2014-26982. Notice of Public Meeting of the Assembly of the Administrative Conference of the United States

AGENCY:

Administrative Conference of the United States.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.), the Assembly of the Administrative Conference of the United States will hold a meeting to consider three proposed recommendations and to conduct other business. This meeting will be open to the public.

DATES:

The meeting will take place on Thursday, December 4, 2014, 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and on Friday, December 5, 2014, 9:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The meeting may adjourn early if all business is finished.

ADDRESSES:

The meeting will be held at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Three Lafayette Centre, 1155 21st Street NW., Washington, DC 20581 (Main Conference Room).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Shawne McGibbon, General Counsel (Designated Federal Officer), Administrative Conference of the United States, Suite 706 South, 1120 20th Street NW., Washington, DC 20036; Telephone [phone]; email [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Administrative Conference of the United States makes recommendations to federal agencies, the President, Congress, and the Judicial Conference of the United States regarding the improvement of administrative procedures (5 U.S.C. 594). The membership of the Conference, when meeting in plenary session, constitutes the Assembly of the Conference (5 U.S.C. 595).

Agenda: The Assembly will discuss and consider three proposed recommendations as described below:

Retrospective Review of Agency Rules. This recommendation examines agencies' procedures for reanalyzing and amending existing regulations and offers recommendations designed to promote a culture of retrospective review at agencies. Among other things, it urges agencies to plan for retrospective review when drafting new regulations; highlights considerations germane to selecting regulations for reevaluation; identifies factors relevant to ensuring robust review; and encourages agencies to coordinate with the Office of Management and Budget, sister agencies, and outside entities (including stakeholders and foreign regulators) when designing and conducting retrospective reviews.

Petitions for Rulemaking. This recommendation identifies agency procedures and best practices for accepting, processing, and responding to petitions for rulemaking. It seeks to ensure that the public's right to petition is a meaningful one, while still respecting the need for agencies to retain decisional autonomy. Building upon ACUS's previous work on the subject, it provides additional guidance that may make the petitioning process more useful for agencies, petitioners, and the public.

Best Practices for Using Video Teleconferencing for Hearings. This recommendation offers practical guidance regarding how best to conduct video hearings, and addresses the following subjects: Equipment and environment, training, financial considerations, procedural practices, fairness and satisfaction, and collaboration among agencies. It also provides for the development of a video hearings handbook by ACUS's Office of the Chairman.

Additional information about the proposed recommendations and the order of the agenda, as well as other materials related to the meeting, can be found at the 61st Plenary Session page on the Conference's Web site: (http://www.acus.gov/​meetings-and-events/​plenary-meeting/​61st-plenary-session).

Public Participation: The Conference welcomes the attendance of the public at the meeting, subject to space limitations, and will make every effort to accommodate persons with disabilities or special needs. Members of the public who wish to attend in person are asked to RSVP online at the 61st Plenary Session Web page listed above, no later than two days before the meeting, in order to facilitate entry. Members of the public who attend the meeting may be permitted to speak only with the consent of the Chairman and the unanimous approval of the members of the Assembly. If you need special accommodations due to disability, please inform the Designated Federal Officer noted above at least 7 days in advance of the meeting. The public may also view the meeting through a live Webcast, which will be available at: http://new.livestream.com/​ACUS/​61stPlenarySession. In addition, the public may follow the meeting on our Twitter feed @acusgov or hashtag #61stPlenary.

Written Comments: Persons who wish to comment on any of the proposed recommendations may do so by submitting a written statement either online by clicking “Submit a Comment” on the 61st Plenary Session Web page listed above or by mail addressed to: December 2014 Plenary Session Comments, Administrative Conference of the United States, Suite 706 South, 1120 20th Street NW., Washington, DC 20036. Written submissions must be received no later than Wednesday, November 26, to assure consideration by the Assembly.

Dated: November 10, 2014.

Shawne McGibbon,

General Counsel.