Availability of Records, 36645-36653 [2013-14489]

Agencies

• Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 118 (Wednesday, June 19, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 36645-36653]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-14489]



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Rules and Regulations
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 118 / Wednesday, June 19, 2013 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 36645]]



EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION

29 CFR Part 1610

RIN 3046-AA90


Availability of Records

AGENCY: Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (``EEOC'' or 
``Commission'') is issuing a final rule revising its Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA) regulations in order to implement the Openness 
Promotes Effectiveness in our National Government Act of 2007 (``OPEN 
Government Act'') and the Electronic FOIA Act of 1996 (``E-FOIA Act''); 
to reflect the reassignment of FOIA responsibilities in the 
Commission's field offices from the Regional Attorneys to the District 
Directors; and to consolidate Commission public reading areas in 
offices where there are adequate FOIA personnel to provide satisfactory 
service.

DATES: Effective June 19, 2013.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephanie D. Garner, Assistant Legal 
Counsel, FOIA Programs, Gary J. Hozempa, Senior Attorney, or Draga G. 
Anthony, Attorney Advisor, Office of Legal Counsel, U.S. Equal 
Employment Opportunity Commission, at (202) 663-4640 (voice) or (202) 
663-7026 (TTY). These are not toll-free telephone numbers. This final 
rule also is available in the following formats: large print, Braille, 
audiotape, and electronic file on computer disk. Requests for this 
final rule in an alternative format should be made to EEOC's 
Publications Center at 1-800-669-3362 (voice) or 1-800-800-3302 (TTY).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Introduction

    On September 4, 2012, EEOC published in the Federal Register a 
notice of proposed rulemaking (``NPRM'') setting forth revisions to 
EEOC's FOIA regulations at 29 CFR part 1610. 77 FR 53814 (2012). The 
purpose of the revisions contained in the final rule is to update the 
Commission's FOIA regulations so that they are consistent with current 
Commission practice in responding to FOIA requests as reflected in the 
OPEN Government Act and the E-FOIA Act, and the Commission's transfer 
of FOIA responsibilities from its Regional Attorneys to its District 
Directors. The revisions also are intended to consolidate Commission 
public reading rooms in offices where there are adequate FOIA 
personnel, and streamline the Commission's FOIA regulations by removing 
excess verbiage. The NPRM sought public comments which were due on or 
before November 5, 2012.
    EEOC received six comments in response to the NPRM. Three comments 
were submitted by individuals, and the remaining three were submitted 
by OMB Watch, the National Council of EEOC Locals No. 216 (hereinafter 
the ``Union), and the National Archives and Records Administration, 
Office of Government Information Services (hereinafter ``OGIS'').
    One individual commenter suggested that EEOC consider whether 
FOIA's statutory exemptions remain ``viable.'' This comment pertains to 
the FOIA statute itself, is outside the scope of the NPRM, and will not 
be addressed further. A second individual commented that the Department 
of Defense and the Environmental Protection Agency should release 
certain medical records pertaining to the activities of the ``Hanford 
Atomic Works'' during the 1940's and 1950's. This comment also is 
outside the scope of the NPRM and will not be addressed further.
    The Commission has considered carefully the remaining comments and 
has made some changes to the final rule in response to the comments. 
The comments EEOC received, the changes made to the final rule, and 
EEOC's reasons for not making other changes are discussed in more 
detail below.

Section 1610.1--Definitions

    In the NPRM, EEOC proposed adding definitions for three terms: 
``agency record,'' ``news,'' and ``representative of the news media.'' 
In its comments, OGIS recommends that EEOC define three additional 
terms: ``FOIA Public Liaison,'' ``fee category,'' and ``fee waiver.'' 
An individual also commented that EEOC's proposed definition of 
``representative of the news media'' is vague and ambiguous.
    EEOC agrees with OGIS that adding its suggested definitions will be 
helpful, and the definitions have been added to the final rule. As for 
the proposed definition of ``representative of the news media,'' EEOC's 
definition is taken verbatim from the FOIA statute, as amended. EEOC 
does not regard the definition as either vague or ambiguous. Moreover, 
the concern of the commenter appears to be that the definition will 
exclude requesters who work for, and contribute to, ``electronic media 
outlets.'' As the definition makes clear, however, what constitutes 
``news media'' is a constantly evolving concept, and includes, but is 
not limited to, various ``electronic . . . alternative media.''

Section 1610.2--Statutory requirements

    The current rule at 29 CFR 1610.2 states that, among other things, 
FOIA exempts ``specified classes of records'' from public disclosure. 
While the NPRM did not propose any changes to this section, OGIS 
suggests that EEOC provide examples ``of the type of documents that 
fall into these categories'' (that is, that EEOC delineate the various 
classes of records exempt from disclosure by FOIA).
    Given that EEOC did not propose amending Sec.  1610.2, any comments 
regarding this section fall outside the scope of the NPRM and therefore 
do not require a response. Nevertheless, we note that EEOC's FOIA 
regulation at 29 CFR 1610.17 (Exemptions) gives examples of the type of 
documents that are exempt from disclosure under FOIA. Further, the FOIA 
section on EEOC's public Web site contains a ``Freedom of Information 
Act Reference Guide'' (https://www.eeoc.gov/eeoc/foia/handbook.cfm). The 
Reference Guide discusses and provides examples of information and 
documents that are exempt under FOIA. Repeating these examples in Sec.  
1610.2 is unnecessary.

[[Page 36646]]

Section 1610.4--Public reference facilities and current index

    In this section, EEOC proposed, among other things, to eliminate 
the current FOIA reading rooms in its Field, Local, and Area Offices. 
As proposed, reading rooms will be located only in Headquarters and 
District Offices. In its comments, the Union opposes this proposal and 
suggests either retaining all reading rooms or installing in the 
smaller offices dedicated computers which the public can use to access 
reading room materials.
    The proposal to reduce EEOC's reading rooms from 51 to 16 is 
resource based. Only Headquarters and the District Offices have 
sufficient personnel to service those members of the public wanting 
access to EEOC's public reading rooms and materials. The Union believes 
that reducing the number of reading rooms will reduce service to the 
public. However, if an office lacking available and knowledgeable 
personnel is unable to properly support, maintain, and administer a 
public reading room, the public will not be well served either. 
Furthermore, if smaller offices must assign personnel to manage reading 
rooms, this will adversely impact their ability to provide necessary 
services to individuals seeking to file charges of employment 
discrimination.
    Individuals who cannot visit reading rooms in District Offices or 
Headquarters still can access many reading room materials through other 
means. For example, all reading room materials created on or after 
November 1, 1996, as well as some materials created before November 1, 
1996, are accessible through EEOC's public Web site. Members of the 
public also can contact the Headquarters Library or a District Office 
by mail, telephone, or email to obtain reading room materials.
    Equipping EEOC's smaller field offices with dedicated computers 
presents problems similar to those of housing reading rooms. Personnel 
will be needed to maintain the computers, as well as to demonstrate to 
members of the public how to use them to access the information they 
seek. The smaller offices lack the personnel necessary to do these 
tasks without adversely affecting their ability to service the needs of 
charging parties.
    Therefore, for all of the above reasons, the Commission believes it 
is in the best interests of the public and EEOC to eliminate its 
reading rooms in its smaller field offices.

Section 1610.5--Request for records

    This section, among others things, requires a person who files a 
FOIA request to ``clearly and prominently identify[y]'' the request as 
a ``request for information under the `Freedom of Information Act.''' 
OGIS states that FOIA does not require a requester to identify a 
request as one filed pursuant to FOIA. OGIS suggests instead that the 
final rule state that a requester ``should'' identify the request as a 
FOIA request. In addition, while not referencing a particular revision 
proposed by EEOC pertaining to this section, OGIS suggests that EEOC 
add language ``clarifying the intersection between FOIA and the Privacy 
Act, which some requesters find confusing.''
    While OGIS is correct that FOIA does not require that a request be 
labeled as a FOIA request, clear labeling is an important issue for the 
EEOC. Approximately 95 percent of the FOIA requests received by EEOC 
are requests for the charge files that are created when an employee or 
applicant files with EEOC an administrative charge of employment 
discrimination. In accordance with EEOC procedures, a request for a 
charge file can be made under Section 83 of Volume I of EEOC's 
Compliance Manual, or pursuant to FOIA. A ``Section 83'' request 
provides EEOC with a more efficient way to disclose a charge file to 
the parties to the charge because, unlike a FOIA request, a Section 83 
request does not have to be logged and tracked for reporting purposes, 
does not require EEOC to identify the site or amount of withheld 
information, and does not require EEOC to explain the FOIA exemption 
applicable to any information that is withheld. Because there are two 
methods by which a requester can request a charge file, and because 
EEOC is able to process Section 83 requests more efficiently than FOIA 
requests, EEOC deems any request for a charge file that falls within 
Section 83's parameters to be a Section 83 request unless the requester 
specifically mentions FOIA. Requiring a requester to designate his or 
her request for a charge file as a FOIA request therefore will ensure 
that EEOC processes the request under the procedure desired by the 
requester.
    As to OGIS's suggestion that EEOC add language discussing the 
interaction between FOIA and the Privacy Act, we do not agree with the 
basis for the suggestion. Most agencies usually process first-party 
requests under both FOIA and the Privacy Act. EEOC charge files, 
however, are exempt from disclosure under the Privacy Act (see 29 CFR 
1611.13) (federal sector EEO complaint files also are exempt). Because 
requests for charge files are not processed under the Privacy Act, 
including language about the Privacy Act may lead requesters to believe 
there is a second disclosure option for charge files (or a third 
option, if one includes the Section 83 option). Since a Privacy Act 
option does not exist, mention of the Privacy Act will likely cause 
confusion for requesters.

Section 1610.6--Records of other agencies

    The NPRM revised this section to state that a request for a record 
originating in another agency that is in the custody of EEOC will be 
referred to the other agency and EEOC will honor the other agency's 
decision under FOIA. OGIS suggests that EEOC include in its final rule 
a provision that states that EEOC will provide the requester with 
contact information for the other agency when a referral is made.
    EEOC currently provides the contact information recommended by OGIS 
and refers the request to the other agency's FOIA contact person at the 
address provided on the Department of Justice FOIA Web site. EEOC does 
not believe it is necessary to revise the final rule to reflect this 
practice.

Section 1610.9--Responses: timing

    In the NPRM, EEOC proposed using a three-track system for 
responding to FOIA requests: a simple track, a complex track, and an 
expedited track. Simple requests would be processed in 10 business days 
or less. Complex requests would be processed between 11 and 20 business 
days. Expedited requests would be processed appropriately. EEOC also 
proposed assigning an individualized tracking number to each FOIA 
request and notifying the requester of this tracking number.
    The Union comments that the proposed three-track system is ill-
advised because EEOC will not be able to process simple requests in 10 
business days or less (thereby disappointing the expectations of the 
public), and that staff time would be better utilized sanitizing files. 
The Union also states that no study exists which demonstrates a need 
for a three-track system, or establishes that implementing such a 
system will result in improved processing times or reduce EEOC's FOIA 
backlog. The Union also believes that too many requests will meet the 
criteria for simple track processing, resulting in more missed 
deadlines. In this regard, the Union believes that the three-track 
process fails to account for the time required to categorize a request. 
The Union also is concerned that the proposed multitrack process 
ignores the possibility that the

[[Page 36647]]

person making the tracking assessments will be the same person expected 
to process the requests, or that it will be someone outside of the 
disclosure unit, thus resulting in additional delays due to 
transferring files between units. Finally, the Union discusses the 
grade levels of staff within a disclosure unit and argues that the 
grade and staffing levels are not amenable to a multitrack FOIA 
processing system.
    In another comment, an individual states that it would be helpful 
if additional information was provided about how EEOC will assess each 
request for purposes of placing it in the appropriate track. OGIS 
suggests that EEOC's acknowledgement letter, in addition to notifying a 
requester of his or her unique FOIA tracking number, also include ``a 
brief description of the subject of the request.''
    The Commission does not believe that implementing a three-track 
process will jeopardize public expectations or cause internal 
processing difficulties. Currently, EEOC uses a two-track system: one 
for requests seeking expedited processing under 5 U.S.C. Sec.  
552(a)(6)(E); and one for all other requests. Generally speaking, a 
requester must demonstrate a ``compelling need'' for expedited 
processing. See id. With respect to all other requests, EEOC has 
adopted the court-sanctioned practice of processing them on a ``first-
in, first-out basis.'' See, e.g., Open America v. Watergate Special 
Prosecution Force, 547 F.2d 605, 614-16 (DC Cir. 1976). Under the 
current system, therefore, each non-expedited request filed with EEOC 
goes to the back of the queue in the order in which it is received. A 
multitrack system, on the other hand, will enable EEOC to separate out 
the relatively more simple requests and process them more quickly.
    In this regard, the E-FOIA Act amendments to FOIA expressly permit 
an agency to ``promulgate regulations . . . providing for multitrack 
processing of requests for records based on the amount of work or time 
(or both) involved in processing requests.'' 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(6)(D)(i). 
Additionally, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has encouraged agencies 
to adopt multitrack processing systems so that they may process simple 
requests more quickly. See, e.g., DOJ FOIA Update, Winter 1997, at 6 
(discussing multitrack processing for an agency with decentralized FOIA 
operations); FOIA Update, Fall 1996, at 10 (an agency that processes 
its ``FOIA requests on a decentralized basis through separate agency 
components should allow multitrack processing systems to be maintained 
according to the individual circumstances of each component.'').
    As noted earlier, ninety-five percent of the FOIA requests received 
by EEOC are requests for EEOC's administrative charge files. Because 
these requests can be analyzed quickly, they are ideal candidates for a 
multitrack processing system. For example, the confidentiality 
provisions of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended 
(hereinafter ``Title VII''), prohibit EEOC from disclosing a charge 
file to a person not a party to the charge. Title VII also prohibits 
EEOC from disclosing a charge file if the charging party's right-to-sue 
has expired and no civil action has been filed. Further, under 
exemption 7(A) of FOIA, open charge files are exempt from disclosure. 
When a FOIA request for a charge file is received, FOIA personnel can 
reference EEOC's charge file database and easily determine whether the 
request is being made by a third party, whether the requested charge 
file is still open and, if it is closed, whether the 90-day period for 
filing suit has expired. Requests which EEOC can quickly determine 
cannot be granted are the types of requests that can be placed on the 
simple track under the three-track system. The three-track system will 
allow EEOC to process these requests out of order and therefore process 
them more quickly than under the current ``first-in, first-out'' 
system.
    The Commission also agrees with the Union, however, that the 
proposed time frame of 10 working days to process simple track requests 
should not be made a part of the regulation because it is not essential 
to ensure the success of the multitrack system. Thus, the final rule 
retains the three-track system but eliminates any shortened time limit 
for processing simple track requests. While the statutory 20-day time 
limit will apply to all requests, including those placed on the simple 
track, FOIA personnel will now be able to process the simple requests 
out of order. The Commission is confident that, with the proposed 10-
day time limit eliminated, the three-track system will not cause 
additional missed deadlines or greater backlogs, and will not place an 
undue burden on FOIA staff. (As to the Union's comments about grade and 
staff levels, these comments fall outside the scope of the NPRM and 
will not be addressed further).
    With respect to the suggestion that EEOC provide additional 
information as to how it will implement the three-track assessment 
process, such information properly belongs in an internal instruction 
manual, rather than as part of the final rule.
    Regarding OGIS's suggestion that EEOC's FOIA acknowledgement 
letters include a brief description of the requests, the Commission 
does not believe this is a sound idea. With respect to requests for 
charge files, EEOC's acknowledgement letter currently references the 
applicable charge file caption and number (e.g., John Doe v. Widgets 
Incorporated, Charge No. 987-654-321) and contains a unique FOIA 
tracking number. These designations are the equivalent of identifying 
the subject matter of the request. Adding the task of describing the 
subject matter of the non-charge file requests would be, at most, 
superficial, since it safely can be presumed that the requester is 
aware of the nature of his or her request and will not be further aided 
by EEOC's description. Finally, EEOC currently includes in its 
acknowledgement letter the contact information for the staff member 
assigned to process the FOIA request or appeal. Thus, a requester who 
files multiple requests around the same time can contact the staff 
member should he or she need clarification as to which EEOC tracking 
number pertains to which request.

Section 1610.10--Responses: form and content

    The proposed revision to this section states that, among other 
things, when responding to a FOIA request, the person signing the 
decision will include his or her name and title. This section also 
states that, when a request is denied, EEOC ``shall provide to the 
requester a written statement identifying the estimated volume of 
denied material . . . .'' OGIS suggests that EEOC include in its final 
rule ``complete contact information'' for the person signing the 
decision, including a phone number and email address. OGIS objects to 
EEOC providing an estimated volume of denied material and recommends 
that the final rule state that EEOC will provide a ``precise'' volume.
    With respect to contact information, EEOC has decided to adopt the 
recommendation of OGIS. As a result, the final rule states that the 
person signing the decision will provide ``his or her name and title, 
telephone number and email address.''
    Regarding OGIS's comment about providing requesters with precise 
information as to the volume of information that is withheld, EEOC 
already provides this information with respect to requests that are 
partially granted and partially denied. When only some information is 
withheld, a requester is informed of the exact number of pages that is 
being withheld.

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With respect to full denials, however, OGIS's recommendation is not 
practical. A fair number of requests for charge files are denied in 
their entirety (e.g., a third party request for a charge file). 
Implementing OGIS's suggestion will require staff to count every page 
in a withheld charge file. While some charges consist of a hundred 
pages or less, others fill boxes. Implementing OGIS's suggestion 
therefore will be extremely labor intensive and will adversely affect 
EEOC's movement to a three-track FOIA processing system. For example, a 
request that, on its face, indicates that it must be denied and 
therefore should be placed on the simple track will not be processed 
quickly if EEOC staff must count each page of the withheld charge file 
rather than providing an estimated number of pages contained in the 
file. Additionally, the Commission fails to see any benefit that will 
accrue to a requester if EEOC informs him or her of the actual number 
of pages contained in a complaint file that is exempt from disclosure.

Section 1610.11--Appeals to the Legal Counsel from initial denials

    Among other things, this proposed section states that an appeal of 
an initial FOIA determination ``must be in writing addressed to the 
Legal Counsel, or the Assistant Legal Counsel, FOIA Programs, as 
appropriate, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 131 M Street NE., 
Suite 5NW02E, Washington, DC 20507 . . . .''
    OMB Watch interprets the above-quoted language as requiring that 
appeals be filed only by mail. It points out that, under Sec.  1610.7, 
EEOC accepts initial FOIA requests by mail, email, fax, or via EEOC's 
Web site. Therefore, OMB Watch suggests that EEOC's final rule allow 
electronic appeals. OMB Watch also recommends that EEOC enable 
requesters to communicate with EEOC electronically ``throughout the 
FOIA process.''
    Although the NPRM does not address the issue, OMB Watch recommends 
that EEOC's appeal determinations include information about the 
mediation services offered by OGIS. OGIS, in its comments, recommends 
that EEOC's final rule include a subsection discussing OGIS's role in 
mediating disputes between FOIA requesters and federal agencies. OMB 
Watch likewise suggests that EEOC's final rule include information 
about OGIS.
    In drafting the language in Sec.  1610.11, it was never EEOC's 
intention to establish a requirement that FOIA appeals be filed only by 
mail. Currently, EEOC accepts appeals by mail, facsimile, email, and 
through its public Web site. While EEOC's regulations require that a 
requester attach a copy of the District Director's initial FOIA 
determination to his or her appeal, individuals who file electronic 
appeals can simultaneously mail, fax, or attach as a scanned document 
the District Director's initial decision. To clarify EEOC's intent that 
appeals can be filed by mail, fax, or electronically, EEOC has added to 
the final rule the applicable fax number, and email and Web site 
addresses.
    As to requesters being able to communicate with EEOC 
electronically, requesters currently can and do communicate with EEOC 
via EEOC's FOIA email address, District Office email addresses, and the 
public Web site. In its appeal acknowledgement letter, EEOC currently 
informs the requester of the name and telephone number of the staff 
member assigned to process the appeal and, with the publication of this 
final rule, also will inform the requester of the staff member's email 
address. As a result, requesters will be able to communicate 
electronically with EEOC during the pendency of their initial requests 
and appeals, as recommended by OMB Watch.
    EEOC also believes that the suggestions of OGIS and OMB Watch 
regarding adding information in the final rule about OGIS, have merit. 
Therefore, the final rule includes a new paragraph (g) to Sec.  
1610.11, which contains pertinent information about OGIS. EEOC 
currently includes in its appeal decisions information about OGIS's 
mediation role. EEOC also includes OGIS's address, telephone numbers, 
and email address should a requester wish to take advantage of OGIS's 
services.

Section 1610.13--Maintenance of files

    Section 1610.13(a) currently states that field offices and the 
Office of Legal Counsel will maintain files of their FOIA decisions. 
Current Sec.  1610.13(b) states that the Legal Counsel will maintain a 
file of ``copies of all grants or denial of appeals'' that is ``open to 
the public.'' Proposed Sec.  1610.13 eliminates paragraph (b). OGIS 
recommends that EEOC retain Sec.  1610.13(b) in its final rule.
    EEOC's Legal Counsel does not, and never has, made his or her FOIA 
appeal files available to the public. Thus, the NPRM proposes to 
eliminate paragraph (b) to conform to EEOC's longstanding practice. The 
near impossibility of implementing paragraph (b) was not understood 
until after that provision was enacted. As previously noted, 95 percent 
of FOIA requests filed with EEOC seek the disclosure of charge files. 
An even greater percentage of appeals involve decisions not to disclose 
charge files. As discussed earlier, the confidentially provisions 
applicable to charge files prohibit EEOC from making public charge file 
information. These confidentiality provisions equally apply when charge 
file information is contained in a FOIA appeal file. Therefore, 
eliminating Sec.  1610.13(b) is necessary in order to ensure the 
confidentiality of EEOC's charge files.

Section 1610.14--Waiver of user charges

    The proposed rule states that the Legal Counsel and District 
Directors have the authority to reduce or waive search, review, and 
duplication fees ``if disclosure of the information is in the public 
interest . . . and is not primarily in the commercial interest of the 
requester.'' OGIS recommends that EEOC's final rule allow the Legal 
Counsel and District Directors to reduce or waive applicable fees ``at 
their discretion,'' without regard to whether disclosure is in the 
public interest. OGIS believes that such authority will reduce fee 
disputes and reduce delays in the release of information.
    The types of requests EEOC receives rarely lead to fee disputes. As 
noted, most requests are for charge files and the field offices are 
adept at calculating fees based on the volume of documents in each file 
(when a request for a charge file is granted, field offices do an exact 
count of the pages in a file in order to calculate duplication fees). 
Rarely is a charge file fee contested. As to requests for other 
information, EEOC has not had difficulty calculating fees, and 
requesters rarely object to the fees that are charged. When a requester 
does make a fee waiver request, EEOC waives fees when statutorily 
required to do so.
    Moreover, FOIA does not require that an agency give its FOIA 
professionals the type of discretionary fee-waiver authority advocated 
by OGIS. Rather, FOIA is clear that fees must be waived only when the 
requester demonstrates that disclosure of the information is in the 
public interest ``because it is likely to contribute significantly to 
public understanding of the operations or activities of the 
government,'' and the information will not be used for a commercial 
purpose. Further, it is not practical to give EEOC's FOIA personnel 
discretionary authority to waive fees in circumstances not required by 
FOIA. Doing so would require EEOC to develop guidelines to ensure that 
discretionary fee waivers conform to certain standards. This, in turn, 
would

[[Page 36649]]

require EEOC to ensure that 15 District Directors, a Field Office 
Director, and the Assistant Legal Counsel/FOIA Programs, share a common 
understanding about how and when to exercise their discretionary fee-
waiver authority. EEOC is concerned that, given the decentralization of 
its FOIA operations, such discretionary authority will not be uniformly 
applied which, in turn, could result in the exact circumstances OGIS 
wishes to avoid--an increase in fee disputes.

Section 1610.15--Schedule of fees and method of payment for services 
rendered

    The proposed rule states that EEOC will not charge search and 
duplication fees ``if the Commission issues an untimely determination 
and the untimeliness is not due to unusual or exceptional 
circumstances.'' The Union is concerned that, by implementing a three-
track system in which simple requests will be processed within 10 
business days, the potential exists that EEOC will be barred from 
charging fees in such cases, which in turn will place additional 
pressure on staff to timely process requests. OGIS suggests that EEOC 
add a paragraph to Sec.  1610.15 stating that, when EEOC estimates FOIA 
processing fees, it will provide the requester with ``a breakdown of 
fees assessed for search, review and/or duplication.''
    The Union misconstrues the interplay regarding the timeframes 
applicable to the three-track process and the timeframes applicable to 
the waiver of fees. Under FOIA, a request generally must be processed 
within 20 business days (absent any applicable extensions). This 20 
business day time limit, therefore, usually will constitute the 
benchmark for determining whether a request has been timely processed. 
In any event, given the Commission's decision to eliminate from 
proposed Sec.  1610.9(a) a processing period less than the statutory 
deadline, the Union's concerns are now moot.
    In estimating FOIA processing fees, EEOC currently provides the 
requester with a breakdown in costs as suggested by OGIS in its 
comments. EEOC informs the requester of the number of hours it 
anticipates will be necessary to search for the files requested, the 
number of hours it anticipates will be necessary to review (and redact, 
if applicable) the information requested, the personnel classification 
of the person performing the search or review, and the number of pages 
that will be duplicated and the cost of duplicating each page. EEOC 
does not believe it is necessary or desirable to incorporate this 
practice into the final rule.

Section 1610.18--Information to be disclosed

    Current Sec.  1610.18 sets forth a list of information that EEOC 
will provide to the public (e.g., tabulations of aggregate industry 
data, blank forms used by EEOC, administrative staff manuals). The 
proposed section states that the information ``also [will] be made 
available electronically'' and adds ``underlying annual FOIA report 
data'' to this list. OGIS suggests that, in the final rule, EEOC add to 
the list the following: ``travel records and calendars of high-level 
officials.''
    OMB Watch states that the proposed section fails to indicate 
whether EEOC will make the information contained in the list available 
``upon request'' or ``proactively.'' It urges that EEOC place on its 
public Web site all information which EEOC intends to make available to 
the public. OMB Watch also points out that FOIA requires an agency to 
post online information that has been released in response to a FOIA 
request and is ``likely to become the subject of subsequent requests.'' 
OMB Watch suggests that EEOC's final rule add this type of information 
to the list in Sec.  1610.18. OMB Watch further recommends that EEOC 
post online all its responses to FOIA requests, post other information 
in advance of any public request, and establish a policy to determine 
categories of records and information of interest to the public that 
can be disclosed regularly online and added to the list in Sec.  
1610.18.
    EEOC receives FOIA requests seeking the travel records of 
Commissioners, the General Counsel, and SES employees on an infrequent 
basis. When it does, EEOC routinely grants the request (but may redact 
third party information when privacy issues prevail). EEOC rarely, if 
ever, receives requests for the calendars of its upper management 
officials. EEOC therefore does not believe that there is a significant 
public interest in such travel and calendar records. Additionally, 
gathering such records on a regular basis for proactive electronic 
posting will require resources which the Commission lacks. Therefore, 
the final rule does not include travel records and calendars to the 
list contained in Sec.  1610.18.
    Regarding the comments of OMB Watch, at present EEOC makes 
available electronically some of the information listed in Sec.  
1610.18. The intent of Sec.  1610.18 is to provide the public with a 
list of information that EEOC routinely will provide to the public upon 
receipt of a FOIA request. In this regard, some of the listed 
information can be made available only when we receive a specific 
request (e.g., specific aggregate industry tabulations derived from 
EEO-1 reports). Some of the other listed information is not, in our 
opinion, of general public interest (e.g., ``agreements between the 
Commission and State or local agencies charged with the administration 
of State or local fair employment practices laws'') and therefore 
properly is made available only upon request. Finally, not all the 
information listed in Sec.  1610.18 currently is in an electronic 
format. EEOC intends to review the listed information and determine 
whether certain categories should or can be made available on its Web 
site. Until that happens, however, EEOC cannot state in the final rule 
that this information is or will be electronically available.
    FOIA requires an agency to make available for public inspection and 
copying records which have been released to a person ``and which, 
because of the nature of their subject matter, the agency determines 
have become or are likely to become the subject of subsequent requests 
for substantially the same records * * * .'' 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(2)(D). As 
noted previously, 95 percent of EEOC's FOIA requests are for charge 
files. EEOC is prohibited from making public specific charge file 
information. Thus, EEOC cannot post online our responses to these 
requests without running afoul of the statutory confidentiality 
provisions. It also can be argued that EEOC charge files do not fall 
within the types of information contemplated by Sec.  552(a)(2)(D) 
because, while EEOC receives many requests for charge files and thus 
can anticipate additional charge file requests, the information 
requested is not ``for substantially the same records,'' but is, 
rather, for very different records unique to each requester.
    Additionally, EEOC already makes available on its public Web site 
information released under FOIA which is or is likely to become the 
subject of subsequent requests for substantially the same information. 
For example, EEOC posts on its public Web site its informal discussion 
letters, policy guidance documents, question and answer documents, 
press releases, and regulations. As suggested by OMB Watch, EEOC has 
established and will continue to establish categories of records and 
information of interest to the public that it will disclose regularly 
online. However, EEOC does not believe, as suggested by OMB Watch, that 
EEOC should specifically list in Sec.  1610.18 the ``likely to become 
the

[[Page 36650]]

subject of subsequent requests'' language since the intent of Sec.  
1610.18 is to list only that information which EEOC has already 
determined should be made available to the public.

Section 1610.21--Annual report

    This section proposes that, on or before February 1 of each year, 
the Legal Counsel will submit to the U.S. Attorney General required 
FOIA reports. OGIS recommends that the final rule also state that EEOC 
will file Chief FOIA Officer reports.
    Pursuant to the OPEN Government Act, each agency must designate ``a 
Chief FOIA Officer * * * .'' An agency's Chief FOIA Officer must 
``review and report to the Attorney General, through the head of the 
agency, at such times and in such formats as the Attorney General may 
direct, on the agency's performance in implementing [its 
responsibilities under FOIA].'' In order to implement OGIS's 
recommendation, Sec.  1610.21 of the final rule has been divided into 
two paragraphs. Paragraph (a) contains the proposed language applicable 
to the annual FOIA report and paragraph (b) refers to the report of the 
Chief FOIA Officer.

Regulatory Procedures

Executive Order 12866

    This final rule has been drafted and reviewed in accordance with 
Executive Order 12866, 58 FR 51735 (Sept. 30, 2003), section 1(b), 
Principles of Regulation, and Executive Order 13563, 76 FR 3821 
(January 1, 2011), Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review. The rule 
is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under section 3(f) of 
Executive Order 12866.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    This final rule contains no new information collection requirements 
subject to review by the Office of Management and Budget under the 
Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35).

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Commission certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this final rule 
will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of 
small entities because the changes to the rule do not impose any 
burdens upon FOIA requesters, including those that might be small 
entities. Therefore, a regulatory flexibility analysis is not required 
by the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995

    This final rule will not result in the expenditure by State, local, 
or tribal governments in the aggregate, or by the private sector, of 
$100 million or more in any one year, and it will not significantly or 
uniquely affect small governments. Therefore, no actions are deemed 
necessary under the provisions of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 
1995.

List of Subjects in 29 CFR Part 1610

    Freedom of Information.

    For the Commission,

    Dated: June 12, 2013.
Jacqueline A. Berrien,
Chair.
    Accordingly, for the reasons set forth in the preamble, the Equal 
Employment Opportunity Commission hereby amends chapter X of title 29 
of the Code of Federal Regulations as follows:

PART 1610--AVAILABILITY OF RECORDS

0
1. The authority citation for 29 CFR part 1610 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 2000e-12(a), 5 U.S.C. 552 as amended by 
Pub. L. 93-502, Pub. L. 99-570, and Pub. L. 105-231; for Sec.  
1610.15, non-search or copy portions are issued under 31 U.S.C. 
9701.


0
2. Amend Sec.  1610.1 by adding paragraphs (j) through (o) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  1610.1  Definitions.

* * * * *
    (j) Agency record includes any information maintained for an agency 
by an entity under Government contract, for the purposes of records 
management.
    (k) Fee category means one of the three categories that agencies 
place requesters in for the purpose of determining whether a requester 
will be charged fees for search, review and duplication, including 
commercial requesters, non-commercial scientific or educational 
institutions or news media requesters, and all other requesters.
    (l) Fee waiver means the waiver or reduction of processing fees if 
a requester can demonstrate that certain statutory standards are 
satisfied including that the information is in the public interest and 
is not requested for a commercial interest.
    (m) FOIA Public Liaison means an agency official who is responsible 
for assisting in reducing delays, increasing transparency and 
understanding of the status of requests, and assisting in the 
resolution of disputes.
    (n) News refers to information about current events that would be 
of current interest to the public.
    (o) Representative of the news media refers to any person or entity 
that gathers information of potential interest to a segment of the 
public, uses its editorial skills to turn the raw materials into a 
distinct work, and distributes that work to an audience. Examples of 
news media entities are television or radio stations broadcasting to 
the public at large and publishers of periodicals (but only if such 
entities qualify as disseminators of ``news'') who make their products 
available for purchase by, subscription by, or free distribution to, 
the general public. As methods of news delivery evolve (for example, 
the implementation of electronic dissemination of newspapers through 
telecommunication services), such alternative media shall be considered 
to be news-media services. A freelance journalist shall be regarded as 
working for a news-media entity if the journalist can demonstrate a 
solid basis for expecting publication through that entity, whether or 
not the journalist is actually employed by the entity. A publication 
contract would present a solid basis for such an expectation; the 
Commission may also consider the past publication record of the 
requester in making such a determination.

0
3. Revise Sec.  1610.4 to read as follows:


Sec.  1610.4  Public reference facilities and current index.

    (a) The Commission will maintain in a public reading area located 
in the Commission's library at 131 M Street, NE., Washington, DC 20507, 
the materials which are required by 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(2) and 552(a)(5) to 
be made available for public inspection and copying. Any such materials 
created on or after November 1, 1996 may also be accessed through the 
Internet at https://www.eeoc.gov. The Commission will maintain and make 
available for public inspection and copying in this public reading area 
a current index providing identifying information for the public as to 
any matter which is issued, adopted, or promulgated after July 4, 1967, 
and which is required to be indexed by 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(2). The 
Commission in its discretion may, however, include precedential 
materials issued, adopted, or promulgated prior to July 4, 1967. The 
Commission will also maintain on file in this public reading area all 
material published by the Commission in the Federal Register and 
currently in effect.
    (b) The Commission offices designated in Sec.  1610.4(c) shall 
maintain and make available for public inspection and copying a copy 
of:
    (1) The Commission's notices and regulatory amendments which are 
not yet published in the Code of Federal Regulations;
    (2) The Commission's annual reports;

[[Page 36651]]

    (3) The Commission's Compliance Manual;
    (4) Blank forms relating to the Commission's procedures as they 
affect the public;
    (5) The Commission's Orders (agency directives);
    (6) ``CCH Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Decisions'' (1973 
and 1983); and
    (7) Commission awarded contracts.
    (c) The Commission's District Offices with public reading areas 
are:

Atlanta District Office, Sam Nunn Atlanta Federal Center, 100 Alabama 
Street, SW., Suite 4R30, Atlanta, GA 30303 (includes the Savannah Local 
Office).
Birmingham District Office, Ridge Park Place, 1130 22nd Street South, 
Suite 2000, Birmingham, AL 35205-2397 (includes the Jackson Area Office 
and the Mobile Local Office).
Charlotte District Office, 129 West Trade Street, Suite 400, Charlotte, 
NC 28202 (includes the Raleigh Area Office, the Greensboro Local 
Office, the Greenville Local Office, the Norfolk Local Office, and the 
Richmond Local Office).
Chicago District Office, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 2000, Chicago, 
IL 60661 (includes the Milwaukee Area Office and the Minneapolis Area 
Office).
Dallas District Office, 207 S. Houston Street, 3rd Floor, Dallas, TX 
75202-4726 (includes the San Antonio Field Office and the El Paso Area 
Office).
Houston District Office, Total Plaza, 1201 Louisiana Street, 6th Floor, 
Houston, TX 77002 (includes the New Orleans Field Office).
Indianapolis District Office, 101 West Ohio Street, Suite 1900, 
Indianapolis, IN 46204-4203 (includes the Detroit Field Office, the 
Cincinnati Area Office, and the Louisville Area Office).
Los Angeles District Office, Roybal Federal Building, 255 East Temple 
Street, 4th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (includes the Fresno Local 
Office, the Honolulu Local Office, the Las Vegas Local Office, and the 
San Diego Local Office).
Memphis District Office, 1407 Union Avenue, 9th Floor, Memphis, TN 
38104 (includes the Little Rock Area Office, and the Nashville Area 
Office).
Miami District Office, Miami Tower, 100 SE 2nd Street, Suite 1500, 
Miami, FL 33131 (includes the Tampa Field Office and the San Juan Local 
Office).
New York District Office, 33 Whitehall Street, 5th Floor, New York, NY 
10004 (includes the Boston Area Office, the Newark Area Office, and the 
Buffalo Local Office).
Philadelphia District Office, 801 Market Street, Suite 1300, 
Philadelphia, PA 19107-3127 (includes the Baltimore Field Office, the 
Cleveland Field Office, and the Pittsburgh Area Office).
Phoenix District Office, 3300 N. Central Avenue, Suite 690, Phoenix, AZ 
85012-2504 (includes the Denver Field Office, and the Albuquerque Area 
Office).
San Francisco District Office, 350 The Embarcadero, Suite 500, San 
Francisco, CA 94105-1260 (includes the Seattle Field Office, the 
Oakland Local Office, and the San Jose Local Office).
St. Louis District Office, Robert A. Young Federal Building, 1222 
Spruce Street, Room 8100, St. Louis, MO 63103 (includes the Kansas City 
Area Office, and the Oklahoma City Area Office).

0
4. Amend Sec.  1610.5 by revising paragraph (a), redesignating 
paragraphs (b) and (c) as (d) and (e), and adding new paragraphs (b) 
and (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  1610.5  Request for records.

    (a) A written request for inspection or copying of a record of the 
Commission may be presented in person, or by mail, or by fax, or by 
email, or through https://egov.eeoc.gov/foia/ to the Commission 
employee designated in Sec.  1610.7. Every request, regardless of 
format, must contain the requester's name and may identify a non-
electronic mailing address. In-person requests must be presented during 
business hours on any business day.
    (b) A request must be clearly and prominently identified as a 
request for information under the ``Freedom of Information Act.'' If 
submitted by mail, or otherwise submitted under any cover, the envelope 
or other cover must be similarly identified.
    (c) A respondent must always provide a copy of the ``Filed'' 
stamped court complaint when requesting a copy of a charge file. The 
charging party must provide a copy of the ``Filed'' stamped court 
complaint when requesting a copy of the charge file if the Notice of 
Right to Sue has expired.
* * * * *

0
5. Revise Sec.  1610.6 to read as follows:


Sec.  1610.6  Records of other agencies.

    Requests for records that originated in another Agency and are in 
the custody of the Commission will be referred to that Agency and the 
person submitting the request shall be so notified. The decision made 
by that Agency with respect to such records will be honored by the 
Commission.

0
6. Amend Sec.  1610.7 by revising paragraph (a) introductory text, 
revising paragraphs (b) and (c), and removing paragraphs (d) and (e).
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  1610.7  Where to make request; form.

    (a) Requests for the following types of records shall be submitted 
to the District Director for the pertinent district, field, area, or 
local office, at the district office address listed in Sec.  1610.4(c) 
or, in the case of the Washington Field Office, shall be submitted to 
the Field Office Director at 131 M Street, NE., Fourth Floor, 
Washington, DC 20507.
* * * * *
    (b) A request for any record which does not fall within the ambit 
of paragraph (a) of this section, or a request for any record the 
location of which is unknown to the person making the request, shall be 
submitted in writing to the Assistant Legal Counsel, FOIA Programs, 
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, by mail to 131 M Street, 
NE., Suite 5NW02E, Washington, DC 20507, or by fax to (202) 663-4679, 
or by email to FOIA@eeoc.gov, or by Internet to https://egov.eeoc.gov/foia/.
    (c) Any Commission officer or employee who receives a written 
Freedom of Information Act request shall promptly forward it to the 
appropriate official specified in paragraph (a) or (b) of this section. 
Any Commission officer or employee who receives an oral request under 
the Freedom of Information Act shall inform the person making the 
request that it must be in writing and also inform such person of the 
provisions of this subpart.

0
7. Revise Sec.  1610.8 to read as follows:


Sec.  1610.8  Authority to determine.

    The Assistant Legal Counsel, FOIA Programs, the District Director, 
or the District Director's designee, when receiving a request pursuant 
to these regulations, shall grant or deny such request. That decision 
shall be final, subject only to administrative review as provided in 
Sec.  1610.11 of this subpart.

0
8. Revise Sec.  1610.9 to read as follows:


Sec.  1610.9  Responses: timing.

    (a) The EEOC utilizes a multitrack system for responding to FOIA 
requests. After review, a FOIA request is placed on one of three 
tracks: the simple track, the complex track, or the expedited track. 
EEOC distinguishes between simple and complex track requests based on 
the amount of work and time needed to process the request.
    (b) The Assistant Legal Counsel, FOIA Programs, the District 
Director, or the

[[Page 36652]]

District Director's designee shall, within 10 days from receipt of a 
request, notify the requester in writing of the date EEOC received the 
request, the expected date of issuance of the determination, the 
individualized FOIA tracking number assigned to the request, and the 
telephone number or Internet site where requesters may inquire about 
the status of their request.
    (c) If a FOIA request is submitted to the incorrect EEOC-FOIA 
office, that office shall forward the misdirected request to the 
appropriate EEOC-FOIA office within 10 business days. If a misdirected 
request is forwarded to the correct EEOC-FOIA office more than 10 
business days after its receipt by the EEOC, then, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 
552(a)(6)(A), the statutory 20 business days to respond to the request 
is reduced by the number of days in excess of 10 that it took the EEOC 
to forward the request to the correct EEOC-FOIA office.
    (d) Within 20 business days after receipt of the request, the 
Assistant Legal Counsel, FOIA Programs, the District Director, or the 
District Director's designee shall either grant or deny the request for 
agency records, unless additional time is required for one of the 
following reasons:
    (1) It is necessary to search for and collect the requested records 
from field facilities or other establishments that are separate from 
the office processing the request;
    (2) It is necessary to search for, collect, and appropriately 
examine a voluminous number of separate and distinct records which are 
demanded in a single request; or
    (3) It is necessary to consult with another agency having a 
substantial interest in the determination of the request or among two 
or more components of the agency having substantial interest therein.
    (e) When additional time is required for one of the reasons stated 
in paragraph (d) of this Section, the Assistant Legal Counsel, FOIA 
Programs, District Director, or the District Director's designee shall, 
within the statutory 20 business day period, issue to the requester a 
brief written statement of the reason for the delay and an indication 
of the date on which it is expected that a determination as to 
disclosure will be forthcoming. If more than 10 additional business 
days are needed, the requester shall be notified and provided an 
opportunity to limit the scope of the request or to arrange for an 
alternate time frame for processing the request.
    (f)(1) A request for records may be eligible for expedited 
processing if the requester demonstrates a compelling need. For the 
purposes of this section, compelling need means:
    (i) That the failure to obtain the records on an expedited basis 
could reasonably be expected to pose an imminent threat to the life or 
physical safety of an individual; or
    (ii) That the requester is a representative of the news media as 
described in Sec.  1610.1(o) and there is an urgency to inform the 
public concerning actual or alleged Federal government activity.
    (2) A requester who seeks expedited processing must submit a 
statement, certified to be true and correct to the best of that 
person's knowledge and belief, explaining in detail the basis for 
requesting expedited processing. A determination on the request for 
expedited processing will be made and the requester notified within 10 
calendar days. The Legal Counsel or designee, or the Assistant Legal 
Counsel, FOIA Programs, as appropriate, shall promptly respond to any 
appeal of the denial of a request for expedited processing.
    (g) The Commission may toll the statutory time period to issue its 
determination on a FOIA request one time during the processing of the 
request to obtain clarification from the requester. The statutory time 
period to issue the determination on disclosure is tolled until EEOC 
receives the information reasonably requested from the requester. The 
agency may also toll the statutory time period to issue the 
determination to clarify with the requester issues regarding fees. 
There is no limit on the number of times the agency may request 
clarifying fee information from the requester.

0
9. Amend Sec.  1610.10 by revising paragraphs (b) and (c) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  1610.10  Responses: form and content.

* * * * *
    (b) A reply either granting or denying a written request for a 
record shall be in writing, signed by the Assistant Legal Counsel, FOIA 
Programs, the District Director, or the District Director's designee, 
and shall include:
    (1) His or her name and title, telephone number, and email address;
    (2) A reference to the specific exemption under the Freedom of 
Information Act authorizing the withholding of the record and a brief 
explanation of how the exemption applies to the record withheld, or a 
statement that, after diligent effort, the requested records have not 
been found or have not been adequately examined during the time allowed 
under Sec.  1610.9 (d), and that the denial will be reconsidered as 
soon as the search or examination is complete; and
    (3) A written statement that the denial may be appealed to the 
Legal Counsel, or Assistant Legal Counsel, FOIA Programs, as 
appropriate, within 30 calendar days of receipt of the denial or 
partial denial.
    (c) When a request for records is denied, the Commission shall 
provide to the requester a written statement identifying the estimated 
volume of denied material unless providing such estimate would harm an 
interest protected by the exemptions in 5 U.S.C. 522(b). When a 
reasonably segregable portion of a record is provided, the amount of 
information deleted from the released portion and, to the extent 
technically feasible, the place in the record where such deletion was 
made, and the exemption upon which the deletion was based, shall be 
indicated on the record provided to the requester.
* * * * *

0
10. Revise Sec.  1610.11 to read as follows:


Sec.  1610.11  Appeals to the Legal Counsel from initial denials.

    (a) When the Assistant Legal Counsel, FOIA Programs, the District 
Director, or the District Director's designee has denied a request for 
records in whole or in part, the requester may appeal within 30 
calendar days of receipt of the determination letter. The appeal must 
be in writing, addressed to the Legal Counsel, or the Assistant Legal 
Counsel, FOIA Programs, as appropriate, and submitted by mail to the 
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 131 M Street, NE., Suite 
5NW02E, Washington, DC 20507, by fax to (202) 663-4679, by email to 
FOIA@eeoc.gov, or by Internet to https://egov.eeoc.gov/foia/. Every 
appeal filed under this section must be clearly labeled as a ``Freedom 
of Information Act Appeal.'' Any appeal of a determination issued by a 
District Director or the District Director's designee must include a 
copy of the District Director's or the District Director's designee's 
determination. If a FOIA appeal is misdirected to a District Office, 
the District Office shall forward the appeal to the Legal Counsel, or 
the Assistant Legal Counsel, FOIA Programs, as appropriate, within 10 
business days.
    (b) The Legal Counsel or designee, or the Assistant Legal Counsel, 
FOIA Programs, as appropriate, shall act upon the appeal within 20 
business days of its receipt, and more rapidly if practicable. If the 
decision is in favor of the person making the request, the decision 
shall order that records be promptly made available to the person 
making the

[[Page 36653]]

request. The Legal Counsel or designee, or the Assistant Legal Counsel, 
FOIA Programs, as appropriate, may extend the 20 business day period in 
which to render a decision on an appeal for that period of time which 
could have been claimed and used by the Assistant Legal Counsel, FOIA 
Programs, the District Director, or the District Director's designee 
under Sec.  1610.9, but which was not in fact used in making the 
original determination.
    (c) The decision on appeal shall be in writing and signed by the 
Legal Counsel or designee, or the Assistant Legal Counsel, FOIA 
Programs, as appropriate. A denial in whole or in part of a request on 
appeal shall set forth the exemption relied on, a brief explanation of 
how the exemption applies to the records withheld, and the reasons for 
asserting it, if different from those described by the Assistant Legal 
Counsel, FOIA Programs, the District Director, or the District 
Director's designee under Sec.  1610.9. The decision on appeal shall 
indicate that the person making the request may, if dissatisfied with 
the decision, file a civil action in the United States District Court 
for the district in which the person resides or has his principal place 
of business, for the district where the records reside, or for the 
District of Columbia.
    (d) No personal appearance, oral argument or hearing will 
ordinarily be permitted in connection with an appeal to the Legal 
Counsel or the Assistant Legal Counsel, FOIA Programs.
    (e) On appeal, the Legal Counsel or designee, or the Assistant 
Legal Counsel, FOIA Programs, as appropriate, may reduce any fees 
previously assessed.
    (f) In the event that the Commission terminates its proceedings on 
a charge after the District Director or the District Director's 
designee denies a request, in whole or in part, for the charge file but 
during consideration of the requester's appeal from that denial, the 
request may be remanded for redetermination. The requester retains a 
right to appeal to the Assistant Legal Counsel, FOIA Programs, from the 
decision on remand.
    (g) A response to an appeal will advise the requester that the 2007 
amendments to FOIA created the Office of Government Information 
Services (OGIS) to offer mediation services to resolve disputes between 
FOIA requesters and Federal agencies as a non-exclusive alternative to 
litigation. A requester may contact OGIS in any of the following ways: 
Office of Government Information Services, National Archives and 
Records Administration, 8601 Adelphi Road--OGIS, College Park, MD 
20740; https://ogis.archives.gov; email_ogis@nara.gov; telephone--202-
741-5770; facsimile--202-741-5769; toll-free--1-877-684-6448.

0
11. Revise Sec.  1610.13 to read as follows:


Sec.  1610.13  Maintenance of files.

    The Legal Counsel or designee, the Assistant Legal Counsel, FOIA 
Programs, and the District Directors or designees shall maintain files 
containing all material required to be retained by or furnished to them 
under this subpart. The material shall be filed by individual request.

0
12. Amend Sec.  1610.14 by revising paragraph (a) to read as follows:


Sec.  1610.14  Waiver of user charges.

    (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, the Legal 
Counsel or designee, the Assistant Legal Counsel, FOIA Programs, and 
the District Directors or designees shall assess fees where applicable 
in accordance with Sec.  1610.15 for search, review, and duplication of 
records requested. They shall also have authority to furnish documents 
without any charge or at a reduced charge if disclosure of the 
information is in the public interest because it is likely to 
contribute significantly to public understanding of the operations or 
activities of the government and is not primarily in the commercial 
interest of the requester.
* * * * *

0
13. Amend Sec.  1610.15 by adding paragraph (g) to read as follows:


Sec.  1610.15  Schedule of fees and method of payment for services 
rendered.

* * * * *
    (g) A search fee will not be charged to requesters specified in 
paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(3) of this section, and a duplication fee 
will not be charged to requesters specified in paragraph (a)(2) of this 
section, if the Commission issues an untimely determination and the 
untimeliness is not due to unusual or exceptional circumstances.

0
14. Amend Sec.  1610.18 by revising the introductory text and adding 
paragraph (h) to read as follows:


Sec.  1610.18  Information to be disclosed.

    The Commission will provide the following information to the 
public. This information will also be made available electronically:
* * * * *
    (h) Underlying annual FOIA report data.


Sec.  1610.19  [Amended]

0
15. Amend Sec.  1610.19 by removing paragraph (b)(2), redesignating 
paragraph (b)(3) as paragraph (b)(2), and removing the word ``working'' 
in the first sentence of paragraph (d) and the third sentence of 
paragraph (e)(1) and add in its place the word ``business''.


Sec.  1610.20  [Removed and Reserved]

0
16. Remove and reserve Sec.  1610.20.

0
17. Revise Sec.  1610.21 to read as follows:


Sec.  1610.21  Annual report.

    (a) The Legal Counsel shall, on or before February 1, submit 
individual Freedom of Information Act reports for each principal agency 
FOIA component and one for the entire agency covering the preceding 
fiscal year to the Attorney General of the United States. The reports 
shall include those matters required by 5 U.S.C. 552(e), and shall be 
made available electronically on the agency Web site.
    (b) When and as directed by the Attorney General, the Chief FOIA 
Officer, through the Office of the Chair, shall review and report to 
the Attorney General on the agency's performance in implementing its 
responsibilities under FOIA.

[FR Doc. 2013-14489 Filed 6-18-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6570-01-P