Search Results for keywords:"interim final rule"

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has issued an interim final rule allowing the collection of wage data for the Federal Wage System through various methods such as phone, mail, and electronic means, rather than just in-person visits. This rule aims to provide more flexibility in gathering accurate wage data amidst challenges posed by COVID-19. The rule was implemented based on recommendations from the Federal Prevailing Rate Advisory Committee and a request from the Department of Defense. Public comments are invited on this change until March 31, 2021, but the rule is already in effect temporarily due to urgency.

The Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA) of the Department of the Interior is making changes to its regulations to improve the hearings and appeals process. These updates aim to make procedures more efficient, reflect changes in the law, and incorporate modern technology like electronic filing and case management systems. They are meant to help both the people involved in these cases and the department work more effectively, ensuring that decisions are reviewed quickly and fairly. The new regulations will be effective from February 10, 2025, and public comments on these changes can be submitted until March 11, 2025.

The Department of Justice's Executive Office for Immigration Review issued an interim final rule to clarify the responsibilities of immigration judges when reviewing asylum officers' credible fear and reasonable fear determinations. This rule ensures that judges consider any asylum bars applied by asylum officers as defined by Department of Homeland Security regulations. The changes seek to prevent misunderstandings and maintain consistency with existing legal requirements and processes. Public feedback is requested by January 27, 2025, and the rule takes effect on December 27, 2024.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) issued an interim final rule allowing certain businesses in the 8(a) Business Development program to extend their participation by one year due to challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This extension applies to companies in the program on March 13, 2020, as authorized by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, and the National Defense Authorization Act 2021. Firms that have left the program since March 13, 2020, can also be readmitted if they notify the SBA and confirm they still meet eligibility criteria. The rule is effective immediately, although the public can comment on the rule until March 15, 2021.

The Federal Reserve has issued an interim final rule to extend relief for certain loans guaranteed under the Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) until March 31, 2021. This extension also includes PPP second draw loans and exempts insider loans from certain banking regulations if these loans pose minimal risk. This rule aims to facilitate lending to small businesses owned by bank insiders, ensuring they have access to financial resources without being hindered by restrictions. The public is invited to comment on the rule until April 5, 2021.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has finalized a rule allowing the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to send immigration bond-related notices electronically, provided obligors agree to this method of communication. Although no significant changes were made from an earlier interim rule, this final rule clarifies text, updates terminology, and fixes typographical errors. Commenters raised concerns about technical issues, accessibility, and fairness, particularly regarding the new Cash Electronic Bonds Online System (CeBONDS), but the rule aims to make processes more efficient and reduce mail costs. This transition to electronic service is optional, and obligors can still opt for traditional mail service.

The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) has issued an interim rule to remove its regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) from the Code of Federal Regulations. This action follows an executive order that rescinded the previous directive requiring these regulations and raised questions about CEQ's authority to impose binding rules. CEQ invites public comments on this rule by March 27, 2025, and will consider these before finalizing the rule. The interim rule’s removal of regulations is aimed at addressing legal uncertainties and simplifying agency compliance with NEPA.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has issued an interim final rule to update and relocate regulations regarding other transaction (OT) agreements, which allow for flexible partnerships beyond traditional contracts. This action simplifies existing regulations by removing outdated provisions and clarifying policies, aiming to enhance the use of OT agreements for research, development, and demonstration projects. The changes seek to make it easier for nontraditional government partners, like small businesses, to participate in DOE projects. Public comments on these regulatory adjustments are invited until March 4, 2025.

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.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released an interim final rule to manage the handling of retaliation complaints under the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020 (AMLA), as part of anti-retaliation efforts. This rule outlines procedures for filing complaints, the investigation process, and the resolution, including possible appeals and judicial review, in cases of alleged retaliation against whistleblowers. The interim final rule is effective from January 14, 2025, and comments are invited until March 17, 2025, to refine these guidelines. The document ensures whistleblowers are protected when they report actions they reasonably believe to be violations of law, though it excludes employees of federally insured banks and credit unions, which are protected under different statutes.