Civil Monetary Penalty Inflation Adjustment, 12098-12099 [2019-06164]

Download as PDF 12098 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 62 / Monday, April 1, 2019 / Rules and Regulations from explosives or blasting agents in this section. * * * * * March 25, 2019. William P. Barr, Attorney General. [FR Doc. 2019–06266 Filed 3–29–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4410–FY–P DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Office of the Secretary 32 CFR Part 269 [Docket ID: DOD–2016–OS–0045] RIN 0790–AK40 Civil Monetary Penalty Inflation Adjustment Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller), Department of Defense. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: The Department of Defense is issuing this final rule to adjust each of its statutory civil monetary penalties (CMP) to account for inflation. The Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990, as amended by the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996 and the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015 (the 2015 Act), requires the head of each agency to adjust for inflation its CMP levels in effect as of November 2, 2015, under a revised methodology that was effective for 2016 and for each year thereafter. DATES: This rule is effective April 1, 2019. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brian Banal, 703–571–1652. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: Background Information The Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990, Public Law 101–410, 104 Stat. 890 (28 U.S.C. 2461, note), as amended by the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996, Public Law 104–134, April 26, 1996, and further amended by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015 (the 2015 Act), Public Law 114–74, November 2, 2015, required agencies to annually adjust the level of CMPs for inflation to improve their effectiveness and maintain their deterrent effect. The 2015 Act required that not later than July 1, 2016, and not later than January 15 of every year thereafter, the head of each agency must adjust each CMP within its jurisdiction by the inflation adjustment described in the 2015 Act. The inflation VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:28 Mar 29, 2019 Jkt 247001 adjustment is determined by increasing the maximum CMP or the range of minimum and maximum CMPs, as applicable, for each CMP by the cost-ofliving adjustment, rounded to the nearest multiple of $1. The cost-ofliving adjustment is the percentage (if any) for each CMP by which the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the month of October preceding the date of the adjustment, exceeds the CPI for the month of October in the previous calendar year. The initial catch up adjustments for inflation to the Department of Defense’s CMPs were published as an interim final rule in the Federal Register on May 26, 2016 (81 FR 33389–33391) and became effective on that date. The interim final rule was published as a final rule without change on September 12, 2016 (81 FR 62629–62631), effective that date. The revised methodology for agencies for 2019 and each year thereafter provides for the improvement of the effectiveness of CMPs and to maintain their deterrent effect. The Department of Defense is adjusting the level of all civil monetary penalties under its jurisdiction by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) directed cost-of-living adjustment multiplier for 2019 of 1.02522 prescribed in OMB Memorandum M– 19–04, ‘‘Implementation of Penalty Inflation Adjustments for 2019, Pursuant to the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015,’’ dated December 14, 2018. The Department of Defense’s 2019 adjustments for inflation to CMPs apply only to those CMPs, including those whose associated violation predated such adjustment, which are assessed by the Department of Defense after the effective date of the new CMP level. Statement of Authority and Costs and Benefits Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)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 Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015 (Section 701(b)) requires agencies, effective 2017, to make annual adjustments for inflation to CMPs notwithstanding section 553 of title 5, United States Code. Additionally, the methodology used, effective 2017, for adjusting CMPs for inflation is established in statute, with no discretion provided to agencies regarding the substance of the adjustments for inflation to CMPs. The Department of Defense is charged only with performing ministerial PO 00000 Frm 00052 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 computations to determine the dollar amount of adjustments for inflation to CMPs. Further, there are no significant costs associated with the regulatory revisions that would impose any mandates on the Department of Defense, Federal, State or local governments, or the private sector. Accordingly, prior public notice and an opportunity for public comment are not required for this rule. The benefit of this rule is the Department of Defense anticipates that civil monetary penalty collections may increase in the future due to new penalty authorities and other changes in this rule. However, it is difficult to accurately predict the extent of any increase, if any, due to a variety of factors, such as budget and staff resources, the number and quality of civil penalty referrals or leads, and the length of time needed to investigate and resolve a case. Regulatory Procedures Executive Order 12866, ‘‘Regulatory Planning and Review’’ and Executive Order 13563, ‘‘Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review’’ Executive Orders 13563 and 12866 direct agencies to assess all 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, distribute 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 rule is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action,’’ and was not reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget. Executive Order 13771, ‘‘Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs’’ This final rule is not an E.O. 13771 regulatory action because this rule is not significant under E.O. 12866. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (2 U.S.C. Chapter 25) Section 202 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA) (2 U.S.C. 1532) requires agencies to assess anticipated costs and benefits before issuing any rule the mandates of which require spending in any year of $100 million in 1995 dollars, updated annually for inflation. In 2016, that threshold is approximately $146 million. This rule will not mandate any requirements for State, local, or tribal E:\FR\FM\01APR1.SGM 01APR1 12099 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 62 / Monday, April 1, 2019 / Rules and Regulations governments, nor will it affect private sector costs. Public Law 96–354, ‘‘Regulatory Flexibility Act’’ (5 U.S.C. Chapter 6) Because notice of proposed rulemaking and opportunity for comment are not required pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553, or any other law, the analytical requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601, et seq.) are inapplicable. Therefore, a regulatory flexibility analysis is not required and has not been prepared. Public Law 96–511, ‘‘Paperwork Reduction Act’’ (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35) The Department of Defense determined that provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104–13, 44 U.S.C. Chapter 35, and its implementing regulations, 5 CFR part 1320, do not apply to this rule because there are no new or revised recordkeeping or reporting requirements. Accordingly, 32 CFR part 269 is amended as follows. Executive Order 13132, ‘‘Federalism’’ Executive Order 13132 establishes certain requirements that an agency must meet when it promulgates a rule that imposes substantial direct requirement costs on State and local governments, preempts State law, or otherwise has Federalism implications. This final rule will not have a substantial effect on State and local governments. ■ List of Subjects in 32 CFR Part 269 Administrative practice and procedure, Penalties. PART 269—[AMENDED] 1. The authority citation for part 269 continues to read as follows: Authority: 28 U.S.C. 2461 note. 2. In § 269.4, revise paragraph (d) to read as follows: ■ § 269.4 Cost of living adjustments of civil monetary penalties. * * * * * (d) Inflation adjustment. Maximum civil monetary penalties within the jurisdiction of the Department are adjusted for inflation as follows: Maximum penalty amount as of 01/15/18 United States Code Civil monetary penalty description National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2005, 10 U.S.C 113, note. 10 U.S.C. 1094(c)(1) .................................................... 10 U.S.C. 1102(k) ......................................................... Unauthorized Activities Directed at or Possession of Sunken Military Craft. Unlawful Provision of Health Care ............................... Wrongful Disclosure—Medical Records: First Offense .......................................................... Subsequent Offense .............................................. Violation of the Pentagon Reservation Operation and Parking of Motor Vehicles Rules and Regulations. Violation Involving False Claim .................................... Violation Involving False Statement ............................. 10 U.S.C. 2674(c)(2) .................................................... 31 U.S.C. 3802(a)(1) .................................................... 31 U.S.C. 3802(a)(2) .................................................... Dated: March 26, 2019. Shelly E. Finke, Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense. Kent Island, Queen Anne’s County, MD, on June 1, 2019, during a paddling event. This regulation prohibits persons and vessels from being in the regulated area unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Maryland-National Capital Region or Coast Guard Patrol Commander. [FR Doc. 2019–06164 Filed 3–29–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 5001–06–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY This rule is effective from 7 a.m. on June 1, 2019, until 1 p.m. on June 2, 2019. This rule will be enforced from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m. on June 1, 2019, or those same hours on June 2, 2019, in case of inclement weather. DATES: Coast Guard 33 CFR Part 100 [Docket Number USCG–2018–1102] Special Local Regulation; Chesapeake Bay, Between Sandy Point and Kent Island, MD Coast Guard, DHS. Temporary final rule. AGENCY: ACTION: The Coast Guard is establishing temporary special local regulations for certain navigable waters of the Chesapeake Bay. This action is necessary to provide for the safety of life on these waters located between Sandy Point, Anne Arundel County, MD, and SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:56 Mar 29, 2019 Jkt 247001 To view documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, go to https:// www.regulations.gov, type USCG–2018– 1102 in the ‘‘SEARCH’’ box and click ‘‘SEARCH.’’ Click on Open Docket Folder on the line associated with this rule. ADDRESSES: RIN 1625–AA08 If you have questions on this rule, call or email Mr. Ronald Houck, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Maryland-National Capital Region; telephone 410–576–2674, email Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 New adjusted maximum penalty amount $129,211 $132,470 11,346 11,632 6,709 44,726 1,848 6,878 45,854 1,895 11,181 11,181 11,463 11,463 I. Table of Abbreviations CFR Code of Federal Regulations COTP Captain of the Port DHS Department of Homeland Security FR Federal Register NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking PATCOM Coast Guard Patrol Commander § Section U.S.C. United States Code II. Background Information and Regulatory History On December 7, 2018, ABC Events, Inc. of Arnold, MD, notified the Coast Guard through submission of a marine event application that from 8 a.m. to noon on June 1, 2019, it will be conducting the Bay Bridge Paddle in the Chesapeake Bay, under and between the north and south bridges that consist of the William P. Lane, Jr. (US–50/301) Memorial Bridges, located between Sandy Point, Anne Arundel County, MD, and Kent Island, Queen Anne’s County, MD. In the case of inclement weather, the kayak and stand up paddle board racing event is scheduled from 8 a.m. to noon on June 2, 2019. In response, on February 15, 2019, the Coast Guard published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) titled E:\FR\FM\01APR1.SGM 01APR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 62 (Monday, April 1, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 12098-12099]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-06164]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Office of the Secretary

32 CFR Part 269

[Docket ID: DOD-2016-OS-0045]
RIN 0790-AK40


Civil Monetary Penalty Inflation Adjustment

AGENCY: Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller), Department of 
Defense.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: The Department of Defense is issuing this final rule to adjust 
each of its statutory civil monetary penalties (CMP) to account for 
inflation. The Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 
1990, as amended by the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996 and the 
Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 
2015 (the 2015 Act), requires the head of each agency to adjust for 
inflation its CMP levels in effect as of November 2, 2015, under a 
revised methodology that was effective for 2016 and for each year 
thereafter.

DATES: This rule is effective April 1, 2019.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brian Banal, 703-571-1652.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background Information

    The Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990, 
Public Law 101-410, 104 Stat. 890 (28 U.S.C. 2461, note), as amended by 
the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996, Public Law 104-134, April 
26, 1996, and further amended by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation 
Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015 (the 2015 Act), Public Law 114-
74, November 2, 2015, required agencies to annually adjust the level of 
CMPs for inflation to improve their effectiveness and maintain their 
deterrent effect. The 2015 Act required that not later than July 1, 
2016, and not later than January 15 of every year thereafter, the head 
of each agency must adjust each CMP within its jurisdiction by the 
inflation adjustment described in the 2015 Act. The inflation 
adjustment is determined by increasing the maximum CMP or the range of 
minimum and maximum CMPs, as applicable, for each CMP by the cost-of-
living adjustment, rounded to the nearest multiple of $1. The cost-of-
living adjustment is the percentage (if any) for each CMP by which the 
Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the month of October preceding the date 
of the adjustment, exceeds the CPI for the month of October in the 
previous calendar year.
    The initial catch up adjustments for inflation to the Department of 
Defense's CMPs were published as an interim final rule in the Federal 
Register on May 26, 2016 (81 FR 33389-33391) and became effective on 
that date. The interim final rule was published as a final rule without 
change on September 12, 2016 (81 FR 62629-62631), effective that date. 
The revised methodology for agencies for 2019 and each year thereafter 
provides for the improvement of the effectiveness of CMPs and to 
maintain their deterrent effect. The Department of Defense is adjusting 
the level of all civil monetary penalties under its jurisdiction by the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) directed cost-of-living 
adjustment multiplier for 2019 of 1.02522 prescribed in OMB Memorandum 
M-19-04, ``Implementation of Penalty Inflation Adjustments for 2019, 
Pursuant to the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act 
Improvements Act of 2015,'' dated December 14, 2018. The Department of 
Defense's 2019 adjustments for inflation to CMPs apply only to those 
CMPs, including those whose associated violation predated such 
adjustment, which are assessed by the Department of Defense after the 
effective date of the new CMP level.

Statement of Authority and Costs and Benefits

    Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)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 Federal Civil 
Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015 (Section 
701(b)) requires agencies, effective 2017, to make annual adjustments 
for inflation to CMPs notwithstanding section 553 of title 5, United 
States Code. Additionally, the methodology used, effective 2017, for 
adjusting CMPs for inflation is established in statute, with no 
discretion provided to agencies regarding the substance of the 
adjustments for inflation to CMPs. The Department of Defense is charged 
only with performing ministerial computations to determine the dollar 
amount of adjustments for inflation to CMPs.
    Further, there are no significant costs associated with the 
regulatory revisions that would impose any mandates on the Department 
of Defense, Federal, State or local governments, or the private sector. 
Accordingly, prior public notice and an opportunity for public comment 
are not required for this rule. The benefit of this rule is the 
Department of Defense anticipates that civil monetary penalty 
collections may increase in the future due to new penalty authorities 
and other changes in this rule. However, it is difficult to accurately 
predict the extent of any increase, if any, due to a variety of 
factors, such as budget and staff resources, the number and quality of 
civil penalty referrals or leads, and the length of time needed to 
investigate and resolve a case.

Regulatory Procedures

Executive Order 12866, ``Regulatory Planning and Review'' and Executive 
Order 13563, ``Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review''

    Executive Orders 13563 and 12866 direct agencies to assess all 
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, distribute 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 rule is not a ``significant regulatory action,'' and 
was not reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget.

Executive Order 13771, ``Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory 
Costs''

    This final rule is not an E.O. 13771 regulatory action because this 
rule is not significant under E.O. 12866.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (2 U.S.C. Chapter 25)

    Section 202 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA) (2 
U.S.C. 1532) requires agencies to assess anticipated costs and benefits 
before issuing any rule the mandates of which require spending in any 
year of $100 million in 1995 dollars, updated annually for inflation. 
In 2016, that threshold is approximately $146 million. This rule will 
not mandate any requirements for State, local, or tribal

[[Page 12099]]

governments, nor will it affect private sector costs.

Public Law 96-354, ``Regulatory Flexibility Act'' (5 U.S.C. Chapter 6)

    Because notice of proposed rulemaking and opportunity for comment 
are not required pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553, or any other law, the 
analytical requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 
601, et seq.) are inapplicable. Therefore, a regulatory flexibility 
analysis is not required and has not been prepared.

Public Law 96-511, ``Paperwork Reduction Act'' (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35)

    The Department of Defense determined that provisions of the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13, 44 U.S.C. Chapter 
35, and its implementing regulations, 5 CFR part 1320, do not apply to 
this rule because there are no new or revised recordkeeping or 
reporting requirements.

Executive Order 13132, ``Federalism''

    Executive Order 13132 establishes certain requirements that an 
agency must meet when it promulgates a rule that imposes substantial 
direct requirement costs on State and local governments, preempts State 
law, or otherwise has Federalism implications. This final rule will not 
have a substantial effect on State and local governments.

List of Subjects in 32 CFR Part 269

    Administrative practice and procedure, Penalties.

    Accordingly, 32 CFR part 269 is amended as follows.

PART 269--[AMENDED]

0
1. The authority citation for part 269 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 28 U.S.C. 2461 note.


0
2. In Sec.  269.4, revise paragraph (d) to read as follows:


Sec.  269.4  Cost of living adjustments of civil monetary penalties.

* * * * *
    (d) Inflation adjustment. Maximum civil monetary penalties within 
the jurisdiction of the Department are adjusted for inflation as 
follows:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                      Maximum      New adjusted
              United States Code                     Civil monetary penalty       penalty amount      maximum
                                                           description            as of 01/15/18  penalty amount
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
National Defense Authorization Act for FY       Unauthorized Activities Directed        $129,211        $132,470
 2005, 10 U.S.C 113, note.                       at or Possession of Sunken
                                                 Military Craft.
10 U.S.C. 1094(c)(1)..........................  Unlawful Provision of Health              11,346          11,632
                                                 Care.
10 U.S.C. 1102(k).............................  Wrongful Disclosure--Medical
                                                 Records:
                                                   First Offense................           6,709           6,878
                                                   Subsequent Offense...........          44,726          45,854
10 U.S.C. 2674(c)(2)..........................  Violation of the Pentagon                  1,848           1,895
                                                 Reservation Operation and
                                                 Parking of Motor Vehicles Rules
                                                 and Regulations.
31 U.S.C. 3802(a)(1)..........................  Violation Involving False Claim.          11,181          11,463
31 U.S.C. 3802(a)(2)..........................  Violation Involving False                 11,181          11,463
                                                 Statement.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Dated: March 26, 2019.
Shelly E. Finke,
Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense.
[FR Doc. 2019-06164 Filed 3-29-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 5001-06-P
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