Search Results for keywords:"rulemaking process"

The Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation (FCSIC) has issued a final rule addressing adjustments to civil money penalties (CMPs), in compliance with the 2015 amendments to the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990. These adjustments ensure that penalties remain effective as a deterrent by accounting for inflation, with new amounts applying from January 15, 2025, for any conduct from November 2, 2015, onward. The updated penalty for violations under section 5.65(c) or (d) of the Farm Credit Act is $264 per day. This rule bypasses standard procedure for public comment due to statutory requirements.

The Postal Regulatory Commission has acknowledged a filing by the Postal Service that requests a new rulemaking process to establish Fulfillment Non-Published Rates, which are new specialized postal products. The proposal aims to streamline the process for offering discounts on certain shipping services like Priority Mail by using standard contract templates. Interested parties can submit comments on this proposal until March 12, 2025. Arif Hafiz has been appointed to represent the public's interest in these proceedings.

The Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration decided to withdraw a proposed rule that aimed to revise regulations related to the National Apprenticeship Act of 1937. This proposed rule, initially published in January 2024, sought to enhance the quality and equity of registered apprenticeship programs. The withdrawal follows extensive feedback from over 2,000 stakeholders who highlighted the need for further discussion and refinement of proposed changes. The Department plans to continue engaging with interested parties to consider potential future enhancements before introducing a new proposal.

The Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice have announced a further delay in the implementation of the "Security Bars" final rule until December 31, 2025. This rule was originally intended to define certain public health concerns as threats to U.S. security, affecting asylum eligibility. The delay is due to potential conflicts with other existing regulations and the absence of current public health conditions that would activate the rule. The departments are seeking public comments on the postponement, but not on the potential modification or cancellation of the rule.

The Coast Guard is proposing updates to the special regulations for various marine events like parades and regattas in the Ohio Valley area. These changes will include adding new events, revising details of current events, and removing ones that no longer happen. The proposal aims to make the rules more efficient by minimizing administrative costs and keep the public informed. The Coast Guard is inviting the public to provide comments by March 25, 2021, to help shape this rulemaking process.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has issued a final rule to adjust maximum civil monetary penalties for inflation for the year 2021 as mandated by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015. These adjustments apply to penalties for false loan guaranty certifications and fraudulent claims related to VA programs. The rule, which became effective on February 2, 2021, specifies increased penalty amounts based on changes in the Consumer Price Index. The VA has complied with requirements and regulations, finding no need for public comment or impact on small entities.

The U.S. Department of the Interior has issued final regulations revising the rules that implement Tribal Self-Governance as part of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act. This update was created through negotiations among Self-Governance and non-Self-Governance Tribes and the Department. The new regulations aim to give Tribes more control over certain federal programs and associated funding, reduce bureaucratic barriers, and better align these regulations with Tribal sovereignty and self-determination principles. These rules also establish procedures for future involvement and input from Tribal nations, along with setting standards for managing federal programs and responsibilities.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is withdrawing a rule concerning Utah's hazardous waste management program because they received negative feedback on it. This rule was originally published on December 23, 2024, and its withdrawal means changes to Utah's program won't happen as planned. The EPA will address these comments in a future rule but won't allow for more public comments during that process. The rules involved were related to hazardous waste and environmental protection standards.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), part of the Department of Transportation, has withdrawn a proposed rule regarding the investigation of railroad accidents and incidents. The rule, initially published in October 2024, aimed to establish a standard process for information gathering and consultation with stakeholders during investigations. The decision to retract follows two negative comments criticizing insufficiencies and potential issues, including vague definitions and conflicts with existing practices. The withdrawal allows FRA to revisit the proposal and work with stakeholders to address concerns.

The Department of Justice has issued an interim final rule removing outdated regulations about how the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) handles requests for exceptions to certain federal firearms restrictions. These regulations pertained to how individuals could apply for relief from disabilities imposed by firearms laws, but since 1992, funding has been blocked for processing these individual requests. The rule also withdraws the delegation given to ATF to oversee these applications, clearing the way for a new approach in the future. Interested parties are invited to submit comments on the changes until June 18, 2025.