[Federal Register: November 9, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 216)]
[Rules and Regulations]               
[Page 61016]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr09no99-2]                         

=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

FEDERAL HOUSING FINANCE BOARD

12 CFR Part 905

[No. 99-54]
RIN 3069-AA81

 
Availability of Unpublished Information

AGENCY: Federal Housing Finance Board.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Federal Housing Finance Board (Finance Board) is adopting 
without change as a final rule the interim final rule that added a new 
part 905 to its regulations governing the availability of unpublished 
information. The final rule describes the procedures a person or entity 
must follow when requesting unpublished Finance Board information 
either by document or by testimony of current or former Finance Board 
employees or agents and the practices and procedures the Finance Board 
will use in responding to such requests.

EFFECTIVE DATE: The final rule will become effective on December 9, 
1999.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Janice A. Kaye, Attorney-Advisor, 
Office of General Counsel, by telephone at 202/408-2505, by electronic 
mail at kayej@fhfb.gov, or by regular mail at the Federal Housing 
Finance Board, 1777 F Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    In August 1999, the Finance Board published an interim final rule 
with request for comments that added a new part 905 to its regulations. 
See 64 FR 44103 (August 13, 1999), codified at 12 CFR part 905. Part 
905 establishes procedures that must be followed by persons or entities 
requesting unpublished Finance Board information either by document or 
by testimony of current or former Finance Board employees or agents, 
and practices and procedures the Finance Board will use in responding 
to such requests. The 60-day public comment period for the interim 
final rule closed on October 12, 1999. See id.

II. Analysis of Public Comments and the Final Rule

    The Finance Board received no comments in response to the interim 
final rule. Thus, for the reasons set forth in detail in the interim 
final rulemaking, the Finance Board is adopting the interim final rule 
that added part 905 to govern the availability of unpublished 
information as a final rule without change.

III. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Finance Board adopted part 905 in the form of an interim final 
rule and not as a proposed rule. Therefore, the provisions of the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act do not apply. See 5 U.S.C. 601(2) and 
603(a).

IV. Paperwork Reduction Act

    The final rule does not contain any collections of information 
pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. See 44 U.S.C. 3501 et 
seq. Consequently, the Finance Board has not submitted any information 
to the Office of Management and Budget for review.

List of Subjects in 12 CFR Part 905

    Confidential business information, Federal home loan banks, Freedom 
of information, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
    For the reasons stated in the preamble, the Finance Board hereby 
adopts the interim final rule adding 12 CFR part 905 that was published 
at 64 FR 44103 on August 13, 1999, as a final rule without change.

    By the Board of Directors of the Federal Housing Finance Board.

    Dated: November 1, 1999.
Bruce A. Morrison,
Chairperson.
[FR Doc. 99-29245 Filed 11-8-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6725-01-P