82_FR_26697 82 FR 26588 - Presidential Records

82 FR 26588 - Presidential Records

NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 109 (June 8, 2017)

Page Range26588-26592
FR Document2017-11895

We are revising this regulation to reflect changes instituted by the Presidential and Federal Records Acts Amendments of 2014 (2014 Amendments). These Amendments in part added new requirements to the Presidential Records Act (PRA), which went into effect in 2014. The changes to this regulation make clear that, when we maintain electronic Presidential records on behalf of the President before the President's term of office expires, the President retains exclusive control over the records. In addition, the proposed changes establish procedures that we will follow to notify an incumbent President and former President when we propose to disclose Presidential records to the public, Congress, the courts, or the incumbent President under the provisions of the PRA allowing for access to Presidential records otherwise subject to restrictions. We began the regulatory revision process in response to the 2014 Amendments to reduce confusion about access to Presidential records in light of these recent changes in the law. We published a notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register on December 28, 2016, with a public comment period ending on January 27, 2017. We received no comments.

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 109 (Thursday, June 8, 2017)
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 109 (Thursday, June 8, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 26588-26592]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-11895]


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NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION

36 CFR Part 1270

[FDMS No. NARA-16-0005; NARA-2017-042]
RIN 3095-AB87


Presidential Records

AGENCY: National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are revising this regulation to reflect changes instituted 
by the Presidential and Federal Records Acts Amendments of 2014 (2014 
Amendments). These Amendments in part added new requirements to the 
Presidential Records Act (PRA), which went into effect in 2014. The 
changes to this regulation make clear that, when we maintain electronic 
Presidential records on behalf of the President before the President's 
term of office expires, the President retains exclusive control over 
the records. In addition, the proposed changes establish procedures 
that we will follow to notify an incumbent President and former 
President when we propose to disclose Presidential records to the 
public, Congress, the courts, or the incumbent President under the 
provisions of the PRA allowing for access to Presidential records 
otherwise subject to restrictions. We began the regulatory revision 
process in response to the 2014 Amendments to reduce confusion about 
access to Presidential records in light of these recent changes in the 
law. We published a notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal 
Register on

[[Page 26589]]

December 28, 2016, with a public comment period ending on January 27, 
2017. We received no comments.

DATES: This rule is effective on July 10, 2017.

ADDRESSES: National Archives and Records Administration; Regulation 
Comments Desk, Suite 4100; 8601 Adelphi Road; College Park, MD 2074-
6001.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kimberly Keravuori, by email at 
[email protected], by telephone at 301-837-3151, or by mail 
at External Policy Program Manager; Strategy Division (MP), Suite 4100; 
National Archives and Records Administration; 8601 Adelphi Road; 
College Park, MD 20740-6001.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    We are revising our regulations governing Presidential and Vice 
Presidential records to incorporate changes made by the Presidential 
and Federal Records Act Amendments of 2014, (``2014 Amendments,'' Pub. 
L. 113-187, 128 Stat. 1017).
    The 2014 Amendments made several changes to the Presidential 
Records Act (44 U.S.C. 2201-2209). The most substantial change was 
codifying the procedures by which we notify former and incumbent 
Presidents so that they may consider whether to restrict public access 
to Presidential records of former Presidents that are in our legal 
custody. Executive order previously controlled this review process, 
which was then subject to change by any sitting administration. Because 
Congress codified the privilege review for public disclosures in the 
2014 Amendments, we are revising the regulation to set out processes 
for giving notice in such cases, and for former or incumbent Presidents 
to consider whether to assert a constitutionally based privilege.
    The 2014 Amendments did not codify the provisions of the Executive 
Order allowing for notification to the former and incumbent President 
when Congress, the courts, or the incumbent President (instead of the 
public) makes the request for records subject to access restrictions. 
To ensure that the former and incumbent Presidents are given notice and 
an opportunity to consider whether to assert a constitutionally based 
privilege in those circumstances as well, we are revising our 
regulation to set out procedures we follow prior to disclosing records 
under the PRA's exceptions to restricted access, which are similar to 
the procedures we follow when we propose to make disclosures to the 
public.
    The 2014 Amendments also authorized an incumbent President to 
transfer physical custody of their permanent electronic Presidential 
records to NARA, while leaving legal custody with the President, and 
some other minor changes. We are therefore also revising the regulation 
to reflect these changes.
    We are also making a small revision to the regulation to be 
consistent with 2016 amendments to the Freedom of Information Act, and 
are revising the wording and organization of the regulation to make it 
easier to follow, in compliance with provisions of the Plain Writing 
Act of 2010.

Regulatory Analysis

Review Under Executive Orders 12866 and 13563

    Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review, 58 FR 51735 
(September 30, 1993), and Executive Order 13563, Improving Regulation 
and Regulation Review, 76 FR 23821 (January 18, 2011), direct agencies 
to assess all costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives 
and, if regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that 
maximize net benefits (including potential economic, environmental, 
public health and safety effects, distributive impacts, and equity). 
This rule is ``significant'' under section 3(f) of Executive Order 
12866. It involves revisions to existing regulations to bring them in 
line with statutory changes, and affects only individuals or Government 
entities and access to Presidential or Vice Presidential records. The 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has reviewed this regulation.

Review Under Executive Order 13771

    This action is exempt from Executive Order 13771, 82 FR 9339 
(February 3, 2017) because it is a regulation issued with respect to 
agency organization and management.

Review Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601, et seq.)

    Although this rule is not subject to the Regulatory Flexibility 
Act, see 5 U.S.C. 553(a)(2), 601(2), NARA has considered whether this 
rule, if promulgated, would have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities (5 U.S.C. 603). NARA certifies, 
after review and analysis, that this rule will not have a significant 
adverse economic impact on a substantial number of small entities 
because it affects only individuals or Government entities and access 
to Presidential or Vice Presidential records.

Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501, et 
seq.)

    This rule does not contain any information collection requirements 
subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act.

Review Under Executive Order 13132, Federalism, 64 FR 43255 (August 4, 
1999)

    Review under Executive Order 13132 requires that agencies review 
regulations for Federalism effects on the institutional interest of 
states and local governments, and, if the effects are sufficiently 
substantial, prepare a Federal assessment to assist senior policy 
makers. This rule will not have any direct effects on State and local 
governments within the meaning of the Executive Order. Therefore, the 
regulation requires no Federalism assessment.

List of Subjects in 36 CFR Part 1270

    Archives and records, Government in the Sunshine Act, Open 
government, Presidential records.

0
For the reasons stated in the preamble, NARA revises 36 CFR part 1270 
to read as follows:

PART 1270--PRESIDENTIAL RECORDS

Subpart A--General Provisions
Sec.
1270.1 Scope of part.
1270.2 Application.
1270.4 Definitions.
Subpart B--Custody and Control of Presidential Records
1270.20 Presidential records in the physical custody of the 
Archivist.
1270.22 Designating a representative to act for a President.
1270.24 When the Archivist may act for a President.
Subpart C--Disposing of Presidential Records
1270.30 Disposing of Presidential records by an incumbent President.
1270.32 Disposing of Presidential records in the Archivist's 
custody.
Subpart D--Accessing Presidential Records
1270.38 Public access to Presidential records.
1270.40 Restricting access to Presidential records.
1270.42 Appealing restricted access.
1270.44 Exceptions to restricted access.
1270.46 Notice of intent to disclose Presidential records to the 
public.
1270.48 Releasing records to the public and claiming privilege 
against disclosure.
1270.50 Consulting with law enforcement agencies.

    Authority:  44 U.S.C. 2201-2209.

[[Page 26590]]

Subpart A--General Provisions


Sec.  1270.1  Scope of part.

    This part implements the provisions of the Presidential Records Act 
of 1978, as amended, 44 U.S.C. 2201-2209, and establishes requirements 
for preserving, protecting, disposing of, and providing access to all 
Presidential and Vice-Presidential records created during a 
Presidential or Vice Presidential term of office beginning on or after 
January 20, 1981.


Sec.  1270.2  Application.

    This part, except Sec. Sec.  1270.46 and 1270.48, applies to Vice-
Presidential records in the same manner as to Presidential records. The 
Vice President's duties and responsibilities, with respect to Vice-
Presidential records, are the same as the President's duties and 
responsibilities with respect to Presidential records, except those in 
Sec. Sec.  1270.46 and 1270.48. The Archivist's authority with respect 
to Vice-Presidential records is the same as the Archivist's authority 
with respect to Presidential records, except that the Archivist may 
enter into an agreement with a non-Federal archival repository to 
deposit Vice-Presidential records, if the Archivist determines it to be 
in the public interest.


Sec.  1270.4  Definitions.

    For the purposes of this part--
    Agency has the meaning given by 5 U.S.C. 551(1)(A)-(D) and 552(f).
    Archivist means the Archivist of the United States or staff of the 
National Archives and Records Administration acting on behalf of the 
Archivist.
    Presidential records has the meaning given by 44 U.S.C. 2201(2).

Subpart B--Custody and Control of Presidential Records


Sec.  1270.20  Presidential records in the physical custody of the 
Archivist.

    During a President's term of office, the President may request that 
the Archivist maintain physical custody of Presidential records, 
including digital or electronic records. However, the President remains 
exclusively responsible for control and access to their records until 
their term of office concludes. During the President's terms of office, 
the Archivist does not disclose any of these records, except under the 
President's direction, until the President's term of office concludes. 
If a President serves consecutive terms, the Archivist does not 
disclose records without the President's direction until the end of the 
last term, or the end of another period if specified in 44 U.S.C. 2204 
and subpart E of this part.


Sec.  1270.22  Designating a representative to act for a President.

    (a) Title 44 U.S.C. chapter 22 grants the President certain 
discretion and authority over Presidential records. An incumbent or 
former President may designate one or more representatives to exercise 
this discretion and authority, including in the event of the 
President's death or disability.
    (b) The designation under paragraph (a) of this section is 
effective only if the Archivist receives written notice of it, 
including the names of the representatives, before the President dies 
or is disabled.


Sec.  1270.24  When the Archivist may act for a President.

    If a President specifies restrictions on access to Presidential 
records under 44 U.S.C. 2204(a), but has not made a designation under 
Sec.  1270.22 at the time of their death or disability, the Archivist 
exercises the President's discretion or authority under 44 U.S.C. 2204, 
except as limited by 44 U.S.C. 2208 and Sec.  1270.48.

Subpart C--Disposing of Presidential Records


Sec.  1270.30  Disposing of Presidential records by an incumbent 
President.

    An incumbent President may dispose of any Presidential records of 
their administration that, in the President's opinion, lack 
administrative, historical, informational, or evidentiary value, if the 
President obtains the Archivist's written views about the proposed 
disposal and either--
    (a) Those views state that the Archivist does not intend to request 
Congress's advice on the matter because the Archivist either does not 
consider the records proposed for disposal to be of special interest to 
Congress or does not consider it to be in the public interest to 
consult with Congress about the proposed disposal; or
    (b)(1) Those views state that the Archivist considers either that 
the records proposed for disposal may be of special interest to 
Congress or that consulting with Congress about the proposed disposal 
is in the public interest; and
    (2) The President submits copies of the proposed disposal schedule 
to the Senate and the House of Representatives at least 60 calendar 
days of continuous congressional session before the proposed disposal 
date. For the purpose of this section, a continuous congressional 
session breaks only when Congress adjourns sine die (with no date set 
to resume). If either House of Congress adjourns with a date set to 
resume, and breaks for more than three days, the adjourned days do not 
count when computing the 60-day timeline. The President submits copies 
of the proposed disposal schedule to the Senate Committees on Rules and 
Administration and Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, and to 
the House Committees on House Administration and Oversight and 
Government Reform.


Sec.  1270.32  Disposing of Presidential records in the Archivist's 
custody.

    (a) The Archivist may dispose of Presidential records in the 
Archivist's legal custody that the Archivist appraises and determines 
to have insufficient administrative, historical, informational, or 
evidentiary value to warrant continuing to preserve them.
    (b) If the Archivist determines that Presidential records have 
insufficient value under paragraph (a) of this section, the Archivist 
publishes a proposed disposal notice in the Federal Register with a 
public comment period of at least 45 days. The notice describes the 
records the Archivist proposes to dispose of, the reason for disposing 
of them, and the projected earliest disposal date.
    (c) After the public comment period in paragraph (b) of this 
section, the Archivist publishes a final disposal notice in the Federal 
Register at least 60 calendar days before the earliest disposal date. 
The notice includes:
    (1) A reasonably specific description of the records scheduled for 
disposal;
    (2) The earliest disposal date; and
    (3) A concise statement of the reason for disposing of the records.
    (d) Publishing the notice required by paragraph (c) of this section 
in the Federal Register constitutes a final agency action for purposes 
of review under 5 U.S.C. 701-706.

Subpart D--Accessing Presidential Records


Sec.  1270.38   Public access to Presidential records.

    Public access to Presidential records generally begins five years 
after the President leaves office, and is administered through the 
Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552), as modified by the 
Presidential Records Act (44 U.S.C. 2204(c)).


Sec.  1270.40  Restricting access to Presidential records.

    (a) An incumbent President may, prior to the end of the President's 
term of office or last consecutive term of office, restrict access to 
certain information within Presidential records created during their 
administration, for

[[Page 26591]]

a period not to exceed 12 years after the President leaves office (in 
accordance with 44 U.S.C. 2204).
    (b) If a President specifies such restrictions, the Archivist 
consults with that President or the President's designated 
representative to identify the affected records, or any reasonably 
segregable portion of them.
    (c) The Archivist then restricts public access to the identified 
records or the restricted information contained in them until the 
earliest of following occurs:
    (1) The restricting President waives the restriction, in whole or 
in part;
    (2) The restriction period in paragraph (a) of this section expires 
for the category of information; or
    (3) The Archivist determines that the restricting President or an 
agent of that President has published the restricted record, a 
reasonably segregable portion of the record, or any significant element 
or aspect of the information contained in the record, in the public 
domain.


Sec.  1270.42   Appealing restricted access.

    (a) If the Archivist denies a person access to a Presidential 
record or a reasonably segregable portion of it due to a restriction 
made under Sec.  1270.40, that person may file an administrative 
appeal. To file an administrative appeal requesting access to 
Presidential records, send it to the director of the Presidential 
Library of the President during whose term of office the record was 
created, at the address listed in 36 CFR 1253.3. To file an 
administrative appeal requesting access to Vice Presidential records, 
send it to the director of the Presidential Materials Division at the 
address listed in 36 CFR 1253.1.
    (b) An appeal must arrive to the director within 90 calendar days 
from the date on the access denial letter.
    (c) Appeals must be in writing and must identify:
    (1) The specific records the requester is seeking; and
    (2) The reasons why the requester believes they should have access 
to the records.
    (d) The director responds to the requester in writing and within 30 
working days from the date they receive the appeal. The director's 
response states whether or not the director is granting access to the 
Presidential records and the basis for that decision. The director's 
decision to withhold release of Presidential records is final and is 
not subject to judicial review.


Sec.  1270.44  Exceptions to restricted access.

    (a) Even when a President imposes restrictions on access under 
Sec.  1270.40, NARA still makes Presidential records of former 
Presidents available in the following instances, subject to any rights, 
defenses, or privileges which the United States or any agency or person 
may invoke:
    (1) To a court of competent jurisdiction in response to a properly 
issued subpoena or other judicial process, for the purposes of any 
civil or criminal investigation or proceeding;
    (2) To an incumbent President if the President seeks records that 
contain information they need to conduct current Presidential business 
and the information is not otherwise available;
    (3) To either House of Congress, or to a congressional committee or 
subcommittee, if the congressional entity seeks records that contain 
information it needs to conduct business within its jurisdiction and 
the information is not otherwise available; or
    (4) To a former President or their designated representative for 
access to the Presidential records of that President's administration, 
except that the Archivist does not make any original Presidential 
records available to a designated representative that has been 
convicted of a crime that involves reviewing, retaining, removing, or 
destroying NARA records.
    (b) The President, either House of Congress, or a congressional 
committee or subcommittee must request the records they seek under 
paragraph (a) of this section from the Archivist in writing and, where 
practicable, identify the records with reasonable specificity.
    (c) The Archivist promptly notifies the President (or their 
representative) during whose term of office the record was created, and 
the incumbent President (or their representative) of a request for 
records under paragraph (a) of this section.
    (d) Once the Archivist notifies the former and incumbent Presidents 
of the Archivist's intent to disclose records under this section, 
either President may assert a claim of constitutionally based privilege 
against disclosing the record or a reasonably segregable portion of it 
within 30 calendar days after the date of the Archivist's notice. The 
incumbent or former President must personally make any decision to 
assert a claim of constitutionally based privilege against disclosing a 
Presidential record or a reasonably segregable portion of it.
    (e) The Archivist does not disclose a Presidential record or 
reasonably segregable part of a record if it is subject to a privilege 
claim asserted by the incumbent President unless:
    (1) The incumbent President withdraws the privilege claim; or
    (2) A court of competent jurisdiction directs the Archivist to 
release the record through a final court order that is not subject to 
appeal.
    (f)(1) If a former President asserts the claim, the Archivist 
consults with the incumbent President, as soon as practicable and 
within 30 calendar days from the date that the Archivist receives 
notice of the claim, to determine whether the incumbent President will 
uphold the claim.
    (2) If the incumbent President upholds the claim asserted by the 
former President, the Archivist does not disclose the Presidential 
record or a reasonably segregable portion of the record unless:
    (i) The incumbent President withdraws the decision upholding the 
claim; or
    (ii) A court of competent jurisdiction directs the Archivist to 
disclose the record through a final court order that is not subject to 
appeal.
    (3) If the incumbent President does not uphold the claim asserted 
by the former President, fails to decide before the end of the 30-day 
period detailed in paragraph (f)(1) of this section, or withdraws a 
decision upholding the claim, the Archivist discloses the Presidential 
record 60 calendar days after the Archivist received notification of 
the claim (or 60 days after the withdrawal) unless a court order in an 
action in any Federal court directs the Archivist to withhold the 
record, including an action initiated by the former President under 44 
U.S.C. 2204(e).
    (g) The Archivist may adjust any time period or deadline under this 
subpart, as appropriate, to accommodate records requested under this 
section.


Sec.  1270.46  Notice of intent to disclose Presidential records to the 
public.

    When the Archivist determines it is in the public interest to make 
a Presidential record available to the public for the first time, the 
Archivist will:
    (a) Promptly notify, in writing, the former President during whose 
term of office the record was created and the incumbent President, or 
their representatives, of the intended disclosure. This notice informs 
the Presidents of the 60-day period in which either President may make 
a claim of constitutionally based privilege under Sec.  1270.48; and
    (b) Notify the public. The notice includes the following 
information about the intended disclosure:
    (1) The number of pages;
    (2) A brief description of the records;
    (3) The NARA case number;

[[Page 26592]]

    (4) The date on which the 60-working-day period set out in Sec.  
1270.48(a) expires; and
    (5) Any other information the Archivist may decide.


Sec.  1270.48  Releasing records to the public and claiming privilege 
against disclosure.

    (a) Once the Archivist notifies the former and incumbent Presidents 
of the Archivist's intent to disclose records under Sec.  1270.46, 
either President may assert a claim of constitutionally based privilege 
against disclosing the record or a reasonably segregable portion of it. 
A President must assert their claim within 60 working days after the 
date of the Archivist's notice, and make the claim in accordance with 
paragraph (d) of this section.
    (b) If neither President asserts a claim within the 60-working-day 
period, the Archivist discloses the Presidential record covered by the 
notice. If either President asserts a claim on a reasonably segregable 
part of the record, the Archivist may disclose only the portion of the 
record not subject to the claim.
    (c)(1) The incumbent or former President may extend the period 
under paragraph (a) of this section once, for not more than 30 
additional working days, by sending the Archivist a written statement 
asserting that the President needs the extension to adequately review 
the record.
    (2) However, if the 60-day period under paragraph (a) of this 
section, or any extension of that period under paragraph (c)(1) of this 
section, would end during the first six months of the incumbent 
President's first term of office, then the 60-day period or extension 
automatically extends to the end of that six-month period.
    (d)(1) The incumbent or former President must personally make any 
decision to assert a claim of constitutionally based privilege against 
disclosing a Presidential record or a reasonably segregable portion of 
it.
    (2) The President must notify the Archivist, the Committee on 
Oversight and Government Reform of the House of Representatives, and 
the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the 
Senate, of a privilege claim under paragraph (a) of this section on the 
same day that the President asserts such a claim.
    (e)(1) If a former President asserts the claim, the Archivist 
consults with the incumbent President, as soon as practicable and 
within 30 calendar days from the date that the Archivist receives 
notice of the claim, to determine whether the incumbent President will 
uphold the claim.
    (2) The Archivist notifies the former President and the public of 
the incumbent President's decision on the former President's claim no 
later than 30 calendar days after the Archivist receives notice of the 
claim.
    (3) If the incumbent President upholds the claim asserted by the 
former President, the Archivist does not disclose the Presidential 
record or a reasonably segregable portion of the record unless:
    (i) The incumbent President withdraws the decision upholding the 
claim; or
    (ii) A court of competent jurisdiction directs the Archivist to 
disclose the record through a final court order that is not subject to 
appeal.
    (4) If the incumbent President does not uphold the claim asserted 
by the former President, fails to decide before the end of the 30-day 
period detailed in paragraph (e)(1) of this section, or withdraws a 
decision upholding the claim, the Archivist discloses the Presidential 
record 90 calendar days after the Archivist received notification of 
the claim (or 90 days after the withdrawal) unless a court order in an 
action in any Federal court directs the Archivist to withhold the 
record, including an action initiated by the former President under 44 
U.S.C. 2204(e).
    (f) The Archivist does not disclose a Presidential record or 
reasonably segregable part of a record if it is subject to a privilege 
claim asserted by the incumbent President unless:
    (1) The incumbent President withdraws the privilege claim; or
    (2) A court of competent jurisdiction directs the Archivist to 
release the record through a final court order that is not subject to 
appeal.


Sec.  1270.50   Consulting with law enforcement agencies.

    (a) The Archivist requests specific guidance from the appropriate 
law enforcement agency when the Archivist is determining whether to 
release Presidential records compiled for law enforcement purposes that 
may be subject to 5 U.S.C. 552(b)(7). The Archivist requests guidance 
if:
    (1) No general guidance applies;
    (2) The record is particularly sensitive; or
    (3) The type of record or information is widespread throughout the 
files.
    (b) When the Archivist decides to release Presidential records 
compiled for law enforcement purposes, the Archivist notifies any 
agency that has provided guidance on those records under this section. 
The notice includes the following:
    (1) A description of the records in question;
    (2) A statement that the records described contain information 
compiled for law enforcement purposes and may be subject to the 
exemption provided by 5 U.S.C. 552(b)(7) for records of this type; and
    (3) The name of a contact person at NARA.
    (c) Any guidance an agency provides under paragraph (a) of this 
section is not binding on the Archivist. The Archivist decides whether 
Presidential records are subject to the exemption in 5 U.S.C. 
552(b)(7).

David S. Ferriero,
Archivist of the United States.
[FR Doc. 2017-11895 Filed 6-7-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7515-01-P



                                                  26588               Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 109 / Thursday, June 8, 2017 / Rules and Regulations

                                                  D. Federalism and Indian Tribal                         Record of Environmental Consideration                    (d) Enforcement. Any Coast Guard
                                                  Governments                                             (REC) supporting this determination is                 commissioned, warrant, or petty officer,
                                                     A rule has implications for federalism               available in the docket where indicated                and any other COTP Guam
                                                  under Executive Order 13132,                            under ADDRESSES. We seek any                           representative permitted by law, may
                                                  Federalism, if it has a substantial direct              comments or information that may lead                  enforce these temporary safety zones.
                                                                                                          to the discovery of a significant                        (e) Waiver. The COTP Guam may
                                                  effect on the States, on the relationship
                                                                                                          environmental impact from this rule.                   waive any of the requirements of this
                                                  between the national government and
                                                                                                                                                                 section for any person, vessel, or class
                                                  the States, or on the distribution of                   G. Protest Activities                                  of vessel upon finding that application
                                                  power and responsibilities among the
                                                                                                            The Coast Guard respects the First                   of the safety zone is unnecessary or
                                                  various levels of government. We have
                                                                                                          Amendment rights of protesters.                        impractical for the purpose of maritime
                                                  analyzed this rule under that Order and
                                                                                                          Protesters are asked to contact the                    safety and security.
                                                  have determined that it is consistent                                                                            (f) Penalties. Vessels or persons
                                                                                                          person listed in the FOR FURTHER
                                                  with the fundamental federalism                                                                                violating this rule are subject to the
                                                                                                          INFORMATION CONTACT section to
                                                  principles and preemption requirements                                                                         penalties set forth in 33 U.S.C. 1232 and
                                                                                                          coordinate protest activities so that your
                                                  described in E.O. 13132.                                                                                       50 U.S.C. 192.
                                                                                                          message can be received without
                                                     Also, this rule does not have tribal
                                                                                                          jeopardizing the safety or security of                   Dated: May 17, 2017.
                                                  implications under E.O. 13175,
                                                                                                          people, places or vessels.                             James B. Pruett,
                                                  Consultation and Coordination with
                                                  Indian Tribal Governments, because it                   List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165                    Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the
                                                  does not have a substantial direct effect                                                                      Port, Guam.
                                                                                                            Harbors, Marine safety, Navigation
                                                  on one or more Indian tribes, on the                    (water), Reporting and recordkeeping                   [FR Doc. 2017–11926 Filed 6–7–17; 8:45 am]
                                                  relationship between the Federal                        requirements, Security measures,                       BILLING CODE 9110–04–P
                                                  Government and Indian tribes, or on the                 Waterways.
                                                  distribution of power and
                                                                                                            For the reasons discussed in the
                                                  responsibilities between the Federal                                                                           NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS
                                                                                                          preamble, the Coast Guard amends 33
                                                  Government and Indian tribes. If you                                                                           ADMINISTRATION
                                                                                                          CFR part 165 as follows:
                                                  believe this rule has implications for
                                                  federalism or Indian tribes, please                     PART 165—REGULATED NAVIGATION                          36 CFR Part 1270
                                                  contact the person listed in the FOR                    AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS                         [FDMS No. NARA–16–0005; NARA–2017–
                                                  FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section                                                                            042]
                                                  above.                                                  ■ 1. The authority citation for part 165
                                                                                                          continues to read as follows:                          RIN 3095–AB87
                                                  E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
                                                                                                            Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1231; 50 U.S.C. 191;            Presidential Records
                                                    The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act                      33 CFR 1.05–1(g), 6.04–1, 6.04–6, and 160.5;
                                                  of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531–1538) requires                   Department of Homeland Security Delegation             AGENCY:  National Archives and Records
                                                  Federal agencies to assess the effects of               No. 0170.1.                                            Administration (NARA).
                                                  their discretionary regulatory actions. In                                                                     ACTION: Final rule.
                                                                                                          ■ 2. Add § 165.T14–0421 to read as
                                                  particular, the Act addresses actions
                                                                                                          follows:                                               SUMMARY:   We are revising this
                                                  that may result in the expenditure by a
                                                  State, local, or tribal government, in the              § 165. T14–0421 Safety Zone; Navy                      regulation to reflect changes instituted
                                                  aggregate, or by the private sector of                  Underwater Detonation (UNDET) Exercise,                by the Presidential and Federal Records
                                                  $100,000,000 (adjusted for inflation) or                Apra Outer Harbor, GU.                                 Acts Amendments of 2014 (2014
                                                  more in any one year. Though this rule                     (a) Location. The following areas,                  Amendments). These Amendments in
                                                  will not result in such an expenditure,                 within the Captain of the Port (COTP)                  part added new requirements to the
                                                  we do discuss the effects of this rule                  Guam Zone (See 33 CFR 3.70–15), from                   Presidential Records Act (PRA), which
                                                  elsewhere in this preamble.                             the surface of the water to the ocean                  went into effect in 2014. The changes to
                                                                                                          floor, are safety zones:                               this regulation make clear that, when we
                                                  F. Environment                                                                                                 maintain electronic Presidential records
                                                                                                             Apra Outer Harbor, Guam, June 21,
                                                    We have analyzed this rule under                      2017. All waters above and below the                   on behalf of the President before the
                                                  Department of Homeland Security                         surface bounded by a circle with a 700-                President’s term of office expires, the
                                                  Management Directive 023–01 and                         yard radius centered at 13 degrees 27                  President retains exclusive control over
                                                  Commandant Instruction M16475.lD,                       minutes 71 seconds North Latitude and                  the records. In addition, the proposed
                                                  which guide the Coast Guard in                          144 degrees 38 minutes 50 seconds East                 changes establish procedures that we
                                                  complying with the National                             Longitude, (NAD 1983).                                 will follow to notify an incumbent
                                                  Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42                       (b) Effective period. This section is               President and former President when
                                                  U.S.C. 4321–4370f), and have                            effective from 8 a.m. through 4 p.m. on                we propose to disclose Presidential
                                                  determined that the establishment of a                  June 21, 2017, unless canceled earlier by              records to the public, Congress, the
                                                  safety zone is one of a category of                     the COTP Guam.                                         courts, or the incumbent President
                                                  actions that do not individually or                        (c) Regulations. The general                        under the provisions of the PRA
                                                  cumulatively have a significant effect on               regulations governing safety zones                     allowing for access to Presidential
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                                                  the human environment. This rule                        contained in 33 CFR 165.23 apply. No                   records otherwise subject to restrictions.
                                                  involves a safety zone lasting up to eight              vessels, with the exception of exercise                We began the regulatory revision
                                                  hours that will prohibit entry within                   participants may enter or transit safety               process in response to the 2014
                                                  700-yards above and below the surface                   zones and no persons in the water, with                Amendments to reduce confusion about
                                                  of a Navy training exercise. It is                      the exception of exercise participants                 access to Presidential records in light of
                                                  categorically excluded from further                     may enter or transit safety zone unless                these recent changes in the law. We
                                                  review under paragraph 34(g) of Figure                  authorized by the COTP Guam or a                       published a notice of proposed
                                                  2–1 of the Commandant Instruction. A                    designated representative thereof.                     rulemaking in the Federal Register on


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                                                                      Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 109 / Thursday, June 8, 2017 / Rules and Regulations                                             26589

                                                  December 28, 2016, with a public                           The 2014 Amendments also                            Review Under the Paperwork Reduction
                                                  comment period ending on January 27,                    authorized an incumbent President to                   Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq.)
                                                  2017. We received no comments.                          transfer physical custody of their
                                                  DATES: This rule is effective on July 10,               permanent electronic Presidential                        This rule does not contain any
                                                  2017.                                                   records to NARA, while leaving legal                   information collection requirements
                                                                                                          custody with the President, and some                   subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act.
                                                  ADDRESSES: National Archives and
                                                  Records Administration; Regulation                      other minor changes. We are therefore                  Review Under Executive Order 13132,
                                                  Comments Desk, Suite 4100; 8601                         also revising the regulation to reflect                Federalism, 64 FR 43255 (August 4,
                                                  Adelphi Road; College Park, MD 2074-                    these changes.                                         1999)
                                                  6001.                                                      We are also making a small revision
                                                  FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                                                                          to the regulation to be consistent with                  Review under Executive Order 13132
                                                  Kimberly Keravuori, by email at                         2016 amendments to the Freedom of                      requires that agencies review
                                                  regulation_comments@nara.gov, by                        Information Act, and are revising the                  regulations for Federalism effects on the
                                                  telephone at 301–837–3151, or by mail                   wording and organization of the                        institutional interest of states and local
                                                  at External Policy Program Manager;                     regulation to make it easier to follow, in             governments, and, if the effects are
                                                  Strategy Division (MP), Suite 4100;                     compliance with provisions of the Plain                sufficiently substantial, prepare a
                                                  National Archives and Records                           Writing Act of 2010.                                   Federal assessment to assist senior
                                                  Administration; 8601 Adelphi Road;                                                                             policy makers. This rule will not have
                                                                                                          Regulatory Analysis                                    any direct effects on State and local
                                                  College Park, MD 20740–6001.
                                                                                                          Review Under Executive Orders 12866                    governments within the meaning of the
                                                  SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                                                                          and 13563                                              Executive Order. Therefore, the
                                                  Background                                                                                                     regulation requires no Federalism
                                                                                                             Executive Order 12866, Regulatory
                                                     We are revising our regulations                                                                             assessment.
                                                                                                          Planning and Review, 58 FR 51735
                                                  governing Presidential and Vice                         (September 30, 1993), and Executive                    List of Subjects in 36 CFR Part 1270
                                                  Presidential records to incorporate                     Order 13563, Improving Regulation and
                                                  changes made by the Presidential and                    Regulation Review, 76 FR 23821                           Archives and records, Government in
                                                  Federal Records Act Amendments of                       (January 18, 2011), direct agencies to                 the Sunshine Act, Open government,
                                                  2014, (‘‘2014 Amendments,’’ Pub. L.                     assess all costs and benefits of available             Presidential records.
                                                  113–187, 128 Stat. 1017).                               regulatory alternatives and, if regulation             ■ For the reasons stated in the preamble,
                                                     The 2014 Amendments made several                     is necessary, to select regulatory                     NARA revises 36 CFR part 1270 to read
                                                  changes to the Presidential Records Act                 approaches that maximize net benefits                  as follows:
                                                  (44 U.S.C. 2201–2209). The most                         (including potential economic,
                                                  substantial change was codifying the                    environmental, public health and safety                PART 1270—PRESIDENTIAL
                                                  procedures by which we notify former                    effects, distributive impacts, and                     RECORDS
                                                  and incumbent Presidents so that they                   equity). This rule is ‘‘significant’’ under
                                                  may consider whether to restrict public                 section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866. It              Subpart A—General Provisions
                                                  access to Presidential records of former                involves revisions to existing                         Sec.
                                                  Presidents that are in our legal custody.               regulations to bring them in line with                 1270.1    Scope of part.
                                                  Executive order previously controlled                   statutory changes, and affects only                    1270.2    Application.
                                                  this review process, which was then                     individuals or Government entities and                 1270.4    Definitions.
                                                  subject to change by any sitting                        access to Presidential or Vice                         Subpart B—Custody and Control of
                                                  administration. Because Congress                        Presidential records. The Office of                    Presidential Records
                                                  codified the privilege review for public                Management and Budget (OMB) has                        1270.20 Presidential records in the physical
                                                  disclosures in the 2014 Amendments,                     reviewed this regulation.                                  custody of the Archivist.
                                                  we are revising the regulation to set out                                                                      1270.22 Designating a representative to act
                                                  processes for giving notice in such                     Review Under Executive Order 13771                         for a President.
                                                  cases, and for former or incumbent                        This action is exempt from Executive                 1270.24 When the Archivist may act for a
                                                  Presidents to consider whether to assert                Order 13771, 82 FR 9339 (February 3,                       President.
                                                  a constitutionally based privilege.                     2017) because it is a regulation issued                Subpart C—Disposing of Presidential
                                                     The 2014 Amendments did not codify                   with respect to agency organization and                Records
                                                  the provisions of the Executive Order                   management.                                            1270.30 Disposing of Presidential records
                                                  allowing for notification to the former                                                                            by an incumbent President.
                                                  and incumbent President when                            Review Under the Regulatory Flexibility
                                                                                                          Act (5 U.S.C. 601, et seq.)                            1270.32 Disposing of Presidential records in
                                                  Congress, the courts, or the incumbent                                                                             the Archivist’s custody.
                                                  President (instead of the public) makes                    Although this rule is not subject to the
                                                                                                                                                                 Subpart D—Accessing Presidential Records
                                                  the request for records subject to access               Regulatory Flexibility Act, see 5 U.S.C.
                                                  restrictions. To ensure that the former                 553(a)(2), 601(2), NARA has considered                 1270.38 Public access to Presidential
                                                  and incumbent Presidents are given                      whether this rule, if promulgated,                         records.
                                                                                                                                                                 1270.40 Restricting access to Presidential
                                                  notice and an opportunity to consider                   would have a significant economic
                                                                                                                                                                     records.
                                                  whether to assert a constitutionally                    impact on a substantial number of small                1270.42 Appealing restricted access.
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                                                  based privilege in those circumstances                  entities (5 U.S.C. 603). NARA certifies,               1270.44 Exceptions to restricted access.
                                                  as well, we are revising our regulation                 after review and analysis, that this rule              1270.46 Notice of intent to disclose
                                                  to set out procedures we follow prior to                will not have a significant adverse                        Presidential records to the public.
                                                  disclosing records under the PRA’s                      economic impact on a substantial                       1270.48 Releasing records to the public and
                                                  exceptions to restricted access, which                  number of small entities because it                        claiming privilege against disclosure.
                                                  are similar to the procedures we follow                 affects only individuals or Government                 1270.50 Consulting with law enforcement
                                                  when we propose to make disclosures to                  entities and access to Presidential or                     agencies.
                                                  the public.                                             Vice Presidential records.                                 Authority: 44 U.S.C. 2201–2209.



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                                                  26590               Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 109 / Thursday, June 8, 2017 / Rules and Regulations

                                                  Subpart A—General Provisions                            § 1270.22 Designating a representative to              resume, and breaks for more than three
                                                                                                          act for a President.                                   days, the adjourned days do not count
                                                  § 1270.1   Scope of part.                                  (a) Title 44 U.S.C. chapter 22 grants               when computing the 60-day timeline.
                                                    This part implements the provisions                   the President certain discretion and                   The President submits copies of the
                                                  of the Presidential Records Act of 1978,                authority over Presidential records. An                proposed disposal schedule to the
                                                  as amended, 44 U.S.C. 2201–2209, and                    incumbent or former President may                      Senate Committees on Rules and
                                                  establishes requirements for preserving,                designate one or more representatives to               Administration and Homeland Security
                                                  protecting, disposing of, and providing                 exercise this discretion and authority,                and Governmental Affairs, and to the
                                                  access to all Presidential and Vice-                    including in the event of the President’s              House Committees on House
                                                  Presidential records created during a                   death or disability.                                   Administration and Oversight and
                                                  Presidential or Vice Presidential term of                  (b) The designation under paragraph                 Government Reform.
                                                  office beginning on or after January 20,                (a) of this section is effective only if the
                                                  1981.                                                   Archivist receives written notice of it,               § 1270.32 Disposing of Presidential
                                                                                                                                                                 records in the Archivist’s custody.
                                                  § 1270.2   Application.                                 including the names of the
                                                                                                          representatives, before the President                    (a) The Archivist may dispose of
                                                    This part, except §§ 1270.46 and                                                                             Presidential records in the Archivist’s
                                                  1270.48, applies to Vice-Presidential                   dies or is disabled.
                                                                                                                                                                 legal custody that the Archivist
                                                  records in the same manner as to                        § 1270.24 When the Archivist may act for               appraises and determines to have
                                                  Presidential records. The Vice                          a President.                                           insufficient administrative, historical,
                                                  President’s duties and responsibilities,                  If a President specifies restrictions on             informational, or evidentiary value to
                                                  with respect to Vice-Presidential                       access to Presidential records under 44                warrant continuing to preserve them.
                                                  records, are the same as the President’s                U.S.C. 2204(a), but has not made a                       (b) If the Archivist determines that
                                                  duties and responsibilities with respect                designation under § 1270.22 at the time                Presidential records have insufficient
                                                  to Presidential records, except those in                of their death or disability, the Archivist            value under paragraph (a) of this
                                                  §§ 1270.46 and 1270.48. The Archivist’s                 exercises the President’s discretion or                section, the Archivist publishes a
                                                  authority with respect to Vice-                         authority under 44 U.S.C. 2204, except                 proposed disposal notice in the Federal
                                                  Presidential records is the same as the                 as limited by 44 U.S.C. 2208 and                       Register with a public comment period
                                                  Archivist’s authority with respect to                   § 1270.48.                                             of at least 45 days. The notice describes
                                                  Presidential records, except that the                                                                          the records the Archivist proposes to
                                                  Archivist may enter into an agreement                   Subpart C—Disposing of Presidential                    dispose of, the reason for disposing of
                                                  with a non-Federal archival repository                  Records                                                them, and the projected earliest disposal
                                                  to deposit Vice-Presidential records, if                                                                       date.
                                                  the Archivist determines it to be in the                § 1270.30 Disposing of Presidential                      (c) After the public comment period
                                                  public interest.                                        records by an incumbent President.
                                                                                                                                                                 in paragraph (b) of this section, the
                                                                                                             An incumbent President may dispose                  Archivist publishes a final disposal
                                                  § 1270.4   Definitions.                                 of any Presidential records of their                   notice in the Federal Register at least 60
                                                    For the purposes of this part—                        administration that, in the President’s                calendar days before the earliest
                                                    Agency has the meaning given by 5                     opinion, lack administrative, historical,              disposal date. The notice includes:
                                                  U.S.C. 551(1)(A)–(D) and 552(f).                        informational, or evidentiary value, if                  (1) A reasonably specific description
                                                    Archivist means the Archivist of the                  the President obtains the Archivist’s                  of the records scheduled for disposal;
                                                  United States or staff of the National                  written views about the proposed                         (2) The earliest disposal date; and
                                                  Archives and Records Administration                     disposal and either—                                     (3) A concise statement of the reason
                                                  acting on behalf of the Archivist.                         (a) Those views state that the                      for disposing of the records.
                                                    Presidential records has the meaning                  Archivist does not intend to request                     (d) Publishing the notice required by
                                                  given by 44 U.S.C. 2201(2).                             Congress’s advice on the matter because                paragraph (c) of this section in the
                                                                                                          the Archivist either does not consider                 Federal Register constitutes a final
                                                  Subpart B—Custody and Control of
                                                                                                          the records proposed for disposal to be                agency action for purposes of review
                                                  Presidential Records
                                                                                                          of special interest to Congress or does                under 5 U.S.C. 701–706.
                                                  § 1270.20 Presidential records in the                   not consider it to be in the public
                                                  physical custody of the Archivist.                      interest to consult with Congress about                Subpart D—Accessing Presidential
                                                    During a President’s term of office, the              the proposed disposal; or                              Records
                                                  President may request that the Archivist                   (b)(1) Those views state that the                   § 1270.38   Public access to Presidential
                                                  maintain physical custody of                            Archivist considers either that the                    records.
                                                  Presidential records, including digital or              records proposed for disposal may be of                  Public access to Presidential records
                                                  electronic records. However, the                        special interest to Congress or that                   generally begins five years after the
                                                  President remains exclusively                           consulting with Congress about the                     President leaves office, and is
                                                  responsible for control and access to                   proposed disposal is in the public                     administered through the Freedom of
                                                  their records until their term of office                interest; and                                          Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552), as
                                                  concludes. During the President’s terms                    (2) The President submits copies of                 modified by the Presidential Records
                                                  of office, the Archivist does not disclose              the proposed disposal schedule to the                  Act (44 U.S.C. 2204(c)).
                                                  any of these records, except under the                  Senate and the House of Representatives
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                                                  President’s direction, until the                        at least 60 calendar days of continuous                § 1270.40 Restricting access to
                                                  President’s term of office concludes. If                congressional session before the                       Presidential records.
                                                  a President serves consecutive terms,                   proposed disposal date. For the purpose                  (a) An incumbent President may,
                                                  the Archivist does not disclose records                 of this section, a continuous                          prior to the end of the President’s term
                                                  without the President’s direction until                 congressional session breaks only when                 of office or last consecutive term of
                                                  the end of the last term, or the end of                 Congress adjourns sine die (with no date               office, restrict access to certain
                                                  another period if specified in 44 U.S.C.                set to resume). If either House of                     information within Presidential records
                                                  2204 and subpart E of this part.                        Congress adjourns with a date set to                   created during their administration, for


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                                                                      Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 109 / Thursday, June 8, 2017 / Rules and Regulations                                           26591

                                                  a period not to exceed 12 years after the               NARA still makes Presidential records                     (2) A court of competent jurisdiction
                                                  President leaves office (in accordance                  of former Presidents available in the                  directs the Archivist to release the
                                                  with 44 U.S.C. 2204).                                   following instances, subject to any                    record through a final court order that
                                                     (b) If a President specifies such                    rights, defenses, or privileges which the              is not subject to appeal.
                                                  restrictions, the Archivist consults with               United States or any agency or person                     (f)(1) If a former President asserts the
                                                  that President or the President’s                       may invoke:                                            claim, the Archivist consults with the
                                                  designated representative to identify the                  (1) To a court of competent                         incumbent President, as soon as
                                                  affected records, or any reasonably                     jurisdiction in response to a properly                 practicable and within 30 calendar days
                                                  segregable portion of them.                             issued subpoena or other judicial                      from the date that the Archivist receives
                                                     (c) The Archivist then restricts public              process, for the purposes of any civil or              notice of the claim, to determine
                                                  access to the identified records or the                 criminal investigation or proceeding;                  whether the incumbent President will
                                                  restricted information contained in                        (2) To an incumbent President if the                uphold the claim.
                                                  them until the earliest of following                    President seeks records that contain                      (2) If the incumbent President
                                                  occurs:                                                 information they need to conduct                       upholds the claim asserted by the
                                                     (1) The restricting President waives                 current Presidential business and the                  former President, the Archivist does not
                                                  the restriction, in whole or in part;                   information is not otherwise available;                disclose the Presidential record or a
                                                     (2) The restriction period in paragraph                 (3) To either House of Congress, or to              reasonably segregable portion of the
                                                  (a) of this section expires for the                     a congressional committee or                           record unless:
                                                  category of information; or                             subcommittee, if the congressional                        (i) The incumbent President
                                                     (3) The Archivist determines that the                entity seeks records that contain                      withdraws the decision upholding the
                                                  restricting President or an agent of that               information it needs to conduct                        claim; or
                                                  President has published the restricted                  business within its jurisdiction and the                  (ii) A court of competent jurisdiction
                                                  record, a reasonably segregable portion                 information is not otherwise available;                directs the Archivist to disclose the
                                                  of the record, or any significant element               or                                                     record through a final court order that
                                                  or aspect of the information contained                     (4) To a former President or their                  is not subject to appeal.
                                                  in the record, in the public domain.                    designated representative for access to                   (3) If the incumbent President does
                                                                                                          the Presidential records of that                       not uphold the claim asserted by the
                                                  § 1270.42   Appealing restricted access.                President’s administration, except that                former President, fails to decide before
                                                     (a) If the Archivist denies a person                 the Archivist does not make any original               the end of the 30-day period detailed in
                                                  access to a Presidential record or a                    Presidential records available to a                    paragraph (f)(1) of this section, or
                                                  reasonably segregable portion of it due                 designated representative that has been                withdraws a decision upholding the
                                                  to a restriction made under § 1270.40,                  convicted of a crime that involves                     claim, the Archivist discloses the
                                                  that person may file an administrative                  reviewing, retaining, removing, or                     Presidential record 60 calendar days
                                                  appeal. To file an administrative appeal                destroying NARA records.                               after the Archivist received notification
                                                  requesting access to Presidential                          (b) The President, either House of                  of the claim (or 60 days after the
                                                  records, send it to the director of the                 Congress, or a congressional committee                 withdrawal) unless a court order in an
                                                  Presidential Library of the President                   or subcommittee must request the                       action in any Federal court directs the
                                                  during whose term of office the record                  records they seek under paragraph (a) of               Archivist to withhold the record,
                                                  was created, at the address listed in 36                this section from the Archivist in                     including an action initiated by the
                                                  CFR 1253.3. To file an administrative                   writing and, where practicable, identify               former President under 44 U.S.C.
                                                  appeal requesting access to Vice                        the records with reasonable specificity.               2204(e).
                                                  Presidential records, send it to the                       (c) The Archivist promptly notifies                    (g) The Archivist may adjust any time
                                                  director of the Presidential Materials                  the President (or their representative)                period or deadline under this subpart,
                                                  Division at the address listed in 36 CFR                during whose term of office the record                 as appropriate, to accommodate records
                                                  1253.1.                                                 was created, and the incumbent                         requested under this section.
                                                     (b) An appeal must arrive to the                     President (or their representative) of a
                                                  director within 90 calendar days from                   request for records under paragraph (a)                § 1270.46 Notice of intent to disclose
                                                  the date on the access denial letter.                   of this section.                                       Presidential records to the public.
                                                     (c) Appeals must be in writing and                      (d) Once the Archivist notifies the                   When the Archivist determines it is in
                                                  must identify:                                          former and incumbent Presidents of the                 the public interest to make a
                                                     (1) The specific records the requester               Archivist’s intent to disclose records                 Presidential record available to the
                                                  is seeking; and                                         under this section, either President may               public for the first time, the Archivist
                                                     (2) The reasons why the requester                    assert a claim of constitutionally based               will:
                                                  believes they should have access to the                 privilege against disclosing the record or               (a) Promptly notify, in writing, the
                                                  records.                                                a reasonably segregable portion of it                  former President during whose term of
                                                     (d) The director responds to the                     within 30 calendar days after the date of              office the record was created and the
                                                  requester in writing and within 30                      the Archivist’s notice. The incumbent or               incumbent President, or their
                                                  working days from the date they receive                 former President must personally make                  representatives, of the intended
                                                  the appeal. The director’s response                     any decision to assert a claim of                      disclosure. This notice informs the
                                                  states whether or not the director is                   constitutionally based privilege against               Presidents of the 60-day period in
                                                  granting access to the Presidential                     disclosing a Presidential record or a                  which either President may make a
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                                                  records and the basis for that decision.                reasonably segregable portion of it.                   claim of constitutionally based privilege
                                                  The director’s decision to withhold                        (e) The Archivist does not disclose a               under § 1270.48; and
                                                  release of Presidential records is final                Presidential record or reasonably                        (b) Notify the public. The notice
                                                  and is not subject to judicial review.                  segregable part of a record if it is subject           includes the following information
                                                                                                          to a privilege claim asserted by the                   about the intended disclosure:
                                                  § 1270.44   Exceptions to restricted access.            incumbent President unless:                              (1) The number of pages;
                                                    (a) Even when a President imposes                        (1) The incumbent President                           (2) A brief description of the records;
                                                  restrictions on access under § 1270.40,                 withdraws the privilege claim; or                        (3) The NARA case number;


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                                                  26592               Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 109 / Thursday, June 8, 2017 / Rules and Regulations

                                                    (4) The date on which the 60-working-                    (2) The Archivist notifies the former                 (1) A description of the records in
                                                  day period set out in § 1270.48(a)                      President and the public of the                        question;
                                                  expires; and                                            incumbent President’s decision on the                    (2) A statement that the records
                                                    (5) Any other information the                         former President’s claim no later than                 described contain information compiled
                                                  Archivist may decide.                                   30 calendar days after the Archivist                   for law enforcement purposes and may
                                                                                                          receives notice of the claim.                          be subject to the exemption provided by
                                                  § 1270.48 Releasing records to the public
                                                                                                             (3) If the incumbent President                      5 U.S.C. 552(b)(7) for records of this
                                                  and claiming privilege against disclosure.
                                                                                                          upholds the claim asserted by the                      type; and
                                                     (a) Once the Archivist notifies the                  former President, the Archivist does not                 (3) The name of a contact person at
                                                  former and incumbent Presidents of the                  disclose the Presidential record or a                  NARA.
                                                  Archivist’s intent to disclose records                  reasonably segregable portion of the                     (c) Any guidance an agency provides
                                                  under § 1270.46, either President may                   record unless:                                         under paragraph (a) of this section is not
                                                  assert a claim of constitutionally based                   (i) The incumbent President                         binding on the Archivist. The Archivist
                                                  privilege against disclosing the record or              withdraws the decision upholding the                   decides whether Presidential records are
                                                  a reasonably segregable portion of it. A                claim; or                                              subject to the exemption in 5 U.S.C.
                                                  President must assert their claim within                   (ii) A court of competent jurisdiction              552(b)(7).
                                                  60 working days after the date of the                   directs the Archivist to disclose the
                                                  Archivist’s notice, and make the claim                  record through a final court order that                David S. Ferriero,
                                                  in accordance with paragraph (d) of this                is not subject to appeal.                              Archivist of the United States.
                                                  section.                                                   (4) If the incumbent President does                 [FR Doc. 2017–11895 Filed 6–7–17; 8:45 am]
                                                     (b) If neither President asserts a claim             not uphold the claim asserted by the                   BILLING CODE 7515–01–P
                                                  within the 60-working-day period, the                   former President, fails to decide before
                                                  Archivist discloses the Presidential                    the end of the 30-day period detailed in
                                                  record covered by the notice. If either                 paragraph (e)(1) of this section, or                   DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
                                                  President asserts a claim on a                          withdraws a decision upholding the                     AFFAIRS
                                                  reasonably segregable part of the record,               claim, the Archivist discloses the
                                                  the Archivist may disclose only the                     Presidential record 90 calendar days                   38 CFR Part 60
                                                  portion of the record not subject to the                after the Archivist received notification
                                                  claim.                                                                                                         RIN 2900–AP45
                                                                                                          of the claim (or 90 days after the
                                                     (c)(1) The incumbent or former                       withdrawal) unless a court order in an                 Fisher Houses and Other Temporary
                                                  President may extend the period under                   action in any Federal court directs the                Lodging
                                                  paragraph (a) of this section once, for                 Archivist to withhold the record,
                                                  not more than 30 additional working                     including an action initiated by the                   AGENCY:    Department of Veterans Affairs.
                                                  days, by sending the Archivist a written                former President under 44 U.S.C.                       ACTION:   Final rule.
                                                  statement asserting that the President                  2204(e).
                                                  needs the extension to adequately                          (f) The Archivist does not disclose a               SUMMARY:   The Department of Veterans
                                                  review the record.                                      Presidential record or reasonably                      Affairs (VA) is amending its regulations
                                                     (2) However, if the 60-day period                    segregable part of a record if it is subject           concerning Fisher House and other
                                                  under paragraph (a) of this section, or                 to a privilege claim asserted by the                   temporary lodging furnished by VA
                                                  any extension of that period under                      incumbent President unless:                            while a veteran is experiencing an
                                                  paragraph (c)(1) of this section, would                    (1) The incumbent President                         episode of care at a VA medical facility.
                                                  end during the first six months of the                  withdraws the privilege claim; or                      Such lodging is generally furnished at
                                                  incumbent President’s first term of                        (2) A court of competent jurisdiction               no cost to veterans’ relatives, close
                                                  office, then the 60-day period or                       directs the Archivist to release the                   friends, and caregivers, because VA’s
                                                  extension automatically extends to the                  record through a final court order that                experience has shown that veterans’
                                                  end of that six-month period.                           is not subject to appeal.                              treatment outcomes are improved by
                                                     (d)(1) The incumbent or former                                                                              having loved ones nearby. The final rule
                                                  President must personally make any                      § 1270.50 Consulting with law enforcement              updates current regulations and better
                                                  decision to assert a claim of                           agencies.                                              describes the application process for
                                                  constitutionally based privilege against                   (a) The Archivist requests specific                 this lodging along with generally
                                                  disclosing a Presidential record or a                   guidance from the appropriate law                      reflecting current VA policy and
                                                  reasonably segregable portion of it.                    enforcement agency when the Archivist                  practice.
                                                     (2) The President must notify the                    is determining whether to release                      DATES:  This final rule is effective July
                                                  Archivist, the Committee on Oversight                   Presidential records compiled for law                  10, 2017.
                                                  and Government Reform of the House of                   enforcement purposes that may be
                                                  Representatives, and the Committee on                   subject to 5 U.S.C. 552(b)(7). The                     FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                  Homeland Security and Governmental                      Archivist requests guidance if:                        Jennifer Koget, National Fisher House
                                                  Affairs of the Senate, of a privilege                      (1) No general guidance applies;                    and Family Hospitality Program
                                                  claim under paragraph (a) of this section                  (2) The record is particularly                      Manager, Care Management and Social
                                                  on the same day that the President                      sensitive; or                                          Work (10P4C), Veterans Health
                                                  asserts such a claim.                                      (3) The type of record or information               Administration, Department of Veterans
asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with RULES




                                                     (e)(1) If a former President asserts the             is widespread throughout the files.                    Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW.,
                                                  claim, the Archivist consults with the                     (b) When the Archivist decides to                   Washington, DC 20420, (202) 461–6780.
                                                  incumbent President, as soon as                         release Presidential records compiled                  (This is not a toll-free number.)
                                                  practicable and within 30 calendar days                 for law enforcement purposes, the                      SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: VA’s
                                                  from the date that the Archivist receives               Archivist notifies any agency that has                 program for providing temporary
                                                  notice of the claim, to determine                       provided guidance on those records                     lodging for certain individuals is
                                                  whether the incumbent President will                    under this section. The notice includes                authorized by section 1708 of title 38,
                                                  uphold the claim.                                       the following:                                         United States Code (U.S.C.). Under


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Document Created: 2018-11-14 10:07:05
Document Modified: 2018-11-14 10:07:05
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionFinal rule.
DatesThis rule is effective on July 10, 2017.
ContactKimberly Keravuori, by email at [email protected], by telephone at 301-837-3151, or by mail at External Policy Program Manager; Strategy Division (MP), Suite 4100; National Archives and Records Administration; 8601 Adelphi Road; College Park, MD 20740-6001.
FR Citation82 FR 26588 
RIN Number3095-AB87
CFR AssociatedArchives and Records; Government in the Sunshine Act; Open Government and Presidential Records

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