Search Results for keywords:"Privacy Act of 1974"

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced a new matching program with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) and the Tennessee Department of Human Services. This program aims to verify the eligibility of people applying for or subscribed to the Lifeline program and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) by checking if they receive SNAP benefits in Tennessee. The initiative is expected to help confirm qualifications for these benefits, reduce fraud, and improve service to low-income consumers who rely on discounted broadband and voice services. Written comments about this program are due by March 27, 2025, and the program will last for 18 months starting from that date.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is introducing a new system of records to be managed by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) within its Administration for Children and Families. This system, titled ORR Unaccompanied Children Bureau Child Abuse or Neglect Investigation Records and Central Registry, aims to document cases related to child abuse or neglect at ORR facilities and maintain a registry to vet individuals who may work with unaccompanied children. The information stored will be used for investigations and to ensure that those with a history of abuse or neglect are not allowed to work or volunteer in positions involving direct contact with children under ORR care. Importantly, the data recorded will not be shared for immigration enforcement purposes without prior written consent from the individual concerned.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued a final rule exempting certain records in its newly established system, DOE-42 Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs Files, from specific provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974. These exemptions are applied to protect investigatory materials used for law enforcement purposes, safeguarding against unauthorized access to sensitive data related to federal civil rights compliance investigations. The DOE addressed public comments on the rule and justified the need for exemptions to enhance the confidentiality and integrity of law enforcement processes while ensuring fairness and due process. The rule becomes effective on January 16, 2025.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has requested approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for an extension of the information collection request (ICR) related to the Cross-Media Electronic Reporting Rule. This rule allows for electronic reporting across all EPA programs and helps ensure compliance with the Government Paperwork Elimination Act. Originally, the public had 60 days to comment on this ICR, and this current notice allows an additional 30 days for public comments before March 31, 2025. The expected cost of implementing this ICR is estimated at $4,614,717 annually, with a total burden of 65,319 hours per year, which is a decrease from previous estimates.

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has issued a notice about its systems of records, as required by the Privacy Act of 1974. This update outlines changes in record systems and introduces new routine uses for the stored data, aiming to ensure that individuals can request information with accuracy and precision. The document also details various systems related to grants, personnel, finances, and complaint case files, specifying how these records are stored, accessed, and maintained. The changes reflect the adoption of electronic technology and administrative updates within the agency.

The U.S. Department of Energy is implementing a new rule that exempts certain records from the Privacy Act of 1974 because those records contain classified information. This new system, known as DOE-85, involves research, technology, and economic security reviews and aims to manage risks related to national security and foreign policy. The rule is effective January 16, 2025, and is tailored to protect classified information while allowing DOE to coordinate effectively with other agencies. Despite public concerns, the DOE maintains that these exemptions are necessary and do not violate laws like the Freedom of Information Act.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced changes to the way it manages records about unaccompanied children in federal custody due to their immigration status. The updated system, now called the ORR Unaccompanied Children Bureau (UCB) Administrative Program Records, aims to enhance privacy protections and clarify routine uses of data, especially concerning law enforcement and child welfare investigations. The revisions prohibit using children's information for immigration enforcement purposes without consent and specify situations where information can be shared, like health care coordination or missing children investigations. These changes are part of HHS's ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of unaccompanied children.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is updating an existing system of records managed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and renamed it to "NIH Loan Repayment Records." This update also includes proposed exemptions for some records from certain requirements of the Privacy Act, intended to protect the identity of those who provide information in confidence. The system is used to manage and evaluate educational Loan Repayment Programs, which help repay loans for individuals conducting biomedical and behavioral research. Public comments on these changes can be submitted until March 15, 2021, and the new system will be effective after any feedback is addressed.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced a new computer matching program with the Universal Service Administrative Company and the Utah Department of Workforce Services. This program aims to verify if applicants and subscribers for the Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) are eligible by checking if they receive certain benefits like SNAP and Medicaid. The verification process uses the National Verifier to ensure that those who qualify can receive discounts on broadband and voice services. The program begins on March 27, 2025, and will last for 18 months.