Civil Penalties Adjustment for 2024, 9036-9038 [2024-00662]

Download as PDF 9036 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 28 / Friday, February 9, 2024 / Rules and Regulations Dated: January 26, 2024. Xavier Becerra, Secretary, U.S. Department of Health, and Human Services. [FR Doc. 2024–01947 Filed 2–8–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4150–37–P NATIONAL FOUNDATION ON THE ARTS AND THE HUMANITIES National Endowment for the Arts 45 CFR Parts 1149 and 1158 RIN 3135–AA33 Civil Penalties Adjustment for 2024 National Endowment for the Arts, National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is adjusting the maximum civil monetary penalties (CMPs) that may be imposed for violations of the Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act (PFCRA) and the NEA’s Restrictions on Lobbying to reflect the requirements of the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015 (the 2015 Act). The 2015 Act further amended the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990 (the Inflation Adjustment Act) to improve the effectiveness of civil monetary penalties and to maintain their deterrent effect. This final rule provides the 2024 annual inflation adjustments to the initial ‘‘catch-up’’ adjustments made on June 15, 2017, and reflects all other inflation adjustments made in the interim. DATES: This rule is effective February 9, 2024. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Daniel Fishman, Assistant General Counsel, National Endowment for the Arts, 400 7th St. SW, Washington, DC 20506, Telephone: 202–682–5418. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with RULES1 SUMMARY: 1. Background On December 12, 2017 the NEA issued a final rule entitled ‘‘Federal Civil Penalties Adjustments’’ 1 which finalized the NEA’s June 15, 2017 interim final rule entitled ‘‘Implementing the Federal Civil Penalties Adjustment Act Improvements Act’’,2 implementing the 2015 Act (section 701 of Pub. L. 114–74), which amended the Inflation Adjustment Act (28 U.S.C. 2461 note) requiring catch-up and annual adjustments to the NEA’s CMPs. The 2015 Act requires agencies 1 82 2 82 FR 58348. FR 27431. VerDate Sep<11>2014 make annual adjustments to its CMPs for inflation. A CMP is defined in the Inflation Adjustment Act as any penalty, fine, or other sanction that is (1) for a specific monetary amount as provided by Federal law, or has a maximum amount provided for by Federal law; (2) assessed or enforced by an agency pursuant to Federal law; and (3) assessed or enforced pursuant to an administrative proceeding or a civil action in the Federal courts. These annual inflation adjustments are based on the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (CPI–U) for the month of October preceding the date of the adjustment, relative to the October CPI– U in the year of the previous adjustment. The formula for the amount of a CMP inflation adjustment is prescribed by law, as explained in OMB Memorandum M–16–06 (February 24, 2016), and therefore the amount of the adjustment is not subject to the exercise of discretion by the Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts (Chairman). The Office of Management and Budget has issued guidance on implementing and calculating the 2024 adjustment under the 2015 Act.3 Per this guidance, the CPI–U adjustment multiplier for this annual adjustment is 1.03241. In its prior rules, the NEA identified two CMPs, which require adjustment: the penalty for false statements under the PFCRA and the penalty for violations of the NEA’s Restrictions on Lobbying. With this rule, the NEA is adjusting the amount of those CMPs accordingly. percent change in the CPI–U over the relevant time period and rounding to the nearest dollar. Between October 2022 and October 2023, the CPI–U increased by a multiplier of 103.241%. Therefore, the new post-adjustment maximum penalty under the PFCRA for false statements is $13,507 × 1.03241 = $13,944.76 which rounds to $13,945. Therefore, the maximum penalty under the PFCRA for false claims and statements will be $13,945. 2. Dates of Applicability The inflation adjustments contained in this rule shall apply to any violations assessed after January 15, 2024. Section 553 of the Administrative Procedure Act requires agencies to provide an opportunity for notice and comment on rulemaking and also requires agencies to delay a rule’s effective date for 30 days following the date of publication in the Federal Register unless an agency finds good cause to forgo these requirements. However, section 4(b)(2) of the 2015 Act requires agencies to adjust civil monetary penalties notwithstanding section 553 of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) and publish annual inflation adjustments in the Federal Register. ‘‘This means that the public procedure the APA generally requires . . . is not required for agencies to issue regulations implementing the annual adjustment.’’ OMB Memorandum M–18–03. Even if the 2015 Act did not except this final rule from section 553 of the APA, the NEA has good cause to dispense with notice and comment. Section 553(b)(B), authorizes agencies to 3. Adjustments Two CMPs in NEA regulations require adjustment in accordance with the 2015 Act: (1) the penalty associated with the Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act (45 CFR 1149.9) and (2) the penalty associated with Restrictions on Lobbying (45 CFR 1158.400; 45 CFR part 1158, app. A). A. Adjustments to Penalties Under the NEA’s Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act Regulations The current maximum penalty under the PFCRA for false claims and statements is currently set at $13,507. The post-adjustment penalty or range is obtained by multiplying the preadjustment penalty or range by the 3 OMB Memorandum M–24–07 (December 19, 2023). 17:16 Feb 08, 2024 Jkt 262001 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 B. Adjustments to Penalties Under the NEA’s Restrictions on Lobbying Regulations The penalty for violations of the Restrictions on Lobbying is currently set at a range of a minimum of $23,714 and a maximum of $237,268. The postadjustment penalty or range is obtained by multiplying the pre-adjustment penalty or range by the percent change in the CPI–U over the relevant time period and rounding to the nearest dollar. Between October 2022 and October 2023, the CPI–U increased by a multiplier of 103.241%. Therefore, the new post-adjustment minimum penalty under the Restrictions on Lobbying is $23,714 × 1.03241 = $24,482.57074, which rounds to $24,483 and the maximum penalty under the Restrictions on Lobbying is $237,268 × 1.03241 = $244,957.86, which rounds to $244,958. Therefore, the range of penalties under the law on the Restrictions on Lobbying shall be between $24,483 and $244,958. Administrative Procedure Act E:\FR\FM\09FER1.SGM 09FER1 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 28 / Friday, February 9, 2024 / Rules and Regulations Fairness Act of 1996. This final rule will not result in an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more, a major increase in costs or prices, significant adverse effects on competition, employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or on the ability of United States-based companies to compete with foreign based companies in domestic and export markets. dispense with notice and comment procedures for rulemaking if the agency finds good cause that notice and comment are impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to public interest. The annual adjustments to civil penalties for inflation and the method of calculating those adjustments are established by section 5 of the 2015 Act, as amended, leaving no discretion for the NEA. Accordingly, public comment would be impracticable because the NEA would be unable to consider such comments in the rulemaking process. levels of government.’’ The NEA has determined that this final rule will not have federalism implications within the meaning of E.O. 13132. Indian Tribal Governments (Executive Order 13175) E-Government Act of 2002 (44 U.S.C. 3504) Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Order 12866) Under the criteria in E.O. 13175, the NEA has evaluated this final rule and determined that it would have no potential effects on Federally recognized Indian Tribes. Section 206 of the E-Government Act requires agencies, to the extent practicable, to ensure that all information about that agency required to be published in the Federal Register is also published on a publicly accessible website. All information about the NEA required to be published in the Federal Register may be accessed at https://www.arts.gov. This Act also requires agencies to accept public comments on their rules ‘‘by electronic means.’’ See heading ‘‘Public Participation’’ for directions on electronic submission of public comments on this final rule. Executive Order 12866 (E.O. 12866) established a process for review of rules by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, which is within the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Only ‘‘significant’’ proposed and final rules are subject to review under this Executive Order. ‘‘Significant,’’ as used in E.O. 12866, means ‘‘economically significant.’’ It refers to rules with (1) an impact on the economy of $100 million; or that (2) were inconsistent or interfered with an action taken or planned by another agency; (3) materially altered the budgetary impact of entitlements, grants, user fees, or loan programs; or (4) raised novel legal or policy issues. This final rule would not be a significant policy change and OMB has not reviewed this final rule under E.O. 12866. The NEA has made the assessments required by E.O. 12866 and determined that this final rule: (1) will not have an effect of $100 million or more on the economy; (2) will not adversely affect in a material way the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public health or safety, or State, local, or Tribal governments or communities; (3) will not create a serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere with an action taken or planned by another agency; (4) does not alter the budgetary effects of entitlements, grants, user fees, or loan programs or the rights or obligations of their recipients; and (5) does not raise novel legal or policy issues. Federalism (Executive Order 13132) ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with RULES1 9037 This final rule does not have federalism implications, as set forth in E.O. 13132. As used in this order, federalism implications mean ‘‘substantial direct effects on the States, on the relationship between the [N]ational [G]overnment and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:19 Feb 08, 2024 Jkt 262001 Civil Justice Reform (Executive Order 12988) This final rule meets the applicable standards set forth in section 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of E.O. 12988. Specifically, this final rule is written in clear language designed to help reduce litigation. Takings (Executive Order 12630) Under the criteria in E.O. 12630, this final rule does not have significant takings implications. Therefore, a takings implication assessment is not required. Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (5 U.S.C. 605(b)) This final rule will not have a significant adverse impact on a substantial number of small entities, including small businesses, small governmental jurisdictions, or certain small not-for-profit organizations. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C., Chapter 35) This final rule will not impose any ‘‘information collection’’ requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act. Under the Act, information collection means the obtaining or disclosure of facts or opinions by or for an agency by 10 or more nonfederal persons. Unfunded Mandates Act of 1995 (Section 202, Pub. L. 104–4) This final rule does not contain a Federal mandate that will result in the expenditure by State, local, and Tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector of $100 million or more in any one year. National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (5 U.S.C. 804) The final rule will not have a significant effect on the human environment. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (Sec. 804, Pub. L. 104–121) This final rule would not be a major rule as defined in section 804 of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Finally, the E-Government Act requires, to the extent practicable, that agencies ensure that a publicly accessible Federal Government website contains electronic dockets for rulemakings under the Administrative Procedure Act of 1946 (5 U.S.C. 551 et seq.). Under this Act, an electronic docket consists of all submissions under section 553(c) of title 5, United States Code; and all other materials that by agency rule or practice are included in the rulemaking docket under section 553(c) of title 5, United States Code, whether or not submitted electronically. The website https:// www.regulations.gov contains electronic dockets for the NEA’s rulemakings under the Administrative Procedure Act of 1946. Plain Writing Act of 2010 (5 U.S.C. 301) Under this Act, the term ‘‘plain writing’’ means writing that is clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field and intended audience. To ensure that this final rule has been written in plain and clear language so that it can be used and understood by the public, the NEA has modeled the language of this final rule on the Federal Plain Language Guidelines. E:\FR\FM\09FER1.SGM 09FER1 9038 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 28 / Friday, February 9, 2024 / Rules and Regulations Public Participation (Executive Order 13563) The NEA encourages public participation by ensuring its documentation is understandable by the general public, and has written this final rule in compliance with Executive Order 13563 by ensuring its accessibility, consistency, simplicity of language, and overall comprehensibility. List of Subjects in 45 CFR Parts 1149 and 1158 Administrative practice and procedure, Government contracts, Grant programs, Loan programs, Lobbying, Penalties. For the reasons stated in the preamble, the NEA amends 45 CFR chapter XI, subchapter B, as follows: PART 1149—PROGRAM FRAUD CIVIL REMEDIES ACT REGULATIONS 1. The authority citation for part 1149 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 5 U.S.C. App. 8G(a)(2); 20 U.S.C. 959; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note; 31 U.S.C. 3801–3812. § 1149.9 [Amended] 2. In § 1149.9 amend paragraph (a)(1) b removing the amount ‘‘$13,507’’ and adding in its place the amount ‘‘$13,945’’. ■ PART 1158—NEW RESTRICTIONS ON LOBBYING 3. The authority citation for part 1158 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 20 U.S.C. 959; 28 U.S.C. 2461; 31 U.S.C. 1352. § 1158.400 [Amended] 4. In § 1158.400 amend paragraphs (a), (b), and (e) by: ■ a. Removing the amount ‘‘$23,714’’ and adding in its place the amount ‘‘$24,483’’ wherever it appears; and ■ b. Removing the amount ‘‘$237,268’’ and adding in its place the amount ‘‘$244,958’’ wherever it appears. ■ Appendix A to Part 1158 [Amended] 5. Amend appendix A to part 1158 by: a. Removing the amount ‘‘$23,714’’ and adding in its place the amount ‘‘$24,483’’ wherever it appears. ■ b. Removing the amount ‘‘$237,268’’ and adding in its place the amount ‘‘$244,958’’ wherever it appears. ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with RULES1 ■ ■ Dated: January 10, 2024. Daniel Beattie, Director of Guidelines and Panel Operations. [FR Doc. 2024–00662 Filed 2–8–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7537–01–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:19 Feb 08, 2024 Jkt 262001 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Coast Guard 46 CFR Part 401 [Docket No. USCG–2023–0438] RIN 1625–AC89 Great Lakes Pilotage Rates—2024 Annual Review Coast Guard, DHS. Final rule. AGENCY: ACTION: In accordance with the statutory provisions enacted by the Great Lakes Pilotage Act of 1960, the Coast Guard is issuing new pilotage rates for the 2024 shipping season. This rule adjusts the pilotage rates to account for changes in district operating expenses, an increase in the number of pilots, and anticipated inflation. These changes, when combined, result in a 7percent net increase in pilotage costs compared to the 2023 season. DATES: This final rule is effective March 11, 2024. ADDRESSES: To view documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, go to www.regulations.gov, type USCG–2023– 0438 in the search box and click ‘‘Search.’’ Next, in the Document Type column, select ‘‘Supporting & Related Material.’’ SUMMARY: For information about this document, call or email Mr. Brian Rogers, Commandant, Office of Waterways and Ocean Policy— Great Lakes Pilotage Division (CG– WWM–2), Coast Guard; telephone 410– 360–9260, email Brian.Rogers@uscg.mil. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Table of Contents for Preamble I. Abbreviations II. Executive Summary III. Basis and Purpose IV. Background V. Discussion of Comments and Changes VI. Summary of the Ratemaking Methodology VII. Historic Methodological and Other Changes VIII. Individual Target Pilot Compensation Benchmark IX. Discussion of Rate Adjustments District One A. Step 1: Recognize Previous Operating Expenses B. Step 2: Project Operating Expenses, Adjusting for Inflation or Deflation C. Step 3: Estimate Number of Registered Pilots and Apprentice Pilots D. Step 4: Determine Target Pilot Compensation Benchmark and Apprentice Pilot Wage Benchmark E. Step 5: Project Working Capital Fund PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 F. Step 6: Project Needed Revenue G. Step 7: Calculate Initial Base Rates H. Step 8: Calculate Average Weighting Factors by Area I. Step 9: Calculate Revised Base Rates J. Step 10: Review and Finalize Rates District Two A. Step 1: Recognize Previous Operating Expenses B. Step 2: Project Operating Expenses, Adjusting for Inflation or Deflation C. Step 3: Estimate Number of Registered Pilots and Apprentice Pilots D. Step 4: Determine Target Pilot Compensation Benchmark and Apprentice Pilot Wage Benchmark E. Step 5: Project Working Capital Fund F. Step 6: Project Needed Revenue G. Step 7: Calculate Initial Base Rates H. Step 8: Calculate Average Weighting Factors by Area I. Step 9: Calculate Revised Base Rates J. Step 10: Review and Finalize Rates District Three A. Step 1: Recognize Previous Operating Expenses B. Step 2: Project Operating Expenses, Adjusting for Inflation or Deflation C. Step 3: Estimate Number of Registered Pilots and Apprentice Pilots D. Step 4: Determine Target Pilot Compensation Benchmark and Apprentice Pilot Wage Benchmark E. Step 5: Project Working Capital Fund F. Step 6: Project Needed Revenue G. Step 7: Calculate Initial Base Rates H. Step 8: Calculate Average Weighting Factors by Area I. Step 9: Calculate Revised Base Rates J. Step 10: Review and Finalize Rates X. Regulatory Analyses A. Regulatory Planning and Review B. Small Entities C. Assistance for Small Entities D. Collection of Information E. Federalism F. Unfunded Mandates G. Taking of Private Property H. Civil Justice Reform I. Protection of Children J. Indian Tribal Governments K. Energy Effects L. Technical Standards M. Environment I. Abbreviations 2023 final rule Great Lakes Pilotage Rates— 2023 Annual Ratemaking and Review of Methodology final rule AMO American Maritime Officers Union APA American Pilots’ Association BLS Bureau of Labor Statistics CFR Code of Federal Regulations CPA Certified public accountant CPI Consumer Price Index DHS Department of Homeland Security Director U.S. Coast Guard’s Director of the Great Lakes Pilotage ECI Employment Cost Index FOMC Federal Open Market Committee FR Federal Register GLPA Great Lakes Pilotage Authority (Canadian) GLPAC Great Lakes Pilotage Advisory Committee GLPMS Great Lakes Pilotage Management System E:\FR\FM\09FER1.SGM 09FER1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 28 (Friday, February 9, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 9036-9038]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-00662]


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NATIONAL FOUNDATION ON THE ARTS AND THE HUMANITIES

National Endowment for the Arts

45 CFR Parts 1149 and 1158

RIN 3135-AA33


Civil Penalties Adjustment for 2024

AGENCY: National Endowment for the Arts, National Foundation on the 
Arts and the Humanities.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is adjusting the 
maximum civil monetary penalties (CMPs) that may be imposed for 
violations of the Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act (PFCRA) and the 
NEA's Restrictions on Lobbying to reflect the requirements of the 
Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 
2015 (the 2015 Act). The 2015 Act further amended the Federal Civil 
Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990 (the Inflation Adjustment 
Act) to improve the effectiveness of civil monetary penalties and to 
maintain their deterrent effect. This final rule provides the 2024 
annual inflation adjustments to the initial ``catch-up'' adjustments 
made on June 15, 2017, and reflects all other inflation adjustments 
made in the interim.

DATES: This rule is effective February 9, 2024.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Daniel Fishman, Assistant General 
Counsel, National Endowment for the Arts, 400 7th St. SW, Washington, 
DC 20506, Telephone: 202-682-5418.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

1. Background

    On December 12, 2017 the NEA issued a final rule entitled ``Federal 
Civil Penalties Adjustments'' \1\ which finalized the NEA's June 15, 
2017 interim final rule entitled ``Implementing the Federal Civil 
Penalties Adjustment Act Improvements Act'',\2\ implementing the 2015 
Act (section 701 of Pub. L. 114-74), which amended the Inflation 
Adjustment Act (28 U.S.C. 2461 note) requiring catch-up and annual 
adjustments to the NEA's CMPs. The 2015 Act requires agencies make 
annual adjustments to its CMPs for inflation.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ 82 FR 58348.
    \2\ 82 FR 27431.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    A CMP is defined in the Inflation Adjustment Act as any penalty, 
fine, or other sanction that is (1) for a specific monetary amount as 
provided by Federal law, or has a maximum amount provided for by 
Federal law; (2) assessed or enforced by an agency pursuant to Federal 
law; and (3) assessed or enforced pursuant to an administrative 
proceeding or a civil action in the Federal courts.
    These annual inflation adjustments are based on the percentage 
change in the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (CPI-U) for 
the month of October preceding the date of the adjustment, relative to 
the October CPI-U in the year of the previous adjustment. The formula 
for the amount of a CMP inflation adjustment is prescribed by law, as 
explained in OMB Memorandum M-16-06 (February 24, 2016), and therefore 
the amount of the adjustment is not subject to the exercise of 
discretion by the Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts 
(Chairman).
    The Office of Management and Budget has issued guidance on 
implementing and calculating the 2024 adjustment under the 2015 Act.\3\ 
Per this guidance, the CPI-U adjustment multiplier for this annual 
adjustment is 1.03241. In its prior rules, the NEA identified two CMPs, 
which require adjustment: the penalty for false statements under the 
PFCRA and the penalty for violations of the NEA's Restrictions on 
Lobbying. With this rule, the NEA is adjusting the amount of those CMPs 
accordingly.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ OMB Memorandum M-24-07 (December 19, 2023).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Dates of Applicability

    The inflation adjustments contained in this rule shall apply to any 
violations assessed after January 15, 2024.

3. Adjustments

    Two CMPs in NEA regulations require adjustment in accordance with 
the 2015 Act: (1) the penalty associated with the Program Fraud Civil 
Remedies Act (45 CFR 1149.9) and (2) the penalty associated with 
Restrictions on Lobbying (45 CFR 1158.400; 45 CFR part 1158, app. A).

A. Adjustments to Penalties Under the NEA's Program Fraud Civil 
Remedies Act Regulations

    The current maximum penalty under the PFCRA for false claims and 
statements is currently set at $13,507. The post-adjustment penalty or 
range is obtained by multiplying the pre-adjustment penalty or range by 
the percent change in the CPI-U over the relevant time period and 
rounding to the nearest dollar. Between October 2022 and October 2023, 
the CPI-U increased by a multiplier of 103.241%. Therefore, the new 
post-adjustment maximum penalty under the PFCRA for false statements is 
$13,507 x 1.03241 = $13,944.76 which rounds to $13,945. Therefore, the 
maximum penalty under the PFCRA for false claims and statements will be 
$13,945.

B. Adjustments to Penalties Under the NEA's Restrictions on Lobbying 
Regulations

    The penalty for violations of the Restrictions on Lobbying is 
currently set at a range of a minimum of $23,714 and a maximum of 
$237,268. The post-adjustment penalty or range is obtained by 
multiplying the pre-adjustment penalty or range by the percent change 
in the CPI-U over the relevant time period and rounding to the nearest 
dollar. Between October 2022 and October 2023, the CPI-U increased by a 
multiplier of 103.241%. Therefore, the new post-adjustment minimum 
penalty under the Restrictions on Lobbying is $23,714 x 1.03241 = 
$24,482.57074, which rounds to $24,483 and the maximum penalty under 
the Restrictions on Lobbying is $237,268 x 1.03241 = $244,957.86, which 
rounds to $244,958. Therefore, the range of penalties under the law on 
the Restrictions on Lobbying shall be between $24,483 and $244,958.
Administrative Procedure Act
    Section 553 of the Administrative Procedure Act requires agencies 
to provide an opportunity for notice and comment on rulemaking and also 
requires agencies to delay a rule's effective date for 30 days 
following the date of publication in the Federal Register unless an 
agency finds good cause to forgo these requirements. However, section 
4(b)(2) of the 2015 Act requires agencies to adjust civil monetary 
penalties notwithstanding section 553 of the Administrative Procedure 
Act (APA) and publish annual inflation adjustments in the Federal 
Register. ``This means that the public procedure the APA generally 
requires . . . is not required for agencies to issue regulations 
implementing the annual adjustment.'' OMB Memorandum M-18-03.
    Even if the 2015 Act did not except this final rule from section 
553 of the APA, the NEA has good cause to dispense with notice and 
comment. Section 553(b)(B), authorizes agencies to

[[Page 9037]]

dispense with notice and comment procedures for rulemaking if the 
agency finds good cause that notice and comment are impracticable, 
unnecessary, or contrary to public interest. The annual adjustments to 
civil penalties for inflation and the method of calculating those 
adjustments are established by section 5 of the 2015 Act, as amended, 
leaving no discretion for the NEA. Accordingly, public comment would be 
impracticable because the NEA would be unable to consider such comments 
in the rulemaking process.
Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Order 12866)
    Executive Order 12866 (E.O. 12866) established a process for review 
of rules by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, which is 
within the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Only ``significant'' 
proposed and final rules are subject to review under this Executive 
Order. ``Significant,'' as used in E.O. 12866, means ``economically 
significant.'' It refers to rules with (1) an impact on the economy of 
$100 million; or that (2) were inconsistent or interfered with an 
action taken or planned by another agency; (3) materially altered the 
budgetary impact of entitlements, grants, user fees, or loan programs; 
or (4) raised novel legal or policy issues.
    This final rule would not be a significant policy change and OMB 
has not reviewed this final rule under E.O. 12866. The NEA has made the 
assessments required by E.O. 12866 and determined that this final rule: 
(1) will not have an effect of $100 million or more on the economy; (2) 
will not adversely affect in a material way the economy, productivity, 
competition, jobs, the environment, public health or safety, or State, 
local, or Tribal governments or communities; (3) will not create a 
serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere with an action taken or 
planned by another agency; (4) does not alter the budgetary effects of 
entitlements, grants, user fees, or loan programs or the rights or 
obligations of their recipients; and (5) does not raise novel legal or 
policy issues.
Federalism (Executive Order 13132)
    This final rule does not have federalism implications, as set forth 
in E.O. 13132. As used in this order, federalism implications mean 
``substantial direct effects on the States, on the relationship between 
the [N]ational [G]overnment and the States, or on the distribution of 
power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.'' 
The NEA has determined that this final rule will not have federalism 
implications within the meaning of E.O. 13132.
Civil Justice Reform (Executive Order 12988)
    This final rule meets the applicable standards set forth in section 
3(a) and 3(b)(2) of E.O. 12988. Specifically, this final rule is 
written in clear language designed to help reduce litigation.
Indian Tribal Governments (Executive Order 13175)
    Under the criteria in E.O. 13175, the NEA has evaluated this final 
rule and determined that it would have no potential effects on 
Federally recognized Indian Tribes.
Takings (Executive Order 12630)
    Under the criteria in E.O. 12630, this final rule does not have 
significant takings implications. Therefore, a takings implication 
assessment is not required.
Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (5 U.S.C. 605(b))
    This final rule will not have a significant adverse impact on a 
substantial number of small entities, including small businesses, small 
governmental jurisdictions, or certain small not-for-profit 
organizations.
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C., Chapter 35)
    This final rule will not impose any ``information collection'' 
requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act. Under the Act, 
information collection means the obtaining or disclosure of facts or 
opinions by or for an agency by 10 or more nonfederal persons.
Unfunded Mandates Act of 1995 (Section 202, Pub. L. 104-4)
    This final rule does not contain a Federal mandate that will result 
in the expenditure by State, local, and Tribal governments, in the 
aggregate, or by the private sector of $100 million or more in any one 
year.
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (5 U.S.C. 804)
    The final rule will not have a significant effect on the human 
environment.
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (Sec. 804, 
Pub. L. 104-121)
    This final rule would not be a major rule as defined in section 804 
of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996. This 
final rule will not result in an annual effect on the economy of $100 
million or more, a major increase in costs or prices, significant 
adverse effects on competition, employment, investment, productivity, 
innovation, or on the ability of United States-based companies to 
compete with foreign based companies in domestic and export markets.
E-Government Act of 2002 (44 U.S.C. 3504)
    Section 206 of the E-Government Act requires agencies, to the 
extent practicable, to ensure that all information about that agency 
required to be published in the Federal Register is also published on a 
publicly accessible website. All information about the NEA required to 
be published in the Federal Register may be accessed at https://www.arts.gov. This Act also requires agencies to accept public comments 
on their rules ``by electronic means.'' See heading ``Public 
Participation'' for directions on electronic submission of public 
comments on this final rule.
    Finally, the E-Government Act requires, to the extent practicable, 
that agencies ensure that a publicly accessible Federal Government 
website contains electronic dockets for rulemakings under the 
Administrative Procedure Act of 1946 (5 U.S.C. 551 et seq.). Under this 
Act, an electronic docket consists of all submissions under section 
553(c) of title 5, United States Code; and all other materials that by 
agency rule or practice are included in the rulemaking docket under 
section 553(c) of title 5, United States Code, whether or not submitted 
electronically. The website https://www.regulations.gov contains 
electronic dockets for the NEA's rulemakings under the Administrative 
Procedure Act of 1946.
Plain Writing Act of 2010 (5 U.S.C. 301)
    Under this Act, the term ``plain writing'' means writing that is 
clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices 
appropriate to the subject or field and intended audience. To ensure 
that this final rule has been written in plain and clear language so 
that it can be used and understood by the public, the NEA has modeled 
the language of this final rule on the Federal Plain Language 
Guidelines.

[[Page 9038]]

Public Participation (Executive Order 13563)
    The NEA encourages public participation by ensuring its 
documentation is understandable by the general public, and has written 
this final rule in compliance with Executive Order 13563 by ensuring 
its accessibility, consistency, simplicity of language, and overall 
comprehensibility.

List of Subjects in 45 CFR Parts 1149 and 1158

    Administrative practice and procedure, Government contracts, Grant 
programs, Loan programs, Lobbying, Penalties.

    For the reasons stated in the preamble, the NEA amends 45 CFR 
chapter XI, subchapter B, as follows:

PART 1149--PROGRAM FRAUD CIVIL REMEDIES ACT REGULATIONS

0
1. The authority citation for part 1149 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  5 U.S.C. App. 8G(a)(2); 20 U.S.C. 959; 28 U.S.C. 
2461 note; 31 U.S.C. 3801-3812.


Sec.  1149.9  [Amended]

0
2. In Sec.  1149.9 amend paragraph (a)(1) b removing the amount 
``$13,507'' and adding in its place the amount ``$13,945''.

PART 1158--NEW RESTRICTIONS ON LOBBYING

0
3. The authority citation for part 1158 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  20 U.S.C. 959; 28 U.S.C. 2461; 31 U.S.C. 1352.


Sec.  1158.400  [Amended]

0
4. In Sec.  1158.400 amend paragraphs (a), (b), and (e) by:
0
a. Removing the amount ``$23,714'' and adding in its place the amount 
``$24,483'' wherever it appears; and
0
b. Removing the amount ``$237,268'' and adding in its place the amount 
``$244,958'' wherever it appears.

Appendix A to Part 1158 [Amended]

0
5. Amend appendix A to part 1158 by:
0
a. Removing the amount ``$23,714'' and adding in its place the amount 
``$24,483'' wherever it appears.
0
b. Removing the amount ``$237,268'' and adding in its place the amount 
``$244,958'' wherever it appears.

    Dated: January 10, 2024.
Daniel Beattie,
Director of Guidelines and Panel Operations.
[FR Doc. 2024-00662 Filed 2-8-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7537-01-P
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