2016-15673. Civil Monetary Penalty Adjustments for Inflation  

  • Start Preamble Start Printed Page 42987

    AGENCY:

    Department of Homeland Security.

    ACTION:

    Interim final rule with request for comments.

    SUMMARY:

    This rule amends Department of Homeland Security (DHS or Department) regulations to adjust DHS and component civil monetary penalties for inflation. DHS calculated the adjusted penalties according to the statutory formula in the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015, which was signed into law on November 2, 2015. The adjusted penalties will be effective for civil penalties assessed after August 1, 2016 whose associated violations occurred after November 2, 2015.

    DATES:

    Effective Date. This rule is effective on August 1, 2016.

    Comment Date: Comments must be received on or before August 1, 2016.

    ADDRESSES:

    You may submit comments, identified by docket number DHS-2016-0034, by one of the following methods:

    • Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    • Mail: Megan Westmoreland, Office of the General Counsel, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 245 Murray Lane SW., Mail Stop 0485, Washington, DC 20528-0485.
    Start Further Info

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    Megan Westmoreland, Attorney-Advisor, Office of the General Counsel, U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Phone: 202-447-4384.

    End Further Info End Preamble Start Supplemental Information

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    Table of Contents

    I. Background

    II. Adjustments by Component

    A. National Protection and Programs Directorate

    B. U.S. Customs and Border Protection

    C. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    D. U.S. Coast Guard

    E. Transportation Security Administration

    III. Administrative Procedure Act

    IV. Regulatory Analyses

    A. Executive Orders 12866 and 13563

    B. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    C. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    D. Paperwork Reduction Act

    I. Background

    On November 2, 2015, the President signed into law the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015 (Pub. L. 114-74 section 701 (Nov. 2, 2105)) (the 2015 Act),[1] which further amended the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990 (28 U.S.C. 2461 note) (the Inflation Adjustment Act), to improve the effectiveness of civil monetary penalties and to maintain their deterrent effect. The 2015 Act requires agencies to: (1) adjust the level of civil monetary penalties with an initial “catch-up” adjustment through issuance of an interim final rule (IFR) and (2) make subsequent annual adjustments for inflation.

    The 2015 Act applies to all agency civil penalties except for any penalty (including any addition to tax and additional amount) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 1 et seq.) and the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1202 et seq.). See sec. 4(a)(1) of the 2015 Act. In the case of DHS, several civil penalties that are collected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the U.S. Coast Guard fall under the Tariff Act of 1930, and thus DHS is not adjusting those civil penalties in this rulemaking.

    The 2015 Act applies the new penalty amounts to all penalties that DHS assesses after August 1, 2016, the effective date of this rule. Additionally, pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 2461 note sec. 6, as amended by the 2015 Act, DHS will apply the adjusted penalty amounts for any violations that occurred after November 2, 2015 (i.e., the date the 2015 Act was signed into law) as long as the penalty is assessed after the effective date of this interim final rule.

    The 2015 Act provides a new method for calculating inflation adjustments. The new method differs substantially from the methods that agencies used in the past when conducting inflation adjustments pursuant to the 1990 Inflation Adjustment Act. The new method is intended to more accurately reflect inflation. Previously, when agencies conducted adjustments to civil penalties, they did so under rules that required significant rounding of figures. For example, an agency would round a penalty increase that was greater than $1,000, but less than or equal to $10,000, to the nearest multiple of $1,000. While this allowed penalties to be kept at round numbers, it meant that agencies would often not increase penalties at all if the inflation factor was not large enough. Furthermore, increases to penalties were capped at 10 percent, which meant that longer periods without an inflation adjustment could cause a penalty to rapidly lose value in real terms. Over time, the formula used in the 1990 Inflation Adjustment Act calculations frequently caused penalties to lose value relative to actual inflation. The 2015 Act removed these rounding rules, and instead instructs agencies to round penalties to the nearest $1. While this creates penalty values that are no longer round numbers, it does ensure that agencies will increase penalties each year to a figure commensurate with the actual calculated inflation.

    To better reflect the original impact of civil penalties, the 2015 Act “resets” the inflation calculations by excluding prior inflationary adjustments under the Inflation Adjustment Act. To do this, the 2015 Act requires agencies to identify, for each penalty, the year that Congress originally enacted the maximum penalty level/range of minimum and maximum penalty levels or the year that the agency last adjusted the penalty amount other than to pursuant to the Inflation Adjustment Act, and the corresponding penalty amount(s). The 2015 Act then requires agencies to perform an initial “catch-up” adjustment, using the original amounts of civil penalties as a baseline, so that the 2016 penalty levels are equal, in real terms, to the penalty amounts as they were originally established.

    Pursuant to the 2015 Act, DHS undertook a review of the civil penalties that DHS and its components administer. This rule sets forth the initial “catch-up” adjustment for all civil penalties that DHS and its components administer. For each component, we have provided a table showing how DHS is increasing the penalties pursuant to the 2015 Act. The table contains the following information:

    • In the first column (penalty name), we provide a description of the penalty.
    • In the second column (citation), we provide the statutory cite from the United States Code (U.S.C.) and the regulatory cite from the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).Start Printed Page 42988
    • In the third column (current penalty), we list the existing penalty in effect on November 2, 2015.
    • In the fourth column (baseline penalty (year)), we provide the amount and year of the penalty as enacted by Congress or as last changed through a mechanism other than pursuant to the Inflation Adjustment Act, whichever is later.
    • In the fifth column (multiplier), we list the multiplier used to adjust the penalty. The multiplier is determined by the year of enactment or last adjustment of the penalty. The multiplier is based upon the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) for the month of October 2015, not seasonally adjusted.[2]
    • In the sixth column (preliminary new penalty), we list the amount obtained by multiplying the Baseline Penalty from column 4 with the Multiplier from column 5. This amount will be the final penalty, if, in accordance with the 2015 Act, this level does not increase penalty levels by more than 150 percent of the corresponding levels in effect on November 2, 2015.[3]
    • In the seventh column, (adjusted new penalty), we provide the final number for the penalty. To derive this number, we compare the preliminary new penalty with the current penalty from column 3. The adjusted new penalty is the lesser of either the preliminary new penalty or an amount equal to 150 percent more than the current penalty.

    Additionally, where applicable, we have also made conforming edits to regulatory text.

    II. Adjustments by Component

    In the following sections, we briefly describe the civil penalties that DHS and its components assess. We describe the nature of the penalties and discuss relevant authorities. We include tables at the end of each section, which list the individual adjustments for each penalty. We also include discussions where we believe further explanation is helpful.

    A. National Protection and Programs Directorate

    The National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD) administers only one civil penalty that the 2015 Act affects. This penalty assesses fines for violations of the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS), a program which regulates the security of chemical facilities that, in the discretion of the Secretary, present high levels of security risk. The CFATS program was originally established in 2007, pursuant to section 550 of the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2007 (Pub. L. 109-295),[4] and is currently located in part 27 of Title 6 of the CFR.

    One question that arose is how to calculate the baseline date of the CFATS penalty, which is $25,000 per day. The question arose because the 2007 legislation, which established CFATS, did not create a new penalty provision, but rather referenced an older one: [5] Section 70119(a) of Title 46. The Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) (Pub. L. 107-295) was enacted in 2002 and established this penalty provision. For that reason, arguments could be made that we should index the $25,000 penalty by the 2002 CPI value (the date the MTSA penalty was established) or the 2007 CPI value (the date the CFATS program was enacted). The difference between these numbers is material—indexing the $25,000 penalty by the 2002 CPI value would yield a current penalty of $32,796 per day, while indexing the penalty by the 2007 CPI value would yield a current penalty of only $28,458 per day.

    Because the CFATS legislation did not create a new civil penalty, but rather simply referenced the existing MTSA penalty, we believe the intent of Congress was that violators of either MTSA or CFATS would face identical penalties. For this reason, we have considered the “baseline” year for the CFATS penalty to be 2002 rather than 2007, and have increased the penalty by the multiplier appropriate for that year, as shown in Table 1 below.

    Table 1—CFATS Civil Penalty Adjustment

    Penalty nameCitationCurrent penaltyBaseline penalty * (year)Multiplier **Preliminary new penalty [multiplier × baseline penalty]Adjusted new penalty [increase capped at 150% more than current penalty]
    Penalty for non-compliance with CFATS regulations6 U.S.C. 624(b)(1); 6 CFR 27.300(b)(3)$25,000 per day$25,000 (2002)1.31185$32,796$32,796
    * The amount of the penalty and the year of when the penalty was established or last adjusted in statute or regulation other than pursuant to the Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990.
    ** OMB, Implementation of the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015, Table A: 2016 Civil Monetary Penalty Catch-Up Adjustment Multiplier by Calendar Year, February 24, 2016.

    B. U.S. Customs and Border Protection

    U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) assesses civil monetary penalties for certain violations of title 8 of the CFR regarding the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 (Pub. L. 82-414, as amended) (INA). The INA contains provisions that impose penalties on persons, including carriers and aliens, who violate specified provisions of the INA. For example, section 231(g) of the INA, codified at 8 U.S.C. 1221(g), requires that a carrier shall be fined $1,000 for each person for whom manifest information is not provided.

    CBP's relevant penalty provisions are located in numerous sections of the INA (see list below), however CBP has Start Printed Page 42989enumerated these penalties in regulation in one location—in 8 CFR 280.53. Below is the list of penalty provisions in the INA:

    • Section 231(g), Penalties for non-compliance with arrival and departure manifest requirements for passengers, crewmembers, or occupants transported on commercial vessels or aircraft arriving to or departing from the United States.
    • Section 234, Penalties for non-compliance with landing requirements at designated ports of entry for aircraft transporting aliens.
    • Section 240B(d), Penalties for failure to depart voluntarily.
    • Section 243(c)(1)(A), Penalties for violations of removal orders relating to aliens transported on vessels or aircraft under section 241(d) or for costs associated with removal under section 241(e).
    • Section 243(c)(1)(B), Penalties for failure to remove alien stowaways under section 241(d)(2).
    • Section 251(d), Penalties for failure to report an illegal landing or desertion of alien crewmen, and for each alien not reported on arrival or departure manifest or lists required in accordance with section 251 and penalties for use of alien crewmen for longshore work in violation of section 251(d).
    • Section 254(a), Penalties for failure to control, detain, or remove alien crewmen.
    • Section 255, Penalties for employment on passenger vessels of aliens afflicted with certain disabilities.
    • Section 256, Penalties for discharge of alien crewmen.
    • Section 257, Penalties for bringing into the United States alien crewmen with intent to evade immigration laws.
    • Section 271(a), Penalties for failure to prevent the unauthorized landing of aliens.
    • Section 272(a), Penalties for bringing to the United States aliens subject to denial of admission on a health-related ground.
    • Section 273(b), Penalties for bringing to the United States aliens without required documentation.
    • Section 274D, Penalties for failure to depart.
    • Section 275(b), Penalties for improper entry.

    We note, for reference, that CBP also assesses certain civil monetary penalties for customs violations under title 19 of the CFR. CBP assesses those penalties under the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended, but as we discussed above, the 2015 Act specifically exempts Tariff Act penalties from the inflation adjustment requirements in the 2015 Act. For that reason, we have not listed those title 19 penalties in the below table of CBP penalty adjustments.

    Under this rule, the current penalties continue to be applicable with regard to violations that occurred on or before November 2, 2015, the date of enactment of the 2015 Act. In Table 2 below, we provide the penalties that we are adjusting in accordance with the 2015 Act, where the associated violations occurred after November 2, 2015.

    Table 2—U.S. Customs and Border Protection Civil Penalties Adjustments

    Penalty nameCitationCurrent penaltyBaseline penalty * (year)Multiplier **Preliminary new penalty [multiplier × baseline penalty]Adjusted new penalty [increase capped at 150% more than current penalty]
    Penalties for non-compliance with arrival and departure manifest requirements for passengers, crewmembers, or occupants transported on commercial vessels or aircraft arriving to or departing from the United States8 U.S.C. 1221(g) 8 CFR 280.53(c)(1) (INA section 231(g))$1,100$1,000 (2002)1.31185$1,312$1,312
    Penalties for non-compliance with landing requirements at designated ports of entry for aircraft transporting aliens8 U.S.C. 1224 8 CFR 280.53(c)(2) (INA section 234)$3,200$2,000 (1990)1.78156$3,563$3,563
    Penalties for failure to depart voluntarily8 U.S.C. 1229c(d) 8 CFR 280.53(c)(3) (INA section 240B(d))$1,100-$5,500$1,000-$5,000 (1996)1.50245$1,502-$7,512$1,502-$7,512
    Penalties for violations of removal orders relating to aliens transported on vessels or aircraft under section 241(d) of the INA, or for costs associated with removal under section 241(e) of the INA8 U.S.C. 1253(c)(1)(A) 8 CFR 280.53(c)(4) (INA section 243(c)(1)(A))$2,200$2,000 (1996)1.50245$3,005$3,005
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    Penalties for failure to remove alien stowaways under section 241(d)(2) of the INA8 U.S.C. 1253(c)(1)(B) 8 CFR 280.53(c)(4) (INA section 243(c)(1)(B))$5,500$5,000 (1996)1.50245$7,512$7,512
    Penalties for failure to report an illegal landing or desertion of alien crewmen, and for each alien not reported on arrival or departure manifest or lists required in accordance with section 251 of the INA8 U.S.C. 1281(d) 8 CFR 280.53(c)(5) (INA section 251(d))$320 for each alien$200 for each alien (1990)1.78156$356 for each alien$356 for each alien
    Penalties for use of alien crewmen for longshore work in violation of section 251(d) of the INA8 U.S.C. 1281(d) 8 CFR 280.53(c)(5) (INA section 251(d))$7,500$5,000 (1990)1.78156$8,908$8,908
    Penalties for failure to control, detain, or remove alien crewmen8 U.S.C. 1284(a) 8 CFR 280.53(c)(6) (INA section 254(a))$750-$4,300$500-$3000 (1990)1.78156$891-$5,345$891-$5,345
    Penalties for employment on passenger vessels of aliens afflicted with certain disabilities8 U.S.C. 1285 8 CFR 280.53(c)(7) (INA section 255)$1,100$1,000 (1990)1.78156$1,782$1,782
    Penalties for discharge of alien crewmen8 U.S.C. 1286 8 CFR 280.53(c)(8) (INA section 256)$1,500-$4,300$1,500-$3,000 (1990)1.78156$2,672-$5,345$2,672-$5,345
    Penalties for bringing into the United States alien crewmen with intent to evade immigration laws8 U.S.C. 1287 8 CFR 280.53(c)(9) (INA section 257)$16,000$10,000 (1990)1.78156$17,816$17,816
    Penalties for failure to prevent the unauthorized landing of aliens8 U.S.C. § 1321(a) 8 CFR 280.53(c)(10) (INA section 271(a))$4,300$3,000 (1990)1.78156$5,345$5,345
    Penalties for bringing to the United States aliens subject to denial of admission on a health-related ground8 U.S.C. § 1322(a) 8 CFR 280.53(c)(11) (INA section 272(a))$4,300$3,000 (1990)1.78156$5,345$5,345
    Penalties for bringing to the United States aliens without required documentation8 U.S.C. § 1323(b) 8 CFR 280.53(c)(12) (INA section 273(b))$4,300$3,000 (1990)1.78156$5,345$5,345
    Penalties for failure to depart8 U.S.C. 1324d 8 CFR 280.53(c)(13) (INA section 274D)$550$500 (1996)1.50245$751$751
    Penalties for improper entry8 U.S.C. § 1325(b) 8 CFR 280.53(c)(14) (INA section 275(b))$55-275$50-$250 (1996)1.50245$75-$376$75-$376
    * The amount of the penalty and the year of when the penalty was established or last adjusted in statute or regulation other than pursuant to the Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990.
    ** OMB, Implementation of the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015, Table A: 2016 Civil Monetary Penalty Catch-Up Adjustment Multiplier by Calendar Year, February 24, 2016.
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    C. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) assesses civil monetary penalties for certain employment-related violations arising from the INA. ICE's civil penalties are located in title 8 of the CFR.

    There are three different sections in the INA that impose civil monetary penalties for violations of the laws that relate to employment actions (sections 274A, 274B, and 274C). ICE has primary enforcement responsibilities for two of these civil penalty provisions (sections 274A and 274C), and the Department of Justice (DOJ) has enforcement responsibilities for one of these civil penalty provisions (section 274B). The INA, in sections 274A and 274C, provides for imposition of civil penalties for various specified unlawful acts pertaining to the employment eligibility verification process (Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification) and the employment of unauthorized aliens. These penalties cover, among other things, the knowing employment of unauthorized aliens and the failure to comply with the employment verification requirements relating to completion of the Form I-9. ICE assesses and imposes civil monetary penalties with respect to employer sanctions under section 274A of the INA and 8 CFR part 274a. Similarly, ICE imposes civil penalties for specified actions relating to immigration-related document fraud under section 274C of the INA and 8 CFR part 270. We note that while ICE is updating the penalty amounts in 8 CFR part 270, ICE has not assessed these penalties in recent years.

    Because both DHS and DOJ implement the three employment-related penalty sections in the INA, both Departments are codifying the civil penalty amounts in their implementing regulations. Pursuant to the authority of the Inflation Adjustment Act and before the creation of DHS, DOJ previously adjusted the civil monetary penalties for inflation, increasing the specific amounts stated in sections 274A, 274B, and 274C of the INA. See 64 FR 7066 (Feb. 12, 1999) and 64 FR 47099 (Aug. 30, 1999). Both agencies issued a joint rulemaking to update the penalties in 2008. See 73 FR 10130 (Feb. 26, 2008). Today, as in 2008, the division of responsibilities between the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Attorney General requires action by both Departments in order to effectuate a further adjustment of the civil penalties. The minimum and maximum civil penalty amounts for each violation will necessarily be the same whether DHS or DOJ imposes the penalty. See 8 CFR 274a.10 and 270.3; 28 CFR 68.52(c) and (e).

    In this rule, DHS is amending 8 CFR parts 270 and 274a of the DHS regulations to incorporate the revised schedule of civil penalties, as adjusted for inflation according to the statutory formula described above. We note that DOJ is similarly revising regulations in 28 CFR part 68 (which correspond to the penalties in 8 CFR part 270) in a separate civil penalty adjustment rulemaking.

    Under this rule, the current penalties continue to be applicable with regard to violations that occurred on or before November 2, 2015, the date of enactment of the 2015 Act. Table 3 below lays out the changes to the penalties, where the associated violations occurred after November 2, 2015.

    Table 3—Immigration and Customs Enforcement Civil Penalties Adjustments

    Penalty nameCitationCurrent penaltyBaseline penalty * (year)Multiplier **Preliminary new penalty [multiplier × baseline penalty]Adjusted new penalty [increase capped at 150% more than current penalty]
    Civil penalties for violation of Immigration and Naturalization Act (INA) sections 274C(a)(1)-(a)(4), penalty for first offense8 CFR 270.3(b)(1)(ii)(A)$375-$3,200$250-$2,000 (1990)1.78156$445-$3,563$445-$3,563
    Civil penalties for violation of Immigration and Naturalization Act (INA) sections 274C(a)(5)-(a)(6), penalty for first offense8 CFR 270.3(b)(1)(ii)(B)$275-$2,200$250-$2,000 (1996)1.50245$376-$3,005$376-$3,005
    Civil penalties for violation of Immigration and Naturalization Act (INA) sections 274C(a)(1)-(a)(4), penalty for subsequent offenses8 CFR 270.3(b)(1)(ii)(C)$3,200-$6,500$2,000-$5,000 (1990)1.78156$3,563-$8,908$3,563-$8,908
    Civil penalties for violation of Immigration and Naturalization Act (INA) sections 274C(a)(5)-(a)(6), penalty for subsequent offenses8 CFR 270.3(b)(1)(ii)(D)$2,200-$5,500$2,000-$5,000 (1996)1.50245$3,005-$7,512$3,005-$7,512
    Violation/prohibition of indemnity bonds8 CFR 274a.8(b)$1,100$1,000 (1986)2.15628$2,156$2,156
    Civil penalties for knowingly hiring, recruiting, referral, or retention of unauthorized aliens—Penalty for first offense (per unauthorized alien)8 CFR 274a.10(b)(1)(ii)(A)$375-$3,200$250-$2,000 (1986)2.15628$539-$4,313$539-$4,313
    Penalty for second offense (per unauthorized alien)8 CFR 274a.10(b)(1)(ii)(B)$3,200-$6,500$2,000-$5,000 (1986)2.15628$4,313-$10,781$4,313-$10,781
    Penalty for third or subsequent offense (per unauthorized alien)8 CFR 274a.10(b)(1)(ii)(C)$4,300-$16,000$3,000-$10,000 (1986)2.15628$6,469-$21,563$6,469-$21,563
    Civil penalties for I-9 paperwork violations8 CFR 274a.10(b)(2)$110-$1,100$100-$1,000 (1986)2.15628$216-$2,156$216-$2,156
    * The amount of the penalty and the year of when the penalty was established or last adjusted in statute or regulation other than pursuant to the Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990.
    ** OMB, Implementation of the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015, Table A: 2016 Civil Monetary Penalty Catch-Up Adjustment Multiplier by Calendar Year, February 24, 2016.
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    D. U.S. Coast Guard

    The Coast Guard is adjusting for inflation the penalties in the table in part 27 of title 33 of the CFR. That table identifies the statutes that provide the Coast Guard with civil monetary penalty authority and sets out the inflation-adjusted maximum penalty that the Coast Guard may impose pursuant to each statutory provision. The new table in this regulation provides the current maximum penalty for violations that occurred after November 2, 2015. The penalties in effect for violations on or prior to November 2, 2015 can be found in prior CFR versions that pertain to the date in which the violation occurred. Since the Coast Guard had adjusted the table in part 27 for inflation on several occasions, not just one table can be used for all violations on or before November 2, 2015.

    The Coast Guard is authorized to assess close to 150 penalties involving maritime safety and security and environmental stewardship that are critical to the continued success of Coast Guard missions. Various statutes in Title 14, 16, 19, 33, 42, 46, and 49 of the U.S.C. authorize these penalties. Titles 33 and 46 authorize the vast majority of these penalties as these statutes deal with navigation, navigable waters, and shipping.

    Under title 33 of the U.S.C., the Coast Guard assesses penalties with respect to bridges, marine events, pollution prevention, oil discharges, sanitation, international navigation, and other environmental stewardship responsibilities. Most notably, the Coast Guard has express joint authority with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to assess penalties in order to enforce the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (Clean Water Act) (CWA), as amended by the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90) (33 U.S.C. 1321 et seq.), and MARPOL Protocol, Annex VI (33 U.S.C. 1908). Penalties under the CWA and OPA 90 relate to the discharge of oil or a hazardous substance from a vessel or facility into or upon the navigable waters of the United States, adjoining shoreline, or into or upon the waters of the contiguous zone. Both agencies may assess penalties for discharges of oil or hazardous substances in connection with activities under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act or the Deepwater Port Act. Further, both agencies may assess penalties if a person fails to take mitigation or removal action, or fails to comply with an order of the Federal On-Scene Coordinator. The Coast Guard and EPA delineate enforcement boundaries within each region. Under the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (APPS) (33 U.S.C. 1901 et seq.), both of these agencies may assess penalties for any violation of Annex VI, including but not limited to the carriage and use of low-sulfur fuel oil, and vessel engine and emission requirements. While the EPA focuses primarily on engine permit requirements and shoreside facility compliance, the Coast Guard may refer other matters to the EPA for enforcement in accordance with established protocol.

    Under title 46 of the U.S.C., the Coast Guard assesses penalties with respect to vessel inspections, vessel operations, manning and training on vessels, marine casualty reporting, drug testing, pilotage, vessel identification, and other aspects of personnel and operations involved in the shipping industry. The majority of civil penalties under this title relate to vessel compliance, which includes general inspection requirements, crew requirements and limitations, and operational requirements of the vessel to engage in a commercial enterprise.

    Beyond title 33 and title 46 of the U.S.C., the Coast Guard assesses penalties related to the organization and management of the Coast Guard, aquatic species conservation, obstruction of revenue, and hazardous substances and materials. Most notably, the Coast Guard has joint authority with EPA under title 42 of the U.S.C. to assess penalties for hazardous substances. Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) (42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.), the Coast Guard may assess penalties for the failure to meet the notification requirements, failure to provide evidence of financial responsibility, or failure to follow an administrative order, among other violations. The Coast Guard has the primary responsibility to enforce the laws on navigational waterways.

    As evidenced by the table below, the current inflation adjustment imposes a substantial change in many of the civil penalties administered by the Coast Guard. Part of the reason for the changes are that the enactment dates for penalties assessed by the Coast Guard vary widely, spanning from 1935 to 2014. Furthermore, the penalty amounts vary widely, spanning up to $250,000. Under the 2015 Act, and as mentioned elsewhere in this preamble, Congress has created a straightforward method for calculating the amount of the inflation allowable for each penalty.

    While the increases due to inflation are, for some penalties, substantial, not all penalties will be equivalent to their original value in real terms. Pursuant to the 2015 Act, the Coast Guard cannot increase any penalty by more than 150% of the previously adjusted penalty. As the Coast Guard last adjusted penalties for inflation on June 2, 2011 (76 FR 31831), it cannot adjust any penalty by more than 150% of the amount set by the final rule of June 2, 2011. After the Coast Guard used the new method and applied the 150% cap, they increased the penalties by an amount of 3% to 150% above the last adjustment. Of those penalties that the Coast Guard is increasing in this rulemaking, approximately 23 of the penalties are increasing more than 100% from their 2011 value, and the 2015 Act limits the amount that they can increase to 150% of the 2011 value. All of the penalties that Congress or the Coast Guard enacted prior to 1980 are increasing more than 100%. This is due to the great difference between the CPI-U level from the years enacted and the CPI-U from October 2015.

    There were three penalties that decreased in value from their previous amounts. These penalties (codified in 46 U.S.C. App. 1505(a)(2), 46 U.S.C. App. 1805(c)(2), and 42 U.S.C. 12151(c)) showed significant decreases. These changes occurred because Congress recodified these penalties in 2006 after the Coast Guard adjusted them for inflation. Using the 2006 recodification as the new statutory baseline, the penalty amounts declined significantly in this rulemaking from their current values.

    Finally, we are adding several penalties to the existing table in 33 CFR 27.3 that had been inadvertently omitted from regulatory text. These penalties include a penalty for intentional interference with a broadcast (codified at 14 U.S.C. 88(e)), a clean hulls penalty for recreational and commercial vessels (33 U.S.C. 3852(c)), vessel documentation relating to mobile offshore drilling units (46 U.S.C. 12151(a)(2), and hazardous material training penalties (49 U.S.C. 5123(a)(3)).Start Printed Page 42993

    Table 4—U.S. Coast Guard Civil Penalties Adjustments

    Penalty nameCitationCurrent penaltyBaseline penalty * (year) (statutory citation)Multiplier **Preliminary new penalty [multiplier × baseline penalty]Adjusted new penalty [increase capped at 150% more than current penalty]
    Saving Life and Property14 U.S.C. 88(c)$10,000$10,000 (2014) (Pub. L. 113-281)1.00171$10,017$10,017
    Saving Life and Property; Intentional Interference with Broadcast14 U.S.C. 88(e)1,000$1,000 (2012) (Pub. L. 112-213)1.028191,0281,028
    Confidentiality of Medical Quality Assurance Records (first offense)14 U.S.C. 645(i); 33 CFR 27.34,000$3,000 (1992) (Pub. L. 102-587)1.677285,0325,032
    Confidentiality of Medical Quality Assurance Records (subsequent offenses)14 U.S.C. 645(i); 33 CFR 27.330,000$20,000 (1992) (Pub. L. 102-587)1.6772833,54633,546
    Aquatic Nuisance Species in Waters of the United States16 U.S.C. 4711(g)(1); 33 CFR 27.335,000$25,000 (1996) (Pub. L. 104-332)1.5024537,56137,561
    Obstruction of Revenue Officers by Masters of Vessels19 U.S.C. 70; 33 CFR 27.33,000$2,000 (1935)17.3604434,7217,500
    Obstruction of Revenue Officers by Masters of Vessels—Minimum Penalty19 U.S.C. 70; 33 CFR 27.3700$500 (1935)17.360448,6801,750
    Failure to Stop Vessel When Directed; Master, Owner, Operator or Person in Charge19 U.S.C. 1581(d)5,000$5,000 (1930)N/AN/A*** 5,000
    Failure to Stop Vessel When Directed; Master, Owner, Operator or Person in Charge—Minimum Penalty19 U.S.C. 1581(d)1,000$1,000 (1930)N/AN/A*** 1,000
    Anchorage Ground/Harbor Regulations General33 U.S.C. 471; 33 CFR 27.3110$10,000 (2010) (Pub. L. 111-281)1.0874510,87510,875
    Anchorage Ground/Harbor Regulations St. Mary's river33 U.S.C. 474; 33 CFR 27.3300$200 (1946) (11 FR 7875)11.434522,287750
    Bridges/Failure to Comply with Regulations33 U.S.C. 495(b); 33 CFR 27.325,000$25,000 (2008) (Pub. L. 108-293)1.0981927,45527,455
    Bridges/Drawbridges33 U.S.C. 499(c); 33 CFR 27.325,000$25,000 (2008) (Pub. L. 108-293)1.0981927,45527,455
    Bridges/Failure to Alter Bridge Obstructing Navigation33 U.S.C. 502(c); 33 CFR 27.325,000$25,000 (2008) (Pub. L. 108-293)1.0981927,45527,455
    Bridges/Maintenance and Operation33 U.S.C. 533(b); 33 CFR 27.325,000$25,000 (2008) (Pub. L. 108-293)1.0981927,45527,455
    Bridge to Bridge Communication; Master, Person in Charge or Pilot33 U.S.C. 1208(a); 33 CFR 27.3800$500 (1971) (Pub. L. 92-63)5.815112,9082,000
    Bridge to Bridge Communication; Vessel33 U.S.C. 1208(b); 33 CFR 27.3800$500 (1971) (Pub. L. 92-63)5.815112,9082,000
    PWSA Regulations33 U.S.C. 1232(a); 33 CFR 27.340,000$25,000 (1978) (Pub. L. 95-474)3.5445388,61388,613
    Vessel Navigation: Regattas or Marine Parades; Unlicensed Person in Charge33 U.S.C. 1236(b); 33 CFR 27.38,000$5,000 (1990) (Pub. L. 101-380)1.781568,9088,908
    Vessel Navigation: Regattas or Marine Parades; Owner Onboard Vessel33 U.S.C. 1236(c); 33 CFR 27.38,000$5,000 (1990) (Pub. L. 101-380)1.781568,9088,908
    Vessel Navigation: Regattas or Marine Parades; Other Persons33 U.S.C. 1236(d); 33 CFR 27.33,000$2,500 (1990) (Pub. L. 101-380)1.781564,4544,454
    Start Printed Page 42994
    Oil/Hazardous Substances: Discharges (Class I per violation)33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(6)(B)(i); 33 CFR 27.315,000$10,000 (1990) (Pub. L. 101-380)1.7815617,81617,816
    Oil/Hazardous Substances: Discharges (Class I total under paragraph)33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(6)(B)(i); 33 CFR 27.340,000$25,000 (1990) (Pub. L. 101-380)1.7815644,53944,539
    Oil/Hazardous Substances: Discharges (Class II per day of violation)33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(6)(B)(ii); 33 CFR 27.315,000$10,000 (1990) (Pub. L. 101-380)1.7815617,81617,816
    Oil/Hazardous Substances: Discharges (Class II total under paragraph)33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(6)(B)(ii); 33 CFR 27.3190,000$125,000 (1990) (Pub. L. 101-380)1.78156222,695222,695
    Oil/Hazardous Substances: Discharges (per day of violation) Judicial Assessment33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(7)(A); 33 CFR 27.340,000$25,000 (1990) (Pub. L. 101-380)1.7815644,53944,539
    Oil/Hazardous Substances: Discharges (per barrel of oil or unit discharged) Judicial Assessment33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(7)(A); 33 CFR 27.31,100$1,000 (1990) (Pub. L. 101-380)1.781561,7821,782
    Oil/Hazardous Substances: Failure to Carry Out Removal/Comply With Order (Judicial Assessment)33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(7)(B); 33 CFR 27.340,000$25,000 (1990) (Pub. L. 101-380)1.7815644,53944,539
    Oil/Hazardous Substances: Failure to Comply with Regulation Issued Under 1321(j) (Judicial Assessment)33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(7)(C); 33 CFR 27.340,000$25,000 (1990) (Pub. L. 101-380)1.7815644,53944,539
    Oil/Hazardous Substances: Discharges, Gross Negligence (per barrel of oil or unit discharged) Judicial Assessment33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(7)(D); 33 CFR 27.34,000$3,000 (1990) (Pub. L. 101-380)1.781565,3455,345
    Oil/Hazardous Substances: Discharges, Gross Negligence—Minimum Penalty (Judicial Assessment)33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(7)(D); 33 CFR 27.3130,000$100,000 (1990) (Pub. L. 101-380)1.78156178,156178,156
    Marine Sanitation Devices; Operating33 U.S.C. 1322(j); 33 CFR 27.33,000$2,000 (1972) (Pub. L. 92-500)5.6226511,2457,500
    Marine Sanitation Devices; Sale or Manufacture33 U.S.C. 1322(j); 33 CFR 27.38,000$5,000 (1972) (Pub. L. 92-500)5.6226528,11320,000
    International Navigation Rules; Operator33 U.S.C. 1608(a); 33 CFR 27.38,000$5,000 (1980) (Pub. L. 96-591)2.8046914,02314,023
    International Navigation Rules; Vessel33 U.S.C. 1608(b); 33 CFR 27.38,000$5,000 (1980) (Pub. L. 96-591)2.8046914,02314,023
    Pollution from Ships; General33 U.S.C. 1908(b)(1); 33 CFR 27.340,000$25,000 (1980) (Pub. L. 96-478)2.8046970,11770,117
    Pollution from Ships; False Statement33 U.S.C. 1908(b)(1); 33 CFR 27.38,000$5,000 (1980) (Pub. L. 96-478)2.8046914,02314,023
    Inland Navigation Rules; Operator33 U.S.C. 2072(a); 33 CFR 27.38,000$5,000 (1980) (Pub. L. 96-591)2.8046914,02314,023
    Inland Navigation Rules; Vessel33 U.S.C. 2072(b); 33 CFR 27.38,000$5,000 (1980) (Pub. L. 96-591)2.8046914,02314,023
    Shore Protection; General33 U.S.C. 2609(a); 33 CFR 27.340,000$25,000 (1988) (Pub. L. 100-688)1.9786949,46749,467
    Shore Protection; Operating Without Permit33 U.S.C. 2609(b); 33 CFR 27.315,000$10,000 (1988) (Pub. L. 100-688)1.9786919,78719,787
    Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation33 U.S.C. 2716a(a); 33 CFR 27.340,000$25,000 (1990) (Pub. L. 101-380)1.7815644,53944,539
    Start Printed Page 42995
    Clean Hulls33 U.S.C. 3852(a)(1)(A); 33 CFR 27.337,500$37,500 (2010) (Pub. L. 111-281)1.0874540,77940,779
    Clean Hulls—related to false statements33 U.S.C. 3852(a)(1)(A); 33 CFR 27.350,000$50,000 (2010) (Pub. L. 111-281)1.0874554,37354,373
    Clean Hulls—Recreational Vessel33 U.S.C. 3852(c); 33 CFR 27.35,000$5,000 (2010) (Pub. L. 111-281)1.087455,4375,437
    Hazardous Substances, Releases, Liability, Compensation (Class I)42 U.S.C. 9609(a); 33 CFR 27.335,000$25,000 (1986) (Pub. L. 99-499)2.1562853,90753,907
    Hazardous Substances, Releases, Liability, Compensation (Class II)42 U.S.C. 9609(b); 33 CFR 27.335,000$25,000 (1986) (Pub. L. 99-499)2.1562853,90753,907
    Hazardous Substances, Releases, Liability, Compensation (Class II subsequent offense)42 U.S.C. 9609(b); 33 CFR 27.3100,000$75,000 (1986) (Pub. L. 99-499)2.15628161,721161,721
    Hazardous Substances, Releases, Liability, Compensation (Judicial Assessment)42 U.S.C. 9609(c); 33 CFR 27.335,000$25,000 (1986) (Pub. L. 99-499)2.1562853,90753,907
    Hazardous Substances, Releases, Liability, Compensation (Judicial Assessment subsequent offense)42 U.S.C. 9609(c); 33 CFR 27.3100,000$75,000 (1986) (Pub. L. 99-499)2.15628161,721161,721
    Safe Containers for International Cargo46 U.S.C. App 1505(a)(2) (codified as 46 USC 80509); 33 CFR 27.38,000$5,000 (2006) (Pub. L. 109-304)1.178585,8935,893
    Suspension of Passenger Service46 U.S.C. App 1805(c)(2) (codified 46 USC 70305); 33 CFR 27.370,000$50,000 (2006) (Pub. L. 109-304; 46 USC 70305)1.1785858,92958,929
    Vessel Inspection or Examination Fees46 U.S.C. 2110(e); 33 CFR 27.38,000$5,000 (1990) (Pub. L. 101-508)1.781568,9088,908
    Alcohol and Dangerous Drug Testing46 U.S.C. 2115; 33 CFR 27.37,000$5,000 (1998) (Pub. L. 105-383)1.450237,2517,251
    Negligent Operations: Recreational Vessels46 U.S.C. 2302(a); 33 CFR 27.36,000$5,000 (2002) (Pub. L. 107-295)1.311856,5596,559
    Negligent Operations: Other Vessels46 U.S.C. 2302(a); 33 CFR 27.330,000$25,000 (2002) (Pub. L. 107-295)1.3118532,79632,796
    Operating a Vessel While Under the Influence of Alcohol or a Dangerous Drug46 U.S.C. 2302(c)(1); 33 CFR 27.37,000$5,000 (1998) (Pub. L. 105-383)1.450237,2517,251
    Vessel Reporting Requirements: Owner, Charterer, Managing Operator, or Agent46 U.S.C. 2306(a)(4); 33 CFR 27.38,000$5,000 (1984) (Pub. L. 98-498)2.2586711,29311,293
    Vessel Reporting Requirements: Master46 U.S.C. 2306(b)(2); 33 CFR 27.31,100$1,000 (1984) (Pub. L. 98-498)2.258672,2592,259
    Immersion Suits46 U.S.C. 3102(c)(1); 33 CFR 27.38,000$5,000 (1984) (Pub. L. 98-623)2.2586711,29311,293
    Inspection Permit46 U.S.C. 3302(i)(5); 33 CFR 27.31,100$1,000 (1983) (Pub. L. 98-89)2.354832,3552,355
    Vessel Inspection; General46 U.S.C. 3318(a); 33 CFR 27.38,000$5,000 (1984) (Pub. L. 98-498)2.2586711,29311,293
    Vessel Inspection; Nautical School Vessel46 U.S.C. 3318(g); 33 CFR 27.38,000$5,000 (1984) (Pub. L. 98-498)2.2586711,29311,293
    Vessel Inspection; Failure to Give Notice IAW 3304(b)46 U.S.C. 3318(h); 33 CFR 27.31,100$1,000 (1984) (Pub. L. 98-498)2.258672,2592,259
    Start Printed Page 42996
    Vessel Inspection; Failure to Give Notice IAW 3309(c)46 U.S.C. 3318(i); 33 CFR 27.31,100$1,000 (1984) (Pub. L. 98-498)2.258672,2592,259
    Vessel Inspection; Vessel ≥1600 Gross Tons46 U.S.C. 3318(j)(1); 33 CFR 27.315,000$10,000 (1984) (Pub. L. 98-498)2.2586722,58722,587
    Vessel Inspection; Vessel <1600 Gross Tons46 U.S.C. 3318(j)(1); 33 CFR 27.33,000$2,000 (1984) (Pub. L. 98-498)2.258674,5174,517
    Vessel Inspection; Failure to Comply with 3311(b)46 U.S.C. 3318(k); 33 CFR 27.315,000$10,000 (1984) (Pub. L. 98-498)2.2586722,58722,587
    Vessel Inspection; Violation of 3318(b)-3318(f)46 U.S.C. 3318(l); 33 CFR 27.38,000$5,000 (1984) (Pub. L. 98-498)2.2586711,29311,293
    List/count of Passengers46 U.S.C. 3502(e); 33 CFR 27.3110$100 (1983) (Pub. L. 98-89)2.35483235235
    Notification to Passengers46 U.S.C. 3504(c); 33 CFR 27.315,000$10,000 (1983) (Pub. L. 98-89)2.3548323,54823,548
    Notification to Passengers; Sale of Tickets46 U.S.C. 3504(c); 33 CFR 27.3800$500 (1983) (Pub. L. 98-89)2.354831,1771,177
    Copies of Laws on Passenger Vessels; Master46 U.S.C. 3506; 33 CFR 27.3300$200 (1983) (Pub. L. 98-89)2.35483471471
    Liquid Bulk/Dangerous Cargo46 U.S.C. 3718(a)(1); 33 CFR 27.340,000$25,000 (1983) (Pub. L. 98-89)2.3548358,87158,871
    Uninspected Vessels46 U.S.C. 4106; 33 CFR 27.38,000$5,000 (1988) (Pub. L. 100-540)1.978699,8939,893
    Recreational Vessels (maximum for related series of violations)46 U.S.C. 4311(b)(1); 33 CFR 27.3300,000$250,000 (2004) (Pub. L. 108-293)1.24588311,470311,470
    Recreational Vessels; Violation of 4307(a)46 U.S.C. 4311(b)(1); 33 CFR 27.36,000$5,000 (2004) (Pub. L. 108-293)1.245886,2296,229
    Recreational vessels46 U.S.C. 4311(c); 33 CFR 27.31,100$1,000 (1983) (Pub. L. 98-89)2.354832,3552,355
    Uninspected Commercial Fishing Industry Vessels46 U.S.C. 4507; 33 CFR 27.38,000$5,000 (1988) (Pub. L. 100-424)1.978699,8939,893
    Abandonment of Barges46 U.S.C. 4703; 33 CFR 27.31,100$1,000 (1992) (Pub. L. 102-587)1.677281,6771,677
    Load Lines46 U.S.C. 5116(a); 33 CFR 27.38,000$5,000 (1986) (Pub. L. 99-509)2.1562810,78110,781
    Load Lines; Violation of 5112(a)46 U.S.C. 5116(b); 33 CFR 27.315,000$10,000 (1986) (Pub. L. 99-509)2.1562821,56321,563
    Load Lines; Violation of 5112(b)46 U.S.C. 5116(c); 33 CFR 27.38,000$5,000 (1986) (Pub. L. 99-509)2.1562810,78110,781
    Reporting Marine Casualties46 U.S.C. 6103(a); 33 CFR 27.335,000$25,000 (1996) (Pub. L. 104-324)1.5024537,56137,561
    Reporting Marine Casualties; Violation of 610446 U.S.C. 6103(b); 33 CFR 27.38,000$5,000 (1988) (Pub. L. 100-424)1.978699,8939,893
    Manning of Inspected Vessels; Failure to Report Deficiency in Vessel Complement46 U.S.C. 8101(e); 33 CFR 27.31,100$1,000 (1990) (Pub. L. 101-380)1.781561,7821,782
    Start Printed Page 42997
    Manning of Inspected Vessels46 U.S.C. 8101(f); 33 CFR 27.315,000$10,000 (1990) (Pub. L. 101-380)1.7815617,81617,816
    Manning of Inspected Vessels; Employing or Serving in Capacity not Licensed by USCG46 U.S.C. 8101(g); 33 CFR 27.315,000$10,000 (1990) (Pub. L. 101-380)1.7815617,81617,816
    Manning of Inspected Vessels; Freight Vessel <100 GT, Small Passenger Vessel, or Sailing School Vessel46 U.S.C. 8101(h); 33 CFR 27.31,100$1,000 (1983) (Pub. L. 98-89)2.354832,3552,355
    Watchmen on Passenger Vessels46 U.S.C. 8102(a)1,100$1,000 (1983) (Pub. L. 98-89)2.354832,3552,355
    Citizenship Requirements46 U.S.C. 8103(f)800$500 (1983) (Pub. L. 98-89)2.354831,1771,177
    Watches on Vessels; Violation of 8104(a) or (b)46 U.S.C. 8104(i)15,000$10,000 (1990) (Pub. L. 101-380)1.7815617,81617,816
    Watches on Vessels; Violation of 8104(c), (d), (e), or (h)46 U.S.C. 8104(j)15,000$10,000 (1990) (Pub. L. 101-380)1.7815617,81617,816
    Staff Department on Vessels46 U.S.C. 8302(e)110$100 (1983) (Pub. L. 98-89)2.35483235235
    Officer's Competency Certificates46 U.S.C. 8304(d)110$100 (1983) (Pub. L. 98-89)2.35483235235
    Coastwise Pilotage; Owner, Charterer, Managing Operator, Agent, Master or Individual in Charge46 U.S.C. 8502(e)15,000$10,000 (1990) (Pub. L. 101-380)1.7815617,81617,816
    Coastwise Pilotage; Individual46 U.S.C. 8502(f)15,000$10,000 (1990) (Pub. L. 101-380)1.7815617,81617,816
    Federal Pilots46 U.S.C. 850340,000$25,000 (1984) (Pub. L. 98-557)2.2586756,46756,467
    Merchant Mariners Documents46 U.S.C. 8701(d)800$500 (1983) (Pub. L. 98-89)2.354831,1771,177
    Crew Requirements46 U.S.C. 8702(e)15,000$10,000 (1990) (Pub. L. 101-380)1.7815617,81617,816
    Small Vessel Manning46 U.S.C. 890635,000$25,000 (1996) (Pub. L. 104-324)1.5024537,56137,561
    Pilotage: Great Lakes; Owner, Charterer, Managing Operator, Agent, Master or Individual in Charge46 U.S.C. 9308(a)15,000$10,000 (1990) (Pub. L. 101-380)1.7815617,81617,816
    Pilotage: Great Lakes; Individual46 U.S.C. 9308(b)15,000$10,000 (1990) (Pub. L. 101-380)1.7815617,81617,816
    Pilotage: Great Lakes; Violation of 930346 U.S.C. 9308(c)15,000$10,000 (1990) (Pub. L. 101-380)1.7815617,81617,816
    Failure to Report Sexual Offense46 U.S.C. 10104(b)8,000$5,000 (1989) (Pub. L. 101-225)1.893619,4689,468
    Pay Advances to Seamen46 U.S.C. 10314(a)(2)800$500 (1983) (Pub. L. 98-89)2.354831,1771,177
    Pay Advances to Seamen; Remuneration for Employment46 U.S.C. 10314(b)800$500 (1983) (Pub. L. 98-89)2.354831,1771,177
    Start Printed Page 42998
    Allotment to Seamen46 U.S.C. 10315(c)800$500 (1983) (Pub. L. 98-89)2.354831,1771,177
    Seamen Protection; General46 U.S.C. 103217,000$5,000 (1993) (Pub. L. 103-206)1.632388,1628,162
    Coastwise Voyages: Advances46 U.S.C. 10505(a)(2)7,000$5,000 (1993) (Pub. L. 103-206)1.632388,1628,162
    Coastwise Voyages: Advances; Remuneration for Employment46 U.S.C. 10505(b)7,000$5,000 (1993) (Pub. L. 103-206)1.632388,1628,162
    Coastwise Voyages: Seamen Protection; General46 U.S.C. 10508(b)7,000$5,000 (1993) (Pub. L. 103-206)1.632388,1628,162
    Effects of Deceased Seamen46 U.S.C. 10711300$200 (1983) (Pub. L. 98-89)2.35483471471
    Complaints of Unfitness46 U.S.C. 10902(a)(2)800$500 (1983) (Pub. L. 98-89)2.354831,1771,177
    Proceedings on Examination of Vessel46 U.S.C. 10903(d)110$100 (1983) (Pub. L. 98-89)2.35483235235
    Permission to Make Complaint46 U.S.C. 10907(b)800$500 (1983) (Pub. L. 98-89)2.354831,1771,177
    Accommodations for Seamen46 U.S.C. 11101(f)800$500 (1983) (Pub. L. 98-89)2.354831,1771,177
    Medicine Chests on Vessels46 U.S.C. 11102(b)800$500 (1983) (Pub. L. 98-89)2.354831,1771,177
    Destitute Seamen46 U.S.C. 11104(b)110$100 (1983) (Pub. L. 98-89)2.35483235235
    Wages on Discharge46 U.S.C. 11105(c)800$500 (1983) (Pub. L. 98-89)2.354831,1771,177
    Log Books; Master Failing to Maintain46 U.S.C. 11303(a)300$200 (1983) (Pub. L. 98-89)2.35483471471
    Log Books; Master Failing to Make Entry46 U.S.C. 11303(b)300$200 (1983) (Pub. L. 98-89)2.35483471471
    Log Books; Late Entry46 U.S.C. 11303(c)200$150 (1983) (Pub. L. 98-89)2.35483353353
    Carrying of Sheath Knives46 U.S.C. 1150680$50 (1983) (Pub. L. 98-89)2.35483118118
    Vessel Documentation46 U.S.C. 12151(a)(1)15,000$15,000 (2012) (Pub. L. 112-213)1.0281915,42315,423
    Documentation of Vessels—Related to Activities involving mobile offshore drilling units46 U.S.C. 12151(a)(2)25,000$25,000 (2012) (Pub. L. 112-213)1.0281925,70525,705
    Vessel Documentation; Fishery Endorsement46 U.S.C. 12151(c)130,000$100,000 (2006) (Pub. L. 109-304)1.17858117,858117,858
    Numbering of Undocumented Vessels—Willful violation46 U.S.C. 12309(a)6,000$5,000 (1983) (Pub. L. 98-89)2.3548311,77411,774
    Numbering of Undocumented Vessels46 U.S.C. 12309(b)1,100$1,000 (1983) (Pub. L. 98-89)2.354832,3552,355
    Vessel Identification System46 U.S.C. 12507(b)15,000$10,000 (1988) (Pub. L. 100-710)1.9786919,78719,787
    Start Printed Page 42999
    Measurement of Vessels46 U.S.C. 1470130,000$20,000 (1986) (Pub. L. 99-509)2.1562843,12643,126
    Measurement; False Statements46 U.S.C. 1470230,000$20,000 (1986) (Pub. L. 99-509)2.1562843,12643,126
    Commercial Instruments and Maritime Liens46 U.S.C. 3130915,000$10,000 (1988) (Pub. L. 100-710)1.9786919,78719,787
    Commercial Instruments and Maritime Liens; Mortgagor46 U.S.C. 31330(a)(2)15,000$10,000 (1988) (Pub. L. 100-710)1.9786919,78719,787
    Commercial Instruments and Maritime Liens; Violation of 3132946 U.S.C. 31330(b)(2)35,000$25,000 (1988) (Pub. L. 100-710)1.9786949,46749,467
    Port Security46 U.S.C. 70119(a)30,000$25,000 (2002) (Pub. L. 107-295)1.3118532,79632,796
    Port Security—Continuing Violations46 U.S.C. 70119(b)50,000$50,000 (2006) (Pub. L. 109-241)1.1785858,92958,929
    Maritime Drug Law Enforcement46 U.S.C. 70506(c)5,000$5,000 (2010) (Pub. L. 111-281)1.087455,4375,437
    Hazardous Materials: Related to Vessels49 U.S.C. 5123(a)(1)75,000$75,000 (2012) (Pub. L. 112-141)1.0281977,11477,114
    Hazardous Materials: Related to Vessels—Penalty from Fatalities, Serious Injuries/Illness or substantial Damage to Property49 U.S.C. 5123(a)(2)175,000$175,000 (2012) (Pub. L. 112-141)1.02819179,933179,933
    Hazardous Materials: Related to Vessels; Training49 U.S.C. 5123(a)(3)450$450 (2012) (Pub. L. 112-141)1.02819463463
    * The amount of the penalty and the year of when the penalty was established or last adjusted in statute or regulation other than pursuant to the Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990.
    ** OMB, Implementation of the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015, Table A: 2016 Civil Monetary Penalty Catch-Up Adjustment Multiplier by Calendar Year, February 24, 2016.
    *** Exempt as under the Tariff Act.

    E. Transportation Security Administration

    The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is updating its civil penalties regulation in accordance with the 2015 Act. Pursuant to its statutory authority in 49 U.S.C. 114(v), TSA may impose penalties for violations of any statute that TSA administers, whether an implementing regulation or order imposes the penalty.[6] TSA assesses these penalties for a wide variety of aviation and surface security requirements, including violations of TSA's requirements applicable to Transportation Worker Identification Credentials (TWIC),[7] as well as violations of requirements described in chapter 449 of Title 49 of the U.S. Code. These penalties can apply to a wide variety of situations, as described in the statutory and regulatory provisions, as well as in guidance that TSA publishes.

    TSA's maximum civil penalty amounts are located in 49 CFR 1503.401. Over the years, Congress has increased the amount of those penalties to reflect the importance of maintaining aviation security. In section 1602 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (Pub. L. 107-296 (Nov. 25, 2002)), Congress raised the maximum civil penalty amounts per violation for certain aviation security statutes. Additionally, in section 503(b) of the Vision 100—Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act (Vision 100) (Pub. L. 108-176 (Dec. 12, 2003)), Congress raised the total civil penalty amount per case that TSA may assess.

    In this rulemaking, we are also making several minor adjustments to the regulatory text in section 1503.401 beyond simply updating the penalty numbers. First, we are eliminating the text in paragraph (d), “Inflation adjustment,” because it is no longer needed. Pursuant to the 2015 Act, TSA will carry out inflation adjustments annually in the future, so there is no need for this text. Each year, TSA will update the amounts with current figures per the latest adjustment.

    Additionally, TSA is correcting a minor error that appeared in section 1503.401(c). Previously, subsection Start Printed Page 43000(c)(1), which prescribed penalties for certain aviation-related violations, stated that the penalty against an entity that is operating a non-aircraft operator business was limited to $50,000. However, that statement incorrectly applied the limiting provision in 49 U.S.C. 46301(d)(8)(C), which applies the $50,000 limitation (unadjusted for inflation) only to individuals and small businesses. TSA can assess the full amount of $400,000 (adjusted for inflation) against an entity that is not an individual or small business, and operating a non-aircraft operator business who is subject to this fine. We have made this correction by removing the inaccurate clause from paragraph (c)(1) and adding a new paragraph (c)(2) explicitly stating that an entity operating an on-aircraft operator business is subject to the full fine. We are redesignating existing paragraph (c)(2) as (c)(3).

    Under this rule, the current penalties continue to be applicable with regard to violations that occurred on or before November 2, 2015, the date of enactment of the 2015 Act. Table 5 below contains a full list of the penalties assessed by the Transportation Security Administration, where the associated violation occurred after November 2, 2015.

    Table 5—Transportation Security Administration Civil Penalties Adjustments

    Penalty nameCitationCurrent penaltyBaseline penalty * (year)Multiplier **Preliminary new penalty [multiplier × baseline penalty]Adjusted new penalty [increase capped at 150% more than current penalty]
    Violation of 49 U.S.C. ch. 449 (except secs. 44902, 44903(d), 44907(a)-(d)(1)(A), 44907(d)(1)(C)-(f), 44908, and 44909), or 49 U.S.C. 46302 or 46303, a regulation prescribed, or order issued thereunder by a person operating an aircraft for the transportation of passengers or property for compensation49 U.S.C. 46301(a)(1), (4); 49 CFR 1503.401(c)(2)$27,500 (up to a total of $400,000 per civil penalty action)$25,000 (2003) (up to a total of $400,000 per civil penalty action)1.28561$32,140 (up to a total of $514,244 per civil penalty action)$32,140 (up to a total of $514,244 per civil penalty action).
    Violation of 49 U.S.C. ch. 449 (except secs. 44902, 44903(d), 44907(a)-(d)(1)(A), 44907(d)(1)(C)-(f), 44908, and 44909), or 49 U.S.C. 46302 or 46303, a regulation prescribed, or order issued thereunder by an individual (except an airman serving as an airman), any person not operating an aircraft for the transportation of passengers or property for compensation, or a small business concern49 U.S.C. 46301(a)(1), (4); 49 CFR 1503.401(c)(1)$11,000 (up to a total of $50,000 total for small businesses, $400,000 for others)$10,000 (2003) (up to a total of $50,000 total for small businesses, $400,000 for others)1.28561$12,856 (up to a total of $64,281 total for small businesses, $514,244 for others)$12,856 (up to a total of $64,281 total for small businesses, $514,244 for others).
    Violation of any other provision of title 49 U.S.C. or of 46 U.S.C. ch. 701, a regulation prescribed, or order issued thereunder49 U.S.C. 114(v); 49 CFR 1503.401(b)$10,000 (up to a total of $50,000 total for small businesses, $400,000 for others)$10,000 (2009) (up to a total of $50,000 total for small businesses, $400,000 for others)1.10020$11,002 (up to a total of $55,010 total for small businesses, $440,080 for others)$11,002 (up to a total of $55,010 total for small businesses, $440,080 for others).
    * The amount of the penalty and the year of when the penalty was established or last adjusted in statute or regulation other than pursuant to the Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990.
    ** OMB, Implementation of the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015, Table A: 2016 Civil Monetary Penalty Catch-Up Adjustment Multiplier by Calendar Year, February 24, 2016.

    III. Administrative Procedure Act

    The Administrative Procedure Act (APA) generally requires agencies to publish a notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register (5 U.S.C. 553(b)) and to provide interested persons with the opportunity to submit comments (5 U.S.C. 553(c)). The APA, however, provides an exception to the notice and public comment requirements where the “agency for good cause finds . . . that notice and public procedure thereon are impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to public interest.” 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B).

    DHS is promulgating this rule to ensure that the amount of civil penalties that DHS assesses or enforces reflects the statutorily mandated ranges as adjusted for inflation. Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B), there is good cause to issue this rule without prior public notice or opportunity for public comment, because it would be impracticable and unnecessary. The 2015 Act directed agencies to “adjust civil monetary penalties through an interim final rulemaking” and to make subsequent annual adjustments for inflation to civil monetary penalties notwithstanding section 553 of title 5 of the U.S. Code. In addition, the 2015 Act provides a clear formula for adjustment of the civil penalties, leaving DHS and its components with little room for discretion. DHS and its components have been charged only with performing ministerial computations to determine the amounts of adjustments for inflation to civil monetary penalties. Accordingly, prior public notice and comment are not required for this rule.

    IV. Regulatory Analyses

    A. Executive Orders 12866 and 13563

    Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess the costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize net benefits (including potential economic, environmental, public health and safety effects, distributive impacts, and equity). Executive Order 13563 emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and benefits, of reducing costs, of harmonizing rules, and of promoting flexibility. This final rule has not been designated a “significant regulatory action,” under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866. Accordingly, the Office of Management Start Printed Page 43001and Budget (OMB) has not reviewed this rule.

    This final rule makes nondiscretionary adjustments to existing civil monetary penalties in accordance with the 2015 Act and OMB guidance.[8] DHS therefore did not consider alternatives and does not have the flexibility to alter the adjustments of the civil monetary penalty amounts as provided in this rule. To the extent this rule increases civil monetary penalties, it would result in an increase in transfers from persons or entities assessed a civil monetary penalty to the government.

    B. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act applies only to rules for which an agency publishes a notice of proposed rulemaking pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b). See 5 U.S.C. 601-612. The Regulatory Flexibility Act does not apply to this interim final rule, because a notice of proposed rulemaking is not required for the reasons stated above.

    C. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995, 2 U.S.C. 1531-1538, requires Federal agencies to assess the effects of their discretionary regulatory actions. In particular, the Act addresses actions that may result in the expenditure by a State, local, or Tribal government, in the aggregate, or by the private sector of $100,000,000 (adjusted for inflation) or more in any one year. This interim final rule will not result in such an expenditure.

    D. Paperwork Reduction Act

    The provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. chapter 35, and its implementing regulations, 5 CFR part 1320, do not apply to this final rule, because this interim final rule does not trigger any new or revised recordkeeping or reporting.

    Start List of Subjects

    List of Subjects

    6 CFR Part 27

    • Reporting and recordkeeping requirements
    • Security measures

    8 CFR Part 270

    • Administrative practice and procedure
    • Aliens
    • Employment
    • Fraud
    • Penalties

    8 CFR Part 274a

    • Administrative practice and procedure
    • Aliens
    • Employment
    • Penalties
    • Reporting and recordkeeping requirements

    8 CFR Part 280

    • Administrative practice and procedure
    • Immigration
    • Penalties

    33 CFR Part 27

    • Administrative practice and procedure
    • Penalties

    49 CFR Part 1503

    • Administrative practice and procedure
    • Investigations
    • Law enforcement
    • Penalties
    End List of Subjects

    Amendments to the Regulations

    For the reasons stated in the preamble, the Department of Homeland Security amends 6 CFR part 27, 8 CFR parts 270, 274a, and 280, 33 CFR part 27, and 49 CFR part 1503 as follows:

    Title 6—Domestic Security

    Start Part

    PART 27—CHEMICAL FACILITY ANTI-TERRORISM STANDARDS

    End Part Start Amendment Part

    1. The authority citation for part 27 is revised to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part Start Authority

    Authority: 6 U.S.C. 624; Pub. L. 101-410, 104 Stat. 890, as amended by Pub. L. 114-74, 129 Stat. 599.

    End Authority Start Amendment Part

    2. In § 27.300, revise paragraph (b)(3) to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part
    Orders.
    * * * * *

    (b) * * *

    (3) Where the Assistant Secretary determines that a facility is in violation of an Order issued pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section and issues an Order Assessing Civil Penalty pursuant to paragraph (b)(1) of this section, a chemical facility is liable to the United States for a civil penalty of not more than $25,000 for each day during which the violation continues, if the violation of the Order occurred on or before November 2, 2015, or $32,796 for each day during which the violation of the Order continues, if the violation occurred after November 2, 2015.

    * * * * *

    Title 8—Aliens and Nationality

    Start Part

    PART 270—PENALTIES FOR DOCUMENT FRAUD

    End Part Start Amendment Part

    3. The authority citation for part 270 is revised to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part Start Authority

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1101, 1103, and 1324c; Pub. L. 101-410, 104 Stat. 890, as amended by Pub. L. 104-134, 110 Stat. 1321 and Pub. L. 114-74, 129 Stat. 599.

    End Authority Start Amendment Part

    4. In § 270.3, revise paragraphs (b)(1)(ii)(A), (B), (C), and (D) to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part
    Penalties.
    * * * * *

    (b) * * *

    (1) * * *

    (ii) * * *

    (A) First offense under section 274C(a)(1) through (a)(4). Not less than $275 and not exceeding $2,200 for each fraudulent document or each proscribed activity described in section 274C(a)(1) through (a)(4) of the Act before March 27, 2008; not less than $375 and not exceeding $3,200 for each fraudulent document or each proscribed activity described in section 274C(a)(1) through (a)(4) of the Act on or after March 27, 2008 and on or before November 2, 2015; and not less than $445 and not exceeding $3,563 for each fraudulent document or each proscribed activity described in section 274C(a)(1) through (a)(4) of the Act after November 2, 2015.

    (B) First offense under section 274C(a)(5) or (a)(6). Not less than $250 and not exceeding $2,000 for each fraudulent document or each proscribed activity described in section 274C(a)(5) or (a)(6) of the Act before March 27, 2008; not less than $275 and not exceeding $2,200 for each fraudulent document or each proscribed activity described in section 274C(a)(5) or (a)(6) of the Act on or after March 27, 2008 and on or before November 2, 2015; and not less than $376 and not exceeding $3,005 for each fraudulent document or each proscribed activity described in section 274C(a)(5) or (a)(6) of the Act after November 2, 2015.

    (C) Subsequent offenses under section 274C(a)(1) through (a)(4). Not less than $2,200 and not more than $5,500 for each fraudulent document or each proscribed activity described in section 274C(a)(1) through (a)(4) of the Act before March 27, 2008; not less than $3,200 and not exceeding $6,500 for each fraudulent document or each proscribed activity described in section 274C(a)(1) through (a)(4) of the Act occurring on or after March 27, 2008 and on or before November 2, 2015; and not less than $3,563 and not more than $8,908 for each fraudulent document or each proscribed activity described in section 274C(a)(1) through (a)(4) of the Act after November 2, 2015.

    (D) Subsequent offenses under section 274C(a)(5) or (a)(6). Not less than $2,000 and not more than $5,000 for each fraudulent document or each proscribed activity described in section 274C(a)(5) or (a)(6) of the Act before March 27, 2008; not less than $2,200 and not exceeding $5,500 for each fraudulent Start Printed Page 43002document or each proscribed activity described in section 274C(a)(5) or (a)(6) of the Act occurring on or after March 27, 2008 and on or before November 2, 2015; and not less than $3,005 and not more than $7,512 for each fraudulent document or each proscribed activity described in section 274C(a)(5) or (a)(6) of the Act after November 2, 2015.

    * * * * *
    Start Part

    PART 274a—CONTROL OF EMPLOYMENT OF ALIENS

    End Part Start Amendment Part

    5. The authority citation for part 274a is revised to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part Start Authority

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1101, 1103, 1324a; 48 U.S.C. 1806; 8 CFR part 2; Pub. L. 101-410, 104 Stat. 890, as amended by Pub. L. 114-74, 129 Stat. 599.

    End Authority Start Amendment Part

    6. In § 4a.8, revise (b) to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part
    Prohibition of indemnity bonds.
    * * * * *

    (b) Penalty. Any person or other entity who requires any individual to post a bond or security as stated in this section shall, after notice and opportunity for an administrative hearing in accordance with section 274A(e)(3)(B) of the Act, be subject to a civil monetary penalty of $1,000 for each violation before September 29, 1999, of $1,100 for each violation occurring on or after September 29, 1999 but on or before November 2, 2015, and of $2,156 for each violation occurring after November 2, 2015, and to an administrative order requiring the return to the individual of any amounts received in violation of this section or, if the individual cannot be located, to the general fund of the Treasury.

    Start Amendment Part

    7. In § 274a.10, revise paragraphs (b)(1)(ii)(A),(B),(C), and (b)(1)(iii)(2) to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part
    Penalties.
    * * * * *

    (b) * * *

    (1) * * *

    (ii) * * *

    (A) First offense—not less than $275 and not more than $2,200 for each unauthorized alien with respect to whom the offense occurred before March 27, 2008; not less than $375 and not exceeding $3,200, for each unauthorized alien with respect to whom the offense occurred occurring on or after March 27, 2008 and on or before November 2, 2015; and not less than $539 and not more than $4,313 for each unauthorized alien with respect to whom the offense occurred occurring after November 2, 2015.

    (B) Second offense—not less than $2,200 and not more than $5,500 for each unauthorized alien with respect to whom the second offense occurred before March 27, 2008; not less than $3,200 and not more than $6,500, for each unauthorized alien with respect to whom the second offense occurred on or after March 27, 2008 and on or before November 2, 2015; and not less than $4,313 and not more than $10,781 for each unauthorized alien with respect to whom the second offense occurred after November 2, 2015; or

    (C) More than two offenses—not less than $3,300 and not more than $11,000 for each unauthorized alien with respect to whom the third or subsequent offense occurred before March 27, 2008; not less than $4,300 and not exceeding $16,000, for each unauthorized alien with respect to whom the third or subsequent offense occurred on or after March 27, 2008 and on or before November 2, 2015; and not less than $6,469 and not more than $21,563 for each unauthorized alien with respect to whom the third or subsequent offense occurred after November 2, 2015; and

    (iii) * * *

    (2) A respondent determined by the Service (if a respondent fails to request a hearing) or by an administrative law judge, to have failed to comply with the employment verification requirements as set forth in § 274a.2(b), shall be subject to a civil penalty in an amount of not less than $100 and not more than $1,000 for each individual with respect to whom such violation occurred before September 29, 1999; not less than $110 and not more than $1,100 for each individual with respect to whom such violation occurred on or after September 29, 1999 and on or before November 2, 2015; and not less than $216 and not more than $2,156 for each individual with respect to whom such violation occurred after November 2, 2015. In determining the amount of the penalty, consideration shall be given to:

    (i) The size of the business of the employer being charged;

    (ii) The good faith of the employer;

    (iii) The seriousness of the violation;

    (iv) Whether or not the individual was an unauthorized alien; and

    (v) The history of previous violations of the employer.

    * * * * *
    Start Part

    PART 280—IMPOSITION AND COLLECTION OF FINES

    End Part Start Amendment Part

    8. The authority citation for part 280 is revised to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part Start Authority

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1221, 1223, 1227, 1229, 1253, 1281, 1283, 1284, 1285, 1286, 1322, 1323, 1330; 66 Stat. 173, 195, 197, 201, 203, 212, 219, 221-223, 226, 227, 230; Pub. L. 101-410, 104 Stat. 890, as amended by Pub. L. 114-74, 129 Stat. 599.

    End Authority Start Amendment Part

    9. Revise § 280.53 to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part
    Civil Monetary Penalties Inflation Adjustment.

    (a) Statutory authority. In accordance with the requirements of the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990, Public Law 101-410, 104 Stat. 890, as amended by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015, Public Law 114-74, Sec. 701, 129 Stat. 599, the civil monetary penalties listed in paragraph (b) of this section are adjusted as provided in this paragraph (b).

    (b) Adjustment of penalties. For violations occurring on or before November 2, 2015, the penalty amount prior to adjustment applies. For violations occurring after November 2, 2015, the listed penalties are adjusted as follows:

    (1) Section 231(g) of the Act, Penalties for non-compliance with arrival and departure manifest requirements for passengers, crewmembers, or occupants transported on commercial vessels or aircraft arriving to or departing from the United States: From $1,100 to $1,312.

    (2) Section 234 of the Act, Penalties for non-compliance with landing requirements at designated ports of entry for aircraft transporting aliens: From $3,200 to $3,563.

    (3) Section 240B(d) of the Act, Penalties for failure to depart voluntarily: From $1,100 minimum/$5,500 maximum to $1,502 minimum/$7,512 maximum.

    (4) Section 243(c)(1)(A) of the Act, Penalties for violations of removal orders relating to aliens transported on vessels or aircraft, under section 241(d) of the Act, or for costs associated with removal under section 241(e) of the Act: From $2,200 to $3,005;

    (5) Penalties for failure to remove alien stowaways under section 241(d)(2): From $5,500 to $7,512.

    (6) Section 251(d) of the Act, Penalties for failure to report an illegal landing or desertion of alien crewmen, and for each alien not reported on arrival or departure manifest or lists required in accordance with section 251 of the Act: From $320 to $356; and penalties for use of alien crewmen for longshore work in violation of section 251(d) of the Act: From $7,500 to $8,908.

    (7) Section 254(a) of the Act, Penalties for failure to control, detain, or remove alien crewmen: From $750 minimum/$4,300 maximum to $891 minimum/$5,345 maximum.

    (8) Section 255 of the Act, Penalties for employment on passenger vessels of Start Printed Page 43003aliens afflicted with certain disabilities: From $1,100 to $1,782.

    (9) Section 256 of the Act, Penalties for discharge of alien crewmen: From $1,500 minimum/$4,300 maximum to $2,672 minimum/$5,345 maximum.

    (10) Section 257 of the Act, Penalties for bringing into the United States alien crewmen with intent to evade immigration laws: From $16,000 maximum to $17,816 maximum.

    (11) Section 271(a) of the Act, Penalties for failure to prevent the unauthorized landing of aliens: From $4,300 to $5,345.

    (12) Section 272(a) of the Act, Penalties for bringing to the United States aliens subject to denial of admission on a health-related ground: From $4,300 to $5,345.

    (13) Section 273(b) of the Act, Penalties for bringing to the United States aliens without required documentation: From $4,300 to $5,345.

    (14) Section 274D of the Act, Penalties for failure to depart: From $550 to $751, for each day the alien is in violation.

    (15) Section 275(b) of the Act, Penalties for improper entry: From $55 minimum/$275 maximum to $75 minimum/$376 maximum, for each entry or attempted entry.

    Title 33—Navigation and Navigable Waters

    Start Part

    PART 27—ADJUSTMENT OF CIVIL MONETARY PENALTIES FOR INFLATION

    End Part Start Amendment Part

    10. The authority citation for part 27 continues to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part Start Authority

    Authority: Secs. 1-6, Public Law 101-410, 104 Stat. 890, as amended by Sec. 31001(s)(1), Public Law 104-134, as amended by Public Law 114-74; 110 Stat. 1321 (28 U.S.C. 2461 note); Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1, sec. 2 (106).

    End Authority Start Amendment Part

    11. Revise § 27.3 to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part
    Penalty adjustment table.

    Table 1 identifies the statutes administered by the Coast Guard that authorize a civil monetary penalty. The “adjusted maximum penalty” is the maximum penalty authorized by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990, as amended by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015, as determined by the Coast Guard. The adjusted civil penalty amounts listed in Table 1 are applicable for penalty assessments issued after August 1, 2016, with respect to violations occurring after November 2, 2015. The applicable civil penalty amounts for violations occurring on or before November 2, 2015, are set forth in previously published regulations amending 33 CFR part 27.

    Table 1—Civil Monetary Penalty Inflation Adjustments

    U.S. Code citationCivil monetary penalty description2016 adjusted maximum penalty amount ($)
    14 U.S.C. 88(c)Saving Life and Property10,017
    14 U.S.C. 88(e)Saving Life and Property; Intentional Interference with Broadcast1,028
    14 U.S.C. 645(i)Confidentiality of Medical Quality Assurance Records (first offense)5,032
    14 U.S.C. 645(i)Confidentiality of Medical Quality Assurance Records (subsequent offenses)33,546
    16 U.S.C. 4711(g)(1)Aquatic Nuisance Species in Waters of the United States37,561
    19 U.S.C. 70Obstruction of Revenue Officers by Masters of Vessels7,500
    19 U.S.C. 70Obstruction of Revenue Officers by Masters of Vessels—Minimum Penalty1,750
    19 U.S.C. 1581(d)Failure to Stop Vessel When Directed; Master, Owner, Operator or Person in Charge 15,000
    19 U.S.C. 1581(d)Failure to Stop Vessel When Directed; Master, Owner, Operator or Person in Charge—Minimum Penalty 11,000
    33 U.S.C. 471Anchorage Ground/Harbor Regulations General10,875
    33 U.S.C. 474Anchorage Ground/Harbor Regulations St. Mary's River750
    33 U.S.C. 495(b)Bridges/Failure to Comply with Regulations27,455
    33 U.S.C. 499(c)Bridges/Drawbridges27,455
    33 U.S.C. 502(c)Bridges/Failure to Alter Bridge Obstructing Navigation27,455
    33 U.S.C. 533(b)Bridges/Maintenance and Operation27,455
    33 U.S.C. 1208(a)Bridge to Bridge Communication; Master, Person in Charge or Pilot2,000
    33 U.S.C. 1208(b)Bridge to Bridge Communication; Vessel2,000
    33 U.S.C. 1232(a)PWSA Regulations88,613
    33 U.S.C. 1236(b)Vessel Navigation: Regattas or Marine Parades; Unlicensed Person in Charge8,908
    33 U.S.C. 1236(c)Vessel Navigation: Regattas or Marine Parades; Owner Onboard Vessel8,908
    33 U.S.C. 1236(d)Vessel Navigation: Regattas or Marine Parades; Other Persons4,454
    33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(6)(B)(i)Oil/Hazardous Substances: Discharges (Class I per violation)17,816
    33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(6)(B)(i)Oil/Hazardous Substances: Discharges (Class I total under paragraph)44,539
    33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(6)(B)(ii)Oil/Hazardous Substances: Discharges (Class II per day of violation)17,816
    33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(6)(B)(ii)Oil/Hazardous Substances: Discharges (Class II total under paragraph)222,695
    33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(7)(A)Oil/Hazardous Substances: Discharges (per day of violation) Judicial Assessment44,539
    33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(7)(A)Oil/Hazardous Substances: Discharges (per barrel of oil or unit discharged) Judicial Assessment1,782
    33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(7)(B)Oil/Hazardous Substances: Failure to Carry Out Removal/Comply With Order (Judicial Assessment)44,539
    33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(7)(C)Oil/Hazardous Substances: Failure to Comply with Regulation Issued Under 1321(j) (Judicial Assessment)44,539
    33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(7)(D)Oil/Hazardous Substances: Discharges, Gross Negligence (per barrel of oil or unit discharged) Judicial Assessment5,345
    33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(7)(D)Oil/Hazardous Substances: Discharges, Gross Negligence—Minimum Penalty (Judicial Assessment)178,156
    33 U.S.C. 1322(j)Marine Sanitation Devices; Operating7,500
    33 U.S.C. 1322(j)Marine Sanitation Devices; Sale or Manufacture20,000
    33 U.S.C. 1608(a)International Navigation Rules; Operator14,023
    33 U.S.C. 1608(b)International Navigation Rules; Vessel14,023
    Start Printed Page 43004
    33 U.S.C. 1908(b)(1)Pollution from Ships; General70,117
    33 U.S.C. 1908(b)(2)Pollution from Ships; False Statement14,023
    33 U.S.C. 2072(a)Inland Navigation Rules; Operator14,023
    33 U.S.C. 2072(b)Inland Navigation Rules; Vessel14,023
    33 U.S.C. 2609(a)Shore Protection; General49,467
    33 U.S.C. 2609(b)Shore Protection; Operating Without Permit19,787
    33 U.S.C. 2716a(a)Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation44,539
    33 U.S.C. 3852(a)(1)(A)Clean Hulls; Civil Enforcement40,779
    33 U.S.C. 3852(a)(1)(A)Clean Hulls; related to false statements54,373
    33 U.S.C. 3852(c)Clean Hulls; Recreational Vessels5,437
    42 U.S.C. 9609(a)Hazardous Substances, Releases, Liability, Compensation (Class I)53,907
    42 U.S.C. 9609(b)Hazardous Substances, Releases, Liability, Compensation (Class II)53,907
    42 U.S.C. 9609(b)Hazardous Substances, Releases, Liability, Compensation (Class II subsequent offense)161,721
    42 U.S.C. 9609(c)Hazardous Substances, Releases, Liability, Compensation (Judicial Assessment)53,907
    42 U.S.C. 9609(c)Hazardous Substances, Releases, Liability, Compensation (Judicial Assessment subsequent offense)161,721
    46 U.S.C. 80509(a)Safe Containers for International Cargo5,893
    46 U.S.C. 70305(c)Suspension of Passenger Service58,929
    46 U.S.C. 2110(e)Vessel Inspection or Examination Fees8,908
    46 U.S.C. 2115Alcohol and Dangerous Drug Testing7,251
    46 U.S.C. 2302(a)Negligent Operations: Recreational Vessels6,559
    46 U.S.C. 2302(a)Negligent Operations: Other Vessels32,796
    46 U.S.C. 2302(c)(1)Operating a Vessel While Under the Influence of Alcohol or a Dangerous Drug7,251
    46 U.S.C. 2306(a)(4)Vessel Reporting Requirements: Owner, Charterer, Managing Operator, or Agent11,293
    46 U.S.C. 2306(b)(2)Vessel Reporting Requirements: Master2,259
    46 U.S.C. 3102(c)(1)Immersion Suits11,293
    46 U.S.C. 3302(i)(5)Inspection Permit2,355
    46 U.S.C. 3318(a)Vessel Inspection; General11,293
    46 U.S.C. 3318(g)Vessel Inspection; Nautical School Vessel11,293
    46 U.S.C. 3318(h)Vessel Inspection; Failure to Give Notice IAW 3304(b)2,259
    46 U.S.C. 3318(i)Vessel Inspection; Failure to Give Notice IAW 3309(c)2,259
    46 U.S.C. 3318(j)(1)Vessel Inspection; Vessel ≥1600 Gross Tons22,587
    46 U.S.C. 3318(j)(1)Vessel Inspection; Vessel <1600 Gross Tons4,517
    46 U.S.C. 3318(k)Vessel Inspection; Failure to Comply with 3311(b)22,587
    46 U.S.C. 3318(l)Vessel Inspection; Violation of 3318(b)-3318(f)11,293
    46 U.S.C. 3502(e)List/Count of Passengers235
    46 U.S.C. 3504(c)Notification to Passengers23,548
    46 U.S.C. 3504(c)Notification to Passengers; Sale of Tickets1,177
    46 U.S.C. 3506Copies of Laws on Passenger Vessels; Master471
    46 U.S.C. 3718(a)(1)Liquid Bulk/Dangerous Cargo58,871
    46 U.S.C. 4106Uninspected Vessels9,893
    46 U.S.C. 4311(b)(1)Recreational Vessels (maximum for related series of violations)311,470
    46 U.S.C. 4311(b)(1)Recreational Vessels; Violation of 4307(a)6,229
    46 U.S.C. 4311(c)Recreational Vessels2,355
    46 U.S.C. 4507Uninspected Commercial Fishing Industry Vessels9,893
    46 U.S.C. 4703Abandonment of Barges1,677
    46 U.S.C. 5116(a)Load Lines10,781
    46 U.S.C. 5116(b)Load Lines; Violation of 5112(a)21,563
    46 U.S.C. 5116(c)Load Lines; Violation of 5112(b)10,781
    46 U.S.C. 6103(a)Reporting Marine Casualties37,561
    46 U.S.C. 6103(b)Reporting Marine Casualties; Violation of 61049,893
    46 U.S.C. 8101(e)Manning of Inspected Vessels; Failure to Report Deficiency in Vessel Complement1,782
    46 U.S.C. 8101(f)Manning of Inspected Vessels17,816
    46 U.S.C. 8101(g)Manning of Inspected Vessels; Employing or Serving in Capacity not Licensed by USCG17,816
    46 U.S.C. 8101(h)Manning of Inspected Vessels; Freight Vessel <100 GT, Small Passenger Vessel, or Sailing School Vessel2,355
    46 U.S.C. 8102(a)Watchmen on Passenger Vessels2,355
    46 U.S.C. 8103(f)Citizenship Requirements1,177
    46 U.S.C. 8104(i)Watches on Vessels; Violation of 8104(a) or (b)17,816
    46 U.S.C. 8104(j)Watches on Vessels; Violation of 8104(c), (d), (e), or (h)17,816
    46 U.S.C. 8302(e)Staff Department on Vessels235
    46 U.S.C. 8304(d)Officer's Competency Certificates235
    46 U.S.C. 8502(e)Coastwise Pilotage; Owner, Charterer, Managing Operator, Agent, Master or Individual in Charge17,816
    46 U.S.C. 8502(f)Coastwise Pilotage; Individual17,816
    46 U.S.C. 8503Federal Pilots56,467
    46 U.S.C. 8701(d)Merchant Mariners Documents1,177
    46 U.S.C. 8702(e)Crew Requirements17,816
    Start Printed Page 43005
    46 U.S.C. 8906Small Vessel Manning37,561
    46 U.S.C. 9308(a)Pilotage: Great Lakes; Owner, Charterer, Managing Operator, Agent, Master or Individual in Charge17,816
    46 U.S.C. 9308(b)Pilotage: Great Lakes; Individual17,816
    46 U.S.C. 9308(c)Pilotage: Great Lakes; Violation of 930317,816
    46 U.S.C. 10104(b)Failure to Report Sexual Offense9,468
    46 U.S.C. 10314(a)(2)Pay Advances to Seamen1,177
    46 U.S.C. 10314(b)Pay Advances to Seamen; Remuneration for Employment1,177
    46 U.S.C. 10315(c)Allotment to Seamen1,177
    46 U.S.C. 10321Seamen Protection; General8,162
    46 U.S.C. 10505(a)(2)Coastwise Voyages: Advances8,162
    46 U.S.C. 10505(b)Coastwise Voyages: Advances; Remuneration for Employment8,162
    46 U.S.C. 10508(b)Coastwise Voyages: Seamen Protection; General8,162
    46 U.S.C. 10711Effects of Deceased Seamen471
    46 U.S.C. 10902(a)(2)Complaints of Unfitness1,177
    46 U.S.C. 10903(d)Proceedings on Examination of Vessel235
    46 U.S.C. 10907(b)Permission to Make Complaint1,177
    46 U.S.C. 11101(f)Accommodations for Seamen1,177
    46 U.S.C. 11102(b)Medicine Chests on Vessels1,177
    46 U.S.C. 11104(b)Destitute Seamen235
    46 U.S.C. 11105(c)Wages on Discharge1,177
    46 U.S.C. 11303(a)Log Books; Master Failing to Maintain471
    46 U.S.C. 11303(b)Log Books; Master Failing to Make Entry471
    46 U.S.C. 11303(c)Log Books; Late Entry353
    46 U.S.C. 11506Carrying of Sheath Knives118
    46 U.S.C. 12151(a)(1)Vessel Documentation15,423
    46 U.S.C. 12151(a)(2)Documentation of Vessels—Related to activities involving mobile offshore drilling units25,705
    46 U.S.C. 12151(c)Vessel Documentation; Fishery Endorsement117,858
    46 U.S.C. 12309(a)Numbering of Undocumented Vessels—Willful violation11,774
    46 U.S.C. 12309(b)Numbering of Undocumented Vessels2,355
    46 U.S.C. 12507(b)Vessel Identification System19,787
    46 U.S.C. 14701Measurement of Vessels43,126
    46 U.S.C. 14702Measurement; False Statements43,126
    46 U.S.C. 31309Commercial Instruments and Maritime Liens19,787
    46 U.S.C. 31330(a)(2)Commercial Instruments and Maritime Liens; Mortgagor19,787
    46 U.S.C. 31330(b)(2)Commercial Instruments and Maritime Liens; Violation of 3132949,467
    46 U.S.C. 70119(a)Port Security32,796
    46 U.S.C. 70119(b)Port Security—Continuing Violations58,929
    46 U.S.C. 70506Maritime Drug Law Enforcement; Penalties5,437
    49 U.S.C. 5123(a)(1)Hazardous Materials: Related to Vessels—Maximum Penalty77,114
    49 U.S.C. 5123(a)(2)Hazardous Materials: Related to Vessels—Penalty from Fatalities, Serious Injuries/Illness or Substantial Damage to Property179,933
    49 U.S.C. 5123(a)(3)Hazardous Materials: Related to Vessels—Training.463
    1 Enacted under the Tariff Act of 1930, exempt from inflation adjustments.

    Title 49—Transportation

    Start Part

    PART 1503—INVESTIGATIVE AND ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES

    End Part Start Amendment Part

    12. The authority citation for part 1503 is revised to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part Start Authority

    Authority: 6 U.S.C. 1142; 18 U.S.C. 6002; 28 U.S.C. 2461 (note); 49 U.S.C. 114, 20109, 31105, 40113-40114, 40119, 44901-44907, 46101-46107, 46109-46110, 46301, 46305, 46311, 46313-46314; Pub. L. 104-134, as amended by Pub. L. 114-74.

    End Authority Start Amendment Part

    13. Revise § 1503.401 to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part
    Maximum penalty amounts.

    (a) General. TSA may assess civil penalties not exceeding the following amounts against a person for the violation of a TSA requirement.

    (b) In general. Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, in the case of violation of title 49 U.S.C. or 46 U.S.C. chapter 701, or a regulation prescribed or order issued under any of those provisions, TSA may impose a civil penalty in the following amounts:

    (1) For violations that occurred on or before November 2, 2015, $10,000 per violation, up to a total of $50,000 per civil penalty action, in the case of an individual or small business concern, as defined in section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632). For violations that occurred after November 2, 2015, $11,002 per violation, up to a total of $55,010 per civil penalty action, in the case of an individual or small business concern; and

    (2) For violations that occurred on or before November 2, 2015, $10,000 per violation, up to a total of $400,000 per civil penalty action, in the case of any other person. For violations that occurred after November 2, 2015, $11,002 per violation, up to a total of $440,080 per civil penalty action, in the case of any other person.

    (c) Certain aviation related violations. In the case of a violation of 49 U.S.C. chapter 449 (except sections 44902, 44903(d), 44907(a)-(d)(1)(A), 44907(d)(1)(C)-(f), 44908, and 44909), or 49 U.S.C. 46302 or 46303, or a regulation prescribed or order issued under any of those provisions, TSA may Start Printed Page 43006impose a civil penalty in the following amounts:

    (1) For violations that occurred on or before November 2, 2015, $10,000 per violation, up to a total of $50,000 per civil penalty action, in the case of an individual or small business concern, as defined in section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632). For violations that occurred after November 2, 2015, $12,856 per violation, up to a total of 64,281 per civil penalty action, in the case of an individual (except an airman serving as an airman), or a small business concern.

    (2) For violations that occurred on or before November 2, 2015, $10,000 per violation, up to a total of $400,000 per civil penalty action, in the case of any other person (except an airman serving as an airman) not operating an aircraft for the transportation of passengers or property for compensation. For violations that occurred after November 2, 2015, $12,856 per violation, up to a total of $514,244 per civil penalty action, in the case of any other person (except an airman serving as an airman) not operating an aircraft for the transportation of passengers or property for compensation.

    (3) For violations that occurred on or before November 2, 2015, $25,000 per violation, up to a total of $400,000 per civil penalty action, in the case of a person operating an aircraft for the transportation of passengers or property for compensation (except an individual serving as an airman). For violations that occurred after November 2, 2015, $32,140 per violation, up to a total of $514,244 per civil penalty action, in the case of a person (except an individual serving as an airman) operating an aircraft for the transportation of passengers or property for compensation.

    Start Signature

    Jeh Charles Johnson,

    Secretary.

    End Signature End Supplemental Information

    Footnotes

    1.  The 2015 Act was enacted as part of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, Public Law 114-74 (Nov. 2, 2015).

    Back to Citation

    2.  OMB, Implementation of the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015, Table A, 24 February 2016. https://www.whitehouse.gov/​sites/​default/​files/​omb/​memoranda/​2016/​m-16-06.pdf.

    Back to Citation

    3.  The 150 percent limitation is on the amount of the increase; therefore, the adjusted penalty levels are up to 250 percent of the levels in effect on November 2, 2015.

    Back to Citation

    4.  Section 550 has since been superseded by the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2014 (Pub. L. 113-254). The new legislation codified the statutory authority for the CFATS program within Title XXI of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, as amended. See 6 U.S.C. 621 et seq.

    Back to Citation

    5.  Section 550(d) of the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2007 set forth the CFATS penalty, providing that “[a]ny person who violates an order issued under this section shall be liable for a civil penalty under section 70119(a) of title 46, United States Code. After promulgation of the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2014, the relevant U.S.C. citation is 6 U.S.C. 624(b)(1), which still refers to the civil penalty section in 46 U.S.C. 70119(a).

    Back to Citation

    6.  See 49 U.S.C. 114(v), as amended by sec. 1302 of the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (Pub. L. 110-53, 121 Stat. 266 (Aug. 3, 2007)).

    Back to Citation

    7.  See, e.g., 46 U.S.C. 70105, 49 U.S.C. 46302 and 46303, and U.S.C. ch. 449.

    Back to Citation

    8.  OMB, Implementation of the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015, 24 February 2016. https://www.whitehouse.gov/​sites/​default/​files/​omb/​memoranda/​2016/​m-16-06.pdf.

    Back to Citation

    [FR Doc. 2016-15673 Filed 6-30-16; 8:45 am]

    BILLING CODE 9110-09-P; 9111-14-P; 9111-28-P; 9110-04-P; 9110-05-P

Document Information

Published:
07/01/2016
Department:
Transportation Security Administration
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Interim final rule with request for comments.
Document Number:
2016-15673
Dates:
Effective Date. This rule is effective on August 1, 2016.
Pages:
42987-43006 (20 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. DHS-2016-0034
RINs:
1601-AA80: Civil Monetary Penalty Adjustments for Inflation
RIN Links:
https://www.federalregister.gov/regulations/1601-AA80/civil-monetary-penalty-adjustments-for-inflation
Topics:
Administrative practice and procedure, Aliens, Employment, Fraud, Investigations, Law enforcement, Penalties, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Security measures
PDF File:
2016-15673.Pdf
Supporting Documents:
» Request for Applications: Appointment to the Surface Transportation Security Advisory Committee
CFR: (7)
49 CFR 27.3
49 CFR 27.300
49 CFR 270.3
49 CFR 274a.8
49 CFR 274a.10
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