Search Results for agency_names:"Homeland Security Department"

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is proposing a new information collection for the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program alongside existing collections for the Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) and Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) programs. This proposal includes using a form to gather expressions of interest from volunteers who will review BRIC grant applications. FEMA intends to improve disaster preparedness by enabling funding for effective, risk-reducing projects while encouraging state, local, tribal, and territorial entities to participate in the grant review process. The public is invited to comment on this proposal by February 8, 2021.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), part of the Department of Homeland Security, is proposing a new program to collect information for its ChemLock program, which aims to help facilities with dangerous chemicals. This program will provide services like consultations, assessments, and training to improve security measures. CISA has issued a 60-day notice asking for public comments by March 3, 2025, regarding this information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. Public feedback will help ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed ChemLock services.

The Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has submitted a request for public comments regarding the revision of an information collection process associated with the Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant (Form I-360). This notice provides an additional 30 days, until January 21, 2025, for the public to comment on the estimated burden of the required information and associated response times. USCIS uses this information to assess eligibility for certain immigration benefits, and the data may also be used to provide employment authorization for specific groups. The total estimated annual burden in hours for this collection is 127,230 hours, with a cost burden of $7,820,533.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued technical amendments to aviation security regulations, specifically regarding the recordkeeping requirements for criminal history record checks (CHRCs) for airport and aircraft operators. These amendments clarify that operators are required to retain only current CHRC records and certifications, rather than all historical records, and can keep these records in either paper or electronic format. This move aims to reduce the burden of storing unnecessary records without adding any new substantive requirements. The amendments are effective immediately and do not require a notice of proposed rulemaking or a delayed effective date, as they do not significantly change the rights or obligations of any parties involved.

The Coast Guard has introduced a final rule to enhance cybersecurity standards for U.S.-flagged vessels and facilities. This rule mandates the creation of cybersecurity and incident response plans, appointing a cybersecurity officer, and implementing security measures like multifactor authentication and encryption. These steps aim to safeguard the maritime transportation system against increasing cyber threats. The Coast Guard is also inviting public comments on possible delays for these implementations.

The Coast Guard has implemented a temporary rule to maintain a modified schedule for operating the Florida East Coast Railroad Bridge over the Okeechobee Waterway in Stuart, Florida. This rule, effective until May 31, 2025, aims to keep train traffic moving efficiently while ensuring predictable and reliable drawbridge openings for boats. The Coast Guard is extending the temporary rule without a prior notice due to insufficient time to evaluate necessary data before the previous rule expired. Public comments regarding this temporary rule are welcome until March 10, 2025, and any necessary changes will be considered for a final decision.

The Coast Guard has established a temporary safety zone in the Humboldt Bay Bar Channel and the Humboldt Bay Entrance Channel in Eureka, CA, following the wreckage of a fishing vessel. This rule, effective January 26, 2021, through February 10, 2021, prohibits unauthorized piloted vessels from the safety zone to ensure safe navigation and protect the maritime environment. The decision was made without prior public notice due to the urgency of the situation. Authorized vessels can enter the zone only with permission from the Captain of the Port or a designated Coast Guard representative.

In July 2020, FEMA updated the National Flood Insurance Program rules based on the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 and the Homeowners Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014. This final rule, effective from October 1, 2021, corrects mistakes in the July 20 instructions for these regulations. Some corrections include fixing typos in specific sections and properly numbering or naming certain paragraphs. The final rule clarifies existing flood insurance policies and provides instructions to agents and brokers licensed to sell these policies.

The Department of Homeland Security is proposing a new information collection initiative through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to gather data as part of enhanced screening and vetting standards under Executive Order 14161. This initiative aims to collect additional biographic and contact information across various immigration forms to assess individuals' eligibility for immigration-related benefits while ensuring national security. Public comments on this proposal are invited until May 2, 2025. The effort, compliant with the Paperwork Reduction Act, does not anticipate extra costs for respondents.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is seeking public feedback on a new information collection request related to cybersecurity incident reporting. They plan to update their current incident reporting form to gather more useful data for preventing and responding to cyber threats. CISA has decided to revise some questions based on previous feedback to reduce the burden on those completing the forms, and they are focusing on improvements related to preparedness for handling incidents and the sharing of specific data. The updated process aims to help CISA enhance its analysis and response to cybersecurity threats. Comments from the public are welcomed until February 18, 2025.