Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program, 67281-67282 [2023-21295]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 188 / Friday, September 29, 2023 / Notices The following matters will be considered: PORTIONS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: • Approval of Minutes for September 14, 2023 • Young, Beginning, and Small Farmers and Ranchers Final Rule PORTIONS CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC: • Office of Secondary Market Oversight Periodic Report 1 CONTACT PERSON FOR MORE INFORMATION: If you need more information or assistance for accessibility reasons, or have questions, contact Ashley Waldron, Secretary to the Board. Telephone: 703–883–4009. TTY: 703– 883–4056. MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED: Ashley Waldron, Secretary to the Board. [FR Doc. 2023–21601 Filed 9–27–23; 11:15 am] BILLING CODE 6705–01–P FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION [FR ID: 174730] Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Notice of a new matching program. AGENCY: In accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended (‘‘Privacy Act’’), this document announces a new computer matching program the Federal Communications Commission (‘‘FCC’’ or ‘‘Commission’’ or ‘‘Agency’’) and the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) will conduct with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The purpose of this matching program is to verify the eligibility of applicants to and subscribers of Lifeline, and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), both of which are administered by USAC under the direction of the FCC. More information about these programs is provided in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below. SUMMARY: Written comments are due on or before October 30, 2023. This computer matching program will commence on October 30, 2023, and will conclude 18 months after the effective date. ADDRESSES: Send comments to Elliot S. Tarloff, FCC, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, or to Privacy@ fcc.gov. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 DATES: 1 Session Closed-Exempt pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)(8) and (9). VerDate Sep<11>2014 21:46 Sep 28, 2023 Jkt 259001 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elliot S. Tarloff at 202–418–0886 or Privacy@fcc.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Lifeline program provides support for discounted broadband and voice services to low-income consumers. Lifeline is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) under FCC direction. Consumers qualify for Lifeline through proof of income or participation in a qualifying program, such as Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), Federal Public Housing Assistance, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit, or various Tribal-specific federal assistance programs. In the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, Public Law 116–260, 134 Stat. 1182, 2129–36 (2020), Congress created the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, and directed use of the National Verifier to determine eligibility based on various criteria, including the qualifications for Lifeline (Medicaid, SNAP, etc.). EBBP provided $3.2 billion in monthly consumer discounts for broadband service and one-time provider reimbursement for a connected device (laptop, desktop computer or tablet). In the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Public Law 117–58, 135 Stat. 429, 1238–44 (2021) (codified at 47 U.S.C. 1751–52), Congress modified and extended EBBP, provided an additional $14.2 billion, and renamed it the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). A household may qualify for the ACP benefit under various criteria, including an individual qualifying for the FCC’s Lifeline program. In a Report and Order adopted on March 31, 2016, (81 FR 33026, May 24, 2016) (2016 Lifeline Modernization Order), the Commission ordered USAC to create a National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier (‘‘National Verifier’’), including the National Lifeline Eligibility Database (LED), that would match data about Lifeline applicants and subscribers with other data sources to verify the eligibility of an applicant or subscriber. The Commission found that the National Verifier would reduce compliance costs for Lifeline service providers, improve service for Lifeline subscribers, and reduce waste, fraud, and abuse in the program. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 directs the FCC to leverage the National Verifier to verify applicants’ eligibility for ACP. The purpose of this matching program is to verify the eligibility of Lifeline and ACP applicants and subscribers by PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 67281 determining whether they receive Federal Public Housing Assistance benefits administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Participating Agencies U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; Federal Communications Commission. Authority for Conducting the Matching Program The authority to conduct the matching program for the FCC’s ACP is 47 U.S.C. 1752(a)–(b). The authority to conduct the matching program for the FCC’s Lifeline program is 47 U.S.C. 254(a)–(c), (j). Purpose(s) The purpose of this new matching agreement is to verify the eligibility of applicants and subscribers to Lifeline, as well as to ACP and other Federal programs that use qualification for Lifeline as an eligibility criterion. This new agreement will permit eligibility verification for the Lifeline program and ACP by checking an applicant’s/ subscriber’s participation in Federal Public Housing Assistance. Under FCC rules, consumers receiving these benefits qualify for Lifeline discounts and also for ACP benefits. Categories of Individuals The categories of individuals whose information is involved in the matching program include, but are not limited to, those individuals who have applied for Lifeline and/or ACP benefits; are currently receiving Lifeline and/or ACP benefits; are individuals who enable another individual in their household to qualify for Lifeline and/or ACP benefits; are minors whose status qualifies a parent or guardian for Lifeline and/or ACP benefits; or are individuals who have received Lifeline and/or ACP benefits. Categories of Records The categories of records involved in the matching program include, but are not limited to, the last four digits of the applicant’s Social Security Number, date of birth, state of residence, and first and last name. The National Verifier will transfer these data elements to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which will respond either ‘‘yes’’ or ‘‘no’’ that the individual is enrolled in a qualifying assistance program: Federal Public Housing Assistance administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. E:\FR\FM\29SEN1.SGM 29SEN1 67282 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 188 / Friday, September 29, 2023 / Notices System(s) of Records The HUD records shared as part of this CMA reside within the following: (1) HUD’s Tenant Rental Assistance Certification System (TRACS) system of records that HUD has designated as HUD/HOU–11, published in the Federal Register on July 14, 2023 (88 FR 45234). Routine Use No. 8 supports HUD’s disclosure under this Agreement. (2) HUD’s Inventory Management System/Public Housing Information Center (IMS/PIC) system of records that HUD has designated as HUD/PIH.01, published in the Federal Register on March 21, 2023 (88 FR 17005) and modifying the notice published on March 25, 2019 (84 FR 11117). Routine Use No. 14 supports HUD’s disclosures under this Agreement. The FCC SORNs that support this matching program are: (1) ‘‘FCC/WCB– 1,’’ Lifeline, which was published in the Federal Register at 86 FR 11526 (Feb. 25, 2021); and (2) ‘‘FCC/WCB–3,’’ Affordable Connectivity Program, which was published in the Federal Register at 86 FR 71494 (Dec. 16, 2021). Federal Communications Commission. Marlene Dortch, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2023–21295 Filed 9–28–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6712–01–P FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION [OMB 3060–0249, OMB 3060–0501, OMB 3060–0573, OMB 3060–0888 and 3060–1254; FR ID 173969] Information Collections Being Submitted for Review and Approval to Office of Management and Budget Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. AGENCY: As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or the Commission) invites the general public and other Federal Agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collection. Pursuant to the Small Business Paperwork Relief Act of 2002, the FCC seeks specific comment on how it might ‘‘further reduce the information collection burden for small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees.’’ DATES: Written comments and recommendations for the proposed lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 21:46 Sep 28, 2023 Jkt 259001 information collection should be submitted on or before October 30, 2023. ADDRESSES: Comments should be sent to www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. Find this particular information collection by selecting ‘‘Currently under 30-day Review—Open for Public Comments’’ or by using the search function. Your comment must be submitted into www.reginfo.gov per the above instructions for it to be considered. In addition to submitting in www.reginfo.gov also send a copy of your comment on the proposed information collection to Cathy Williams, FCC, via email to PRA@ fcc.gov and to Cathy.Williams@fcc.gov. Include in the comments the OMB control number as shown in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION below. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For additional information or copies of the information collection, contact Cathy Williams at (202) 418–2918. To view a copy of this information collection request (ICR) submitted to OMB: (1) go to the web page https://www.reginfo.gov/ public/do/PRAMain, (2) look for the section of the web page called ‘‘Currently Under Review,’’ (3) click on the downward-pointing arrow in the ‘‘Select Agency’’ box below the ‘‘Currently Under Review’’ heading, (4) select ‘‘Federal Communications Commission’’ from the list of agencies presented in the ‘‘Select Agency’’ box, (5) click the ‘‘Submit’’ button to the right of the ‘‘Select Agency’’ box, (6) when the list of FCC ICRs currently under review appears, look for the Title of this ICR and then click on the ICR Reference Number. A copy of the FCC submission to OMB will be displayed. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Commission may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. No person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information subject to the PRA that does not display a valid OMB control number. As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501–3520), the FCC invited the general public and other Federal Agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collection. Comments are requested concerning: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Commission, including whether the information shall have practical utility; PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 (b) the accuracy of the Commission’s burden estimates; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Pursuant to the Small Business Paperwork Relief Act of 2002, Public Law 107–198, see 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(4), the FCC seeks specific comment on how it might ‘‘further reduce the information collection burden for small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees.’’ OMB Control Number: 3060–0249. Title: Sections 74.781, 74.1281 and 78.69, Station Records. Form Number: N/A. Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection. Respondents: Business and other forprofit entities; not-for-profit institutions; State, Federal or Tribal governments. Number of Respondents and Responses: 14,052 respondents; 19,077 responses. Estimated Time per Response: 0.375 hour–1 hour. Frequency of Response: Recordkeeping requirement. Total Annual Burden: 12,751 hours. Total Annual Cost: $6,030,000. Obligation to Respond: Required to obtain or retain benefits. The statutory authority for this collection of information is contained in Section 154(i) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended. Needs and Uses: The information collection requirements contained in this collection are as follows: 47 CFR 74.781 information collection requirements include the following: (a) The licensee of a low power TV, TV translator, or TV booster station shall maintain adequate station records, including the current instrument of authorization, official correspondence with the FCC, contracts, permission for rebroadcasts, and other pertinent documents. (b) Entries required by § 17.49 of this Chapter concerning any observed or otherwise known extinguishment or improper functioning of a tower light: (1) The nature of such extinguishment or improper functioning. (2) The date and time the extinguishment or improper operation was observed or otherwise noted. (3) The date, time and nature of adjustments, repairs or replacements made. (c) The station records shall be maintained for inspection at a residence, office, or public building, place of business, or other suitable E:\FR\FM\29SEN1.SGM 29SEN1

Agencies

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 188 (Friday, September 29, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 67281-67282]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-21295]


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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

[FR ID: 174730]


Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Notice of a new matching program.

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

SUMMARY: In accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended 
(``Privacy Act''), this document announces a new computer matching 
program the Federal Communications Commission (``FCC'' or 
``Commission'' or ``Agency'') and the Universal Service Administrative 
Company (USAC) will conduct with the U.S. Department of Housing and 
Urban Development (HUD). The purpose of this matching program is to 
verify the eligibility of applicants to and subscribers of Lifeline, 
and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), both of which are 
administered by USAC under the direction of the FCC. More information 
about these programs is provided in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION 
section below.

DATES: Written comments are due on or before October 30, 2023. This 
computer matching program will commence on October 30, 2023, and will 
conclude 18 months after the effective date.

ADDRESSES: Send comments to Elliot S. Tarloff, FCC, 45 L Street NE, 
Washington, DC 20554, or to [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elliot S. Tarloff at 202-418-0886 or 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Lifeline program provides support for 
discounted broadband and voice services to low-income consumers. 
Lifeline is administered by the Universal Service Administrative 
Company (USAC) under FCC direction. Consumers qualify for Lifeline 
through proof of income or participation in a qualifying program, such 
as Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), 
Federal Public Housing Assistance, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), 
Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit, or various Tribal-specific 
federal assistance programs.
    In the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, Public Law 116-260, 
134 Stat. 1182, 2129-36 (2020), Congress created the Emergency 
Broadband Benefit Program, and directed use of the National Verifier to 
determine eligibility based on various criteria, including the 
qualifications for Lifeline (Medicaid, SNAP, etc.). EBBP provided $3.2 
billion in monthly consumer discounts for broadband service and one-
time provider reimbursement for a connected device (laptop, desktop 
computer or tablet). In the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, 
Public Law 117-58, 135 Stat. 429, 1238-44 (2021) (codified at 47 U.S.C. 
1751-52), Congress modified and extended EBBP, provided an additional 
$14.2 billion, and renamed it the Affordable Connectivity Program 
(ACP). A household may qualify for the ACP benefit under various 
criteria, including an individual qualifying for the FCC's Lifeline 
program.
    In a Report and Order adopted on March 31, 2016, (81 FR 33026, May 
24, 2016) (2016 Lifeline Modernization Order), the Commission ordered 
USAC to create a National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier (``National 
Verifier''), including the National Lifeline Eligibility Database 
(LED), that would match data about Lifeline applicants and subscribers 
with other data sources to verify the eligibility of an applicant or 
subscriber. The Commission found that the National Verifier would 
reduce compliance costs for Lifeline service providers, improve service 
for Lifeline subscribers, and reduce waste, fraud, and abuse in the 
program.
    The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 directs the FCC to 
leverage the National Verifier to verify applicants' eligibility for 
ACP. The purpose of this matching program is to verify the eligibility 
of Lifeline and ACP applicants and subscribers by determining whether 
they receive Federal Public Housing Assistance benefits administered by 
the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Participating Agencies

    U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; Federal 
Communications Commission.

Authority for Conducting the Matching Program

    The authority to conduct the matching program for the FCC's ACP is 
47 U.S.C. 1752(a)-(b). The authority to conduct the matching program 
for the FCC's Lifeline program is 47 U.S.C. 254(a)-(c), (j).

Purpose(s)

    The purpose of this new matching agreement is to verify the 
eligibility of applicants and subscribers to Lifeline, as well as to 
ACP and other Federal programs that use qualification for Lifeline as 
an eligibility criterion. This new agreement will permit eligibility 
verification for the Lifeline program and ACP by checking an 
applicant's/subscriber's participation in Federal Public Housing 
Assistance. Under FCC rules, consumers receiving these benefits qualify 
for Lifeline discounts and also for ACP benefits.

Categories of Individuals

    The categories of individuals whose information is involved in the 
matching program include, but are not limited to, those individuals who 
have applied for Lifeline and/or ACP benefits; are currently receiving 
Lifeline and/or ACP benefits; are individuals who enable another 
individual in their household to qualify for Lifeline and/or ACP 
benefits; are minors whose status qualifies a parent or guardian for 
Lifeline and/or ACP benefits; or are individuals who have received 
Lifeline and/or ACP benefits.

Categories of Records

    The categories of records involved in the matching program include, 
but are not limited to, the last four digits of the applicant's Social 
Security Number, date of birth, state of residence, and first and last 
name. The National Verifier will transfer these data elements to the 
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which will respond 
either ``yes'' or ``no'' that the individual is enrolled in a 
qualifying assistance program: Federal Public Housing Assistance 
administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

[[Page 67282]]

System(s) of Records

    The HUD records shared as part of this CMA reside within the 
following:
    (1) HUD's Tenant Rental Assistance Certification System (TRACS) 
system of records that HUD has designated as HUD/HOU-11, published in 
the Federal Register on July 14, 2023 (88 FR 45234). Routine Use No. 8 
supports HUD's disclosure under this Agreement.
    (2) HUD's Inventory Management System/Public Housing Information 
Center (IMS/PIC) system of records that HUD has designated as HUD/
PIH.01, published in the Federal Register on March 21, 2023 (88 FR 
17005) and modifying the notice published on March 25, 2019 (84 FR 
11117). Routine Use No. 14 supports HUD's disclosures under this 
Agreement.
    The FCC SORNs that support this matching program are: (1) ``FCC/
WCB-1,'' Lifeline, which was published in the Federal Register at 86 FR 
11526 (Feb. 25, 2021); and (2) ``FCC/WCB-3,'' Affordable Connectivity 
Program, which was published in the Federal Register at 86 FR 71494 
(Dec. 16, 2021).

Federal Communications Commission.
Marlene Dortch,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2023-21295 Filed 9-28-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P

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