81_FR_30267 81 FR 30173 - Title Evidence for Trust Land Acquisitions

81 FR 30173 - Title Evidence for Trust Land Acquisitions

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Indian Affairs

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 94 (May 16, 2016)

Page Range30173-30178
FR Document2016-11489

This rule deletes the requirement for fee-to-trust applicants to furnish title evidence that meets the ``Standards for the Preparation of Title Evidence in Land Acquisitions by the United States'' issued by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), and replaces the requirement with a more targeted requirement for title evidence, because adherence to the DOJ standards is not required for acquisitions of land in trust for individual Indians or Indian tribes.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 94 (Monday, May 16, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 94 (Monday, May 16, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 30173-30178]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-11489]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Indian Affairs

25 CFR Part 151

[167A2100DD/AAKC001030/A0A501010.999900 253G]
RIN 1076-AF28


Title Evidence for Trust Land Acquisitions

AGENCY: Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This rule deletes the requirement for fee-to-trust applicants 
to furnish title evidence that meets the ``Standards for the 
Preparation of Title Evidence in Land Acquisitions by the United 
States'' issued by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), and replaces 
the requirement with a more targeted requirement for title evidence, 
because adherence to the DOJ standards is not required for acquisitions 
of land in trust for individual Indians or Indian tribes.

DATES: This rule becomes effective on May 16, 2016.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elizabeth Appel, Director, Office of 
Regulatory Affairs and Collaborative Action, Office of the Assistant 
Secretary--Indian Affairs; telephone (202) 273-4680, 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Overview of Rule
II. Background
III. Comments on the Interim Final Rule
    A. ``Written Evidence''
    B. Alternatives to a Title Insurance Policy
    C. Previously Issued Title Insurance Policy
    D. Abstract of Title
    E. Marketability and Exceptions to the Title Insurance Policy
    F. Standards to be Used in Place of DOJ Standards
    G. Timing and Timelines
    H. Other Comments
IV. Changes from Interim Final Rule to Final Rule

[[Page 30174]]

V. Applicability of New Rule
VI. Procedural Requirements
    A. Regulatory Planning and Review (E.O. 12866 and 13563)
    B. Regulatory Flexibility Act
    C. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act
    D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
    E. Takings (E.O. 12630)
    F. Federalism (E.O. 13132)
    G. Civil Justice Reform (E.O. 12988)
    H. Consultation with Indian Tribes (E.O. 13175)
    I. Paperwork Reduction Act
    J. National Environmental Policy Act
    K. Information Quality Act
    L. Effects on the Energy Supply (E.O. 13211)
    M. Administrative Procedure Act

I. Overview of Rule

    This rule replaces the ``Standards for the Preparation of Title 
Evidence in Land Acquisitions by the United States'' issued by DOJ (DOJ 
standards) with a more targeted title evidence standard. Under the new 
standard, applicants must furnish a deed evidencing that the applicant 
has ownership, or a written sales contract or written statement from 
the transferor that the applicant will have ownership. Applicants must 
also submit either (1) a current title insurance commitment; or (2) the 
policy of title insurance issued at the time of the applicant's or 
current owner's acquisition of the interest and an abstract dating from 
the time the interest was acquired. This rule does not preclude 
applicants from having title confirmed pursuant to all requirements of 
DOJ standards (as those standards apply in the land-into-trust context) 
if the applicant so chooses.
    The rule continues the current requirement that title evidence must 
be submitted and reviewed by the Department of the Interior 
(Department) before title is transferred. The rule continues to provide 
that the Secretary has discretion to require the elimination of any 
liens, encumbrances, or infirmities prior to acceptance in trust. The 
rule also continues the practice of requiring the elimination of any 
legal claims, including but not limited to liens, mortgages, and taxes, 
determined by the Secretary to make title unmarketable, prior to 
acceptance in trust.

II. Background

    Section 5 of the Indian Reorganization Act (IRA) is the primary 
authority providing the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) with 
discretion to acquire land in trust for individual Indians or Indian 
tribes. See 25 U.S.C. 465. Congress has also enacted other statutes 
that authorize the discretionary acquisition of lands for specific 
tribes. The Department's regulations at 25 CFR part 151 establish the 
process for discretionary trust acquisitions pursuant to section 465 
and other statutory authority. Section 151.13 of the regulations 
published in 1980 required the applicant to furnish title evidence 
meeting the DOJ standards if the Secretary determines to approve a fee-
to-trust application.
    On March 1, 2016, BIA published an interim final rule deleting the 
requirement for the applicant to furnish title evidence meeting DOJ 
standards because those standards are not required for acquisitions of 
land in trust for individual Indians or Indian tribes. See 81 FR 10477. 
On April 15, 2016, BIA delayed the effective date of the rule to May 
16, 2016 to allow BIA time to publish technical revisions. See 81 FR 
22183. This rule provides those technical revisions.

III. Comments on the Interim Final Rule

    The BIA received 13 comments in response to the interim final rule, 
most asking questions seeking clarification of the regulatory text. 
Several commenters supported the rule, but requested clarification. 
Commenters who opposed the rule stated that the current DOJ standards 
are necessary to protect the public, including adjoining landowners and 
other third parties, and protect against conflicts of interest, and 
that DOJ standards are more reliable and less costly.
    After careful consideration of the comments and applying its own 
experience in reviewing fee-to-trust applications and title evidence, 
BIA has determined that the final rule provides sufficient standards to 
protect the United States. The purpose of title evidence requirements 
is to ensure that the Tribe has marketable title to convey to the 
United States, thereby protecting the United States. See Crest-Dehesa-
Granite Hills-Harbison Canyon Subregional Planning Group v. Acting 
Pacific Regional Director, 61 IBIA 208, 216 (2015). The rule revisions 
allow for a less costly alternative to providing a title insurance 
policy under DOJ standards, while still ensuring sufficient evidence of 
good title. The following are summaries of the substantive points made 
in these comments, and the Department's responses.

A. ``Written Evidence''

    Several commenters requested clarification of what ``written 
evidence'' is required by paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of the interim 
final rule. In paragraph (a)(1), the interim final rule required 
``written evidence of the applicant's title or that title will be 
transferred to the United States on behalf of the applicant to complete 
the acquisition in trust.'' In paragraph (a)(2), the interim final rule 
required ``written evidence of how title was acquired by the applicant 
or current owner.'' Commenters stated that it appeared the same 
evidence may satisfy both (a)(1) and (a)(2), in the form of the 
applicant's deed. To clarify, the final rule specifies that the written 
evidence must be a deed or other conveyance instrument providing 
evidence of the applicant's title. The final rule also specifies that 
if the applicant does not yet have title, the written evidence must be: 
(1) A deed or other conveyance instrument providing evidence of the 
transferor's title; and (2) a written agreement or affidavit from the 
transferor demonstrating that title will be transferred to the United 
States on behalf of the applicant to complete the acquisition in trust.
    A few commenters also noted that (a)(1) and (a)(2) appeared to 
impose redundant requirements. The final rule addresses this comment by 
deleting (a)(2), because the specified written evidence required by 
(a)(1) will necessarily also serve as evidence of how the applicant or 
current owner acquired title.

B. Alternatives to a Title Insurance Policy

    A commenter requested clarification of paragraph (b)'s requirement 
for a ``current title insurance commitment'' to confirm that no title 
insurance policy needs to be purchased in the name of the U.S. in trust 
for the applicant. The commenter is correct that no title insurance 
policy needs to be purchased if the applicant provides a current title 
insurance commitment. Also, if the applicant or current owner already 
obtained a title insurance policy when they acquired the land, the 
applicant need not purchase a new title insurance policy if they 
provide the previously issued policy and an abstract of title dating 
from the time the land was acquired by the applicant or current owner 
to the present. No clarification to the rule was made in response to 
this comment because the rule already states the alternatives to 
purchasing a title insurance policy.
    Another commenter noted that, because the rule requires only the 
commitment to issue title insurance rather than an actual title 
insurance policy, that title companies may stop issuing commitments 
without a final title policy. For BIA's purposes, the title commitment 
is sufficient evidence and, in recognition that there is an extra cost 
imposed for obtaining the actual title

[[Page 30175]]

insurance policy, the rule requires only the title commitment. 
Currently, title companies generally will issue a commitment without 
requiring the purchase of an actual policy; the possibility that title 
companies may require the purchase of an actual policy in the future 
does not provide a basis for BIA to require the policy. An insurance 
policy is not required if the applicant is proceeding with a title 
commitment, but applicants may choose to purchase a policy if they so 
desire; the rule does not prevent them from doing so.

C. Previously Issued Title Insurance Policy

    A commenter requested clarification of the requirement for ``the 
policy of title insurance issued at the time of the applicant's or 
current owner's acquisition of the land and an abstract of title dating 
from the time the land was acquired by the applicant or current 
owner.'' This commenter stated that an existing title insurance policy 
may not have been issued at the time of the acquisition, and suggested 
revising the provision to simply state ``the policy of title insurance 
issued to the applicant or current owner.'' The final rule incorporates 
this suggestion and clarifies that the abstract must address the time 
period beginning when the insurance policy was issued to the applicant 
or current owner.
    One commenter asked whether BIA, and the Office of the Solicitor, 
will still require a current title commitment, even when the applicant 
provides the previously issued policy and abstract. Upon the effective 
date of the rule, the BIA and Office of the Solicitor will require only 
the title evidence listed in the rule.

D. Abstract of Title

    A commenter requested clarification as to whether the requirement 
for an abstract of title is intended to address title going forward 
rather than backward, and if so, that it would not be a title abstract 
in the traditional sense because the abstract would reflect only the 
current owner. The final rule clarifies that the requirement is 
intended to address title going forward, by adding ``to the present.'' 
The commenter is correct that the abstract of title will be 
straightforward, and may only reflect the current owner, but the 
abstract will serve the purpose of confirming the current owner's 
ownership and showing whether any liens, encumbrances, or infirmities 
have been placed on title prior to acceptance in trust, in lieu of 
requiring the applicant to purchase a new title commitment.

E. Marketability and Exceptions to the Title Insurance Policy

    A commenter requested clarification on what ``marketability'' 
means. The commenter also asked how BIA will address reversionary 
clauses and defeasible title issues and their effect on marketability. 
The final rule makes no substantive change to the provision allowing 
BIA to require the elimination of any such liens, encumbrances, or 
infirmities if BIA determines they make title to the land unmarketable. 
Likewise, the final rule makes no substantive change to the meaning of 
``unmarketable.''
    A commenter suggested the rule explain that the deed will not be 
recorded until exceptions to the title insurance policy are satisfied. 
The final rule does not include this explanation because it is 
inaccurate. There is no requirement that all exceptions be eliminated. 
The Department reviews and makes a determination on each exception as 
to whether it must be eliminated, and does not require the elimination 
of exceptions that do not affect the title to the land.

F. Standards To Be Used in Place of DOJ Standards

    A few commenters requested more specifics as to what title 
standards the Department will apply in lieu of the DOJ standards. For 
example, one commenter asked whether the Department will still require 
applicants to use the American Land Title Association (ALTA) U.S. 
policy form in those cases in which the applicant chooses to obtain 
title insurance. The BIA has updated the fee-to-trust handbook to 
ensure it is consistent with this final rule. The revised version of 
the fee-to-trust handbook specifies that, if the applicant chooses to 
submit title insurance, it should use the most current version of the 
ALTA U.S. policy form. A commenter also asked how the Department will 
determine who is qualified to provide title evidence, in lieu of the 
DOJ standards. The revised fee-to-trust handbook specifies that the 
Department will look to the appropriate licensing authority for 
qualifications. A commenter also asked what type of deed will be 
required to convey title to the U.S. on behalf of the applicant. The 
Department will continue the approach it has taken in the past 
(requiring a warranty deed in nearly all instances), specified in the 
revised fee-to-trust handbook.
    A commenter asked whether the Department will look to State laws 
for guidance. The Department relies on national standards, as set out 
in the rule and revised fee-to-trust handbook, rather than State laws, 
with regard to the Department's decision whether to approve title.

G. Timing and Timelines

    One commenter requested stating that the applicant need not provide 
title evidence until after the Secretary makes the decision to take the 
land into trust. The final rule only addresses what title evidence is 
required, it is not intended to change the Department's process or 
timing.
    One commenter suggested imposing timelines on the Department's 
issuance of preliminary and final title opinions. The final rule does 
not incorporate this suggestion because there are too many variables to 
establish a definitive timeframe for preparation of these documents.

H. Other Comments

    A few commenters suggested edits that were beyond the scope of the 
interim final rule. One Tribal commenter noted the difficulty in 
obtaining title insurance policies in California and suggested actions 
the Department could take to educate title insurance companies. Another 
commenter suggested adding a requirement to obtain State approval to 
transfer jurisdiction of land being taken into trust. These comments 
are outside the scope of this rulemaking.
    A commenter also stated that the revision is not appropriate for an 
interim final rule. The Department disagrees because the rule is a 
targeted, procedural improvement.

IV. Changes From Interim Final Rule to Final Rule

    As described above, the final rule includes edits to the interim 
final rule for clarification. The edits are summarized in the table 
below:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     New rule (effective
         Former rule           Interim final rule       May 16, 2016)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Secretary will require    Requires the          Clarifies ``written
 title evidence meeting the    following in lieu     evidence'' to be:
 DOJ standards.                of the DOJ
                               standards:.

[[Page 30176]]

 
                              (1) Written evidence  (1) Applicant's
                               of the applicant's    deed; or
                               title or that title
                               will be transferred
                               to the United
                               States on behalf of
                               the applicant to
                               complete the trust
                               acquisition; and
                              (2) written evidence  (2) If the applicant
                               of how the            does not yet have
                               applicant or          title, the
                               current owner         transferor's deed
                               acquired title; and   and a written
                                                     statement from the
                                                     transferee that it
                                                     will transfer title
                                                     to the United
                                                     States on behalf of
                                                     the applicant.
                              (3) either:           Deletes the
                                                     requirement for
                                                     written evidence of
                                                     how the applicant
                                                     or current owner
                                                     acquired title.
                              (i) A current title   Clarifies that the
                               insurance             abstract must cover
                               commitment; or.       the time period
                                                     beginning when the
                                                     land was acquired
                                                     by the applicant or
                                                     current owner up to
                                                     the present.
                              (ii) a previously     Allows applicant to
                               issued title          choose to provide
                               insurance policy      evidence meeting
                               and abstract dating   the DOJ standards
                               from the time the     in lieu of the
                               land was acquired     current title
                               to the present.       commitment or
                                                     policy and
                                                     abstract.
The Secretary will notify     Adds that the         No change from
 the applicant of any liens,   Secretary may seek    interim final rule.
 encumbrances, or              additional
 infirmities which may exist.  information from
                               the applicant if
                               needed to address
                               the issues.
The Secretary may require     No procedural change  No change from
 elimination of liens,                               interim final rule.
 encumbrances, infirmities
 prior to taking final
 approval action on the
 acquisition.
The Secretary shall require   No procedural change  No change from
 elimination prior to such                           interim final rule.
 approval if the liens,
 encumbrances, or
 infirmities make title to
 the land unmarketable.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

V. Applicability of New Rule

    As the preamble to the interim final rule stated, this rule will 
apply to all trust applications submitted after the effective date. 
This rule will also apply to trust applications that are pending and 
for which the Preliminary Title Opinion has not yet been prepared by 
the Office of the Solicitor as of the effective date. However, if 
applicants have already submitted evidence meeting the DOJ standards, 
they need not re-submit evidence pursuant to this rule. This rule will 
not apply to trust applications that are pending and for which the 
Preliminary Title Opinion has already been prepared by the Office of 
the Solicitor as of the effective date.
    BIA has updated its fee-to-trust handbook to incorporate changes 
required by the new rule. The handbook is available at: http://www.bia.gov/cs/groups/xraca/documents/text/idc1-024504.pdf.

VI. Procedural Requirements

A. Regulatory Planning and Review (E.O. 12866 and 13563)

    Executive Order 12866 provides that the Office of Information and 
Regulatory Affairs in the Office of Management and Budget will review 
all significant rules. The Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs 
has determined that this rule is not significant.
    Executive Order 13563 reaffirms the principles of E.O. 12866 while 
calling for improvements in the Nation's regulatory system to promote 
predictability, to reduce uncertainty, and to use the best, most 
innovative, and least burdensome tools for achieving regulatory ends. 
The executive order directs agencies to consider regulatory approaches 
that reduce burdens and maintain flexibility and freedom of choice for 
the public where these approaches are relevant, feasible, and 
consistent with regulatory objectives. E.O. 13563 emphasizes further 
that regulations must be based on the best available science and that 
the rulemaking process must allow for public participation and an open 
exchange of ideas. We have developed this rule in a manner consistent 
with these requirements.

B. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Department of the Interior certifies that this document will 
not have a significant economic effect on a substantial number of small 
entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). 
It does not change current funding requirements or regulate small 
entities.

C. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act

    This rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the Small 
Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. It will not result in the 
expenditure by State, local, or Tribal governments, in the aggregate, 
or by the private sector of $100 million or more in any one year. The 
rule will not result in a major increase in costs or prices for 
consumers, individual industries, Federal, State, or local government 
agencies, or geographic regions. Nor will this rule have significant 
adverse effects on competition, employment, investment, productivity, 
innovation, or the ability of the U.S.-based enterprises to compete 
with foreign-based enterprises. This rule removes the requirement for 
title evidence to comply with DOJ standards and replaces this 
requirement with a more targeted requirement for title evidence; it 
will not result in additional expenditures by any entity.

D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    This rule does not impose an unfunded mandate on State, local, or 
tribal governments or the private sector of more than $100 million per 
year. The rule does not have a significant or unique effect on State, 
local, or tribal governments or the private sector. A statement 
containing the information required by the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act 
(2 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) is not required.

[[Page 30177]]

E. Takings (E.O. 12630)

    Under the criteria in Executive Order 12630, this rule does not 
affect individual property rights protected by the Fifth Amendment nor 
does it involve a compensable ``taking.'' A takings implication 
assessment is not required.

F. Federalism (E.O. 13132)

    Under the criteria in Executive Order 13132, this rule has no 
substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between 
the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power 
and responsibilities among the various levels of government. This rule 
removes the requirement for title evidence to comply with DOJ standards 
and replaces this requirement with a more targeted requirement for 
title evidence; it does not affect States or the relationship with 
States in any way.

G. Civil Justice Reform (E.O. 12988)

    This rule complies with the requirements of Executive Order 12988. 
Specifically, this rule has been reviewed to eliminate errors and 
ambiguity and written to minimize litigation; and is written in clear 
language and contains clear legal standards.

H. Consultation With Indian Tribes (E.O. 13175)

    In accordance with the President's memorandum of April 29, 1994, 
``Government-to-Government Relations with Native American Tribal 
Governments,'' Executive Order 13175 (59 FR 22951, November 6, 2000), 
and 512 DM 2, we have evaluated the potential effects on federally 
recognized Indian Tribes and Indian trust assets and have determined 
there is no ``substantial direct effect'' on Tribes, on the 
relationship between the Federal Government and Tribes, or on the 
distribution of power and responsibilities between the Federal 
Government and Indian tribes. The rule will affect Tribes who apply to 
take land into trust, in that the rule removes unnecessary submissions 
of documentation. However, the rule does not have a substantial direct 
effect on Tribes because Tribes can still submit evidence meeting the 
DOJ title standards should they so choose and allowing the option of 
submitting a past title insurance policy and an abstract of title is 
intended to be less burdensome than the existing rule. The Department 
is committed to meaningful consultation with Tribes on substantive 
matters that have a substantial direct effect on Tribes, in accordance 
with E.O. 13175 and the Department of the Interior Policy on 
Consultation with Indian Tribes.

I. Paperwork Reduction Act

    This information collection for trust land applications is 
authorized by OMB Control Number 1076-0100, with an expiration of 08/
31/16. The elimination of the requirement to comply with DOJ standards 
is not expected to have a quantifiable effect on the hour burden 
estimate for the information collection, but BIA will review whether 
its current estimates are affected by this change at the next renewal.

J. National Environmental Policy Act

    This rule does not constitute a major Federal action significantly 
affecting the quality of the human environment. A detailed statement 
under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not 
required because the rule is covered by a categorical exclusion. This 
rule is excluded from the requirement to prepare a detailed statement 
because it is a regulation of an administrative nature. (For further 
information, see 43 CFR 46.210(i).) We have also determined that the 
rule does not involve any of the extraordinary circumstances listed in 
43 CFR 46.215 that would require further analysis under NEPA.

K. Information Quality Act

    In developing this rule we did not conduct or use a study, 
experiment, or survey requiring peer review under the Information 
Quality Act (Pub. L. 106-554).

L. Effects on the Energy Supply (E.O. 13211)

    This rule is not a significant energy action under the definition 
in Executive Order 13211. A Statement of Energy Effects is not 
required.

M. Administrative Procedure Act

    We published an interim final rule with a request for comment 
without prior notice and comment, as allowed under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B). 
Under section 553(b)(B), we find that prior notice and comment are 
unnecessary because this is a minor, technical action that eliminates 
an unnecessary requirement. This rule removes the unnecessary 
requirement that the title evidence the applicant submits must comply 
with DOJ standards for title evidence. Delay in publishing this rule 
would unnecessarily continue imposing the unnecessary requirement on 
applicants and would therefore be contrary to the public interest. We 
stated that we would review comments and initiate a proposed 
rulemaking, revise, or withdraw the rule. Because the comments we 
received were primarily seeking clarifications, we have chosen to 
revise the rule with requested clarifications.

List of Subjects in 25 CFR Part 151

    Indians--lands, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

    For the reasons given in the preamble, the interim rule amending 25 
CFR part 151 which was published at 81 FR 10477 on March 1, 2016, is 
adopted as a final rule with the following change:

PART 151--LAND ACQUISITIONS

0
1. The authority citation for part 151 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: R.S. 161: 5 U.S.C. 301. Interpret or apply 46 Stat. 
1106, as amended; 46 Stat.1471, as amended; 48 Stat. 985, as 
amended; 49 Stat. 1967, as amended, 53 Stat. 1129; 63 Stat. 605; 69 
Stat. 392, as amended; 70 Stat. 290, as amended; 70 Stat. 626; 75 
Stat. 505; 77 Stat. 349; 78 Stat. 389; 78 Stat. 747; 82 Stat. 174, 
as amended, 82 Stat. 884; 84 Stat. 120; 84 Stat. 1874; 86 Stat. 216; 
86 Stat. 530; 86 Stat. 744; 88 Stat. 78; 88 Stat. 81; 88 Stat. 1716; 
88 Stat. 2203; 88 Stat. 2207; 25 U.S.C. 2, 9, 409a, 450h, 451, 464, 
465, 487, 488, 489, 501, 502, 573, 574, 576, 608, 608a, 610, 610a, 
622, 624, 640d-10, 1466, 1495, and other authorizing acts.

0
2. Revise Sec.  151.13 to read as follows:


Sec.  151.13  Title review.

    (a) If the Secretary determines that she will approve a request for 
the acquisition of land from unrestricted fee status to trust status, 
she shall require the applicant to furnish title evidence as follows:
    (1) The deed or other conveyance instrument providing evidence of 
the applicant's title or, if the applicant does not yet have title, the 
deed providing evidence of the transferor's title and a written 
agreement or affidavit from the transferor, that title will be 
transferred to the United States on behalf of the applicant to complete 
the acquisition in trust; and
    (2) Either:
    (i) A current title insurance commitment; or
    (ii) The policy of title insurance issued to the applicant or 
current owner and an abstract of title dating from the time the policy 
of title insurance was issued to the applicant or current owner to the 
present.
    (3) The applicant may choose to provide title evidence meeting the 
title standards issued by the U.S. Department of Justice, in lieu of 
the evidence required by paragraph (a)(2) of this section.
    (b) After reviewing submitted title evidence, the Secretary shall 
notify the

[[Page 30178]]

applicant of any liens, encumbrances, or infirmities that the Secretary 
identified and may seek additional information from the applicant 
needed to address such issues. The Secretary may require the 
elimination of any such liens, encumbrances, or infirmities prior to 
taking final approval action on the acquisition, and she shall require 
elimination prior to such approval if she determines that the liens, 
encumbrances or infirmities make title to the land unmarketable.

    Dated: May 11, 2016.
Lawrence S. Roberts,
Acting Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs.
[FR Doc. 2016-11489 Filed 5-13-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4337-15-P



                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 94 / Monday, May 16, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                                 30173

                                           approval of an AMOC, provided the RC steps,             This rule will be effective May
                                                                                                   DATES:                                                  Authority: 45 U.S.C. 231f(b)(5); 31 U.S.C.
                                           including substeps and identified figures, can  16, 2016.                                                     3716
                                           still be done as specified, and the airplane
                                           can be put back in an airworthy condition.      ADDRESSES: Martha P. Rico, Secretary to                       § 367.3    [Amended]
                                                                                           the Board, Railroad Retirement Board,
                                           (j) Related Information                                                                                       ■ 2. Amend § 367.3 by removing ‘‘180’’
                                                                                           844 N. Rush Street, Chicago, Illinois
                                              For more information about this AD,
                                                                                                                                                         and adding in its place ‘‘120’’ where it
                                                                                           60611–2092.
                                           contact Roger Durbin, Aerospace Engineer,                                                                     appears in paragraph (a).
                                                                                           FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                           Airframe Branch, ANM–120L, FAA, Los                                                                             Dated: May 11, 2016.
                                           Angeles ACO, 3960 Paramount Boulevard,          Marguerite P. Dadabo, Assistant General
                                                                                                                                                           By Authority of the Board.
                                           Lakewood, CA 90712–4137; phone: 562–627– Counsel, (312) 751–4945, TTD (312)
                                           5233; fax: 562–627–5210; email:                 751–4701.                                                     Martha P. Rico,
                                           roger.durbin@faa.gov.                           SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The                                Secretary to the Board.
                                                                                           Railroad Retirement Board (Board)                             [FR Doc. 2016–11445 Filed 5–13–16; 8:45 am]
                                           (k) Material Incorporated by Reference
                                              (1) The Director of the Federal Register     amends part 367 of the Board’s                                BILLING CODE 7905–01–P

                                           approved the incorporation by reference         regulations, Recovery of Debts Owed to
                                           (IBR) of the service information listed in this the United States Government by
                                           paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR       Administrative Offset. Specifically, the                      DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
                                           part 51.                                        Board amends section 367.3(a), Board
                                              (2) You must use this service information    Responsibilities. Section 367.3(a) states                     Bureau of Indian Affairs
                                           as applicable to do the actions required by     that all nontax debts over 180 days
                                           this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.                                                                   25 CFR Part 151
                                              (i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757–
                                                                                           delinquent shall be referred to the
                                           53A0099, dated September 18, 2014.              Department of the Treasury for                                [167A2100DD/AAKC001030/
                                              (ii) Reserved.                               administrative offset through the                             A0A501010.999900 253G]
                                              (3) For Boeing service information           Treasury Offset Program as required by                        RIN 1076–AF28
                                           identified in this AD, contact Boeing           31 U.S.C. 3716. 31 U.S.C. 3716 was
                                           Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data &         amended by the Digital Accountability                         Title Evidence for Trust Land
                                           Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC          and Transparency Act (DATA Act),
                                           2H–65, Seattle, WA 98124–2207; telephone                                                                      Acquisitions
                                                                                           Public Law 113–101. The DATA Act
                                           206–544–5000, extension 1; fax 206–766–                                                                       AGENCY:   Bureau of Indian Affairs,
                                           5680; Internet https://                         now requires agencies to refer to the
                                                                                           Department of the Treasury valid,                             Interior.
                                           www.myboeingfleet.com.
                                              (4) You may view this service information    delinquent nontax debts for the purpose                       ACTION: Final rule.
                                           at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,     of administrative offset at 120 days. The
                                           1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For
                                                                                                                                                         SUMMARY:    This rule deletes the
                                                                                           amendment to section 367.3(a) of the
                                           information on the availability of this                                                                       requirement for fee-to-trust applicants to
                                                                                           Board’s regulation changes from 180
                                           material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.                                                                       furnish title evidence that meets the
                                                                                           days to 120 days the debts referred to
                                              (5) You may view this service information                                                                  ‘‘Standards for the Preparation of Title
                                                                                           the Department of the Treasury in
                                           that is incorporated by reference at the                                                                      Evidence in Land Acquisitions by the
                                           National Archives and Records                   compliance with the DATA Act.
                                                                                                                                                         United States’’ issued by the U.S.
                                           Administration (NARA). For information on          A proposed rule was published in the
                                                                                                                                                         Department of Justice (DOJ), and
                                           the availability of this material at NARA, call Federal Register on January 21, 2015,                         replaces the requirement with a more
                                           202–741–6030, or go to: http://                 and comments were invited (80 FR
                                                                                                                                                         targeted requirement for title evidence,
                                           www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-      2839). No comments were received. The
                                           locations.html.                                                                                               because adherence to the DOJ standards
                                                                                           final rule makes no changes from the
                                                                                                                                                         is not required for acquisitions of land
                                              Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 4,      proposed rule.
                                                                                                                                                         in trust for individual Indians or Indian
                                           2016.                                              The Board, with the concurrence of
                                                                                                                                                         tribes.
                                           Michael Kaszycki,                               the Office of Management and Budget,
                                                                                                                                                         DATES: This rule becomes effective on
                                           Acting Manager, Transport Airplane              has determined that this is not a
                                                                                           significant regulatory action under                           May 16, 2016.
                                           Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
                                                                                           Executive Order 12866, as amended.                            FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                           [FR Doc. 2016–11197 Filed 5–13–16; 8:45 am]
                                                                                           Therefore, no regulatory impact analysis                      Elizabeth Appel, Director, Office of
                                           BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
                                                                                           is required. There are no changes to the                      Regulatory Affairs and Collaborative
                                                                                           information collections associated with                       Action, Office of the Assistant
                                                                                           Part 367.                                                     Secretary—Indian Affairs; telephone
                                           RAILROAD RETIREMENT BOARD                                                                                     (202) 273–4680, elizabeth.appel@
                                                                                           List of Subjects in 20 CFR Part 367                           bia.gov.
                                           20 CFR Part 367
                                                                                              Debts, Railroad employees, Railroad                        SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                           RIN 3220–AB66                                   retirement.                                                   I. Overview of Rule
                                           Recovery of Debts Owed to the United               For the reasons set out in the                             II. Background
                                           States Government by Administrative             preamble,   the Railroad Retirement                           III. Comments on the Interim Final Rule
                                                                                           Board amends title 20, chapter II,                               A. ‘‘Written Evidence’’
                                           Offset
                                                                                           subchapter F, part 367 of the Code of                            B. Alternatives to a Title Insurance Policy
                                           AGENCY: Railroad Retirement Board.              Federal Regulations as follows:                                  C. Previously Issued Title Insurance Policy
                                                                                                                                                            D. Abstract of Title
                                           ACTION: Final rule.
                                                                                           PART 367—RECOVERY OF DEBTS                                       E. Marketability and Exceptions to the Title
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                                           SUMMARY: The Railroad Retirement                                                                                    Insurance Policy
                                                                                           OWED TO THE UNITED STATES                                        F. Standards to be Used in Place of DOJ
                                           Board (Board) amends its regulations by GOVERNMENT BY ADMINISTRATIVE
                                                                                                                                                               Standards
                                           changing from 180 days delinquent to            OFFSET                                                           G. Timing and Timelines
                                           120 days delinquent debts that are                                                                               H. Other Comments
                                           referred to Treasury in compliance with ■ 1. The authority citation for part 367                              IV. Changes from Interim Final Rule to Final
                                           the DATA Act.                                   continues to read as follows:                                       Rule



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                                           30174               Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 94 / Monday, May 16, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                           V. Applicability of New Rule                            The Department’s regulations at 25 CFR                applicant’s title or that title will be
                                           VI. Procedural Requirements                             part 151 establish the process for                    transferred to the United States on
                                             A. Regulatory Planning and Review (E.O.               discretionary trust acquisitions pursuant             behalf of the applicant to complete the
                                                12866 and 13563)
                                                                                                   to section 465 and other statutory                    acquisition in trust.’’ In paragraph (a)(2),
                                             B. Regulatory Flexibility Act
                                             C. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement              authority. Section 151.13 of the                      the interim final rule required ‘‘written
                                                Fairness Act                                       regulations published in 1980 required                evidence of how title was acquired by
                                             D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act                       the applicant to furnish title evidence               the applicant or current owner.’’
                                             E. Takings (E.O. 12630)                               meeting the DOJ standards if the                      Commenters stated that it appeared the
                                             F. Federalism (E.O. 13132)                            Secretary determines to approve a fee-                same evidence may satisfy both (a)(1)
                                             G. Civil Justice Reform (E.O. 12988)                  to-trust application.                                 and (a)(2), in the form of the applicant’s
                                             H. Consultation with Indian Tribes (E.O.                 On March 1, 2016, BIA published an                 deed. To clarify, the final rule specifies
                                                13175)                                             interim final rule deleting the                       that the written evidence must be a deed
                                             I. Paperwork Reduction Act
                                             J. National Environmental Policy Act
                                                                                                   requirement for the applicant to furnish              or other conveyance instrument
                                             K. Information Quality Act                            title evidence meeting DOJ standards                  providing evidence of the applicant’s
                                             L. Effects on the Energy Supply (E.O.                 because those standards are not required              title. The final rule also specifies that if
                                                13211)                                             for acquisitions of land in trust for                 the applicant does not yet have title, the
                                             M. Administrative Procedure Act                       individual Indians or Indian tribes. See              written evidence must be: (1) A deed or
                                                                                                   81 FR 10477. On April 15, 2016, BIA                   other conveyance instrument providing
                                           I. Overview of Rule
                                                                                                   delayed the effective date of the rule to             evidence of the transferor’s title; and (2)
                                              This rule replaces the ‘‘Standards for               May 16, 2016 to allow BIA time to                     a written agreement or affidavit from the
                                           the Preparation of Title Evidence in                    publish technical revisions. See 81 FR                transferor demonstrating that title will
                                           Land Acquisitions by the United States’’                22183. This rule provides those                       be transferred to the United States on
                                           issued by DOJ (DOJ standards) with a                    technical revisions.                                  behalf of the applicant to complete the
                                           more targeted title evidence standard.                                                                        acquisition in trust.
                                           Under the new standard, applicants                      III. Comments on the Interim Final
                                                                                                                                                            A few commenters also noted that
                                           must furnish a deed evidencing that the                 Rule
                                                                                                                                                         (a)(1) and (a)(2) appeared to impose
                                           applicant has ownership, or a written                      The BIA received 13 comments in                    redundant requirements. The final rule
                                           sales contract or written statement from                response to the interim final rule, most              addresses this comment by deleting
                                           the transferor that the applicant will                  asking questions seeking clarification of             (a)(2), because the specified written
                                           have ownership. Applicants must also                    the regulatory text. Several commenters               evidence required by (a)(1) will
                                           submit either (1) a current title                       supported the rule, but requested                     necessarily also serve as evidence of
                                           insurance commitment; or (2) the policy                 clarification. Commenters who opposed                 how the applicant or current owner
                                           of title insurance issued at the time of                the rule stated that the current DOJ                  acquired title.
                                           the applicant’s or current owner’s                      standards are necessary to protect the
                                           acquisition of the interest and an                      public, including adjoining landowners                B. Alternatives to a Title Insurance
                                           abstract dating from the time the interest              and other third parties, and protect                  Policy
                                           was acquired. This rule does not                        against conflicts of interest, and that                  A commenter requested clarification
                                           preclude applicants from having title                   DOJ standards are more reliable and less              of paragraph (b)’s requirement for a
                                           confirmed pursuant to all requirements                  costly.                                               ‘‘current title insurance commitment’’ to
                                           of DOJ standards (as those standards                       After careful consideration of the                 confirm that no title insurance policy
                                           apply in the land-into-trust context) if                comments and applying its own                         needs to be purchased in the name of
                                           the applicant so chooses.                               experience in reviewing fee-to-trust                  the U.S. in trust for the applicant. The
                                              The rule continues the current                       applications and title evidence, BIA has              commenter is correct that no title
                                           requirement that title evidence must be                 determined that the final rule provides               insurance policy needs to be purchased
                                           submitted and reviewed by the                           sufficient standards to protect the                   if the applicant provides a current title
                                           Department of the Interior (Department)                 United States. The purpose of title                   insurance commitment. Also, if the
                                           before title is transferred. The rule                   evidence requirements is to ensure that               applicant or current owner already
                                           continues to provide that the Secretary                 the Tribe has marketable title to convey              obtained a title insurance policy when
                                           has discretion to require the elimination               to the United States, thereby protecting              they acquired the land, the applicant
                                           of any liens, encumbrances, or                          the United States. See Crest-Dehesa-                  need not purchase a new title insurance
                                           infirmities prior to acceptance in trust.               Granite Hills-Harbison Canyon                         policy if they provide the previously
                                           The rule also continues the practice of                 Subregional Planning Group v. Acting                  issued policy and an abstract of title
                                           requiring the elimination of any legal                  Pacific Regional Director, 61 IBIA 208,               dating from the time the land was
                                           claims, including but not limited to                    216 (2015). The rule revisions allow for              acquired by the applicant or current
                                           liens, mortgages, and taxes, determined                 a less costly alternative to providing a              owner to the present. No clarification to
                                           by the Secretary to make title                          title insurance policy under DOJ                      the rule was made in response to this
                                           unmarketable, prior to acceptance in                    standards, while still ensuring sufficient            comment because the rule already states
                                           trust.                                                  evidence of good title. The following are             the alternatives to purchasing a title
                                                                                                   summaries of the substantive points                   insurance policy.
                                           II. Background                                                                                                   Another commenter noted that,
                                                                                                   made in these comments, and the
                                              Section 5 of the Indian Reorganization               Department’s responses.                               because the rule requires only the
                                           Act (IRA) is the primary authority                                                                            commitment to issue title insurance
                                           providing the Secretary of the Interior                 A. ‘‘Written Evidence’’                               rather than an actual title insurance
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                                           (Secretary) with discretion to acquire                     Several commenters requested                       policy, that title companies may stop
                                           land in trust for individual Indians or                 clarification of what ‘‘written evidence’’            issuing commitments without a final
                                           Indian tribes. See 25 U.S.C. 465.                       is required by paragraphs (a)(1) and                  title policy. For BIA’s purposes, the title
                                           Congress has also enacted other statutes                (a)(2) of the interim final rule. In                  commitment is sufficient evidence and,
                                           that authorize the discretionary                        paragraph (a)(1), the interim final rule              in recognition that there is an extra cost
                                           acquisition of lands for specific tribes.               required ‘‘written evidence of the                    imposed for obtaining the actual title


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                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 94 / Monday, May 16, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                                 30175

                                           insurance policy, the rule requires only                ownership and showing whether any                     commenter also asked what type of deed
                                           the title commitment. Currently, title                  liens, encumbrances, or infirmities have              will be required to convey title to the
                                           companies generally will issue a                        been placed on title prior to acceptance              U.S. on behalf of the applicant. The
                                           commitment without requiring the                        in trust, in lieu of requiring the                    Department will continue the approach
                                           purchase of an actual policy; the                       applicant to purchase a new title                     it has taken in the past (requiring a
                                           possibility that title companies may                    commitment.                                           warranty deed in nearly all instances),
                                           require the purchase of an actual policy                                                                      specified in the revised fee-to-trust
                                                                                                   E. Marketability and Exceptions to the
                                           in the future does not provide a basis for                                                                    handbook.
                                                                                                   Title Insurance Policy
                                           BIA to require the policy. An insurance                                                                          A commenter asked whether the
                                           policy is not required if the applicant is                 A commenter requested clarification
                                                                                                                                                         Department will look to State laws for
                                           proceeding with a title commitment, but                 on what ‘‘marketability’’ means. The
                                                                                                                                                         guidance. The Department relies on
                                           applicants may choose to purchase a                     commenter also asked how BIA will
                                                                                                                                                         national standards, as set out in the rule
                                           policy if they so desire; the rule does                 address reversionary clauses and
                                                                                                                                                         and revised fee-to-trust handbook,
                                           not prevent them from doing so.                         defeasible title issues and their effect on
                                                                                                                                                         rather than State laws, with regard to
                                                                                                   marketability. The final rule makes no
                                           C. Previously Issued Title Insurance                                                                          the Department’s decision whether to
                                                                                                   substantive change to the provision
                                           Policy                                                  allowing BIA to require the elimination               approve title.
                                              A commenter requested clarification                  of any such liens, encumbrances, or                   G. Timing and Timelines
                                           of the requirement for ‘‘the policy of                  infirmities if BIA determines they make
                                           title insurance issued at the time of the               title to the land unmarketable. Likewise,               One commenter requested stating that
                                           applicant’s or current owner’s                          the final rule makes no substantive                   the applicant need not provide title
                                           acquisition of the land and an abstract                 change to the meaning of                              evidence until after the Secretary makes
                                           of title dating from the time the land                  ‘‘unmarketable.’’                                     the decision to take the land into trust.
                                           was acquired by the applicant or current                   A commenter suggested the rule                     The final rule only addresses what title
                                           owner.’’ This commenter stated that an                  explain that the deed will not be                     evidence is required, it is not intended
                                           existing title insurance policy may not                 recorded until exceptions to the title                to change the Department’s process or
                                           have been issued at the time of the                     insurance policy are satisfied. The final             timing.
                                           acquisition, and suggested revising the                 rule does not include this explanation                  One commenter suggested imposing
                                           provision to simply state ‘‘the policy of               because it is inaccurate. There is no                 timelines on the Department’s issuance
                                           title insurance issued to the applicant or              requirement that all exceptions be                    of preliminary and final title opinions.
                                           current owner.’’ The final rule                         eliminated. The Department reviews                    The final rule does not incorporate this
                                           incorporates this suggestion and                        and makes a determination on each                     suggestion because there are too many
                                           clarifies that the abstract must address                exception as to whether it must be                    variables to establish a definitive
                                           the time period beginning when the                      eliminated, and does not require the                  timeframe for preparation of these
                                           insurance policy was issued to the                      elimination of exceptions that do not                 documents.
                                           applicant or current owner.                             affect the title to the land.
                                              One commenter asked whether BIA,                                                                           H. Other Comments
                                                                                                   F. Standards To Be Used in Place of DOJ
                                           and the Office of the Solicitor, will still                                                                      A few commenters suggested edits
                                                                                                   Standards
                                           require a current title commitment, even                                                                      that were beyond the scope of the
                                           when the applicant provides the                            A few commenters requested more
                                                                                                                                                         interim final rule. One Tribal
                                           previously issued policy and abstract.                  specifics as to what title standards the
                                                                                                                                                         commenter noted the difficulty in
                                           Upon the effective date of the rule, the                Department will apply in lieu of the DOJ
                                                                                                                                                         obtaining title insurance policies in
                                           BIA and Office of the Solicitor will                    standards. For example, one commenter
                                                                                                                                                         California and suggested actions the
                                           require only the title evidence listed in               asked whether the Department will still
                                                                                                                                                         Department could take to educate title
                                           the rule.                                               require applicants to use the American
                                                                                                                                                         insurance companies. Another
                                                                                                   Land Title Association (ALTA) U.S.
                                           D. Abstract of Title                                    policy form in those cases in which the               commenter suggested adding a
                                              A commenter requested clarification                  applicant chooses to obtain title                     requirement to obtain State approval to
                                           as to whether the requirement for an                    insurance. The BIA has updated the fee-               transfer jurisdiction of land being taken
                                           abstract of title is intended to address                to-trust handbook to ensure it is                     into trust. These comments are outside
                                           title going forward rather than                         consistent with this final rule. The                  the scope of this rulemaking.
                                           backward, and if so, that it would not                  revised version of the fee-to-trust                      A commenter also stated that the
                                           be a title abstract in the traditional sense            handbook specifies that, if the applicant             revision is not appropriate for an
                                           because the abstract would reflect only                 chooses to submit title insurance, it                 interim final rule. The Department
                                           the current owner. The final rule                       should use the most current version of                disagrees because the rule is a targeted,
                                           clarifies that the requirement is                       the ALTA U.S. policy form. A                          procedural improvement.
                                           intended to address title going forward,                commenter also asked how the                          IV. Changes From Interim Final Rule to
                                           by adding ‘‘to the present.’’ The                       Department will determine who is                      Final Rule
                                           commenter is correct that the abstract of               qualified to provide title evidence, in
                                           title will be straightforward, and may                  lieu of the DOJ standards. The revised                  As described above, the final rule
                                           only reflect the current owner, but the                 fee-to-trust handbook specifies that the              includes edits to the interim final rule
                                           abstract will serve the purpose of                      Department will look to the appropriate               for clarification. The edits are
                                           confirming the current owner’s                          licensing authority for qualifications. A             summarized in the table below:
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                                                                                                                                                                              New rule
                                                               Former rule                                           Interim final rule                              (effective May 16, 2016)

                                           The Secretary will require title evidence meet-          Requires the following in lieu of the DOJ            Clarifies ‘‘written evidence’’ to be:
                                             ing the DOJ standards.                                   standards:.




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                                           30176               Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 94 / Monday, May 16, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                                                                                                                                                             New rule
                                                               Former rule                                           Interim final rule                             (effective May 16, 2016)

                                                                                                    (1) Written evidence of the applicant’s title or     (1) Applicant’s deed; or
                                                                                                      that title will be transferred to the United
                                                                                                      States on behalf of the applicant to com-
                                                                                                      plete the trust acquisition; and
                                                                                                    (2) written evidence of how the applicant or         (2) If the applicant does not yet have title, the
                                                                                                      current owner acquired title; and                     transferor’s deed and a written statement
                                                                                                                                                            from the transferee that it will transfer title
                                                                                                                                                            to the United States on behalf of the appli-
                                                                                                                                                            cant.
                                                                                                    (3) either:                                          Deletes the requirement for written evidence
                                                                                                                                                            of how the applicant or current owner ac-
                                                                                                                                                            quired title.
                                                                                                    (i) A current title insurance commitment; or ....    Clarifies that the abstract must cover the time
                                                                                                                                                            period beginning when the land was ac-
                                                                                                                                                            quired by the applicant or current owner up
                                                                                                                                                            to the present.
                                                                                                    (ii) a previously issued title insurance policy      Allows applicant to choose to provide evi-
                                                                                                        and abstract dating from the time the land          dence meeting the DOJ standards in lieu of
                                                                                                        was acquired to the present.                        the current title commitment or policy and
                                                                                                                                                            abstract.
                                           The Secretary will notify the applicant of any Adds that the Secretary may seek additional                    No change from interim final rule.
                                             liens, encumbrances, or infirmities which may    information from the applicant if needed to
                                             exist.                                           address the issues.
                                           The Secretary may require elimination of liens, No procedural change .....................................    No change from interim final rule.
                                             encumbrances, infirmities prior to taking final
                                             approval action on the acquisition.
                                           The Secretary shall require elimination prior to No procedural change .....................................   No change from interim final rule.
                                             such approval if the liens, encumbrances, or
                                             infirmities make title to the land unmarketable.



                                           V. Applicability of New Rule                              Executive Order 13563 reaffirms the                 Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. It
                                                                                                   principles of E.O. 12866 while calling                will not result in the expenditure by
                                              As the preamble to the interim final                 for improvements in the Nation’s                      State, local, or Tribal governments, in
                                           rule stated, this rule will apply to all                regulatory system to promote                          the aggregate, or by the private sector of
                                           trust applications submitted after the                  predictability, to reduce uncertainty,                $100 million or more in any one year.
                                           effective date. This rule will also apply               and to use the best, most innovative,                 The rule will not result in a major
                                           to trust applications that are pending                  and least burdensome tools for                        increase in costs or prices for
                                           and for which the Preliminary Title                     achieving regulatory ends. The                        consumers, individual industries,
                                           Opinion has not yet been prepared by                    executive order directs agencies to                   Federal, State, or local government
                                           the Office of the Solicitor as of the                   consider regulatory approaches that
                                           effective date. However, if applicants                                                                        agencies, or geographic regions. Nor will
                                                                                                   reduce burdens and maintain flexibility               this rule have significant adverse effects
                                           have already submitted evidence                         and freedom of choice for the public
                                           meeting the DOJ standards, they need                                                                          on competition, employment,
                                                                                                   where these approaches are relevant,
                                           not re-submit evidence pursuant to this                                                                       investment, productivity, innovation, or
                                                                                                   feasible, and consistent with regulatory
                                           rule. This rule will not apply to trust                                                                       the ability of the U.S.-based enterprises
                                                                                                   objectives. E.O. 13563 emphasizes
                                           applications that are pending and for                   further that regulations must be based                to compete with foreign-based
                                           which the Preliminary Title Opinion                     on the best available science and that                enterprises. This rule removes the
                                           has already been prepared by the Office                 the rulemaking process must allow for                 requirement for title evidence to comply
                                           of the Solicitor as of the effective date.              public participation and an open                      with DOJ standards and replaces this
                                              BIA has updated its fee-to-trust                     exchange of ideas. We have developed                  requirement with a more targeted
                                           handbook to incorporate changes                         this rule in a manner consistent with                 requirement for title evidence; it will
                                           required by the new rule. The handbook                  these requirements.                                   not result in additional expenditures by
                                           is available at: http://www.bia.gov/cs/                                                                       any entity.
                                                                                                   B. Regulatory Flexibility Act
                                           groups/xraca/documents/text/idc1-                                                                             D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
                                           024504.pdf.                                               The Department of the Interior
                                                                                                   certifies that this document will not                    This rule does not impose an
                                           VI. Procedural Requirements                             have a significant economic effect on a               unfunded mandate on State, local, or
                                           A. Regulatory Planning and Review                       substantial number of small entities                  tribal governments or the private sector
                                           (E.O. 12866 and 13563)                                  under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5               of more than $100 million per year. The
                                                                                                   U.S.C. 601 et seq.). It does not change               rule does not have a significant or
                                             Executive Order 12866 provides that                   current funding requirements or                       unique effect on State, local, or tribal
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                                           the Office of Information and Regulatory                regulate small entities.                              governments or the private sector. A
                                           Affairs in the Office of Management and                                                                       statement containing the information
                                                                                                   C. Small Business Regulatory
                                           Budget will review all significant rules.
                                                                                                   Enforcement Fairness Act                              required by the Unfunded Mandates
                                           The Office of Information and
                                                                                                                                                         Reform Act (2 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) is not
                                           Regulatory Affairs has determined that                    This rule is not a major rule under 5
                                           this rule is not significant.                           U.S.C. 804(2), the Small Business                     required.



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                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 94 / Monday, May 16, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                                30177

                                           E. Takings (E.O. 12630)                                 Policy on Consultation with Indian                    withdraw the rule. Because the
                                             Under the criteria in Executive Order                 Tribes.                                               comments we received were primarily
                                           12630, this rule does not affect                                                                              seeking clarifications, we have chosen
                                                                                                   I. Paperwork Reduction Act
                                           individual property rights protected by                                                                       to revise the rule with requested
                                                                                                      This information collection for trust              clarifications.
                                           the Fifth Amendment nor does it                         land applications is authorized by OMB
                                           involve a compensable ‘‘taking.’’ A                     Control Number 1076–0100, with an                     List of Subjects in 25 CFR Part 151
                                           takings implication assessment is not                   expiration of 08/31/16. The elimination                  Indians—lands, Reporting and
                                           required.                                               of the requirement to comply with DOJ                 recordkeeping requirements.
                                           F. Federalism (E.O. 13132)                              standards is not expected to have a                      For the reasons given in the preamble,
                                                                                                   quantifiable effect on the hour burden                the interim rule amending 25 CFR part
                                              Under the criteria in Executive Order
                                                                                                   estimate for the information collection,              151 which was published at 81 FR
                                           13132, this rule has no substantial direct
                                                                                                   but BIA will review whether its current               10477 on March 1, 2016, is adopted as
                                           effect on the States, on the relationship
                                                                                                   estimates are affected by this change at              a final rule with the following change:
                                           between the national government and
                                                                                                   the next renewal.
                                           the States, or on the distribution of
                                                                                                                                                         PART 151—LAND ACQUISITIONS
                                           power and responsibilities among the                    J. National Environmental Policy Act
                                           various levels of government. This rule                    This rule does not constitute a major              ■ 1. The authority citation for part 151
                                           removes the requirement for title                       Federal action significantly affecting the            continues to read as follows:
                                           evidence to comply with DOJ standards                   quality of the human environment. A                     Authority: R.S. 161: 5 U.S.C. 301. Interpret
                                           and replaces this requirement with a                    detailed statement under the National                 or apply 46 Stat. 1106, as amended; 46
                                           more targeted requirement for title                     Environmental Policy Act of 1969                      Stat.1471, as amended; 48 Stat. 985, as
                                           evidence; it does not affect States or the              (NEPA) is not required because the rule               amended; 49 Stat. 1967, as amended, 53 Stat.
                                           relationship with States in any way.                    is covered by a categorical exclusion.                1129; 63 Stat. 605; 69 Stat. 392, as amended;
                                                                                                   This rule is excluded from the                        70 Stat. 290, as amended; 70 Stat. 626; 75
                                           G. Civil Justice Reform (E.O. 12988)                                                                          Stat. 505; 77 Stat. 349; 78 Stat. 389; 78 Stat.
                                                                                                   requirement to prepare a detailed
                                             This rule complies with the                                                                                 747; 82 Stat. 174, as amended, 82 Stat. 884;
                                                                                                   statement because it is a regulation of an            84 Stat. 120; 84 Stat. 1874; 86 Stat. 216; 86
                                           requirements of Executive Order 12988.                  administrative nature. (For further
                                           Specifically, this rule has been reviewed                                                                     Stat. 530; 86 Stat. 744; 88 Stat. 78; 88 Stat.
                                                                                                   information, see 43 CFR 46.210(i).) We                81; 88 Stat. 1716; 88 Stat. 2203; 88 Stat. 2207;
                                           to eliminate errors and ambiguity and                   have also determined that the rule does               25 U.S.C. 2, 9, 409a, 450h, 451, 464, 465, 487,
                                           written to minimize litigation; and is                  not involve any of the extraordinary                  488, 489, 501, 502, 573, 574, 576, 608, 608a,
                                           written in clear language and contains                  circumstances listed in 43 CFR 46.215                 610, 610a, 622, 624, 640d–10, 1466, 1495,
                                           clear legal standards.                                  that would require further analysis                   and other authorizing acts.
                                           H. Consultation With Indian Tribes                      under NEPA.                                           ■   2. Revise § 151.13 to read as follows:
                                           (E.O. 13175)                                            K. Information Quality Act                            § 151.13   Title review.
                                              In accordance with the President’s                     In developing this rule we did not                     (a) If the Secretary determines that she
                                           memorandum of April 29, 1994,                           conduct or use a study, experiment, or                will approve a request for the
                                           ‘‘Government-to-Government Relations                    survey requiring peer review under the                acquisition of land from unrestricted fee
                                           with Native American Tribal                             Information Quality Act (Pub. L. 106–                 status to trust status, she shall require
                                           Governments,’’ Executive Order 13175                    554).                                                 the applicant to furnish title evidence as
                                           (59 FR 22951, November 6, 2000), and                                                                          follows:
                                           512 DM 2, we have evaluated the                         L. Effects on the Energy Supply (E.O.                    (1) The deed or other conveyance
                                           potential effects on federally recognized               13211)                                                instrument providing evidence of the
                                           Indian Tribes and Indian trust assets                      This rule is not a significant energy              applicant’s title or, if the applicant does
                                           and have determined there is no                         action under the definition in Executive              not yet have title, the deed providing
                                           ‘‘substantial direct effect’’ on Tribes, on             Order 13211. A Statement of Energy                    evidence of the transferor’s title and a
                                           the relationship between the Federal                    Effects is not required.                              written agreement or affidavit from the
                                           Government and Tribes, or on the                                                                              transferor, that title will be transferred
                                           distribution of power and                               M. Administrative Procedure Act
                                                                                                                                                         to the United States on behalf of the
                                           responsibilities between the Federal                       We published an interim final rule                 applicant to complete the acquisition in
                                           Government and Indian tribes. The rule                  with a request for comment without                    trust; and
                                           will affect Tribes who apply to take land               prior notice and comment, as allowed                     (2) Either:
                                           into trust, in that the rule removes                    under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B). Under section                  (i) A current title insurance
                                           unnecessary submissions of                              553(b)(B), we find that prior notice and              commitment; or
                                           documentation. However, the rule does                   comment are unnecessary because this                     (ii) The policy of title insurance
                                           not have a substantial direct effect on                 is a minor, technical action that                     issued to the applicant or current owner
                                           Tribes because Tribes can still submit                  eliminates an unnecessary requirement.                and an abstract of title dating from the
                                           evidence meeting the DOJ title                          This rule removes the unnecessary                     time the policy of title insurance was
                                           standards should they so choose and                     requirement that the title evidence the               issued to the applicant or current owner
                                           allowing the option of submitting a past                applicant submits must comply with                    to the present.
                                           title insurance policy and an abstract of               DOJ standards for title evidence. Delay                  (3) The applicant may choose to
                                           title is intended to be less burdensome                 in publishing this rule would                         provide title evidence meeting the title
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                                           than the existing rule. The Department                  unnecessarily continue imposing the                   standards issued by the U.S. Department
                                           is committed to meaningful consultation                 unnecessary requirement on applicants                 of Justice, in lieu of the evidence
                                           with Tribes on substantive matters that                 and would therefore be contrary to the                required by paragraph (a)(2) of this
                                           have a substantial direct effect on                     public interest. We stated that we would              section.
                                           Tribes, in accordance with E.O. 13175                   review comments and initiate a                           (b) After reviewing submitted title
                                           and the Department of the Interior                      proposed rulemaking, revise, or                       evidence, the Secretary shall notify the


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                                           30178               Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 94 / Monday, May 16, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                           applicant of any liens, encumbrances, or                Washington Department of                              ACTION:Notice of deviation from
                                           infirmities that the Secretary identified               Transportation, has requested that the                drawbridge regulation.
                                           and may seek additional information                     Montlake Bridge bascule span remain in
                                           from the applicant needed to address                    the closed-to-navigation position, and                SUMMARY:    The Coast Guard has issued a
                                           such issues. The Secretary may require                  need not open to marine traffic to                    temporary deviation from the operating
                                           the elimination of any such liens,                      facilitate timely movement of                         schedule that governs the upper deck of
                                           encumbrances, or infirmities prior to                   commencement vehicular traffic.                       the Steel Bridge, mile 12.1, and the
                                           taking final approval action on the                        The Montlake Bridge across the Lake                Burnside Bridge, mile 12.4, both
                                           acquisition, and she shall require                      Washington Ship Canal, at mile 5.2, in                crossing the Willamette River, at
                                           elimination prior to such approval if she               the closed position provides 30 feet of               Portland, OR. The deviation is necessary
                                           determines that the liens, encumbrances                 vertical clearance throughout the                     to accommodate the annual Rose
                                           or infirmities make title to the land                   navigation channel, and 46 feet of                    Festival Parade event, which crosses the
                                           unmarketable.                                           vertical clearance throughout the center              Steel Bridge and Burnside Bridge. This
                                                                                                   60-feet of the bridge; vertical clearance             deviation allows the upper deck of the
                                             Dated: May 11, 2016.
                                                                                                   references to the Mean Water Level of                 Steel Bridge and Burnside Bridge to
                                           Lawrence S. Roberts,
                                                                                                   Lake Washington. The normal operating                 remain in the closed-to-navigation
                                           Acting Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs.                                                                    position and need not open for marine
                                                                                                   schedule for Montlake Bridge operates
                                           [FR Doc. 2016–11489 Filed 5–13–16; 8:45 am]             in accordance with 33 CFR 117.1051(e).                traffic to allow for the safe movement of
                                           BILLING CODE 4337–15–P                                     The deviation period is from 9:30 a.m.             event participants.
                                                                                                   to 12:30 p.m. and from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30              DATES: This deviation is effective from
                                                                                                   p.m. on June 11, 2016; and from 11:45                 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 11, 2016.
                                           DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND                                  a.m. to 1:45 p.m. and from 4:15 p.m. to               ADDRESSES: The docket for this
                                           SECURITY                                                6:15 p.m. on June 12, 2016. The                       deviation, [USCG–2016–0380] is
                                                                                                   deviation allows the bascule span of the              available at http://www.regulations.gov.
                                           Coast Guard                                             Montlake Bridge to remain in the                      Type the docket number in the
                                                                                                   closed-to-navigation position for the                 ‘‘SEARCH’’ box and click ‘‘SEARCH.’’
                                           33 CFR Part 117                                         times and dates herein. Waterway usage                Click on Open Docket Folder on the line
                                           [Docket No. USCG–2016–0392]                             on the Lake Washington Ship Canal                     associated with this deviation.
                                                                                                   ranges from commercial tug and barge to
                                                                                                                                                         FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If
                                           Drawbridge Operation Regulation;                        small pleasure craft.
                                           Lake Washington Ship Canal, Seattle,                       Vessels able to pass through the                   you have questions on this temporary
                                           WA                                                      bridge in the closed-to-navigation                    deviation, call or email Mr. Steven
                                                                                                   position may do so at anytime. The                    Fischer, Bridge Administrator,
                                           AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.                               bridge will be able to open for                       Thirteenth Coast Guard District;
                                           ACTION:Notice of deviation from                         emergencies and there is no immediate                 telephone 206–220–7282, email d13-pf-
                                           drawbridge regulation.                                  alternate route for marine vessels to                 d13bridges@uscg.mil.
                                                                                                   pass. The Coast Guard will also inform                SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: TriMet
                                           SUMMARY:   The Coast Guard has issued a
                                                                                                   the users of the waterways through our                Public Transit and Multnomah County
                                           temporary deviation from the operating
                                                                                                   Local and Broadcast Notices to Mariners               have requested that the upper deck of
                                           schedule that governs the Montlake
                                                                                                   of the change in operating schedule for               the Steel Bridge and the Burnside
                                           Bridge across the Lake Washington Ship
                                                                                                   the bridge so that vessels can arrange                Bridge remain in the closed-to-
                                           Canal, mile 5.2, at Seattle, WA. The
                                                                                                   their transits to minimize any impact                 navigation position to accommodate the
                                           deviation is necessary to accommodate
                                           the University of Washington, and                       caused by the temporary deviation.                    annual Rose Festival Parade event. The
                                           University of Washington Bothell                           In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(e),               Steel Bridge, mile 12.1, and the
                                           commencement ceremony traffic. This                     the drawbridge must return to its regular             Burnside Bridge, mile 12.4, both cross
                                           deviation allows the bridge to remain in                operating schedule immediately at the                 the Willamette River.
                                                                                                   end of the designated time period. This                  The Steel Bridge is a double-deck lift
                                           the closed-to-navigation position to
                                                                                                   deviation from the operating regulations              bridge with a lower lift deck and an
                                           accommodate the timely movement of
                                                                                                   is authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.                    upper lift deck which operate
                                           vehicular traffic.
                                                                                                     Dated: May 10, 2016.
                                                                                                                                                         independent of each other. When both
                                           DATES: This deviation is effective from
                                                                                                                                                         decks are in the down position the
                                           9:30 a.m. on June 11, 2016 to 6:15 p.m.                 Steven M. Fischer,
                                                                                                                                                         bridge provides 26 feet of vertical
                                           on June 12, 2016.                                       Bridge Administrator, Thirteenth Coast Guard
                                                                                                                                                         clearance. When the lower deck is in the
                                           ADDRESSES: The docket for this                          District.
                                                                                                                                                         up position, the bridge provides 71 feet
                                           deviation, [USCG–2016–0392] is                          [FR Doc. 2016–11495 Filed 5–13–16; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                                                                         of vertical clearance. This deviation
                                           available at http://www.regulations.gov.                BILLING CODE 9110–04–P
                                                                                                                                                         does not affect the operating schedule of
                                           Type the docket number in the                                                                                 the lower deck which opens on signal.
                                           ‘‘SEARCH’’ box and click ‘‘SEARCH.’’                                                                          The normal operating schedule for the
                                           Click on Open Docket Folder on the line                 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
                                                                                                                                                         upper deck of the Steel Bridge operates
                                           associated with this deviation.                         SECURITY
                                                                                                                                                         in accordance with 33 CFR
                                           FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If                                                                           117.897(c)(3)(ii).
                                                                                                   Coast Guard
                                           you have questions on this temporary                                                                             The Burnside Bridge provides a
                                           deviation, call or email Mr. Steven                     33 CFR Part 117                                       vertical clearance of 64 feet in the
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                                           Fischer, Bridge Administrator,                                                                                closed-to-navigation position. The
                                           Thirteenth Coast Guard District;                        [Docket No. USCG–2016–0380]                           normal operating schedule for the
                                           telephone 206–220–7282, email d13-pf-                                                                         Burnside Bridge operates in accordance
                                           d13bridges@uscg.mil.                                    Drawbridge Operation Regulation;
                                                                                                                                                         with 33 CFR 117.897(c)(3)(iii). The Steel
                                                                                                   Willamette River, Portland, OR
                                           SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The                                                                                Bridge and Burnside Bridge clearances
                                           University of Washington, through the                   AGENCY:    Coast Guard, DHS.                          are above Columbia River Datum 0.0.


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Document Created: 2016-05-14 01:17:28
Document Modified: 2016-05-14 01:17:28
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionFinal rule.
DatesThis rule becomes effective on May 16, 2016.
ContactElizabeth Appel, Director, Office of Regulatory Affairs and Collaborative Action, Office of the Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs; telephone (202) 273-4680, [email protected]
FR Citation81 FR 30173 
RIN Number1076-AF28
CFR AssociatedIndians-Lands and Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements

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