[December 22, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 245)] [Unified Agenda] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [frwais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID: f:ua031013.wais] [Page 73196-73228] Department of Labor ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Part XIII ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Semiannual Regulatory Agenda [[Page 73196]] DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL) _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Office of the Secretary 20 CFR Chs. I, IV, V, VI, VII, and IX 29 CFR Subtitle A and Chs. II, IV, V, XVII, and XXV 30 CFR Ch. I 41 CFR Ch. 60 48 CFR Ch. 29 Semiannual Agenda of Regulations AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Labor. ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda. _______________________________________________________________________ SUMMARY: This document sets forth the Department's semiannual agenda of regulations that have been selected for review or development during the coming year. The Department's agencies have carefully assessed their available resources and what they can accomplish in the next twelve months and have adjusted their agendas accordingly. The agenda complies with the requirements of both Executive Order 12866 and the Regulatory Flexibility Act. The agenda lists all regulations that are expected to be under review or development between November 2003 and November 2004, as well as those completed during the past six months. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathleen Franks, Director for the Office of Regulatory Policy, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Policy, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room S- 2312, Washington, DC 20210, (202) 693-5959. Note: Information pertaining to a specific regulation can be obtained from the agency contact listed for that particular regulation. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Executive Order 12866 and the Regulatory Flexibility Act require the semiannual publication in the Federal Register of an agenda of regulations. As permitted by law, the Department of Labor is combining the publication of its agendas under the Regulatory Flexibility Act and Executive Order 12866. Executive Order 12866 became effective September 30, 1993, and, in substance, requires the Department of Labor to publish an agenda listing all the regulations it expects to have under active consideration for promulgation, proposal, or review during the coming 1-year period. The focus of all departmental regulatory activity will be on the development of effective rules that advance the Department's goals and that are understandable and usable to the employers and employees in all affected workplaces. The Regulatory Flexibility Act became effective on January 1, 1981, and applies only to regulations for which a notice of proposed rulemaking was issued on or after that date. It requires the Department of Labor to publish an agenda, listing all the regulations it expects to propose or promulgate that are likely to have a ``significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities'' (5 U.S.C. 602). The Regulatory Flexibility Act (under section 610) also requires agencies to periodically review rules ``which have or will have a significant economic impact upon a substantial number of small entities'' and to annually publish a list of the rules that will be reviewed during the succeeding 12 months. The purpose of the review is to determine whether the rule should be continued without change, amended, or rescinded. The next 12-month review list for the Department of Labor is provided below and public comment is invited on the listing. A brief description of each rule, the legal basis for the rule, and the agency contact are provided with each agenda item. Note that the items from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration were on last year's list. Occupational Safety and Health Administration Occupational Exposure to Ethylene Oxide (RIN 1218-AB60) Excavations (RIN 1218-AC02) Presence Sensing Device Initiation of Mechanical Power Presses (RIN 1218-AC03) Employee Benefits Security Administration Prohibited Transaction Exemption Procedures (RIN 1210-AA98) Statutory Exemption for Loans to Plan Participants (RIN 1210- AA99) OSHA's Grain Handling Facilities regulation was completed in final last year. All interested members of the public are invited and encouraged to let departmental officials know how our regulatory efforts can be improved, and, of course, to participate in and comment on the review or development of the regulations listed on the agenda. Elaine L. Chao, Secretary of Labor. Office of the Secretary--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2044 Production or Disclosure of Information or Materials................................ 1290--AA17 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Employment Standards Administration--Prerule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2045 Child Labor Regulations, Orders, and Statements of Interpretation................... 1215--AB44 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 73197]] Employment Standards Administration--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2046 Davis Bacon Volunteers Under the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act............... 1215--AA96 2047 Amendments to the Fair Labor Standards Act.......................................... 1215--AB13 2048 Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination Obligations of Contractors and 1215--AB24 Subcontractors for Special Disabled Veterans and Veterans of the Vietnam Era........ 2049 Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, and Bona Fide Employee Stock Purchase 1215--AB31 Programs Under the Fair Labor Standards Act......................................... 2050 Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (Reg Plan Seq No. 77).......................... 1215--AB35 2051 Requirements for Security of Insurance Obligations Under the Longshore and Harbor 1215--AB38 Workers' Compensation Act........................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. Employment Standards Administration--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2052 Child Labor Regulations, Orders, and Statements of Interpretation (ESA/W--H) (Reg 1215--AA09 Plan Seq No. 78).................................................................... 2053 Defining and Delimiting the Term ``Any Employee Employed in a Bona Fide Executive, 1215--AA14 Administrative, or Professional Capacity'' (ESA/W--H) (Reg Plan Seq No. 79)......... 2054 Labor Condition Applications and Requirements for Employers Using Nonimmigrants on 1215--AB09 H--1B Visas in Specialty Occupations and as Fashion Models.......................... 2055 Government Contractors: Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Obligations, 1215--AB28 Executive Order 11246 (ESA/OFCCP) (Revised)......................................... 2056 Obligation of Federal Contractors and Subcontractors, Notice of Employee Rights 1215--AB33 Concerning Payment of Union Dues or Fees............................................ 2057 Amendments to Title 20 Parts 718 and 725 That Implement the Black Lung Benefits Act. 1215--AB40 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. Employment Standards Administration--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2058 Labor Organization Annual Financial Reports......................................... 1215--AB34 2059 Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination Obligations of Government Contractors, 1215--AB39 Executive Order 11246; Exemption for Religious Entities............................. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Employment and Training Administration--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2060 Federal--State Unemployment Compensation (UC) Program; Confidentiality and 1205--AB18 Disclosure of Information in State UC Records....................................... 2061 Trade Adjustment Assistance for Workers (Reg Plan Seq No. 80)....................... 1205--AB32 2062 Post--Adjudication Audits of H--2B Petitions Other than Logging in the United States 1205--AB36 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. Employment and Training Administration--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2063 Labor Certification Process for the Permanent Employment of Aliens in the United 1205--AA66 States (Reg Plan Seq No. 81)........................................................ 2064 Indian and Native American Welfare--to--Work Program................................ 1205--AB16 [[Page 73198]] 2065 Senior Community Service Employment Program (Reg Plan Seq No. 82)................... 1205--AB28 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. Employment and Training Administration--Long--Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2066 Attestations by Facilities Temporarily Employing H--1C Nonimmigrant Aliens as 1205--AB27 Registered Nurses................................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Employment and Training Administration--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2067 Unemployment Compensation--Trust Fund Integrity Rule: Birth and Adoption 1205--AB33 Unemployment Compensation; Removal of Regulations................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Employee Benefits Security Administration--Prerule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2068 Prohibited Transaction Exemption Procedures (Section 610 Review).................... 1210--AA98 2069 Statutory Exemption for Loans to Plan Participants (Sec. 610 Review)................ 1210--AA99 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Employee Benefits Security Administration--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2070 Default Rollover Safe Harbor........................................................ 1210--AA92 2071 Electronic Filing By Investment Advisers............................................ 1210--AA94 2072 Suspension of Benefits Regulation................................................... 1210--AA96 2073 Rulemaking Relating to Termination of Abandoned Individual Account Plans (Reg Plan 1210--AA97 Seq No. 83)......................................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. Employee Benefits Security Administration--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2074 Regulations Implementing the Health Care Access, Portability, and Renewability 1210--AA54 Provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (Reg Plan Seq No. 84).................................................................... 2075 Rulemaking Relating to Notice Requirements for Continuation of Health Care Coverage 1210--AA60 (Reg Plan Seq No. 85)............................................................... 2076 Mental Health Benefits Parity....................................................... 1210--AA62 2077 Health Care Standards for Mothers and Newborns...................................... 1210--AA63 2078 Rulemaking Relating to the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998............. 1210--AA75 2079 Prohibiting Discrimination Against Participants and Beneficiaries Based on Health 1210--AA77 Status (Reg Plan Seq No. 86)........................................................ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. [[Page 73199]] Employee Benefits Security Administration--Long--Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2080 Adequate Consideration.............................................................. 1210--AA15 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mine Safety and Health Administration--Prerule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2081 Respirable Crystalline Silica Standard.............................................. 1219--AB36 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mine Safety and Health Administration--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2082 Improving and Eliminating Regulations............................................... 1219--AA98 2083 Asbestos Exposure Limit (Reg Plan Seq No. 87)....................................... 1219--AB24 2084 High--Voltage Continuous Mining Machine Standards for Underground Coal Mines........ 1219--AB34 2085 Training Standards for Shaft and Slope Construction Workers at Underground Mines.... 1219--AB35 2086 Revising Electrical Product Approval Regulations.................................... 1219--AB37 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. Mine Safety and Health Administration--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2087 Underground Coal Mine Ventilation--Safety Standards for the Belt Entry as an Intake 1219--AA76 Air Course.......................................................................... 2088 Diesel Particulate Matter Exposure of Underground Metal and Nonmetal Miners (Reg 1219--AB29 Plan Seq No. 88).................................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. Mine Safety and Health Administration--Long--Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2089 Verification of Underground Coal Mine Operators' Dust Control Plans and Compliance 1219--AB14 Sampling for Respirable Dust........................................................ 2090 Determination of Concentration of Respirable Coal Mine Dust......................... 1219--AB18 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mine Safety and Health Administration--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2091 Testing and Evaluation by Independent Laboratories and Non--MSHA Product Safety 1219--AA87 Standards........................................................................... 2092 Focused Inspections................................................................. 1219--AB30 2093 Emergency Evacuation; Emergency Temporary Standard.................................. 1219--AB33 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 73200]] Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2094 Implementation of the Nondiscrimination and Equal Opportunity Requirements of the 1291--AA29 Workforce Investment Act of 1998.................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2095 Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Age in Programs and Activities Receiving Federal 1291--AA21 Financial Assistance From the Department of Labor................................... 2096 Department of Labor Acquisition Regulations......................................... 1291--AA34 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management--Long--Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2097 Grants and Agreements............................................................... 1291--AA30 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2098 Effectuation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Implementation of 1291--AA31 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973....................................... 2099 Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide 1291--AA33 Requirements for Drug--Free Workplace (Grants) 29 CFR 98............................ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Prerule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2100 Occupational Exposure to Hexavalent Chromium (Preventing Occupational Illness: 1218--AB45 Chromium) (Reg Plan Seq No. 89)..................................................... 2101 Confined Spaces in Construction (Part 1926): Preventing Suffocation/Explosions in 1218--AB47 Confined Spaces..................................................................... 2102 Occupational Exposure to Ethylene Oxide (Section 610 Review)........................ 1218--AB60 2103 Occupational Exposure to Crystalline Silica (Reg Plan Seq No. 90)................... 1218--AB70 2104 Occupational Exposure to Beryllium.................................................. 1218--AB76 2105 Excavations (Section 610 Review).................................................... 1218--AC02 2106 Presence Sensing Device Initiation of Mechanical Power Presses (Section 610 Review). 1218--AC03 2107 Ionizing Radiation.................................................................. 1218--AC11 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2108 Longshoring and Marine Terminals (Parts 1917 and 1918) -- Reopening of the Record 1218--AA56 (Vertical Tandem Lifts (VTLs))...................................................... 2109 General Working Conditions for Shipyard Employment.................................. 1218--AB50 2110 Electric Power Transmission and Distribution; Electrical Protective Equipment....... 1218--AB67 [[Page 73201]] 2111 Walking Working Surfaces and Personal Fall Protection Systems (1910) (Slips, Trips, 1218--AB80 and Fall Prevention)................................................................ 2112 Hearing Conservation Program for Construction Workers............................... 1218--AB89 2113 Revision and Update of Subpart S--Electrical Standards.............................. 1218--AB95 2114 Updating OSHA Standards Based on National Consensus Standards....................... 1218--AC08 2115 Explosives.......................................................................... 1218--AC09 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2116 Assigned Protection Factors: Amendments to the Final Rule on Respiratory Protection 1218--AA05 (Reg Plan Seq No. 91)............................................................... 2117 Glycol Ethers: 2--Methoxyethanol, 2--Ethoxyethanol, and Their Acetates: Protecting 1218--AA84 Reproductive Health................................................................. 2118 Occupational Exposure to Tuberculosis............................................... 1218--AB46 2119 Fire Protection in Shipyard Employment (Part 1915, Subpart P) (Shipyards: Fire 1218--AB51 Safety) (Reg Plan Seq No. 92)....................................................... 2120 Standards Improvement (Miscellaneous Changes) for General Industry, Marine 1218--AB81 Terminals, and Construction Standards (Phase II) (Reg Plan Seq No. 93).............. 2121 Commercial Diving Operations: Revision.............................................. 1218--AB97 2122 Controlled Negative Pressure Fit Testing Protocol: Amendment to the Final Rule on 1218--AC05 Respiratory Protection.............................................................. 2123 Procedures for Handling Discrimination Complaints Under Section 806 of the Corporate 1218--AC10 and Criminal Fraud Accountability Act of 2002....................................... 2124 Procedures for Handling Discrimination Complaints Under Section 6 of the Pipeline 1218--AC12 Safety Improvement Act of 2002...................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Long--Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2125 Employer Payment for Personal Protective Equipment.................................. 1218--AB77 2126 Cranes and Derricks................................................................. 1218--AC01 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2127 Occupational Injury and Illness Recording and Reporting Requirements................ 1218--AC06 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment & Training--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2128 Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act Regulations (Reg Plan Seq 1293--AA09 No. 94)............................................................................. 2129 Jobs for Veterans Act of 2002: State Grant Funding Formula FY 2005.................. 1293--AA11 2130 Jobs for Veterans Act of 2002: Contract Threshold and Eligibility Groups for Federal 1293--AA12 Contractor Program.................................................................. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. [[Page 73202]] Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment & Training--Long--Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2131 Jobs for Veterans Act of 2002: Uniform National Threshold........................... 1293--AA13 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment & Training--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2132 Jobs for Veterans Act of 2002....................................................... 1293--AA10 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Proposed Rule Stage Office of the Secretary (OS) _______________________________________________________________________ 2044. PRODUCTION OR DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION OR MATERIALS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 5 USC 552 as amended; 5 USC Reorganization Plan No. 6 of 1950; EO 12600, 52 FR 23781 (June 25, 1987) CFR Citation: 29 CFR 70 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The regulation will incorporate the provisions of the 1996 FOIA amendments. These include extending DOL processing time from 10 to 20 days for most FOIA requests and requiring that all reading room materials created since November 1, 1996, be made available by electronic means such as the Internet. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Miriam McD. Miller, of Legislation and Legislative Counsel, Department of Labor, Office of the Secretary, Room N2428, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693--5500 Email: miller--miriam@dol.gov RIN: 1290-AA17 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Prerule Stage Employment Standards Administration (ESA) _______________________________________________________________________ 2045. [bull] CHILD LABOR REGULATIONS, ORDERS, AND STATEMENTS OF INTERPRETATION Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 29 USC 203(1) CFR Citation: 29 CFR 570 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department of Labor is considering further possible revisions to the hazardous occupation orders that may be undertaken to address recommendations of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health in its May 2002 report to the Department on child labor regulations. (See the related Plan entry for RIN: 1215--AA09.) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 04/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions Government Levels Affected: Local, State Federalism: Undetermined Agency Contact: Tammy D. McCutchen, Administrator, Wage and Hour Division, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building Room S3502, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693--0051 Fax: 202 693--1303 RIN: 1215-AB44 [[Page 73203]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Proposed Rule Stage Employment Standards Administration (ESA) _______________________________________________________________________ 2046. DAVIS BACON VOLUNTEERS UNDER THE FEDERAL ACQUISITION STREAMLINING ACT Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 103--355, 108 Stat. 3243 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 4; 29 CFR 5; 41 CFR 50--201; 41 CFR 50--206 Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, May 11, 1995, NPRM. Final, Statutory, October 1, 1995, Final. Abstract: The Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994, signed on October 13, 1994, amended several acts administered by the Department of Labor: (1) the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act (CWHSSA) to limit its applicability to contracts in an amount of $100,000 or greater; (2) the Davis--Bacon Act (DB) to provide waivers from the Act's prevailing wage requirements under selected laws for volunteers performing services to a State or local government or agency and for volunteers performing services to a public or private nonprofit recipient of Federal assistance; and (3) the Walsh--Healey Public Contracts Act (PCA) to eliminate the requirements that contractors on covered contracts be either manufacturers or regular dealers in the items to be supplied under the contract but retains the Secretary of Labor's authority to define the terms ``regular dealer'' and ``manufacturer.'' A final rule implementing the CWHSSA and PCA changes was published on August 5, 1996 (61 FR 40714). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/07/95 60 FR 46553 NPRM Comment Period End 10/10/95 Final Rule 08/05/96 61 FR 40714 Second NPRM 06/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State Agency Contact: Tammy D. McCutchen, Administrator, Wage and Hour Division, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building Room S3502, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693--0051 Fax: 202 693--1303 RIN: 1215-AA96 _______________________________________________________________________ 2047. AMENDMENTS TO THE FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 29 USC 201 et seq; PL 104--188, sec 2101 to 2105 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 4; 29 CFR 531; 29 CFR 541; 29 CFR 778; 29 CFR 785; 29 CFR 790; 29 CFR 870; 41 CFR 50--202 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996 (H.R. 3448) was enacted on August 20, 1996, as Public Law 104--188. Title II of this enactment amended the Portal--to--Portal Act (PA) and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The PA amendment excludes (under certain circumstances) from compensable ``hours worked'' the time spent by an employee in home--to--work travel in an employer--provided vehicle. The FLSA amendments: (1) increase the $4.25 Federal minimum hourly wage by $.90 in two steps over two years (i.e., to $4.75 on October 1, 1996, and to $5.15 on September 1, 1997); (2) provide a $4.25 subminimum wage for youth under age 20 in their first 90 calendar days of employment with an employer; (3) set the employer's direct wage payment obligation for tipped employees at $2.13 per hour (provided such employees receive the balance of the full minimum wage in tips); and (4) set the hourly compensation requirements at no less than $27.63 per hour for certain exempt professional employees in computer--related occupations. Changes will be required in the regulations to reflect these amendments. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State Agency Contact: Tammy D. McCutchen, Administrator, Wage and Hour Division, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building Room S3502, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693--0051 Fax: 202 693--1303 RIN: 1215-AB13 _______________________________________________________________________ 2048. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION AND NONDISCRIMINATION OBLIGATIONS OF CONTRACTORS AND SUBCONTRACTORS FOR SPECIAL DISABLED VETERANS AND VETERANS OF THE VIETNAM ERA Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 38 USC 4211; 38 USC 4212; PL 101--237; PL 102--127; PL 102--16; PL 102--484; PL 105--339; PL 93--508, amended; PL 94--502; PL 95--520; PL 96--466; PL 97--306; PL 98--223 CFR Citation: 41 CFR 60--250 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: OFCCP proposes to amend the regulations implementing the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) 38 USC 4212, to conform with the Jobs for Veterans Act of 2002 (JFVA). JFVA amended VEVRAA in four ways. First, JFVA raised contract coverage from $25,000 to $100,000. Second, JFVA granted VEVRAA protection to a new group of veterans--those who, while serving on active duty in the Armed Forces, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985. Third, JFVA changed the definition of ``recently separated veteran'' to include ``any veteran during the three--year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty.'' Fourth, JFVA changed ``Special Disabled Veterans'' to ``Disabled Veterans,'' expanding the coverage to conform to 38 U.S.C. section 4211 (3). JFVA also superseded changes to VEVRAA from the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) and the Veterans Benefits and Health Care Improvement Act of 2000 (VBHCIA). This proposal revises these regulations to conform to the requirements of JFVA. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James I. Melvin, Program Development, OFCCP, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room N--3422, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 [[Page 73204]] Phone: 202 693--0102 TDD Phone: 202 693--1308 Fax: 202 693--1304 Email: ofccp--mail@dol--esa.gov RIN: 1215-AB24 _______________________________________________________________________ 2049. STOCK OPTIONS, STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS, AND BONA FIDE EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PROGRAMS UNDER THE FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 29 USC 207(e)(8); PL 106--202, sec 2(e) CFR Citation: 29 CFR 546; 29 CFR 778 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Worker Economic Opportunity Act, Public Law 106--202 (May 18, 2000), amended section 7(e) of the Fair Labor Standards Act to clarify how certain employer--provided stock option programs are to be treated for purposes of overtime pay. Certain programs meeting prescribed criteria would not have to be factored into the ``regular rate'' otherwise required when calculating ``time--and--one--half'' overtime premium pay for overtime hours of work. The legislation calls for regulations to be promulgated as necessary, which will include amendments to some of the existing regulations on overtime pay. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tammy D. McCutchen, Administrator, Wage and Hour Division, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building Room S3502, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693--0051 Fax: 202 693--1303 RIN: 1215-AB31 _______________________________________________________________________ 2050. FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT OF 1993 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 77 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 1215-AB35 _______________________________________________________________________ 2051. REQUIREMENTS FOR SECURITY OF INSURANCE OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE LONGSHORE AND HARBOR WORKERS' COMPENSATION ACT Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 33 USC 939(a) CFR Citation: 20 CFR 701 (Revision); 20 CFR 703 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA) makes a covered employer liable for compensation to employees injured in the course of their work. An employer may satisfy this liability by contracting with a private insurance carrier. By statute, an insurance carrier must obtain authorization from the Secretary of Labor to insure compensation, and the Secretary may revoke authorization for good cause. This proposed regulation would require, as a condition to authorization to write LHWCA insurance, an insurance carrier in certain circumstances to establish that its potential LHWCA obligations are sufficiently secured. Obligations would be considered sufficiently secured if funds would be available to cover all workers' compensation claims in the event of adverse market conditions and the carrier's insolvency. A carrier could fully secure its obligations by posting security deposits with the Secretary. Carriers would not, however, be required to make this showing in states which have a guaranty fund that fully and immediately covers LHWCA claims in the event of a carrier's insolvency. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Federalism: Undetermined Agency Contact: Michael Niss, Director, Division of Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation, OWCP, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Room C4315, 200 Constitution Ave., NW, Room C--4315, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693--0038 Fax: 202 693--1380 RIN: 1215-AB38 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Final Rule Stage Employment Standards Administration (ESA) _______________________________________________________________________ 2052. CHILD LABOR REGULATIONS, ORDERS, AND STATEMENTS OF INTERPRETATION (ESA/W--H) Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 78 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 1215-AA09 _______________________________________________________________________ 2053. DEFINING AND DELIMITING THE TERM ``ANY EMPLOYEE EMPLOYED IN A BONA FIDE EXECUTIVE, ADMINISTRATIVE, OR PROFESSIONAL CAPACITY'' (ESA/W--H) Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 79 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 1215-AA14 _______________________________________________________________________ 2054. LABOR CONDITION APPLICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS USING NONIMMIGRANTS ON H--1B VISAS IN SPECIALTY OCCUPATIONS AND AS FASHION MODELS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 29 USC 49 et seq; 8 USC 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b); 8 USC 1182(n); 8 USC 1184; PL 102--232; PL 105--277 CFR Citation: 20 CFR 655, subparts H and I [[Page 73205]] Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The H--1B visa program of the Immigration and Nationality Act allows employers to temporarily employ nonimmigrants admitted into the United States under the H--1B visa category in specialty occupations and as fashion models, under specified labor conditions. An employer must file a labor condition application with the Department of Labor before the Immigration and Naturalization Service may approve a petition to employ a foreign worker on an H--1B visa. The Department's Employment and Training Administration administers the labor condition application process; the Wage and Hour Division of the Department's Employment Standards Administration handles complaints and investigations regarding labor condition applications. The Department published a proposed rule on January 5, 1999, in response to statutory changes in the H--1B program made by the American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act of 1998 (title IV, Pub. L. 105--277; Oct. 21, 1998). Those changes placed additional obligations on ``H--1B-- dependent'' employers (generally, those with work forces comprised of more than 15 percent H--1B workers) and on willful violators. These employers must recruit for U.S. workers, hire U.S. workers who are at least as qualified as H--1B workers, and not displace U.S. workers by hiring H--1B workers or placing them at another employer's job site. The 1998 amendments also imposed additional obligations on all H--1B employers, such as offering benefits to H--1B workers on the same basis and according to the same criteria as offered to U.S. workers, and payment to H--1B workers during periods they are not working for an employment--related reason. The 1999 proposed rule also requested further public comment on earlier proposed provisions published in October 1995, and on particular interpretations of the statute and of the existing regulations which the Department proposed to incorporate into the regulations. Since publishing the proposed rule, Congress enacted further amendments to the H--1B provisions under the American Competitiveness in the Twenty--First Century Act of 2000 (Pub. L. 106-- 313; Oct. 17, 2000), the Immigration and Nationality Act -- Amendments (Pub. L. 106--311; Oct. 17, 2000), and section 401 of the Visa Waiver Permanent Program Act (Pub. L. 106--396; Oct. 30, 2000). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/31/95 60 FR 55339 NPRM Comment Period End 11/30/95 NPRM 01/05/99 64 FR 628 NPRM Comment Period End 02/04/99 Interim Final Rule 12/20/00 65 FR 80110 Interim Final Rule Effective 01/19/01 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 04/23/01 66 FR 10865 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Additional Information: On December 20, 2000, the Department published an interim final rule to implement the recent amendments and clarify the existing rules, and requested further public comment on those provisions. Agency Contact: Tammy D. McCutchen, Administrator, Wage and Hour Division, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building Room S3502, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693--0051 Fax: 202 693--1303 RIN: 1215-AB09 _______________________________________________________________________ 2055. GOVERNMENT CONTRACTORS: NONDISCRIMINATION AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION OBLIGATIONS, EXECUTIVE ORDER 11246 (ESA/OFCCP) (REVISED) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 29 USC 793; EO 11758; EO 11246, as amended; 38 USC 4211; PL 94--502; EO 11758; PL 98--223; PL 102--16; PL 102--127; PL 95--520; PL 105--339; 29 USC 706; PL 97--306; PL 102--484; 38 USC 4212; PL 93--508, amended; PL 96--466; PL 101--237 CFR Citation: 41 CFR 60--1 (Revision); 41 CFR 60--250 (Revision); 41 CFR 60--741 (Revision) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The final rule would remove the obligation to visit an establishment during a compliance check, which is currently required by section 60--1.20(a)(3) in order to enhance efficiency in resource allocation. OFCCP proposes also to make the same revision in section 60--250.60(a)(3) of the regulations implementing the affirmative action provisions of the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA). Lastly, OFCCP proposes to conform regulations implementing section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, to the compliance evaluation procedures contained in the regulations implementing Executive Order 11246, as amended, and the affirmative action provisions of VEVRAA, both of which expressly authorize OFCCP to use additional investigative procedures to determine a contractor's compliance with the regulations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/12/00 65 FR 60815 NPRM Comment Period End 12/11/00 Final Rule 02/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: James I. Melvin, Program Development, OFCCP, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room N--3422, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693--0102 TDD Phone: 202 693--1308 Fax: 202 693--1304 Email: ofccp--mail@dol--esa.gov RIN: 1215-AB28 _______________________________________________________________________ 2056. OBLIGATION OF FEDERAL CONTRACTORS AND SUBCONTRACTORS, NOTICE OF EMPLOYEE RIGHTS CONCERNING PAYMENT OF UNION DUES OR FEES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: EO 13201 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 470 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: On January 2, 2002, the Federal District Court for the District of Columbia issued a decision in UAW--Labor Employment & Training Corp v. Chao, holding the Executive Order 13201 is invalid because it [[Page 73206]] conflicts with the National Labor Relations Act. The court permanently enjoined the Department of Labor from implementing and enforcing Executive Order 13201. The decision was appealed. On April 22, 2003, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia reversed the January 2, 2002, decision of the Federal District Court for the District of Columbia in UAW--Labor Employment and Training Corp. v. Chao, and directed the lower court to grant summary judgment in favor of the Secretary of Labor. This regulation would implement E.O. 13201 which requires Government contractors and subcontractors to post notices informing their employees that (1) under Federal law they cannot be required to join a union or maintain membership in a union to retain their jobs, and (2) employees who choose not to be union members may object to the use of their compulsory union dues and fees for activities other than collective bargaining, contract administration, and grievance adjustment, and may be entitled to a refund and an appropriate reduction in their future payments. The proposed regulation, in accordance with E.O. 13201, would also require that, where applicable, each Government contracting agency include certain provisions of the Order in its Government contracts, and that Government contractors and subcontractors include these provisions in their nonexempt subcontracts and purchase orders. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Procedural Rule 04/18/01 66 FR 19988 NPRM 10/01/01 66 FR 50010 NPRM Comment Period End 11/30/01 Final Action 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Don Todd, Programs, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Room N5605, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693--0122 TDD Phone: 800 877--8339 Fax: 202 693--1340 Email: olms--mail@dol--esa.gov RIN: 1215-AB33 _______________________________________________________________________ 2057. AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 20 PARTS 718 AND 725 THAT IMPLEMENT THE BLACK LUNG BENEFITS ACT Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; Reorganization Plan No. 6 of 1950; 15 FR 3174; 30 USC 901, et seq, 902(f), 934, 936, 945; 33 USC 901 et seq; 42 USC 405; Secretary's Order 7--87; 52 FR 48466; Employment Standards Order No. 90--02; . . . CFR Citation: 20 CFR 718.2; 20 CFR 725.2; 20 CFR 725.459 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The amendments implement National Mining Ass'n v. Department of Labor, 292 F.3d 849 (D.C. Cir. 2002) which invalidated a portion of 20 CFR 725.459 and required several other provisions which became effective in January 2001 to be prospective only in their application. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Rule 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James L. DeMarce, Director, Division of Coal Mine Workers' Compensation, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Room C3520, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693--0046 Fax: 202 693--1398 Email: nojld@dol--esa.gov RIN: 1215-AB40 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Completed Actions Employment Standards Administration (ESA) _______________________________________________________________________ 2058. LABOR ORGANIZATION ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORTS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 29 USC 431; 29 USC 438; 5 USC 7120(d); 22 USC 4117(d) CFR Citation: 29 CFR 402; 29 CFR 403; 29 CFR 458 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This regulation will revise Form LM--2, which will be used by labor organizations with $250,000 or more in annual receipts to file the annual financial reports required under title II of the Labor-- Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 (LMRDA). The proposed revisions will improve the transparency and accountability of labor organizations to their members, increase the information available to labor organization members, and make data disclosed in such reports more understandable and accessible. Among other things, unions filing the revised Form LM--2 will be required to report electronically (unless granted an exemption), to identify certain ``major'' receipts and disbursements, to allocate disbursements among categories such as representational activities, political activities and lobbying, and union administration, and to report receipts and disbursements of organizations that meet the statutory definition of a ``trust in which a labor organization is interested'' on a new Form T--1. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/27/02 67 FR 79280 NPRM Comment Period End 03/27/03 Final Rule 10/09/03 68 FR 58374 Final Rule Effective 01/01/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Don Todd, Programs, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Room N5605, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693--0122 TDD Phone: 800 877--8339 Fax: 202 693--1340 Email: olms--mail@dol--esa.gov RIN: 1215-AB34 [[Page 73207]] _______________________________________________________________________ 2059. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION AND NONDISCRIMINATION OBLIGATIONS OF GOVERNMENT CONTRACTORS, EXECUTIVE ORDER 11246; EXEMPTION FOR RELIGIOUS ENTITIES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: EO 13279; EO 11246, as amended CFR Citation: 41 CFR 60--1.5 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: On December 12, 2002, President Bush issued Executive Order 13279 regarding faith--based and community organizations that, in part, amends Executive Order 11246. Section 4 of Executive Order 13279 amends section 204 of Executive Order 11246 by adding an exemption for religious entities. The final rule would make religious entities exempt from allegations of discrimination based on religion. OFCCP regulations at 41 CFR 60--1.5 will be amended to add the new religious entity exemption. The new exemption is limited to religious discrimination by religious entities. Religious entities will continue to be precluded from basing employment decisions on race, color, sex, or national origin. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Rule 09/30/03 68 FR 56392 Final Rule Effective 10/30/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James I. Melvin, Program Development, OFCCP, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room N--3422, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693--0102 TDD Phone: 202 693--1308 Fax: 202 693--1304 Email: ofccp--mail@dol--esa.gov RIN: 1215-AB39 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Proposed Rule Stage Employment and Training Administration (ETA) _______________________________________________________________________ 2060. FEDERAL--STATE UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION (UC) PROGRAM; CONFIDENTIALITY AND DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION IN STATE UC RECORDS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 26 USC ch 23; 42 USC 1302 (a); 42 USC 1320b--7; 42 USC 503; Secretary's Orders 4--75 and 14--75 CFR Citation: 20 CFR 603 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Employment and Training Administration of the Department of Labor is preparing to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on confidentiality and disclosure of State UC information. The NPRM would modify and expand the regulations implementing the Income and Eligibility Verification System (IEVS) to include statutory requirements in title III of the Social Security Act and the Federal Unemployment Tax Act concerning confidentiality and disclosure of State UC information. The use of UC wage records and other information under these and other statutes has increased in recent years while privacy and confidentiality issues have not yet been fully addressed. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: State Federalism: This action may have federalism implications as defined in EO 13132. Additional Information: Formerly RIN 1205--AA74; was taken off regulatory agenda in 1994 due to inactivity. An earlier NPRM was published on 3/23/92 at 57 FR 10063 with comment period ending 5/22/92. Agency Contact: Gerard Hildebrand, Chief, Division of Legislation, Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Office of Workforce Security, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room C--4518, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693--3038 Email: hildebrand.gerard@dol.gov RIN: 1205-AB18 _______________________________________________________________________ 2061. TRADE ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE FOR WORKERS Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 80 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 1205-AB32 _______________________________________________________________________ 2062. [bull] POST--ADJUDICATION AUDITS OF H--2B PETITIONS OTHER THAN LOGGING IN THE UNITED STATES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b); 8 USC 1184; 29 USC 49 et seq CFR Citation: 8 CFR 214.2(h)(5); 20 CFR 655.1 to 655.4 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Under the redesigned H--2B temporary nonagricultural program employers seeking to import H--2B workers, except for applications filed for employment on Guam or in logging, will file directly with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The employer will be required to conduct recruitment before filing its petition. The petition will include a number of attestations concerning labor market and related issues. DHS will administer the petition adjudication process. After adjudication, the Department of Labor (DOL) will audit selected approved petitions. In such audits, DOL will exclusively examine whether the employer has complied with those aspects of the approved petition related to the labor market and other related attestations. Employers will be expected to have documentation available supporting their attestations as specified in the regulation and will be required to provide this supporting documentation to DOL within 30 days from notice of audit. If, after [[Page 73208]] completion of the audit, DOL determines that the employer has failed to comply with the terms of the attestations contained in the DHS petition or made material misrepresentations in its attestation, DOL will, after notice to the employer and opportunity for a hearing, recommend to DHS that the employer be debarred, for a period up to three years. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: State Agency Contact: William Carlson, Chief, Division of Foreign Labor Certification, Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room C4318 FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693--3989 Fax: 202 693--2760 Email: carlson.william@dol.gov RIN: 1205-AB36 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Final Rule Stage Employment and Training Administration (ETA) _______________________________________________________________________ 2063. LABOR CERTIFICATION PROCESS FOR THE PERMANENT EMPLOYMENT OF ALIENS IN THE UNITED STATES Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 81 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 1205-AA66 _______________________________________________________________________ 2064. INDIAN AND NATIVE AMERICAN WELFARE--TO--WORK PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 42 USC 612(a)(3)(c)(iii); PL 106--113, Division B, section 1000(a)(4) CFR Citation: 20 CFR 646 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, November 4, 1997, Final. Other, Statutory, January 1, 2000, Other. Abstract: These are program regulations needed to implement the Indian and Native American set--aside under the Welfare--to--Work program authorized by section 412(a)(3) of the Social Security Act. New interim final regulations are being issued to implement changes made by the Welfare--to--Work and Child Support Amendments of 1999 and other legislation. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2001 authorized the Department to extend welfare--to--work grants an additional two years. Therefore, the grants may operate until September 2004. The Department received 14 comments on the March 1, 1998 interim final rule, and none would substantively change the regulations. The Department will provide guidance in response to those comments. The March 1, 1998 interim final rule will be adopted as the final rule, subject to the changes made by the new interim final rule implementing the 1999 amendments. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 04/01/98 63 FR 15985 Interim Final Rule Effective 04/01/98 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 06/01/98 To Be Withdrawn 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Tribal Additional Information: Congress has changed eligibility criteria. A final rule will be published to conform with the State programs. Agency Contact: Gregory Gross, Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Room N4641, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693--3752 Email: gross.gregory@dol.gov RIN: 1205-AB16 _______________________________________________________________________ 2065. SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICE EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 82 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 1205-AB28 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Long-Term Actions Employment and Training Administration (ETA) _______________________________________________________________________ 2066. ATTESTATIONS BY FACILITIES TEMPORARILY EMPLOYING H--1C NONIMMIGRANT ALIENS AS REGISTERED NURSES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 29 USC 49 et seq; 8 USC 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(c); 8 USC 1182(m); 8 USC 1184; PL 106--95, 113 Stat. 1312 CFR Citation: 20 CFR 655, subparts L and M Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, February 11, 2000, Final. Abstract: The Nursing Relief for Disadvantaged Areas Act of 1999 (P.L. 106--95; November 12, 1999) amended the Immigration and Nationality Act to create a new temporary visa program for nonimmigrant aliens to work as registered nurses for up to three years in facilities serving health professional shortage areas, subject to certain conditions. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 08/22/00 65 FR 51137 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 09/21/00 Interim Final Rule Effective 09/21/00 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No [[Page 73209]] Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Federal Agency Contact: Michael Ginley, Wage and Hour Division, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Room S3510, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693--0745 RIN: 1205-AB27 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Completed Actions Employment and Training Administration (ETA) _______________________________________________________________________ 2067. UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION--TRUST FUND INTEGRITY RULE: BIRTH AND ADOPTION UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION; REMOVAL OF REGULATIONS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 42 USC 503(a)(2) and 503(a)(5); 42 USC 1302(a); 26 USC 3304(a)(1) and 3304(a)(4); 26 USC 3306 CFR Citation: 20 CFR 604 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department of Labor is proposing to remove the Birth and Adoption Unemployment Compensation regulations. Those regulations permit states to provide, in the form of UC, partial wage replacement to employees who take approved leave or otherwise leave their employment following the birth or placement for adoption of a child. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/04/02 67 FR 72122 NPRM Comment Period End 02/03/03 Final Rule 10/09/03 68 FR 58540 Final Rule Effective 11/10/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: State Federalism: No Agency Contact: Gerard Hildebrand, Chief, Division of Legislation, Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Office of Workforce Security, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room C--4518, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693--3038 Email: hildebrand.gerard@dol.gov RIN: 1205-AB33 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Prerule Stage Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) _______________________________________________________________________ 2068. [bull] PROHIBITED TRANSACTION EXEMPTION PROCEDURES Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 29 USC 1135; 29 USC 1108 (a); Reorganization Plan No. 4 or 1978; Secretary of Labor's Order 1--2003 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2570.30 to 2570.52 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: EBSA is conducting a review of the prohibited transaction exemption procedures regulation in accordance with the requirements of Section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. The review will cover the continued need for the rules; the nature of complaints or comments received from the public concerning the rules; the complexity of the rules; the extent to which the rules overlap, duplicate or conflict with other Federal rules and, to the extent feasible, with State and local rules; and the extent to which technology, economic conditions, or other factors have changed in industries affected by the rules. To facilitate the review, EBSA is preparing a Request for Information, which will invite interested persons to submit written comments on these and related matters. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Begin Review 12/00/03 RFI 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Karen E. Lloyd, Supervisory Pension Law Specialist, Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room N5649, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693--8554 RIN: 1210-AA98 _______________________________________________________________________ 2069. [bull] STATUTORY EXEMPTION FOR LOANS TO PLAN PARTICIPANTS (SEC. 610 REVIEW) Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 29 USC 1135; 29 USC 1108 (b)(1) CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2550.408 b--1 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: EBSA is conducting a review of the participant loan rules under section 408(b)(1) of ERISA in accordance with the requirements of section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. The review will cover the continued need for the rules; the nature of complaints or comments received from the public concerning the rules; the complexity of the rules; the extent to which the rules overlap, duplicate, or conflict with other Federal rules, and to the extent feasible, with State and local rules; and the extent to which technology, economic conditions, or other factors have changed in industries affected by the rules. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Begin Review 12/00/03 End Review 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined [[Page 73210]] Agency Contact: Rudy F. Nuissl, Senior Pension Law Specialist, Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, Rm N5669, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693--8500 RIN: 1210-AA99 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Proposed Rule Stage Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) _______________________________________________________________________ 2070. DEFAULT ROLLOVER SAFE HARBOR Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 29 USC 1104(c); 29 USC 1105; PL 107--16, sec 657 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2550 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, June 7, 2004, Final. Abstract: This regulation would provide safe harbors under which the designation of an institution and investment of funds is deemed to satisfy the fiduciary requirements of sec. 404(a) of ERISA. The Department has issued a request for information in order to obtain additional information from the public to assist it in developing the required safe harbors. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Request for Information (RFI) 01/07/03 68 FR 992 NPRM 02/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Louis J. Campagna, Supervisory Pension Law Specialist, Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Room N5669, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693--8500 RIN: 1210-AA92 _______________________________________________________________________ 2071. ELECTRONIC FILING BY INVESTMENT ADVISERS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 29 USC 1002 note; 29 USC 1002(38); 29 USC 1135 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2510.3--38 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Upon adoption, this proposed regulation will clarify that an electronic filing with the Investment Advisers Registration Depository (IARD), a centralized electronic filing system established by the Securities and Exchange Commission in conjunction with the NASD and State securities authorities, will satisfy the filing requirement for investment advisers seeking investment manager status under section 3(38) of ERISA. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Florence Novellino--Ott, Pension Law Specialist, Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693--8500 RIN: 1210-AA94 _______________________________________________________________________ 2072. SUSPENSION OF BENEFITS REGULATION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 29 USC 1053(a)(3)(B); 29 USC 1135(a)(3)(B) CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2530.203--3 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This regulation would amend the requirements of 29 CFR 2530.203--3(b)(4) relating to notification of suspension of benefit payments. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Federalism: Undetermined Agency Contact: Susan G. Lahne, Senior Pension Law Specialist, Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Room N5669, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693--8500 RIN: 1210-AA96 _______________________________________________________________________ 2073. [bull] RULEMAKING RELATING TO TERMINATION OF ABANDONED INDIVIDUAL ACCOUNT PLANS Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 83 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 1210-AA97 [[Page 73211]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Final Rule Stage Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) _______________________________________________________________________ 2074. REGULATIONS IMPLEMENTING THE HEALTH CARE ACCESS, PORTABILITY, AND RENEWABILITY PROVISIONS OF THE HEALTH INSURANCE PORTABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 1996 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 84 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 1210-AA54 _______________________________________________________________________ 2075. RULEMAKING RELATING TO NOTICE REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTINUATION OF HEALTH CARE COVERAGE Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 85 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 1210-AA60 _______________________________________________________________________ 2076. MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS PARITY Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 29 USC 1135; 29 USC 1182; 29 USC 1194; PL 104--204, 110 Stat. 2944; PL 107--313; 29 USC 1027; 29 USC 1059; 29 USC 1181; 29 USC 1183; 29 USC 1185 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2590 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Mental Health Parity Act of 1996 (MHPA) was enacted on September 26, 1996 (Pub. L. 104--204). MHPA amended the Public Health Service Act (PHS Act) and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), as amended, to provide for parity in the application of certain mental health benefits with limits on medical surgical benefits. These changes were subsequently added to the Internal Revenue Code (the Code). MHPA provisions are set forth in chapter 100 of subtitle K of the Code, title XXVII of the PHS Act, and part 7 of subtitle B of title I of ERISA. On December 2, 2002, President Bush signed H.R. 5716 (Pub. L. 107--313), the Mental Health Parity Reauthorization Act of 2002. This legislation amended ERISA and the PHS Act to further extend MHPA's original sunset date to December 31, 2003 (the Code provisions already contained a sunset date of December 31, 2003). As a result of this statutory amendment, and to assist employers, plan sponsors, health insurance issuers, and workers, the Department of Labor has amended the interim final regulations, in consultation with the Departments of the Treasury and Health and Human Services, conforming the regulatory sunset date to the current statutory sunset date of December 31, 2003. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 12/22/97 62 FR 66932 Interim Final Rule Amendment Effective 09/30/01 Interim Final Rule Amendment 09/27/02 67 FR 60859 Interim Final Rule Amendment Effective 12/02/02 68 FR 18048 Interim Final Rule Amendment 04/14/03 68 FR 18048 Final Action 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Mark Connor, Supervisory Pension Law Specialist, Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Room C5331, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693--8335 RIN: 1210-AA62 _______________________________________________________________________ 2077. HEALTH CARE STANDARDS FOR MOTHERS AND NEWBORNS Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 29 USC 1027; 29 USC 1059; 29 USC 1135; 29 USC 1185; 29 USC 1191 to 1191c CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2590.711 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Newborns' and Mothers' Health Protection Act of 1996 (NMHPA) was enacted on September 26, 1996 (PL 104--204). NMHPA amended the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, (ERISA) to provide protection for mothers and their newborn children with regard to the length of hospital stays following the birth of a child. NMHPA provisions are set forth in title XXVII of the PHSA and part 7 of subtitle B of title I of ERISA. This rulemaking will provide further guidance with regard to the provisions of the NMHPA. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 10/27/98 63 FR 57546 Final Action 04/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Amy Turner, Pension Law Specialist, Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Room N5677, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693--8335 RIN: 1210-AA63 _______________________________________________________________________ 2078. RULEMAKING RELATING TO THE WOMEN'S HEALTH AND CANCER RIGHTS ACT OF 1998 Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 29 USC 1135; 29 USC 1185; 29 USC 1191c CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 (WHCRA) was enacted on October 21, 1998 (P.L. 105--277). WHCRA amended the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Public Health Service Act (PHS Act) to provide protection for patients who elect breast reconstruction in connection with a mastectomy. The WHCRA provisions are set forth in part 7 of subtitle B of title I of ERISA and in title XXVII of the PHS Act. These interim rules will provide guidance with respect to the WHCRA provisions. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Request for Information (RFI) 05/28/99 64 FR 29186 Request for Information Comment Period End 06/28/99 Interim Final Rule 05/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Elena Lynett, Pension Law Specialist, Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security [[Page 73212]] Administration, Room C5331, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, C5331, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693--8335 RIN: 1210-AA75 _______________________________________________________________________ 2079. PROHIBITING DISCRIMINATION AGAINST PARTICIPANTS AND BENEFICIARIES BASED ON HEALTH STATUS Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 86 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 1210-AA77 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Long-Term Actions Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) _______________________________________________________________________ 2080. ADEQUATE CONSIDERATION Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 29 USC 1002(18); 29 USC 1135 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2510 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The regulation would set forth standards for determining ``adequate consideration'' under section 3(18) of ERISA for assets other than securities for which there is a generally recognized market. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/17/88 53 FR 17632 NPRM Comment Period End 07/17/88 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Morton Klevan, Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, N5669, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693--8500 RIN: 1210-AA15 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Prerule Stage Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) _______________________________________________________________________ 2081. [bull] RESPIRABLE CRYSTALLINE SILICA STANDARD Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 30 USC 811; 30 USC 813 CFR Citation: 30 CFR 70; 30 CFR 71; 30 CFR 90; 30 CFR 72; 30 CFR 58; . . . Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Current standards limit exposures to quartz (crystalline silica) in respirable dust. The coal mining industry standard is based on the formula 10mg/m3 divided by the percentage of quartz where the quartz percent is 5.0 percent or greater calculated as an MRE equivalent concentration. The metal and nonmetal mining industry standard is based on the 1973 American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Values formula: 10 mg/m3 divided by the percentage of quartz plus 2. Overexposure to crystalline silica can result in some miners developing silicosis which may ultimately be fatal. Both formulas are designed to maintain exposures to 0.1 mg/m3 (100 ug) of silica. The Secretary of Labor's Advisory Committee on the Elimination of Pneumoconiosis Among Coal Mine Workers made several recommendations related to reducing exposure to silica. NIOSH and ACGIH recommend a 50ug/ m3 exposure limit for respirable crystalline silica. MSHA is considering several options to reduce miners' exposure to crystalline silica. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 05/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Energy Effects: Statement of Energy Effects planned as required by Executive Order 13211. Agency Contact: Marvin W. Nichols Jr., Director, Office of Standards, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 2352, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209 Phone: 202 693--9440 Fax: 202 693--9441 Email: nichols--marvin@dol.gov RIN: 1219-AB36 [[Page 73213]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Proposed Rule Stage Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) _______________________________________________________________________ 2082. IMPROVING AND ELIMINATING REGULATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 30 USC 811; 30 USC 957 CFR Citation: 30 CFR 1 to 199 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or duplication, and to streamline requirements. We have reviewed our current regulations and identified provisions that are outdated, redundant, unnecessary, or otherwise require change. We will be making these changes through notice and comment rulemaking where necessary. We will also consider new regulations that reflect ``best practices'' in the mining industry. We view this effort to be evolving and ongoing and will continue to accept recommendations from the public. MSHA will propose a rule addressing issues related to portable diesel generators. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM Comment Period End: Methane Testing 11/25/02 67 FR 60611 NPRM: Spring--Loaded Locks 01/22/03 68 FR 2941 Direct Final Rule: Spring-- Loaded Locks 01/22/03 68 FR 2879 Withdrawal of Direct Final Rule: Spring--Loaded Locks 03/07/03 68 FR 10965 NPRM: Sanitary Toilets 04/21/03 68 FR 19477 NPRM: Seatbelts 04/21/03 68 FR 19474 Direct Final Rule: Sanitary Toilets 04/21/03 68 FR 19347 Direct Final Rule: Seatbelts 04/21/03 68 FR 19344 Final Rule: Sanitary Toilets 06/23/03 68 FR 37082 Final Rule: Spring--Loaded Locks06/23/03 68 FR 37077 Final Rule Effective (Confirmation): Seatbelts 06/30/03 68 FR 36913 NPRM: Methane Testing 07/07/03 68 FR 40132 Final Rule: Methane Testing 07/07/03 68 FR 40132 Final Rule Effective: Sanitary Toilets 07/23/03 68 FR 37082 Final Rule Effective: Spring-- Loaded Locks 08/22/03 68 FR 37077 NPRM: Portable Diesel Generator 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Marvin W. Nichols Jr., Director, Office of Standards, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 2352, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209 Phone: 202 693--9440 Fax: 202 693--9441 Email: nichols--marvin@dol.gov RIN: 1219-AA98 _______________________________________________________________________ 2083. ASBESTOS EXPOSURE LIMIT Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 87 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 1219-AB24 _______________________________________________________________________ 2084. [bull] HIGH--VOLTAGE CONTINUOUS MINING MACHINE STANDARDS FOR UNDERGROUND COAL MINES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 30 USC 811; 30 CFR 957; 30 CFR 961 CFR Citation: 30 CFR 18; 30 CFR 75 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Our current standards require that high--voltage and transformers be kept at least 150 feet from coal extraction areas in underground coal mines. These requirements are intended to eliminate an ignition source for methane and coal dust in close proximity to the work area. The use of new mining technology, in the form of high-- voltage continuous mining machines, is becoming more widespread in the mining industry. This equipment uses high--voltage electrical equipment and associated cables. Mine operators, however, must apply to MSHA for a petition for modification from the existing standards if they want to use this high--voltage equipment. The proposed rule would eliminate the need for a modification to use this equipment, and would establish safety requirements for its use. The proposed rule would also include design approval requirements for high--voltage continuous mining machines operated in face areas of underground coal mines. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Federalism: Undetermined Agency Contact: Marvin W. Nichols Jr., Director, Office of Standards, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 2352, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209 Phone: 202 693--9440 Fax: 202 693--9441 Email: nichols--marvin@dol.gov RIN: 1219-AB34 _______________________________________________________________________ 2085. [bull] TRAINING STANDARDS FOR SHAFT AND SLOPE CONSTRUCTION WORKERS AT UNDERGROUND MINES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 30 USC 811; 30 USC 825 CFR Citation: 30 CFR 48.2; 30 CFR 48.7; 30 CFR 48.8; 30 CFR 48.22; 30 CFR 48.23; 30 CFR 49.28 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule would remove the language that exempts shaft and slope construction workers from being required to take part 48 training. Shaft and slope construction workers, for training purposes, would be treated like underground and surface extraction and production miners. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Marvin W. Nichols Jr., Director, Office of Standards, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 2352, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209 Phone: 202 693--9440 Fax: 202 693--9441 Email: nichols--marvin@dol.gov RIN: 1219-AB35 [[Page 73214]] _______________________________________________________________________ 2086. [bull] REVISING ELECTRICAL PRODUCT APPROVAL REGULATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 30 USC 957 CFR Citation: 30 CFR 18; 30 CFR 22; 30 CFR 23; 30 CFR 27 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Part 18 of 30 CFR, entitled ``Electric Motor--Driven Mine Equipment and Accessories,'' sets out the requirements to obtain MSHA approval of electrically operated machines and accessories intended for use in underground mines, as well as other related matters, such as approval procedures, certification of components, and acceptance of flame--resistant hoses and conveyor belts. Aside from minor modifications, part 18 has been largely un changed since it was promulgated in 1968. This update of part 18 is intended to improve the efficiency of the approval process, recognize new technology, add quality assurance provisions, and address existing policies through the rulemaking process. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Marvin W. Nichols Jr., Director, Office of Standards, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 2352, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209 Phone: 202 693--9440 Fax: 202 693--9441 Email: nichols--marvin@dol.gov RIN: 1219-AB37 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Final Rule Stage Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) _______________________________________________________________________ 2087. UNDERGROUND COAL MINE VENTILATION--SAFETY STANDARDS FOR THE BELT ENTRY AS AN INTAKE AIR COURSE Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 30 USC 811; 30 USC 961 CFR Citation: 30 CFR 75 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The proposed rule would give a coal mine operator the option of using air from a belt entry (belt air) in mines with three or more entries (parallel tunnels), as an intake air course to ventilate working sections and areas where mechanized mining equipment is being installed or removed. Current standards require belt air to be separated from intake and return air courses for mines opened after 1970, unless a mine operator is granted a petition for modification of a safety standard (30 CFR 75.350) as set forth in the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act (Mine Act) of 1977 section 101(c), 30 USC 811(c) (1998). For three or more entry mines, regardless of the date they were opened, the proposed rule would eliminate the need for mine operators to seek a petition for modification to use belt air and establish safety requirements for its use. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/27/88 53 FR 2382 Public Hearing Notice 01/27/03 68 FR 3936 Second NPRM 01/27/03 68 FR 3936 Second NPRM Comment Period End 03/28/03 Final Rule 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Marvin W. Nichols Jr., Director, Office of Standards, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 2352, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209 Phone: 202 693--9440 Fax: 202 693--9441 Email: nichols--marvin@dol.gov RIN: 1219-AA76 _______________________________________________________________________ 2088. DIESEL PARTICULATE MATTER EXPOSURE OF UNDERGROUND METAL AND NONMETAL MINERS Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 88 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 1219-AB29 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Long-Term Actions Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) _______________________________________________________________________ 2089. VERIFICATION OF UNDERGROUND COAL MINE OPERATORS' DUST CONTROL PLANS AND COMPLIANCE SAMPLING FOR RESPIRABLE DUST Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 30 USC 811; 30 USC 813; 30 USC 961; 30 USC 957 CFR Citation: 30 CFR 70; 30 CFR 75; 30 CFR 90 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Our current regulations require that all underground coal mine operators develop and follow a mine ventilation plan for each mechanized mining unit that we approve. However, we do not have a requirement that provides for verification of each plan's effectiveness under typical mining conditions. Consequently, plans may be implemented by mine operators that could be inadequate to control respirable dust. In response to comments received on the July 2000 proposed rule for MSHA to withdraw the rule, MSHA published a new proposed rule on March 6, 2003. The proposed rule would have required mine operators to verify, through sampling, the effectiveness of the dust control parameters for each mechanized [[Page 73215]] mining unit specified in the approved mine ventilation plan. The use of approved powered air--purifying respirators and/or verifiable administrative controls would have been allowed as a supplemental means of compliance when MSHA had determined that all feasible engineering or environmental controls were exhausted. Public hearings were held in May 2003, and the rulemaking record originally scheduled to close on June 4, 2003, was extended until July 3, 2003. On June 24, 2003, MSHA announced that all work on the final rule would cease and the rulemaking record would remain open in order to obtain information concerning PDMs being tested by NIOSH. A Federal Register notice was published on July 3, 2003, extending the comment period indefinitely. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/07/00 65 FR 42122 Notice of Hearings; Close of Record 07/07/00 65 FR 42186 Extension of Comment Period; Close 09/08/00 65 FR 49215 NPRM 03/06/03 68 FR 10784 Notice of Public Hearing; Close of Record 03/17/03 68 FR 12641 Extension of Comment Period 05/29/03 68 FR 32005 NPRM Comment Period End 06/04/03 Extension of Comment Period 07/03/03 68 FR 39881 NPRM To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: This rulemaking is related to RIN 1219--AB18 (Determination of Concentration of Respirable Coal Mine Dust). Agency Contact: Marvin W. Nichols Jr., Director, Office of Standards, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 2352, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209 Phone: 202 693--9440 Fax: 202 693--9441 Email: nichols--marvin@dol.gov RIN: 1219-AB14 _______________________________________________________________________ 2090. DETERMINATION OF CONCENTRATION OF RESPIRABLE COAL MINE DUST Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 30 USC 811 CFR Citation: 30 CFR 72 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the Mine Safety and Health Administration jointly proposed that a single, full--shift measurement (single sample) will accurately represent the atmospheric condition to which a miner is exposed. The proposed rule addresses the U.S. Court of Appeals' concerns raised in National Mining Association v. Secretary of Labor, 153 3d 1264 (11th Cir. 1998). MSHA and NIOSH reopened the rulemaking record on March 6, 2003, to obtain comments on documents added to the rulemaking record since the proposed rule was published July 7, 2000. Public hearings were held in May 2003 and the rulemaking record, originally scheduled to close on June 4, 2003, was extended until July 3, 2003. However, on June 24, 2003, MSHA announced that all work on the final rule would cease. On August 12, 2003, the Agencies reopened the rulemaking record and extended the comment period indefinitely. MSHA will be collaborating with NIOSH, miners' representatives, industry and the manufacturer in the in--mine testing of production prototype Personal Dust Monitors (PDMs) units. The results of the collaborative effort will guide the Agency in determining the functionality of these real-- time dust monitoring devices and need for revisions to the coal respirable dust monitoring requirements. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/07/00 65 FR 42068 Notice of Hearings; Close of Record 07/07/00 65 FR 42185 Extension of Comment Period; Close 09/08/00 65 FR 49215 Reopen Record for Comments 03/06/03 68 FR 10940 Notice of Public Hearings; Close of Record 03/17/03 68 FR 12641 Extension of Comment Period 05/29/03 68 FR 32005 Reopen Record Comment Period End06/04/03 Extension of Comment Period; Reopening of Record 08/12/03 68 FR 47886 NPRM To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: This rulemaking is related to RIN 1219--AB14 (Verification of Underground Coal Mine Operators' Dust Control Plans and Compliance Sampling for Respirable Dust). Agency Contact: Marvin W. Nichols Jr., Director, Office of Standards, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 2352, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209 Phone: 202 693--9440 Fax: 202 693--9441 Email: nichols--marvin@dol.gov RIN: 1219-AB18 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Completed Actions Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) _______________________________________________________________________ 2091. TESTING AND EVALUATION BY INDEPENDENT LABORATORIES AND NON--MSHA PRODUCT SAFETY STANDARDS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 30 USC 957 CFR Citation: 30 CFR 18; 30 CFR 19; 30 CFR 20; 30 CFR 22; 30 CFR 23; 30 CFR 27; 30 CFR 33; 30 CFR 35; 30 CFR 36; 30 CFR 6; 30 CFR 7 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The proposed rule contains modifications to MSHA's existing product approval requirements for use of products in gassy underground mines. MSHA currently issues product approvals from MSHA's Approval and Certification Center after MSHA tests and evaluates the products based on regulations in 30 CFR parts 7 through 36. The proposed rule would establish [[Page 73216]] alternative requirements for the testing and evaluation of products for MSHA approval. It would permit manufacturers who seek MSHA product approval to use an independent laboratory to perform the necessary product testing and evaluation in lieu of it being performed by MSHA. It also would allow MSHA product approval to be based on equivalent non--MSHA product safety standards. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/30/94 59 FR 61376 NPRM 02/13/95 60 FR 8209 Public Hearing Notice 10/10/95 60 FR 52640 Notice to Reschedule Public Hearing 04/09/96 61 FR 15743 Comment Period End 04/09/96 Public Hearing Notice 10/17/02 67 FR 64196 Second NPRM 10/17/02 67 FR 64196 Second NPRM Comment Period End 12/31/02 Final Rule 06/17/03 68 FR 36408 Final Rule Effective 08/18/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Marvin W. Nichols Jr., Director, Office of Standards, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 2352, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209 Phone: 202 693--9440 Fax: 202 693--9441 Email: nichols--marvin@dol.gov RIN: 1219-AA87 _______________________________________________________________________ 2092. FOCUSED INSPECTIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 30 USC 957 CFR Citation: 30 CFR 4 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Compliance history and safety and health performance are factors that provide a quantifiable means for focusing MSHA resources. MSHA seeks comment on how best to maximize the effectiveness of resources and to further develop inspection procedures based upon experience. MSHA has withdrawn this item and will address this issue through non--regulatory means. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 08/28/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Federalism: Undetermined Agency Contact: Marvin W. Nichols Jr., Director, Office of Standards, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209 Phone: 202 693--9440 Fax: 202 693--9441 Email: nichols--marvin@dol.gov RIN: 1219-AB30 _______________________________________________________________________ 2093. EMERGENCY EVACUATION; EMERGENCY TEMPORARY STANDARD Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 30 USC 811 CFR Citation: 30 CFR 75.1501; 30 CFR 75.1502 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) issued an Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine Act), section 101(b) in response to the grave danger that underground coal miners are exposed to during mine fires, explosions, and gas or water inundation emergencies. The deaths of 14 miners at two underground coal mines demonstrated the need for MSHA to address proper training and mine emergency evacuation procedures. Under the Mine Act, the ETS, which became effective on December 12, 2002, acts as a proposed rule. MSHA conducted public hearings and accepted written comments on the proposed rule. The Mine Act requires that the Secretary promulgate a final rule no later than 9 months after publication of the ETS as provided for under section 101(b) of the Mine Act. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Emergency Temporary Standard 12/12/02 67 FR 76658 Comment Period End 01/13/03 Post Hearing Comment End 02/28/03 Final Rule 09/09/03 68 FR 53037 Final Rule Effective 09/09/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Marvin W. Nichols Jr., Director, Office of Standards, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209 Phone: 202 693--9440 Fax: 202 693--9441 Email: nichols--marvin@dol.gov RIN: 1219-AB33 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Proposed Rule Stage Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management (OASAM) _______________________________________________________________________ 2094. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NONDISCRIMINATION AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY REQUIREMENTS OF THE WORKFORCE INVESTMENT ACT OF 1998 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 29 USC 2938 Workforce Investment Act CFR Citation: 29 CFR 37 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, August 7, 1999, Final. Abstract: The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) was signed into law by President Clinton on August 7, 1998. Section 188 prohibits discrimination by recipients of financial assistance under title I of WIA on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religion, political affiliation or belief, and for beneficiaries only, participant status, and against certain noncitizens. Section 188(e) requires that the Secretary of Labor issue regulations necessary to implement section 188 not later than one year after the date of the enactment of the WIA. Such regulations will include standards for determining compliance and procedures for enforcement that are [[Page 73217]] consistent with the acts referred to in section 188(a)(1), as well as procedures to ensure that complaints filed under section 188 and such acts are processed in a manner that avoids duplication of effort. The reauthorization of WIA is currently under consideration by the Congress. It may include amendments to the nondiscrimination provisions contained in section 188 that would directly impact these regulations. A final rule will be issued after congressional action on the reauthorization of WIA. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 11/12/99 64 FR 61692 Interim Final Rule Comment Period 12/13/99 NPRM 09/30/03 68 FR 56386 NPRM Comment Period End 12/01/03 Second Interim Final Rule To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State, Tribal Agency Contact: Annabelle T. Lockhart, Director, Civil Rights Center, Department of Labor, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management, Room N4123, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693--6500 TDD Phone: 202 693--6515 Fax: 202 693--6505 Email: civilrightscenter@dol.gov RIN: 1291-AA29 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Final Rule Stage Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management (OASAM) _______________________________________________________________________ 2095. NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF AGE IN PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES RECEIVING FEDERAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 42 USC 6101 et seq, Age Discrimination Act of 1975 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 35 Legal Deadline: NPRM, Judicial, September 10, 1979, NPRM. Abstract: The proposed regulatory action implements the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (the Act). The Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of age in programs or activities receiving Federal financial assistance. The Age Act also contains specific exceptions that permit the use of certain age distinctions and factors other than age that meet the Age Act's requirements. This NPRM will be the third republication of an NPRM published on June 10, 2002, with updates to reflect the passage of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 and to add the term ``program or activity'' as it is defined in the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987. These changes do not alter the substance of the NPRM. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/29/98 63 FR 71714 NPRM Comment Period End 03/01/99 Second NPRM 06/10/02 67 FR 39829 Second NPRM Comment Period End 08/09/02 Third NPRM 07/11/03 Third NPRM Comment Period End 09/09/03 Final Rule 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State, Tribal Agency Contact: Annabelle T. Lockhart, Director, Civil Rights Center, Department of Labor, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management, Room N4123, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693--6500 TDD Phone: 202 693--6515 Fax: 202 693--6505 Email: civilrightscenter@dol.gov RIN: 1291-AA21 _______________________________________________________________________ 2096. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR ACQUISITION REGULATIONS Priority: Info./Admin./Other Legal Authority: 40 USC 486(C); 5 USC 301 CFR Citation: 48 CFR 2900 to 2999 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department of Labor's Acquisition Regulations are being completely revised in order to reflect the significant changes made to the Federal Acquisition Regulation over the last 17 years, as well as organizational changes within DOL. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/11/03 68 FR 48996 NPRM Comment Period End 10/14/03 Final Rule 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Jeffrey D. Saylor, Management Services, Department of Labor, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room N5425, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210--0001 Phone: 202 693--7282 Fax: 202 693--7290 Email: oasamregcomments@dol.gov RIN: 1291-AA34 [[Page 73218]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Long-Term Actions Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management (OASAM) _______________________________________________________________________ 2097. GRANTS AND AGREEMENTS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 105--277 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 95 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department is joining with other Federal agencies to establish revised regulations for grants. Congress included a two-- sentence provision in OMB's appropriation for fiscal year 1999, contained in Public Law 105--277, directing OMB to revise section 95.36 of Circular A--110 ``to require Federal awarding agencies to ensure that all data produced under an award will be made available to the public through the procedures established under the Freedom of Information Act.'' Circular A--110 applies to grants and cooperative agreements with institutions of higher education, hospitals, and nonprofit institutions, from all Federal agencies. OMB finalized the revision on September 30, 1999 (64 FR 54926). This interim final rule amends the agencies' codification of Circular A--110 so they reflect OMB's recent action. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 03/16/00 65 FR 14405 Interim Final Rule Effective 04/17/00 Interim Final Rule Comment Period 05/15/00 Final Rule To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: HHS is the lead agency and will coordinate the next action with Agency Contact: Jeffrey D. Saylor, Management Services, Department of Labor, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room N5425, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210--0001 Phone: 202 693--7282 Fax: 202 693--7290 Email: oasamregcomments@dol.gov RIN: 1291-AA30 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Completed Actions Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management (OASAM) _______________________________________________________________________ 2098. EFFECTUATION OF TITLE VI OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964 AND IMPLEMENTATION OF SECTION 504 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 29 USC 794; 42 USC 2000(d) CFR Citation: 29 CFR 31; 29 CFR 32 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposal would incorporate into 29 CFR parts 31 and 32 the term ``program or activity'' and the definition of that term as it was defined in the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987. Part 31 effectuates title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in programs or activities that receive financial assistance from the Department of Labor. Part 32 implements section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs or activities that receive financial assistance from the Department of Labor. The publication of this rule is being coordinated by the Department of Justice and will be published as part of a Governmentwide issuance. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/06/00 65 FR 76460 NPRM Comment Period End 01/05/01 Final Action 08/26/03 68 FR 51333 Final Action Effective 09/25/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State, Tribal Agency Contact: Annabelle T. Lockhart, Director, Civil Rights Center, Department of Labor, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management, Room N4123, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693--6500 TDD Phone: 202 693--6515 Fax: 202 693--6505 Email: civilrightscenter@dol.gov RIN: 1291-AA31 _______________________________________________________________________ 2099. GOVERNMENTWIDE DEBARMENT AND SUSPENSION (NONPROCUREMENT) AND GOVERNMENTWIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR DRUG--FREE WORKPLACE (GRANTS) 29 CFR 98 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 40 USC 486(c); 41 USC 701; 5 USC 301 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 94; 29 CFR 98 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This document proposed substantive changes and amendments to the Governmentwide nonprocurement common rule for debarment and suspension and the Governmentwide rule implementing the Drug--Free Workplace Act of 1988. The most significant changes are: (1) This proposed common rule on debarment and suspension would limit the mandatory lower tier application of an exclusion to the first procurement level under a nonprocurement covered transaction; (2) This proposed common rule on debarment and suspension would set the dollar threshold on prohibited lower--tier procurement transactions with excluded persons at $25,000; (3) Both this proposed rule on debarment and suspension and the proposed rule on drug--free workplace requirements would eliminate the mandate for agencies and participants to obtain written certifications from awardees or persons with whom they propose to enter into covered transactions. The proposed rules will allow agencies and participants the flexibility to use other means if they so choose, such as award conditions or electronic access to the GSA List on the Internet, to enforce compliance with the rules; and (4) The proposed rule on drug--free workplace requirements would be separated from this proposed rule on debarment and suspension. The drug--free workplace requirements currently are in subpart [[Page 73219]] F of the debarment and suspension nonprocurement common rule. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/23/02 67 FR 3265 NPRM Comment Period End 03/25/02 Final Rule 11/26/03 68 FR 66533 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Federalism: This action may have federalism implications as defined in EO 13132. Additional Information: Lead agencies are developing responses to the comments submitted. Agency Contact: Jeffrey D. Saylor, Management Services, Department of Labor, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room N5425, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210--0001 Phone: 202 693--7282 Fax: 202 693--7290 Email: oasamregcomments@dol.gov RIN: 1291-AA33 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Prerule Stage Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) _______________________________________________________________________ 2100. OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO HEXAVALENT CHROMIUM (PREVENTING OCCUPATIONAL ILLNESS: CHROMIUM) Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 89 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 1218-AB45 _______________________________________________________________________ 2101. CONFINED SPACES IN CONSTRUCTION (PART 1926): PREVENTING SUFFOCATION/EXPLOSIONS IN CONFINED SPACES Priority: Economically Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 40 USC 333 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1926.36 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: In January 1993, OSHA issued a general industry rule to protect employees who enter confined spaces (29 CFR 1910.146). This standard does not apply to the construction industry because of differences in the nature of the worksite in the construction industry. In discussions with the United Steel Workers of America on a settlement agreement for the general industry standard, OSHA agreed to issue a proposed rule to extend confined--space protection to construction workers appropriate to their work environment. OSHA intends to issue a proposed rule addressing this construction industry hazard next year. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ SBREFA Panel Report 12/00/03 NPRM 08/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Russell B. Swanson, Director, Directorate of Construction, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Room N3468, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693--2020 Fax: 202 693--1689 Email: bswanson@dol.gov RIN: 1218-AB47 _______________________________________________________________________ 2102. OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO ETHYLENE OXIDE Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 5 USC 553; 5 USC 610 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910.1047 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: OSHA has undertaken a review of the ethylene oxide (ETO) standard in accordance with the requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act and section 5 of EO 12866. The review is considering the continued need for the rule, the impacts of the rule, comments on the rule received from the public, the complexity of the rule, whether the rule overlaps, duplicates or conflicts with other Federal, State or local regulations, and the degree to which technology, economic conditions or other factors may have changed since the rule was last evaluated. The Agency's findings with respect to this review will be published in a report available to the public in 2004. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Begin Review 10/01/96 End Review 04/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John F. Martonik, Evaluation, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Room N3641, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693--2043 Fax: 202 693--1641 Email: john.martonik@osha.gov RIN: 1218-AB60 _______________________________________________________________________ 2103. OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO CRYSTALLINE SILICA Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 90 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 1218-AB70 _______________________________________________________________________ 2104. OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO BERYLLIUM Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 29 USC 657 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: In 1999 and 2001, OSHA was petitioned to issue an emergency temporary standard by the Paper Allied--Industrial, Chemical, and Energy Workers Union, Public Citizen Health Research Group and others. The Agency denied the petitions but stated [[Page 73220]] its intent to begin data gathering to collect needed information on beryllium's toxicity, risks, and patterns of usage. On November 26, 2002, OSHA published a Request for Information (RFI) (67 FR 70707) to solicit information pertinent to occupational exposure to beryllium including: current exposures to beryllium; the relationship between exposure to beryllium and the development of adverse health effects; exposure assessment and monitoring methods; exposure control methods; and medical surveillance. In addition, the Agency conducted field surveys of selected work sites to assess current exposures and control methods being used to reduce employee exposures to beryllium. OSHA is using this infoprmation to develop a proposed rule addressing occupational exposure to beryllium. OSHA plans to initiate the SBREFA process could be initiated by September 2004. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Request for Information 11/26/02 67 FR 70707 Initiate SBREFA Process 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Steven F. Witt, Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N--3718, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693--1950 Fax: 202 693--1678 RIN: 1218-AB76 _______________________________________________________________________ 2105. EXCAVATIONS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 29 USC 651 et seq; 5 USC 610 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1926.650 to 1926.652 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: OSHA has undertaken a review of the Agency's trenching and excavations standard (29 CFR 1926.650 to 1926.652) in accordance with the requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act and section 5 of Executive Order 12866. The review is considering the continued need for the rule, the impacts of the rule, public comments on the rule, the complexity of the rule, and whether the rule overlaps, duplicates, or conflicts with other regulations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Begin Review 12/01/01 Request for Comments 08/21/02 67 FR 54103 Comment Period End 11/19/02 End Review 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John F. Martonik, Evaluation, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Room N3641, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693--2043 Fax: 202 693--1641 Email: john.martonik@osha.gov RIN: 1218-AC02 _______________________________________________________________________ 2106. PRESENCE SENSING DEVICE INITIATION OF MECHANICAL POWER PRESSES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 29 USC 651 et seq; 5 USC 610 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910.217(h), app A,B,C Legal Deadline: None Abstract: OSHA has undertaken a review of the Agency's Presence Sensing Device Initiation of Mechanical Power Presses rule (29 CFR 1910.217) in accordance with the requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act and section 5 of Executive Order 12866. The review is considering among other things, the need for the rule, the impacts of the rule, public comments on the rule, the complexity of the rule, and whether the rule overlaps, duplicates, or conflicts with other regulations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Begin Review 12/01/01 Request for Comments 08/28/02 67 FR 55181 Comment Period End 01/27/03 End Review 02/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: John F. Martonik, Evaluation, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Room N3641, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693--2043 Fax: 202 693--1641 Email: john.martonik@osha.gov RIN: 1218-AC03 _______________________________________________________________________ 2107. IONIZING RADIATION Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b) CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910.109 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: OSHA is considering amending 29 CFR 1910.1096 that addresses exposure to ionizing radiation. The OSHA regulations were published in 1974, with only minor revisions since that time. The Department of Energy and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission both have more extensive radiation standards that reflect new technological and safety advances. In addition, radiation is now used for a broader variety of purposes, including health care, food safety, mail processing, and baggage screening. OSHA is in the process of reviewing information about the issue, and will determine the appropriate course of action regarding this standard when the review is completed. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Request for Information (RFI) 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Steven F. Witt, Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N--3718, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693--1950 [[Page 73221]] Fax: 202 693--1678 RIN: 1218-AC11 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Proposed Rule Stage Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) _______________________________________________________________________ 2108. LONGSHORING AND MARINE TERMINALS (PARTS 1917 AND 1918) -- REOPENING OF THE RECORD (VERTICAL TANDEM LIFTS (VTLS)) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 33 USC 941 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1918.11; 29 CFR 1918.85 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: OSHA issued a final rule on Longshoring on July 25, 1997 (62 FR 40142). However, in that rule, the Agency reserved provisions related to vertical tandem lifts. Vertical tandem lifts (VTLs) involve the lifting of two or more empty intermodal containers, secured together with twist locks, at the same time. OSHA has continued to work with national and international organizations to gather additional information on the safety of VTLs. The Agency has published an NPRM to address safety issues related to VTLs. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/06/94 59 FR 28594 NPRM Comment Period End 09/23/94 Final Rule on Longshoring/Marine07/25/97 62 FR 40142 Public Meeting on VTLs -- 1/27/ 1998 10/09/97 62 FR 52671 Second NPRM 09/16/03 68 FR 54298 NPRM Comment Period End 12/15/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Steven F. Witt, Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N--3718, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693--1950 Fax: 202 693--1678 RIN: 1218-AA56 _______________________________________________________________________ 2109. GENERAL WORKING CONDITIONS FOR SHIPYARD EMPLOYMENT Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 33 USC 941 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1915 subpart F Legal Deadline: None Abstract: During the 1980s, OSHA initiated a project to update and consolidate the various OSHA shipyard standards that were applied in the shipbuilding, ship repair, and shipbreaking industries. Publication of a proposal addressing general working conditions in shipyards is part of this project. The operations addressed in this rulemaking relate to general working conditions such as housekeeping, illumination, sanitation, first aid, and lockout/tagout. About 100,000 workers are potentially exposed to these hazards annually. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Steven F. Witt, Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N--3718, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693--1950 Fax: 202 693--1678 RIN: 1218-AB50 _______________________________________________________________________ 2110. ELECTRIC POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION; ELECTRICAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 40 USC 333 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910.136; 29 CFR 1910.137; 29 CFR 1910.269; 29 CFR 1926 subpart V; 29 CFR 1926.97 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Electrical hazards are a major cause of occupational death in the United States. The annual fatality rate for power line workers is about 50 deaths per 100,000 employees. The construction industry standard addressing the safety of these workers during the construction of electric power transmission and distribution lines is over 30 years old. OSHA is developing a revision of this standard that will prevent many of these fatalities, add flexibility to the standard, and update and streamline the standard. OSHA also intends to amend the corresponding standard for general industry so that requirements for work performed during the maintenance of electric power transmission and distribution installations are the same as those for similar work in construction. In addition, OSHA will be revising a few miscellaneous general industry requirements primarily affecting electric transmission and distribution work, including provisions on electrical protective equipment and foot protection. This rulemaking will also address fall protection in aerial lifts for power generation, transmission and distribution work. The SBREFA process has now been completed, and OSHA is making changes to the regulatory analysis based on that review. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ SBREFA Report 06/30/03 NPRM 06/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Steven F. Witt, Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution [[Page 73222]] Avenue, NW, Room N--3718, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693--1950 Fax: 202 693--1678 RIN: 1218-AB67 _______________________________________________________________________ 2111. WALKING WORKING SURFACES AND PERSONAL FALL PROTECTION SYSTEMS (1910) (SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALL PREVENTION) Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 29 USC 655 (b) CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910 subparts D and I Legal Deadline: None Abstract: In 1990, OSHA proposed a rule (55 FR 13360) addressing slip, trip, and fall hazards and establishing requirements for personal fall protection systems. Since that time, new technologies and procedures have become available to protect employees from these hazards. The Agency has been working to update these rules to reflect current technology. OSHA published a notice to re--open the rulemaking for comment on a number of issues raised in the record for the NPRM, or related to technological advances. OSHA is currently reviewing the comments and the record will be reopened again for comment on the revised analysis. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/10/90 55 FR 13360 NPRM Comment Period End 08/22/90 Hearing 09/11/90 55 FR 29224 Reopening of Record 05/02/03 68 FR 23527 Comment Period End 07/31/03 Reopen the Record 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Steven F. Witt, Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N--3718, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693--1950 Fax: 202 693--1678 RIN: 1218-AB80 _______________________________________________________________________ 2112. HEARING CONSERVATION PROGRAM FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKERS Priority: Economically Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 40 USC 333 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1926.52 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: OSHA issued a section 6(b)(5) health standard mandating a comprehensive hearing conservation program for noise--exposed workers in general industry in 1983. However, no rule was promulgated to cover workers in the construction industry. A number of recent studies have shown that many construction workers experience work--related hearing loss. In addition, the use of engineering, administrative and personal protective equipment to reduce exposures to noise is not extensive in this industry. OSHA published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking to gather information on the extent of noise--induced hearing loss among workers in different trades in this industry, current practices to reduce this loss, and additional approaches and protections that could be used to prevent such loss in the future. The Agency has reviewed the comments received and other information to determine the appropriate course of action. In order to get additional public input, stakeholder meetings will be convened. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 08/05/02 67 FR 50610 ANPRM Comment Period End 11/04/02 Stakeholder Meetings 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Steven F. Witt, Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N--3718, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693--1950 Fax: 202 693--1678 RIN: 1218-AB89 _______________________________________________________________________ 2113. REVISION AND UPDATE OF SUBPART S--ELECTRICAL STANDARDS Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b) CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910 subpart S Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is planning to revise and update its 29 CFR 1910 subpart S--Electrical Standards. OSHA will rely heavily on the 2000 edition of the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA's) 70 E standard for Electrical Safety Requirements for Employee Workplaces. This revision will provide the first update of the General Industry--Electrical Standard since it was originally published in 1981. OSHA intends to complete this project in several stages. The first stage will cover design safety standards for electrical systems, while the second stage will cover safety-- related maintenance and work practice requirements and safety requirements for special equipment. It will thus allow the latest technological developments to be considered. Several of these state-- of--the--art safety developments will be addressed by OSHA for the first time. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Steven F. Witt, Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N--3718, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693--1950 Fax: 202 693--1678 RIN: 1218-AB95 _______________________________________________________________________ 2114. UPDATING OSHA STANDARDS BASED ON NATIONAL CONSENSUS STANDARDS Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b) [[Page 73223]] CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910; 29 CFR 1915; 29 CFR 1917; 29 CFR 1918; 29 CFR 1926 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Under section 6(a) of the OSH Act, during the first two years of the Act, the Agency was directed to adopt national consensus standards as OSHA standards. Some of these standards were adopted as regulatory text, while others were incorporated by reference. In the thirty years since these standards were adopted by OSHA, the organizations responsible for these consensus standards have issued updated versions of these standards. However, in most cases, OSHA has not revised its regulations to reflect later editions of the consensus standards. OSHA standards also continue to incorporate by reference various consensus standards that are now outdated and, in some cases, out of print. The Agency is now considering the possibility of initiating rulemaking to update some of these standards. In that regard, OSHA has asked various consensus standards organizations to review their standards, compare the latest versions of these standards to the ones currently adopted by OSHA, and determine which ones are most important for OSHA to update. Additionally, OSHA has asked them to consider whether the changes to these standards would be noncontroversial, and if the new versions would reduce risk. The organizations were enthusiastic about the possibility of updating references to their standards, and they have provided considerable information on priorities and other related issues. OSHA is in the process of evaluating the information it has received in order to determine the best way to proceed. It is possible that a direct final rule may be appropriate to address some of these standards, and others may be more appropriately addressed by an NPRM. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Steven F. Witt, Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N--3718, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693--1950 Fax: 202 693--1678 RIN: 1218-AC08 _______________________________________________________________________ 2115. EXPLOSIVES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b) CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910.109 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: OSHA is considering amending 29 CFR 1910.109 that addresses explosives and blasting agents. These OSHA regulations were published in 1974, and many of the provisions do not reflect technological and safety advances made by the industry since that time. Additionally, the standard contains outdated references and classifications. Two trade associations representing many of the employers subject to this rule have petitioned the Agency to consider revising it, and have recommended changes they believe address the concerns they are raising. OSHA is in the process of reviewing the petition and related information about the issue, and will determine the appropriate course of action regarding this standard when the review is completed. OSHA expects to publish an NPRM by July 2004. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Steven F. Witt, Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N--3718, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693--1950 Fax: 202 693--1678 RIN: 1218-AC09 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Final Rule Stage Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) _______________________________________________________________________ 2116. ASSIGNED PROTECTION FACTORS: AMENDMENTS TO THE FINAL RULE ON RESPIRATORY PROTECTION Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 91 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 1218-AA05 _______________________________________________________________________ 2117. GLYCOL ETHERS: 2--METHOXYETHANOL, 2--ETHOXYETHANOL, AND THEIR ACETATES: PROTECTING REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 29 USC 651; 29 USC 655; 29 USC 657 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910.1000; 29 CFR 1910.1031 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: OSHA published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) on April 2, 1987 (52 FR 10586). OSHA used the information received in response to the ANPRM, as well as other information and analysis, and published a proposal on March 23, 1993 (58 FR 15526), that would reduce the permissible exposure limits for four glycol ethers and provide protection for approximately 46,000 workers exposed to these substances. OSHA re--opened the record to collect updated information to help determine what action should be taken. Based on the information received and a review of the record, the Agency has decided to withdraw the proposal. [[Page 73224]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 04/02/87 52 FR 10586 ANPRM Comment Period End 07/31/87 NPRM 03/23/93 58 FR 15526 NPRM Comment Period End 06/07/93 Reopen Record 08/08/02 67 FR 51524 Comment Period End 11/06/02 To Be Withdrawn 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Steven F. Witt, Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N--3718, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693--1950 Fax: 202 693--1678 RIN: 1218-AA84 _______________________________________________________________________ 2118. OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO TUBERCULOSIS Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b) CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910.1035 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: In 1993, the Labor Coalition to Fight TB in the Workplace petitioned the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to develop an occupational health standard to protect workers who care for or oversee patients or others with active tuberculosis (TB) against the transmission of TB. After reviewing the available information, OSHA preliminarily concluded that a significant risk of occupational transmission of TB exists for some workers in some work settings and began rulemaking on a proposed standard. On October 17, 1997, OSHA published its proposed standard for occupational exposure to TB (62 FR 54160). The proposed standard would require employers to protect TB-- exposed workers using infection control measures that have been shown to be highly effective in reducing or eliminating work--related TB infections. Such measures include procedures for the early identification of individuals with infectious TB, isolation of individuals with infectious TB using appropriate ventilation, use of respiratory protection in certain situations, and skin testing and training of employees. Informal public hearings were held in Washington, DC, Los Angeles, CA, New York City, NY, and Chicago, IL. The post--hearing comment period closed on October 5, 1998. On June 17, 1999, OSHA reopened the rulemaking record for 90 days to submit the Agency's report on homeless shelters and certain other documents that became available to the Agency after the close of the post--hearing comment period. During this limited reopening of the rulemaking record, OSHA also requested interested parties to submit comments and data on the Agency's preliminary risk assessment in order to obtain the best, most recent data for providing the most accurate estimates of the occupational risk of tuberculosis. At the request of Congress, the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences (IOM) conducted a study of OSHA's proposal and the need for a TB standard. That study was completed in January 2001. OSHA reopened the record to obtain comment on the IOM study, the draft final risk assessment and the peer reviewers' comment on the risk assessment. The Agency has decided to withdraw the proposal and terminate the rulemaking. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ SBREFA Panel 09/10/96 NPRM 10/17/97 62 FR 54160 NPRM Comment Period End 02/17/98 62 FR 65388 Post Hearing Comment End 10/05/98 Record Reopening 06/17/99 64 FR 32447 Second Reopening Comment Period End 06/28/99 64 FR 34625 Reopening Comment Period End 08/02/99 Third Reopening Comment Period 01/24/02 67 FR 3465 Extension of Comment Period of 03/05/02 67 FR 9934 Reopening Comment Period End 03/25/02 Comment Period End 05/24/02 To Be Withdrawn 11/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal Federalism: This action may have federalism implications as defined in EO 13132. Agency Contact: Steven F. Witt, Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N--3718, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693--1950 Fax: 202 693--1678 RIN: 1218-AB46 _______________________________________________________________________ 2119. FIRE PROTECTION IN SHIPYARD EMPLOYMENT (PART 1915, SUBPART P) (SHIPYARDS: FIRE SAFETY) Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 92 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 1218-AB51 _______________________________________________________________________ 2120. STANDARDS IMPROVEMENT (MISCELLANEOUS CHANGES) FOR GENERAL INDUSTRY, MARINE TERMINALS, AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS (PHASE II) Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 93 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 1218-AB81 _______________________________________________________________________ 2121. COMMERCIAL DIVING OPERATIONS: REVISION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b) CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910.423; 29 CFR 1910.426 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: OSHA's Commercial Diving Operations standard (29 CFR 1910.401 to 1910.441) was published in 1977. In the intervening years, major changes in the technology of diving systems and equipment have occurred. In December 1999, OSHA granted a permanent variance to Dixie Divers, Inc., permitting recreational diving instructors employed by that company to comply with the provisions of the variance rather than with paragraphs (b)(2) and (c)(3)(iii) of 1910.423 and paragraph (b)(1) of 1910.426. Since OSHA granted the variance, other employers of recreational diving [[Page 73225]] instructors have asked OSHA to clarify the applicability of the variance to their operations. OSHA published a notice of proposed rulemaking to amend the commercial diving operations standard to reflect the alternative specified in the permanent variance granted to Dixie Divers, Inc. Comments have been received and reviewed, and a final rule is being issued. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/10/03 68 FR 1399 NPRM Comment Period End 04/10/03 Final Rule 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Steven F. Witt, Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N--3718, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693--1950 Fax: 202 693--1678 RIN: 1218-AB97 _______________________________________________________________________ 2122. CONTROLLED NEGATIVE PRESSURE FIT TESTING PROTOCOL: AMENDMENT TO THE FINAL RULE ON RESPIRATORY PROTECTION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 29 USC 657 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910.134 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: In January 1998, OSHA published the final Respiratory Protection standard (29 CFR 1910.134). In the final revised respirator standard, OSHA set up a mechanism for OSHA's acceptance of new fit test protocols under Mandatory Appendix A. Any person may submit to OSHA an application for approval of a new fit test protocol, and if the application meets certain criteria, OSHA will initiate a rulemaking proceeding under 6(b)(7) of the OSH Act to determine whether to list the new protocol as an approved fit test protocol in Appendix A. OSHA has been petitioned to allow the use of a modified Controlled Negative Pressure (CNP) fit test protocol. Employers, employees, and safety and health professionals use fit testing to select respirators. Currently OSHA relies on fit testing methods specified in Appendix A of the final revised Respiratory Protection standard. When OSHA published the final Respiratory Protection standard in 1998, it allowed for later rulemaking on new fit test methods. This rulemaking action will allow for the incorporation of new fit test methods into 1910.134. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/06/03 68 FR 33887 NPRM Comment Period End 09/04/03 Final Action 02/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal Agency Contact: Steven F. Witt, Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N--3718, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693--1950 Fax: 202 693--1678 RIN: 1218-AC05 _______________________________________________________________________ 2123. PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINTS UNDER SECTION 806 OF THE CORPORATE AND CRIMINAL FRAUD ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2002 Priority: Other Significant Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 18 USC 1514A CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1980 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002, Public Law 107--204 was enacted July 30, 2002. Among other provisions, title VIII, entitled the Corporate and Criminal Fraud Accountability Act of 2002, provides protection for employees of publicly traded companies who provide evidence of fraud to any Federal law enforcement agency, members of Congress, or a person with supervisory authority over the employee. This rule establishes procedures and time frames for the handling of complaints under the Act. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 05/28/03 68 FR 318859 Final Rule 02/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John Robert Spear, Director, Office of Investigative Assistance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Rm 3603, 200 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693--2187 Fax: 202 693--1681 Email: john.spear@osha--no.osha.gov RIN: 1218-AC10 _______________________________________________________________________ 2124. [bull] PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINTS UNDER SECTION 6 OF THE PIPELINE SAFETY IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2002 Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 29 USC 60129 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1981 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule establishes procedures and timeframes for the handling of complaints under section 6 of the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002, including investigations by OSHA, appeals to the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), appeals of ALJ decisions to the Administrative Review Board and judicial review. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 02/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John Robert Spear, Director, Office of Investigative Assistance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Rm 3603, 200 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693--2187 Fax: 202 693--1681 Email: john.spear@osha--no.osha.gov RIN: 1218-AC12 [[Page 73226]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Long-Term Actions Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) _______________________________________________________________________ 2125. EMPLOYER PAYMENT FOR PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 29 USC 657; 33 USC 941; 40 USC 333 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910.132; 29 CFR 1915.152; 29 CFR 1917.96; 29 CFR 1918.106; 29 CFR 1926.95 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Generally, OSHA standards require that protective equipment (including personal protective equipment (PPE)) be provided and used when necessary to protect employees from hazards that can cause them injury, illness, or physical harm. In this discussion, OSHA uses the abbreviation PPE to cover both personal protective equipment and other protective equipment. The Agency continues to consider how to address this issue. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/30/99 64 FR 15401 NPRM Comment Period End 06/14/99 Informal Public Hearing End 08/13/99 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State Agency Contact: Steven F. Witt, Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N--3718, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693--1950 Fax: 202 693--1678 RIN: 1218-AB77 _______________________________________________________________________ 2126. CRANES AND DERRICKS Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 29 USC 651(b); 29 USC 655(b); 40 USC 333 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1926 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Subpart N addresses hazards associated with various types of hoisting equipment used at construction sites. Such equipment includes cranes and derricks. The existing rule, which dates back to 1971, is based in part on industry consensus standards from 1958, 1968, and 1969. There have been considerable technological changes since those consensus standards were developed. Industry consensus standards for derricks and for crawler, truck and locomotive cranes were updated as recently as 1995. A cross--section of the industry has asked OSHA to update subpart N. OSHA has determined that the existing rule needs to be revised and has established a negotiated rulemaking committee to develop a draft proposed rule. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice of Intent To Establish Negotiated Rulemaking 07/16/02 67 FR 46612 Comment Period Ends 09/16/02 Request for Comments on Proposed Committee Members 02/27/03 68 FR 9036 Request for Comment Period Ends 03/31/03 68 FR 9036 Establishing Negotiated Rulemaking Committee 06/12/03 68 FR 35172 NPRM To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Russell B. Swanson, Director, Directorate of Construction, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Room N3468, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693--2020 Fax: 202 693--1689 Email: bswanson@dol.gov RIN: 1218-AC01 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Completed Actions Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) _______________________________________________________________________ 2127. OCCUPATIONAL INJURY AND ILLNESS RECORDING AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 29 USC 553; 29 USC 657 CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1904.10; 29 CFR 1904.12; 29 CFR 1904.29(b)(7)(vi) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a final rule on Occupational Injury and Illness Recording and Reporting Requirements (66 FR 5916, January 19,2001), scheduled to become effective on January 1, 2002. Following a thorough regulatory review, the Agency determined that all but two provisions of the final rule, regarding the recording of occupational hearing (1904.10) and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) (1904.12), would take effect as scheduled (66 FR 35113, July 3, 2001). Following notice and comment, OSHA published a final rule delaying the effective dates for sections 1904.10, 1910.12 and a note to 1904.29(b)(7)(vi) until January 1, 2003. The same final rule provided interim guidance on recording hearing loss and MSD cases during 2002 (66 FR 52031, October 12, 2001). OSHA issued a final 1904.10 regulation setting recording criteria for occupational hearing loss (67 FR 44037, July 1, 2002), and simultaneously issued a proposal to delay the requirements for checking a separate hearing loss column on the 300 Log, as well as an additional one--year delay for the 1904.12 MSD requirements (67 FR 44124, July 1, 2002). The final rule on hearing loss and delay of the effective date was published in December of 2002. The final rule on MSD column was issued on June 30, 2003. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/03/01 66 FR 35113 NPRM Comment Period End 09/04/01 Final Rule 10/12/01 66 FR 52031 [[Page 73227]] NPRM 07/01/02 67 FR 44124 Final Rule 07/01/02 67 FR 44037 NPRM Comment Period End 08/30/02 Final Rule 12/17/02 67 FR 77165 Final Rule 06/30/03 68 FR 38601 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: State Agency Contact: Steven F. Witt, Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N--3718, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693--1950 Fax: 202 693--1678 RIN: 1218-AC06 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Proposed Rule Stage Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment & Training (ASVET) _______________________________________________________________________ 2128. UNIFORMED SERVICES EMPLOYMENT AND REEMPLOYMENT RIGHTS ACT REGULATIONS Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 94 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 1293-AA09 _______________________________________________________________________ 2129. [bull] JOBS FOR VETERANS ACT OF 2002: STATE GRANT FUNDING FORMULA FY 2005 Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 38 USC 4102A (c) (2) (B) as amended by PL 107--288 CFR Citation: 20 CFR 1001.150 to 1001.152 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Public Law 107--288, the Jobs for Veterans Act, enacted November 7, 2002 requires establishment of a new grant allocation formula for Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) and Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) that reflects the ratio of the total number of veterans seeking employment residing in the state to the total number of veterans seeking employment in all states. Congress allowed for the phasing--in of this funding formula requirement ``over the three fiscal--year period'' beginning October 1, 2002. Because funding for fiscal year 2003 had already been established before enactment of the law, this effectively meant the phase--in of this new funding formula would actually take place over a two--year period -- fiscal years 2004 and 2005. To help minimize states' annual funding reductions, allocations will be limited to no more than eighty percent of the prior year's funding allocation, during the two--year phase--in period and ninety percent, after the funding formula is fully implemented. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: State Agency Contact: Ronald Drach, Team Leader, Department of Labor, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment & Training, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room S1325, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693--4749 RIN: 1293-AA11 _______________________________________________________________________ 2130. [bull] JOBS FOR VETERANS ACT OF 2002: CONTRACT THRESHOLD AND ELIGIBILITY GROUPS FOR FEDERAL CONTRACTOR PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 38 USC 4212(a) as amended by PL 107--288 CFR Citation: 41 CFR 61--250 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) is proposing to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to implement changes required by the Jobs For Veterans Act (JFVA) of 2002. This act amended the Vietnam Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, as amended (VEVRAA), by revising the reporting threshold from $25,000 to $100,000. JFVA also eliminated the collection categories of special disabled veterans and veterans of the Vietnam era and added the new collection categories of disabled veterans and armed forces expeditionary medal veterans. JFVA continues the collection for the recently separated veterans category, but changed the definition for that category to include any veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military ground, naval, or air service during the three--year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty. Additionally, Federal contractors and subcontractors will be required to report the total number of all current employees in each of the nine categories and for each hiring location. This proposal will assist VETS in meeting the statutory requirement of annually collecting the VETS--100 Report. PL 107--288 also requires VETS to establish in regulations a uniform national threshold entered employment rate for veterans receiving service through the public labor exchange. States will be gauged against a national entered employment rate threshold measured considering the state's unemployment rate and the states economic condition. This proposed rule will assist in determining performance deficiencies. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Norm Lance, Chief, Investigations and Compliance, VETS, Department of Labor, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment & Training, S--1316, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693--4731 Fax: 202 693--4755 RIN: 1293-AA12 [[Page 73228]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Long-Term Actions Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment & Training (ASVET) _______________________________________________________________________ 2131. [bull] JOBS FOR VETERANS ACT OF 2002: UNIFORM NATIONAL THRESHOLD Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 38 USC 4102(c) (3) (B) as amended by PL 107--288 CFR Citation: 20 CFR 1001 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Public Law 107--288, the Jobs for Veterans Act, enacted November 7, 2002 requires the establishment of a uniform threshold Veterans' Entered Employment Rate (EER). The uniform national threshold Veterans' Entered Employment Rate (EER) is the rate at which veterans enter employment after receiving labor exchange services. A state's EER is considered deficient if it falls below this established national threshold for the preceding program year. As a condition for receipt of funds, the Act stipulates that any state found to be deficient in its EER shall develop a plan to improve its performance. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: State Agency Contact: Ronald Drach, Team Leader, Department of Labor, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment & Training, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room S1325, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693--4749 RIN: 1293-AA13 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Labor (DOL) Completed Actions Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment & Training (ASVET) _______________________________________________________________________ 2132. JOBS FOR VETERANS ACT OF 2002 Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 107--288 CFR Citation: 41 CFR 61--250 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Jobs for Veterans Act requires the Department to establish and phase--in a new funding formula for Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) and Local Veterans Employment Representatives (LVER) grants to states over a three--year period beginning October 1, 2002. Because funding for fiscal year 2003 had already been established before enactment of the law, this effectively meant the phase--in of this new funding formual would actually take place over a two--year period -- fiscal years 2004 and 2005. The interim final rule applies only to fiscal year 2004. This new formual is based on the ratio of the total number of veterans seeking employment residing in a State to the total number of veterans seeking employment in all States. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule: State Grant Funding Formula--FY 2004 06/30/03 68 FR 39000 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End: State Grant Funding Formula--FY 2004 06/30/03 Comments Integrated Into RIN 1293--AA11 10/22/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: State Agency Contact: Ronald Drach, Team Leader, Department of Labor, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment & Training, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room S1325, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone: 202 693--4749 RIN: 1293-AA10 [FR Doc. 03-27748 Filed 12-19-03; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4510-23-S