02-26523. Civil Penalties Under ERISA Section 502(c)(7) and Conforming Technical Changes on Civil Penalties Under ERISA Sections 502(c)(2), 502(c)(5) and 502(c)(6)

AGENCY:

Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, Department of Labor.

ACTION:

Interim final rules and request for comments.

SUMMARY:

This document contains interim final rules under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) that implement certain amendments to ERISA added as part of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOA). The interim final rules establish procedures relating to the assessment of civil penalties by the Department of Labor (Department) under section 502(c)(7) of ERISA for failures or refusals by plan administrators to provide notices of a blackout period as required by section 101(i) of ERISA. These rules are being published as interim final rules pursuant to the authority granted the Department by section 306(b)(2) of SOA. This document also contains interim final rules making conforming technical changes to the agency's rules of practice and procedure for other civil penalties under section 502(c) of ERISA. The interim final rules affect employee benefit plans, plan sponsors, administrators and fiduciaries, and plan participants and beneficiaries.

DATES:

This regulation is effective January 26, 2003. Written comments are invited and must be received by the Department on or before November 20, 2002.

ADDRESSES:

Interested persons are invited to submit written comments (preferably three copies) to: Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, Room N-5669, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20210. Attention: Blackout Civil Penalty Regulation. Written comments may also be sent by Internet to the following address: [e-mail]. All submissions will be open to public inspection and copying from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Public Disclosure Room, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, Room N-1513, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20210.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Susan Elizabeth Rees, Office of Regulations and Interpretations, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, [phone] (not a toll-free number).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

A. Background

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOA), Public Law 107-204, enacted on July 30, 2002, provides that the Secretary of Labor (the Secretary) shall promulgate, within 75 days of enactment, interim final rules necessary to carry out the provisions of section 306(b) of the SOA and, accordingly, these interim final rules will become effective without advance notice and comment.

Section 306(b)(1) of SOA amended section 101 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA), to add a new subsection (i) requiring that administrators of individual account plans provide notice to affected participants and beneficiaries in advance of the commencement of any blackout period. Elsewhere in the Federal Register today, the Department has published an interim final rule, to be codified at 29 CFR 2520.101-3, implementing the notice requirements in ERISA section 101(i).

Section 306(b)(3) of SOA amended section 502(c) of ERISA to add a new paragraph (7) establishing a civil penalty for an administrator's failure or refusal to provide timely notice of a blackout period to participants and beneficiaries. Specifically, section 502(c)(7) provides that the Secretary may assess a civil penalty of up to $100 a day from the date of the plan administrator's failure or refusal to provide notice to a participant or beneficiary in accordance with ERISA section 101(i).

This document contains interim final rules to be published at 29 CFR parts 2560 and 2570, that implement the civil penalty provision in ERISA section 502(c)(7). The interim final rules establish procedures relating to the assessment and administrative review of civil penalties by the Department of Labor (Department) under section 502(c)(7) of ERISA for failures or refusals by plan administrators to provide notice of a blackout period as required by section 101(i) of ERISA and § 2520.101-3. This document also contains interim final rules that make changes to the existing civil penalty rules under ERISA sections 502(c)(2), 502(c)(5), and 502(c)(6) to incorporate certain technical improvements being adopted as part of the section 502(c)(7) implementing regulations. Set forth below is a general description of the interim final rules.

B. Description of Regulations

Authority to Assess Civil Penalties for Violations of Section 101(i) of ERISA—§ 2560.502c-7

Section 2560.502c-7(a) addresses the general application of section 502(c)(7) of ERISA. Paragraph (a)(1) provides that the administrator, as defined in ERISA section 3(16)(A), of an individual account plan shall be liable for civil penalties assessed by the Secretary under section 502(c)(7) in each case in which there is a failure or refusal to provide to an affected participant or beneficiary notice of a blackout period as required under section 101(i) of ERISA and § 2520.101-3. Paragraph (a)(2) defines such a failure or refusal as a failure or refusal, in whole or in part, to furnish the blackout notice at the time and in the manner as required under section 101(i) of ERISA and the Department's regulation at § 2520.101-3.

Section 2560.502c-7(b) sets forth the amount of penalties that may be assessed under section 502(c)(7) of ERISA. Paragraph (b)(1) provides that the Department may assess a penalty of up to $100 per day per each affected participant or beneficiary. The amount assessed for each violation under the regulation is computed from the date of the administrator's failure or refusal to provide a notice of blackout period up to and including the date that is the final day of the blackout period for which the notice was required. Section 2560.502c-7(b)(2) provides that for purposes of calculating the amount, each violation with respect to each participant or beneficiary shall be treated as a separate violation of section 101(i) of ERISA.

Section 2560.502c-7(c) provides that, prior to assessing a penalty under ERISA section 502(c)(7), the Department shall provide the plan administrator with written notice indicating the Department's intent to assess a penalty under section 502(c)(7), the amount of such penalty, the number of participants and beneficiaries on which the penalty is based, the period to which the penalty applies, and the reason(s) for the penalty. The notice is to be served in accordance with § 2560.502c-7(i) (service of notice provision).

Section 2560.502c-7(d) provides that the Department may determine not to assess a penalty, or to waive all or part of the penalty to be assessed, under ERISA section 502(c)(7), upon a showing by the administrator, under paragraph (e), of compliance with ERISA section 101(i) or that there were mitigating circumstances for noncompliance. Under paragraph (e), the administrator has 30 days from the date of service of the notice issued under § 2560.502c-7(c) within which to file a statement making such a showing. When the Department serves the notice under paragraph (c) by certified mail, service is complete upon mailing but five (5) days are added to the time allowed for the filing of the statement (see § 2560.502c-7(i)(2)).

Section 2560.502c-7(f) provides that a failure to file a timely statement under paragraph (e) shall be deemed to be a waiver of the right to appear and contest the facts alleged in the Department's notice of intent to assess a penalty for purposes of any adjudicatory proceeding involving the assessment of the penalty under section 502(c)(7) of ERISA, and to be an admission of the facts alleged in the notice of intent to assess. Such notice then becomes a final order of the Secretary 45 days from the date of service of the notice.

Section 2560.502c-7(g)(1) provides that, following a review of the facts alleged in the plan administrator's statement under paragraph (e), the Department shall notify the administrator of its determination whether to assess the penalty, or to waive the penalty, in whole or in part. Under paragraph (g)(2), such notice then becomes a final order 45 days from the date of service of the notice, except as provided in paragraph (h).

Section 2560.502c-7(h) provides that the notice described in paragraph (g) will not become a final order of the Department if, within 30 days of the date of service of the notice, the administrator or representative files a request for a hearing under “ 2570.130 et seq. (also published as part of this interim final rulemaking) and files an answer, in writing, supported by reference to specific circumstances or facts surrounding the notice. When the Department serves the notice under paragraph (g) by mail, service is complete upon mailing but five (5) days are added to the time allowed for the filing of a request for hearing and answer (see § 2560.502c-7(i)(2)).

Section 2560.502c-7(i)(1) describes the rules relating to service of the Department's notice of penalty assessment (§ 2560.502c-7(c)) and the Department's notice of determination on a statement of reasonable cause (§ 2560.502c-7(g)). Paragraph (i)(1) provides that service by the Department shall be made by delivering a copy to the administrator or representative thereof; by leaving a copy at the principal office, place of business, or residence of the administrator or representative thereof; or by mailing a copy to the last known address of the administrator or representative thereof. As noted above, paragraph (i)(2) of this section provides that when service of a notice under paragraph (c) or (g) is by certified mail, service is complete upon mailing, but five (5) days are added to the time allowed for the filing of a statement or a request for hearing and answer, as applicable. Service by regular mail is complete upon receipt by the addressee.

Section 2560.502c-7(i)(3), which relates to the filing of statements of reasonable cause, provides that a statement of reasonable cause shall be considered filed (i) upon mailing if accomplished using United States Postal Service certified mail or Express Mail, (ii) upon receipt by the delivery service if accomplished using a “designated private delivery service” within the meaning of 26 U.S.C. 7502(f), (iii) upon transmittal if transmitted in a manner specified in the notice of intent to assess a penalty as a method of transmittal to be accorded such special treatment, or (iv) in the case of any other method of filing, upon receipt by the Department at the address provided in the notice. This provision does not apply to the filing of requests for hearing and answers with the Office of the Administrative Law Judge (OALJ) which are governed by the Department's OALJ rules in 29 CFR 18.4.

Section 2560.502c-7(j) clarifies the liability of the parties for penalties assessed under section 502(c)(7) of ERISA. Paragraph (j)(1) provides that, if more than one person is responsible as administrator for the failure to provide the required blackout notice, all such persons shall be jointly and severally liable for such failure. Paragraph (j)(2) provides that any person against whom a penalty is assessed under section 502(c)(7) of ERISA, pursuant to a final order, is personally liable for the payment of such penalty. Paragraph (j)(2) provides that liability for the payment of penalties assessed under section 502(c)(7) of ERISA is a personal liability of the person against whom the penalty is assessed and not a liability of the plan. It is the Department's view that payment of penalties assessed under ERISA section 502(c) from plan assets would not constitute a reasonable expense of administering a plan for purposes of ERISA § 403 and § 404.

Procedures for Assessment of Civil Penalties Under ERISA Section 502(c)(7)—§ 2570.130 et seq.

Section 2570.130 et seq., establishes procedures for hearings before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) with respect to assessment by the Department of a civil penalty under ERISA section 502(c)(7), and for appealing an ALJ decision to the Secretary or her delegate. With regard to such procedures, the Secretary has established the Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration (PWBA) within the Department for purposes of carrying out most of the Secretary's responsibilities under ERISA. See Secretary's Order 1-87, 52 FR 13139 (April 27, 1987).

The Department has already published rules of practice and procedure for administrative hearings before the OALJ at 29 CFR part 18 (48 FR 32538 (1983)). As explained in 29 CFR 18.1, those provisions generally govern administrative hearings before ALJs assigned to the Department and are intended to provide uniformity in the conduct of administrative hearings. However, in the event of an inconsistency or conflict between the provisions of 29 CFR part 18 and a rule or procedure required by statute, executive order or regulation, the latter controls.

The Department has reviewed the applicability of the provisions of 29 CFR part 18 to the assessment of civil penalties under ERISA section 502(c)(7) and has decided to adopt many, though not all, of the provisions thereunder for ERISA 502(c)(7) proceedings. The interim final rule relates specifically to procedures for assessing civil penalties under section 502(c)(7) of ERISA and is controlling to the extent it is inconsistent with any portion of 29 CFR part 18. The final rule is designed to maintain the rules set forth at 29 CFR part 18 consistent with the need for an expedited procedure, while recognizing the special characteristics of proceedings under ERISA section 502(c)(7). For purposes of clarity, where a particular section of part 18 would be affected by the final rule, the entire section (with appropriate modifications) has been set out in this document. Thus, only a portion of the provisions of the procedural regulations set forth below involves changes from, or additions to, the rules in 29 CFR part 18. The specific modifications to the rules in 29 CFR part 18, and their relationship to the conduct of these proceedings generally, are outlined below.

The general applicability of the procedural rules under section 502(c)(7) of ERISA is set forth in § 2570.130. The definition section (§ 2570.131) incorporates the basic adjudicatory principles set forth at 29 CFR part 18, but includes terms and concepts of specific relevance to proceedings under ERISA section 502(c)(7). For instance, § 2570.131(c) defines the term “Answer,” as “a written statement that is supported by reference to specific circumstances or facts surrounding the notice of determination issued pursuant to § 2560.502c-7(g) of this chapter.” Also, § 2570.131(p) states that the term “Secretary” means the Secretary of Labor and includes various individuals to whom the Secretary may delegate authority. The Department contemplates that the duties assigned to the Secretary under the procedural regulation will in fact be discharged by the Assistant Secretary for Pension and Welfare Benefits or his or her delegate.

In general, the burden to initiate adjudicatory proceedings before an ALJ will be on the party (respondent) against whom the Department is seeking to assess a civil penalty under ERISA section 502(c)(7). However, a respondent must comply with the procedures relating to agency review set forth in § 2560.502c-7 before initiating adjudicatory proceedings. Section 2570.131(c) and (d), together with § 2560.502c-7(h), provide that a notice issued pursuant to § 2560.502c-7(g) will not become the final order of the Department, if, within 30 days from the date of the service of the notice, the administrator or representative thereof files a request for a hearing under § 2570.130 et seq., and files an answer to the notice.

The service of documents by the parties to an adjudicatory proceeding, as well as by the ALJ, are governed by § 2570.132. Section 2570.133 describes how the parties are designated and provides a procedure for interested parties other than the complainant (the Department) and the respondent (the party against whom the civil penalty is sought) to participate. Section 2570.134 provides that if the respondent fails to request a hearing and file an answer to the Department's notice of determination (§ 2560.502c-7(g)) within the 30 day period provided by “2560.502c-7(h), such failure shall be deemed to constitute a waiver of the right to appear and contest the facts alleged in the notice and shall be deemed to constitute an admission of the facts alleged in the notice for purposes of any proceeding involving the assessment of a civil penalty under section 502(c)(7) of ERISA. Section 2570.134 also, in conjunction with § 2570.131(g), makes clear that, in the event of such failure, the assessment of penalty becomes final 45 days from the service of the notice of determination.

Section 2570.135 provides that the ALJ's decision shall include the terms and conditions of any consent order or settlement which has been agreed to by the parties. This section also prescribes the content of any such agreement, and provides for settlements without the consent of all parties. This section provides that the decision of the ALJ which incorporates such consent order shall become a final agency action within the meaning of 5 U.S.C. 704.

The rules in 29 CFR part 18 concerning the computation of time, pleadings, prehearing conferences and statements, and settlements are adopted in these procedures for adjudications under ERISA section 502(c)(7). However, § 2570.136 states that discovery may be ordered by the ALJ only upon a showing of good cause by the party seeking discovery. This differs from the more liberal standard for discovery contained in 29 CFR 18.14. In cases in which discovery is ordered by the ALJ, the order shall expressly limit the scope and terms of discovery to that for which good cause has been shown. To the extent that the order of the ALJ does not specify rules for the conduct of the discovery permitted by such order, the rules governing the conduct of discovery from 29 CFR part 18 are to be applied in any proceeding under section 502(c)(7) of ERISA. For example, if the order of the ALJ states only that interrogatories on certain subjects may be permitted, the rules under 29 CFR part 18 concerning the service and answering of such interrogatories shall apply. The procedures under 29 CFR part 18 for the submission of facts to the ALJ during the hearing are also to be applied in proceedings under ERISA section 502(c)(7).

The section on summary decisions (§ 2570.137) provides authorization for an ALJ to issue a summary decision which may become final when there are no genuine issues of material fact in a case arising under ERISA section 502(c)(7). The section concerning the decision of the ALJ (§ 2570.138) differs from its counterpart at § 18.57 of this title in that § 2570.138 states that the decision of the ALJ in an ERISA section 502(c)(7) case shall become the final agency action unless a timely appeal is filed.

The procedures for appeals of ALJ decisions under ERISA section 502(c)(7) of ERISA would be governed solely by §§ 2570.139 through 2570.141, as acknowledged in 29 CFR 18.58. Section 2570.139 establishes the time limit within which such appeals must be filed, the manner in which the issues for appeal are determined and the procedure for making the entire record before the ALJ available to the Secretary. Section 2570.140 provides that review of the Secretary shall not be on a de novo basis, but rather on the basis of the record before the ALJ and without an opportunity for oral argument. Section 2570.141 sets forth the procedure for establishing a briefing schedule for such appeals and states that the decision of the Secretary on such an appeal shall be a final agency action within the meaning of 5 U.S.C. 704. As required by the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 552(a)(2)(A)) all final decisions of the Department under section 502(c)(7) of ERISA shall be compiled in the Public Disclosure Room of the Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, Room N-1513, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20210.

Conforming Changes to Existing Civil Penalties Rules

This document also contains interim final rules amending the existing civil penalty assessment regulations under ERISA section 502(c)(2), 502(c)(5) and 502(c)(7) in part 2560 and part 2570 of subchapter G, to conform them to the rules of practice and procedure being adopted for penalty proceedings under ERISA section 502(c)(7) in 29 CFR 2560.502c-7 and part 2570 subpart G. The amendments, described below, affect certain rules for penalty assessment and administrative review in § 2560.502c-2, § 2560.502c-5, § 2560.502c-6, and subparts C, E, and F of part 2570.

The primary amendments are intended to conform the filing and service rules under § 2560.502c-2, § 2560.502c-5 and § 2560.502c-6 to those being adopted for proceedings under § 2560.502c-7. Specifically, § 2560.502c-2(i)(2), § 2560.502c-5(i)(2) and § 2560.502c-6(i)(2) are being amended to provide an additional five days in which to file a statement of reasonable cause or a request for hearing and answer, as applicable, when the Department serves a notice of intent to assess a penalty or a notice of penalty determination by certified mail, and to provide that service of a notice by the Department by regular mail is complete upon receipt. Sections 2560.502c-2(i)(3), 2560.502c-5(i)(3), and 2560.502c-6(i)(3) are also amended to conform to the provisions in § 2560.502c-7 under which statements of reasonable cause are treated as filed on mailing or on transmittal under certain circumstances.

The remaining amendments were necessary to accommodate those changes in the filing and service rules, or were technical clarifications. Specifically, § 2560.502c-2(f), § 2560.502c-5(f), and § 2560.502c-6(f) are being amended to provide that if an administrator failed to timely file a statement of reasonable cause, notices of intent to assess became final orders 45 days from the date of service of the notice. Sections 2560.502c-2(g) and (h), 2560.502c-5(g) and (h) and 2560.502c-6(g) and (h) are being amended to provide that notices of determination would become final orders 45 days from the date of service except that the determinations do not become final orders if the administrator files a timely request for a hearing and an answer. Corresponding amendments are being made to § 2570.64, § 2570.94, and § 2570.114, which describe the “consequences of default” for ERISA section 502(c)(2), section 502(c)(5), and section 502(c)(6) civil penalty proceedings, respectively.

Sections 2560.502c-2(d) and (e), 2560.502c-5(d) and (e), and 2560.502c-6(d) and (e) are being amended to use the clarifying language adopted in §§ 2560.502c-7(d) and (e) that better describes the statement of reasonable cause and penalty waiver procedures.

Finally, section 2570.61(c) is being amended to clarify that for purposes of a civil penalty proceeding under ERISA section 502 (c)(2), “Answer” is defined as a written statement that is supported by reference to specific circumstances or facts surrounding the notice of determination issued pursuant to § 2560.502c-2(g) of this chapter.

These amendments are made under section 505 of ERISA which authorizes the Department to prescribe such regulations as the Secretary finds necessary or appropriate to carry out the provisions of Title I of ERISA. These technical changes affect rules of agency practice and procedure which the Secretary has determined are appropriate to issue in interim final form in order to conform the penalty assessment and administrative hearing procedures under section 502(c) of ERISA and ensure the Secretary's ability to continue to effectively enforce the requirements of section 502(c) of ERISA.

C. Request for Comments

The Department invites all interested persons to submit their comments, suggestions and views concerning any of the provisions of any of these interim final rules. Written comments (preferably three copies) should be submitted to: Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, Room N-5669, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20210. Attention: Blackout Civil Penalty Regulation. Written comments may also be sent by Internet to the following address: [e-mail]. Comments must be received by the Department on or before November 20, 2002. The comment period is being limited to 30 days to enable the Department to adopt changes to the interim final rule prior to the effective date of the SOA amendments.

All submissions will be open to public inspection and copying from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Public Disclosure Room, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, Room N-1513, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20210.

D. Regulatory Impact Analysis

Executive Order 12866

Under Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735), the Department must determine whether a regulatory action is “significant” and therefore subject to review by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Section 3(f) of the Executive Order defines a “significant regulatory action” as an action that is likely to result in a rule (1) having an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more, or adversely and materially affecting a sector of the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public health or safety, or State, local or tribal governments or communities (also referred to as “economically significant”); (2) creating serious inconsistency or otherwise interfering with an action taken or planned by another agency; (3) materially altering the budgetary impacts of entitlement grants, user fees, or loan programs or the rights and obligations of recipients thereof; or (4) raising novel legal or policy issues arising out of legal mandates, the President's priorities, or the principles set forth in the Executive Order. The Department has determined that these interim final rules relating to the assessment of civil monetary penalties under section 502(c)(7) of ERISA are significant in that they provide guidance on the administration and enforcement of the notice provisions of section 101(i) of ERISA. Separate guidance on the notice requirements of section 101(i) (Interim Final Rule Relating to Notice of Blackout Periods to Participants and Beneficiaries), also published in today's issue of the Federal Register, is also considered significant within the meaning of section 3(f)(4) of the Executive Order. Accordingly, OMB has reviewed the interim final rules pertaining to both the blackout notice and the related civil penalty pursuant to the terms of the Executive Order.

The principal benefit of the statutory penalty provisions and these interim final rules will be greater adherence to the requirement of ERISA section 101(i) that plan administrators provide advance written notice to participants and beneficiaries in individual account retirement plans whose existing rights to direct investments in their accounts or to obtain loans or distributions will be suspended or limited. The implementation of orderly and consistent processes for the assessment of penalties and the review of such assessments will also be beneficial for plan administrators. The procedures established in these interim final rules will also allow facts and circumstances related to a failure or refusal to provide appropriate notice to be presented by a plan administrator and to be taken into consideration by the Department in assessing penalties under ERISA section 502(c)(7).

The rate of failure or refusal to provide blackout notices where required, and the dollar value of penalties to be assessed in those cases cannot be predicted. The civil penalty provisions of the statute and these interim final rules impose no mandatory requirements or costs, except where a plan administrator has failed to provide the notice required in ERISA section 101(i).

The technical amendments conforming the existing regulatory provisions relating to the assessment of civil penalties under sections 502(c)(2), (c)(5), and (c)(6) of ERISA are procedural in nature, and similarly impose no additional requirements or costs.

Paperwork Reduction Act

This interim final rule on assessment of civil penalties under ERISA section 502(c)(7) is not subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA 95) (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) because it does not contain a collection of information as defined in 44 U.S.C. 3502(3). Information otherwise provided to the Secretary in connection with the administrative and procedural requirements of these interim final rules is excepted from coverage by PRA 95 pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 3518(c)(1)(B), and related regulations at 5 CFR 1320.4(a)(2) and (c). These provisions generally except information provided as a result of an agency's civil or administrative action, investigation, or audit. This exception also applies to the conforming amendments to administrative and procedural rules pertaining to the civil penalty provisions of ERISA sections 502(c)(2), 502(c)(5), and 502(c)(6).

Regulatory Flexibility Act

The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) (RFA), imposes certain requirements with respect to federal rules that are subject to the notice and comment requirements of section 553(b) of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 551 et seq.) and that are likely to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. For purposes of its analyses under the RFA, PWBA continues to consider a small entity to be an employee benefit plan with fewer than 100 participants. The basis of this definition is found in section 104(a)(2) of ERISA, which permits the Secretary to prescribe simplified annual reporting for pension plans that cover fewer than 100 participants. Because this guidance is issued as an interim final rule pursuant to the authority and deadlines prescribed in sections 306(b)(2) of SOA, RFA does not apply, and regulatory flexibility analysis is not required. However, the Department wishes to address in its final rulemaking any special issues facing small plans with respect to the assessment of civil penalties under ERISA section 502(c)(7) and the conforming amendments to existing administrative and procedural regulations relating to the assessment of civil penalties under ERISA sections 502(c)(2), (c)(5), and (c)(6).

The terms of the statute pertaining to the assessment of civil penalties for failure to provide notices to plan participants and beneficiaries in the event of a blackout do not vary relative to plan or plan administrator size. The operation of the statute will normally result in the assessment of lower penalties where small plans are involved because a violation with respect to a single participant or beneficiary is treated as a separate violation for purposes of calculating the penalty. The opportunity for a plan administrator to present facts and circumstances related to a failure or refusal to provide appropriate notice that may be taken into consideration by the Department in assessing penalties under ERISA section 502(c)(7) may offer some degree of flexibility to small entities subject to penalty assessments. Penalty assessments will have no direct impact on small plans because the plan administrator assessed a civil penalty is personally liable for the payment of that penalty pursuant to section 2560.502c-7(j).

The Department invites interested persons to submit comments on the impact of this interim final rule on small entities, and on any alternative approaches that may serve to minimize the impact on small plans or other entities while accomplishing the objectives of the statutory provisions.

Congressional Review Act

The rules being issued here are subject to the Congressional Review Act provisions of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.) and have been transmitted to Congress and the Comptroller General for review. The rule is not a “major rule” as that term is defined in 5 U.S.C. 804, because it is not likely to result in (1) an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more; (2) a major increase in costs or prices for consumers, individual industries, or federal, State, or local government agencies, or geographic regions; or (3) significant adverse effects on competition, employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or on the ability of United States-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based enterprises in domestic and export markets.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

For purposes of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-4), as well as Executive Order 12875, this rule does not include any Federal mandate that may result in expenditures by State, local, or tribal governments, and does not impose an annual burden exceeding $100 million on the private sector.

Federalism Statement

Executive Order 13132 (August 4, 1999) outlines fundamental principles of federalism and requires the adherence to specific criteria by federal agencies in the process of their formulation and implementation of policies that have substantial direct effects on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. This final rule does not have federalism implications because it has no substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. Section 514 of ERISA provides, with certain exceptions specifically enumerated, that the provisions of Titles I and IV of ERISA supersede any and all laws of the States as they relate to any employee benefit plan covered under ERISA. The requirements implemented in this final rule do not alter the fundamental reporting and disclosure, or administration and enforcement provisions of the statute with respect to employee benefit plans, and as such have no implications for the States or the relationship or distribution of power between the national government and the States.

List of Subjects

29 CFR Part 2560

• Employee benefit plans
• Employee Retirement Income Security Act
• Law enforcement
• Pensions

29 CFR Part 2570

• Administrative practice and procedure
• Employee benefit plans
• Employee Retirement Income Security Act
• Law enforcement
• Pensions

In view of the foregoing, Parts 2560 and 2570 of Chapter XXV of title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations are amended as follows:

PART 2560—RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT

1. The authority citation for Part 2560 is revised to read as follows:

Authority: 29 U.S.C. 1132, 1135, and Secretary's Order 1-87, 52 FR 13139 (April 21, 1987).

Section 2560.503-1 also issued under 29 U.S.C. 1133.

Section 2560.502(c)(7) also issued under sec. 306 (b)(2) of Pub. L. 107-204, 116 Stat. 745.

2-3. Revise § 2560.502c-2, paragraphs (d), (e), (f), (g), (h), and (i) to read as follows:

§ 2560.502c-2

Civil penalties under section 502(c)(2).

* * * * *

(d) Reconsideration or waiver of penalty to be assessed. The Department may determine that all or part of the penalty amount in the notice of intent to assess a penalty shall not be assessed on a showing that the administrator complied with the requirements of section 101(b)(1) of the Act or on a showing by the administrator of mitigating circumstances regarding the degree or willfulness of the noncompliance.

(e) Showing of reasonable cause. Upon issuance by the Department of a notice of intent to assess a penalty, the administrator shall have thirty (30) days from the date of service of the notice, as described in paragraph (i) of this section, to file a statement of reasonable cause explaining why the penalty, as calculated, should be reduced, or not be assessed, for the reasons set forth in paragraph (d) of this section. Such statement must be made in writing and set forth all the facts alleged as reasonable cause for the reduction or nonassessment of the penalty. The statement must contain a declaration by the administrator that the statement is made under the penalties of perjury.

(f) Failure to file a statement of reasonable cause. Failure of an administrator to file a statement of reasonable cause within the thirty (30) day period described in paragraph (e) of this section shall be deemed to constitute a waiver of the right to appear and contest the facts alleged in the notice of intent, and such failure shall be deemed an admission of the facts alleged in the notice for purposes of any proceeding involving the assessment of a civil penalty under section 502(c)(2) of the Act. Such notice shall then become a final order of the Secretary, within the meaning of § 2570.61(g) of this chapter, forty-five (45) days from the date of service of the notice.

(g) Notice of the determination on statement of reasonable cause. (1) The Department, following a review of all the facts alleged in support of no assessment or a complete or partial waiver of the penalty, shall notify the administrator, in writing, of its determination to waive the penalty, in whole or in part, and/or assess a penalty. If it is the determination of the Department to assess a penalty, the notice shall indicate the amount of the penalty, not to exceed the amount described in paragraph (c) of this section. This notice is a “pleading” for purposes of § 2570.61(m) of this chapter.

(2) Except as provided in paragraph (h) of this section, a notice issued pursuant to paragraph (g)(1) of this section, indicating the Department's intention to assess a penalty, shall become a final order, within the meaning of § 2570.61(g) of this chapter, forty-five (45) days from the date of service of the notice.

(h) Administrative hearing. A notice issued pursuant to paragraph (g) of this section will not become a final order, within the meaning of § 2570.61(g) of this chapter, if, within thirty (30) days from the date of the service of the notice, the administrator or a representative thereof files a request for a hearing under §§ 2570.60 through 2570.71 of this chapter, and files an answer to the notice. The request for hearing and answer must be filed in accordance with § 2570.62 of this chapter and § 18.4 of this title. The answer opposing the proposed sanction shall be in writing, and supported by reference to specific circumstances or facts surrounding the notice of determination issued pursuant to paragraph (g) of this section.

(i) Service of notices and filing of statements. (1) Service of a notice for purposes of paragraphs (c) and (g) of this section shall be made:

(i) By delivering a copy to the administrator or representative thereof;

(ii) By leaving a copy at the principal office, place of business, or residence of the administrator or representative thereof; or

(iii) By mailing a copy to the last known address of the administrator or representative thereof.

(2) If service is accomplished by certified mail, service is complete upon mailing. If service is by regular mail, service is complete upon receipt by the addressee. When service of a notice under paragraph (c) or (g) of this section is by certified mail, five (5) days shall be added to the time allowed by these rules for the filing of a statement, or a request for hearing and answer, as applicable.

(3) For purposes of this section, a statement of reasonable cause shall be considered filed:

(i) Upon mailing, if accomplished using United States Postal Service certified mail or Express Mail;

(ii) Upon receipt by the delivery service, if accomplished using a “designated private delivery service” within the meaning of 26 U.S.C. 7502(f);

(iii) Upon transmittal, if transmitted in a manner specified in the notice of intent to assess a penalty as a method of transmittal to be accorded such special treatment; or

(iv) In the case of any other method of filing, upon receipt by the Department at the address provided in the notice of intent to assess a penalty.

* * * * *

4. Revise § 2560.502c-5, paragraphs (d), (e), (f), (g), (h), and (i) to read as follows:

§ 2560.502c-5

Civil penalties under section 502(c)(5).

* * * * *

(d) Reconsideration or waiver of penalty to be assessed. The Department may determine that all or part of the penalty amount in the notice of intent to assess a penalty shall not be assessed on a showing that the administrator complied with the requirements of section 101(g) of the Act or on a showing by the administrator of mitigating circumstances regarding the degree or willfulness of the noncompliance.

(e) Showing of reasonable cause. Upon issuance by the Department of a notice of intent to assess a penalty, the administrator shall have thirty (30) days from the date of service of the notice, as described in paragraph (i) of this section, to file a statement of reasonable cause explaining why the penalty, as calculated, should be reduced, or not be assessed, for the reasons set forth in paragraph (d) of this section. Such statement must be made in writing and set forth all the facts alleged as reasonable cause for the reduction or nonassessment of the penalty. The statement must contain a declaration by the administrator that the statement is made under the penalties of perjury.

(f) Failure to file a statement of reasonable cause. Failure of an administrator to file a statement of reasonable cause within the thirty (30) day period described in paragraph (e) of this section shall be deemed to constitute a waiver of the right to appear and contest the facts alleged in the notice of intent, and such failure shall be deemed an admission of the facts alleged in the notice for purposes of any proceeding involving the assessment of a civil penalty under section 502(c)(5) of the Act. Such notice shall then become a final order of the Secretary, within the meaning of § 2570.91(g) of this chapter, forty-five (45) days from the date of service of the notice.

(g) Notice of the determination on statement of reasonable cause (1) The Department, following a review of all the facts alleged in support of no assessment or a complete or partial waiver of the penalty, shall notify the administrator, in writing, of its determination to waive the penalty, in whole or in part, and/or assess a penalty. If it is the determination of the Department to assess a penalty, the notice shall indicate the amount of the penalty, not to exceed the amount described in paragraph (c) of this section, and a brief statement of the reasons for assessing the penalty. This notice is a “pleading” for purposes of § 2570.91(m) of this chapter.

(2) Except as provided in paragraph (h) of this section, a notice issued pursuant to paragraph (g)(1) of this section, indicating the Department's intention to assess a penalty, shall become a final order, within the meaning of § 2570.91(g) of this chapter, forty-five (45) days from the date of service of the notice.

(h) Administrative hearing. A notice issued pursuant to paragraph (g) of this section will not become a final order, within the meaning of § 2570.91(g) of this chapter, if, within thirty (30) days from the date of the service of the notice, the administrator or a representative thereof files a request for a hearing under §§ 2570.90 through 2570.101 of this chapter, and files an answer to the notice. The request for hearing and answer must be filed in accordance with § 2570.92 of this chapter and § 18.4 of this title. The answer opposing the proposed sanction shall be in writing, and supported by reference to specific circumstances or facts surrounding the notice of determination issued pursuant to paragraph (g) of this section.

(i) Service of notices and filing of statements. (1) Service of a notice for purposes of paragraphs (c) and (g) of this section shall be made:

(i) By delivering a copy to the administrator or representative thereof;

(ii) By leaving a copy at the principal office, place of business, or residence of the administrator or representative thereof; or

(iii) By mailing a copy to the last known address of the administrator or representative thereof.

(2) If service is accomplished by certified mail, service is complete upon mailing. If service is by regular mail, service is complete upon receipt by the addressee. When service of a notice under paragraph (c) or (g) of this section is by certified mail, five (5) days shall be added to the time allowed by these rules for the filing of a statement, or a request for hearing and answer, as applicable.

(3) For purposes of this section, a statement of reasonable cause shall be considered filed:

(i) Upon mailing, if accomplished using United States Postal Service certified mail or Express Mail;

(ii) Upon receipt by the delivery service, if accomplished using a “designated private delivery service” within the meaning of 26 U.S.C. 7502(f);

(iii) Upon transmittal, if transmitted in a manner specified in the notice of intent to assess a penalty as a method of transmittal to be accorded such special treatment; or

(iv) In the case of any other method of filing, upon receipt by the Department at the address provided in the notice of intent to assess a penalty.

* * * * *

5. Revise § 2560.502c-6, paragraphs (d), (e), (f), (g), (h), and (i) to read as follows:

§ 2560.502c-6

Civil penalties under section 502(c)(6).

* * * * *

(d) Reconsideration or waiver of penalty to be assessed. The Department may determine that all or part of the penalty amount in the notice of intent to assess a penalty shall not be assessed on a showing that the administrator complied with the requirements of section 104(a)(6) of the Act or on a showing by the administrator of mitigating circumstances regarding the degree or willfulness of the noncompliance.

(e) Showing of reasonable cause. Upon issuance by the Department of a notice of intent to assess a penalty, the administrator shall have thirty (30) days from the date of service of the notice, as described in paragraph (i) of this section, to file a statement of reasonable cause explaining why the penalty, as calculated, should be reduced or not be assessed, for the reasons set forth in paragraph (d) of this section. Such statement must be made in writing and set forth all the facts alleged as reasonable cause for the reduction or nonassessment of the penalty. The statement must contain a declaration by the administrator that the statement is made under the penalties of perjury.

(f) Failure to file a statement of reasonable cause. Failure to file a statement of reasonable cause within the 30-day period described in paragraph (e) of this section shall be deemed to constitute a waiver of the right to appear and contest the facts alleged in the notice of intent, and such failure shall be deemed an admission of the facts alleged in the notice for purposes of any proceeding involving the assessment of a civil penalty under section 502(c)(6) of the Act. Such notice shall then become a final order of the Secretary, within the meaning of § 2570.111(g) of this chapter, forty-five (45) days from the date of service of the notice.

(g) Notice of determination on statement of reasonable cause. (1) The Department, following a review of all of the facts alleged in support of no assessment or a complete or partial waiver of the penalty, shall notify the administrator, in writing, of its determination not to assess or to waive the penalty, in whole or in part, and/or assess a penalty. If it is the determination of the Department to assess a penalty, the notice shall indicate the amount of the penalty, not to exceed the amount described in paragraph (c) of this section. This notice is a “pleading” for purposes of § 2570.111(m) of this chapter.

(2) Except as provided in paragraph (h) of this section, a notice issued pursuant to paragraph (g)(1) of this section, indicating the Department's intention to assess a penalty, shall become a final order, within the meaning of § 2570.111(g) of this chapter, forty-five (45) days from the date of service of the notice.

(h) Administrative hearing. A notice issued pursuant to paragraph (g) of this section will not become a final order, within the meaning of § 2570.91(g) of this chapter, if, within thirty (30) days from the date of the service of the notice, the administrator or a representative thereof files a request for a hearing under §§ 2570.110 through 2570.121 of this chapter, and files an answer to the notice. The request for hearing and answer must be filed in accordance with § 2570.112 of this chapter and § 18.4 of this title. The answer opposing the proposed sanction shall be in writing, and supported by reference to specific circumstances or facts surrounding the notice of determination issued pursuant to paragraph (g) of this section.

(i) Service of notices and filing of statements. (1) Service of a notice for purposes of paragraphs (c) and (g) of this section shall be made:

(i) By delivering a copy to the administrator or representative thereof;

(ii) By leaving a copy at the principal office, place of business, or residence of the administrator or representative thereof; or

(iii) By mailing a copy to the last known address of the administrator or representative thereof.

(2) If service is accomplished by certified mail, service is complete upon mailing. If service is by regular mail, service is complete upon receipt by the addressee. When service of a notice under paragraph (c) or (g) of this section is by certified mail, five (5) days shall be added to the time allowed by these rules for the filing of a statement, or a request for hearing and answer, as applicable.

(3) For purposes of this section, a statement of reasonable cause shall be considered filed:

(i) Upon mailing, if accomplished using United States Postal Service certified mail or Express Mail;

(ii) Upon receipt by the delivery service, if accomplished using a “designated private delivery service” within the meaning of 26 U.S.C. 7502(f);

(iii) Upon transmittal, if transmitted in a manner specified in the notice of intent to assess a penalty as a method of transmittal to be accorded such special treatment; or

(iv) In the case of any other method of filing, upon receipt by the Department at the address provided in the notice of intent to assess a penalty.

* * * * *

6. Add a new § 2560.502c-7 to read as follows:

§ 2560.502c-7

Civil penalties under section 502(c)(7).

(a) In general. (1) Pursuant to the authority granted the Secretary under section 502(c)(7) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (the Act), the administrator (within the meaning of section 3(16)(A) of the Act) of an individual account plan (within the meaning of section 101(i)(8) of the Act and § 2520.101-3(d)(2) of this chapter), shall be liable for civil penalties assessed by the Secretary under section 502(c)(7) of the Act for failure or refusal to provide notice of a blackout period to affected participants and beneficiaries in accordance with section 101(i) of the Act and § 2520.101-3 of this chapter.

(2) For purposes of this section, a failure or refusal to provide a notice of blackout period shall mean a failure or refusal, in whole or in part, to provide notice of a blackout period to an affected plan participant or beneficiary at the time and in the manner prescribed by section 101(i) of the Act and § 2520.101-3 of this chapter.

(b) Amount assessed. (1) The amount assessed under section 502(c)(7) of the Act for each separate violation shall be determined by the Department of Labor, taking into consideration the degree and/or willfulness of the failure or refusal to provide a notice of blackout period. However, the amount assessed for each violation under section 502(c)(7) of the Act shall not exceed $100 a day, computed from the date of the administrator's failure or refusal to provide a notice of blackout period up to and including the date that is the final day of the blackout period for which the notice was required.

(2) For purposes of calculating the amount to be assessed under this section, a failure or refusal to provide a notice of blackout period with respect to any single participant or beneficiary shall be treated as a separate violation under section 101(i) of the Act and § 2520.101-3 of this chapter.

(c) Notice of intent to assess a penalty. Prior to the assessment of any penalty under section 502(c)(7) of the Act, the Department shall provide to the administrator of the plan a written notice indicating the Department's intent to assess a penalty under section 502(c)(7) of the Act, the amount of such penalty, the number of participants and beneficiaries on which the penalty is based, the period to which the penalty applies, and the reason(s) for the penalty.

(d) Reconsideration or waiver of penalty to be assessed. The Department may determine that all or part of the penalty amount in the notice of intent to assess a penalty shall not be assessed on a showing that the administrator complied with the requirements of section 101(i) of the Act or on a showing by the administrator of mitigating circumstances regarding the degree or willfulness of the noncompliance.

(e) Showing of reasonable cause. Upon issuance by the Department of a notice of intent to assess a penalty, the administrator shall have thirty (30) days from the date of service of the notice, as described in paragraph (i) of this section, to file a statement of reasonable cause explaining why the penalty, as calculated, should be reduced, or not be assessed, for the reasons set forth in paragraph (d) of this section. Such statement must be made in writing and set forth all the facts alleged as reasonable cause for the reduction or nonassessment of the penalty. The statement must contain a declaration by the administrator that the statement is made under the penalties of perjury.

(f) Failure to file a statement of reasonable cause. Failure to file a statement of reasonable cause within the 30 day period described in paragraph (e) of this section shall be deemed to constitute a waiver of the right to appear and contest the facts alleged in the notice of intent, and such failure shall be deemed an admission of the facts alleged in the notice for purposes of any proceeding involving the assessment of a civil penalty under section 502(c)(7) of the Act. Such notice shall then become a final order of the Secretary, within the meaning of § 2570.131(g) of this chapter, forty-five (45) days from the date of service of the notice.

(g) Notice of determination on statement of reasonable cause. (1) The Department, following a review of all of the facts in a statement of reasonable cause alleged in support of no assessment or a complete or partial waiver of the penalty, shall notify the administrator, in writing, of its determination on the statement of reasonable cause and its determination whether to waive the penalty in whole or in part, and/or assess a penalty. If it is the determination of the Department to assess a penalty, the notice shall indicate the amount of the penalty assessment, not to exceed the amount described in paragraph (c) of this section. This notice is a “pleading” for purposes of § 2570.131(m) of this chapter.

(2) Except as provided in paragraph (h) of this section, a notice issued pursuant to paragraph (g)(1) of this section, indicating the Department's determination to assess a penalty, shall become a final order, within the meaning of § 2570.131(g) of this chapter, forty-five (45) days from the date of service of the notice.

(h) Administrative hearing. A notice issued pursuant to paragraph (g) of this section will not become a final order, within the meaning of § 2570.131(g) of this chapter, if, within thirty (30) days from the date of the service of the notice, the administrator or a representative thereof files a request for a hearing under §§ 2570.130 through 2570.141 of this chapter, and files an answer to the notice. The request for hearing and answer must be filed in accordance with § 2570.132 of this chapter and § 18.4 of this title. The answer opposing the proposed sanction shall be in writing, and supported by reference to specific circumstances or facts surrounding the notice of determination issued pursuant to paragraph (g) of this section.

(i) Service of notices and filing of statements. (1) Service of a notice for purposes of paragraphs (c) and (g) of this section shall be made:

(i) By delivering a copy to the administrator or representative thereof;

(ii) By leaving a copy at the principal office, place of business, or residence of the administrator or representative thereof; or

(iii) By mailing a copy to the last known address of the administrator or representative thereof.

(2) If service is accomplished by certified mail, service is complete upon mailing. If service is by regular mail, service is complete upon receipt by the addressee. When service of a notice under paragraph (c) or (g) of this section is by certified mail, five (5) days shall be added to the time allowed by these rules for the filing of a statement or a request for hearing and answer, as applicable.

(3) For purposes of this section, a statement of reasonable cause shall be considered filed:

(i) Upon mailing, if accomplished using United States Postal Service certified mail or Express Mail;

(ii) Upon receipt by the delivery service, if accomplished using a “designated private delivery service” within the meaning of 26 U.S.C. 7502(f);

(iii) Upon transmittal, if transmitted in a manner specified in the notice of intent to assess a penalty as a method of transmittal to be accorded such special treatment; or

(iv) In the case of any other method of filing, upon receipt by the Department at the address provided in the notice of intent to assess a penalty.

(j) Liability. (1) If more than one person is responsible as administrator for the failure to provide a notice of blackout period under section 101(i) of the Act and its implementing regulations (§ 2520.101-3 of this chapter), all such persons shall be jointly and severally liable for such failure.

(2) Any person, or persons under paragraph (j)(1) of this section, against whom a civil penalty has been assessed under section 502(c)(7) of the Act, pursuant to a final order, within the meaning of § 2570.131(g) of this chapter, shall be personally liable for the payment of such penalty.

(k) Cross-reference. See §§ 2570.130 through 2570.141 of this chapter for procedural rules relating to administrative hearings under section 502(c)(7) of the Act.

PART 2570—PROCEDURAL REGULATIONS UNDER THE EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY ACT

7. Revise the authority citation for Part 2570 to read as set forth below:

Authority: 29 U.S.C. 1021, 1108, 1132, 1135, 5 U.S.C. 8477; Reorganization Plan No. 4 of 1978; Secretary of Labor's Order 1-87.

Subpart G is also issued under sec. 306(b)(2) of Pub. L. 107-204, 116 Stat. 745.

8. Revise § 2570.61(c) to read as follows:

§ 2570.61

Definitions.

* * * * *

(c) Answer means a written statement that is supported by reference to specific circumstances or facts surrounding the notice of determination issued pursuant to § 2560.502c-2(g) of this chapter.

* * * * *

9. Revise § 2570.64 to read as follows:

§ 2570.64

Consequences of default.

For 502(c)(2) civil penalty proceedings, this section shall apply in lieu of § 18.5(a) and (b) of this title. Failure of the respondent to file an answer to the notice of determination described in § 2560.502c-2(g) of this chapter within the 30-day period provided by § 2560.502c-2(h) of this chapter shall be deemed to constitute a waiver of his or her right to appear and contest the allegations of the notice of determination, and such failure shall be deemed to be an admission of the facts as alleged in the notice for purposes of any proceeding involving the assessment of a civil penalty under section 502(c)(2) of the Act. Such notice shall then become the final order of the Secretary, within the meaning of § 2570.61(g) of this subpart, forty-five (45) days from the date of service of the notice.

10. Revise § 2570.94 to read as follows:

§ 2570.94

Consequences of default.

For 502(c)(5) civil penalty proceedings, this section shall apply in lieu of § 18.5(a) and (b) of this title. Failure of the respondent to file an answer to the notice of determination described in § 2560.502c-5(g) of this chapter within the 30 day period provided by § 2560.502c-5(h) of this chapter shall be deemed to constitute a waiver of his or her right to appear and contest the allegations of the notice of determination, and such failure shall be deemed to be an admission of the facts as alleged in the notice for purposes of any proceeding involving the assessment of a civil penalty under section 502(c)(5) of the Act. Such notice shall then become a final order of the Secretary, within the meaning of § 2570.91(g) of this subpart, forty-five (45) days from the date of the service of the notice.

11. Revise § 2570.114 to read as follows:

§ 2570.114

Consequences of default.

For 502(c)(6) civil penalty proceedings, this section shall apply in lieu of § 18.5(a) and (b) of this title. Failure of the respondent to file an answer to the notice of determination described in § 2560.502c-6(g) of this chapter within the 30 day period provided by § 2560.502c-6(h) of this chapter shall be deemed to constitute a waiver of his or her right to appear and contest the allegations of the notice of determination, and such failure shall be deemed to be an admission of the facts as alleged in the notice for purposes of any proceeding involving the assessment of a civil penalty under section 502(c)(6) of the Act. Such notice shall then become the final order of the Secretary, within the meaning of § 2570.111(g) of this subpart, forty-five (45) days from the date of service of the notice.

12. Add a new Subpart G to Part 2570 to read as follows:

Subpart G—Procedures for the Assessment of Civil Penalties under ERISA Section 502(c)(7)

2570.130

Scope of rules.

2570.131

Definitions.

2570.132

Service: Copies of documents and pleadings.

2570.133

Parties, how designated.

2570.134

Consequences of default.

2570.135

Consent order or settlement.

2570.136

Scope of discovery.

2570.137

Summary decision.

2570.138

Decision of the administrative law judge.

2570.139

Review by the Secretary.

2570.140

Scope of review.

2570.141

Procedures for review by the Secretary.

Subpart G—Procedures for the Assessment of Civil Penalties Under ERISA Section 502(c)(7)

§ 2570.130

Scope of rules.

The rules of practice set forth in this subpart are applicable to “502(c)(7) civil penalty proceedings” (as defined in § 2570.131(n) of this subpart) under section 502(c)(7) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (the Act). The rules of procedure for administrative hearings published by the Department's Office of Administrative Law Judges at Part 18 of this title will apply to matters arising under ERISA section 502(c)(7) except as modified by this subpart. These proceedings shall be conducted as expeditiously as possible, and the parties shall make every effort to avoid delay at each stage of the proceedings.

§ 2570.131

Definitions.

For 502(c)(7) civil penalty proceedings, this section shall apply in lieu of the definitions in § 18.2 of this title:

(a) Adjudicatory proceeding means a judicial-type proceeding before an administrative law judge leading to the formulation of a final order;

(b) Administrative law judge means an administrative law judge appointed pursuant to the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 3105;

(c) Answer means a written statement that is supported by reference to specific circumstances or facts surrounding the notice of determination issued pursuant to § 2560.502c-7(g) of this chapter;

(d) Commencement of proceeding is the filing of an answer by the respondent;

(e) Consent agreement means any written document containing a specified proposed remedy or other relief acceptable to the Department and consenting parties;

(f) ERISA means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended;

(g) Final order means the final decision or action of the Department of Labor concerning the assessment of a civil penalty under ERISA section 502(c)(7) against a particular party. Such final order may result from a decision of an administrative law judge or the Secretary, the failure of a party to file a statement of reasonable cause described in § 2560.502c-7(e) of this chapter within the prescribed time limits, or the failure of a party to invoke the procedures for hearings or appeals under this title within the prescribed time limits. Such a final order shall constitute final agency action within the meaning of 5 U.S.C. 704;

(h) Hearing means that part of a proceeding which involves the submission of evidence, by either oral presentation or written submission, to the administrative law judge;

(i) Order means the whole or any part of a final procedural or substantive disposition of a matter under ERISA section 502(c)(7);

(j) Party includes a person or agency named or admitted as a party to a proceeding;

(k) Person includes an individual, partnership, corporation, employee benefit plan, association, exchange or other entity or organization;

(l) Petition means a written request, made by a person or party, for some affirmative action;

(m) Pleading means the notice as defined in § 2560.502c-7(g) of this chapter, the answer to the notice, any supplement or amendment thereto, and any reply that may be permitted to any answer, supplement or amendment;

(n) 502(c)(7) civil penalty proceeding means an adjudicatory proceeding relating to the assessment of a civil penalty provided for in section 502(c)(7) of ERISA;

(o) Respondent means the party against whom the Department is seeking to assess a civil sanction under ERISA section 502(c)(7);

(p) Secretary means the Secretary of Labor and includes, pursuant to any delegation of authority by the Secretary, any assistant secretary (including the Assistant Secretary for Pension and Welfare Benefits), administrator, commissioner, appellate body, board, or other official; and

(q) Solicitor means the Solicitor of Labor or his or her delegate.

§ 2570.132

Service: Copies of documents and pleadings.

For 502(c)(7) penalty proceedings, this section shall apply in lieu of § 18.3 of this title.

(a) General. Copies of all documents shall be served on all parties of record. All documents should clearly designate the docket number, if any, and short title of all matters. All documents to be filed shall be delivered or mailed to the Chief Docket Clerk, Office of Administrative Law Judges, 800 K Street, NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20001-8002, or to the OALJ Regional Office to which the proceeding may have been transferred for hearing. Each document filed shall be clear and legible.

(b) By parties. All motions, petitions, pleadings, briefs, or other documents shall be filed with the Office of Administrative Law Judges with a copy, including any attachments, to all other parties of record. When a party is represented by an attorney, service shall be made upon the attorney. Service of any document upon any party may be made by personal delivery or by mailing a copy to the last known address. The Department shall be served by delivery to the Associate Solicitor, Plan Benefits Security Division, ERISA section 502(c)(7) Proceeding, P.O. Box 1914, Washington, DC 20013. The person serving the document shall certify to the manner and date of service.

(c) By the Office of Administrative Law Judges. Service of orders, decisions and all other documents shall be made by regular mail to the last known address.

(d) Form of pleadings. (1) Every pleading shall contain information indicating the name of the Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration (PWBA) as the agency under which the proceeding is instituted, the title of the proceeding, the docket number (if any) assigned by the Office of Administrative Law Judges and a designation of the type of pleading or paper (e.g., notice, motion to dismiss, etc.). The pleading or paper shall be signed and shall contain the address and telephone number of the party or person representing the party. Although there are no formal specifications for documents, they should be typewritten when possible on standard size 81/2 x 11 inch paper.

(2) Illegible documents, whether handwritten, typewritten, photocopied, or otherwise, will not be accepted. Papers may be reproduced by any duplicating process provided all copies are clear and legible.

§ 2570.133

Parties, how designated.

For 502(c)(7) civil penalty proceedings, this section shall apply in lieu of § 18.10 of this title.

(a) The term “party” wherever used in this subpart shall include any natural person, corporation, employee benefit plan, association, firm, partnership, trustee, receiver, agency, public or private organization, or government agency. A party against whom a civil penalty is sought shall be designated as “respondent.” The Department shall be designated as the “complainant.”

(b) Other persons or organizations shall be permitted to participate as parties only if the administrative law judge finds that the final decision could directly and adversely affect them or the class they represent, that they may contribute materially to the disposition of the proceedings and their interest is not adequately represented by existing parties, and that in the discretion of the administrative law judge the participation of such persons or organizations would be appropriate.

(c) A person or organization not named as a respondent wishing to participate as a party under this section shall submit a petition to the administrative law judge within fifteen (15) days after the person or organization has knowledge of or should have known about the proceeding. The petition shall be filed with the administrative law judge and served on each person who or organization that has been made a party at the time of filing. Such petition shall concisely state:

(1) Petitioner's interest in the proceeding;

(2) How his or her participation as a party will contribute materially to the disposition of the proceeding;

(3) Who will appear for petitioner;

(4) The issues on which petitioner wishes to participate; and

(5) Whether petitioner intends to present witnesses.

(d) Objections to the petition may be filed by a party within fifteen (15) days of the filing of the petition. If objections to the petition are filed, the administrative law judge shall then determine whether petitioner has the requisite interest to be a party in the proceedings, as defined in paragraph (b) of this section, and shall permit or deny participation accordingly. Where petitions to participate as parties are made by individuals or groups with common interests, the administrative law judge may request all such petitioners to designate a single representative, or he or she may recognize one or more of such petitioners. The administrative law judge shall give each such petitioner, as well as the parties, written notice of the decision on his or her petition. For each petition granted, the administrative law judge shall provide a brief statement of the basis of the decision. If the petition is denied, he or she shall briefly state the grounds for denial and shall then treat the petition as a request for participation as amicus curiae.

§ 2570.134

Consequences of default.

For 502(c)(7) civil penalty proceedings, this section shall apply in lieu of § 18.5 (a) and (b) of this title. Failure of the respondent to file an answer to the notice of determination described in § 2560.502c-7(g) of this chapter within the 30 day period provided by § 2560.502c-7(h) of this chapter shall be deemed to constitute a waiver of his or her right to appear and contest the allegations of the notice of determination, and such failure shall be deemed to be an admission of the facts as alleged in the notice for purposes of any proceeding involving the assessment of a civil penalty under section 502(c)(7) of the Act. Such notice shall then become the final order of the Secretary, within the meaning of § 2570.131(g) of this subpart, forty-five (45) days from the date of service of the notice.

§ 2570.135

Consent order or settlement.

For 502(c)(7) civil penalty proceedings, the following shall apply in lieu of § 18.9 of this title.

(a) General. At any time after the commencement of a proceeding, but at least five (5) days prior to the date set for hearing, the parties jointly may move to defer the hearing for a reasonable time to permit negotiation of a settlement or an agreement containing findings and an order disposing of the whole or any part of the proceeding. The allowance of such a deferral and the duration thereof shall be in the discretion of the administrative law judge, after consideration of such factors as the nature of the proceeding, the requirements of the public interest, the representations of the parties, and the probability of reaching an agreement which will result in a just disposition of the issues involved.

(b) Content. Any agreement containing consent findings and an order disposing of a proceeding or any part thereof shall also provide:

(1) That the order shall have the same force and effect as an order made after full hearing;

(2) That the entire record on which any order may be based shall consist solely of the notice and the agreement;

(3) A waiver of any further procedural steps before the administrative law judge;

(4) A waiver of any right to challenge or contest the validity of the order and decision entered into in accordance with the agreement; and

(5) That the order and decision of the administrative law judge shall be final agency action.

(c) Submission. On or before the expiration of the time granted for negotiations, but, in any case, at least five (5) days prior to the date set for hearing, the parties or their authorized representative or their counsel may:

(1) Submit the proposed agreement containing consent findings and an order to the administrative law judge; or

(2) Notify the administrative law judge that the parties have reached a full settlement and have agreed to dismissal of the action subject to compliance with the terms of the settlement; or

(3) Inform the administrative law judge that agreement cannot be reached.

(d) Disposition. In the event a settlement agreement containing consent findings and an order is submitted within the time allowed therefor, the administrative law judge shall issue a decision incorporating such findings and agreement within 30 days of his receipt of such document. The decision of the administrative law judge shall incorporate all of the findings, terms, and conditions of the settlement agreement and consent order of the parties. Such decision shall become final agency action within the meaning of 5 U.S.C. 704.

(e) Settlement without consent of all parties. In cases in which some, but not all, of the parties to a proceeding submit a consent agreement to the administrative law judge, the following procedure shall apply:

(1) If all of the parties have not consented to the proposed settlement submitted to the administrative law judge, then such non-consenting parties must receive notice, and a copy, of the proposed settlement at the time it is submitted to the administrative law judge;

(2) Any non-consenting party shall have fifteen (15) days to file any objections to the proposed settlement with the administrative law judge and all other parties;

(3) If any party submits an objection to the proposed settlement, the administrative law judge shall decide within 30 days after receipt of such objections whether he shall sign or reject the proposed settlement. Where the record lacks substantial evidence upon which to base a decision or there is a genuine issue of material fact, then the administrative law judge may establish procedures for the purpose of receiving additional evidence upon which a decision on the contested issues may reasonably be based;

(4) If there are no objections to the proposed settlement, or if the administrative law judge decides to sign the proposed settlement after reviewing any such objections, the administrative law judge shall incorporate the consent agreement into a decision meeting the requirements of paragraph (d) of this section.

§ 2570.136

Scope of discovery.

For 502(c)(7) civil penalty proceedings, this section shall apply in lieu of § 18.14 of this title.

(a) A party may file a motion to conduct discovery with the administrative law judge. The motion for discovery shall be granted by the administrative law judge only upon a showing of good cause. In order to establish “good cause” for the purposes of this section, a party must show that the discovery requested relates to a genuine issue as to a material fact that is relevant to the proceeding. The order of the administrative law judge shall expressly limit the scope and terms of discovery to that for which “good cause” has been shown, as provided in this paragraph.

(b) A party may obtain discovery of documents and tangible things otherwise discoverable under paragraph (a) of this section and prepared in anticipation of or for the hearing by or for another party's representative (including his or her attorney, consultant, surety, indemnitor, insurer, or agent) only upon showing that the party seeking discovery has substantial need of the materials or information in the preparation of his or her case and that he or she is unable without undue hardship to obtain the substantial equivalent of the materials or information by other means. In ordering discovery of such materials when the required showing has been made, the administrative law judge shall protect against disclosure of the mental impressions, conclusions, opinions, or legal theories of an attorney or other representatives of a party concerning the proceeding.

§ 2570.137

Summary decision.

For 502(c)(7) civil penalty proceedings, this section shall apply in lieu of § 18.41 of this title.

(a) No genuine issue of material fact. (1) Where no issue of a material fact is found to have been raised, the administrative law judge may issue a decision which, in the absence of an appeal pursuant to §§ 2570.139 through 2570.141 of this subpart, shall become a final order.

(2) A decision made under paragraph (a) of this section shall include a statement of:

(i) Findings of fact and conclusions of law, and the reasons therefor, on all issues presented; and

(ii) Any terms and conditions of the rule or order.

(3) A copy of any decision under this paragraph shall be served on each party.

(b) Hearings on issues of fact. Where a genuine question of a material fact is raised, the administrative law judge shall, and in any other case may, set the case for an evidentiary hearing.

§ 2570.138

Decision of the administrative law judge.

For 502(c)(7) civil penalty proceedings, this section shall apply in lieu of § 18.57 of this title.

(a) Proposed findings of fact, conclusions, and order. Within twenty (20) days of the filing of the transcript of the testimony, or such additional time as the administrative law judge may allow, each party may file with the administrative law judge, subject to the judge's discretion, proposed findings of fact, conclusions of law, and order together with a supporting brief expressing the reasons for such proposals. Such proposals and briefs shall be served on all parties, and shall refer to all portions of the record and to all authorities relied upon in support of each proposal.

(b) Decision of the administrative law judge. Within a reasonable time after the time allowed for the filing of the proposed findings of fact, conclusions of law, and order, or within thirty (30) days after receipt of an agreement containing consent findings and order disposing of the disputed matter in whole, the administrative law judge shall make his or her decision. The decision of the administrative law judge shall include findings of fact and conclusions of law with reasons therefor upon each material issue of fact or law presented on the record. The decision of the administrative law judge shall be based upon the whole record. In a contested case in which the Department and the Respondent have presented their positions to the administrative law judge pursuant to the procedures for 502(c)(7) civil penalty proceedings as set forth in this subpart, the penalty (if any) which may be included in the decision of the administrative law judge shall be limited to the penalty expressly provided for in section 502(c)(7) of ERISA. It shall be supported by reliable and probative evidence. The decision of the administrative law judge shall become final agency action within the meaning of 5 U.S.C. 704 unless an appeal is made pursuant to the procedures set forth in §§ 2570.139 through 2570.141 of this subpart.

§ 2570.139

Review by the Secretary.

(a) The Secretary may review a decision of an administrative law judge. Such a review may occur only when a party files a notice of appeal from a decision of an administrative law judge within twenty (20) days of the issuance of such decision. In all other cases, the decision of the administrative law judge shall become final agency action within the meaning of 5 U.S.C. 704.

(b) A notice of appeal to the Secretary shall state with specificity the issue(s) in the decision of the administrative law judge on which the party is seeking review. Such notice of appeal must be served on all parties of record.

(c) Upon receipt of a notice of appeal, the Secretary shall request the Chief Administrative Law Judge to submit to him or her a copy of the entire record before the administrative law judge.

§ 2570.140

Scope of review.

The review of the Secretary shall not be a de novo proceeding but rather a review of the record established before the administrative law judge. There shall be no opportunity for oral argument.

§ 2570.141

Procedures for review by the Secretary.

(a) Upon receipt of the notice of appeal, the Secretary shall establish a briefing schedule which shall be served on all parties of record. Upon motion of one or more of the parties, the Secretary may, in his or her discretion, permit the submission of reply briefs.

(b) The Secretary shall issue a decision as promptly as possible after receipt of the briefs of the parties. The Secretary may affirm, modify, or set aside, in whole or in part, the decision on appeal and shall issue a statement of reasons and bases for the action(s) taken. Such decision by the Secretary shall be final agency action within the meaning of 5 U.S.C. 704.

Signed at Washington, D.C., this 11th day of October, 2002.

Ann L. Combs,

Assistant Secretary, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Labor.