[December 9, 2002 (Volume 67, Number 236)]
[Unified Agenda]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [frwais.access.gpo.gov]

[Page 74749-74785]
 
Department of Labor


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Part XII









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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL)

_______________________________________________________________________

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Office of the Secretary

20 CFR Chs. I, IV, V, VI, VII, and IX

29 CFR Subtitle A and Chs. II, IV, V, XVII, and XXV

30 CFR Ch. I

41 CFR Ch. 60

48 CFR Ch. 29

Semiannual Agenda of Regulations

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Labor.

ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda.

_______________________________________________________________________

SUMMARY: This document sets forth the Department's semiannual agenda of 
regulations that have been selected for review or development during 
the coming year. The Department's agencies have carefully assessed 
their available resources and what they can accomplish in the next 
twelve months and have adjusted their agendas accordingly.

     The agenda complies with the requirements of both Executive 
Order 12866 and the Regulatory Flexibility Act. The agenda lists 
all regulations that are expected to be under review or development 
between October 2002 and October 2003 as well as those completed 
during the past six months.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Barbara Bingham, Acting Director for 
the Office of Regulatory Economics, Office of the Assistant Secretary 
for Policy, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room 
S-2312, Washington, DC 20210, (202) 693-5959.

Note: Information pertaining to a specific regulation can be obtained 
from the agency contact listed for that particular regulation.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Executive Order 12866 and the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act require the semiannual publication in the Federal 
Register of an agenda of regulations. As permitted by law, the 
Department of Labor is combining the publication of its agendas under 
the Regulatory Flexibility Act and Executive Order 12866.

     Executive Order 12866 became effective September 30, 1993, 
and, in substance, requires the Department of Labor to publish an 
agenda listing all the regulations it expects to have under active 
consideration for promulgation, proposal, or review during the 
coming 1-year period. The focus of all departmental regulatory 
activity will be on the development of effective rules that advance 
the Department's goals and that are understandable and usable to 
the employers and employees in all affected workplaces.

     For this edition of the Department of Labor's regulatory 
agenda, the most important significant regulatory actions are 
included in the Regulatory Plan, which appears in part II of this 
issue of the Federal Register. The Regulatory Plan entries are 
listed in the table of contents below and are denoted by a 
bracketed bold reference, which directs the reader to the 
appropriate sequence number in part II.

     The Regulatory Flexibility Act became effective on January 1, 
1981, and applies only to regulations for which a notice of 
proposed rulemaking was issued on or after that date. It requires 
the Department of Labor to publish an agenda, listing all the 
regulations it expects to propose or promulgate that are likely to 
have a ``significant economic impact on a substantial number of 
small entities'' (5 U.S.C. 602).

     The Regulatory Flexibility Act (under section 610) also 
requires agencies to periodically review rules ``which have or will 
have a significant economic impact upon a substantial number of 
small entities'' and to annually publish a list of the rules that 
will be reviewed during the succeeding 12 months. The purpose of 
the review is to determine whether the rule should be continued 
without change, amended, or rescinded.

     The next 12-month review list for the Department of Labor is 
provided below and public comment is invited on the listing. A 
brief description of each rule, the legal basis for the rule, and 
the agency contact are provided with each agenda item. Note that 
the items from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration 
were on last year's list.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

    Occupational Exposure to Ethylene Oxide (RIN 1218-AB60)

    Grain Handling Facilities (RIN 1218-AB73)

    Excavations (RIN 1218-AC02)

    Presence Sense Device Initiation of Mechanical Power Presses 
(RIN 1218-AC03)

     The following 610 reviews were completed since last year. The 
reviews determined that none of these four regulations have a 
significant economic impact upon a substantial number of small 
entities within the meaning of Section 610(2) of the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act

Pension Welfare Benefit Administration

    Bonding Rules Under ERISA 21974 (RIN 1210-AA82)

    Enforcement Pursuant to Section 502(6)(2) (RIN 1210-AA83)

    Civil Penalties Under ERISA Section 502(c)(2) (RIN 1210-AA84)

    Assessment of Civil Penalties under ERISA Section 502(c)(2) 
(RIN 1210-AA85)

     All interested members of the public are invited and 
encouraged to let departmental officials know how our regulatory 
efforts can be improved, and, of course, to participate in and 
comment on the review or development of the regulations listed on 
the agenda.

 Elaine L. Chao,

Secretary of Labor.

                                  Office of the Secretary--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1773        Production or Disclosure of Information or Materials................................     1290-AA17
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 74751]]


                            Employment Standards Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1774        Defining and Delimiting the Term ``Any Employee Employed in a Bona Fide Executive,       1215-AA14
            Administrative, or Professional Capacity'' (ESA/W-H) (Reg Plan Seq No. 82)..........
1775        Regulations To Implement the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994...........     1215-AA96
1776        Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination Obligations of Contractors and                  1215-AB24
            Subcontractors for Special Disabled Veterans and Veterans of the Vietnam Era........
1777        Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, and Bona Fide Employee Stock Purchase          1215-AB31
            Programs Under the Fair Labor Standards Act.........................................
1778        Labor Organization Annual Financial Reports.........................................     1215-AB34
1779        Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (Reg Plan Seq No. 83)..........................     1215-AB35
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


                              Employment Standards Administration--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1780        Child Labor Regulations, Orders, and Statements of Interpretation (ESA/W-H) (Reg         1215-AA09
            Plan Seq No. 84)....................................................................
1781        Labor Condition Applications and Requirements for Employers Using Nonimmigrants on H-    1215-AB09
            1B Visas in Specialty Occupations and as Fashion Models.............................
1782        Government Contractors: Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Obligations,            1215-AB28
            Executive Order 11246 (ESA/OFCCP) (Revised).........................................
1783        Claims for Compensation Under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation     1215-AB32
            Program Act of 2000, as Amended.....................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


                             Employment Standards Administration--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1784        Implementation of the 1996 Amendments to the Fair Labor Standards Act...............     1215-AB13
1785        Obligation of Federal Contractors and Subcontractors, Notice of Employee Rights          1215-AB33
            Concerning Payment of Union Dues or Fees............................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                           Employment and Training Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1786        Federal-State Unemployment Compensation (UC) Program; Confidentiality and Disclosure     1205-AB18
            of Information in State UC Records..................................................
1787        Senior Community Service Employment Program (Reg Plan Seq No. 85)...................     1205-AB28
1788        Trade Adjustment Assistance for Workers (Reg Plan Seq No. 86).......................     1205-AB32
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


                            Employment and Training Administration--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1789        Labor Certification Process for the Permanent Employment of Aliens in the United         1205-AA66
            States (Reg Plan Seq No. 87)........................................................
1790        Indian and Native American Welfare-to-Work Program..................................     1205-AB16
1791        Disaster Unemployment Assistance Program Amendment..................................     1205-AB31
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


[[Page 74752]]


                            Employment and Training Administration--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1792        Attestations by Facilities Temporarily Employing H-1C Nonimmigrant Aliens as             1205-AB27
            Registered Nurses...................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                            Employment and Training Administration--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1793        Federal-State Unemployment Compensation Program; Unemployment Insurance Performance      1205-AB10
            System..............................................................................
1794        Labor Certification and Petition Process for the Temporary Employment of                 1205-AB24
            Nonimmigrant Aliens in Agriculture in the United States; Modification of Fee
            Structure...........................................................................
1795        Labor Certification and Petition Process for the Temporary Employment of                 1205-AB30
            Nonimmigrant Aliens in Agriculture in the U.S.: Delegation of Authority to
            Adjudication Petitions..............................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                        Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1796        Rulemaking Relating to Notice Requirements for Continuation of Health Care Coverage      1210-AA60
            (Reg Plan Seq No. 88)...............................................................
1797        Default Rollover Safe Harbor........................................................     1210-AA92
1798        Electronic Filing By Investment Advisers............................................     1210-AA94
1799        Suspension of Benefits Regulation...................................................     1210-AA96
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


                          Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1800        Definition of Collective Bargaining Agreement (ERISA Section 3(40)).................     1210-AA48
1801        Regulations Implementing the Health Care Access, Portability, and Renewability           1210-AA54
            Provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (Reg
            Plan Seq No. 89)....................................................................
1802        Mental Health Benefits Parity.......................................................     1210-AA62
1803        Health Care Standards for Mothers and Newborns......................................     1210-AA63
1804        Reporting Requirements for MEWAs Providing Medical Care Benefits....................     1210-AA64
1805        Rulemaking Relating to the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998.............     1210-AA75
1806        Prohibiting Discrimination Against Participants and Beneficiaries Based on Health        1210-AA77
            Status (Reg Plan Seq No. 90)........................................................
1807        Blackout Notice Regulation (Reg Plan Seq No. 91)....................................     1210-AA90
1808        Blackout Notice Civil Penalty (Reg Plan Seq No. 92).................................     1210-AA91
1809        Amendment of Procedural Regulations Under ERISA.....................................     1210-AA93
1810        Civil Monetary Penalty Adjustment Regulation........................................     1210-AA95
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


                         Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1811        Adequate Consideration..............................................................     1210-AA15
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 74753]]


                         Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1812        Regulation Exempting Certain Broker-Dealers and Investment Advisers From Bonding         1210-AA80
            Requirements........................................................................
1813        Bonding Rules Under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (Completion      1210-AA82
            of a Section 610 Review)............................................................
1814        Requests for Enforcement Pursuant to Section 502(b)(2) (Completion of a Section 610      1210-AA83
            Review).............................................................................
1815        Civil Penalties Under ERISA Section 502(c)(2) (Completion of a Section 610 Review)..     1210-AA84
1816        Procedures for the Assessment of Civil Penalties Under ERISA Section 502(c)(2)           1210-AA85
            (Completion of a Section 610 Review)................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              Mine Safety and Health Administration--Prerule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1817        Diesel Particulate Matter Exposure of Underground Metal and Nonmetal Miners (Reg         1219-AB29
            Plan Seq No. 93)....................................................................
1818        Focused Inspections.................................................................     1219-AB30
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


                           Mine Safety and Health Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1819        Belt Entry Use as Intake Aircourse To Ventilate Working Sections and Areas Where         1219-AA76
            Mechanized Mining Equipment Is Being Installed or Removed...........................
1820        Independent Laboratory Testing......................................................     1219-AA87
1821        Improving and Eliminating Regulations...............................................     1219-AA98
1822        Verification of Underground Coal Mine Operators' Dust Control Plans and Compliance       1219-AB14
            Sampling for Respirable Dust (Reg Plan Seq No. 94)..................................
1823        Determination of Concentration of Respirable Coal Mine Dust (Reg Plan Seq No. 95)...     1219-AB18
1824        Asbestos Exposure Limit (Reg Plan Seq No. 96).......................................     1219-AB24
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


                             Mine Safety and Health Administration--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1825        Criteria and Procedures for Proposed Assessment of Civil Penalties..................     1219-AB32
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                            Mine Safety and Health Administration--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1826        Hazard Communication................................................................     1219-AA47
1827        Air Quality, Chemical Substances, and Respiratory Protection Standards..............     1219-AA48
1828        Requirements for Approval of Flame-Resistant Conveyor Belts.........................     1219-AA92
1829        Occupational Exposure to Coal Mine Dust (Lowering Concentration Limit)..............     1219-AB08
1830        Mine Rescue Teams...................................................................     1219-AB20
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 74754]]


            Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1831        Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Age in Programs and Activities Receiving Federal       1291-AA21
            Financial Assistance From the Department of Labor...................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


              Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1832        Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations....................     1291-AA26
1833        Audit Requirements for Grants, Contracts, and Other Agreements......................     1291-AA27
1834        Implementation of the Nondiscrimination and Equal Opportunity Requirements of the        1291-AA29
            Workforce Investment Act of 1998....................................................
1835        Effectuation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Implementation of           1291-AA31
            Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.......................................
1836        Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide              1291-AA33
            Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants) 29 CFR 98.............................
1837        Department of Labor Acquisition Regulations.........................................     1291-AA34
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


             Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1838        Grants and Agreements...............................................................     1291-AA30
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                          Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Prerule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1839        Confined Spaces in Construction (Part 1926): Preventing Suffocation/Explosions in        1218-AB47
            Confined Spaces.....................................................................
1840        Occupational Exposure to Ethylene Oxide (Section 610 Review)........................     1218-AB60
1841        Grain Handling Facilities (Section 610 Review)......................................     1218-AB73
1842        Occupational Exposure to Beryllium..................................................     1218-AB76
1843        Hearing Conservation Program for Construction Workers...............................     1218-AB89
1844        Presence Sensing Device Initiation of Mechanical Power Presses (Section 610 Review).     1218-AC03
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                       Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1845        Assigned Protection Factors: Amendments to the Final Rule on Respiratory Protection      1218-AA05
            (Reg Plan Seq No. 97)...............................................................
1846        Longshoring and Marine Terminals (Parts 1917 and 1918) -- Reopening of the Record        1218-AA56
            (Vertical Tandem Lifts (VTLs))......................................................
1847        Occupational Exposure to Hexavalent Chromium (Preventing Occupational Illness:           1218-AB45
            Chromium)...........................................................................
1848        General Working Conditions for Shipyard Employment..................................     1218-AB50
1849        Fire Protection in Shipyard Employment (Part 1915, Subpart P) (Shipyards: Fire           1218-AB51
            Safety) (Reg Plan Seq No. 98).......................................................
1850        Electric Power Transmission and Distribution; Electrical Protective Equipment.......     1218-AB67
1851        Occupational Exposure to Crystalline Silica (Reg Plan Seq No. 99)...................     1218-AB70
1852        Walking Working Surfaces and Personal Fall Protection Systems (1910) (Slips, Trips,      1218-AB80
            and Fall Prevention)................................................................
1853        Standards Improvement (Miscellaneous Changes) for General Industry, Marine               1218-AB81
            Terminals, and Construction Standards (Phase II) (Reg Plan Seq No. 100).............
1854        Revision and Update of Subpart S--Electrical Standards..............................     1218-AB95
1855        Commercial Diving Operations: Revision..............................................     1218-AB97

[[Page 74755]]


1856        Controlled Negative Pressure Fit Testing Protocol: Amendment to the Final Rule on        1218-AC05
            Respiratory Protection..............................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


                         Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1857        Update and Revision of the Exit Routes Standard (Reg Plan Seq No. 101)..............     1218-AB82
1858        Procedures for Handling of Discrimination Complaints Under the Aviation Investment       1218-AB99
            and Reform Act......................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


                        Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1859        Glycol Ethers: 2-Methoxyethanol, 2-Ethoxyethanol, and Their Acetates: Protecting         1218-AA84
            Reproductive Health.................................................................
1860        Occupational Exposure to Tuberculosis...............................................     1218-AB46
1861        Employer Payment for Personal Protective Equipment..................................     1218-AB77
1862        Cranes and Derricks.................................................................     1218-AC01
1863        Excavations (Section 610 Review)....................................................     1218-AC02
1864        Occupational Injury and Illness Recording and Reporting Requirements................     1218-AC06
1865        Updating OSHA Standards Based on National Consensus Standard........................     1218-AC08
1866        Explosives..........................................................................     1218-AC09
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                        Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1867        Access and Egress in Shipyards (Part 1915, Subpart E) (Shipyards: Emergency Exits        1218-AA70
            and Aisles).........................................................................
1868        Accreditation of Training Programs for Hazardous Waste Operations (Part 1910).......     1218-AB27
1869        Injury and Illness Prevention.......................................................     1218-AB41
1870        Fall Protection in the Construction Industry........................................     1218-AB62
1871        Signs, Signals, and Barricades......................................................     1218-AB88
1872        Changes to State Plans..............................................................     1218-AB91
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


           Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment & Training--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1873        Annual Report for Federal Contractors (2002 Revisions)..............................     1293-AA08
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


             Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment & Training--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1874        Annual Report From Federal Contractors..............................................     1293-AA07
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 74756]]

_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Labor (DOL)                           Proposed Rule Stage
Office of the Secretary (OS)
_______________________________________________________________________

1773. PRODUCTION OR DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION OR MATERIALS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 5 USC 552 as amended; 5 USC Reorganization 
Plan No. 6 of 1950; EO 12600, 52 FR 23781 (June 25, 1987)

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 70

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The regulation will incorporate the provisions of the 1996 
FOIA amendments. These include extending DOL processing time from 10 to 
20 days for most FOIA requests and requiring that all reading room 
materials created since November 1, 1996, be made available by 
electronic means such as the Internet.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Miriam McD. Miller, of Legislation and Legislative 
Counsel, Department of Labor, Office of the Secretary, Room N2428, 200 
Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-5500
Email: miller-miriam@dol.gov

RIN: 1290-AA17

_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Labor (DOL)                           Proposed Rule Stage
Employment Standards Administration (ESA)
_______________________________________________________________________

1774. DEFINING AND DELIMITING THE TERM ``ANY EMPLOYEE EMPLOYED IN A BONA 
FIDE EXECUTIVE, ADMINISTRATIVE, OR PROFESSIONAL CAPACITY'' (ESA/W-H)

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 82 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1215-AA14
_______________________________________________________________________

1775. REGULATIONS TO IMPLEMENT THE FEDERAL ACQUISITION STREAMLINING ACT 
OF 1994

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 103-355, 108 Stat. 3243

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 4; 29 CFR 5; 41 CFR 50-201; 41 CFR 50-206

Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, May 11, 1995.
Final, Statutory, October 1, 1995.

Abstract: The Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994, signed on 
October 13, 1994, amended several acts administered by the Department 
of Labor: (1) the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act (CWHSSA) 
to limit its applicability to contracts in an amount of $100,000 or 
greater; (2) the Davis-Bacon Act (DB) to provide waivers from the Act's 
prevailing wage requirements under selected laws for volunteers 
performing services to a State or local government or agency and for 
volunteers performing services to a public or private nonprofit 
recipient of Federal assistance; and (3) the Walsh-Healey Public 
Contracts Act (PCA) to eliminate the requirements that contractors on 
covered contracts be either manufacturers or regular dealers in the 
items to be supplied under the contract but retains the Secretary of 
Labor's authority to define the terms ``regular dealer'' and 
``manufacturer.'' A final rule implementing the CWHSSA and PCA changes 
was published on August 5, 1996 (61 FR 40714).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/07/95                    60 FR 46553
NPRM Comment Period End         10/10/95
Final Rule                      08/05/96                    61 FR 40714
Second NPRM                     04/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Federal

Agency Contact: Tammy D. McCutchen, Administrator, Wage and Hour 
Division, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, 200 
Constitution Avenue, NW, FP Building Room S3502, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-0051
Fax: 202 693-1432

RIN: 1215-AA96
_______________________________________________________________________

1776. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION AND NONDISCRIMINATION OBLIGATIONS OF 
CONTRACTORS AND SUBCONTRACTORS FOR SPECIAL DISABLED VETERANS AND 
VETERANS OF THE VIETNAM ERA

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 4211; 38 USC 4212; PL 101-237; PL 102-127; PL 
102-16; PL 102-484; PL 105-339; PL 93-508, amended; PL 94-502; PL 95-
520; PL 96-466; PL 97-306; PL 98-223

CFR Citation: 41 CFR 60-250

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: OFCCP proposes to amend the regulations implementing the 
Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) 38 USC 4212, 
to conform with the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (the Act) of 
1998 and the Veterans Benefits and Health Care Improvement Act of 2000 
(VBHCIA). The Act increases the current threshold for coverage from 
$10,000 to $25,000. The Act and VBHCIA of 2000 expand the scope of 
protection under VEVRAA to include recently separated veterans and 
veterans who served on active duty during a war or in a campaign or 
expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized. Recently 
separated veterans means any veteran during the one-year period 
beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from 
active duty.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: James I. Melvin, Program Development, OFCCP, Department 
of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Room N3424, 200 
Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-0102
TDD Phone: 202 693-1308
Fax: 202 693-1304

[[Page 74757]]

Email: jimelvin@fenix2.dol-esa.gov

RIN: 1215-AB24
_______________________________________________________________________

1777. STOCK OPTIONS, STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS, AND BONA FIDE EMPLOYEE 
STOCK PURCHASE PROGRAMS UNDER THE FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 207(e)(8); PL 106-202, sec 2(e)

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 546; 29 CFR 778

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Worker Economic Opportunity Act, Public Law 106-202 (May 
18, 2000), amended section 7(e) of the Fair Labor Standards Act to 
clarify how certain employer-provided stock option programs are to be 
treated for purposes of overtime pay. Certain programs meeting 
prescribed criteria would not have to be factored into the ``regular 
rate'' otherwise required when calculating ``time-and-one-half'' 
overtime premium pay for overtime hours of work. The legislation calls 
for regulations to be promulgated as necessary, which will include 
amendments to some of the existing regulations on overtime pay.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tammy D. McCutchen, Administrator, Wage and Hour 
Division, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, 200 
Constitution Avenue, NW, FP Building Room S3502, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-0051
Fax: 202 693-1432

RIN: 1215-AB31
_______________________________________________________________________

1778. [bull] LABOR ORGANIZATION ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORTS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 431; 29 USC 438; 5 USC 7120(d); 22 USC 4117(d)

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 402; 29 CFR 403; 29 CFR 458

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This regulation will revise Form LM-2, which is used by labor 
organizations with $200,000 or more in annual receipts to file the 
annual financial reports required under title II of the Labor-Managment 
Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 (LMRDA). The proposed revisions 
will improve the transparency and accountability of labor organizations 
to their members, increase the information available to labor 
organization members, and make data disclosed in such reports more 
understandable and accessible. Among other things, unions filing the 
revised Form LM-2 will be required to report electronically (unless 
granted an exemption), to identify ``major'' receipts and 
disbursements, to allocate disbursements among categories such as 
contract negotiation and administration, organizing, political 
activity, lobbying, etc., and to report receipts and disbursements of 
organizations that meet the statutory definition of a ``trust in which 
a labor organization is interested'' on a new Form T-1.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Organizations

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Don Todd, Deputy Asst. Secretary for Labor-Management 
Programs, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, 
Room N5605, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Washington, DC 
20210
Phone: 202 693-0122
TDD Phone: 800 877-8339
Fax: 202 693-1340
Email: olms-mail@dol-esa.gov

RIN: 1215-AB34
_______________________________________________________________________

1779. [bull] FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT OF 1993

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 83 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1215-AB35
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Labor (DOL)                              Final Rule Stage
Employment Standards Administration (ESA)
_______________________________________________________________________

1780. CHILD LABOR REGULATIONS, ORDERS, AND STATEMENTS OF INTERPRETATION 
(ESA/W-H)

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 84 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1215-AA09
_______________________________________________________________________

1781. LABOR CONDITION APPLICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS USING 
NONIMMIGRANTS ON H-1B VISAS IN SPECIALTY OCCUPATIONS AND AS FASHION 
MODELS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 49 et seq; 8 USC 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b); 8 USC 
1182(n); 8 USC 1184; PL 102-232; PL 105-277

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 655, subparts H and I

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The H-1B visa program of the Immigration and Nationality Act 
allows employers to temporarily employ nonimmigrants admitted into the 
United States under the H-1B visa category in specialty occupations and 
as fashion models, under specified labor conditions. An employer must 
file a labor condition application with the Department of Labor before 
the Immigration and Naturalization Service may approve a petition to 
employ a foreign worker on an H-1B visa. The Department's Employment 
and Training Administration administers the labor condition application 
process; the Wage and Hour Division of the Department's

[[Page 74758]]

Employment Standards Administration handles complaints and 
investigations regarding labor condition applications. The Department 
published a proposed rule on January 5, 1999, in response to statutory 
changes in the H-1B program made by the American Competitiveness and 
Workforce Improvement Act of 1998 (Title IV, Pub. L. 105-277; Oct. 21, 
1998). Those changes placed additional obligations on ``H-1B-
dependent'' employers (generally, those with work forces comprised of 
more than 15 percent H-1B workers) and on willful violators. These 
employers must recruit for U.S. workers, hire U.S. workers who are at 
least as qualified as H-1B workers, and not displace U.S. workers by 
hiring H-1B workers or placing them at another employer's job site. The 
1998 amendments also imposed additional obligations on all H-1B 
employers, such as offering benefits to H-1B workers on the same basis 
and according to the same criteria as offered to U.S. workers, and 
payment to H-1B workers during periods they are not working for an 
employment-related reason. The 1999 proposed rule also requested 
further public comment on earlier proposed provisions published in 
October 1995, and on particular interpretations of the statute and of 
the existing regulations which the Department proposed to incorporate 
into the regulations. Since publishing the proposed rule, Congress 
enacted further amendments to the H-1B provisions under the American 
Competitiveness in the Twenty-First Century Act of 2000 (Pub. L. 106-
313; Oct. 17, 2000), the Immigration and Nationality Act - Amendments 
(Pub. L. 106-311; Oct. 17, 2000), and section 401 of the Visa Waiver 
Permanent Program Act (Pub. L. 106-396; Oct. 30, 2000).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/31/95                    60 FR 55339
NPRM Comment Period End         11/30/95
NPRM                            01/05/99                      64 FR 628
NPRM Comment Period End         02/04/99
Interim Final Rule              12/20/00                    65 FR 80110
Interim Final Rule Effective    01/19/01
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      04/23/01                    66 FR 10865
Final Action                    09/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Additional Information: On December 20, 2000, the Department published 
an interim final rule to implement the recent amendments and clarify 
the existing rules, and requested further public comment on those 
provisions. The Wage and Hour Division has removed the H-1B final rule 
from the Regulatory Plan as a part of the ongoing review of 
nonimmigrant employment programs in the light of events of September 
11. The H-1B interim final rule currently in effect provides sufficient 
guidance to the regulated community until this reanalysis is completed. 
The H-1B final rule will remain on the Regulatory Agenda.

Agency Contact: Tammy D. McCutchen, Administrator, Wage and Hour 
Division, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, 200 
Constitution Avenue, NW, FP Building Room S3502, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-0051
Fax: 202 693-1432

RIN: 1215-AB09
_______________________________________________________________________

1782. GOVERNMENT CONTRACTORS: NONDISCRIMINATION AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION 
OBLIGATIONS, EXECUTIVE ORDER 11246 (ESA/OFCCP) (REVISED)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 793; EO 11758; EO 11246, as amended; 38 USC 
4211; PL 94-502; EO 11758; PL 98-223; PL 102-16; PL 102-127; PL 95-520; 
PL 105-339; 29 USC 706; PL 97-306; PL 102-484; 38 USC 4212; PL 93-508, 
amended; PL 96-466; PL 101-237

CFR Citation: 41 CFR 60-1 (Revision); 41 CFR 60-250 (Revision); 41 CFR 
60-741 (Revision)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The final rule would remove the obligation to visit an 
establishment during a compliance check, which is currently required by 
section 60-1.20(a)(3) in order to enhance efficiency in resource 
allocation. OFCCP proposes also to make the same revision in section 
60-250.60(a)(3) of the regulations implementing the affirmative action 
provisions of the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act 
(VEVRAA). Lastly, OFCCP proposes to conform regulations implementing 
section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, to the 
compliance evaluation procedures contained in the regulations 
implementing Executive Order 11246, as amended, and the affirmative 
action provisions of VEVRAA, both of which expressly authorize OFCCP to 
use additional investigative procedures to determine a contractor's 
compliance with the regulations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/12/00                    65 FR 60815
NPRM Comment Period End         12/11/00
Final Rule                      06/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: James I. Melvin, Program Development, OFCCP, Department 
of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Room N3424, 200 
Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-0102
TDD Phone: 202 693-1308
Fax: 202 693-1304
Email: jimelvin@fenix2.dol-esa.gov

RIN: 1215-AB28
_______________________________________________________________________

1783. CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION UNDER THE ENERGY EMPLOYEES OCCUPATIONAL 
ILLNESS COMPENSATION PROGRAM ACT OF 2000, AS AMENDED

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

Legal Authority: 42 USC 7384 et seq; EO 13179

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 30

Legal Deadline: Other, Statutory, May 31, 2001, Interim Final Rule.

Abstract: The Department of Labor has issued regulations for its 
administration of the provisions of the Energy Employees Occupational 
Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000, as amended. These regulations 
address all questions arising under this act which have not been 
specifically assigned to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to 
the Secretary of Energy, or to the Attorney General.

[[Page 74759]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              05/25/01                    66 FR 28948
Interim Final Rule Effective    07/24/01
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period                          09/24/01                    66 FR 47382
Final Action                    01/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Peter M. Turcic, Occupational Illness Compensation, 
OWCP, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, 200 
Constitution Avenue, NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-0081
Fax: 202 693-1465
Email: eeoicpa-mail@fenix2.dol-esa.gov

RIN: 1215-AB32
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Labor (DOL)                             Long-Term Actions
Employment Standards Administration (ESA)
_______________________________________________________________________

1784. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 1996 AMENDMENTS TO THE FAIR LABOR STANDARDS 
ACT

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 201 et seq; PL 104-188, sec 2101 to 2105

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 4; 29 CFR 531; 29 CFR 541; 29 CFR 778; 29 CFR 785; 
29 CFR 790; 29 CFR 870; 41 CFR 50-202

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996 (H.R. 3448) was 
enacted on August 20, 1996, as Public Law 104-188. Title II of this 
enactment amended the Portal-to-Portal Act (PA) and the Fair Labor 
Standards Act (FLSA). The PA amendment excludes (under certain 
circumstances) from compensable ``hours worked'' the time spent by an 
employee in home-to-work travel in an employer-provided vehicle. The 
FLSA amendments: (1) increase the $4.25 Federal minimum hourly wage by 
$.90 in two steps over two years (i.e., to $4.75 on October 1, 1996, 
and to $5.15 on September 1, 1997); (2) provide a $4.25 subminimum wage 
for youth under age 20 in their first 90 calendar days of employment 
with an employer; (3) set the employer's direct wage payment obligation 
for tipped employees at $2.13 per hour (provided such employees receive 
the balance of the full minimum wage in tips); and (4) set the hourly 
compensation requirements at not less than $27.63 per hour for certain 
exempt professional employees in computer-related occupations. Changes 
will be required in the regulations to reflect these amendments.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Federal

Agency Contact: Tammy D. McCutchen, Administrator, Wage and Hour 
Division, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, 200 
Constitution Avenue, NW, FP Building Room S3502, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-0051
Fax: 202 693-1432

RIN: 1215-AB13
_______________________________________________________________________

1785. OBLIGATION OF FEDERAL CONTRACTORS AND SUBCONTRACTORS, NOTICE OF 
EMPLOYEE RIGHTS CONCERNING PAYMENT OF UNION DUES OR FEES

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: EO 13201

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 470

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: On January 2, 2002, the Federal District Court for the 
District of Columbia issued a decision in UAW-Labor Employment & 
Training Corp v. Chao, holding the Executive Order 13201 is invalid 
because it conflicts with the National Labor Relations Act. The court 
permanently enjoined the Department of Labor from implementing and 
enforcing Executive Order 13201. The decision has been appealed.
This regulation, if promulgated, would implement E.O. 13201 which 
requires Government contractors and subcontractors to post notices 
informing their employees that (1) under Federal law they cannot be 
required to join a union or maintain membership in a union to retain 
their jobs, and (2) employees who choose not to be union members may 
object to the use of their compulsory union dues and fees for 
activities other than collective bargaining, contract administration, 
and grievance adjustment, and may be entitled to a refund and an 
appropriate reduction in their future payments. The proposed 
regulation, in accordance with E.O. 13201, would also require that, 
where applicable, each Government contracting agency include certain 
provisions of the Order in its Government contracts, and that 
Government contractors and subcontractors include these provisions in 
their nonexempt subcontracts and purchase orders.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Procedural Rule         04/18/01                    66 FR 19988
NPRM                            10/01/01                    66 FR 50010
NPRM Comment Period End         11/30/01
Final Rule                       To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Don Todd, Deputy Asst. Secretary for Labor-Management 
Programs, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, 
Room N5605, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Washington, DC 
20210
Phone: 202 693-0122
TDD Phone: 800 877-8339
Fax: 202 693-1340
Email: olms-mail@dol-esa.gov

RIN: 1215-AB33


[[Page 74760]]

_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Labor (DOL)                           Proposed Rule Stage
Employment and Training Administration (ETA)
_______________________________________________________________________

1786. FEDERAL-STATE UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION (UC) PROGRAM; 
CONFIDENTIALITY AND DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION IN STATE UC RECORDS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 26 USC ch 23; 42 USC 1302 (a); 42 USC 1320b-7; 42 USC 
503; Secretary's Orders 4-75 and 14-75

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 603

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Employment and Training Administration of the Department 
of Labor is preparing to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) 
on confidentiality and disclosure of information in State records 
collected, created, or maintained for purposes of the Federal-State UC 
program. The NPRM would modify and expand the regulations implementing 
the Income and Eligibility Verification System (IEVS) to include the 
statutory requirements in title III of the Social Security Act, the 
Federal Unemployment Tax Act, and the Wagner-Peyser Act concerning 
confidentiality and disclosure of information in State UC records. The 
use of unemployment compensation wage records under these and other 
statutes has increased in recent years while privacy and 
confidentiality issues have not yet been addressed.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State

Additional Information: Formerly RIN 1205-AA74; was taken off 
regulatory agenda in 1994 due to inactivity. An earlier NPRM was 
published on 03/23/92 at 57 FR 10063 with comment period ending 05/22/
92.

Agency Contact: Gerard Hildebrand, Chief, Division of Legislation, 
Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Room 
C4518, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FB Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-3038
Email: ghildebrand@doleta.gov

RIN: 1205-AB18
_______________________________________________________________________

1787. SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICE EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 85 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1205-AB28
_______________________________________________________________________

1788. [bull] TRADE ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE FOR WORKERS

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 86 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1205-AB32
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Labor (DOL)                              Final Rule Stage
Employment and Training Administration (ETA)
_______________________________________________________________________

1789. LABOR CERTIFICATION PROCESS FOR THE PERMANENT EMPLOYMENT OF ALIENS 
IN THE UNITED STATES

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 87 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1205-AA66
_______________________________________________________________________

1790. INDIAN AND NATIVE AMERICAN WELFARE-TO-WORK PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 612(a)(3)(c)(iii); PL 106-113, Division B, 
section 1000(a)(4)

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 646

Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, November 4, 1997, 90 days from 
enactment.
Other, Statutory, January 1, 2000, for 1999 amendments.

Abstract: These are program regulations needed to implement the Indian 
and Native American set-aside under the Welfare-to-Work program 
authorized by section 412(a)(3) of the Social Security Act. New interim 
final regulations are being issued to implement changes made by the 
Welfare-to-Work and Child Support Amendments of 1999 and other 
legislation. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2001 authorized the 
Department to extend welfare-to-work grants an additional two years. 
Therefore, the grants may operate until September 2004.
The Department received 14 comments on the March 1, 1998 interim final 
rule, and none would substantively change the regulations. The 
Department will provide guidance in response to those comments. The 
March 1, 1998 Interim Final Rule will be adopted as the final rule, 
subject to the changes made by the new interim final rule implementing 
the 1999 amendments.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              04/01/98                    63 FR 15985
Interim Final Rule Effective    04/01/98
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period                          06/01/98
Final Action                    12/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Tribal

Additional Information: Congress has changed eligibility criteria. A 
final rule will be published to conform with the State programs.

Agency Contact: Gregory Gross, Department of Labor, Employment and 
Training Administration, Room N4641, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP 
Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-3752
Email: ggross@doleta.gov

RIN: 1205-AB16
_______________________________________________________________________

1791. DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AMENDMENT

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 1302; 42 USC 5177; EO 12673

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 625.5

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This new rule on the Disaster Unemployment Assistance Program 
will only address one aspect of part 625; it adds a definition of 
``unemployment is a direct result of the major disaster.'' ETA had not 
defined this term in its previous rule. The purpose of the new 
definition is to

[[Page 74761]]

clarify eligibility for disaster unemployment assistance in the wake of 
the major disasters as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 
11, 2001.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              11/13/01                    66 FR 56959
Interim Final Rule Effective    11/13/01
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      12/13/01
Final Rule                      01/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Federal

Agency Contact: Betty E. Castillo, Operations, Department of Labor, 
Employment and Training Administration, Room S4231, 200 Constitution 
Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-3032

RIN: 1205-AB31
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Labor (DOL)                             Long-Term Actions
Employment and Training Administration (ETA)
_______________________________________________________________________

1792. ATTESTATIONS BY FACILITIES TEMPORARILY EMPLOYING H-1C NONIMMIGRANT 
ALIENS AS REGISTERED NURSES

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 49 et seq; 8 USC 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(c); 8 USC 
1182(m); 8 USC 1184; PL 106-95, 113 Stat. 1312

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 655, subparts L and M

Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, February 11, 2000.

Abstract: The Nursing Relief for Disadvantaged Areas Act of 1999 (P.L. 
106-95; November 12, 1999) amended the Immigration and Nationality Act 
to create a new temporary visa program for nonimmigrant aliens to work 
as registered nurses for up to three years in facilities serving health 
professional shortage areas, subject to certain conditions.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              08/22/00                    65 FR 51137
Interim Final Rule Effective    09/21/00
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period                          09/21/00
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Federal

Agency Contact: Michael Ginley, Wage and Hour Division, Department of 
Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Room S3510, 200 
Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-0745

RIN: 1205-AB27
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Labor (DOL)                             Completed Actions
Employment and Training Administration (ETA)
_______________________________________________________________________

1793. FEDERAL-STATE UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION PROGRAM; UNEMPLOYMENT 
INSURANCE PERFORMANCE SYSTEM

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 19 USC 2271 to 2322; 26 USC 3301 to 3311; 40 FR 18515; 
42 USC 1302(a); 42 USC 501 to 504; 42 USC 5177 to 5189a; 5 USC 8501 to 
8508; 5 USC 8521 to 8525

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 602; 20 CFR 609.6(f); 20 CFR 609.7(c); 20 CFR 
614.6(f); 20 CFR 614.7(c); 20 CFR 617.51(b); 20 CFR 640; 20 CFR 650

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This regulation will formally establish a comprehensive 
system for helping ensure continuous improvement in UI operational 
performance. It will enunciate as the system's building blocks 
principles for Federal and State cooperation, key nationwide 
performance measures, criteria distinguishing satisfactory from 
unsatisfactory performance, an annual planning process, and actions 
which the Department may take when a State fails to perform 
satisfactorily.
The UI PERFORMS Regulation is consistent with the Administration's and 
the Secretary's emphasis on improved grants management. It is needed 
now to help complete the development and implementation of the UI 
PERFORMS system and will replace other regulations, two of which 
establish Secretary's Standards for first payment and lower appeals 
timeliness. Until those regulations have been replaced the related UI 
PERFORMS measures and criteria cannot be put in place. It will also 
establish a definitive framework for enforcing, if necessary, the 
elements and performance standards established as parts of the UI 
PERFORMS system. Until the regulation is in place, UI PERFORMS will 
remain incomplete.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           01/16/97                     62 FR 2543
ANPRM Comment Period End        03/17/97
Withdrawn                       09/16/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Burman Skrable, Team Leader, Division of Performance 
Management, Department of Labor, Employment and Training 
Administration, Room S4522, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FB Building, 
Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-3197
Email: bskrable@doleta.gov

RIN: 1205-AB10

[[Page 74762]]

_______________________________________________________________________

1794. LABOR CERTIFICATION AND PETITION PROCESS FOR THE TEMPORARY 
EMPLOYMENT OF NONIMMIGRANT ALIENS IN AGRICULTURE IN THE UNITED STATES; 
MODIFICATION OF FEE STRUCTURE

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 49 et seq; 8 USC 1101(a)(15)(h)(ii)(a); 8 USC 
1184; 8 USC 1188

CFR Citation: 8 CFR 655

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Employment and Training Administration (ETA) of the U.S. 
Department of Labor (hereafter referred to as the Department or DOL)is 
withdrawing its proposed rule published at 65 FR 43545 (July 13, 2001), 
which would have required employers seeking to temporarily employ 
nonimmigrant agricultural workers (H-2A) to submit, at the time of 
filing, a new consolidated application form, fees for the labor 
certification, and the associated H-2A petition. Agricultural employers 
and workers and their representatives strongly opposed DOL's petition 
to consolidate into a proposed new Form 9079 the existing two forms 
(Form ETA 750 and Form I-129) used by DOL for the certification process 
and by the Immigration and Naturalization Service for the H-2A visa 
petition process.
Based upon the Department's review of the rulemaking record as a whole, 
the Department has decided to withdraw the proposed rule and terminate 
the rulemaking action.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/13/00                    65 FR 43545
NPRM                            09/18/00                    65 FR 50170
NPRM                            09/27/01                    66 FR 49328
Withdrawn                       09/24/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dale Ziegler, Certification, Department of Labor, 
Employment and Training Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., 
Room C4318, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-2942
Fax: 202 693-2760
Email: dmziegler@doleta.gov

RIN: 1205-AB24
_______________________________________________________________________

1795. LABOR CERTIFICATION AND PETITION PROCESS FOR THE TEMPORARY 
EMPLOYMENT OF NONIMMIGRANT ALIENS IN AGRICULTURE IN THE U.S.: DELEGATION 
OF AUTHORITY TO ADJUDICATION PETITIONS

Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 8 CFR 103.1(f)(iii)(w); 8 CFR 214.2(h)(5); 8 CFR 
214.2(h)(11); 8 CFR 214.2(h)(12); 8 USC 1101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(a); 8 USC 
1184; 8 USC 1188; 29 USC 49 et seq; 8 CFR 103.1

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 655, subpart B

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Labor (DOL or Department) is withdrawing 
the final rule published at 65 FR 45358 (July 13, 2000) pertaining to 
the delegation of authority from the Immigration and Naturalization 
Service (INS) to DOL to adjudicate petitions for the temporary 
employment of nonimmigrant aliens in agriculture in the United States.
Commenters raised a number of issues, and consequently, the Department 
at 66 FR 49275 (September 27, 2001) again reopened and extended the 
comment period on the July 13, 2000 NPRM. The Department also held two 
informal briefings on November 8, 2001 and November 16, 2001, (see 66 
FR 49329, September 27, 2001) to give agricultural employers and 
workers, their representatives and other interested parties an 
opportunity to communicate their views directly to the Department 
regarding the proposal to delegate authority from INS to DOL to 
adjudicate petitions for the temporary employment of nonimmigrant 
aliens in the proposed transfer of authority between the two agencies. 
DOL reviewed the concerns of the agricultural employers and workers, 
and determined that the concerns expressed by both groups have merit. 
The Department has concluded that it is in the best interest of 
agricultural employers and workers to withdraw the final rule from the 
CFR.
Concurrently, the INS is also withdrawing its final rule at 65 FR 43528 
(July 13, 2000) which would have transferred authority from INS to the 
Department to adjudicate petitions for the temporary employment of 
nonimmigrant workers and the authority to make determinations for 
revocation of petition approvals.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              09/27/01                    66 FR 49275
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      10/29/01
Withdrawn                       09/24/02
Interim Final Rule Effective    09/27/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dale Ziegler, Certification, Department of Labor, 
Employment and Training Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., 
Room C4318, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-2942
Fax: 202 693-2760
Email: dmziegler@doleta.gov

RIN: 1205-AB30


[[Page 74763]]

_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Labor (DOL)                           Proposed Rule Stage
Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration (PWBA)
_______________________________________________________________________

1796. RULEMAKING RELATING TO NOTICE REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTINUATION OF 
HEALTH CARE COVERAGE

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 88 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1210-AA60
_______________________________________________________________________

1797. [bull] DEFAULT ROLLOVER SAFE HARBOR

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 29 USC 1104(c); 29 USC 1105; PL 107-16, sec 657

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2550

Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, June 7, 2004, Deadline prescribed by 
Sec. 657(c)(2)(A) of the Economic Growth and Tax Reconciliation Act of 
2001 (Pub. L. 107-16).

Abstract: This regulation would provide safe harbors under which the 
designation of an institution and investment of funds is deemed to 
satisfy the fiduciary requirements of sec. 404(a) of ERISA. The 
Department intends to issue a request for information in order to 
obtain additional information from the public to assist it in 
developing the required safe harbors.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Request for Information         12/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Louis J. Campagna, Supervisory Pension Law Specialist, 
Department of Labor, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, Room 
N5669, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-8500

RIN: 1210-AA92
_______________________________________________________________________

1798. [bull] ELECTRONIC FILING BY INVESTMENT ADVISERS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 29 USC 1135; 29 USC 1002(38); 29 USC 1002 note

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2510.3-38

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Upon adoption, this proposed regulation will clarify that an 
electronic filing with the Investment Advisers Registration Depository 
(IARD), a centralized electronic filing system established by the 
Securities and Exchange Commission in conjunction with the NASD and 
State securities authorities, will satisfy the filing requirement for 
investment advisers seeking investment manager status under 
section3(38) of ERISA.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Rudy Nuissl, Senior Pension Law Specialist, Department 
of Labor, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, N5669, 200 
Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-8500

RIN: 1210-AA94
_______________________________________________________________________

1799. [bull] SUSPENSION OF BENEFITS REGULATION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 29 USC 1053(2)(3)(B); 29 USC 1135

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2530.203-3

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This regulation would amend the requirements of 29 CFR 
2530.203-3(b)(4) relating to notification of suspension of benefit 
payments.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Susan G. Lahne, Department of Labor, Pension and 
Welfare Benefits Administration, Room N5669, 200 Constitution Avenue 
NW., FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-8500

RIN: 1210-AA96
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Labor (DOL)                              Final Rule Stage
Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration (PWBA)
_______________________________________________________________________

1800. DEFINITION OF COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT (ERISA SECTION 
3(40))

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 1002(40); 29 USC 1135

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2510.3-40

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The regulation will establish standards for determining 
whether an employee benefit plan is established or maintained under or 
pursuant to one or more collective bargaining agreements for purposes 
of its exclusion from the Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangement (MEWA) 
definition in section 3(40) of ERISA, and thus exempted from State 
regulation. The regulation will clarify the scope of the exception from 
the MEWA definition for plans established or maintained under or 
pursuant to one or more collective bargaining agreements by providing 
criteria which will serve to distinguish welfare benefit arrangements 
which are maintained by legitimate unions pursuant to bona fide 
collective bargaining agreements from insurance arrangements promoted 
and marketed under the guise of ERISA-covered plans exempt from State 
insurance regulation. The regulation will also serve to limit the 
extent to which plans maintained pursuant to bona fide collective 
bargaining agreements may extend plan coverage

[[Page 74764]]

to individuals not covered by such agreements.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/01/95                    60 FR 39208
NPRM Comment Period Extended to 09/29/95                    60 FR 50508
Notice Establishing Negotiated  09/22/98                    63 FR 50542
Second NPRM                     10/27/00                    65 FR 64498
Second NPRM Comment Period End  12/26/00
Final Action                    02/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Governmental Jurisdictions, Organizations

Government Levels Affected: State

Federalism:  This action may have federalism implications as defined in 
EO 13132.

Agency Contact: Elizabeth A. Goodman, Pension Law Specialist, 
Department of Labor, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, Room 
N5669, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-8500

RIN: 1210-AA48
_______________________________________________________________________

1801. REGULATIONS IMPLEMENTING THE HEALTH CARE ACCESS, PORTABILITY, AND 
RENEWABILITY PROVISIONS OF THE HEALTH INSURANCE PORTABILITY AND 
ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 1996

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 89 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1210-AA54
_______________________________________________________________________

1802. MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS PARITY

Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 29 USC 1135; 29 USC 1182; 29 USC 1194; PL 104-204, 110 
Stat. 2944

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2590

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Mental Health Parity Act of 1996 (MHPA) was enacted on 
September 26, 1996 (Pub. L. 104-204). MHPA amended the Public Health 
Service Act (PHS Act) and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act 
of 1974 (ERISA), as amended, to provide for parity in the application 
of certain mental health benefits with limits on medical and surgical 
benefits. These changes were subsequently added to the Internal Revenue 
Code (the Code). MHPA provisions are set forth in chapter 100 of 
subtitle K of the Code, title XXVII of the PHS Act, and part 7 of 
subtitle B of title I of ERISA. On January 10, 2002, President Bush 
signed H.R. 3061 (Pub. L. 107-116, 115 Stat. 2177), the 2002 
Appropriations Act for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human 
Services, and Education. This legislation extends MHPA's original 
sunset date under ERISA, the Code, and the PHS Act, so that MHPA's 
provisions will not apply to benefits for services furnished on or 
after December 31, 2002. On March 9, 2002, President Bush signed H.R. 
3090, the Job Creation and Worker Assistance Act of 2002 (Pub. L. 107-
147, 116 Stat. 21), that included an amendment to section 9812 of the 
Code (the mental health parity provisions). This legislation further 
extends MHPA's original sunset date under the Code to December 31, 
2003. As a result of the statutory amendments to MHPA, and to assist 
employers, plan sponsors, health insurance issuers, and workers, the 
Department of Labor developed a amendment of the interim final 
regulations, in consultation with the Departments of the Treasury and 
Health and Human Services, conforming the regulatory sunset date to the 
new statutory sunset date under ERISA.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              12/22/97                    62 FR 66932
Interim Final Amendment         09/27/02                    67 FR 60859
Interim Final Amendment 
Effective                       12/31/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Additional Information: LEGAL AUTHORITIES CONT: Secs. 107, 209, 505, 
701-703, 711, 712

Agency Contact: Mark Connor, Supervisory Pension Law Specialist, 
Department of Labor, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, Room 
C5331, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-8335

RIN: 1210-AA62
_______________________________________________________________________

1803. HEALTH CARE STANDARDS FOR MOTHERS AND NEWBORNS

Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 29 USC 1027; 29 USC 1059; 29 USC 1135; 29 USC 1185; 29 
USC 1191 to 1191c

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2590.711

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Newborns' and Mothers' Health Protection Act of 1996 
(NMHPA) was enacted on September 26, 1996 (PL 104-204). NMHPA amended 
the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) and the Employee Retirement Income 
Security Act of 1974, as amended, (ERISA) to provide protection for 
mothers and their newborn children with regard to the length of 
hospital stays following the birth of a child. NMHPA provisions are set 
forth in title XXVII of the PHSA and part 7 of subtitle B of title I of 
ERISA. This rulemaking will provide further guidance with regard to the 
provisions of the NMHPA.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              10/27/98                    63 FR 57546
Final Action                    07/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Amy Turner, Pension Law Specialist, Department of 
Labor, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, Room N5677, 200 
Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-8335

RIN: 1210-AA63
_______________________________________________________________________

1804. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR MEWAS PROVIDING MEDICAL CARE BENEFITS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 1021(g); 29 USC 1135; 29 USC 1191c

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2520

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These interim final rules govern certain reporting 
requirements

[[Page 74765]]

under title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, 
as amended (ERISA) for multiple employer welfare arrangements (MEWAs) 
that provide benefits consisting of medical care. In part, the rules 
implement recent changes made to ERISA by the Health Insurance 
Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). The rules also set 
forth elements that MEWAs would be required to file with the Department 
of Labor for the purpose of determining compliance with the 
portability, nondiscrimination, renewability and other requirements of 
part 7 of subtitle B of title I of ERISA including the requirements of 
the Mental Health Parity Act of 1996 and the Newborns' and Mothers' 
Protection Act of 1996. The rules provide guidance with respect to 
section 502(c)(5) of ERISA which authorizes the Secretary of Labor to 
assess a civil penalty of up to $1,000 a day for failure to comply with 
the new reporting requirements.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              02/11/00                     65 FR 7152
Final Action                    01/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Amy Turner, Pension Law Specialist, Department of 
Labor, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, Room N5677, 200 
Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-8335

RIN: 1210-AA64
_______________________________________________________________________

1805. RULEMAKING RELATING TO THE WOMEN'S HEALTH AND CANCER RIGHTS ACT OF 
1998

Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority: 29 USC 1135; 29 USC 1185; 29 USC 1191c

CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 (WHCRA) was 
enacted on October 21, 1998 (P.L. 105-277). WHCRA amended the Employee 
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Public Health 
Service Act (PHS Act) to provide protection for patients who elect 
breast reconstruction in connection with a mastectomy. The WHCRA 
provisions are set forth in part 7 of subtitle B of title I of ERISA 
and in title XXVII of the PHS Act. These interim rules will provide 
guidance with respect to the WHCRA provisions.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Request for Information (RFI)   05/28/99                    64 FR 29186
RFI Comment Period End          06/28/99
Interim Final Rule              07/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Elena Hornsby, Pension Law Specialist, Department of 
Labor, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, Room C5331, 200 
Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, C5331, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-8335

RIN: 1210-AA75
_______________________________________________________________________

1806. PROHIBITING DISCRIMINATION AGAINST PARTICIPANTS AND BENEFICIARIES 
BASED ON HEALTH STATUS

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 90 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1210-AA77
_______________________________________________________________________

1807. [bull] BLACKOUT NOTICE REGULATION

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 91 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1210-AA90
_______________________________________________________________________

1808. [bull] BLACKOUT NOTICE CIVIL PENALTY

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 92 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1210-AA91
_______________________________________________________________________

1809. [bull] AMENDMENT OF PROCEDURAL REGULATIONS UNDER ERISA

Priority: Info./Admin./Other. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 29 USC 1132(c); 29 USC 1135

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2570

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rulemaking would amend 29 CFR part 2570 to clarify the 
time at which a notice of intent to assess a civil penalty, where there 
is a failure to file a statement of reasonable cause, constitutes a 
final order of the Secretary.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              10/21/02                    67 FR 64774
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      11/20/02
Interim Final Rule Effective    01/26/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Jeffrey Turner, Pension Law Specialist, Department of 
Labor, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, N 5669, 200 
Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-8500

RIN: 1210-AA93
_______________________________________________________________________

1810. [bull] CIVIL MONETARY PENALTY ADJUSTMENT REGULATION

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority: 29 USC 1135; 29 USC 2461 note

CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined

Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, July 29, 2001, PL 104-134 sec 3720C.

Abstract: The Federal Civil Monetary Penalty Inflation Adjustment Act 
of 1990, as amended by the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996, 
requires Federal agencies to adjust civil monetary penalties for 
inflation at least once every four years. This rulemaking will satisfy 
that requirement with respect to the civil monetary penalties under 
title I of ERISA.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Rule                      12/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Rudy F. Nuissl, Senior Pension Law Specialist,

[[Page 74766]]

Department of Labor, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, 200 
Constitution Avenue NW, Rm N5669, FP Building, Washington, DC 20011
Phone: 202 693-8500

RIN: 1210-AA95
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Labor (DOL)                             Long-Term Actions
Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration (PWBA)
_______________________________________________________________________

1811. ADEQUATE CONSIDERATION

Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 29 USC 1002(18); 29 USC 1135

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2510

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department intends to republish for public comment a 
proposed regulation originally published in 1988. The proposal sets 
standards for determining ``adequate consideration'' under section 
3(18) of ERISA for assets other than securities for which there is a 
generally recognized market. The proposal is being republished to 
obtain, through public comment, updated information to assist the 
Department in determining whether, and what, guidance concerning the 
definition of ``adequate consideration'' would be helpful to plan 
participants, sponsors, fiduciaries, and other professionals providing 
services to employee benefit plans.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/17/88                    53 FR 17632
NPRM Comment Period End         07/17/88


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Morton Klevan, Department of Labor, Pension and Welfare 
Benefits Administration, N5669, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP 
Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-8500

RIN: 1210-AA15
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Labor (DOL)                             Completed Actions
Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration (PWBA)
_______________________________________________________________________

1812. REGULATION EXEMPTING CERTAIN BROKER-DEALERS AND INVESTMENT 
ADVISERS FROM BONDING REQUIREMENTS

Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 29 USC 1112; 29 USC 1135

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2580

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed regulation would provide an exemption from the 
bonding requirements of section 412(a) of ERISA for certain broker-
dealers and investment advisers who handle plan assets.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       09/12/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Additional Information: No further action is contemplated by the Agency 
on this item at this time.

Agency Contact: Jeffrey Turner, Pension Law Specialist, Department of 
Labor, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, N 5669, 200 
Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-8500

RIN: 1210-AA80
_______________________________________________________________________

1813. BONDING RULES UNDER THE EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY ACT OF 
1974 (COMPLETION OF A SECTION 610 REVIEW)

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority: 29 USC 1112; 29 USC 1135

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2580

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: PWBA has determined that the bonding regulations under 
section 412 of ERISA (29 CFR part 2580) do not have a significant 
economic impact upon a substantial number of small entities within the 
meaning of section 610(2) of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA). 
Accordingly a substantive review thereof is not required by section 
610(6) of the RFA.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Begin Review                    12/01/00
End Review                      08/15/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Rudy Nuissl, Senior Pension Law Specialist, Department 
of Labor, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, N5669, 200 
Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-8500

RIN: 1210-AA82
_______________________________________________________________________

1814. REQUESTS FOR ENFORCEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 502(B)(2) (COMPLETION 
OF A SECTION 610 REVIEW)

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority: 29 USC 1132(b)(2); 29 USC 1135

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2560.502-1

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: PWBA has determined that the regulations under section 
502(b)(1) of ERISA (formerly ERISA section 502(b)(2)) do not have a 
significant economic impact upon a substantial number of small entities 
within the meaning of section 610(2) of the Regulatory Flexibility Act 
(RFA). Accordingly, a substantive review

[[Page 74767]]

thereof is not required of section 610(b) of the RFA.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Begin Review                    12/01/00
End Review                      08/15/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Rudy Nuissl, Senior Pension Law Specialist, Department 
of Labor, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, N5669, 200 
Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-8500

RIN: 1210-AA83
_______________________________________________________________________

1815. CIVIL PENALTIES UNDER ERISA SECTION 502(C)(2) (COMPLETION OF A 
SECTION 610 REVIEW)

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 1132(c)(2); 29 USC 1135

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2560.502(c)(2)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: PWBA has determined that the regulations under section 
502(c)(2) of ERISA (29 CFR 2560(c)(2)) do not have a significant 
economic impact upon a substantial number of small entities within the 
meaning of section 610(2) of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA). 
Accordingly, a substantive review thereof is not required by section 
610(b) of the RFA.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Begin Review                    12/01/00
End Review                      08/15/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Rudy Nuissl, Senior Pension Law Specialist, Department 
of Labor, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, N5669, 200 
Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-8500

RIN: 1210-AA84
_______________________________________________________________________

1816. PROCEDURES FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF CIVIL PENALTIES UNDER ERISA 
SECTION 502(C)(2) (COMPLETION OF A SECTION 610 REVIEW)

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority: 29 USC 1132(c)(2); 29 USC 1135

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2570.60 et seq

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: PWBA has determined that the regulation relating to the 
procedures for the assessment of civil penalties under section 
502(c)(2) of ERISA do not have a significant economic impact upon a 
substantial number of small entities within the meaning of section 
610(2) of the Regulatory Flexibility Act(RFA). Accordingly, a 
substantive review thereof is not required by section 610(b)of the RFA.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Begin Review                    12/01/00
End Review                      08/15/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Rudy Nuissl, Senior Pension Law Specialist, Department 
of Labor, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, N5669, 200 
Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-8500

RIN: 1210-AA85

_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Labor (DOL)                                 Prerule Stage
Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)
_______________________________________________________________________

1817. [bull] DIESEL PARTICULATE MATTER EXPOSURE OF UNDERGROUND METAL AND 
NONMETAL MINERS

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 93 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1219-AB29
_______________________________________________________________________

1818. [bull] FOCUSED INSPECTIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 30 USC 957

CFR Citation: 30 CFR 4

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Compliance history and safety and health performance are 
factors that provide an objective means for focusing MSHA resources. 
MSHA seeks comment on how best to maximize the effectiveness of 
resources and to further develop inspection procedures based upon 
experience. MSHA will evaluate current guidelines and practices for 
conducting inspections and determine how to best balance the 
complimentary objectives of protecting miners while focusing inspection 
resources on the greatest safety and health needs within each mine.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           06/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Marvin W. Nichols, Jr., Director, Office of Standards, 
Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 2352, 
1100 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22209-3939
Phone: 202 693-9457
Fax: 202 693-9441
Email: nichols-marvin@msha.gov

RIN: 1219-AB30

[[Page 74768]]

_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Labor (DOL)                           Proposed Rule Stage
Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)
_______________________________________________________________________

1819. BELT ENTRY USE AS INTAKE AIRCOURSE TO VENTILATE WORKING SECTIONS 
AND AREAS WHERE MECHANIZED MINING EQUIPMENT IS BEING INSTALLED OR 
REMOVED

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 30 USC 811; 30 USC 957; 30 USC 961

CFR Citation: 30 CFR 12; 30 CFR 48; 30 CFR 75

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Currently, mine operators must apply to MSHA for a 
modification of the existing regulations if they want to use belt 
entries to ventilate active working places. MSHA's current regulations 
prohibit belt entries from being used to ventilate areas where coal is 
being mined. The intent was to prevent smoke from a conveyor belt fire 
from traveling to a miner's workplace. Improved technology, including 
sophisticated monitoring devices, such as atmospheric monitoring 
systems (AMS), makes it possible to use belt entries safely to 
ventilate working sections in mines, provided certain precautions are 
met. An AMS is a network consisting of hardware and software capable of 
measuring atmospheric parameters, such as carbon monoxide and oxygen 
concentrations transmitting these measurements to the surface; 
providing local and remote alert and alarms; manipulating and 
cataloging atmospheric data; and providing reports.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Additional Information: In 1985 MSHA published a ``pre-proposal'' that 
included a belt air provision as part of the revisions to the 
ventilation regulations. In 1988, MSHA published a proposed rule that 
included a provision that would have allowed belt air to ventilate the 
area where coal is being mined. Also in 1988, MSHA held six hearings to 
receive public comment on the proposed rule. Several thousand miners 
attended the hearings to voice their opposition to the belt air 
provision. As a result, in 1989 MSHA formed the Belt Air Ventilation 
Review Committee to review the use of belt air. The Committee concluded 
that the use of belt air could be allowed, provided environmental 
sensors are used to detect belt fires. Another hearing took place in 
1990 to solicit further comment on the use of belt air. In 1991, the 
Secretary of Labor formed a Federal Advisory Committee on the use of 
belt air. MSHA published final ventilation rules in 1992 that omitted 
the use of belt air, deferring further action until the Advisory 
Committee recommendations were completed. In December 1992, the 
Advisory Committee published a report that concluded that belt air can 
be used to safely ventilate areas where coal is being mined, provided 
certain conditions are met.

Agency Contact: Marvin W. Nichols Jr., Director, Office of Standards, 
Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 2352, 
1100 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: 202 693-9457
Fax: 202 693-9441
Email: nichols-marvin@msha.gov

RIN: 1219-AA76
_______________________________________________________________________

1820. INDEPENDENT LABORATORY TESTING

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 30 USC 957

CFR Citation: 30 CFR 6; 30 CFR 7; 30 CFR 18; 30 CFR 19; 30 CFR 20; 30 
CFR 22; 30 CFR 27; 30 CFR 33; 30 CFR 36; 30 CFR 35; 30 CFR 23

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rulemaking will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden 
or duplication, and streamline requirements. Our current regulations 
set out approval requirements for MSHA testing and evaluation for 
approval of certain products used in gassy underground mines. The rule 
as proposed would allow us to accept testing and evaluation of certain 
mine equipment by independent laboratories; and approve products which 
satisfy alternative testing and evaluation requirements if those 
requirements are equivalent to ours, or could be enhanced to be 
equivalent. We are reproposing the rule based on comments received on 
the 1994 proposal.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/30/94                    59 FR 61376
NPRM                            02/13/95                     60 FR 8209
Public Hearing Notice           10/10/95                    60 FR 52640
Notice to Reschedule Public 
Hearing                         02/09/96                    61 FR 15743
Comment Period End              05/31/96
Second NPRM                     10/17/02                    67 FR 64196
Second NPRM Comment Period End  12/31/02
Final Rule                      09/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Marvin W. Nichols Jr., Director, Office of Standards, 
Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 2352, 
1100 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: 202 693-9457
Fax: 202 693-9441
Email: nichols-marvin@msha.gov

RIN: 1219-AA87
_______________________________________________________________________

1821. IMPROVING AND ELIMINATING REGULATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 30 USC 811; 30 USC 957

CFR Citation: 30 CFR 1 to 199

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rulemaking will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden 
or duplication, and to streamline requirements. We have reviewed our 
current regulations and identified provisions that are outdated, 
redundant, unnecessary or otherwise require change. We will be making 
these changes through notice and comment rulemaking where necessary. We 
will also consider new regulations that reflect ``best practices'' in 
the mining industry. We view this effort to be evolving and ongoing and 
will continue to accept recommendations from the public. We are 
considering the following issues for direct final and/or proposed 
rulemaking: updating the 1985 SAE seat belt standard to the current 
1997 standard; providing alternatives for containers which are used to 
store flammable liquids; addressing compliance burdens for small mines; 
reducing paperwork approval burden for sanitary toilet

[[Page 74769]]

facilities; and allowing the use of spring-loaded locking devices on 
battery-powered machines, rather than padlocks.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM: Phase 5 Miscellaneous 
Technology Improvements (Methane 
Testing)                        09/26/02                    67 FR 60611
NPRM: Phase 5 Miscellaneous 
Technology Improvements (Methane 
Testing) Comment Period End     11/25/02
NPRM: Phase 7-Storage Containers09/00/03
NPRM: Phase 9-Sanitary Toilet 
Facilities                      09/00/03
NPRM: Phase 8-Small Mine 
Compliance                      09/00/03
Direct Final Rule: Phase 6-Seat 
Belts                           09/00/03
Direct Final Rule: Phase 10-
Spring -loaded locks            09/00/03
Direct Final Rule: Phase 9-
Sanitary Toilet Facilities      09/00/03
Direct Final Rule: Phase 8-Small 
Mine Compliance                 09/00/03
Direct Final Rule: Phase 7-
Storage Containers              09/00/03
Final Action: Phase 5           09/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Marvin W. Nichols Jr., Director, Office of Standards, 
Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 2352, 
1100 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: 202 693-9457
Fax: 202 693-9441
Email: nichols-marvin@msha.gov

RIN: 1219-AA98
_______________________________________________________________________

1822. VERIFICATION OF UNDERGROUND COAL MINE OPERATORS' DUST CONTROL 
PLANS AND COMPLIANCE SAMPLING FOR RESPIRABLE DUST

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 94 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1219-AB14
_______________________________________________________________________

1823. DETERMINATION OF CONCENTRATION OF RESPIRABLE COAL MINE DUST

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 95 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1219-AB18
_______________________________________________________________________

1824. ASBESTOS EXPOSURE LIMIT

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 96 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1219-AB24
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Labor (DOL)                              Final Rule Stage
Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)
_______________________________________________________________________

1825. [bull] CRITERIA AND PROCEDURES FOR PROPOSED ASSESSMENT OF CIVIL 
PENALTIES

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority: 30 USC 957; PL 104-134 Debt Collection Improvement Act 
of 1996.

CFR Citation: 30 CFR 100

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule would revise the Mine Safety and Health 
Administration's (MSHA) statutory penalties found in sections 110(a), 
110(b), 110(c), and 110(g) of the Mine Act and the specific penalty 
amounts established in 30 CFR part 100 as mandated by the Debt 
Collection Improvement Act of 1996 (DCIA). The DCIA required that civil 
penalties be increased by up to 10 percent within 6 months of its 
enactment. This was accomplished by a final rule published in the 
Federal Register, 63 FR 20032, April 22, 1998. It also required 
subsequent increases at least once every 4 years using a formula based 
on the Consumer Price Index. MSHA is issuing a final rule to satisfy 
that requirement.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    09/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Marvin W. Nichols, Jr., Director, Office of Standards, 
Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 2352, 
1100 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22209-3939
Phone: 202 693-9457
Fax: 202 693-9441
Email: nichols-marvin@msha.gov

Related RIN: Related To 1219-AB03
RIN: 1219-AB32
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Labor (DOL)                             Completed Actions
Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)
_______________________________________________________________________

1826. HAZARD COMMUNICATION

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 30 USC 811; 30 USC 825

CFR Citation: 30 CFR 47

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Today's complex mining environment exposes miners to many 
hazards, such as wastes being burned as fuel supplements at cement 
kilns and other chemicals brought onto mine property.
On June 21, 2002, MSHA published a final Hazard Communication (HazCom)

[[Page 74770]]

rule and withdrew the interim final rule.
The purpose of this standard is to reduce chemically related injuries 
and illnesses among miners by increasing their knowledge and awareness 
of chemical hazards. It ensures that miners have the same protections 
that have been available to workers under OSHA's jurisdiction since 
1987. MSHA's rule is consistent with OSHA's HazCom rule to the extent 
appropriate.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           03/30/88                    53 FR 10257
ANPRM Comment Period End        07/31/88
NPRM                            11/02/90                    55 FR 46400
NPRM Comment Period End         02/01/91
Notice of Public Hearing        09/25/91                    56 FR 48720
Close of Record                 09/25/91                    56 FR 48720
Reopen Record                   03/30/99                    64 FR 15144
NPRM Comment Period End         06/30/99
Interim Final Rule              10/03/00                    65 FR 59048
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period                          11/17/00
Public Hearing and Extension of 
Comment Period                  12/11/00                    65 FR 77292
Delay Effective Date of Interim 
Final Rule                      08/28/01                    66 FR 45167
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      10/17/01
Final Rule                      06/21/02                    67 FR 42314
Interim Final Rule Effective    06/30/02
Final Rule Effective            09/23/02
Final Rule Applicable to Small 
Entities                        03/21/03                    67 FR 42314

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal, Federal

Additional Information: TIMETABLE CONT: The effective date for mines 
employing 6 or more miners is 9/23/02 and for mines employing 5 or more 
miners the effective date is 3/21/03.

Agency Contact: Marvin W. Nichols Jr., Director, Office of Standards, 
Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 2352, 
1100 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: 202 693-9457
Fax: 202 693-9441
Email: nichols-marvin@msha.gov

RIN: 1219-AA47
_______________________________________________________________________

1827. AIR QUALITY, CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES, AND RESPIRATORY PROTECTION 
STANDARDS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 30 USC 811; 30 USC 813

CFR Citation: 30 CFR 56; 30 CFR 57; 30 CFR 58; 30 CFR 70; 30 CFR 71; 30 
CFR 72; 30 CFR 75; 30 CFR 90

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Our current regulations for exposure to hazardous airborne 
contaminants are over 25 years old. Examples of these include lead, 
cyanide, arsenic benzene, asbestos and other well documented hazards. 
MSHA plans to withdraw this item as a result of changes in agency 
priorities and the possible adverse effects of unfavorable case law on 
the proposed rule.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice of Availability          07/06/83                    48 FR 31171
ANPRM                           11/19/85                    50 FR 47702
NPRM                            08/29/89                    54 FR 35760
NPRM                            10/19/89                    54 FR 43026
NPRM Comment Period End         08/30/91                    56 FR 29201
Final Rule: Abrasive Blasting 
and Drill Dust Control          02/18/94                     59 FR 8318
Withdrawal Notice               09/26/02                    67 FR 60611

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal, Federal

Federalism:  This action may have federalism implications as defined in 
EO 13132.

Agency Contact: Marvin W. Nichols Jr., Director, Office of Standards, 
Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 2352, 
110