96-7659. Revisions to Rules Implementing the Freedom of Information Act

[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 62 (Friday, March 29, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 14024-14025]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-7659]



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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission

29 CFR Part 2201


Revisions to Rules Implementing the Freedom of Information Act

AGENCY: Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This document makes certain technical and nomenclature 
changes. In addition, the Commission is revising its fee structure for 
documents sought under the Freedom of Information Act to compensate for 
rising costs.

EFFECTIVE DATE: These amendments are effective March 29, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Linda A. Whitsett, Freedom of Information Act Officer, Occupational 
Safety and Health Review Commission, Room 903, 1120 20th St. N.W., 
Washington, DC 20036. Phone [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Part 1921 is being amended to reflect 
certain technical changes in the Commission's implementation of the 
Freedom of Information Act. Primarily, the Commission has changed the 
title of the ``Public Information Specialist'' to the ``Freedom of 
Information Act Officer.'' Part 1921 is revised to reflect that change. 
In addition, decisions will no longer be available at the Commission's 
regional offices. Accordingly, references to the field offices are 
eliminated. Finally, the Commission is increasing several fees 
associated with Freedom of Information Act requests to compensate for 
rising costs incurred since the fees were set in 1988.

List of Subjects in 29 CFR Part 2201

    Freedom of information, Records.

    For the reasons set forth in the preamble, title 29, chapter XX, 
part 2201 is amended as set forth below:

PART 2201--REGULATIONS IMPLEMENTING THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT

    1. The authority for part 2201 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 29 U.S.C. 661(g); 5 U.S.C. 552.

    2. In part 2201 all references to ``Public Information Specialist'' 
are removed and ``Freedom of Information Act Officer'' added in their 
places.
    3. Section 2201.3 is revised to read as follows:
    
[[Page 14025]]



Sec. 2201.3  Delegation of authority.

    The Freedom of Information Act Officer is delegated the authority 
to act upon all requests for public records. In the absence of the 
Freedom of Information Act Officer, the Chairman or the Executive 
Director may designate another Commission officer or employee, such as 
the General Counsel or the Executive Secretary, to respond to requests. 
Copies of individual Commission decisions may be obtained directly from 
the Freedom of Information Act Officer at the Commission's national 
office. See Sec. 2201.5(a). All other information requests shall be 
directed to the Freedom of Information Act Officer. See Sec. 2201.6(b).
    4. Section 2201.5 is amended by revising paragraphs (a) and (b)(1) 
to read as follows:


Sec. 2201.5  Copies of Commission decisions.

    (a) Single decisions. One copy of a Commission decision or decision 
by an Administrative Law Judge may be obtained free of copying fees by 
calling, writing or visiting the Freedom of Information Act Officer at 
the Commission's national office. A search fee may be charged, however, 
if the decision is not identified by name and date, or by docket 
number, or if it is not otherwise easily identifiable. See Sec. 2201.8 
(b)(2)(i). Copying fees will be charged if more than one decision is 
requested and the copying cost exceeds $10. See Sec. 2201.8 (a)(1) and 
(b)(1). The address and telephone number of the office at which 
decisions are available is OSHRC, Freedom of Information Act Officer, 
One Lafayette Centre, 1120-20th St. NW., room 900, Washington, DC 
20036-3419. Telephone [phone].
    (b)(1) OSAHRC Reports. All final Commission decisions from 1971 
through 1992 (including decisions of the Commission and its 
Administrative Law Judges) of general applicability, and concurring and 
dissenting opinions, are published in a series of microfiche entitled 
OSAHRC Reports. OSAHRC Reports may be purchased from the Superintendent 
of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. 
Persons wishing to obtain copies of numerous decisions and avoid large 
copying charges may purchase OSAHRC Reports or subscribe to a private 
reporting service. Decisions issued after 1992 are available by 
calling, writing or visiting the national office.
* * * * *
    5. Section 2201.8 is amended by revising the first sentence of 
paragraph (b)(2) introductory text to read as follows:


Sec. 2201.8  Fees for copying, searching, and review.

* * * * *
    (b) Types of fees. * * *
    (2) Search fee. The fee for searching for information and records 
shall be $19 per hour of clerical time and $46 per hour of professional 
time. * * *
* * * * *
    Dated: March 25, 1996.
Earl R. Ohman, Jr.,
General Counsel.
[FR Doc. 96-7659 Filed 3-28-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7600-01-M