines. The rule would allow the use of 
low-and medium-voltage diesel-powered electrical generators as an 
alternative means of powering electrical equipment.

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
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

[[Page 64918]]

Notice of Public Hearing - 
Diesel Generators               08/23/04                    69 FR 51784
NPRM Comment Period End         12/10/04
Final Action                    11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Rebecca J. Smith, Acting Director, Office of Standards, 
Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, 1100 Wilson 
Boulevard, Rm 2350, Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: 202 693-9440
Fax: 202 693-9441
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1219-AA98
_______________________________________________________________________




2100. ASBESTOS EXPOSURE LIMIT

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

RIN: 1219-AB24
_______________________________________________________________________




2101. DIESEL PARTICULATE MATTER EXPOSURE OF UNDERGROUND METAL AND 
NONMETAL MINERS

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

RIN: 1219-AB29
_______________________________________________________________________




2102. TRAINING STANDARDS FOR SHAFT AND SLOPE CONSTRUCTION WORKERS AT 
UNDERGROUND MINES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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 48.28

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
Public Hearing                  08/24/04
Public Hearing                  08/26/04
Comment Period End              09/14/04
Final Action                    11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Rebecca J. Smith, Acting Director, Office of Standards, 
Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, 1100 Wilson 
Boulevard, Rm 2350, Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: 202 693-9440
Fax: 202 693-9441
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1219-AB35
_______________________________________________________________________




2103. [bull] FIRE EXTINGUISHERS AT TEMPORARY ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 30 USC 811

CFR Citation: 30 CFR 75.1100-2

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The fire protection requirement in 30 CFR 75.1100-2(a)(2) and 
(e)(2) requires rock dust and water at the underground workings at 
anthracite mines, and a fire extinguisher and rock dust at temporary 
electrical installations. MSHA has granted 101(c) petitions for 
modification allowing operators to use only fire extinguishers in lieu 
of rock dust and water. This direct final rule would eliminate the need 
to file petitions to use this alternative method of compliance.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Direct Final Rule               12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Rebecca J. Smith, Acting Director, Office of Standards, 
Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, 1100 Wilson 
Boulevard, Rm 2350, Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: 202 693-9440
Fax: 202 693-9441
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1219-AB40
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                             Long-Term Actions


Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2104. 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

[[Page 64919]]

or environmental controls were exhausted.
Public hearings were held in May 2003, and the comment period, 
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: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

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

Agency Contact: Rebecca J. Smith, Acting Director, Office of Standards, 
Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, 1100 Wilson 
Boulevard, Rm 2350, Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: 202 693-9440
Fax: 202 693-9441
Email: [email protected]

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




2105. 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 F.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 comment period, originally scheduled to 
close on June 4, 2003, was extended until July 3, 2003. However, on 
June 24, 2003, MSHA announced that all work on the final rule would 
cease. On August 12, 2003, the Agencies reopened the rulemaking record 
and extended the comment period indefinitely. MSHA will be 
collaborating with NIOSH, miners' representatives, industry and the 
manufacturer in the in-mine testing of production prototype Personal 
Dust Monitors (PDMs) units. The results of the collaborative effort 
will guide the Agency in determining the functionality of these real-
time dust monitoring devices and need for revisions to the coal 
respirable dust monitoring requirements.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/07/00                    65 FR 42068
Notice of Hearings; Close of 
Record                          07/07/00                    65 FR 42185
Extension of Comment Period     08/11/00                    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: Undetermined

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: Rebecca J. Smith, Acting Director, Office of Standards, 
Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, 1100 Wilson 
Boulevard, Rm 2350, Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: 202 693-9440
Fax: 202 693-9441
Email: [email protected]

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




2106. RESPIRABLE CRYSTALLINE SILICA STANDARD

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 30 USC 811; 30 USC 813

CFR Citation: 30 CFR 56; 30 CFR 57; 30 CFR 58; 30 CFR 70; 30 CFR 71; 30 
CFR 72; 30 CFR 90

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

[[Page 64920]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Request for Information          To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Rebecca J. Smith, Acting Director, Office of Standards, 
Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, 1100 Wilson 
Boulevard, Rm 2350, Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: 202 693-9440
Fax: 202 693-9441
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1219-AB36
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                             Long-Term Actions


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



_______________________________________________________________________




2107. 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
_______________________________________________________________________




2108. 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 Information 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., Room S-1513(B) FP Building, 
Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-7283
Fax: 202 693-7290
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1291-AA30

[[Page 64921]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                                 Prerule Stage


Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2109. OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO CRYSTALLINE SILICA

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

RIN: 1218-AB70
_______________________________________________________________________




2110. 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.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Request for Information         11/26/02                    67 FR 70707
Complete SBREFA Report          02/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dorothy Dougherty, Acting Director, Directorate of 
Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and 
Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Room 
3718, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1950
Fax: 202 693-1678
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1218-AB76
_______________________________________________________________________




2111. 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 in July 2004 submitted a recommended revision of the crane 
standard to the Assistant Secretary of OSHA. OSHA is currently 
conducting an economic analysis of the draft rule. At the time this 
Semi-Annual Regulatory Agenda went to press, a determination had not 
yet been made as to whether a SBREFA Panel will be needed. Should the 
SBREFA process not be needed, as determined by a regulatory flexibility 
screening analysis, and not used, a proposed rule would be the next 
step. If a SBREFA panel is convened, the next step will be to issue a 
SBREFA Panel Report.

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
SBREFA Panel Report             02/00/06

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

RIN: 1218-AC01
_______________________________________________________________________




2112. EXCAVATIONS (SECTION 610 REVIEW)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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.

[[Page 64922]]

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                      04/00/06

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
_______________________________________________________________________




2113. IONIZING RADIATION

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 1910.1096 that addresses 
exposure to ionizing radiation. The OSHA regulations were published in 
1974, with only minor revisions since that time. The Department of 
Energy and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission both have more extensive 
radiation standards that reflect new technological and safety advances. 
In addition, radiation is now used for a broader variety of purposes, 
including health care, food safety, mail processing, and baggage 
screening. OSHA is in the process of reviewing information about the 
issue, and will determine the appropriate course of action regarding 
this standard when the review is completed. A request for information 
was published on May 3, 2005. Subsequently, the National Academy of 
Science released the latest version of a significant report on the 
biological effects of ionizing radiation. OSHA has extended the comment 
period on the request for information to ensure commenters have the 
opportunity to consider this new report.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Request for Information (RFI)   05/03/05                    70 FR 22828
Request for Information Comment 
Period End                      08/01/05                    70 FR 22828
Request for Information Comment 
Period Extended                 11/28/05                    70 FR 44074

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Dorothy Dougherty, Acting Director, Directorate of 
Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and 
Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Room 
3718, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1950
Fax: 202 693-1678
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1218-AC11
_______________________________________________________________________




2114. 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 responders. 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         12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Dorothy Dougherty, Acting Director, Directorate of 
Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and 
Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Room 
3718, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1950
Fax: 202 693-1678
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1218-AC17
_______________________________________________________________________




2115. LEAD IN CONSTRUCTION (SECTION 610 REVIEW)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 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                    06/06/05                    70 FR 32739
End Review Comment Period 
Extended 11/00/2005             09/06/05                    70 FR 32739
End Review                      09/00/06

[[Page 64923]]

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
_______________________________________________________________________




2116. STANDARDS IMPROVEMENT

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b)

CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: OSHA is continuing its efforts to remove or revise 
duplicative, unnecessary, and inconsistent safety and health standards. 
This effort builds upon the success of the Standards Improvement 
Project (SIPS) Phase I published on June 18, 1998 (63 FR 33450) and 
Phase II published on January 5, 2005 (70 FR 1111). The Agency believes 
that such changes can reduce compliance costs and reduce the paperwork 
burden associated with a number of its standards. The Agency will only 
consider such changes if they do not diminish employee protections. To 
initiate the project, OSHA will be publishing an advance notice of 
proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) to solicit input from the public on rules 
that may be addressed in Phase III of SIPS. The Agency plans to include 
both safety and health topics in Phase III.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Dorothy Dougherty, Acting Director, Directorate of 
Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and 
Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Room 
3718, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1950
Fax: 202 693-1678
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1218-AC19
_______________________________________________________________________




2117. HAZARD COMMUNICATION

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

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

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910.1200; 29 CFR 1915.1200; 29 CFR 1917.28; 29 
CFR 1918.90; 29 CFR 1926.59; 29 CFR 1928.21

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) requires chemical 
manufacturers and importers to evaluate the hazards of the chemicals 
they produce or import, and prepare labels and material safety data 
sheets to convey the hazards and associated protective measures to 
users of the chemicals. All employers with hazardous chemicals in their 
workplaces are required to have a hazard communication program, 
including labels on containers, material safety data sheets, and 
training for employees. Within the United States (US), there are other 
Federal agencies that also have requirements for classification and 
labeling of chemicals at different stages of the life cycle. 
Internationally, there are a number of countries that have developed 
similar laws that require information about chemicals to be prepared 
and transmitted to affected parties. These laws vary with regard to the 
scope of substances covered, definitions of hazards, the specificity of 
requirements (e.g., specification of a format for MSDSs), and the use 
of symbols and pictograms. The inconsistencies between the various laws 
are substantial enough that different labels and safety data sheets 
must often be used for the same product when it is marketed in 
different nations.
The diverse and sometimes conflicting national and international 
requirements can create confusion among those who seek to use hazard 
information. Labels and safety data sheets may include symbols and 
hazard statements that are unfamiliar to readers or not well 
understood. Containers may be labeled with such a large volume of 
information that important statements are not easily recognized. 
Development of multiple sets of labels and safety data sheets is a 
major compliance burden for chemical manufacturers, distributors, and 
transporters involved in international trade. Small businesses may have 
particular difficulty in coping with the complexities and costs 
involved.
As a result of this situation, and in recognition of the extensive 
international trade in chemicals, there has been a longstanding effort 
to harmonize these requirements and develop a system that can be used 
around the world. In 2003, the United Nations adopted the Globally 
Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). 
Countries are now considering adoption of the GHS into their national 
regulatory systems. There is an international goal to have as many 
countries as possible implement the GHS by 2008. OSHA is considering 
modifying its HCS to make it consistent with the GHS. This would 
involve changing the criteria for classifying health and physical 
hazards, adopting standardized labeling requirements, and requiring a 
standardized order of information for safety data sheets.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dorothy Dougherty, Acting Director, Directorate of 
Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and 
Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Room 
3718, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1950
Fax: 202 693-1678
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1218-AC20
_______________________________________________________________________




2118. [bull] NOTICE ON SUPPLIER'S DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY (SDOC)

Priority: Info./Admin./Other. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b)

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: OSHA requests information and comments on a specific proposal 
submitted to OSHA to permit the use of a Supplier's Declaration of 
Conformity (SDoC) as part of, or as an

[[Page 64924]]

alternative to, the Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTLs) 
product approval process. NTRLs are third-party (i.e., independent) 
organizations, and many of OSHA's workplace standards require that 
certain types of equipment be approved (i.e., tested and certified) by 
an NRTL. Under SDoC, manufacturers self-approve their products.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Request for Information         10/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Ruth McCully, Director, Directorate of Science, 
Technology, and Medicine, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and 
Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room N3653, FP 
Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-2300
Fax: 202 693-1644
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1218-AC21
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                           Proposed Rule Stage


Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2119. CONFINED SPACES IN CONSTRUCTION (PART 1926): PREVENTING 
SUFFOCATION/ EXPLOSIONS IN CONFINED SPACES

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 1926.36

Legal Deadline: None

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

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

SBREFA Panel Report             11/24/03
NPRM                            03/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

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

RIN: 1218-AB47
_______________________________________________________________________




2120. 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                            01/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dorothy Dougherty, Acting Director, Directorate of 
Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and 
Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Room 
3718, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1950
Fax: 202 693-1678
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1218-AB50
_______________________________________________________________________




2121. ELECTRIC POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION; ELECTRICAL 
PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

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 has developed 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 also

[[Page 64925]]

addresses fall protection in aerial lifts for power generation, 
transmission and distribution work. OSHA published a NPRM on June 15, 
2005. A public hearing is scheduled to begin on March 6, 2006.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

SBREFA Report                   06/30/03
NPRM                            06/15/05                    70 FR 34821
NPRM Comment Period End         10/13/05
Comment Period Extended to 01/
11/2006                         10/12/05                    70 FR 59290
Public Hearing to be held 03/06/
2006                            10/12/05                    70 FR 59290

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Dorothy Dougherty, Acting Director, Directorate of 
Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and 
Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Room 
3718, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1950
Fax: 202 693-1678
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1218-AB67
_______________________________________________________________________




2122. EXPLOSIVES

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b)

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910.109

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: OSHA is 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. 
Initially, OSHA planned to revise the pyrotechnics requirements 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.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Dorothy Dougherty, Acting Director, Directorate of 
Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and 
Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Room 
3718, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1950
Fax: 202 693-1678
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1218-AC09
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                              Final Rule Stage


Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2123. ASSIGNED PROTECTION FACTORS: AMENDMENTS TO THE FINAL RULE ON 
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION

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

RIN: 1218-AA05
_______________________________________________________________________




2124. 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 was open through 11/30/04. Subsequently, new 
information was submitted to the docket. The Administrative Law Judge 
gave hearing participants 45 days to review this information and 
comment on it. Comments were due June 27, 2005.

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                    04/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dorothy Dougherty, Acting Director, Directorate of 
Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and 
Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Room 
3718, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1950
Fax: 202 693-1678
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1218-AA56

[[Page 64926]]

_______________________________________________________________________




2125. OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO HEXAVALENT CHROMIUM (PREVENTING 
OCCUPATIONAL ILLNESS: CHROMIUM)

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

RIN: 1218-AB45
_______________________________________________________________________




2126. 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                    03/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State

Agency Contact: Dorothy Dougherty, Acting Director, Directorate of 
Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and 
Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Room 
3718, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1950
Fax: 202 693-1678
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1218-AB77
_______________________________________________________________________




2127. REVISION AND UPDATE OF SUBPART S--ELECTRICAL STANDARDS

Priority: Other Significant

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 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 has 
evaluated public comment received 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                    02/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dorothy Dougherty, Acting Director, Directorate of 
Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and 
Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Room 
3718, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1950
Fax: 202 693-1678
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1218-AB95
_______________________________________________________________________




2128. 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 
more than 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 undertaking a multi-year project to update these 
standards. A notice describing the project was published in the Federal 
Register on November 24, 2004 (69 FR 68283), along with a direct final 
rule and notice of proposed rulemaking on the first set of standards to 
be addressed. The direct final rule has been withdrawn since a 
significant adverse comment was received, and a final rule based on the 
NPRM has been prepared. The next set of standards is in preparation as 
well.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Direct Final Rule               11/24/04                    69 FR 68712
Direct Final Rule Effective Date02/22/05
NPRM                            11/24/04                    69 FR 68706
NPRM Comment Period End         12/27/04
Withdraw Direct Final Rule      02/18/05                     70 FR 8290
Direct Final Rule               06/00/06
NPRM                            06/00/06
Final Action                    09/13/05                    70 FR 53925
Final Action Effective          11/14/05

[[Page 64927]]

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Dorothy Dougherty, Acting Director, Directorate of 
Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and 
Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Room 
3718, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1950
Fax: 202 693-1678
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1218-AC08
_______________________________________________________________________




2129. 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.
Per Settlement Agreement (Steel Coalition, 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                      01/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Federalism:  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

RIN: 1218-AC14
_______________________________________________________________________




2130. ROLLOVER PROTECTIVE STRUCTURES; OVERHEAD PROTECTION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 29 CFR 1928 subpart C; sec 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.sec 1928.51, 192; 29 CFR 
1926 subpart W - Rollover Protective Structures; Overhead Protection: 
sec 107, Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act (Construction 
Safety Act), 40 USC 333; sec 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 
direct final rule will reinstate the original ROPS standards.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Direct Final Rule               11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Dorothy Dougherty, Acting Director, Directorate of 
Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and 
Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Room 
3718, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1950
Fax: 202 693-1678
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1218-AC15
_______________________________________________________________________




2131. 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 by reference in the OSHA 29 
CFR part 1915 subpart P fire protection standards. OSHA published a 
final rule for 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.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Direct Final Rule               12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dorothy Dougherty, Acting Director, Directorate of 
Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and 
Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Room 
3718, Washington, DC 20210

[[Page 64928]]

Phone: 202 693-1950
Fax: 202 693-1678
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1218-AC16
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                             Long-Term Actions


Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2132. 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 the rule proposed in 1990 is out-of-date and does not reflect 
current industry practice or technology. The Agency will develop a new 
proposal, modified to reflect current information, as well as re-assess 
the impact.

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
NPRM                            10/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dorothy Dougherty, Acting Director, Directorate of 
Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and 
Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Room 
3718, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1950
Fax: 202 693-1678
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1218-AB80
_______________________________________________________________________




2133. 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. Work continues on 
collecting and analyzing information to determine technological and 
economic feasibility of possible approaches.

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

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dorothy Dougherty, Acting Director, Directorate of 
Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and 
Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Room 
3718, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1950
Fax: 202 693-1678
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1218-AB89
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                             Completed Actions


Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2134. 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''

[[Page 64929]]

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                        12/16/04                    69 FR 75435
NPRM Comment Period End         01/18/05
Notice of Final Approval 
Determination                   05/12/05                    70 FR 23886
Notice of Final Approval 
Determinatin Effective Date     05/12/05                    70 FR 23886

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
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                           Proposed Rule Stage


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



_______________________________________________________________________




2135. 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                            12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert Wilson, Chief, Investigations 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
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1293-AA12
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                              Final Rule Stage


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



_______________________________________________________________________




2136. UNIFORMED SERVICES EMPLOYMENT AND REEMPLOYMENT RIGHTS ACT 
REGULATIONS

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

RIN: 1293-AA09
_______________________________________________________________________




2137. NOTICE OF RIGHTS, BENEFITS, AND OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE USERRA

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: VBIA of 2004, PL 108-454, Section 203

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 1002, Appendix A

Legal Deadline: Other, Statutory, March 10, 2005, Interim Final Rule.

Abstract: The Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2004(VBIA) amended 
several provisions of the Uniformed Services Employment and 
Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA). VBIA imposed a new 
requirement that each employer shall provide to persons entitled to 
rights and benefits under USERRA a notice of the rights, benefits,and 
obligations of such persons and such employers under USERRA. The VBIA 
requires the Secretary of Labor to make available to employers the text 
of the required notice not later than March 10, 2005, ninety days after 
the enactment of the VBIA.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              03/10/05                    70 FR 12106
Interim Final Rule Effective    03/10/05
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      05/09/05
Final Action                    10/00/05

[[Page 64930]]

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal

Agency Contact: Robert Wilson, Chief, Investigations 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
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1293-AA14
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                             Completed Actions


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



_______________________________________________________________________




2138. JOBS FOR VETERANS ACT OF 2002: STATE GRANT FUNDING FORMULA FY 2005 
AND BEYOND

Priority: Other Significant

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                    05/17/05                    70 FR 28402
Final Action Effective          06/16/05

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. 05-17878 Filed 10-28-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-23-S