81 FR 72685 - Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance Program: Excepted Service and Pathways Programs
OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 204 (October 21, 2016)
Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 204 (October 21, 2016)
| Page Range | 72685-72686 | |
| FR Document | 2016-25507 |
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 204 (Friday, October 21, 2016)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 72685-72686] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2016-25507] ======================================================================== Rules and Regulations Federal Register ________________________________________________________________________ This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510. The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. Prices of new books are listed in the first FEDERAL REGISTER issue of each week. ======================================================================== Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 204 / Friday, October 21, 2016 / Rules and Regulations [[Page 72685]] OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT 5 CFR Parts 870 RIN 3206-AM98 Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance Program: Excepted Service and Pathways Programs AGENCY: U.S. Office of Personnel Management. ACTION: Final rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This action amends the rule to reflect that excepted service employees hired under the internship program known as the Pathways Programs may elect to enroll in Federal Employee's Group Life Insurance (FEGLI), if applicable Federal requirements are met. This action is necessary due to the omission of technical changes to OPMs final rule, Excepted Service, Career and Career-Conditional Employment, and Pathways Programs, issued on May 11, 2012, which concerns the excepted service internship programs. The effect of this action is to remove a barrier to recruiting students and recent graduates to help the Federal Government better compete with all employers when it comes to hiring qualified applicants for entry-level positions. DATES: This rule is effective on October 21, 2016. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ronald Brown, Policy Analyst, (202) 606-0004, or by email to [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background On December 27, 2010, Executive Order (E.O.) 13562 was signed and established the Internship Program and the Recent Graduates Program, which, along with the Presidential Management Fellows Program, as modified therein, became the Pathways Programs. As directed by the President, the Pathways Programs provides clear paths to Federal internships and potential careers in Government for students and recent graduates. The E.O. also created the Schedule D authority that supports the Pathways Programs by authorizing exceptions to the competitive hiring rules. Under the Schedule D authority, agencies are able, under OPM's guidance, to use excepted service hiring to fill positions from among a particular class of eligible individuals--students and recent graduates. II. Discussion of Final Rule This final rule updates the FEGLI regulation to change the name of the internship programs under FEGLI rules and provides that employees hired under the Pathways Programs authority may elect to enroll for coverage in FEGLI, if applicable Federal requirements are met. This change was omitted in the OPM final rule (77 FR 28194) issued in 2012 concerning the excepted service internship programs. However, this final rule does not establish new enrollment eligibility for any Pathways Programs interns. Agencies should continue to refer to the supplementary information published in the aforementioned final rule and the guidance that is on the OPM Web site at: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-authorities/students-recent-graduates/. Analysis of and Responses to Public Comments We received one comment on the interim final rule relating to agency guidance materials. The sole commenter asked if OPM will issue new guidance to Federal agencies concerning the changed scheduling authority for Pathways Programs participants. In response to the comment, OPM will not issue guidance to Federal agencies based on the changed scheduling authority. The OPM amends this rule to reflect technical changes concerning Pathways Program interns to conform with the final Pathways rule published on May 11, 2012 (77 FR 28194). The technical changes are necessary to reflect that the schedule appointment authority for Pathways Programs interns changed to Schedule D. Lastly, the intern programs were renamed and we needed to change the name in the regulation. See Sec. 870.302(b)(2). Regulatory Flexibility Act The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (Pub. L. 96-354) (RFA) establishes ``as a principle of regulatory issuance that agencies shall endeavor, consistent with the objectives of the rule and of applicable statutes, to fit regulatory and informational requirements to the scale of the businesses, organizations, and governmental jurisdictions subject to regulation. To achieve this principle, agencies are required to solicit and consider flexible regulatory proposals and to explain the rationale for their actions to assure that such proposals are given serious consideration.'' The RFA covers a widerange of small entities, including small businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and small governmental jurisdictions. Agencies must perform a review to determine whether a rule will have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. If the agency determines that it will, the agency must prepare a regulatory flexibility analysis as described in the RFA. I certify that this regulation will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities because the regulation only affects life insurance benefits of Federal employees and retirees. Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Review This rule has been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget in accordance with Executive Order 12866. Federalism We have examined this rule in accordance with Executive Order 13132, Federalism, and have determined that this rule will not have any negative impact on the rights, roles and responsibilities of State, local, or tribal governments. List of Subjects in 5 CFR Parts 870 Administrative practice and procedure, Government employees, Life insurance, Retirement. U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Beth F. Cobert, Acting Director. Accordingly, OPM is amending 5 CFR part 870 as follows: [[Page 72686]] PART 870--FEDERAL EMPLOYEES' GROUP LIFE INSURANCE PROGRAM 0 1. The authority citation for part 870 is revised to read as follows: Authority: 5 U.S.C. 8716; Subpart J also issued under section 599C of Pub. L. 101-513, 104 Stat. 2064, as amended; Sec. 870.302(a)(3)(ii) also issued under section 153 of Pub. L. 104-134, 110 Stat. 1321; Sec. 870.302(a)(3) also issued under sections 11202(f), 11232(e), and 11246(b) and (c) of Pub. L. 105-33, 111 Stat. 251, and section 7(e) of Pub. L. 105-274, 112 Stat. 2419; Sec. 870.302(a)(3) also issued under section 145 of Pub. L. 106-522, 114 Stat. 2472; Secs. 870.302(b)(8), 870.601(a), and 870.602(b) also issued under Pub. L. 110-279, 122 Stat. 2604. Subpart E also issued under 5 U.S.C. 8702(c); Sec. 870.601(d)(3) also issued under 5 U.S.C. 8706(d); Sec. 870.703(e)(1) also issued under section 502 of Pub. L. 110-177, 121 Stat. 2542; Sec. 870.705 also issued under 5 U.S.C. 8714b(c) and 8714c(c); Public Law 104-106, 110 Stat. 521. Subpart C--Eligibility 0 2. Revise Sec. 870.302(b)(2) to read as follows: Sec. 870.302 Exclusions. * * * * * (b) * * * (2) An employee who is employed for an uncertain or purely temporary period, who is employed for brief periods at intervals, or who is expected to work less than 6 months in each year. Exception: An employee who receives an appointment of at least 1 year's duration as an Intern under Sec. 213.3402 of this chapter, entitled ``Entire executive civil service; Pathways Programs,'' and who is expected to be in a pay status for at least one-third of the total period of time from the date of the first appointment to the completion of the work-study program. * * * * * [FR Doc. 2016-25507 Filed 10-20-16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6325-39-P
![72686 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 204 / Friday, October 21, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
PART 870—FEDERAL EMPLOYEES’ and establish an additional lender to enhance their opportunity for
GROUP LIFE INSURANCE PROGRAM status. The EZ Guarantee Program will success. FSA direct and guaranteed loan
help lenders reduce costs of applicants are often beginning farmers
■ 1. The authority citation for part 870 underwriting and servicing loans to and socially disadvantaged farmers who
is revised to read as follows: help meet the unique financing needs of do not qualify for conventional loans
Authority: 5 U.S.C. 8716; Subpart J also small farm operations. The intended because of insufficient net worth or
issued under section 599C of Pub. L. 101– effects of the rule are to make established farmers who have suffered
513, 104 Stat. 2064, as amended; Sec. guaranteed loan programs more widely financial setbacks due to natural
870.302(a)(3)(ii) also issued under section available and attractive to small farm disasters or economic downturns. FSA
153 of Pub. L. 104–134, 110 Stat. 1321; Sec. operations and the lenders who work tailors direct and guaranteed loans to a
870.302(a)(3) also issued under sections with those farm operations through a customer’s needs and may be used to
11202(f), 11232(e), and 11246(b) and (c) of buy farmland and to finance agricultural
Pub. L. 105–33, 111 Stat. 251, and section
more flexible underwriting analysis
process, reduced application production.
7(e) of Pub. L. 105–274, 112 Stat. 2419; Sec.
870.302(a)(3) also issued under section 145 of requirements, and faster FSA approval. The Consolidated Farm and Rural
Pub. L. 106–522, 114 Stat. 2472; Secs. In addition, FSA is amending the Development Act of 1972 (CONACT,
870.302(b)(8), 870.601(a), and 870.602(b) also regulations to make a technical Pub. L. 92–419), as amended, authorizes
issued under Pub. L. 110–279, 122 Stat. 2604. correction related to chattel appraisal FSA’s Guaranteed Farm Loan Programs.
Subpart E also issued under 5 U.S.C. 8702(c); appeals related to both guaranteed and EZ Guarantee Program
Sec. 870.601(d)(3) also issued under 5 U.S.C. direct loans.
8706(d); Sec. 870.703(e)(1) also issued under FSA is amending its FLP regulations
DATES:
section 502 of Pub. L. 110–177, 121 Stat. to add an EZ Guarantee Program to
2542; Sec. 870.705 also issued under 5 U.S.C. Effective Date: October 21, 2016.
Comment Dates: We will consider further assist the financing needs of
8714b(c) and 8714c(c); Public Law 104–106, small farm operations. Section
110 Stat. 521. comments on the Paperwork Reduction
333A(g)(1)(A) of the CONACT states that
Act that we receive by: December 20,
FSA will provide lenders with a short,
Subpart C—Eligibility 2016.
We will consider comments on the simplified application for loans which
■ 2. Revise § 870.302(b)(2) to read as regulatory changes that we receive by: are $125,000 or less (see 7 U.S.C.
follows: January 19, 2017. 1983a(g)(1)(A)). The EZ Guarantee
Program process will be the same as the
ADDRESSES: We invite you to submit
§ 870.302 Exclusions. Guaranteed Loan Program, except there
comments on this rule. In your is a new, self-contained application
* * * * *
comment, specify RIN 0560–AI34, and specifically formatted for EZ Guarantee
(b) * * *
(2) An employee who is employed for include the volume, date, and page loans. FSA may request additional
an uncertain or purely temporary number of this issue of the Federal information for the application when
period, who is employed for brief Register. You may submit comments by necessary to clarify a response on the
periods at intervals, or who is expected either of the following methods: application before making an approval
• Federal Rulemaking Portal: Go to decision.
to work less than 6 months in each year.
http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the FSA is adding a definition of an EZ
Exception: An employee who receives
instructions for submitting comments. Guarantee loan in 7 CFR 761.2. The EZ
an appointment of at least 1 year’s • Mail: Director, Loan Making
duration as an Intern under § 213.3402 Guarantee Program will provide
Division, FLP, FSA, US Department of alternatives for application and
of this chapter, entitled ‘‘Entire Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue
executive civil service; Pathways financial underwriting process for
SW., Stop 0522, Washington, DC 20250– Operating Loan (OL) and Farm
Programs,’’ and who is expected to be 0522.
in a pay status for at least one-third of Ownership loan (FO) purposes. All
Comments will be available for other FLP rules will remain unchanged
the total period of time from the date of viewing online at http://
the first appointment to the completion and the funding sources for these EZ
www.regulations.gov. In addition, Guarantee loans will continue to be
of the work-study program. comments will be available for public
* * * * * through FSA’s guaranteed OL and FO
inspection at the above address during annual appropriations.
[FR Doc. 2016–25507 Filed 10–20–16; 8:45 am] business hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., All lenders who meet FSA eligibility
BILLING CODE 6325–39–P Monday through Friday, except criteria (see 7 CFR 762.105, 762.106,
holidays. and 762.107) will be eligible to originate
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: EZ Guarantee loans. As discussed
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Randi Sheffer; telephone: (202) 205– below, the rule adds MLP Status in
Farm Service Agency 0682. Persons with disabilities or who addition to Standard Eligible Lender
require alternative means for (SEL), Certified Lender Program (CLP),
7 CFR Parts 761 and 762 communications should contact the and Preferred Lender Program (PLP)
USDA Target Center at (202) 720–2600 status. SELs, CLPs, and PLPs may
RIN 0560–AI34 (voice). originate EZ Guarantee loans up to
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: $100,000. Because of their limited
EZ Guarantee Program and Micro experience in making agricultural loans,
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
Lender Program (MLP) Status Background MLPs will be limited to loans up to
AGENCY: Farm Service Agency, USDA. FSA makes and services a variety of $50,000. The streamlined application
ACTION: Final rule. direct and guaranteed loans to the and new underwriting process will
nation’s farmers and ranchers who are reduce the burden for all of the FSA
SUMMARY: The Farm Service Agency unable to obtain private commercial lender types. Beyond that, we expect
(FSA) is amending the guaranteed Farm credit at reasonable rates and terms. that this new EZ Guarantee Program
Loan Programs (FLP) regulations to FSA also provides direct loan customers may be of particular interest to and used
implement an EZ Guarantee Program with credit counseling and supervision primarily by small commercial lenders
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Document Created: 2018-02-13 16:35:41
Document Modified: 2018-02-13 16:35:41
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Rules and Regulations | |
| Action | Final rule. | |
| Dates | This rule is effective on October 21, 2016. | |
| Contact | Ronald Brown, Policy Analyst, (202) 606-0004, or by email to [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 81 FR 72685 | |
| RIN Number | 3206-AM98 | |
| CFR Associated | Administrative Practice and Procedure; Government Employees; Life Insurance and Retirement |
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