Inflation Adjustment of Civil Monetary Penalties, 827-831 [2019-27802]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 5 (Wednesday, January 8, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 827-831]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-27802]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

10 CFR Parts 207, 218, 429, 431, 490, 501, 601, 820, 824, 851, 
1013, 1017, and 1050


Inflation Adjustment of Civil Monetary Penalties

AGENCY: Office of the General Counsel, U.S. Department of Energy.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Energy (``DOE'') publishes this final rule 
to adjust DOE's civil monetary penalties (``CMPs'') for inflation as 
mandated by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 
1990, as further amended by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation 
Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015 (collectively referred to 
herein as ``the Act''). This rule adjusts CMPs within the jurisdiction 
of DOE to the maximum amount required by the Act.

DATES: This rule is effective on January 8, 2020.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Preeti Chaudhari, U.S. Department of 
Energy, Office of the General Counsel, GC-33, 1000 Independence Avenue 
SW, Washington, DC 20585, (202) 586-8078, [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background
II. Method of Calculation
III. Summary of the Final Rule
IV. Final Rulemaking
V. Regulatory Review

I. Background

    In order to improve the effectiveness of CMPs and to maintain their 
deterrent effect, the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act 
of 1990, 28 U.S.C. 2461 note (``the Inflation Adjustment Act''), as 
further amended by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act 
Improvements Act of 2015 (Pub. L. 114-74) (``the 2015 Act''), requires 
Federal agencies to adjust each CMP provided by law within the 
jurisdiction of the agency. The 2015 Act requires agencies to adjust 
the level of CMPs with an initial ``catch-up'' adjustment through an 
interim final rulemaking and to make subsequent annual adjustments for 
inflation, notwithstanding 5 U.S.C. 553. DOE's initial catch-up 
adjustment interim final rule was published June 28, 2016 (81 FR 41790) 
and adopted as final without amendment on December 30, 2016 (81 FR 
96349). The 2015 Act also provides that any increase in a CMP shall 
apply only to CMPs, including those whose associated violation predated 
such increase, which are assessed after the date the increase takes 
effect.
    In accordance with the 2015 Act, the Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB) must issue annually guidance on adjustments to civil 
monetary penalties. This final rule to adjust civil monetary penalties 
for 2020 is issued in accordance with applicable law and OMB's guidance 
memorandum on implementation of the 2020 annual adjustment.\1\
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    \1\ OMB's annual guidance memorandum was issued on December 16, 
2019, providing the 2020 adjustment multiplier and addressing how to 
apply it.
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II. Method of Calculation

    The method of calculating CMP adjustments applied in this final 
rule is required by the 2015 Act. Under the 2015 Act, annual inflation 
adjustments subsequent to the initial catch-up adjustment are to be 
based on the percent change between the October Consumer Price Index 
for all Urban Consumers (CPI-U) preceding the date of the adjustment, 
and the prior year's October CPI-U. Pursuant to the aforementioned OMB 
guidance memorandum, the adjustment multiplier for 2020 is 1.01764. In 
order to complete the 2020 annual adjustment, each CMP is multiplied by 
the 2020 adjustment multiplier. Under the 2015 Act, any increase in CMP 
must be rounded to the nearest multiple of $1.

III. Summary of the Final Rule

    The following list summarizes DOE authorities containing CMPs, and 
the penalties before and after adjustment.

[[Page 828]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
  DOE authority containing
   civil monetary penalty       Before adjustment     After adjustment
------------------------------------------------------------------------
10 CFR 207.7................  $10,633.............  $10,821
10 CFR 218.42...............  $23,031.............  $23,437
10 CFR 429.120..............  $460................  $468
10 CFR 431.382..............  $460................  $468
10 CFR 490.604..............  $8,916..............  $9,073
10 CFR 501.181..............   $94,219............  - $95,881
                              - $8/mcf............  - $8/mcf
                              - $38/bbl...........  - $39/bbl
10 CFR 601.400 and App A....  - minimum $20,134...  - minimum $20,489
                              - maximum $201,340..  - maximum $204,892
10 CFR 820.81...............  $210,386............  $214,097
10 CFR 824.1 and App A......  $150,346............  $152,998
10 CFR 824.4 and App A......  $150,346............  $152,998
10 CFR 851.5 and App B......  $97,639.............  $99,361
10 CFR 1013.3...............  $11,463.............  $11,665
10 CFR 1017.29..............  $270,753............  $275,529
10 CFR 1050.303.............  $20,526.............  $20,888
42 U.S.C. 2282(a) \2\.......  $102,522............  $104,330
50 U.S.C. 2731 \3\..........  $9,203..............  $9,365
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IV. Final Rulemaking

    The 2015 Act requires that annual adjustments for inflation 
subsequent to the initial ``catch-up'' adjustment be made 
notwithstanding 5 U.S.C. 553.
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    \2\ Adjustment applies only to violations of 42 U.S.C. 2077(b), 
consistent with Public Law 115-232 (August 13, 2018).
    \3\ Implemented by 10 CFR 820.81, 10 CFR 851.5, and appendix B 
to 10 CFR part 851.
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V. Regulatory Review

A. Executive Order 12866

    This rule has been determined not to be a significant regulatory 
action under Executive Order 12866, ``Regulatory Planning and Review,'' 
58 FR 51735 (October 4, 1993). Accordingly, this action was not subject 
to review under that Executive order by the Office of Information and 
Regulatory Affairs of the Office of Management and Budget.

B. National Environmental Policy Act

    DOE has determined that this final rule is covered under the 
Categorical Exclusion found in DOE's National Environmental Policy Act 
regulations at paragraph A5 of appendix A to subpart D, 10 CFR part 
1021, which applies to a rulemaking that amends an existing rule or 
regulation and that does not change the environmental effect of the 
rule or regulation being amended. Accordingly, neither an environmental 
assessment nor an environmental impact statement is required.

C. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) requires 
preparation of an initial regulatory flexibility analysis for any rule 
that by law must be proposed for public comment. As discussed above, 
the 2015 Act requires that annual inflation adjustments subsequent to 
the initial catch-up adjustment be made notwithstanding 5 U.S.C. 553. 
Because a notice of proposed rulemaking is not required for this action 
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553, or any other law, no regulatory flexibility 
analysis has been prepared for this final rule.

D. Paperwork Reduction Act

    This final rule imposes no new information collection requirements 
subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act.

E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995

    The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-4) generally 
requires Federal agencies to examine closely the impacts of regulatory 
actions on State, local, and tribal governments. Section 201 excepts 
agencies from assessing effects on State, local or tribal governments 
or the private sector of rules that incorporate requirements 
specifically set forth in law. Because this rule incorporates 
requirements specifically set forth in 28 U.S.C. 2461 note, DOE is not 
required to assess its regulatory effects under section 201. Unfunded 
Mandates Reform Act sections 202 and 205 do not apply to this action 
because they apply only to rules for which a general notice of proposed 
rulemaking is published. Nevertheless, DOE has determined that this 
regulatory action does not impose a Federal mandate on State, local, or 
tribal governments or on the public sector.

F. Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 1999

    Section 654 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations 
Act, 1999 (Pub. L. 105-277) requires Federal agencies to issue a Family 
Policymaking Assessment for any proposed rule that may affect family 
well-being. This rule would not have any impact on the autonomy or 
integrity of the family as an institution. Accordingly, DOE has 
concluded that it is not necessary to prepare a Family Policymaking 
Assessment.

G. Executive Order 13132

    Executive Order 13132, ``Federalism,'' 64 FR 43255 (August 4, 1999) 
imposes certain requirements on agencies formulating and implementing 
policies or regulations that preempt State law or that have federalism 
implications. Agencies are required to examine the constitutional and 
statutory authority supporting any action that would limit the 
policymaking discretion of the States and carefully assess the 
necessity for such actions. DOE has examined this rule and has 
determined that it would not preempt State law and would not have a 
substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between 
the National Government and the States, or on the distribution of power 
and responsibilities among the various levels of government. No further 
action is required by Executive Order 13132.

H. Executive Order 12988

    With respect to the review of existing regulations and the 
promulgation of new regulations, section 3(a) of Executive Order 12988, 
``Civil Justice Reform,'' 61 FR 4729 (February 7, 1996), imposes on 
Executive agencies the general duty to adhere to the following 
requirements: (1) Eliminate drafting errors and ambiguity; (2) write 
regulations to minimize litigation; and (3) provide a clear legal 
standard for affected conduct rather than a general standard and 
promote simplification

[[Page 829]]

and burden reduction. With regard to the review required by section 
3(a), section 3(b) of Executive Order 12988 specifically requires that 
Executive agencies make every reasonable effort to ensure that the 
regulation: (1) Clearly specifies the preemptive effect, if any; (2) 
clearly specifies any effect on existing Federal law or regulation; (3) 
provides a clear legal standard for affected conduct while promoting 
simplification and burden reduction; (4) specifies the retroactive 
effect, if any; (5) adequately defines key terms; and (6) addresses 
other important issues affecting clarity and general draftsmanship 
under any guidelines issued by the Attorney General. Section 3(c) of 
Executive Order 12988 requires Executive agencies to review regulations 
in light of applicable standards in section 3(a) and section 3(b) to 
determine whether they are met or it is unreasonable to meet one or 
more of them. DOE has completed the required review and determined 
that, to the extent permitted by law, this rule meets the relevant 
standards of Executive Order 12988.

I. Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 2001

    The Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 2001 (44 
U.S.C. 3516 note) provides for agencies to review most disseminations 
of information to the public under guidelines established by each 
agency pursuant to general guidelines issued by OMB. OMB's guidelines 
were published at 67 FR 8452 (February 22, 2002), and DOE's guidelines 
were published at 67 FR 62446 (October 7, 2002). DOE has reviewed this 
rule under the OMB and DOE guidelines and has concluded that it is 
consistent with applicable policies in those guidelines.

J. Executive Order 13211

    Executive Order 13211, ``Actions Concerning Regulations That 
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use,'' 66 FR 28355 
(May 22, 2001) requires Federal agencies to prepare and submit to OMB, 
a Statement of Energy Effects for any proposed significant energy 
action. A ``significant energy action'' is defined as any action by an 
agency that promulgated or is expected to lead to promulgation of a 
final rule, and that: (1) Is a significant regulatory action under 
Executive Order 12866, or any successor order; and (2) is likely to 
have a significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use 
of energy, or (3) is designated by the Administrator of OIRA as a 
significant energy action. For any proposed significant energy action, 
the agency must give a detailed statement of any adverse effects on 
energy supply, distribution, or use should the proposal be implemented, 
and of reasonable alternatives to the action and their expected 
benefits on energy supply, distribution, and use. This regulatory 
action would not have a significant adverse effect on the supply, 
distribution, or use of energy and is therefore not a significant 
energy action. Accordingly, DOE has not prepared a Statement of Energy 
Effects.

K. Congressional Notification

    As required by 5 U.S.C. 801, DOE will submit to Congress a report 
regarding the issuance of this final rule prior to the effective date 
set forth at the outset of this rulemaking. The report will state that 
it has been determined that the rule is not a ``major rule'' as defined 
by 5 U.S.C. 801(2).

L. Approval of the Office of the Secretary

    The Secretary of Energy has approved publication of this final 
rule.

List of Subjects

10 CFR Part 207

    Administrative practice and procedure, Energy, Penalties.

10 CFR Part 218

    Administrative practice and procedure, Penalties, Petroleum 
allocation.

10 CFR Part 429

    Confidential business information, Energy conservation, Household 
appliances, Imports, Incorporation by reference, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

10 CFR Part 431

    Administrative practices and procedure, Confidential business 
information, Energy conservation, Incorporation by reference, Reporting 
and recordkeeping requirements.

10 CFR Part 490

    Administrative practice and procedure, Energy conservation, 
Penalties.

10 CFR Part 501

    Administrative practice and procedure, Electric power plants, 
Energy conservation, Natural gas, Petroleum.

10 CFR Part 601

    Government contracts, Grant programs, Loan programs, Penalties.

10 CFR Part 820

    Administrative practice and procedure, Government contracts, 
Penalties, Radiation protection.

10 CFR Part 824

    Government contracts, Nuclear materials, Penalties, Security 
measures.

10 CFR Part 851

    Civil penalty, Hazardous substances, Occupational safety and 
health, Safety, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

10 CFR Part 1013

    Administrative practice and procedure, Claims, Fraud, Penalties.

10 CFR Part 1017

    Administrative practice and procedure, Government contracts, 
National Defense, Nuclear Energy, Penalties, Security measures.

10 CFR Part 1050

    Decorations, medals, awards, Foreign relations, Government 
employees, Government property, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

    Signed in Washington, DC, on December 19, 2019.
William S. Cooper, III,
General Counsel.

    For the reasons set forth in the preamble, DOE amends chapters II, 
III, and X of title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations as set forth 
below.

PART 207--COLLECTION OF INFORMATION

0
1. The authority citation for part 207 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 15 U.S.C. 787 et seq.; 15 U.S.C. 791 et seq.; E.O. 
11790, 39 FR 23185; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note.


0
2. Section 207.7 is amended by revising the first sentence of paragraph 
(c)(1) to read as follows:


Sec.  207.7  Sanctions.

* * * * *
    (c) * * * (1) Any person who violates any provision of this subpart 
or any order issued pursuant thereto shall be subject to a civil 
penalty of not more than $10,821 for each violation. * * *
* * * * *

PART 218--STANDBY MANDATORY INTERNATIONAL OIL ALLOCATION

0
3. The authority citation for part 218 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 15 U.S.C. 751 et seq.; 15 U.S.C. 787 et seq.; 42 
U.S.C. 6201 et seq.; 42 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.; E.O. 11790, 39 FR 
23185; E.O. 12009, 42 FR 46267; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note.


[[Page 830]]



0
4. Section 218.42 is amended by revising paragraph (b)(1) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  218.42  Sanctions.

* * * * *
    (b) * * * (1) Any person who violates any provision of this part or 
any order issued pursuant thereto shall be subject to a civil penalty 
of not more than $23,437 for each violation.
* * * * *

PART 429--CERTIFICATION, COMPLIANCE, AND ENFORCEMENT FOR CONSUMER 
PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT

0
5. The authority citation for part 429 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6291-6317; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note.


0
6. Section 429.120 is amended by revising the first sentence to read as 
follows:


Sec.  429.120  Maximum civil penalty.

    Any person who knowingly violates any provision of Sec.  429.102(a) 
may be subject to assessment of a civil penalty of no more than $468 
for each violation. * * *

PART 431--ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAM FOR CERTAIN COMMERCIAL AND 
INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT

0
7. The authority citation for part 431 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6291-6317; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note.


0
8. Section 431.382 is amended by revising paragraph (b) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  431.382  Prohibited acts.

* * * * *
    (b) In accordance with sections 333 and 345 of the Act, any person 
who knowingly violates any provision of paragraph (a) of this section 
may be subject to assessment of a civil penalty of no more than $468 
for each violation.
* * * * *

PART 490--ALTERNATIVE FUEL TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM

0
9. The authority citation for part 490 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7191 et seq.; 42 U.S.C. 13201, 13211, 
13220, 13251 et seq.; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note.


0
10. Section 490.604 is amended by revising paragraph (a) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  490.604  Penalties and Fines.

    (a) Civil penalties. Whoever violates Sec.  490.603 shall be 
subject to a civil penalty of not more than $9,073 for each violation.
* * * * *

PART 501--ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES AND SANCTIONS

0
11. The authority citation for part 501 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.; 42 U.S.C. 8301 et seq.; 42 
U.S.C. 8701 et seq.; E.O. 12009, 42 FR 46267; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note.


0
12. Section 501.181 is amended by revising paragraph (c)(1) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  501.181  Sanctions.

* * * * *
    (c) * * * (1) Any person who violates any provisions of the Act 
(other than section 402) or any rule or order thereunder will be 
subject to the following civil penalty, which may not exceed $95,881 
for each violation: Any person who operates a powerplant or major fuel 
burning installation under an exemption, during any 12-calendar-month 
period, in excess of that authorized in such exemption will be assessed 
a civil penalty of up to $8 for each MCF of natural gas or up to $39 
for each barrel of oil used in excess of that authorized in the 
exemption.
* * * * *

PART 601--NEW RESTRICTIONS ON LOBBYING

0
13. The authority citation for part 601 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 31 U.S.C. 1352; 42 U.S.C. 7254 and 7256; 31 U.S.C. 
6301-6308; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note.


0
14. Section 601.400 is amended by revising paragraphs (a), (b) and (e) 
to read as follows:


Sec.  601.400  Penalties.

    (a) Any person who makes an expenditure prohibited by this part 
shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $20,489 and not 
more than $204,892 for each such expenditure.
    (b) Any person who fails to file or amend the disclosure form (see 
appendix B to this part) to be filed or amended if required by this 
part, shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $20,489 and 
not more than $204,892 for each such failure.
* * * * *
    (e) First offenders under paragraph (a) or (b) of this section 
shall be subject to a civil penalty of $20,489, absent aggravating 
circumstances. Second and subsequent offenses by persons shall be 
subject to an appropriate civil penalty between $20,489 and $204,892, 
as determined by the agency head or his or her designee.
* * * * *

Appendix A to Part 601 [Amended]

0
15. Appendix A to part 601 is amended by:
0
a. Removing ``$20,134'' wherever it appears and adding in its place 
``$20,489''; and
0
b. Removing ``$201,340'' wherever it appears and adding in its place 
``$204,892''.

PART 820--PROCEDURAL RULES FOR DOE NUCLEAR ACTIVITIES

0
16. The authority citation for part 820 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 2201; 2282(a); 7191; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note; 
50 U.S.C. 2410.


0
17. Section 820.81 is amended by revising the first sentence to read as 
follows:


Sec.  820.81  Amount of penalty.

    Any person subject to a penalty under 42 U.S.C. 2282a shall be 
subject to a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed $214,097 for each 
such violation. * * *

PART 824--PROCEDURAL RULES FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF CIVIL PENALTIES 
FOR CLASSIFIED INFORMATION SECURITY VIOLATIONS

0
18. The authority citation for part 824 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 2201, 2282b, 7101 et seq., 50 U.S.C. 2401 
et seq.; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note.


0
19. Section 824.1 is amended by revising the second sentence to read as 
follows:


Sec.  824.1  Purpose and scope.

    * * * Subsection a. provides that any person who has entered into a 
contract or agreement with the Department of Energy, or a subcontract 
or subagreement thereto, and who violates (or whose employee violates) 
any applicable rule, regulation or order under the Act relating to the 
security or safeguarding of Restricted Data or other classified 
information, shall be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $152,998 
for each violation. * * *

0
20. Section 824.4 is amended by revising paragraph (c) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  824.4  Civil penalties.

* * * * *
    (c) The Director may propose imposition of a civil penalty for

[[Page 831]]

violation of a requirement of a regulation or rule under paragraph (a) 
of this section or a compliance order issued under paragraph (b) of 
this section, not to exceed $152,998 for each violation.
* * * * *

PART 851--WORKER SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM

0
21. The authority citation for part 851 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 2201(i)(3), (p); 42 U.S.C. 2282c; 42 U.S.C. 
5801 et seq.; 42 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.; 50 U.S.C. 2401 et seq.; 28 
U.S.C. 2461 note.


0
22. Section 851.5 is amended by revising the first sentence of 
paragraph (a) to read as follows:


Sec.  851.5  Enforcement.

    (a) A contractor that is indemnified under section 170d. of the AEA 
(or any subcontractor or supplier thereto) and that violates (or whose 
employee violates) any requirement of this part shall be subject to a 
civil penalty of up to $99,361 for each such violation. * * *
* * * * *

0
23. Appendix B to part 851 is amended by:
0
a. In section VI:
0
i. Adding a period after the phrase ``such place of employment'' in 
paragraph (b)(1); and
0
ii. Revising the last sentences of paragraphs (b)(1) and (2); and
0
b. Revising paragraph 1.(e)(1) in section IX.
    The revisions read as follows:

Appendix B to Part 851--General Statement of Enforcement Policy

* * * * *

VI. Severity of Violations

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (1) * * * A Severity Level I violation would be subject to a 
base civil penalty of up to 100% of the maximum base civil penalty 
of $99,361.
    (2) * * * A Severity Level II violation would be subject to a 
base civil penalty up to 50% of the maximum base civil penalty 
($49,680).
* * * * *

IX. Enforcement Actions

* * * * *

1. Notice of Violation

* * * * *
    (e) * * *
    (1) DOE may assess civil penalties of up to $99,361 per 
violation per day on contractors (and their subcontractors and 
suppliers) that are indemnified by the Price-Anderson Act, 42 U.S.C. 
2210(d). See 10 CFR 851.5(a).
* * * * *

PART 1013--PROGRAM FRAUD CIVIL REMEDIES AND PROCEDURES

0
24. The authority citation for part 1013 continues to reads as follows:

    Authority: 31 U.S.C. 3801-3812; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note.


0
25. Section 1013.3 is amended by revising paragraphs (a)(1)(iv) and 
(b)(1)(ii) to read as follows:


Sec.  1013.3  Basis for civil penalties and assessments.

    (a) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (iv) Is for payment for the provision of property or services which 
the person has not provided as claimed, shall be subject, in addition 
to any other remedy that may be prescribed by law, to a civil penalty 
of not more than $11,665 for each such claim.
* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (ii) Contains or is accompanied by an express certification or 
affirmation of the truthfulness and accuracy of the contents of the 
statement, shall be subject, in addition to any other remedy that may 
be prescribed by law, to a civil penalty of not more than $11,665 for 
each such statement.
* * * * *

PART 1017--IDENTIFICATION AND PROTECTION OF UNCLASSIFIED CONTROLLED 
NUCLEAR INFORMATION

0
26. The authority citation for part 1017 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.; 50 U.S.C. 2401 et seq.; 42 
U.S.C. 2168; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note.


0
27. Section 1017.29 is amended by revising paragraph (c) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  1017.29  Civil penalty.

* * * * *
    (c) Amount of penalty. The Director may propose imposition of a 
civil penalty for violation of a requirement of a regulation under 
paragraph (a) of this section or a compliance order issued under 
paragraph (b) of this section, not to exceed $275,529 for each 
violation.
* * * * *

PART 1050--FOREIGN GIFTS AND DECORATIONS

0
28. The authority citation for part 1050 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: The Constitution of the United States, Article I, 
Section 9; 5 U.S.C. 7342; 22 U.S.C. 2694; 42 U.S.C. 7254 and 7262; 
28 U.S.C. 2461 note.


0
29. Section 1050.303 is amended by revising the last sentence in 
paragraph (d) to read as follows:


Sec.  1050.303  Enforcement.

* * * * *
    (d) * * * The court in which such action is brought may assess a 
civil penalty against such employee in any amount not to exceed the 
retail value of the gift improperly solicited or received plus $20,888.

[FR Doc. 2019-27802 Filed 1-7-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6450-01-P