Federal Travel Regulation; Travel of an Employee with Special Needs-Services of Attendants, 24596-24597 [06-3913]

Download as PDF 24596 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 80 / Wednesday, April 26, 2006 / Rules and Regulations XII. Congressional Review Act ACTION: The Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq., as added by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, generally provides that before a rule may take effect, the agency promulgating the rule must submit a rule report, which includes a copy of the rule, to each House of the Congress and to the Comptroller General of the United States. EPA will submit a report containing this rule and other required information to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, and the Comptroller General of the United States prior to publication of this final rule in the Federal Register. This final rule is not a ‘‘major rule’’ as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2). List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180 C. Regulatory Flexibility Act Final rule. The General Services Administration (GSA) is amending the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR), to clarify existing authority under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, 29 U.S.C. 701–796l, and 5 U.S.C. 3102, that allows agencies to reimburse employees with special needs for expenses incurred for the services of an attendant while on official travel. Specifically, this final rule amends the FTR by adding reimbursement for ‘‘services of an attendant traveling with an employee with special needs’’ as a miscellaneous expense item. The FTR and any corresponding documents may be accessed at GSA’s website at https:// www.gsa.gov/ftr. This final rule is not required to be published in the Federal Register for notice and comment; therefore, the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601, et seq., does not apply. Effective Date: This final rule is effective April 26, 2006. This final rule is also exempt from congressional review prescribed under 5 U.S.C. 801 since it relates solely to agency management and personnel. SUMMARY: DATES: Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure, Agricultural commodities, Pesticides and pests, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Dated: April 7, 2006. James Jones, Director, Office of Pesticide Programs. Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is amended as follows: I PART 180—[AMENDED] The Regulatory Secretariat (VIR), Room 4035, GS Building, Washington, DC, 20405, (202) 208–7312, for information pertaining to status or publication schedules. For clarification of content, contact Umeki Thorne, Office of Governmentwide Policy, Travel Management Policy, at (202) 208–7636. Please cite FTR Amendment 2006–03; FTR case 2006–303. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 1. The authority citation for part 180 continues to read as follows: I Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371. [FTR Amendment 2006–03; FTR Case 2006– 303] In order to provide reasonable accommodations for travel of an employee with special needs, agencies are authorized to pay for a variety of travel expenses as needed by the employee. Allowable expenses include the transportation and per diem expenses incurred by a family member or other attendant who must travel with the employee to make the trip possible. Although authorized by existing statutes, the FTR has not included a provision expressly addressing whether or not agencies may reimburse employees for expenses incurred for the actual services performed by an attendant while on travel with the employee. Accordingly, this final rule adds a provision stating that agencies may reimburse employees for the expenses of an attendant as a miscellaneous travel expense. RIN 3090–AI24 B. Executive Order 12866 Federal Travel Regulation; Travel of an Employee with Special Needs— Services of Attendants This is not a significant regulatory action and, therefore, was not subject to review under Section 6(b) of Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review, dated September 30, 1993. This rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804. 2. Section 180.1267 is added to subpart D to read as follows: § 180.1267 Pantoea agglomerans strain C9–1; exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. An exemption from the requirement of a tolerance is established for residues of Pantoea agglomerans strain C9–1 when used on apples and pears. [FR Doc. 06–3856 Filed 4–25–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–S GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION hsrobinson on PROD1PC68 with RULES 41 CFR Parts 301–12, 301–13, and 301– 70 Office of Governmentwide Policy, General Services Administration (GSA). AGENCY: VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:58 Apr 25, 2006 Jkt 208001 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 The Paperwork Reduction Act does not apply because the changes to the FTR do not impose recordkeeping or information collection requirements, or the collection of information from offerors, contractors, or members of the public that require the approval of the Office of Management and Budget under 44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq. E. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act List of Subjects in 41 CFR Parts 301–12, 301–13, and 301–70 Government employees, Travel and transportation expenses. Dated: March 7, 2006. David L. Bibb, Acting Administrator of General Services. For the reasons set forth in the preamble, under 5 U.S.C. 5701–5709, GSA amends 41 CFR parts 301–12, 301– 13, and 301–70 as set forth below: I A. Background I D. Paperwork Reduction Act PART 301–12—MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES 1. The authority citation for 41 CFR part 301–12 continues to read as follows: I Authority: Authority: 5 U.S.C. 5707. § 301–12.1 [Amended] 2. Amend section 301–12.1, in the table, in the first column under the heading ‘‘General expenses’’, by adding the entry ‘‘Services of an attendant as described in § 301–13.3’’ after the entry ‘‘Services of guides, interpreters, and drivers’’. I PART 301–13—TRAVEL OF AN EMPLOYEE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS 3. The authority citation for 41 CFR part 301–13 continues to read as follows: I Authority: Authority: 5 U.S.C. 5707. 4. Amend section 301–13.3 by revising the introductory sentence, paragraphs (e) and (f); and adding paragraph (g), and Note to paragraph (g) to read as follows: I E:\FR\FM\26APR1.SGM 26APR1 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 80 / Wednesday, April 26, 2006 / Rules and Regulations § 301–13.3 What additional travel expenses may my agency pay under this part? GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION Your agency approving official may pay for any expenses deemed necessary by your agency to accommodate an employee with a special need including, but not limited to, the following expenses: * * * * * (e) Renting and/or transporting a wheelchair; 41 CFR Parts 301–51 and 301–74 (f) Premium-class accommodations when necessary to accommodate your special need, under Subpart B of Part 301–10 of this subchapter; and (g) Services of an attendant, when necessary, to accommodate your special need. Note to § 301–13.3(g): For limits on the amount that may be paid to an attendant, other than travel expenses, see 5 U.S.C. 3102 and guidance at https://www.opm.gov/disability/ mngrl6–01–B.asp. PART 301–70—INTERNAL POLICY AND PROCEDURE REQUIREMENTS 5. The authority citation for 41 CFR part 301–70 continues to read as follows: I Authority: Authority: 5 U.S.C. 5707; 40 U.S.C. 121(c); Sec. 2, Pub. L. 105–264, 112 Stat. 2350 (5 U.S.C. 5701 note), Office of Management and Budget Circular No. A–126, ‘‘Improving the Management and Use of Government Aircraft.’’ Revised May 22, 1992. 6. Revise section 301–70.400 to read as follows: I § 301–70.400 How should we authorize and administer the payment of additional travel expenses for an employee with a disability or special need? hsrobinson on PROD1PC68 with RULES BILLING CODE 6820–14–S VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:58 Apr 25, 2006 Jkt 208001 RIN 3090–AI23 Federal Travel Regulation; Conference Planning—Prepayment of Registration Fee Office of Governmentwide Policy, General Services Administration (GSA). ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: SUMMARY: This final rule amends the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) by clarifying that advance payment of discounted conference fees may be treated as an allowable travel advance, and by adding a new section to allow for the reimbursement of the prepayment of ‘‘early bird’’ discounted registration fees to attend a conference or training seminar. This clarification is added to allow agencies to take advantage of discounted ‘‘early bird’’ registration discounts, thereby saving Government funds. The FTR and any corresponding documents may be accessed at GSA’s website at https://www.gsa.gov/ftr. EFFECTIVE DATE: This final rule is effective April 26, 2006. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The Regulatory Secretariat, Room 4035, GS Building, Washington, DC, 20405, (202) 208–7312, for information pertaining to status or publication schedules. For clarification of content, contact Umeki Thorne, Office of Governmentwide Policy, email umeki.thorne@gsa.gov or by telephone at (202) 208–7636. Please cite FTR Amendment 2006–02; FTR case 2006–302. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A. Background You should authorize and administer the payment to reasonably accommodate employee(s) with disabilities in accordance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. 701–796l) and 5 U.S.C. 3102 and Part 301–13 of this chapter. An employee with a special need should be treated the same as an employee with a disability. You must determine that additional travel expenses are necessary to accommodate the employee’s needs. [FR Doc. 06–3913 Filed 4–25–06; 8:45 am] [FTR Amendment 2006–02; FTR Case 2006– 302] When planning a conference, it is a general practice to offer discounted ‘‘early bird’’ registration fees, which are available in the months prior to the beginning of the conference. However, many travelers have expressed reluctance over taking advantage of such offers because of the belief that they cannot claim reimbursement until the conference is over, and they file their travel claims. To take advantage of such specials, agencies may authorize travelers to charge such fees to their individually billed Government sponsored travel cards. Accordingly, this final rule clarifies that authorized travelers are allowed to register early and claim reimbursement for the discounted registration fee as soon as PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 24597 their agencies have approved their attendance at the conference. This final rule also addresses the situations when the traveler fails to attend the conference and identifies the circumstances under which the traveler might have to repay the agency for the registration fee. B. Executive Order 12886 This is not a significant regulatory action and, therefore, was not subject to review under Section 6(b) of Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review, dated September 30, 1993. This final rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804. C. Regulatory Flexibility Act This final rule is not required to be published in the Federal Register for notice and comment; therefore, the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601, et seq., does not apply. D. Paperwork Reduction Act The Paperwork Reduction Act does not apply because the changes to the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) do not impose recordkeeping or information collection requirements, or the collection of information from offerors, contractors, or members of the public which require the approval of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under 44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq. E. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act This final rule is also exempt from congressional review prescribed under 5 U.S.C. 801 since it relates solely to agency management and personnel. List of Subjects in 41 CFR Parts 301–51 and 301–74 Government employees, Travel and transportation expenses. Dated: March 7, 2006. David L. Bibb, Acting Administrator for General Services. For the reasons set forth in the preamble, under 5 U.S.C. 5701–5709, the General Services Administration (GSA) amends 41 CFR parts 301–51 and 301–74 as set forth below: I PART 301–51—PAYING TRAVEL EXPENSES 1. The authority citation for 41 CFR part 301–51 is revised to read as follows: I Authority: 5 U.S.C. 5707. Subpart A is issued under the authority of Sec. 2, Pub. L. 105—264, 112 Stat. 2350 (5 U.S.C. 5701 note); 40 U.S.C. 121(c). E:\FR\FM\26APR1.SGM 26APR1

Agencies

General Services Administration

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 80 (Wednesday, April 26, 2006)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 24596-24597]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-3913]


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GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

41 CFR Parts 301-12, 301-13, and 301-70

[FTR Amendment 2006-03; FTR Case 2006-303]
RIN 3090-AI24


Federal Travel Regulation; Travel of an Employee with Special 
Needs--Services of Attendants

AGENCY:  Office of Governmentwide Policy, General Services 
Administration (GSA).

ACTION:  Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The General Services Administration (GSA) is amending the 
Federal Travel Regulation (FTR), to clarify existing authority under 
the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, 29 U.S.C. 701-796l, and 5 
U.S.C. 3102, that allows agencies to reimburse employees with special 
needs for expenses incurred for the services of an attendant while on 
official travel. Specifically, this final rule amends the FTR by adding 
reimbursement for ``services of an attendant traveling with an employee 
with special needs'' as a miscellaneous expense item. The FTR and any 
corresponding documents may be accessed at GSA's website at https://
www.gsa.gov/ftr.

DATES:  Effective Date: This final rule is effective April 26, 2006.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  The Regulatory Secretariat (VIR), 
Room 4035, GS Building, Washington, DC, 20405, (202) 208-7312, for 
information pertaining to status or publication schedules. For 
clarification of content, contact Umeki Thorne, Office of 
Governmentwide Policy, Travel Management Policy, at (202) 208-7636. 
Please cite FTR Amendment 2006-03; FTR case 2006-303.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

A. Background

    In order to provide reasonable accommodations for travel of an 
employee with special needs, agencies are authorized to pay for a 
variety of travel expenses as needed by the employee. Allowable 
expenses include the transportation and per diem expenses incurred by a 
family member or other attendant who must travel with the employee to 
make the trip possible. Although authorized by existing statutes, the 
FTR has not included a provision expressly addressing whether or not 
agencies may reimburse employees for expenses incurred for the actual 
services performed by an attendant while on travel with the employee. 
Accordingly, this final rule adds a provision stating that agencies may 
reimburse employees for the expenses of an attendant as a miscellaneous 
travel expense.

B. Executive Order 12866

    This is not a significant regulatory action and, therefore, was not 
subject to review under Section 6(b) of Executive Order 12866, 
Regulatory Planning and Review, dated September 30, 1993. This rule is 
not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804.

C. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    This final rule is not required to be published in the Federal 
Register for notice and comment; therefore, the Regulatory Flexibility 
Act, 5 U.S.C. 601, et seq., does not apply.

D. Paperwork Reduction Act

    The Paperwork Reduction Act does not apply because the changes to 
the FTR do not impose recordkeeping or information collection 
requirements, or the collection of information from offerors, 
contractors, or members of the public that require the approval of the 
Office of Management and Budget under 44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq.

E. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act

    This final rule is also exempt from congressional review prescribed 
under 5 U.S.C. 801 since it relates solely to agency management and 
personnel.

List of Subjects in 41 CFR Parts 301-12, 301-13, and 301-70

    Government employees, Travel and transportation expenses.

    Dated: March 7, 2006.
David L. Bibb,
Acting Administrator of General Services.


0
For the reasons set forth in the preamble, under 5 U.S.C. 5701-5709, 
GSA amends 41 CFR parts 301-12, 301-13, and 301-70 as set forth below:

PART 301-12--MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES

0
1. The authority citation for 41 CFR part 301-12 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: Authority: 5 U.S.C. 5707.


Sec.  301-12.1  [Amended]

0
2. Amend section 301-12.1, in the table, in the first column under the 
heading ``General expenses'', by adding the entry ``Services of an 
attendant as described in Sec.  301-13.3'' after the entry ``Services 
of guides, interpreters, and drivers''.

PART 301-13--TRAVEL OF AN EMPLOYEE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

0
3. The authority citation for 41 CFR part 301-13 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: Authority: 5 U.S.C. 5707.
0
4. Amend section 301-13.3 by revising the introductory sentence, 
paragraphs (e) and (f); and adding paragraph (g), and Note to paragraph 
(g) to read as follows:

[[Page 24597]]

Sec.  301-13.3  What additional travel expenses may my agency pay under 
this part?

    Your agency approving official may pay for any expenses deemed 
necessary by your agency to accommodate an employee with a special need 
including, but not limited to, the following expenses:
* * * * *
    (e) Renting and/or transporting a wheelchair;
    (f) Premium-class accommodations when necessary to accommodate your 
special need, under Subpart B of Part 301-10 of this subchapter; and
    (g) Services of an attendant, when necessary, to accommodate your 
special need.
    Note to Sec.  301-13.3(g): For limits on the amount that may be 
paid to an attendant, other than travel expenses, see 5 U.S.C. 3102 and 
guidance at https://www.opm.gov/disability/mngr_6-01-B.asp.

PART 301-70--INTERNAL POLICY AND PROCEDURE REQUIREMENTS

0
5. The authority citation for 41 CFR part 301-70 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: Authority: 5 U.S.C. 5707; 40 U.S.C. 121(c); Sec. 2, 
Pub. L. 105-264, 112 Stat. 2350 (5 U.S.C. 5701 note), Office of 
Management and Budget Circular No. A-126, ``Improving the Management 
and Use of Government Aircraft.'' Revised May 22, 1992.
0
6. Revise section 301-70.400 to read as follows:


Sec.  301-70.400  How should we authorize and administer the payment of 
additional travel expenses for an employee with a disability or special 
need?

    You should authorize and administer the payment to reasonably 
accommodate employee(s) with disabilities in accordance with the 
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. 701-796l) and 5 
U.S.C. 3102 and Part 301-13 of this chapter. An employee with a special 
need should be treated the same as an employee with a disability. You 
must determine that additional travel expenses are necessary to 
accommodate the employee's needs.
[FR Doc. 06-3913 Filed 4-25-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6820-14-S

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