81_FR_86527 81 FR 86297 - Regulations Implementing the Freedom of Information Act

81 FR 86297 - Regulations Implementing the Freedom of Information Act

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH REVIEW COMMISSION

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 230 (November 30, 2016)

Page Range86297-86302
FR Document2016-28305

The Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission (``OSHRC'') is proposing revisions to its regulations implementing the Freedom of Information Act (``FOIA''). These proposed revisions account for statutory amendments included in the FOIA Improvement Act of 2016 (``FOIA Improvement Act''), as well as the addition of procedures pertaining to confidential commercial information and preservation of records, clarifications of existing procedures, and updates to contact information.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 230 (Wednesday, November 30, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 230 (Wednesday, November 30, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 86297-86302]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-28305]


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OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH REVIEW COMMISSION

29 CFR Part 2201


Regulations Implementing the Freedom of Information Act

AGENCY: Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.

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SUMMARY: The Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission 
(``OSHRC'') is proposing revisions to its regulations implementing the 
Freedom of Information Act (``FOIA''). These proposed revisions account 
for statutory amendments included in the FOIA Improvement Act of 2016 
(``FOIA Improvement Act''), as well as the addition of procedures 
pertaining to confidential commercial information and preservation of 
records, clarifications of existing procedures, and updates to contact 
information.

DATES: Comments must be received by OSHRC on or before December 20, 
2016.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by any of the following methods:
     Email: [email protected]. Include ``PROPOSED RULEMAKING, 
PART 2201'' in the subject line of the message.
     Fax: (202) 606-5417.
     Mail: Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission, 
ATTN: FOIA Public Liaison, One Lafayette Centre, 1120 20th Street NW., 
Ninth Floor, Washington, DC 20036-3457.
     Hand Delivery/Courier: Same as mailing address.
    Instructions: All submissions must include your name, return 
address, and email address, if applicable. Please clearly label 
submissions as ``PROPOSED RULEMAKING, PART 2201.''

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: OSHRC's FOIA Public Liaison, by 
telephone at (202) 606-5410, by email at [email protected], or by 
mail at the address stated above.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background

    OSHRC proposes several substantive and procedural revisions to its 
regulations implementing the FOIA that fall within four general 
categories. First, OSHRC proposes modifying its existing FOIA 
regulations to reflect the amendments to the FOIA contained in the FOIA 
Improvement Act of 2016, Public Law 114-185. The FOIA Improvement Act 
amended various practices under the FOIA, such as requiring 
notification to requesters of the right to seek dispute resolution at 
various times throughout the FOIA process from the National Archives 
and Records Administration's Office of Government Information Services 
(``OGIS''), a ninety-day minimum time period to file administrative 
appeals, and limitations on assessing certain fees and exceptions to 
those limitations.
    Second, OSHRC proposes revising its regulations to further clarify 
and update its procedures relating to the submission and processing of 
FOIA requests.
    Third, OSHRC proposes adding a new section to its regulations 
establishing procedures to notify submitters of records containing 
confidential commercial information when those records are requested 
under the FOIA, in compliance with Executive Order 12,600.
    Fourth, OSHRC proposes adding a new section to its regulations 
explaining the procedure for the preservation of records related to 
FOIA requests.
    Accordingly, OSHRC proposes to revise its regulations implementing 
the FOIA and put them out for public comment. The specific amendments 
that OSHRC proposes to each section of 29 CFR part 2201 are discussed 
hereafter in regulatory sequence.
    In 29 CFR 2201.3, OSHRC proposes revising paragraph (a) to direct 
requestors to OSHRC's FOIA Reference Guide for further information. 
OSHRC proposes a minor revision to paragraph (c) explaining the role of 
the FOIA Public Liaison. OSHRC also proposes minor revisions to 
paragraph (d) to update the contact information for the FOIA Requester 
Service Center.
    In 29 CFR 2201.4, OSHRC proposes a minor revision to a reference to 
another section of the regulations included in

[[Page 86298]]

paragraph (a). OSHRC proposes removing paragraph (b) regarding 
examination of records in cases appealed to courts as the provision is 
no longer necessary. OSHRC additionally proposes revising new paragraph 
(b), previously paragraph (c), to update the list of records available 
at the OSHRC e-FOIA Reading Room. OSHRC proposes revising new paragraph 
(c), previously paragraph (d), to clarify the location of records 
available onsite at the OSHRC National Office. OSHRC proposes changing 
paragraph (e) to paragraph (d) due to the removal of paragraph (b) in 
this section.
    In 29 CFR 2201.5, OSHRC proposes revising paragraph (a) to clarify 
the procedure for how to make a FOIA request regarding the ability to 
submit a request in multiple ways, including by email and OSHRC's 
online FOIA request form. OSHRC proposes changing paragraph (b) to 
describe the procedures for a requester making a request for records 
about himself or herself. OSHRC proposes adding paragraph (c) to 
describe the procedure enabling a requester to receive greater access 
when a request for records pertains to another individual. OSHRC also 
proposes adding paragraph (d) to explain what elements should be 
included in the description of records in a FOIA request. OSHRC 
proposes adding paragraph (e), previously included in part in another 
paragraph in this section, to explain the procedure for requests 
regarding the preferred form or format of a response. OSHRC proposes 
adding paragraph (f) to describe the necessary contact information to 
be provided by a requestor. OSHRC further proposes adding paragraph 
(g), previously included in another paragraph of this section, to 
describe how OSHRC determines the date of receipt of a FOIA request and 
revising the reference in this paragraph to reflect the changes to 
paragraph designations in a subsequent section.
    In 29 CFR 2201.6, OSHRC proposes revising paragraphs (c) and (f) to 
include notification to the requestor of the availability of assistance 
from the FOIA Public Liaison and the right to seek dispute resolution 
services from OGIS. OSHRC also proposes revising the references in 
paragraph (f) to reflect the changes to paragraph designations in 
subsequent sections. OSHRC proposes revising paragraph (h) to reflect 
changes to the procedure notifying a requester of the tracking number 
assigned to the FOIA request.
    OSHRC proposes redesignating 29 CFR 2201.7 to 29 CFR 2201.10 as 29 
CFR 2201.8 to 29 CFR 2201.11, respectively, and then adding a new 29 
CFR 2201.7. This proposed new section pertains to ``confidential 
commercial information,'' and describes this type of information and 
how it is designated as such by a submitter, the circumstances under 
which OSHRC must notify the submitter of such information when it is 
contained in records requested under the FOIA, exceptions to this 
notice requirement, and the process for the submitter to object to the 
disclosure of such information.
    In redesignated 29 CFR 2201.8, OSHRC proposes revising paragraph 
(a) to explain that OSHRC shall charge fees in accordance with the 
Uniform Freedom of Information Fee Schedule and Guidelines published by 
the Office of Management and Budget. OSHRC also proposes revising 
paragraph (b) to explain the limitations on assessing certain fees and 
exceptions to those limitations, as well as a minor revision to a 
reference to the Commission. OSHRC proposes revising paragraphs (h) and 
(i) to reflect the change in name for the Commission's Office of the 
Executive Director. OSHRC proposes revising the references in this 
entire section to reflect the changes to paragraph designations in 
previous and subsequent sections.
    In redesignated 29 CFR 2201.9, OSHRC proposes revising the 
reference in this section to reflect the changes to paragraph 
designations in a previous section.
    In redesignated 29 CFR 2201.10, OSHRC proposes adding paragraph (a) 
to revise the time period to file an appeal, as well as identify 
information to be included with the appeal. OSHRC proposes adding 
paragraph (b) to clarify the procedure for adjudication of appeals. 
OSHRC also proposes adding paragraph (c) to explain the content of and 
procedure for decisions on appeals. OSHRC proposes adding paragraph (d) 
to explain the process of mediation provided by OGIS. OSHRC also 
proposes adding paragraph (e) to describe the requirements for seeking 
review by a court of an adverse determination by OSHRC.
    In redesignated 29 CFR 2201.11, OSHRC proposes a minor revision to 
a reference to OSHRC's Web site.
    OSHRC proposes adding a new section at 29 CFR 2201.12 on the 
procedures for preserving records pertaining to FOIA requests.

II. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    Executive Orders 12866 and 13132, and the Unfunded Mandates Reform 
Act of 1995: OSHRC is an independent regulatory agency and, as such, is 
not subject to the requirements of E.O. 12866, E.O. 13132, or the 
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act, 2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.
    Regulatory Flexibility Act: The Chairman of OSHRC certifies under 
the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 605(b), that these rules, if 
adopted, would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial 
number of small entities. The only proposed revisions that could 
economically impact a small entity pertain to how OSHRC charges its 
FOIA fees. OSHRC, however, receives relatively few FOIA requests from 
``small entities'' that result in fees being assessed; when fees are 
assessed, the amounts are generally minimal; and it is not anticipated 
that the amendments will have much affect (if any) on the number of 
entities responsible for paying FOIA fees or the amounts of those fees. 
For these reasons, a regulatory flexibility analysis is not required.
    Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995: OSHRC has determined that the 
Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq., does not apply because 
these rules do not contain any information collection requirements that 
require the approval of OMB.
    Congressional Review Act: These proposed revisions do not 
constitute a ``rule,'' as defined by the Congressional Review Act, 5 
U.S.C. 804(3)(C), because they involve changes to agency organization, 
procedure, or practice that do not substantially affect the rights or 
obligations of non-agency parties.

List of Subjects

    Freedom of information.

    Signed at Washington, DC, on the 17th day of November, 2016.
Cynthia L. Attwood,
Chairman.

    For the reasons set forth in the preamble, OSHRC proposes to amend 
29 CFR part 2201 as follows:

PART 2201--REGULATIONS IMPLEMENTING THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT

0
1. The authority citation for part 2201 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  29 U.S.C. 661(g); 5 U.S.C. 552.


Sec.  2201.3   [Amended]

0
2. Amend Sec.  2201.3 by:
0
a. Removing the words ``FOIA handbook'' and adding, in their place, the 
words ``FOIA Reference Guide'' in paragraph (a)(5).
0
b. Removing the word ``supervisory'' in paragraph (c).
0
c. Revising paragraph (d) to read as follows:

[[Page 86299]]

Sec.  2201.3   Delegation of authority and responsibilities.

* * * * *
    (d) OSHRC establishes a FOIA Requester Service Center that shall be 
staffed by the FOIA Disclosure Officer(s) and FOIA Public Liaison(s). 
The address of the FOIA Requester Service Center is 1120 20th Street 
NW., 9th Floor, Washington, DC 20036-3457. The telephone number, fax 
number and additional contact information for the FOIA Requester 
Service Center is located on the agency's Web site at: http://www.oshrc.gov/foia.html. The FOIA Requester Service Center is available 
to provide information about the status of a request to the requester 
using the assigned tracking number (as described in Sec.  2201.6(h)), 
including:
    (1) The date on which the agency originally received the request; 
and
    (2) An estimated date on which the agency will complete action on 
the request.
* * * * *


Sec.  2201.4   [Amended]

0
3. Amend Sec.  2201.4 by:
0
a. Removing the citation ``Sec.  2201.5(a)'' and adding, in its place, 
the citation ``Sec.  2201.5'' in paragraph (a).
0
b. Removing paragraph (b) in its entirety.
0
c. Redesignating paragraphs (c) through (e) as paragraphs (b) through 
(d), respectively.
0
d. Revising the opening of redesignated paragraph (b), and paragraphs 
(b)(1), (b)(5), (b)(6), and (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  2201.4  General policy and definitions.

* * * * *
    (b) Record availability at the OSHRC e-FOIA Reading Room. The 
records of Commission activities are publicly available for inspection 
and copying, and may be accessed electronically on the Commission's Web 
site at http://www.oshrc.gov/foia/foia_reading_room.html. These records 
include:
    (1) Final decisions, including concurring and dissenting opinions, 
remand orders, as well as Administrative Law Judge decisions pending 
OSHRC review, briefing notices, and other significant orders;
* * * * *
    (5) Copies of records that have been released to a person under the 
FOIA that, because of the subject matter, the Commission determines 
have become or are likely to become the subject of subsequent requests 
for substantially the same records, as well as records the Commission 
determines absent a FOIA request could be of significant public 
interest; and
    (6) A general index of records referred to under paragraph (b)(5) 
of this section.
    (c) Record availability onsite at OSHRC National Office. Any member 
of the public may, upon request, access OSHRC's e-FOIA Reading Room via 
a computer terminal at the OSHRC National Office, located at 1120 20th 
St. NW., 9th Floor, Washington, DC 20036-3457. Such a request must be 
made in writing to the FOIA Requester Service Center, and indicate a 
preferred date and time for the requested access. OSHRC reserves the 
right to arrange a different date and time with the requester, if 
necessary.
* * * * *


Sec.  2201.5   [Amended]

0
4. Revise Sec.  2201.5 to read as follows:


Sec.  2201.5   Procedure for requesting records.

    (a) General information. All requests for information must be made 
in writing to the FOIA Disclosure Officer and may be: (1) Mailed or 
delivered; (2) faxed; or (3) emailed. Requests may also be made using 
the Commission's online FOIA request form (which is a downloadable PDF 
file found at http://www.oshrc.gov/foia/foia_request_form.html) and the 
completed form can be submitted by mail, fax, or email. Contact 
information for the FOIA Disclosure Officer is described in Sec.  
2201.3(d). For mailed or delivered requests, the words ``Freedom of 
Information Act Request'' must be printed on the face of the request's 
envelope or covering as well as the request itself.
    (b) A requester who is making a request for records about himself 
or herself must comply with verification of identity requirements as 
required by 29 CFR 2400.6 in OSHRC's Privacy Act regulations.
    (c) Where a request for records pertains to another individual, a 
requester may receive greater access by submitting either a notarized 
authorization signed by that individual or a declaration made in 
compliance with the requirements set forth in 28 U.S.C. 1746 by that 
individual authorizing disclosure of the records to the requester, or 
by submitting proof that the individual is deceased (e.g., a copy of a 
death certificate or an obituary).
    (d) Description of records sought. A request must describe the 
records sought in sufficient detail to enable the Commission to locate 
them with a reasonable amount of effort. To the extent possible, the 
request should include specific information to identify the requested 
records, such as the docket number(s) or case name(s). Before 
submitting a request, the requester may contact the FOIA Disclosure 
Officer, as described in Sec.  2201.3(d), to discuss the records being 
sought and receive assistance in describing them. If a determination is 
made after receiving a request that it does not reasonably describe the 
records sought, the FOIA Disclosure Officer will contact the requester 
to explain what additional information is needed or why the request is 
otherwise insufficient. A requester attempting to reformulate or modify 
such a request is encouraged to discuss the request with the FOIA 
Disclosure Officer. If a request does not reasonably describe the 
records sought, the agency's response may be delayed.
    (e) Requests may specify the preferred form or format (including 
electronic formats) of the response. The FOIA Disclosure Officer shall 
honor a requester's specified preference of form or format of 
disclosure if the record is readily reproducible with reasonable 
efforts in the requested form or format. When a requester does not 
specify the preferred form or format of the response, the FOIA 
Disclosure Officer shall respond in the form or format in which the 
record is most accessible to the Commission.
    (f) The requester must provide contact information, such as a phone 
number, email address, and/or mailing address, to facilitate the 
agency's communication with the requester.
    (g) Date of receipt. A request that complies with paragraph (a) of 
this section is deemed received on the actual date it is received by 
the Commission. A request that does not comply with paragraph (a) of 
this section is deemed received when it is actually received by the 
FOIA Disclosure Officer. For requests that are expected to result in 
fees exceeding $250, the request shall not be deemed to have been 
received until the requester is advised of the anticipated costs and 
the Commission has received full payment or satisfactory assurance of 
full payment as provided under Sec.  2201.8(f).


Sec.  2201.6  [Amended]

0
5. Amend Sec.  2201.6 by revising paragraphs (c), (f), and (h) to read 
as follows:


Sec.  2201.6  Responses to requests.

* * * * *
    (c) Additional extension. The FOIA Disclosure Officer shall notify 
the requester in writing when it appears that a request cannot be 
completed within the allowable time (20 working days plus a 10-working-
day extension). In such instances, the requester will be provided an 
opportunity to limit the scope of the request so that it may be

[[Page 86300]]

processed in the time limit, or to agree to a reasonable alternative 
time frame for processing. The FOIA Disclosure Officer or FOIA Public 
Liaison shall be available to assist the requester for this purpose and 
shall notify the requester of the right to seek dispute resolution 
services from the National Archives and Records Administration's Office 
of Government Information Services (OGIS).
* * * * *
    (f) Content of denial. When the FOIA Disclosure Officer denies a 
request for records, either in whole or in part, a request for 
expedited processing, and/or a request for fee waivers (see Sec.  
2201.9), the written notice of the denial shall state the reason for 
denial, give a reasonable estimate of the volume of matter denied 
(unless doing so would harm an interest protected by the exemption(s) 
under which the request was denied), set forth the name and title or 
position of the person responsible for the denial of the request, 
notify the requester of the right to appeal the determination as 
specified in Sec.  2201.10, and notify the requester of the assistance 
available from the FOIA Public Liaison and the dispute resolution 
services offered by OGIS. A refusal by the FOIA Disclosure Officer to 
process the request because the requester has not made advance payment 
or given a satisfactory assurance of full payment required under Sec.  
2201.8(f) may be treated as a denial of the request and appealed under 
Sec.  2201.10.
* * * * *
    (h) Tracking numbers. The FOIA Disclosure Officer shall assign an 
individualized tracking number to each request received for processing 
and provide the requester with the tracking number.
* * * * *


Sec. Sec.  2201.7 through 2201.10  [Redesignated as Sec. Sec.  2201.8 
through 2201.11 and Amended]

0
6. Redesignate Sec. Sec.  2201.7 through 2201.10 as Sec. Sec.  2201.8 
through 2201.11, respectively.
0
7. Add new Sec.  2201.7 to read as follows:


Sec.  2201.7  Confidential commercial information.

    (a) Definitions.
    (1) Confidential commercial information means commercial or 
financial information obtained by OSHRC from a submitter that may be 
protected from disclosure under Exemption 4 of the FOIA, 5 U.S.C. 
552(b)(4).
    (2) Submitter means any person or entity, including a corporation, 
State, or foreign government, but not including another Federal 
Government entity, that provides confidential commercial information, 
either directly or indirectly to OSHRC.
    (b) Designation of confidential commercial information. A submitter 
of confidential commercial information must use good faith efforts to 
designate by appropriate markings, at the time of submission, any 
portion of its submission that it considers to be protected from 
disclosure under Exemption 4. These designations expire 10 years after 
the date of the submission unless the submitter requests and provides 
justification for a longer designation period.
    (c) When notice to submitters is required. OSHRC shall promptly 
provide written notice to the submitter of confidential commercial 
information whenever records containing such information are requested 
under the FOIA if OSHRC determines that it may be required to disclose 
the records, provided the submitter has complied with paragraph (b) of 
this section or OSHRC has a reason to believe that the requested 
information may be protected from disclosure under Exemption 4, but has 
not yet determined whether the information is protected from 
disclosure. The notice must either describe the commercial information 
requested or include a copy of the requested records or portions of 
records containing the information.
    (d) Exceptions to submitter notice requirements. The notice 
requirements of this section do not apply if:
    (1) OSHRC determines that the information is exempt under the FOIA, 
and therefore will not be disclosed;
    (2) The information has been lawfully published or has been 
officially made available to the public;
    (3) Disclosure of the information is required by a statute other 
than the FOIA or by a regulation issued in accordance with the 
requirements of Executive Order 12,600 of June 23, 1987; or
    (4) The designation made by the submitter under paragraph (b) of 
this section appears obviously frivolous. In such case, OSHRC shall 
give the submitter written notice of any final decision to disclose the 
information within a reasonable number of days prior to a specified 
disclosure date.
    (e) Opportunity to object to disclosure. OSHRC shall specify a 
reasonable time period within which the submitter must provide a 
response to the notice referenced above. If a submitter has any 
objections to disclosure, it should provide a detailed written 
statement that specifies all grounds for withholding the particular 
information under any exemption of the FOIA. In order to rely on 
Exemption 4 as basis for nondisclosure, the submitter must explain why 
the information constitutes a trade secret or commercial or financial 
information that is confidential. A submitter who fails to respond 
within the time period specified in the notice will be considered to 
have no objection to disclosure of the information. OSHRC is not 
required to consider any information received after the date of any 
disclosure decision. Any information provided by a submitter under this 
subpart may itself be subject to disclosure under the FOIA.
    (f) Analysis of objections. OSHRC shall consider a submitter's 
objections and specific grounds for nondisclosure in deciding whether 
to disclose the requested information.
    (g) Notice of decision. OSHRC shall provide the submitter with 
written notice once a decision is made as to whether or not to disclose 
information over the submitter's objection. When a decision is made to 
disclose information over the submitter's objection, this notice shall 
include a statement of the reasons why each of the submitter's 
disclosure objections was not sustained, a description of the 
information to be disclosed or copies of the records as the agency 
intends to release them, and a specified disclosure date (which must be 
a reasonable time after the notice).
    (h) Notice of FOIA lawsuit. OSHRC shall promptly notify the 
submitter when a requester files a lawsuit seeking to compel the 
disclosure of confidential commercial information.
    (i) Requester notification. OSHRC shall notify the requester 
whenever it provides the submitter with notice and an opportunity to 
object to disclosure; whenever it notifies the submitter of its intent 
to disclose the requested information; and whenever a submitter files a 
lawsuit to prevent the disclosure of the information.
0
8. Amend redesignated Sec.  2201.8 by:
0
a. Redesignating paragraph (b)(3) as paragraph (b)(5).
0
b. Revising paragraphs (a), the opening of paragraph (b), and 
paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2)(v); adding new paragraphs (b)(3) and 
(b)(4); and revising redesignated paragraph (b)(5), and paragraphs (h) 
and (i), to read as follows:


Sec.  2201.8  Fees for copying, searching, and review.

    (a) Fees required unless waived. The FOIA Disclosure Officer shall 
charge fees in accordance with the Uniform Freedom of Information Fee 
Schedule and Guidelines published by the Office

[[Page 86301]]

of Management and Budget and in accordance with paragraph (b) of this 
section. See Appendix A. If the fees for a request are less than the 
threshold amount as provided in OSHRC's fee schedule, no fees shall be 
charged. The FOIA Disclosure Officer shall, however, waive the fees in 
the circumstances stated in Sec.  2201.9.
    (b) Calculation of fees. Fees for copying, searching and reviewing 
will be based on the direct costs of these services, including the 
average hourly salary (base plus DC locality payment), plus 16 percent 
for benefits, of the following three categories of employees involved 
in responding to FOIA requests: Clerical--based on an average of all 
employees at GS-9 and below; professional--based on an average of all 
employees at GS-10 through GS-14; and managerial--based on an average 
of all employees at GS-15 and above. OSHRC will calculate a schedule of 
fees based on these direct costs. The schedule of fees under this 
section appears in Appendix A to this part. A copy of the schedule of 
fees may also be obtained at no charge from the FOIA Disclosure 
Officer. See Sec.  2201.3(d).
    (1) Copying fee. The fee per copy of each page shall be calculated 
in accordance with the per-page amount established in OSHRC's fee 
schedule. See Appendix A to this part. For other forms of duplication, 
direct costs of producing the copy, including operator time, shall be 
calculated and assessed. Copying fees shall not be charged for the 
first 100 pages of copies unless the copies are requested for a 
commercial use. No copying fee shall be charged for educational, 
scientific, or news media requests if the agency fails to comply with 
any time limit in Sec.  2201.6, provided that no unusual or exceptional 
circumstances (as those terms are defined in Sec.  2201.6(b) and Sec.  
2201.4(d), respectively) apply to the processing of the request.
    (2) * * *
    (v) Failure to comply with time limits. No search fee shall be 
charged if the Commission fails to comply with any time limit in Sec.  
2201.6, provided that no unusual or exceptional circumstances (as those 
terms are defined in Sec.  2201.6(b) and Sec.  2201.4(d), respectively) 
apply to the processing of the request.
    (3) Unusual circumstances. (i) If the Commission has determined 
that unusual circumstances, as defined in Sec.  2201.6(b), apply and 
has provided timely written notice to the requester, a failure to 
comply with the time limit shall be excused for an additional 10 days 
and the Commission shall assess fees as usual.
    (ii) If the Commission has determined that unusual circumstances, 
as defined in Sec.  2201.6(b), apply and more than 5,000 pages are 
necessary to respond to the request, the Commission may charge search 
fees, or, in the case of requesters described in Sec.  
2201.8(b)(2)(ii), may charge duplication fees, if the Commission 
provided timely written notice of unusual circumstances to the 
requester in accordance with Sec.  2201.6(b) and the Commission 
discussed with the requester via written mail, email, or telephone (or 
made not less than three good-faith attempts to do so) how the 
requester could effectively limit the scope of the request in 
accordance with the FOIA. If this exception is satisfied, the 
Commission may charge all applicable fees incurred in the processing of 
the request even if such processing extends beyond an additional 10 
days.
    (4) If a court has determined that exceptional circumstances exist, 
as defined in Sec.  2201.4(d), a failure to comply with the time limits 
shall be excused for the length of time provided by the court order.
    (5) Review fee. A review fee shall be charged only for commercial 
requests. Review fees shall be calculated in accordance with the 
amounts established in OSHRC's schedule of fees. See Appendix A. A 
review fee shall be charged for the initial examination of documents 
located in response to a request to determine if it may be withheld 
from disclosure, and for the excision of withholdable portions. 
However, a review fee shall not be charged for review by the Chairman 
under Sec.  2201.10 (Appeal of denials).
* * * * *
    (h) Interest on unpaid bills. The Commission's Office of the 
Executive Director shall begin assessing interest charges on unpaid 
bills starting on the thirty-first day after the date the bill was 
sent. Interest will accrue from the date of billing until the 
Commission receives full payment. Interest will be at the rate 
described in 31 U.S.C. 3717.
    (i) Debt collection procedures. If bills are unpaid 60 days after 
the mailing of a written notice to the requester, the Commission's 
Office of the Executive Director may resort to the debt collection 
procedures set out in the Debt Collection Act of 1982 (Pub. L. 97-365, 
96 Stat. 1749), as amended, and its administrative procedures, 
including the use of consumer reporting agencies, collection agencies, 
and offset.
0
9. Amend redesignated Sec.  2201.9 by removing the citation ``Sec.  
2201.7(b)'' in paragraph (a) and adding, in its place, the citation 
``Sec.  2201.8(b)''.
0
10. Revise redesignated Sec.  2201.10 to read as follows:


Sec.  2201.10  Appeal of denials.

    (a) Requirements for making an appeal. A denial of a request for 
records, either in whole or in part, a request for expedited 
processing, or a request for fee waivers, may be appealed in writing to 
the Chairman of the Commission. To be considered timely, the appeal 
must be postmarked, or in the case of electronic submissions, 
transmitted, within 90 calendar days of the date of the agency's 
written notice of denial. The appeal should clearly identify the agency 
determination that is being appealed and the assigned FOIA tracking 
number. To facilitate handling, the requester should mark both the 
appeal and its envelope, or state in the subject line of an electronic 
transmission, ``Freedom of Information Act Appeal.''
    (b) Adjudication of appeals. The Chairman shall act on the appeal 
under 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(6)(A)(ii) within 20 working days after the 
receipt of the appeal. An appeal ordinarily will not be adjudicated if 
the request becomes a matter of FOIA litigation. On receipt of any 
appeal involving classified information, the Chairman shall take 
appropriate action to ensure compliance with applicable classification 
rules.
    (c) Decisions on appeals. The Chairman shall provide the decision 
on an appeal in writing. If the Chairman wholly or partially upholds 
the denial of the request, the decision shall contain a statement that 
identifies the reasons for the affirmance, including any FOIA 
exemptions applied. The decision must include notification that the 
requester may obtain judicial review of the decision under 5 U.S.C. 
552(a)(4)(B)-(G). The decision shall also inform the requester of the 
mediation services offered by OGIS as a non-exclusive alternative to 
litigation. If the Chairman's decision is remanded or modified on 
appeal to the court, the requester will be notified by the agency of 
that determination in writing. The Commission shall then further 
process the request in accordance with the appeal determination and 
shall respond directly to the requester.
    (d) Engaging in dispute services provided by OGIS. Mediation is a 
voluntary process. If the Commission agrees to participate in the 
mediation services provided by OGIS, it will actively engage as a 
partner in the process in an attempt to resolve the dispute.
    (e) When appeal is required. Before seeking review by a court of 
the Commission's adverse determination, a

[[Page 86302]]

requester generally must first submit a timely administrative appeal.
0
11. Amend redesignated Sec.  2201.11 by removing the words ``through 
OSHRC's Web site'' and adding, in their place, the words ``on OSHRC's 
Web site'' in paragraph (b).


Sec.  2201.12  [Added]

0
12. Add Sec.  2201.12 to read as follows:


Sec.  2201.12  Preservation of Records.

    OSHRC shall preserve all correspondence pertaining to FOIA 
requests, as well as copies of all requested records, until disposition 
or destruction is authorized pursuant to title 44 of the United States 
Code or the General Records Schedule 14 of the National Archives and 
Records Administration. OSHRC shall not dispose of or destroy records 
while they are the subject of a pending request, appeal or lawsuit 
under the FOIA.

[FR Doc. 2016-28305 Filed 11-29-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7600-01-P



                                                                    Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 230 / Wednesday, November 30, 2016 / Proposed Rules                                            86297

                                                  found in FAA Advisory Circular (AC)                       7. ‘‘Standards for Structural                       clearly label submissions as
                                                  21.17–2A, ‘‘Type Certification—Fixed-                   Substantiation of Sailplane and                       ‘‘PROPOSED RULEMAKING, PART
                                                  Wing Gliders (Sailplanes), Including                    Powered Sailplane Parts Consisting of                 2201.’’
                                                  Powered Gliders,’’ dated February 10,                   Glass or Carbon Fiber Reinforced                      FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                  1993. AC 21.17–2A has been the basis                    Plastics’’, LBA document no. I4–FVK/                  OSHRC’s FOIA Public Liaison, by
                                                  for certification of gliders and powered                91, issued July 1991.                                 telephone at (202) 606–5410, by email at
                                                  gliders in the United States for many                     8. ‘‘Guideline for the analysis of the              NChadwick@oshrc.gov, or by mail at the
                                                  years. AC 21.17–2A states that                          electrical system for powered                         address stated above.
                                                  applicants may utilize the Joint Aviation               sailplanes’’, LBA document no. I334–
                                                                                                                                                                SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                  Requirements (JAR)–22, ‘‘Sailplanes and                 MS 92, issued September 15, 1992.
                                                  Powered Sailplanes’’, or another                          9. The following kinds of operation                 I. Background
                                                  accepted airworthiness criteria, or a                   are allowed: VFR-Day.                                    OSHRC proposes several substantive
                                                  combination of both, as the accepted                      10. Date of application for FAA Type                and procedural revisions to its
                                                  means for showing compliance for                        Certificate: January 08, 2016.                        regulations implementing the FOIA that
                                                  glider type certification.                                Issued in Kansas City, Missouri on                  fall within four general categories. First,
                                                  Type Certification Basis                                November 18, 2016.                                    OSHRC proposes modifying its existing
                                                                                                          Mel Johnson,                                          FOIA regulations to reflect the
                                                     The applicant proposed a
                                                                                                          Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate,           amendments to the FOIA contained in
                                                  Certification Basis based on EASA
                                                                                                          Aircraft Certification Service.                       the FOIA Improvement Act of 2016,
                                                  Certification Specification (CS)–22,
                                                                                                          [FR Doc. 2016–28575 Filed 11–29–16; 8:45 am]          Public Law 114–185. The FOIA
                                                  ‘‘Sailplanes and Powered Sailplanes’’,
                                                                                                          BILLING CODE 4910–13–P                                Improvement Act amended various
                                                  initial issue, dated November 14, 2003.
                                                                                                                                                                practices under the FOIA, such as
                                                  In addition to CS–22 requirements, the
                                                                                                                                                                requiring notification to requesters of
                                                  applicant proposed to comply with
                                                                                                          OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND                               the right to seek dispute resolution at
                                                  other requirements from the
                                                                                                          HEALTH REVIEW COMMISSION                              various times throughout the FOIA
                                                  certification basis referenced in EASA
                                                                                                                                                                process from the National Archives and
                                                  TCDS No. EASA.A.054, including
                                                                                                          29 CFR Part 2201                                      Records Administration’s Office of
                                                  special conditions and equivalent safety
                                                                                                                                                                Government Information Services
                                                  findings.                                               Regulations Implementing the                          (‘‘OGIS’’), a ninety-day minimum time
                                                  The Proposed Design Criteria                            Freedom of Information Act                            period to file administrative appeals,
                                                     Applicable Airworthiness Criteria                                                                          and limitations on assessing certain fees
                                                                                                          AGENCY: Occupational Safety and Health
                                                  under § 21.17(b).                                                                                             and exceptions to those limitations.
                                                                                                          Review Commission.
                                                     Based on the Special Class provisions                                                                         Second, OSHRC proposes revising its
                                                                                                          ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.                regulations to further clarify and update
                                                  of § 21.17(b), the following
                                                  airworthiness requirements form the                                                                           its procedures relating to the submission
                                                                                                          SUMMARY:    The Occupational Safety and
                                                  FAA Certification Basis for this design:                                                                      and processing of FOIA requests.
                                                                                                          Health Review Commission (‘‘OSHRC’’)
                                                     1. 14 CFR part 21, effective February                                                                         Third, OSHRC proposes adding a new
                                                                                                          is proposing revisions to its regulations
                                                  1, 1965, including amendments 21–1                                                                            section to its regulations establishing
                                                                                                          implementing the Freedom of
                                                  through 21–93 as applicable.                                                                                  procedures to notify submitters of
                                                                                                          Information Act (‘‘FOIA’’). These
                                                     2. EASA CS–22, initial issue, dated                                                                        records containing confidential
                                                                                                          proposed revisions account for statutory
                                                  November 14, 2003.                                                                                            commercial information when those
                                                                                                          amendments included in the FOIA
                                                     3. EASA Special Condition No. SC–                                                                          records are requested under the FOIA,
                                                                                                          Improvement Act of 2016 (‘‘FOIA
                                                  A.22.1.01, ‘‘Increase in maximum mass                                                                         in compliance with Executive Order
                                                                                                          Improvement Act’’), as well as the
                                                  for sailplanes and powered sailplanes.’’                                                                      12,600.
                                                                                                          addition of procedures pertaining to
                                                     4. ‘‘Preliminary Standard for the                                                                             Fourth, OSHRC proposes adding a
                                                                                                          confidential commercial information
                                                  Substantiation of Indirect Drive Shafts                                                                       new section to its regulations explaining
                                                                                                          and preservation of records,
                                                  in Power Plants of Powered Sailplanes                                                                         the procedure for the preservation of
                                                                                                          clarifications of existing procedures,
                                                  Certified to JAR–22’’ (with a                                                                                 records related to FOIA requests.
                                                                                                          and updates to contact information.
                                                  modification for the Stemme AG model                                                                             Accordingly, OSHRC proposes to
                                                                                                          DATES: Comments must be received by                   revise its regulations implementing the
                                                  Stemme S 10), Luftfahrt-Bundesamt
                                                  (LBA) document number (no.) I231–87,                    OSHRC on or before December 20, 2016.                 FOIA and put them out for public
                                                  issued August 05, 1988.                                 ADDRESSES: You may submit comments                    comment. The specific amendments that
                                                     5. Installation of a Dual-Axis                       by any of the following methods:                      OSHRC proposes to each section of 29
                                                  Autopilot System, including—                               • Email: NChadwick@oshrc.gov.                      CFR part 2201 are discussed hereafter in
                                                     • EASA CS–VLA (Very Light                            Include ‘‘PROPOSED RULEMAKING,                        regulatory sequence.
                                                  Aeroplanes) 1309, ‘‘Equipment, systems,                 PART 2201’’ in the subject line of the                   In 29 CFR 2201.3, OSHRC proposes
                                                  and installations’’; initial issue, dated               message.                                              revising paragraph (a) to direct
                                                  November 14, 2003; and                                     • Fax: (202) 606–5417.                             requestors to OSHRC’s FOIA Reference
                                                     • EASA CS–23.1329, ‘‘Automatic                          • Mail: Occupational Safety and                    Guide for further information. OSHRC
                                                  pilot system’’, amendment 3, dated July                 Health Review Commission, ATTN:                       proposes a minor revision to paragraph
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                                                  20, 2012.                                               FOIA Public Liaison, One Lafayette                    (c) explaining the role of the FOIA
                                                     6. Drop Testing for Retractable                      Centre, 1120 20th Street NW., Ninth                   Public Liaison. OSHRC also proposes
                                                  Landing Gear (EASA equivalent safety                    Floor, Washington, DC 20036–3457.                     minor revisions to paragraph (d) to
                                                  findings) to include CS–VLA 725,                           • Hand Delivery/Courier: Same as                   update the contact information for the
                                                  ‘‘Limit drop tests’’; CS–VLA 726,                       mailing address.                                      FOIA Requester Service Center.
                                                  ‘‘Ground load dynamic tests’’; and CS–                     Instructions: All submissions must                    In 29 CFR 2201.4, OSHRC proposes a
                                                  VLA 727, ‘‘Reserve energy absorption’’;                 include your name, return address, and                minor revision to a reference to another
                                                  initial issue dated November 14, 2003.                  email address, if applicable. Please                  section of the regulations included in


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                                                  86298             Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 230 / Wednesday, November 30, 2016 / Proposed Rules

                                                  paragraph (a). OSHRC proposes                           CFR 2201.7. This proposed new section                 12866, E.O. 13132, or the Unfunded
                                                  removing paragraph (b) regarding                        pertains to ‘‘confidential commercial                 Mandates Reform Act, 2 U.S.C. 1501 et
                                                  examination of records in cases                         information,’’ and describes this type of             seq.
                                                  appealed to courts as the provision is no               information and how it is designated as                  Regulatory Flexibility Act: The
                                                  longer necessary. OSHRC additionally                    such by a submitter, the circumstances                Chairman of OSHRC certifies under the
                                                  proposes revising new paragraph (b),                    under which OSHRC must notify the                     Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C.
                                                  previously paragraph (c), to update the                 submitter of such information when it is              605(b), that these rules, if adopted,
                                                  list of records available at the OSHRC e-               contained in records requested under                  would not have a significant economic
                                                  FOIA Reading Room. OSHRC proposes                       the FOIA, exceptions to this notice                   impact on a substantial number of small
                                                  revising new paragraph (c), previously                  requirement, and the process for the                  entities. The only proposed revisions
                                                  paragraph (d), to clarify the location of               submitter to object to the disclosure of              that could economically impact a small
                                                  records available onsite at the OSHRC                   such information.                                     entity pertain to how OSHRC charges its
                                                  National Office. OSHRC proposes                           In redesignated 29 CFR 2201.8,                      FOIA fees. OSHRC, however, receives
                                                  changing paragraph (e) to paragraph (d)                 OSHRC proposes revising paragraph (a)                 relatively few FOIA requests from
                                                  due to the removal of paragraph (b) in                  to explain that OSHRC shall charge fees               ‘‘small entities’’ that result in fees being
                                                  this section.                                           in accordance with the Uniform                        assessed; when fees are assessed, the
                                                     In 29 CFR 2201.5, OSHRC proposes                     Freedom of Information Fee Schedule                   amounts are generally minimal; and it is
                                                  revising paragraph (a) to clarify the                   and Guidelines published by the Office                not anticipated that the amendments
                                                  procedure for how to make a FOIA                        of Management and Budget. OSHRC                       will have much affect (if any) on the
                                                  request regarding the ability to submit a               also proposes revising paragraph (b) to               number of entities responsible for
                                                  request in multiple ways, including by                  explain the limitations on assessing                  paying FOIA fees or the amounts of
                                                  email and OSHRC’s online FOIA request                   certain fees and exceptions to those                  those fees. For these reasons, a
                                                  form. OSHRC proposes changing                           limitations, as well as a minor revision              regulatory flexibility analysis is not
                                                  paragraph (b) to describe the procedures                to a reference to the Commission.                     required.
                                                  for a requester making a request for                    OSHRC proposes revising paragraphs                       Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995:
                                                  records about himself or herself. OSHRC                 (h) and (i) to reflect the change in name             OSHRC has determined that the
                                                  proposes adding paragraph (c) to                        for the Commission’s Office of the                    Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C.
                                                  describe the procedure enabling a                       Executive Director. OSHRC proposes                    3501 et seq., does not apply because
                                                  requester to receive greater access when                revising the references in this entire                these rules do not contain any
                                                  a request for records pertains to another               section to reflect the changes to                     information collection requirements that
                                                  individual. OSHRC also proposes                         paragraph designations in previous and                require the approval of OMB.
                                                  adding paragraph (d) to explain what                    subsequent sections.                                     Congressional Review Act: These
                                                  elements should be included in the                        In redesignated 29 CFR 2201.9,                      proposed revisions do not constitute a
                                                  description of records in a FOIA                        OSHRC proposes revising the reference                 ‘‘rule,’’ as defined by the Congressional
                                                  request. OSHRC proposes adding                          in this section to reflect the changes to             Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 804(3)(C), because
                                                  paragraph (e), previously included in                   paragraph designations in a previous                  they involve changes to agency
                                                  part in another paragraph in this                       section.                                              organization, procedure, or practice that
                                                  section, to explain the procedure for                     In redesignated 29 CFR 2201.10,                     do not substantially affect the rights or
                                                  requests regarding the preferred form or                OSHRC proposes adding paragraph (a)                   obligations of non-agency parties.
                                                  format of a response. OSHRC proposes                    to revise the time period to file an
                                                  adding paragraph (f) to describe the                    appeal, as well as identify information               List of Subjects
                                                  necessary contact information to be                     to be included with the appeal. OSHRC                     Freedom of information.
                                                  provided by a requestor. OSHRC further                  proposes adding paragraph (b) to clarify
                                                  proposes adding paragraph (g),                          the procedure for adjudication of                       Signed at Washington, DC, on the 17th day
                                                                                                                                                                of November, 2016.
                                                  previously included in another                          appeals. OSHRC also proposes adding
                                                  paragraph of this section, to describe                  paragraph (c) to explain the content of               Cynthia L. Attwood,
                                                  how OSHRC determines the date of                        and procedure for decisions on appeals.               Chairman.
                                                  receipt of a FOIA request and revising                  OSHRC proposes adding paragraph (d)                     For the reasons set forth in the
                                                  the reference in this paragraph to reflect              to explain the process of mediation                   preamble, OSHRC proposes to amend 29
                                                  the changes to paragraph designations                   provided by OGIS. OSHRC also                          CFR part 2201 as follows:
                                                  in a subsequent section.                                proposes adding paragraph (e) to
                                                     In 29 CFR 2201.6, OSHRC proposes                     describe the requirements for seeking                 PART 2201—REGULATIONS
                                                  revising paragraphs (c) and (f) to include              review by a court of an adverse                       IMPLEMENTING THE FREEDOM OF
                                                  notification to the requestor of the                    determination by OSHRC.                               INFORMATION ACT
                                                  availability of assistance from the FOIA                  In redesignated 29 CFR 2201.11,
                                                  Public Liaison and the right to seek                    OSHRC proposes a minor revision to a                  ■ 1. The authority citation for part 2201
                                                  dispute resolution services from OGIS.                  reference to OSHRC’s Web site.                        continues to read as follows:
                                                  OSHRC also proposes revising the                          OSHRC proposes adding a new                             Authority: 29 U.S.C. 661(g); 5 U.S.C. 552.
                                                  references in paragraph (f) to reflect the              section at 29 CFR 2201.12 on the
                                                  changes to paragraph designations in                    procedures for preserving records                     § 2201.3    [Amended]
                                                  subsequent sections. OSHRC proposes                                                                           ■ 2. Amend § 2201.3 by:
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                                                                                                          pertaining to FOIA requests.
                                                  revising paragraph (h) to reflect changes                                                                     ■ a. Removing the words ‘‘FOIA
                                                  to the procedure notifying a requester of               II. Statutory and Executive Order                     handbook’’ and adding, in their place,
                                                  the tracking number assigned to the                     Reviews                                               the words ‘‘FOIA Reference Guide’’ in
                                                  FOIA request.                                              Executive Orders 12866 and 13132,                  paragraph (a)(5).
                                                     OSHRC proposes redesignating 29                      and the Unfunded Mandates Reform                      ■ b. Removing the word ‘‘supervisory’’
                                                  CFR 2201.7 to 29 CFR 2201.10 as 29                      Act of 1995: OSHRC is an independent                  in paragraph (c).
                                                  CFR 2201.8 to 29 CFR 2201.11,                           regulatory agency and, as such, is not                ■ c. Revising paragraph (d) to read as
                                                  respectively, and then adding a new 29                  subject to the requirements of E.O.                   follows:


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                                                                    Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 230 / Wednesday, November 30, 2016 / Proposed Rules                                             86299

                                                  § 2201.3 Delegation of authority and                      (6) A general index of records referred             requester may contact the FOIA
                                                  responsibilities.                                       to under paragraph (b)(5) of this section.            Disclosure Officer, as described in
                                                  *      *    *     *     *                                 (c) Record availability onsite at                   § 2201.3(d), to discuss the records being
                                                     (d) OSHRC establishes a FOIA                         OSHRC National Office. Any member of                  sought and receive assistance in
                                                  Requester Service Center that shall be                  the public may, upon request, access                  describing them. If a determination is
                                                  staffed by the FOIA Disclosure Officer(s)               OSHRC’s e-FOIA Reading Room via a                     made after receiving a request that it
                                                  and FOIA Public Liaison(s). The address                 computer terminal at the OSHRC                        does not reasonably describe the records
                                                  of the FOIA Requester Service Center is                 National Office, located at 1120 20th St.             sought, the FOIA Disclosure Officer will
                                                  1120 20th Street NW., 9th Floor,                        NW., 9th Floor, Washington, DC 20036–                 contact the requester to explain what
                                                  Washington, DC 20036–3457. The                          3457. Such a request must be made in                  additional information is needed or why
                                                  telephone number, fax number and                        writing to the FOIA Requester Service                 the request is otherwise insufficient. A
                                                  additional contact information for the                  Center, and indicate a preferred date                 requester attempting to reformulate or
                                                  FOIA Requester Service Center is                        and time for the requested access.                    modify such a request is encouraged to
                                                  located on the agency’s Web site at:                    OSHRC reserves the right to arrange a                 discuss the request with the FOIA
                                                  http://www.oshrc.gov/foia.html. The                     different date and time with the                      Disclosure Officer. If a request does not
                                                  FOIA Requester Service Center is                        requester, if necessary.                              reasonably describe the records sought,
                                                  available to provide information about                  *     *     *     *    *                              the agency’s response may be delayed.
                                                  the status of a request to the requester                                                                         (e) Requests may specify the preferred
                                                  using the assigned tracking number (as                  § 2201.5    [Amended]                                 form or format (including electronic
                                                  described in § 2201.6(h)), including:                   ■   4. Revise § 2201.5 to read as follows:            formats) of the response. The FOIA
                                                     (1) The date on which the agency                                                                           Disclosure Officer shall honor a
                                                                                                          § 2201.5    Procedure for requesting records.
                                                  originally received the request; and                                                                          requester’s specified preference of form
                                                     (2) An estimated date on which the                     (a) General information. All requests
                                                                                                                                                                or format of disclosure if the record is
                                                  agency will complete action on the                      for information must be made in writing
                                                                                                                                                                readily reproducible with reasonable
                                                  request.                                                to the FOIA Disclosure Officer and may
                                                                                                                                                                efforts in the requested form or format.
                                                                                                          be: (1) Mailed or delivered; (2) faxed; or
                                                  *      *    *     *     *                                                                                     When a requester does not specify the
                                                                                                          (3) emailed. Requests may also be made
                                                                                                                                                                preferred form or format of the response,
                                                  § 2201.4   [Amended]                                    using the Commission’s online FOIA
                                                                                                                                                                the FOIA Disclosure Officer shall
                                                  ■  3. Amend § 2201.4 by:                                request form (which is a downloadable
                                                                                                                                                                respond in the form or format in which
                                                  ■  a. Removing the citation ‘‘§ 2201.5(a)’’             PDF file found at http://www.oshrc.gov/
                                                                                                                                                                the record is most accessible to the
                                                  and adding, in its place, the citation                  foia/foia_request_form.html) and the
                                                                                                                                                                Commission.
                                                  ‘‘§ 2201.5’’ in paragraph (a).                          completed form can be submitted by                       (f) The requester must provide contact
                                                  ■ b. Removing paragraph (b) in its                      mail, fax, or email. Contact information              information, such as a phone number,
                                                  entirety.                                               for the FOIA Disclosure Officer is                    email address, and/or mailing address,
                                                  ■ c. Redesignating paragraphs (c)                       described in § 2201.3(d). For mailed or               to facilitate the agency’s communication
                                                  through (e) as paragraphs (b) through                   delivered requests, the words ‘‘Freedom               with the requester.
                                                  (d), respectively.                                      of Information Act Request’’ must be                     (g) Date of receipt. A request that
                                                  ■ d. Revising the opening of                            printed on the face of the request’s                  complies with paragraph (a) of this
                                                  redesignated paragraph (b), and                         envelope or covering as well as the                   section is deemed received on the actual
                                                  paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(5), (b)(6), and (c) to           request itself.                                       date it is received by the Commission.
                                                  read as follows:                                          (b) A requester who is making a                     A request that does not comply with
                                                                                                          request for records about himself or                  paragraph (a) of this section is deemed
                                                  § 2201.4   General policy and definitions.              herself must comply with verification of              received when it is actually received by
                                                  *     *     *     *    *                                identity requirements as required by 29
                                                    (b) Record availability at the OSHRC                                                                        the FOIA Disclosure Officer. For
                                                                                                          CFR 2400.6 in OSHRC’s Privacy Act                     requests that are expected to result in
                                                  e-FOIA Reading Room. The records of                     regulations.
                                                  Commission activities are publicly                                                                            fees exceeding $250, the request shall
                                                                                                            (c) Where a request for records
                                                  available for inspection and copying,                                                                         not be deemed to have been received
                                                                                                          pertains to another individual, a
                                                  and may be accessed electronically on                                                                         until the requester is advised of the
                                                                                                          requester may receive greater access by
                                                  the Commission’s Web site at http://                                                                          anticipated costs and the Commission
                                                                                                          submitting either a notarized
                                                  www.oshrc.gov/foia/foia_reading_                                                                              has received full payment or satisfactory
                                                                                                          authorization signed by that individual
                                                  room.html. These records include:                                                                             assurance of full payment as provided
                                                                                                          or a declaration made in compliance
                                                    (1) Final decisions, including                                                                              under § 2201.8(f).
                                                                                                          with the requirements set forth in 28
                                                  concurring and dissenting opinions,                     U.S.C. 1746 by that individual                        § 2201.6   [Amended]
                                                  remand orders, as well as                               authorizing disclosure of the records to              ■ 5. Amend § 2201.6 by revising
                                                  Administrative Law Judge decisions                      the requester, or by submitting proof                 paragraphs (c), (f), and (h) to read as
                                                  pending OSHRC review, briefing                          that the individual is deceased (e.g., a              follows:
                                                  notices, and other significant orders;                  copy of a death certificate or an
                                                  *     *     *     *    *                                obituary).                                            § 2201.6   Responses to requests.
                                                    (5) Copies of records that have been                    (d) Description of records sought. A                *     *    *     *     *
                                                  released to a person under the FOIA                     request must describe the records                       (c) Additional extension. The FOIA
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                                                  that, because of the subject matter, the                sought in sufficient detail to enable the             Disclosure Officer shall notify the
                                                  Commission determines have become or                    Commission to locate them with a                      requester in writing when it appears
                                                  are likely to become the subject of                     reasonable amount of effort. To the                   that a request cannot be completed
                                                  subsequent requests for substantially the               extent possible, the request should                   within the allowable time (20 working
                                                  same records, as well as records the                    include specific information to identify              days plus a 10-working-day extension).
                                                  Commission determines absent a FOIA                     the requested records, such as the                    In such instances, the requester will be
                                                  request could be of significant public                  docket number(s) or case name(s).                     provided an opportunity to limit the
                                                  interest; and                                           Before submitting a request, the                      scope of the request so that it may be


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                                                  86300             Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 230 / Wednesday, November 30, 2016 / Proposed Rules

                                                  processed in the time limit, or to agree                foreign government, but not including                 withholding the particular information
                                                  to a reasonable alternative time frame                  another Federal Government entity, that               under any exemption of the FOIA. In
                                                  for processing. The FOIA Disclosure                     provides confidential commercial                      order to rely on Exemption 4 as basis for
                                                  Officer or FOIA Public Liaison shall be                 information, either directly or indirectly            nondisclosure, the submitter must
                                                  available to assist the requester for this              to OSHRC.                                             explain why the information constitutes
                                                  purpose and shall notify the requester of                 (b) Designation of confidential                     a trade secret or commercial or financial
                                                  the right to seek dispute resolution                    commercial information. A submitter of                information that is confidential. A
                                                  services from the National Archives and                 confidential commercial information                   submitter who fails to respond within
                                                  Records Administration’s Office of                      must use good faith efforts to designate              the time period specified in the notice
                                                  Government Information Services                         by appropriate markings, at the time of               will be considered to have no objection
                                                  (OGIS).                                                 submission, any portion of its                        to disclosure of the information. OSHRC
                                                  *      *    *     *     *                               submission that it considers to be                    is not required to consider any
                                                     (f) Content of denial. When the FOIA                 protected from disclosure under                       information received after the date of
                                                  Disclosure Officer denies a request for                 Exemption 4. These designations expire                any disclosure decision. Any
                                                  records, either in whole or in part, a                  10 years after the date of the submission             information provided by a submitter
                                                  request for expedited processing, and/or                unless the submitter requests and                     under this subpart may itself be subject
                                                  a request for fee waivers (see § 2201.9),               provides justification for a longer                   to disclosure under the FOIA.
                                                  the written notice of the denial shall                  designation period.                                      (f) Analysis of objections. OSHRC
                                                  state the reason for denial, give a                       (c) When notice to submitters is                    shall consider a submitter’s objections
                                                  reasonable estimate of the volume of                    required. OSHRC shall promptly                        and specific grounds for nondisclosure
                                                  matter denied (unless doing so would                    provide written notice to the submitter               in deciding whether to disclose the
                                                  harm an interest protected by the                       of confidential commercial information                requested information.
                                                  exemption(s) under which the request                    whenever records containing such                         (g) Notice of decision. OSHRC shall
                                                  was denied), set forth the name and title               information are requested under the                   provide the submitter with written
                                                  or position of the person responsible for               FOIA if OSHRC determines that it may                  notice once a decision is made as to
                                                  the denial of the request, notify the                   be required to disclose the records,                  whether or not to disclose information
                                                  requester of the right to appeal the                    provided the submitter has complied                   over the submitter’s objection. When a
                                                  determination as specified in § 2201.10,                with paragraph (b) of this section or                 decision is made to disclose information
                                                  and notify the requester of the                         OSHRC has a reason to believe that the                over the submitter’s objection, this
                                                  assistance available from the FOIA                      requested information may be protected                notice shall include a statement of the
                                                  Public Liaison and the dispute                          from disclosure under Exemption 4, but                reasons why each of the submitter’s
                                                  resolution services offered by OGIS. A                  has not yet determined whether the                    disclosure objections was not sustained,
                                                  refusal by the FOIA Disclosure Officer                  information is protected from                         a description of the information to be
                                                  to process the request because the                      disclosure. The notice must either                    disclosed or copies of the records as the
                                                  requester has not made advance                          describe the commercial information                   agency intends to release them, and a
                                                  payment or given a satisfactory                         requested or include a copy of the                    specified disclosure date (which must
                                                  assurance of full payment required                      requested records or portions of records              be a reasonable time after the notice).
                                                  under § 2201.8(f) may be treated as a                   containing the information.                              (h) Notice of FOIA lawsuit. OSHRC
                                                  denial of the request and appealed                        (d) Exceptions to submitter notice                  shall promptly notify the submitter
                                                  under § 2201.10.                                        requirements. The notice requirements                 when a requester files a lawsuit seeking
                                                                                                          of this section do not apply if:                      to compel the disclosure of confidential
                                                  *      *    *     *     *                                 (1) OSHRC determines that the
                                                     (h) Tracking numbers. The FOIA                                                                             commercial information.
                                                                                                          information is exempt under the FOIA,                    (i) Requester notification. OSHRC
                                                  Disclosure Officer shall assign an
                                                                                                          and therefore will not be disclosed;                  shall notify the requester whenever it
                                                  individualized tracking number to each                    (2) The information has been lawfully
                                                  request received for processing and                                                                           provides the submitter with notice and
                                                                                                          published or has been officially made                 an opportunity to object to disclosure;
                                                  provide the requester with the tracking                 available to the public;
                                                  number.                                                                                                       whenever it notifies the submitter of its
                                                                                                            (3) Disclosure of the information is                intent to disclose the requested
                                                  *      *    *     *     *                               required by a statute other than the                  information; and whenever a submitter
                                                                                                          FOIA or by a regulation issued in                     files a lawsuit to prevent the disclosure
                                                  §§ 2201.7 through 2201.10 [Redesignated
                                                  as §§ 2201.8 through 2201.11 and Amended]               accordance with the requirements of                   of the information.
                                                                                                          Executive Order 12,600 of June 23,                    ■ 8. Amend redesignated § 2201.8 by:
                                                  ■ 6. Redesignate §§ 2201.7 through
                                                                                                          1987; or                                              ■ a. Redesignating paragraph (b)(3) as
                                                  2201.10 as §§ 2201.8 through 2201.11,                     (4) The designation made by the
                                                  respectively.                                                                                                 paragraph (b)(5).
                                                                                                          submitter under paragraph (b) of this                 ■ b. Revising paragraphs (a), the
                                                  ■ 7. Add new § 2201.7 to read as
                                                                                                          section appears obviously frivolous. In               opening of paragraph (b), and
                                                  follows:
                                                                                                          such case, OSHRC shall give the                       paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2)(v); adding
                                                  § 2201.7 Confidential commercial                        submitter written notice of any final                 new paragraphs (b)(3) and (b)(4); and
                                                  information.                                            decision to disclose the information                  revising redesignated paragraph (b)(5),
                                                     (a) Definitions.                                     within a reasonable number of days                    and paragraphs (h) and (i), to read as
                                                     (1) Confidential commercial                          prior to a specified disclosure date.
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                                                                                                                                                                follows:
                                                  information means commercial or                           (e) Opportunity to object to disclosure.
                                                  financial information obtained by                       OSHRC shall specify a reasonable time                 § 2201.8   Fees for copying, searching, and
                                                  OSHRC from a submitter that may be                      period within which the submitter must                review.
                                                  protected from disclosure under                         provide a response to the notice                        (a) Fees required unless waived. The
                                                  Exemption 4 of the FOIA, 5 U.S.C.                       referenced above. If a submitter has any              FOIA Disclosure Officer shall charge
                                                  552(b)(4).                                              objections to disclosure, it should                   fees in accordance with the Uniform
                                                     (2) Submitter means any person or                    provide a detailed written statement                  Freedom of Information Fee Schedule
                                                  entity, including a corporation, State, or              that specifies all grounds for                        and Guidelines published by the Office


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                                                                    Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 230 / Wednesday, November 30, 2016 / Proposed Rules                                           86301

                                                  of Management and Budget and in                            (ii) If the Commission has determined              ■ 10. Revise redesignated § 2201.10 to
                                                  accordance with paragraph (b) of this                   that unusual circumstances, as defined                read as follows:
                                                  section. See Appendix A. If the fees for                in § 2201.6(b), apply and more than
                                                                                                          5,000 pages are necessary to respond to               § 2201.10   Appeal of denials.
                                                  a request are less than the threshold
                                                  amount as provided in OSHRC’s fee                       the request, the Commission may charge                   (a) Requirements for making an
                                                  schedule, no fees shall be charged. The                 search fees, or, in the case of requesters            appeal. A denial of a request for
                                                  FOIA Disclosure Officer shall, however,                 described in § 2201.8(b)(2)(ii), may                  records, either in whole or in part, a
                                                  waive the fees in the circumstances                     charge duplication fees, if the                       request for expedited processing, or a
                                                  stated in § 2201.9.                                     Commission provided timely written                    request for fee waivers, may be appealed
                                                     (b) Calculation of fees. Fees for                    notice of unusual circumstances to the                in writing to the Chairman of the
                                                  copying, searching and reviewing will                   requester in accordance with § 2201.6(b)              Commission. To be considered timely,
                                                  be based on the direct costs of these                   and the Commission discussed with the                 the appeal must be postmarked, or in
                                                  services, including the average hourly                  requester via written mail, email, or                 the case of electronic submissions,
                                                  salary (base plus DC locality payment),                 telephone (or made not less than three                transmitted, within 90 calendar days of
                                                  plus 16 percent for benefits, of the                    good-faith attempts to do so) how the                 the date of the agency’s written notice
                                                  following three categories of employees                 requester could effectively limit the                 of denial. The appeal should clearly
                                                  involved in responding to FOIA                          scope of the request in accordance with               identify the agency determination that is
                                                  requests: Clerical—based on an average                  the FOIA. If this exception is satisfied,             being appealed and the assigned FOIA
                                                  of all employees at GS–9 and below;                     the Commission may charge all                         tracking number. To facilitate handling,
                                                  professional—based on an average of all                 applicable fees incurred in the                       the requester should mark both the
                                                  employees at GS–10 through GS–14;                       processing of the request even if such                appeal and its envelope, or state in the
                                                  and managerial—based on an average of                   processing extends beyond an                          subject line of an electronic
                                                  all employees at GS–15 and above.                       additional 10 days.                                   transmission, ‘‘Freedom of Information
                                                  OSHRC will calculate a schedule of fees                    (4) If a court has determined that                 Act Appeal.’’
                                                  based on these direct costs. The                        exceptional circumstances exist, as                      (b) Adjudication of appeals. The
                                                  schedule of fees under this section                     defined in § 2201.4(d), a failure to                  Chairman shall act on the appeal under
                                                  appears in Appendix A to this part. A                   comply with the time limits shall be                  5 U.S.C. 552(a)(6)(A)(ii) within 20
                                                  copy of the schedule of fees may also be                excused for the length of time provided               working days after the receipt of the
                                                  obtained at no charge from the FOIA                     by the court order.                                   appeal. An appeal ordinarily will not be
                                                  Disclosure Officer. See § 2201.3(d).                       (5) Review fee. A review fee shall be              adjudicated if the request becomes a
                                                     (1) Copying fee. The fee per copy of                 charged only for commercial requests.                 matter of FOIA litigation. On receipt of
                                                  each page shall be calculated in                        Review fees shall be calculated in                    any appeal involving classified
                                                  accordance with the per-page amount                     accordance with the amounts                           information, the Chairman shall take
                                                  established in OSHRC’s fee schedule.                    established in OSHRC’s schedule of                    appropriate action to ensure compliance
                                                  See Appendix A to this part. For other                  fees. See Appendix A. A review fee                    with applicable classification rules.
                                                  forms of duplication, direct costs of                   shall be charged for the initial                         (c) Decisions on appeals. The
                                                  producing the copy, including operator                  examination of documents located in                   Chairman shall provide the decision on
                                                  time, shall be calculated and assessed.                 response to a request to determine if it              an appeal in writing. If the Chairman
                                                  Copying fees shall not be charged for the               may be withheld from disclosure, and                  wholly or partially upholds the denial
                                                  first 100 pages of copies unless the                    for the excision of withholdable                      of the request, the decision shall contain
                                                  copies are requested for a commercial                   portions. However, a review fee shall                 a statement that identifies the reasons
                                                  use. No copying fee shall be charged for                not be charged for review by the                      for the affirmance, including any FOIA
                                                  educational, scientific, or news media                  Chairman under § 2201.10 (Appeal of                   exemptions applied. The decision must
                                                  requests if the agency fails to comply                  denials).                                             include notification that the requester
                                                  with any time limit in § 2201.6,                        *       *     *    *     *                            may obtain judicial review of the
                                                  provided that no unusual or exceptional                    (h) Interest on unpaid bills. The                  decision under 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(4)(B)–
                                                  circumstances (as those terms are                       Commission’s Office of the Executive                  (G). The decision shall also inform the
                                                  defined in § 2201.6(b) and § 2201.4(d),                 Director shall begin assessing interest               requester of the mediation services
                                                  respectively) apply to the processing of                charges on unpaid bills starting on the               offered by OGIS as a non-exclusive
                                                  the request.                                            thirty-first day after the date the bill was          alternative to litigation. If the
                                                     (2) * * *                                            sent. Interest will accrue from the date              Chairman’s decision is remanded or
                                                     (v) Failure to comply with time limits.              of billing until the Commission receives              modified on appeal to the court, the
                                                  No search fee shall be charged if the                   full payment. Interest will be at the rate            requester will be notified by the agency
                                                  Commission fails to comply with any                     described in 31 U.S.C. 3717.                          of that determination in writing. The
                                                  time limit in § 2201.6, provided that no                   (i) Debt collection procedures. If bills           Commission shall then further process
                                                  unusual or exceptional circumstances                    are unpaid 60 days after the mailing of               the request in accordance with the
                                                  (as those terms are defined in                          a written notice to the requester, the                appeal determination and shall respond
                                                  § 2201.6(b) and § 2201.4(d),                            Commission’s Office of the Executive                  directly to the requester.
                                                  respectively) apply to the processing of                Director may resort to the debt                          (d) Engaging in dispute services
                                                  the request.                                            collection procedures set out in the Debt             provided by OGIS. Mediation is a
                                                     (3) Unusual circumstances. (i) If the                Collection Act of 1982 (Pub. L. 97–365,               voluntary process. If the Commission
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                                                  Commission has determined that                          96 Stat. 1749), as amended, and its                   agrees to participate in the mediation
                                                  unusual circumstances, as defined in                    administrative procedures, including                  services provided by OGIS, it will
                                                  § 2201.6(b), apply and has provided                     the use of consumer reporting agencies,               actively engage as a partner in the
                                                  timely written notice to the requester, a               collection agencies, and offset.                      process in an attempt to resolve the
                                                  failure to comply with the time limit                   ■ 9. Amend redesignated § 2201.9 by                   dispute.
                                                  shall be excused for an additional 10                   removing the citation ‘‘§ 2201.7(b)’’ in                 (e) When appeal is required. Before
                                                  days and the Commission shall assess                    paragraph (a) and adding, in its place,               seeking review by a court of the
                                                  fees as usual.                                          the citation ‘‘§ 2201.8(b)’’.                         Commission’s adverse determination, a


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                                                  86302             Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 230 / Wednesday, November 30, 2016 / Proposed Rules

                                                  requester generally must first submit a                 0001, should only be submitted using                  Rules, with certain exceptions. From
                                                  timely administrative appeal.                           the following methods:                                time to time the Fiscal Service amends
                                                  ■ 11. Amend redesignated § 2201.11 by                      • Federal eRulemaking Portal:                      Part 210 in order to address changes that
                                                  removing the words ‘‘through OSHRC’s                    www.regulations.gov. Follow the                       NACHA periodically makes to the
                                                  Web site’’ and adding, in their place, the              instructions on the Web site for                      NACHA Operating Rules or to revise the
                                                  words ‘‘on OSHRC’s Web site’’ in                        submitting comments.                                  regulation as otherwise appropriate.
                                                  paragraph (b).                                             • Mail: Ian Macoy, Bureau of the                      Currently, Part 210 incorporates the
                                                                                                          Fiscal Service, 401 14th Street SW.,                  NACHA Operating Rules as set forth in
                                                  § 2201.12   [Added]                                     Room 400B, Washington, DC 20227.                      the 2013 NACHA Operating Rules &
                                                  ■   12. Add § 2201.12 to read as follows:                  The fax and email methods of                       Guidelines book. NACHA has adopted a
                                                  § 2201.12   Preservation of Records.
                                                                                                          submitting comments on rules to Fiscal                number of changes to the NACHA
                                                                                                          Service have been decommissioned.                     Operating Rules since the publication of
                                                     OSHRC shall preserve all                                Instructions: All submissions received             the 2013 NACHA Operating Rules &
                                                  correspondence pertaining to FOIA                       must include the agency name (Bureau                  Guidelines book. We are proposing to
                                                  requests, as well as copies of all                      of the Fiscal Service) and docket                     incorporate in Part 210 most, but not all,
                                                  requested records, until disposition or                 number FISCAL–2016–0001 for this                      of these changes. We are also proposing
                                                  destruction is authorized pursuant to                   rulemaking. In general, comments                      two changes to Part 210, related to
                                                  title 44 of the United States Code or the               received will be published on                         reversals and prepaid cards, that do not
                                                  General Records Schedule 14 of the                      Regulations.gov without change,                       stem from a change to the NACHA
                                                  National Archives and Records                           including any business or personal                    Operating Rules.
                                                  Administration. OSHRC shall not                         information provided. Comments                           We are requesting public comment on
                                                  dispose of or destroy records while they                received, including attachments and                   all the proposed amendments to Part
                                                  are the subject of a pending request,                   other supporting materials, are part of               210.
                                                  appeal or lawsuit under the FOIA.                       the public record and subject to public
                                                                                                                                                                II. Summary of Proposed Rule Changes
                                                  [FR Doc. 2016–28305 Filed 11–29–16; 8:45 am]            disclosure. Do not disclose any
                                                  BILLING CODE 7600–01–P                                  information in your comment or                        A. 2014 NACHA Operating Rules &
                                                                                                          supporting materials that you consider                Guidelines Book Changes
                                                                                                          confidential or inappropriate for public                The 2014 edition of the NACHA
                                                  DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY                              disclosure.                                           Operating Rules & Guidelines contains
                                                                                                             You can download this proposed rule                changes related to the following
                                                  Fiscal Service                                          at the following Web site: https://                   amendments:
                                                                                                          www.fiscal.treasury.gov/fsservices/                     • Person-to-Person Payments via
                                                  31 CFR Part 210                                         instit/pmt/ach/ach_home.htm. You may                  ACH;
                                                  RIN 1510–AB32                                           also inspect and copy this proposed rule                • IAT Modifications; Proof of
                                                                                                          at: Treasury Department Library,                      Authorization for Non-Consumer
                                                  Federal Government Participation in                     Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)                     Entries;
                                                  the Automated Clearing House                            Collection, Room 1428, Main Treasury                    • Dishonored Returns and Contested
                                                                                                          Building, 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue                    Dishonored Returns Related to an
                                                  AGENCY: Bureau of the Fiscal Service,                   NW., Washington, DC 20220. Before
                                                  Treasury.                                                                                                     Unintended Credit to a Receiver;
                                                                                                          visiting, you must call (202) 622–0990                  • Reclamation Entries—Corrections
                                                  ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking                   for an appointment.                                   to Rules Governing Authorizations;
                                                  with request for comment.                                  In accordance with the U.S.                          • Incomplete Transaction
                                                                                                          government’s eRulemaking Initiative,                  Clarification;
                                                  SUMMARY:    The Department of the                       Fiscal Service publishes rulemaking
                                                  Treasury, Bureau of the Fiscal Service                                                                          • Use of Tilde as Data Segment
                                                                                                          information on www.regulations.gov.                   Terminator;
                                                  (Fiscal Service) is proposing to amend                  Regulations.gov offers the public the
                                                  its regulation governing the use of the                                                                         • Editorial Clarification—Non-
                                                                                                          ability to comment on, search, and view               Consumer Receiver’s Obligation to
                                                  Automated Clearing House (ACH)                          publicly available rulemaking materials,
                                                  Network by Federal agencies. Our                                                                              Credit Originator’s Account;
                                                                                                          including comments received on rules.                   • Prenotification Entries—Reduction
                                                  regulation adopts, with some
                                                                                                          FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ian                  in Waiting Period for Live Entries;
                                                  exceptions, the NACHA Operating Rules
                                                  developed by NACHA—The Electronic
                                                                                                          Macoy, Director of Settlement Services,                 • Notification of Change (NOC)—
                                                                                                          at (202) 874–6835 or ian.macoy@                       Removal of Change Code C04 (Incorrect
                                                  Payments Association (NACHA) as the
                                                                                                          fiscal.treasury.gov; or Natalie H. Diana,             Individual Name/Receiving Company
                                                  rules governing the use of the ACH
                                                                                                          Senior Counsel, at (202) 874–6680 or                  Name); and
                                                  Network by Federal agencies. We are
                                                  issuing this proposed rule to address
                                                                                                          natalie.diana@fiscal.treasury.gov.                      • ACH Operator Edit for Returns.
                                                  changes that NACHA has made to the                      SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                              We are proposing to incorporate in
                                                  NACHA Operating Rules since the                                                                               Part 210 all of the foregoing
                                                                                                          I. Background
                                                  publication of the 2013 NACHA                                                                                 amendments, which are summarized
                                                  Operating Rules & Guidelines book.                        Title 31 CFR part 210 (Part 210)                    below, except the amendment relating
                                                                                                          governs the use of the ACH Network by                 to reclamation entries.
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                                                  These changes include amendments set
                                                  forth in the 2014, 2015, and 2016                       Federal agencies. The ACH Network is
                                                                                                          a nationwide electronic fund transfer                 1. Person-to-Person Payments via ACH
                                                  NACHA Operating Rules & Guidelines
                                                  books.                                                  (EFT) system that provides for the inter-                This amendment standardized the use
                                                                                                          bank clearing of electronic credit and                of the ACH Network for Person-to-
                                                  DATES:  Comments on the proposed rule                   debit transactions and for the exchange               Person (P2P) Entries by expanding the
                                                  must be received by January 30, 2017.                   of payment-related information among                  Internet-Initiated/Mobile (WEB) SEC
                                                  ADDRESSES: Comments on this rule,                       participating financial institutions. Part            Code to accommodate credit Entries
                                                  identified by docket FISCAL–2016–                       210 incorporates the NACHA Operating                  transmitted between consumers (P2P


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Document Created: 2016-11-30 02:17:52
Document Modified: 2016-11-30 02:17:52
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionProposed Rules
ActionNotice of proposed rulemaking.
DatesComments must be received by OSHRC on or before December 20, 2016.
ContactOSHRC's FOIA Public Liaison, by telephone at (202) 606-5410, by email at [email protected], or by
FR Citation81 FR 86297 

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