29 CFR 0 - ETHICS AND CONDUCT OF DEPARTMENT OF LABOR EMPLOYEES

This document contains two final rules under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to facilitate implementation of new enforcement authority provided to the Secretary of Labor by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Affordable Care Act). The Affordable Care Act authorizes the Secretary to issue a cease and desist order, ex parte (i.e. without prior notice or hearing), when it appears that the alleged conduct of a multiple employer welfare arrangement (MEWA) is fraudulent, creates an immediate danger to the public safety or welfare, or is causing or can be reasonably expected to cause significant, imminent, and irreparable public injury. The Secretary may also issue a summary seizure order when it appears that a MEWA is in a financially hazardous condition. The first regulation establishes the procedures for the Secretary to issue ex parte cease and desist orders and summary seizure orders with respect to fraudulent or insolvent MEWAs. The second regulation establishes the procedures for use by administrative law judges and the Secretary when a MEWA or other person challenges a temporary cease and desist order.

OSHA is correcting its regulations that were amended by the Hazard Communication Standard final rule, published in the Federal Register on March 26, 2012. The majority of the corrections are to references inadvertently missed in the original publication of the final rule. Other corrections include correcting values or notations in tables, and updating references to terms.

This document makes a number of technical amendments to Chapter IV of the Department of Labor's regulations. These amendments are necessary because of the dissolution of the Employment Standards Administration (ESA), and because the Secretary's order of November 16, 2012, delegated authority and assigned responsibilities to the Director of the Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) in administering the Department's responsibilities under the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 (LMRDA) and under certain provisions relating to standards of conduct for federal sector labor organizations in the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA), the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (FSA), and the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (CAA). In addition, a separate order on November 16, 2012, delegated authority and assigned certain responsibilities in enforcement of the CSRA, LMRDA, and FSA, previously vested in ESA, to the Department's Administrative Review Board (ARB).

This document makes a number of technical amendments to Chapter IV of the Department of Labor's regulations. These amendments are necessary because of the dissolution of the Employment Standards Administration (ESA), and because the Secretary's order of November 16, 2012, delegated authority and assigned responsibilities to the Director of the Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) in administering the Department's responsibilities under the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 (LMRDA) and under certain provisions relating to standards of conduct for federal sector labor organizations in the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA), the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (FSA), and the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (CAA). In addition, a separate order on November 16, 2012, delegated authority and assigned certain responsibilities in enforcement of the CSRA, LMRDA, and FSA, previously vested in ESA, to the Department's Administrative Review Board (ARB).

This document makes a number of technical amendments to Chapter IV of the Department of Labor's regulations. These amendments are necessary because of the dissolution of the Employment Standards Administration (ESA), and because the Secretary's order of November 16, 2012, delegated authority and assigned responsibilities to the Director of the Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) in administering the Department's responsibilities under the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 (LMRDA) and under certain provisions relating to standards of conduct for federal sector labor organizations in the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA), the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (FSA), and the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (CAA). In addition, a separate order on November 16, 2012, delegated authority and assigned certain responsibilities in enforcement of the CSRA, LMRDA, and FSA, previously vested in ESA, to the Department's Administrative Review Board (ARB).

This document makes a number of technical amendments to Chapter IV of the Department of Labor's regulations. These amendments are necessary because of the dissolution of the Employment Standards Administration (ESA), and because the Secretary's order of November 16, 2012, delegated authority and assigned responsibilities to the Director of the Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) in administering the Department's responsibilities under the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 (LMRDA) and under certain provisions relating to standards of conduct for federal sector labor organizations in the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA), the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (FSA), and the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (CAA). In addition, a separate order on November 16, 2012, delegated authority and assigned certain responsibilities in enforcement of the CSRA, LMRDA, and FSA, previously vested in ESA, to the Department's Administrative Review Board (ARB).

This document makes a number of technical amendments to Chapter IV of the Department of Labor's regulations. These amendments are necessary because of the dissolution of the Employment Standards Administration (ESA), and because the Secretary's order of November 16, 2012, delegated authority and assigned responsibilities to the Director of the Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) in administering the Department's responsibilities under the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 (LMRDA) and under certain provisions relating to standards of conduct for federal sector labor organizations in the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA), the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (FSA), and the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (CAA). In addition, a separate order on November 16, 2012, delegated authority and assigned certain responsibilities in enforcement of the CSRA, LMRDA, and FSA, previously vested in ESA, to the Department's Administrative Review Board (ARB).

This document makes a number of technical amendments to Chapter IV of the Department of Labor's regulations. These amendments are necessary because of the dissolution of the Employment Standards Administration (ESA), and because the Secretary's order of November 16, 2012, delegated authority and assigned responsibilities to the Director of the Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) in administering the Department's responsibilities under the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 (LMRDA) and under certain provisions relating to standards of conduct for federal sector labor organizations in the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA), the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (FSA), and the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (CAA). In addition, a separate order on November 16, 2012, delegated authority and assigned certain responsibilities in enforcement of the CSRA, LMRDA, and FSA, previously vested in ESA, to the Department's Administrative Review Board (ARB).

This document makes a number of technical amendments to Chapter IV of the Department of Labor's regulations. These amendments are necessary because of the dissolution of the Employment Standards Administration (ESA), and because the Secretary's order of November 16, 2012, delegated authority and assigned responsibilities to the Director of the Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) in administering the Department's responsibilities under the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 (LMRDA) and under certain provisions relating to standards of conduct for federal sector labor organizations in the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA), the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (FSA), and the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (CAA). In addition, a separate order on November 16, 2012, delegated authority and assigned certain responsibilities in enforcement of the CSRA, LMRDA, and FSA, previously vested in ESA, to the Department's Administrative Review Board (ARB).

This document makes a number of technical amendments to Chapter IV of the Department of Labor's regulations. These amendments are necessary because of the dissolution of the Employment Standards Administration (ESA), and because the Secretary's order of November 16, 2012, delegated authority and assigned responsibilities to the Director of the Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) in administering the Department's responsibilities under the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 (LMRDA) and under certain provisions relating to standards of conduct for federal sector labor organizations in the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA), the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (FSA), and the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (CAA). In addition, a separate order on November 16, 2012, delegated authority and assigned certain responsibilities in enforcement of the CSRA, LMRDA, and FSA, previously vested in ESA, to the Department's Administrative Review Board (ARB).

This document makes a number of technical amendments to Chapter IV of the Department of Labor's regulations. These amendments are necessary because of the dissolution of the Employment Standards Administration (ESA), and because the Secretary's order of November 16, 2012, delegated authority and assigned responsibilities to the Director of the Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) in administering the Department's responsibilities under the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 (LMRDA) and under certain provisions relating to standards of conduct for federal sector labor organizations in the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA), the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (FSA), and the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (CAA). In addition, a separate order on November 16, 2012, delegated authority and assigned certain responsibilities in enforcement of the CSRA, LMRDA, and FSA, previously vested in ESA, to the Department's Administrative Review Board (ARB).

This document makes a number of technical amendments to Chapter IV of the Department of Labor's regulations. These amendments are necessary because of the dissolution of the Employment Standards Administration (ESA), and because the Secretary's order of November 16, 2012, delegated authority and assigned responsibilities to the Director of the Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) in administering the Department's responsibilities under the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 (LMRDA) and under certain provisions relating to standards of conduct for federal sector labor organizations in the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA), the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (FSA), and the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (CAA). In addition, a separate order on November 16, 2012, delegated authority and assigned certain responsibilities in enforcement of the CSRA, LMRDA, and FSA, previously vested in ESA, to the Department's Administrative Review Board (ARB).

This document makes a number of technical amendments to Chapter IV of the Department of Labor's regulations. These amendments are necessary because of the dissolution of the Employment Standards Administration (ESA), and because the Secretary's order of November 16, 2012, delegated authority and assigned responsibilities to the Director of the Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) in administering the Department's responsibilities under the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 (LMRDA) and under certain provisions relating to standards of conduct for federal sector labor organizations in the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA), the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (FSA), and the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (CAA). In addition, a separate order on November 16, 2012, delegated authority and assigned certain responsibilities in enforcement of the CSRA, LMRDA, and FSA, previously vested in ESA, to the Department's Administrative Review Board (ARB).

This document makes a number of technical amendments to Chapter IV of the Department of Labor's regulations. These amendments are necessary because of the dissolution of the Employment Standards Administration (ESA), and because the Secretary's order of November 16, 2012, delegated authority and assigned responsibilities to the Director of the Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) in administering the Department's responsibilities under the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 (LMRDA) and under certain provisions relating to standards of conduct for federal sector labor organizations in the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA), the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (FSA), and the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (CAA). In addition, a separate order on November 16, 2012, delegated authority and assigned certain responsibilities in enforcement of the CSRA, LMRDA, and FSA, previously vested in ESA, to the Department's Administrative Review Board (ARB).

This document makes a number of technical amendments to Chapter IV of the Department of Labor's regulations. These amendments are necessary because of the dissolution of the Employment Standards Administration (ESA), and because the Secretary's order of November 16, 2012, delegated authority and assigned responsibilities to the Director of the Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) in administering the Department's responsibilities under the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 (LMRDA) and under certain provisions relating to standards of conduct for federal sector labor organizations in the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA), the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (FSA), and the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (CAA). In addition, a separate order on November 16, 2012, delegated authority and assigned certain responsibilities in enforcement of the CSRA, LMRDA, and FSA, previously vested in ESA, to the Department's Administrative Review Board (ARB).

This final rule amends the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation's regulation on Allocation of Assets in Single-Employer Plans to prescribe interest assumptions for valuation dates in the first quarter of 2013. The interest assumptions are used for valuing benefits under terminating single-employer plans covered by the pension insurance system administered by PBGC. As discussed below, PBGC has published a separate final rule document dealing with interest assumptions under its regulation on Benefits Payable in Terminated Single-Employer Plans for January 2013.

OSHA is confirming the effective date of its direct final rule that revises the Head Protection standards for general industry, shipyard employment, marine terminals, longshoring, and construction by updating the reference to a standard published by a standards-developing organization, the American National Standards Institute. In the June 22, 2012, direct final rule, OSHA stated that it would withdraw the companion proposed rule and confirm the effective date of the direct final rule if the Agency received no significant adverse comments. OSHA did not receive significant adverse comments on the direct final rule. Therefore, OSHA is confirming that the direct final rule became effective on September 20, 2012.

OSHA is confirming the effective date of its direct final rule that revises the Head Protection standards for general industry, shipyard employment, marine terminals, longshoring, and construction by updating the reference to a standard published by a standards-developing organization, the American National Standards Institute. In the June 22, 2012, direct final rule, OSHA stated that it would withdraw the companion proposed rule and confirm the effective date of the direct final rule if the Agency received no significant adverse comments. OSHA did not receive significant adverse comments on the direct final rule. Therefore, OSHA is confirming that the direct final rule became effective on September 20, 2012.

OSHA is confirming the effective date of its direct final rule that revises the Head Protection standards for general industry, shipyard employment, marine terminals, longshoring, and construction by updating the reference to a standard published by a standards-developing organization, the American National Standards Institute. In the June 22, 2012, direct final rule, OSHA stated that it would withdraw the companion proposed rule and confirm the effective date of the direct final rule if the Agency received no significant adverse comments. OSHA did not receive significant adverse comments on the direct final rule. Therefore, OSHA is confirming that the direct final rule became effective on September 20, 2012.

OSHA is confirming the effective date of its direct final rule that revises the Head Protection standards for general industry, shipyard employment, marine terminals, longshoring, and construction by updating the reference to a standard published by a standards-developing organization, the American National Standards Institute. In the June 22, 2012, direct final rule, OSHA stated that it would withdraw the companion proposed rule and confirm the effective date of the direct final rule if the Agency received no significant adverse comments. OSHA did not receive significant adverse comments on the direct final rule. Therefore, OSHA is confirming that the direct final rule became effective on September 20, 2012.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is announcing that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved the revised information collection requirements contained in the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) (29 CFR parts 1910, 1915, and 1926) under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA-95). The OMB control number is 1218-0072.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is announcing that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved the revised information collection requirements contained in the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) (29 CFR parts 1910, 1915, and 1926) under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA-95). The OMB control number is 1218-0072.

The Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission is relocating its Headquarters office and is amending its regulations to inform the public of the address change.

The Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission is relocating its Headquarters office and is amending its regulations to inform the public of the address change.

The Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission is relocating its Headquarters office and is amending its regulations to inform the public of the address change.

The Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission is relocating its Headquarters office and is amending its regulations to inform the public of the address change.

Under ERISA, pension plans and the companies that sponsor them are required to report to PBGC a range of corporate and plan events. In 2009, PBGC proposed to increase reporting requirements by eliminating most reporting waivers. Plan sponsors and pension practitioners objected, saying that PBGC would have required reports where the actual risk to plans and PBGC is minimal. On reflection, PBGC agrees. This new proposal exempts most companies and plans from many reports, and targets requirements to the minority of companies and plans that are at substantial risk of default. PBGC developed a revised proposal under the auspices of Presidential Executive Order 13563, which directs agencies to review and revise existing regulations. Under the new proposal, reporting would be waived for most events currently covered by funding-based waivers if a plan or its sponsor comes within a financial soundness safe harbor based on widely available measures already used in business. Waivers for small plans would be expanded and some other existing waiver provisions would be retained with modifications; other waivers would be eliminated. In this way, PBGC can reduce unnecessary reporting requirements, while at the same time target its resources to plans that are at risk. The revised proposal will exempt more than 90 percent of plans and sponsors from many reporting requirements. Reporting requirements would also be made simpler and more uniform. PBGC will also provide for more open and extensive public comment on the proposed rule.

Under ERISA, pension plans and the companies that sponsor them are required to report to PBGC a range of corporate and plan events. In 2009, PBGC proposed to increase reporting requirements by eliminating most reporting waivers. Plan sponsors and pension practitioners objected, saying that PBGC would have required reports where the actual risk to plans and PBGC is minimal. On reflection, PBGC agrees. This new proposal exempts most companies and plans from many reports, and targets requirements to the minority of companies and plans that are at substantial risk of default. PBGC developed a revised proposal under the auspices of Presidential Executive Order 13563, which directs agencies to review and revise existing regulations. Under the new proposal, reporting would be waived for most events currently covered by funding-based waivers if a plan or its sponsor comes within a financial soundness safe harbor based on widely available measures already used in business. Waivers for small plans would be expanded and some other existing waiver provisions would be retained with modifications; other waivers would be eliminated. In this way, PBGC can reduce unnecessary reporting requirements, while at the same time target its resources to plans that are at risk. The revised proposal will exempt more than 90 percent of plans and sponsors from many reporting requirements. Reporting requirements would also be made simpler and more uniform. PBGC will also provide for more open and extensive public comment on the proposed rule.

Under ERISA, pension plans and the companies that sponsor them are required to report to PBGC a range of corporate and plan events. In 2009, PBGC proposed to increase reporting requirements by eliminating most reporting waivers. Plan sponsors and pension practitioners objected, saying that PBGC would have required reports where the actual risk to plans and PBGC is minimal. On reflection, PBGC agrees. This new proposal exempts most companies and plans from many reports, and targets requirements to the minority of companies and plans that are at substantial risk of default. PBGC developed a revised proposal under the auspices of Presidential Executive Order 13563, which directs agencies to review and revise existing regulations. Under the new proposal, reporting would be waived for most events currently covered by funding-based waivers if a plan or its sponsor comes within a financial soundness safe harbor based on widely available measures already used in business. Waivers for small plans would be expanded and some other existing waiver provisions would be retained with modifications; other waivers would be eliminated. In this way, PBGC can reduce unnecessary reporting requirements, while at the same time target its resources to plans that are at risk. The revised proposal will exempt more than 90 percent of plans and sponsors from many reporting requirements. Reporting requirements would also be made simpler and more uniform. PBGC will also provide for more open and extensive public comment on the proposed rule.

Under ERISA, pension plans and the companies that sponsor them are required to report to PBGC a range of corporate and plan events. In 2009, PBGC proposed to increase reporting requirements by eliminating most reporting waivers. Plan sponsors and pension practitioners objected, saying that PBGC would have required reports where the actual risk to plans and PBGC is minimal. On reflection, PBGC agrees. This new proposal exempts most companies and plans from many reports, and targets requirements to the minority of companies and plans that are at substantial risk of default. PBGC developed a revised proposal under the auspices of Presidential Executive Order 13563, which directs agencies to review and revise existing regulations. Under the new proposal, reporting would be waived for most events currently covered by funding-based waivers if a plan or its sponsor comes within a financial soundness safe harbor based on widely available measures already used in business. Waivers for small plans would be expanded and some other existing waiver provisions would be retained with modifications; other waivers would be eliminated. In this way, PBGC can reduce unnecessary reporting requirements, while at the same time target its resources to plans that are at risk. The revised proposal will exempt more than 90 percent of plans and sponsors from many reporting requirements. Reporting requirements would also be made simpler and more uniform. PBGC will also provide for more open and extensive public comment on the proposed rule.

This document contains two final rules under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to facilitate implementation of new enforcement authority provided to the Secretary of Labor by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Affordable Care Act). The Affordable Care Act authorizes the Secretary to issue a cease and desist order, ex parte (i.e. without prior notice or hearing), when it appears that the alleged conduct of a multiple employer welfare arrangement (MEWA) is fraudulent, creates an immediate danger to the public safety or welfare, or is causing or can be reasonably expected to cause significant, imminent, and irreparable public injury. The Secretary may also issue a summary seizure order when it appears that a MEWA is in a financially hazardous condition. The first regulation establishes the procedures for the Secretary to issue ex parte cease and desist orders and summary seizure orders with respect to fraudulent or insolvent MEWAs. The second regulation establishes the procedures for use by administrative law judges and the Secretary when a MEWA or other person challenges a temporary cease and desist order.

OSHA is correcting its regulations that were amended by the Hazard Communication Standard final rule, published in the Federal Register on March 26, 2012. The majority of the corrections are to references inadvertently missed in the original publication of the final rule. Other corrections include correcting values or notations in tables, and updating references to terms.

This document proposes amendments to rules regarding coverage for certain preventive services under section 2713 of the Public Health Service Act, as added by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended, and incorporated into the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Internal Revenue Code. Section 2713 of the Public Health Service Act requires coverage without cost sharing of certain preventive health services, including certain contraceptive services, in non-exempt, non-grandfathered group health plans and health insurance coverage. The proposed rules would amend the authorization to exempt group health plans established or maintained by certain religious employers (and group health insurance coverage provided in connection with such plans) with respect to the requirement to cover contraceptive services. The proposed rules would also establish accommodations for group health plans established or maintained by eligible organizations (and group health insurance coverage offered in connection with such plans), including student health insurance coverage arranged by eligible organizations that are religious institutions of higher education. This document also proposes related amendments to regulations concerning excepted benefits and Affordable Insurance Exchanges.

This document makes a number of technical amendments to Chapter IV of the Department of Labor's regulations. These amendments are necessary because of the dissolution of the Employment Standards Administration (ESA), and because the Secretary's order of November 16, 2012, delegated authority and assigned responsibilities to the Director of the Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) in administering the Department's responsibilities under the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 (LMRDA) and under certain provisions relating to standards of conduct for federal sector labor organizations in the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA), the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (FSA), and the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (CAA). In addition, a separate order on November 16, 2012, delegated authority and assigned certain responsibilities in enforcement of the CSRA, LMRDA, and FSA, previously vested in ESA, to the Department's Administrative Review Board (ARB).

This document makes a number of technical amendments to Chapter IV of the Department of Labor's regulations. These amendments are necessary because of the dissolution of the Employment Standards Administration (ESA), and because the Secretary's order of November 16, 2012, delegated authority and assigned responsibilities to the Director of the Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) in administering the Department's responsibilities under the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 (LMRDA) and under certain provisions relating to standards of conduct for federal sector labor organizations in the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA), the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (FSA), and the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (CAA). In addition, a separate order on November 16, 2012, delegated authority and assigned certain responsibilities in enforcement of the CSRA, LMRDA, and FSA, previously vested in ESA, to the Department's Administrative Review Board (ARB).

This document makes a number of technical amendments to Chapter IV of the Department of Labor's regulations. These amendments are necessary because of the dissolution of the Employment Standards Administration (ESA), and because the Secretary's order of November 16, 2012, delegated authority and assigned responsibilities to the Director of the Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) in administering the Department's responsibilities under the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 (LMRDA) and under certain provisions relating to standards of conduct for federal sector labor organizations in the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA), the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (FSA), and the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (CAA). In addition, a separate order on November 16, 2012, delegated authority and assigned certain responsibilities in enforcement of the CSRA, LMRDA, and FSA, previously vested in ESA, to the Department's Administrative Review Board (ARB).

This document makes a number of technical amendments to Chapter IV of the Department of Labor's regulations. These amendments are necessary because of the dissolution of the Employment Standards Administration (ESA), and because the Secretary's order of November 16, 2012, delegated authority and assigned responsibilities to the Director of the Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) in administering the Department's responsibilities under the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 (LMRDA) and under certain provisions relating to standards of conduct for federal sector labor organizations in the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA), the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (FSA), and the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (CAA). In addition, a separate order on November 16, 2012, delegated authority and assigned certain responsibilities in enforcement of the CSRA, LMRDA, and FSA, previously vested in ESA, to the Department's Administrative Review Board (ARB).

This document makes a number of technical amendments to Chapter IV of the Department of Labor's regulations. These amendments are necessary because of the dissolution of the Employment Standards Administration (ESA), and because the Secretary's order of November 16, 2012, delegated authority and assigned responsibilities to the Director of the Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) in administering the Department's responsibilities under the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 (LMRDA) and under certain provisions relating to standards of conduct for federal sector labor organizations in the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA), the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (FSA), and the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (CAA). In addition, a separate order on November 16, 2012, delegated authority and assigned certain responsibilities in enforcement of the CSRA, LMRDA, and FSA, previously vested in ESA, to the Department's Administrative Review Board (ARB).

This document makes a number of technical amendments to Chapter IV of the Department of Labor's regulations. These amendments are necessary because of the dissolution of the Employment Standards Administration (ESA), and because the Secretary's order of November 16, 2012, delegated authority and assigned responsibilities to the Director of the Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) in administering the Department's responsibilities under the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 (LMRDA) and under certain provisions relating to standards of conduct for federal sector labor organizations in the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA), the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (FSA), and the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (CAA). In addition, a separate order on November 16, 2012, delegated authority and assigned certain responsibilities in enforcement of the CSRA, LMRDA, and FSA, previously vested in ESA, to the Department's Administrative Review Board (ARB).

This document makes a number of technical amendments to Chapter IV of the Department of Labor's regulations. These amendments are necessary because of the dissolution of the Employment Standards Administration (ESA), and because the Secretary's order of November 16, 2012, delegated authority and assigned responsibilities to the Director of the Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) in administering the Department's responsibilities under the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 (LMRDA) and under certain provisions relating to standards of conduct for federal sector labor organizations in the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA), the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (FSA), and the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (CAA). In addition, a separate order on November 16, 2012, delegated authority and assigned certain responsibilities in enforcement of the CSRA, LMRDA, and FSA, previously vested in ESA, to the Department's Administrative Review Board (ARB).

This document makes a number of technical amendments to Chapter IV of the Department of Labor's regulations. These amendments are necessary because of the dissolution of the Employment Standards Administration (ESA), and because the Secretary's order of November 16, 2012, delegated authority and assigned responsibilities to the Director of the Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) in administering the Department's responsibilities under the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 (LMRDA) and under certain provisions relating to standards of conduct for federal sector labor organizations in the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA), the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (FSA), and the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (CAA). In addition, a separate order on November 16, 2012, delegated authority and assigned certain responsibilities in enforcement of the CSRA, LMRDA, and FSA, previously vested in ESA, to the Department's Administrative Review Board (ARB).

This document makes a number of technical amendments to Chapter IV of the Department of Labor's regulations. These amendments are necessary because of the dissolution of the Employment Standards Administration (ESA), and because the Secretary's order of November 16, 2012, delegated authority and assigned responsibilities to the Director of the Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) in administering the Department's responsibilities under the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 (LMRDA) and under certain provisions relating to standards of conduct for federal sector labor organizations in the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA), the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (FSA), and the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (CAA). In addition, a separate order on November 16, 2012, delegated authority and assigned certain responsibilities in enforcement of the CSRA, LMRDA, and FSA, previously vested in ESA, to the Department's Administrative Review Board (ARB).

This document makes a number of technical amendments to Chapter IV of the Department of Labor's regulations. These amendments are necessary because of the dissolution of the Employment Standards Administration (ESA), and because the Secretary's order of November 16, 2012, delegated authority and assigned responsibilities to the Director of the Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) in administering the Department's responsibilities under the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 (LMRDA) and under certain provisions relating to standards of conduct for federal sector labor organizations in the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA), the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (FSA), and the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (CAA). In addition, a separate order on November 16, 2012, delegated authority and assigned certain responsibilities in enforcement of the CSRA, LMRDA, and FSA, previously vested in ESA, to the Department's Administrative Review Board (ARB).

This document makes a number of technical amendments to Chapter IV of the Department of Labor's regulations. These amendments are necessary because of the dissolution of the Employment Standards Administration (ESA), and because the Secretary's order of November 16, 2012, delegated authority and assigned responsibilities to the Director of the Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) in administering the Department's responsibilities under the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 (LMRDA) and under certain provisions relating to standards of conduct for federal sector labor organizations in the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA), the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (FSA), and the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (CAA). In addition, a separate order on November 16, 2012, delegated authority and assigned certain responsibilities in enforcement of the CSRA, LMRDA, and FSA, previously vested in ESA, to the Department's Administrative Review Board (ARB).

This document makes a number of technical amendments to Chapter IV of the Department of Labor's regulations. These amendments are necessary because of the dissolution of the Employment Standards Administration (ESA), and because the Secretary's order of November 16, 2012, delegated authority and assigned responsibilities to the Director of the Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) in administering the Department's responsibilities under the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 (LMRDA) and under certain provisions relating to standards of conduct for federal sector labor organizations in the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA), the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (FSA), and the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (CAA). In addition, a separate order on November 16, 2012, delegated authority and assigned certain responsibilities in enforcement of the CSRA, LMRDA, and FSA, previously vested in ESA, to the Department's Administrative Review Board (ARB).

This document makes a number of technical amendments to Chapter IV of the Department of Labor's regulations. These amendments are necessary because of the dissolution of the Employment Standards Administration (ESA), and because the Secretary's order of November 16, 2012, delegated authority and assigned responsibilities to the Director of the Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) in administering the Department's responsibilities under the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 (LMRDA) and under certain provisions relating to standards of conduct for federal sector labor organizations in the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA), the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (FSA), and the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (CAA). In addition, a separate order on November 16, 2012, delegated authority and assigned certain responsibilities in enforcement of the CSRA, LMRDA, and FSA, previously vested in ESA, to the Department's Administrative Review Board (ARB).

This final rule amends the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation's regulation on Allocation of Assets in Single-Employer Plans to prescribe interest assumptions for valuation dates in the first quarter of 2013. The interest assumptions are used for valuing benefits under terminating single-employer plans covered by the pension insurance system administered by PBGC. As discussed below, PBGC has published a separate final rule document dealing with interest assumptions under its regulation on Benefits Payable in Terminated Single-Employer Plans for January 2013.

This document contains a notice of pendency before the Department of Labor (the Department) of a proposed amendment to PTE 2006-06, a prohibited transaction class exemption issued under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Among other things, PTE 2006-06 permits a “qualified termination administrator” (QTA) of an individual account plan that has been abandoned by its sponsoring employer to select itself to provide services to the plan in connection with the plan's termination, and to pay itself fees for those services.

This document contains a notice of pendency before the Department of Labor (the Department) of a proposed amendment to PTE 2006-06, a prohibited transaction class exemption issued under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Among other things, PTE 2006-06 permits a “qualified termination administrator” (QTA) of an individual account plan that has been abandoned by its sponsoring employer to select itself to provide services to the plan in connection with the plan's termination, and to pay itself fees for those services.

This document contains proposed amendments to three regulations previously published under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 that facilitate the termination of, and distribution of benefits from, individual account pension plans that have been abandoned by their sponsoring employers. The principal amendments propose to permit bankruptcy trustees to use the Department's Abandoned Plan Program to terminate and wind up the plans of sponsors in liquidation under chapter 7 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. In addition, other technical amendments are proposed to improve the operation of the regulations. If adopted, the amendments would affect employee benefit plans, primarily small defined contribution plans, participants and beneficiaries, service providers, and individuals appointed to serve as trustees under chapter 7 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.

This document contains proposed amendments to three regulations previously published under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 that facilitate the termination of, and distribution of benefits from, individual account pension plans that have been abandoned by their sponsoring employers. The principal amendments propose to permit bankruptcy trustees to use the Department's Abandoned Plan Program to terminate and wind up the plans of sponsors in liquidation under chapter 7 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. In addition, other technical amendments are proposed to improve the operation of the regulations. If adopted, the amendments would affect employee benefit plans, primarily small defined contribution plans, participants and beneficiaries, service providers, and individuals appointed to serve as trustees under chapter 7 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.

OSHA is confirming the effective date of its direct final rule that revises the Head Protection standards for general industry, shipyard employment, marine terminals, longshoring, and construction by updating the reference to a standard published by a standards-developing organization, the American National Standards Institute. In the June 22, 2012, direct final rule, OSHA stated that it would withdraw the companion proposed rule and confirm the effective date of the direct final rule if the Agency received no significant adverse comments. OSHA did not receive significant adverse comments on the direct final rule. Therefore, OSHA is confirming that the direct final rule became effective on September 20, 2012.

OSHA is confirming the effective date of its direct final rule that revises the Head Protection standards for general industry, shipyard employment, marine terminals, longshoring, and construction by updating the reference to a standard published by a standards-developing organization, the American National Standards Institute. In the June 22, 2012, direct final rule, OSHA stated that it would withdraw the companion proposed rule and confirm the effective date of the direct final rule if the Agency received no significant adverse comments. OSHA did not receive significant adverse comments on the direct final rule. Therefore, OSHA is confirming that the direct final rule became effective on September 20, 2012.

OSHA is confirming the effective date of its direct final rule that revises the Head Protection standards for general industry, shipyard employment, marine terminals, longshoring, and construction by updating the reference to a standard published by a standards-developing organization, the American National Standards Institute. In the June 22, 2012, direct final rule, OSHA stated that it would withdraw the companion proposed rule and confirm the effective date of the direct final rule if the Agency received no significant adverse comments. OSHA did not receive significant adverse comments on the direct final rule. Therefore, OSHA is confirming that the direct final rule became effective on September 20, 2012.

OSHA is confirming the effective date of its direct final rule that revises the Head Protection standards for general industry, shipyard employment, marine terminals, longshoring, and construction by updating the reference to a standard published by a standards-developing organization, the American National Standards Institute. In the June 22, 2012, direct final rule, OSHA stated that it would withdraw the companion proposed rule and confirm the effective date of the direct final rule if the Agency received no significant adverse comments. OSHA did not receive significant adverse comments on the direct final rule. Therefore, OSHA is confirming that the direct final rule became effective on September 20, 2012.

This final rule amends the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation's regulation on Benefits Payable in Terminated Single-Employer Plans to prescribe interest assumptions under the regulation for valuation dates in December 2012. The interest assumptions are used for paying benefits under terminating single-employer plans covered by the pension insurance system administered by PBGC.

With this notice, OSHA is withdrawing the proposed rule that accompanied its direct-final rule revising its Head Protection standards for general industry, shipyard employment, marine terminals, longshoring, and construction.

With this notice, OSHA is withdrawing the proposed rule that accompanied its direct-final rule revising its Head Protection standards for general industry, shipyard employment, marine terminals, longshoring, and construction.

With this notice, OSHA is withdrawing the proposed rule that accompanied its direct-final rule revising its Head Protection standards for general industry, shipyard employment, marine terminals, longshoring, and construction.

With this notice, OSHA is withdrawing the proposed rule that accompanied its direct-final rule revising its Head Protection standards for general industry, shipyard employment, marine terminals, longshoring, and construction.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is announcing that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved the revised information collection requirements contained in the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) (29 CFR parts 1910, 1915, and 1926) under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA-95). The OMB control number is 1218-0072.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is announcing that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved the revised information collection requirements contained in the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) (29 CFR parts 1910, 1915, and 1926) under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA-95). The OMB control number is 1218-0072.

The Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission is relocating its Headquarters office and is amending its regulations to inform the public of the address change.

The Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission is relocating its Headquarters office and is amending its regulations to inform the public of the address change.

The Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission is relocating its Headquarters office and is amending its regulations to inform the public of the address change.

The Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission is relocating its Headquarters office and is amending its regulations to inform the public of the address change.