FR 2021-04004

The document at hand originates from the Department of Justice (DOJ), specifically its Civil Division, and serves as a public notice concerning the extension of an existing information collection. This collection falls under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act and is subject to review by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) following the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The DOJ invites public comments over a 60-day period, concluding on April 27, 2021. This discussion is crucial as it involves collecting necessary data to determine individuals' eligibility for compensation due to radiation exposure.

General Summary

At its core, the document outlines an official request for public feedback about extending an approved information collection under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act. The targeted respondents are primarily individuals or households who might have been affected by radiation exposure. The DOJ estimates that each respondent will invest approximately 2.5 hours in this process, contributing to a collective annual burden of 5,000 hours. The notice further specifies the channels through which comments and queries can be submitted, including email and fax, while underlining the importance of referring to a specific OMB number or the collection title.

Significant Issues and Concerns

The document, while functional, bears several shortcomings:

• Complex Language: The presentation employs formal and technical language, which may not be easily comprehensible to the general public. Concepts like "burden" and "information collection" might lack the clarity needed for uninformed readers.
• Missing Reference Details: There is a notable absence of the OMB number that stakeholders might need when referencing the collection in their feedback.
• Eligibility and Process Explanation: The document provides little detail on what encompasses the "claims under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act" or the eligibility criteria for potential claimants.
• Comment Submission Guidance: While offering both email and fax options for submission, the document does not clarify which method is preferable, potentially requiring better guidance to avoid confusion.
• Post-Comment Period Actions: The absence of information about the proceedings following the comments' closure date leaves stakeholders uncertain about how their input will be used or influence any decisions.

Impact on the Public

Broadly speaking, this request for comments could affect members of the public who have been exposed to radiation and may seek compensation. By submitting their insights, individuals have the potential to shape how the DOJ processes these claims, emphasizing clarity, efficiency, and reduced respondent burden.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

Positively, eligible individuals or households stand to benefit if the feedback results in a streamlined and less time-consuming application process. Enhancements in clarity and reduced complexity could assist in removing barriers to claims processing.

Negatively, those unfamiliar with formal regulatory language may struggle to understand the document's implications and thus fail to engage with the process effectively. Additionally, if the DOJ does not adequately publicize the results or adjustments following the comment period, affected parties may feel that their contributions were disregarded.

In summary, while the document fulfills its primary function, improvements in clarity, accessibility, and process transparency are necessary to foster more meaningful public participation and ultimately enhance the compensation system's efficacy.