[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
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Employee Benefits Security Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
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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
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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
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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
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[[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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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....................................................................
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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
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_______________________________________________________________________
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)
_______________________________________________________________________