Board of Governors Sunshine Act Meeting, 22451 [E8-8865]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 81 / Friday, April 25, 2008 / Notices —Required written approval of the contract by the cooperating nonprofit’s board of directors; and —Mandated inclusion of certain contractual terms related to numerous control or ownership issues, such as receipt and exclusive ownership of a donor list; direct deposit of funds into the nonprofit’s bank account; and intellectual property in the mailing. Id. at 58274–76. sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES IV. Invitation to Comment The preceding summary makes clear that the Fundraising Exception expands eligibility for nonprofit Standard Mail rates for certain types of mailings, but does so in a relatively limited way. It also makes clear that the Fundraising Exception, as adopted, did not include many of the checks, or safeguards, some commenters believed should be included to ward off abuse of nonprofit rates and consumer deception. The Commission invites comments from the general public to facilitate its examination of whether the Fundraising Exception contains adequate safeguards to protect against abuse of nonprofit rates and consumer protection, and preparation of the related report and recommendations. Comments may address any relevant topic; however, the Commission also presents the following questions to help focus the discussion. A. Abuse of Nonprofit Rates The directive in section 711 speaks to abuse of nonprofit rates, rather than fraud. In connection with the scope and extent of abuse that may occur under the Fundraising Exemption, the Commission is especially interested in the following matters: 1. The 2003 rulemaking acknowledged that commenters had raised concerns about several types of abusive fundraising practices, including predatory credit arrangements. To what extent have these practices occurred, since the 2003 revision, in connection with mailings sent under the Fundraising Exemption? 2. Have there been any material changes in fundraising practices since the Postal Service’s 2003 rulemaking that give rise to new concerns about abuse in connection with the Fundraising Exception? 3. To what extent has the nonprofit sector engaged in education efforts designed to inform nonprofits, especially those considered especially vulnerable to overreaching or predatory partners, about the scope of the Fundraising Exception and potential abuses? Also, are there reliable means of measuring or assessing the success of these efforts? VerDate Aug<31>2005 20:20 Apr 24, 2008 Jkt 214001 4. To what extent has the Postal Service (including any organizational division) engaged in education efforts specifically directed at the Fundraising Exception and potential abuses? Are there reliable means of measuring or assessing the success of these efforts? 5. What information and data are available about the extent to which the Fundraising Exception has been used by mailers eligible for nonprofit rates since adoption in 2003, in terms of features such as number and type of entities using the Fundraising Exception, volume, and total postage involved? 22451 3. Comments on issues related to the directive in section 711 of the PAEA are due June 24, 2008. 4. Reply comments are due July 24, 2008. 5. The Secretary shall arrange for publication of this Notice in the Federal Register. By the Commission. Steven W. Williams, Secretary. [FR Doc. E8–9210 Filed 4–24–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7710–FW–P B. Deception of Consumers POSTAL SERVICE The directive in section 711 also extends to deception of consumers. The Commission is interested in commenters’ views on all relevant aspects of consumer deception, including: 1. The 2003 rulemaking mentioned that there were a growing number of State laws on charitable fundraising that created a potential for conflict with cooperative mail as then formulated. Has there been an increase in the number of States proposing or adopting such laws? What safeguards or protections are included in these laws? Do these laws pose any conflicts with the 2003 Fundraising Exception or did this Exception satisfactorily resolve relevant concerns? 2. To what extent has the Postal Service undertaken efforts to educate consumers (in the capacity of a donor or potential donor responding to a mailed solicitation) about abuses or potential fundraising abuses? 3. To what extent have individual States engaged in efforts to educate consumers (in the capacity of a donor or potential donor responding to a mailed solicitation) about abuses or potential fundraising abuses? 4. To what extent has deception of potential donors been reported or documented by the Postal Service, nonprofit mailer organizations, State or local consumer protection agencies, or others? Board of Governors Sunshine Act Meeting V. Ordering Paragraphs It is ordered: 1. The Commission establishes Docket No. PI2008–4, Inquiry into Cooperative Mail Rule Exception, to facilitate compliance with section 711 of the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act. 2. The Commission designates Katja M. Eichinger as the Public Representative representing the interests of the general public in this proceeding. PO 00000 Frm 00131 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Board Votes To Close April 14, 2008, Meeting By telephone vote on April 14, 2008, the Board of Governors of the United States Postal Service voted unanimously to close to public observation its meeting held via teleconference. The Board determined that prior public notice was not possible. Items Considered 1. Strategic Planning. 2. Personnel Matters and Compensation Issues. General Counsel Certification The General Counsel of the United States Postal Service has certified that the meeting was properly closed under the Government in the Sunshine Act. Contact Person for More Information: Requests for information about the meeting should be addressed to the Deputy General Counsel, William R. Gilligan, at (202) 268–2952. William R. Gilligan, Deputy General Counsel. [FR Doc. E8–8865 Filed 4–24–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7710–12–M SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Sunshine Act Meeting Notice is hereby given, pursuant to the provisions of the Government in the Sunshine Act, Public Law 94–409, that the Securities and Exchange Commission will hold a Closed Meeting on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 2 p.m. Commissioners, Counsel to the Commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission, and recording secretaries will attend the Closed Meeting. Certain staff members who have an interest in the matters may also be present. E:\FR\FM\25APN1.SGM 25APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 81 (Friday, April 25, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Page 22451]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-8865]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

POSTAL SERVICE


Board of Governors Sunshine Act Meeting

Board Votes To Close April 14, 2008, Meeting

    By telephone vote on April 14, 2008, the Board of Governors of the 
United States Postal Service voted unanimously to close to public 
observation its meeting held via teleconference. The Board determined 
that prior public notice was not possible.

Items Considered

    1. Strategic Planning.
    2. Personnel Matters and Compensation Issues.

General Counsel Certification

    The General Counsel of the United States Postal Service has 
certified that the meeting was properly closed under the Government in 
the Sunshine Act.
    Contact Person for More Information: Requests for information about 
the meeting should be addressed to the Deputy General Counsel, William 
R. Gilligan, at (202) 268-2952.

William R. Gilligan,
Deputy General Counsel.
 [FR Doc. E8-8865 Filed 4-24-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-12-M
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.