[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 247 (Friday, December 23, 2016)]
[Unknown Section]
[Pages 94778-94782]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-29870]
Vol. 81
Friday,
No. 247
December 23, 2016
Part XIII
Department of Labor
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Office of the Secretary
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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda
Federal Register / Vol. 81 , No. 247 / Friday, December 23, 2016 /
Unified Agenda
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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Office of the Secretary
20 CFR Chs. I, IV, V, VI, VII, and IX
29 CFR Subtitle A and Chs. II, IV, V, XVII, and XXV
30 CFR Ch. I
41 CFR Ch. 60
48 CFR Ch. 29
Semiannual Agenda of Regulations
AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Labor.
ACTION: Semiannual Regulatory Agenda.
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SUMMARY: The Internet has become the means for disseminating the
entirety of the Department of Labor's semiannual regulatory agenda.
However, the Regulatory Flexibility Act requires publication of a
regulatory flexibility agenda in the Federal Register. This Federal
Register Notice contains the regulatory flexibility agenda.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephanie Swirsky, Deputy Assistant
Secretary, Office of Regulatory Policy, Office of the Assistant
Secretary for Policy, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue
NW., Room S-2312, Washington, DC 20210; (202) 693-5959.
Note: Information pertaining to a specific regulation can be
obtained from the agency contact listed for that particular
regulation.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Executive Order 12866 requires the
semiannual publication of an agenda of regulations that contains a
listing of all the regulations the Department of Labor expects to have
under active consideration for promulgation, proposal, or review during
the coming one-year period. The entirety of the Department's semiannual
agenda is available online at www.reginfo.gov.
The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 602) requires DOL to
publish in the Federal Register a regulatory flexibility agenda. The
Department's Regulatory Flexibility Agenda published with this notice,
includes only those rules on its semiannual agenda that are likely to
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small
entities; and those rules identified for periodic review in keeping
with the requirements of section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
Thus, the regulatory flexibility agenda is a subset of the Department's
semiannual regulatory agenda. There is only one section 610 item on the
Department of Labor's Regulatory Flexibility Agenda:
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Bloodborne Pathogens (RIN 1218-AC34)
In addition, the Department's Regulatory Plan, also a subset of the
Department's regulatory agenda, is being published in the Federal
Register. The Regulatory Plan contains a statement of the Department's
regulatory priorities and the regulatory actions the Department wants
to highlight as its most important and significant.
All interested members of the public are invited and encouraged to
let departmental officials know how our regulatory efforts can be
improved, and are invited to participate in and comment on the review
or development of the regulations listed on the Department's agenda.
Thomas E. Perez,
Secretary of Labor.
Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs--Completed Actions
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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343....................... Discrimination on the 1250-AA05
Basis of Sex.
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Wage and Hour Division--Completed Actions
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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344....................... Defining and Delimiting 1235-AA11
the Exemptions for
Executive,
Administrative,
Professional, Outside
Sales, and Computer
Employees.
345....................... Establishing Paid Sick 1235-AA13
Leave for Contractors,
Executive Order 13706.
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Employment and Training Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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346....................... Modernizing the Permanent 1205-AB75
Labor Certification
Program (PERM).
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Employment and Training Administration--Completed Actions
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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347....................... Workforce Innovation and 1205-AB73
Opportunity Act.
348....................... Workforce Innovation and 1205-AB74
Opportunity Act; Joint
Rule With U.S. Department
of Education for Combined
and Unified State Plans,
Performance
Accountability, and the
One-Stop System Joint
Provisions.
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Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Prerule Stage
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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349....................... Bloodborne Pathogens 1218-AC34
(Section 610 Review).
350....................... Combustible Dust.......... 1218-AC41
351....................... Preventing Backover 1218-AC51
Injuries and Fatalities.
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Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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352....................... Infectious Diseases (Reg 1218-AC46
Plan Seq No. 85).
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References in boldface appear in The Regulatory Plan in part II of this
issue of the Federal Register.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Final Rule Stage
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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353....................... Occupational Exposure to 1218-AB76
Beryllium (Reg Plan Seq
No. 87).
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References in boldface appear in The Regulatory Plan in part II of this
issue of the Federal Register.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Long-Term Actions
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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354....................... Injury and Illness 1218-AC48
Prevention Program.
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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL)
Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP)
Completed Actions
343. Discrimination on the Basis of Sex
Legal Authority: Sec. 201, E.O. 11246, 30 FR 12319 and E.O. 11375,
32 FR 14303, as amended by E.O. 12086
Abstract: The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs
(OFCCP) is charged with enforcing Executive Order 11246, as amended,
which prohibits Federal Government contractors and subcontractors from
discriminating against individuals in employment on the basis of race,
color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, or national
origin, and requires them to take affirmative action. This order also
prohibits discrimination based on an employee discussing his or her pay
or the pay of a coworker. OFCCP regulations at 41 CFR part 60-20 set
forth the interpretations and guidelines for implementing Executive
Order 11246, as amended, in regard to promoting and ensuring equal
opportunities for all persons employed or seeking employment with
Government contractors and subcontractors without regard to sex. This
nondiscrimination requirement also applies to contractors and
subcontractors performing under federally assisted construction
contracts. The guidance in part 60-20 is more than 30 years old, and
warranted changes that align OFCCP's requirements with current law and
better address the realities of today's workplaces. OFCCP published a
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on January 30, 2015 (80 FR 5245), to
create sex discrimination regulations that reflect the current state of
the law in this area. OFCCP published the Discrimination on the Basis
of Sex Final Rule on June 14, 2016 (81 FR 39107). The Final Rule
becomes effective August 15, 2016.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
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NPRM................................ 01/30/15 80 FR 5245
NPRM Comment Period End............. 03/31/15 .......................
NPRM Comment Period Extended........ 04/01/15 80 FR 17373
NPRM Comment Period Extended End.... 04/14/15 .......................
Final Rule.......................... 06/15/16 81 FR 39108
Final Rule Effective................ 08/15/16 .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Debra A. Carr, Director, Division of Policy and
Program Development, Department of Labor, Office of Federal Contract
Compliance Programs, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Room C-
3325, Washington, DC 20210, Phone: 202 693-0103, TDD Phone: 202 693-
1337, Fax: 202 693-1304, Email: ofccp-public@dol.gov.
RIN: 1250-AA05
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL)
Wage and Hour Division (WHD)
Completed Actions
344. Defining and Delimiting the Exemptions for Executive,
Administrative, Professional, Outside Sales, and Computer Employees
Legal Authority: 29 U.S.C. 213(a)(1) (Fair Labor Standards Act)
Abstract: The Department proposes to update the regulations
governing which executive, administrative, and professional employees
(white collar workers) are entitled to the Fair Labor Standards Act's
minimum wage and overtime pay protections. Key provisions of the
proposed rule include: (1) Setting the standard salary level required
for exemption for full-time salaried workers; (2) increasing the total
annual compensation requirement needed to exempt highly compensated
employees; and (3) establishing a
mechanism for automatically updating the salary and compensation levels
going forward to ensure that they will continue to provide a useful and
effective test for exemption. The Department last updated these
regulations in 2004, which, among other items, set the standard salary
level at not less than $455 per week.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
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NPRM................................ 07/06/15 80 FR 38516
NPRM Comment Period End............. 09/04/15 .......................
Final Rule.......................... 05/23/16 81 FR 32391
Final Rule Effective................ 12/01/16 .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Melissa Smith, Director, Regulations, Legislation
and Interpretations, Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, 200
Constitution Avenue NW., Room S3502, Washington, DC 20210, Phone: 202
693-0406, Fax: 202 693-1387.
RIN: 1235-AA11
345. Establishing Paid Sick Leave for Contractors, Executive Order
13706
Legal Authority: E.O. 13706
Abstract: Executive Order 13706, Establishing Paid Sick Leave for
Federal Contractors (80 FR 54697) establishes paid sick leave for
Federal contractors and subcontractors. The Executive order indicates
that Executive Departments and agencies shall, to the extent permitted
by law, ensure that new contracts, contract-like instruments, and
solicitations as described in section 6 of the order, include a clause,
which the contractor and any subcontractors shall incorporate into
lower-tier subcontracts, specifying that all employees, in the
performance of the contract or any subcontract thereunder, shall earn
not less than one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked.
Consistent with the Executive order, the Department of Labor will issue
implementing regulations.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
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NPRM................................ 02/25/16 81 FR 9592
NPRM Comment Period End............. 03/28/16 .......................
NPRM Comment Period Extended........ 03/14/16 81 FR 13306
NPRM Comment Period Extended End.... 04/12/16 .......................
Final Rule.......................... 09/30/16 81 FR 67598
Final Rule Effective................ 11/29/16 .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Melissa Smith, Director, Regulations, Legislation
and Interpretations, Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, 200
Constitution Avenue NW., Room S3502, Washington, DC 20210, Phone: 202
693-0406, Fax: 202 693-1387.
RIN: 1235-AA13
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS)
Employment and Training Administration (ETA)
Proposed Rule Stage
346. Modernizing the Permanent Labor Certification Program (PERM)
Legal Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(5)(A)
Abstract: The PERM regulations govern the labor certification
process for employers seeking to employ foreign workers permanently in
the United States. The Department of Labor (Department) has not
comprehensively examined and modified the permanent labor certification
requirements and process since 2004. Over the last ten years, much has
changed in our country's economy, affecting employers' demand for
workers and the availability of a qualified domestic labor force.
Advances in technology and information dissemination have dramatically
altered common industry recruitment practices, and the Department has
received ongoing feedback that the existing regulatory requirements
governing the PERM process frequently do not align with worker or
industry needs and practices. Therefore, the Department is engaging in
rulemaking that will consider options to modernize the PERM program to
be more responsive to changes in the national workforce, to further
align the program design with the objectives of the U.S. immigration
system and needs of workers and employers, and to enhance the integrity
of the labor certification process.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
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NPRM................................ 11/00/16 .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: William W. Thompson II, Acting Administrator,
Office of Foreign Labor Certification, Department of Labor, Employment
and Training Administration, 375 E Street SW., Patriot Plaza II, Room
12-200, Washington, DC 20024, Phone: 202 513-7350.
RIN: 1205-AB75
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS)
Employment and Training Administration (ETA)
Completed Actions
347. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
Legal Authority: Sec. 503(f) of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (Pub. L. 113-128)
Abstract: On July 22, 2014, the President signed the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) (Pub. L. 113-128). WIOA repeals
the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) and amends the Wagner-Peyser
Act. (29 U.S.C. 2801 et seq.) The Department of Labor issued a Notice
of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on April 16, 2015, that proposed to
implement the changes WIOA makes to the public workforce system in
regulations. Through the NPRM, the Department proposed ways to carry
out the purposes of WIOA to provide workforce investment activities,
through State and local workforce development systems, that increase
employment, retention, and earnings of participants, meet the skill
requirements of employers, and enhance the productivity and
competitiveness of the Nation. The Department analyzed the comments
received and developed a final rule.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
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NPRM................................ 04/16/15 80 FR 20690
NPRM Comment Period End............. 06/15/15 .......................
Final Rule.......................... 08/19/16 81 FR 56072
Final Rule Effective................ 10/18/16 .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Portia Wu, Assistant Secretary for Employment and
Training, Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration,
200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Washington, DC 20210, Phone:
202 639-2700.
RIN: 1205-AB73
348. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act; Joint Rule With U.S.
Department of Education for Combined and Unified State Plans,
Performance Accountability, and the One-Stop System Joint Provisions
Legal Authority: Sec. 503(f) of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (Pub. L. 113-128)
Abstract: On July 22, 2014, the President signed the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) (Pub. L. 113-128) which repeals
the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA). (29 U.S.C. 2801 et seq.) As
directed by WIOA, the Departments of Education and Labor issued a
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on April 16, 2015, to implement
the changes in regulations that WIOA makes to the public workforce
system regarding Combined and Unified State Plans, performance
accountability for WIOA title I, title II, title III, and title IV
programs, and the one-stop delivery system.
All of the other regulations implementing WIOA were published by
the Departments of Labor and Education in separate NPRMs. The
Departments analyzed the comments received and developed a final rule.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
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NPRM................................ 04/16/15 80 FR 20574
NPRM Comment Period End............. 06/15/15 .......................
Final Rule.......................... 08/19/16 81 FR 55792
Final Rule Effective................ 10/18/16 .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Portia Wu, Assistant Secretary for Employment and
Training, Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration,
200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Washington, DC 20210, Phone:
202 639-2700.
RIN: 1205-AB74
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS)
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Prerule Stage
349. Bloodborne Pathogens (Section 610 Review)
Legal Authority: 5 U.S.C. 533; 5 U.S.C. 610; 29 U.S.C. 655(b)
Abstract: OSHA will undertake a review of the Bloodborne Pathogen
Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) in accordance with the requirements of the
Regulatory Flexibility Act and section 5 of Executive Order 12866. The
review will consider the continued need for the rule; whether the rule
overlaps, duplicates, or conflicts with other Federal, State or local
regulations; and the degree to which technology, economic conditions,
or other factors may have changed since the rule was evaluated.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
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Begin Review........................ 10/22/09 .......................
Notice of Request for Comment....... 05/14/10 75 FR 27237
Notice of Request for Comment Period 08/12/10 .......................
End.
End Review and Issue Findings....... 11/00/16 .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No.
Agency Contact: Amanda Edens, Director, Directorate of Technical
Support and Emergency Management, Department of Labor, Occupational
Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP
Building, Room N-3653, Washington, DC 20210, Phone: 202 693-2300, Fax:
202 693-1644, Email: edens.mandy@dol.gov.
RIN: 1218-AC34
350. Combustible Dust
Legal Authority: 29 U.S.C. 655(b); 29 U.S.C. 657
Abstract: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has
initiated rulemaking to develop a combustible dust standard for general
industry. OSHA will use information gathered, including from an
upcoming SBREFA panel, to develop a comprehensive standard that
addresses combustible dust hazards.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
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ANPRM............................... 10/21/09 74 FR 54333
Notice of Stakeholder Meetings...... 12/14/09 .......................
ANPRM Comment Period End............ 01/19/10 .......................
Notice of Stakeholder Meetings...... 03/09/10 75 FR 10739
Initiate SBREFA..................... 11/00/16 .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: William Perry, Director, Directorate of Standards
and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health
Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Room N-3718,
Washington, DC 20210, Phone: 202 693-1950, Fax: 202 693-1678, Email:
perry.bill@dol.gov.
RIN: 1218-AC41
351. Preventing Backover Injuries and Fatalities
Legal Authority: 29 U.S.C. 655(b)
Abstract: Backing vehicles and equipment are common causes of
struck-by injuries and can also cause caught-between injuries when
backing vehicles and equipment pin a worker against an object. Struck-
by injuries and caught-between injuries are two of the four leading
causes of workplace fatalities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports
that in 2013, 67 workers were fatally backed over while working. While
many backing incidents can prove to be fatal, workers can suffer
severe, non-fatal injuries as well. A review of OSHA's Integrated
Management Information System (IMIS) database found that backing
incidents can result in serious injury to the back and pelvis,
fractured bones, concussions, amputations, and other injuries. Emerging
technologies in the field of backing operations may prevent incidents.
The technologies include cameras and proximity detection systems. The
use of spotters and internal traffic control plans can also make
backing operations safer. The Agency has held stakeholder meetings on
backovers, and is conducting site visits to employers, and is
developing a standard to address these hazards.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
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Request for Information (RFI)....... 03/29/12 77 FR 18973
RFI Comment Period End.............. 07/27/12 .......................
Initiate SBREFA..................... 04/00/17 .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Dean McKenzie, Director, Directorate of
Construction, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health
Administration, Room N-3468, FP Building, 200 Constitution Avenue NW.,
Washington, DC 20210, Phone: 202 693-2020, Fax: 202 693-1689, Email:
mckenzie.dean@dol.gov.
RIN: 1218-AC51
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS)
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Proposed Rule Stage
352. Infectious Diseases
Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 85 in part II of this issue
of the Federal Register.
RIN: 1218-AC46
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS)
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Final Rule Stage
353. Occupational Exposure to Beryllium
Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 87 in part II of this issue
of the Federal Register.
RIN: 1218-AB76
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS)
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Long-Term Actions
354. Injury and Illness Prevention Program
Legal Authority: 29 U.S.C. 653; 29 U.S.C. 655(b); 29 U.S.C. 657
Abstract: OSHA is developing a rule requiring employers to
implement an Injury and Illness Prevention Program. It involves
planning, implementing, evaluating, and improving processes and
activities that protect employee safety and health. OSHA has
substantial data on reductions in injuries and illnesses from employers
who have implemented similar effective processes. The Agency currently
has voluntary Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines (54 FR
3904 to 3916), published in 1989. An injury and illness prevention
program rule would build on these guidelines as well as lessons learned
from successful approaches and best practices under OSHA's Voluntary
Protection Program, Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program,
and similar industry and international initiatives such as American
National Standards Institute/American Industrial Hygiene Association
Z10, and Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series 18001.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
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Notice of Stakeholder Meetings...... 05/04/10 75 FR 23637
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Notice of Additional Stakeholder 06/22/10 75 FR 35360
Meetings.
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SBREFA.............................. To Be Determined
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: William Perry, Director, Directorate of Standards
and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health
Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Room N-3718,
Washington, DC 20210, Phone: 202 693-1950, Fax: 202 693-1678, Email:
perry.bill@dol.gov.
RIN: 1218-AC48
[FR Doc. 2016-29870 Filed 12-22-16; 8:45 am]
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