Search Results for keywords:"transparency and accountability"

The Department of Defense (DoD) has proposed a new rule to modify a system of records called the "Defense Sexual Assault Incident Database," which is intended to collect data related to sexual assault cases involving members of the Armed Forces. The rule seeks to exempt certain records within this database from parts of the Privacy Act to allow for better handling of legal actions or investigations without interference. The rule also invites the public to submit comments before it becomes final, and it explains that it won't significantly affect small businesses or impose compliance costs on state, local, or Tribal governments. The proposal is primarily focused on maintaining the privacy and integrity of ongoing investigations and ensuring a streamlined process for handling reports of sexual assault.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued a final rule regarding the "NIH Police Records" system, which contains law enforcement records maintained by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Police Division. This rule establishes exemptions from certain requirements of the Privacy Act, allowing the NIH to withhold access to specific investigatory records to protect law enforcement procedures and sources. The exemptions apply to both criminal and non-criminal investigatory materials to prevent interference with ongoing investigations and safeguard the integrity of investigatory techniques. The rule is set to become effective on February 18, 2025, and it has been determined that it will not have significant economic impacts on small entities or impose significant expenses on state or local governments.

The U.S. Department of Education has decided to withdraw a proposed rule change that would have affected regulations regarding religious student organizations at public colleges and universities. Initially, the Department planned to rescind certain rules related to these organizations, but after receiving around 58,000 public comments, they've chosen not to proceed. This decision was influenced by the concerns presented in the comments, the upcoming change in administration, and the resources required to address all the feedback. The existing rules will continue to be in place for now, but the Department will not actively investigate possible rule violations unless directed by a court decision.

The United States Postal Service has announced that it has filed a request with the Postal Regulatory Commission. This request is to add a new domestic shipping services contract to the Competitive Products List in the Mail Classification Schedule. The contract involves Priority Mail and USPS Ground Advantage services. More details can be found at the postal regulatory website under specific docket numbers.

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) has scheduled several meetings to discuss grant applications and cooperative agreements. These meetings are part of a review process and will be closed to the public to protect confidential and personal information. The meetings, occurring from April 1 to April 4, 2025, will be conducted virtually. Contact information for the scientific review officers overseeing each meeting is also provided.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has submitted a proposed information collection requirement to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review, allowing for 30 more days of public comment. This collection involves the Housing Counseling Program, which provides guidance to homebuyers, homeowners, and renters to help them make informed decisions and avoid predatory lending practices. HUD aims to ensure that these services are offered by approved agencies that meet its standards. The public is invited to comment on whether the information collected is necessary, accurate, and efficient.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has received a petition for rulemaking from the Central Office of Reform and Efficiency. This petition seeks to amend existing regulations to create clear timelines for acknowledging and responding to rulemaking petitions to improve transparency and accountability. The FTC is welcoming public comments on this petition and will review all feedback before deciding whether to take action. Comments must be submitted by March 3, 2025, and they should not contain sensitive or confidential information.

The Department of Education's Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education is proposing changes to an information collection process. This process, called the Consolidated Annual Report, collects data from state, local, and tribal governments about their career and technical education programs under the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006. The Department is seeking public input on whether the collection is necessary, accurate, and how it might be improved. They are also revising the collection requirements to extend the current reporting through fiscal year 2025 and propose changes for fiscal year 2026.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is inviting the public and federal agencies to comment on a proposed revision to the information collections for the Low-Income Taxpayer Clinics Grant Application Package, as part of efforts to reduce paperwork and respondent burden as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The revision involves changes to Form 13424-M and the introduction of Form 13424-R, which are expected to significantly reduce the time required for completion. Comments must be submitted by May 20, 2025, and will be publicly recorded. The IRS encourages feedback on various aspects of the information collection process, including the necessity, accuracy, and potential for burden reduction.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that the responsibilities for licensing Small Business Investment Companies have been shifted. These duties were previously handled by the Agency Licensing Committee, but now, the Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief of Staff will take over these responsibilities through the agency's internal process. This change was formalized by the SBA Administrator, Isabella Casillas Guzman.