Privacy Act of 1974; Implementation, 85892-85895 [2024-25035]

Download as PDF 85892 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 209 / Tuesday, October 29, 2024 / Proposed Rules The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements. Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action. (b) Affected ADs None. Regulatory Findings (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of cracked intermediate pressure compressor (IPC) shaft assembly front air seals. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent an IPC stage 1 disk burst or failure of the IPC front seal. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in an IPC stage 1 disk burst with consequent release of high energy debris and damage to the airplane or failure of the IPC front seal and release of debris, which could lead to an engine in-flight shutdown (IFSD) and in the case of a dual IFSD could result in reduced control of the airplane. The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD 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. For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed regulation: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866, (2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and (3) Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS ■ Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG: Docket No. FAA–2024–2414; Project Identifier MCAI–2024–00530–E. (a) Comments Due Date The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) by December 13, 2024. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:33 Oct 28, 2024 Jkt 265001 (c) Applicability This AD applies to Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Model Trent 1000– AE3, Trent 1000–CE3, Trent 1000–D3, Trent 1000–G3, Trent 1000–H3, Trent 1000–J3, Trent 1000–K3, Trent 1000–L3, Trent 1000– M3, Trent 1000–N3, Trent 1000–P3, Trent 1000–Q3, Trent 1000–R3, Trent 7000–72, and Trent 7000–72C engines. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7230, Turbine Engine Compressor Section. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions Except as specified in paragraphs (h), (i), and (j) of this AD: Perform all required actions within the compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2024–0178, dated September 12, 2024 (EASA AD 2024–0178). (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024–0178 (1) Where EASA AD 2024–0178 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2024–0178 specifies to reject the engine, this AD requires removing the affected part from service. (3) This AD does not adopt the Remarks paragraph of EASA AD 2024–0178. (i) No Reporting Requirement Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2024–0178 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement. (j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, AIR–520 Continued Operational Safety Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the Manager, AIR–520 Continued Operational Safety Branch, send it to the PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 attention of the person identified in paragraph (k) of this AD and email to: AMOC@faa.gov. (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/ certificate holding district office. (k) Additional Information For more information about this AD, contact Barbara Caufield, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: (781) 238–7146; email: barbara.caufield@faa.gov. (l) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the material listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024–0178, dated September 12, 2024. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: ADs@easa.europa.eu; website: easa.europa.eu. You may find this EASA AD on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu. (4) You may view this material at FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110. (5) You may view this material at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ ibr-locations or email fr.inspection@nara.gov. Issued on October 22, 2024. Peter A. White, Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2024–24964 Filed 10–28–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Office of the Secretary 32 CFR Part 310 [Docket ID: DoD–2024–OS–0112] RIN 0790–AL45 Privacy Act of 1974; Implementation Office of the Secretary, Department of Defense (DoD). ACTION: Proposed rule. AGENCY: The Department of Defense (Department or DoD) is giving concurrent notice of a new system of SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\29OCP1.SGM 29OCP1 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 209 / Tuesday, October 29, 2024 / Proposed Rules records pursuant to the Privacy Act of 1974 for the DoD–0024, ‘‘Catch a Serial Offender (CATCH) Program Records,’’ system of records and this proposed rulemaking. In this proposed rulemaking, the Department proposes to exempt portions of this system of records from certain provisions of the Privacy Act to avoid interference during the conduct of criminal, civil, or administrative actions or investigations; and to protect the identity of confidential sources incident involving adult sexual assault allegations. Send comments on or before December 30, 2024. DATES: You may submit comments, identified by docket number and title, by any of the following methods. * Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. * Mail: Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Privacy, Civil Liberties, and Transparency, Regulatory Directorate, 4800 Mark Center Drive, Attn: Mailbox 24, Suite 05F16, Alexandria, VA 22350– 1700. Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name and docket number or Regulation Identifier Number (RIN) for this Federal Register document. The general policy for comments and other submissions from members of the public is to make these submissions available for public viewing on the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov as they are received without change, including any personal identifiers or contact information. ADDRESSES: Ms. Rahwa Keleta, OSD.DPCLTD@mail.mil, (703) 256–1408. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS I. Background In accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, the DoD is establishing a new system of records titled ‘‘Catch a Serial Offender (CATCH) Program Records,’’ DoD–0024. This system of records covers DoD’s maintenance of records used to collect and compare sexual assault reports for the purpose of identifying alleged serial sexual assault offenders. These records will consist of information voluntarily submitted into the CATCH system by eligible victims who elect to participate in the CATCH program and provide information about an alleged adult sexual assault incident, without identifying such victims, through established CATCH processes. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:33 Oct 28, 2024 Jkt 265001 II. Privacy Act Exemption The Privacy Act allows Federal agencies to exempt eligible records in a system of records from certain provisions of the Act, including those that provide individuals with a right to request access to and amendment of their own records. If an agency intends to exempt a particular system of records, it must first go through the rulemaking process to provide public notice and an opportunity to comment on the proposed exemption. This proposed rule explains why an exemption is being claimed for this system of records and invites public comment, which DoD will consider before the issuance of a final rule implementing the exemption. The DoD proposes to modify 32 CFR part 310 to add a new Privacy Act exemption rule for the DoD–0024, ‘‘Catch a Serial Offender (CATCH) Program Records,’’ system of records. The DoD proposes to exempt this system of records because these records support the conduct of criminal law enforcement activities, and certain requirements of the Privacy Act may interfere with the effective execution of these activities. The Privacy Act, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a(j)(2), authorizes agencies with a principal law enforcement function pertaining to the enforcement of criminal laws (including activities of prosecutors, courts, etc.) to claim an exemption for systems of records that contain information identifying criminal offenders and alleged offenders, information compiled for the purpose of criminal investigation, or reports compiled during criminal law enforcement proceedings. The DoD is proposing to claim exemptions from several provisions of the Privacy Act, including various access, amendment, disclosure accounting, and notice requirements, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a(j)(2) to prevent the harms articulated in this rule from occurring. A notice of a new system of records for DoD–0024, ‘‘Catch a Serial Offender (CATCH) Program Records,’’ is published elsewhere in this issue of the Federal Register. Regulatory Analysis Executive Order 12866, ‘‘Regulatory Planning and Review,’’ as Amended by Executive Order 14094, ‘‘Modernizing Regulatory Review,’’ and Executive Order 13563, ‘‘Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review’’ Executive Orders 12866 (as amended by Executive Order 14094) and 13563 direct agencies to assess all costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if regulation is PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 85893 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. It has been determined that this rule is not a significant regulatory action. Section 202, Public Law 104–4, ‘‘Unfunded Mandates Reform Act’’ Section 202(a) of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1532(a)) requires agencies to assess anticipated costs and benefits before issuing any rule whose mandates may result in the expenditure by State, local, and Tribal governments in the aggregate, or by the private sector, in any one year of $100 million in 1995 dollars, updated annually for inflation. This rule will not mandate any requirements for State, local, or Tribal governments, nor will it affect private sector costs. Public Law 96–354, ‘‘Regulatory Flexibility Act’’ (5 U.S.C. Chapter 6) The Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Privacy, Civil Liberties, and Transparency has certified that this proposed rule is not subject to the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) because it would not, if promulgated, have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. This proposed rule is concerned only with the administration of Privacy Act systems of records within the DoD. Therefore, the Regulatory Flexibility Act, as amended, does not require DoD to prepare a regulatory flexibility analysis. Public Law 96–511, ‘‘Paperwork Reduction Act’’ (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35) The Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) was enacted to minimize the paperwork burden for individuals; small businesses; educational and nonprofit institutions; Federal contractors; State, local, and Tribal governments; and other persons resulting from the collection of information by or for the Federal Government. The Act requires agencies obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget before using identical questions to collect information from ten or more persons. This proposed rule does not impose reporting or recordkeeping requirements on the public. E:\FR\FM\29OCP1.SGM 29OCP1 85894 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 209 / Tuesday, October 29, 2024 / Proposed Rules Executive Order 13132, ‘‘Federalism’’ Executive Order 13132 establishes certain requirements that an agency must meet when it promulgates a proposed rule that has federalism implications, imposes substantial direct compliance costs on State and local governments, and is not required by statute, or has federalism implications and preempts state law. This proposed rule will not have a substantial effect on State and local governments. Executive Order 13175, ‘‘Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal Governments’’ Executive Order 13175 establishes certain requirements that an agency must meet when it promulgates a proposed rule (and subsequent final rule) that imposes substantial direct compliance costs on one or more Indian Tribes, preempts Tribal law, or affects the distribution of power and responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian Tribes. This proposed rule will not have a substantial effect on Indian Tribal governments. List of Subjects in 32 CFR Part 310 Privacy. Accordingly, 32 CFR part 310 is proposed to be amended as follows: PART 310—PROTECTION OF PRIVACY AND ACCESS TO AND AMENDMENT OF INDIVIDUAL RECORDS UNDER THE PRIVACY ACT OF 1974 1. The authority citation for 32 CFR part 310 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552a. 2. Amend § 310.13 by adding paragraph (e)(15) to read as follows: ■ § 310.13 Exemptions for DoD-wide systems. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS * * * * * (e) * * * (15) System identifier and name. DoD–0024, ‘‘Catch a Serial Offender (CATCH) Program Records.’’ (i) Exemptions. This system of records is exempt from 5 U.S.C. 552a (c)(3) and (4); (d)(1), (2), (3), and (4); (e)(1); (e)(2); (e)(3); (e)(4)(G), (H), and (I); (e)(5); (e)(8); (f) and (g). (ii) Authority. 5 U.S.C. 552a (j)(2). (iii) Exemption from the particular subsections. Exemption from the particular subsections is justified pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a(j)(2) for the following reasons: (A) Subsection (c)(3), (d)(1), and (d)(2). Records in this system of records may contain investigatory material compiled for criminal law enforcement VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:33 Oct 28, 2024 Jkt 265001 purposes to include information identifying criminal offenders and alleged offenders, information compiled for the purpose of criminal investigation, or reports compiled during criminal law enforcement proceedings. Application of exemption (j)(2) may be necessary as access to, amendment of, or release of the accounting of disclosures of such records could inform a record subject of an investigation of the existence, nature, or scope of an actual or potential law enforcement or disciplinary investigation, and thereby seriously impede law enforcement or prosecutorial efforts by permitting the record subject and other persons to whom he might disclose the records to avoid criminal penalties or disciplinary measures; access to, amendment of, or release of the accounting of disclosures could also reveal confidential sources who might not have otherwise come forward to assist in an investigation and thereby hinder DoD’s ability to obtain information from future confidential sources and result in an unwarranted invasion of the privacy of others. (B) Subsection (c)(4), (d)(3) and (4). These subsections are inapplicable to the extent that an exemption is being claimed from subsections (d)(1) and (2). (C) Subsection (e)(1). In the collection of information for investigatory or law enforcement purposes, it is not always possible to conclusively determine the relevance and necessity of particular information in the early stages of the investigation or adjudication. In some instances, it will be only after the collected information is evaluated in light of other information that its relevance and necessity for effective investigation and adjudication can be assessed. Collection of such information permits more informed decision-making by the Department when making required disciplinary and prosecutorial determinations. (D) Subsection (e)(2). To collect information from the subject individual could serve notice that he or she is the subject of a criminal investigation and thereby present a serious impediment to such investigations. Collection of information only from the individual accused of criminal activity or misconduct could also subvert discovery of relevant evidence and subvert the course of justice. Accordingly, application of exemption (j)(2) may be necessary. (E) Subsection (e)(3). To inform individuals as required by this subsection could reveal the existence of a criminal investigation and compromise investigative efforts. PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Accordingly, application of exemption (j)(2) may be necessary. (F) Subsection (e)(4)(G) and (H). These subsections are inapplicable to the extent exemption is claimed from subsections (d)(1) and (2). (G) Subsection (e)(4)(I). To the extent that this provision is construed to require more detailed disclosure about record sources than the broad, generic information currently published in the system notice, an exemption from this provision is necessary to protect the confidentiality of sources of information and to protect privacy and physical safety of witnesses and informants. Accordingly, application of exemption (j)(2) may be necessary. (H) Subsection (e)(5). It is often impossible to determine in advance if investigatory records contained in this system are accurate, relevant, timely and complete, but, in the interests of effective law enforcement, it is necessary to retain this information to maintain an accurate record of the investigatory activity to preserve the integrity of the investigation and satisfy various Constitutional and evidentiary requirements, such as mandatory disclosure of potentially exculpatory information in the investigative file to a defendant. It is also necessary to retain this information to aid in establishing patterns of activity and provide investigative leads. With the passage of time, seemingly irrelevant or untimely information may acquire new significance as further investigation brings new details to light and the accuracy of such information can only be determined through judicial processes. Accordingly, application of exemption (j)(2) may be necessary. (I) Subsection (e)(8). To serve notice could give persons sufficient warning to evade investigative efforts. Accordingly, application of exemption (j)(2) may be necessary. (J) Subsection (f). To the extent that portions of the system are exempt from the provisions of the Privacy Act concerning individual access and amendment of records, DoD is not required to establish rules concerning procedures and requirements relating to such provisions. Accordingly, application of exemptions (j)(2) may be necessary. (K) Subsection (g). This subsection is inapplicable to the extent that the system is exempt from other specific subsections of the Privacy Act to which the civil remedies provisions pertain. (iv) Exempt records from other systems. In the course of carrying out the overall purpose for this system, exempt records from other systems of records may in turn become part of the E:\FR\FM\29OCP1.SGM 29OCP1 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 209 / Tuesday, October 29, 2024 / Proposed Rules records maintained in this system. To the extent that copies of exempt records from those other systems of records are maintained in this system, the DoD claims the same exemptions for the records from those other systems that are entered into this system, as claimed for the prior system(s) of which they are a part, provided the reason for the exemption remains valid and necessary. Dated: October 23, 2024. Aaron T. Siegel, Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense. [FR Doc. 2024–25035 Filed 10–28–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6001–FR–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Railroad Administration 49 CFR Part 211 [Docket No. FRA–2024–0033] RIN 2130–AC97 Federal Railroad Administration’s Procedures for Waivers and SafetyRelated Proceedings Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: This proposed rule would update FRA’s procedures for waivers and safety-related proceedings to define the two components of the statutory waiver and suspension standard, ‘‘in the public interest’’ and ‘‘consistent with railroad safety.’’ By defining these terms, FRA intends to clarify the standard the agency will apply when evaluating petitions for regulatory relief. FRA also proposes to require petitions for relief to include evidence of meaningful consultation with appropriate stakeholders. Additionally, FRA proposes to make minor updates to agency rules of practice. DATES: Written comments on this proposed rule must be received on or before December 30, 2024. Comments received after that date will be considered to the extent possible without incurring additional expense or delay. ADDRESSES: Comments: Comments related to Docket No. FRA–2024–0033 may be submitted by going to www.regulations.gov and following the online instructions for submitting comments. Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name and khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:33 Oct 28, 2024 Jkt 265001 docket number or Regulatory Identification Number (RIN) for this rulemaking. All comments received will be posted without change to www.regulations.gov; this includes any personal information. Please see the Privacy Act heading in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this document for Privacy Act information related to any submitted comments or materials. Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments received, go to www.regulations.gov and follow the online instructions for accessing the docket. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Veronica Chittim, Senior Attorney, Office of the Chief Counsel, at veronica.chittim@dot.gov, 202–480– 3410; or Lucinda Henriksen, Senior Advisor, Office of Railroad Safety, at lucinda.henriksen@dot.gov, 202–657– 2842. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background FRA has broad discretionary authority to waive or suspend the requirement to comply with any rule, regulation, or order upon a finding that doing so is ‘‘in the public interest and consistent with railroad safety.’’ 49 U.S.C. 20103(d).1 Within FRA, decisional authority for waivers rests with FRA’s Railroad Safety Board (Board).2 FRA’s Rules of Practice, 49 CFR part 211, set forth the general requirements for petitions to the Board and the general outline of the Board’s processes.3 The burden of proving the request is justified rests with the petitioner.4 In January 2023, FRA published guidance pertaining to waiver procedures and process titled Guidance on Submitting Requests for Waivers, Block Signal Applications, and Other Approval Requests to FRA (Guidance).5 The Guidance outlined best practices for petitioners to use when developing and submitting waiver, suspension, and other approval requests, and best practices impacted stakeholders (e.g., the public, railroad employees, and labor organizations) may use to ensure their views, concerns, and comments 1 The Secretary of Transportation is authorized to issue such waivers or suspensions and the Secretary has delegated that authority to FRA. 49 U.S.C. 20103(d)(1) and 49 CFR 1.89(a). 2 49 CFR 211.41(a). 3 49 CFR part 211, subpart C (§§ 211.41 through 211.45). 4 See 49 CFR 211.9. 5 https://railroads.dot.gov/elibrary/guidancesubmitting-requests-waivers-block-signalapplications-and-other-approval-requests; 88 FR 1448 (Jan. 10, 2023). PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 85895 are thoroughly considered throughout the process. This proposal would provide additional detail on portions of the guidance, and make certain recommendations therein mandatory, such as the recommended consultation prior to filing of a petition. In this rulemaking, FRA is proposing to update its procedures for waivers and safety-related proceedings in 49 CFR part 211 to clarify the standard to be applied by FRA when deciding whether to grant a request for regulatory relief. Specifically, FRA is proposing to define both the ‘‘in the public interest’’ and ‘‘consistent with railroad safety’’ components of the statutory standard in 49 U.S.C. 20103(d), for purposes of evaluating waiver or suspension requests. Additionally, FRA is proposing to require petitions for regulatory relief to include evidence of meaningful consultation with stakeholders. II. Section-by-Section Analysis Part 211 § 211.1 General FRA proposes to make minor editorial amendments to § 211.1(a) to remove outdated language regarding the Federal Railroad Safety Act (concerning proceedings initiated after 1976). Further, FRA proposes to replace the obsolete statutory citation (45 U.S.C. 432) for emergency orders with the current citation, 49 U.S.C. 20104. FRA also proposes to clarify that a proceeding will be deemed to be initiated and the time period for its disposition will begin on the date a petition or application that complies with the requirements of this chapter is confirmed to be complete (not merely the date it is received) by FRA. FRA also proposes to make technical amendments to the definitions of ‘‘Safety Act,’’ ‘‘Docket Clerk,’’ and ‘‘Railroad Safety Board.’’ Specifically, in the definition of ‘‘Safety Act’’ in § 211.1(b)(3), FRA proposes to update the citation (45 U.S.C. 421 et seq.) to 49 U.S.C. ch. 201 et seq., as the existing citation is obsolete. FRA proposes to add a cross-reference in § 211.1(a) to the proposed updated definition of ‘‘Safety Act’’ in § 211.1(b)(3). In the definition of ‘‘Docket Clerk’’ in § 211.1(b)(4), FRA proposes to (1) remove the reference to the ‘‘Office of Chief Counsel Docket Clerk,’’ as this position no longer exists at FRA, and (2) replace the physical address for the DOT Docket Clerk with the website www.regulations.gov. Within the definition of ‘‘Railroad Safety Board’’ in § 211.1(b)(5), FRA proposes to insert the word ‘‘Railroad’’ E:\FR\FM\29OCP1.SGM 29OCP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 209 (Tuesday, October 29, 2024)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 85892-85895]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-25035]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Office of the Secretary

32 CFR Part 310

[Docket ID: DoD-2024-OS-0112]
RIN 0790-AL45


Privacy Act of 1974; Implementation

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Department of Defense (DoD).

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Defense (Department or DoD) is giving 
concurrent notice of a new system of

[[Page 85893]]

records pursuant to the Privacy Act of 1974 for the DoD-0024, ``Catch a 
Serial Offender (CATCH) Program Records,'' system of records and this 
proposed rulemaking. In this proposed rulemaking, the Department 
proposes to exempt portions of this system of records from certain 
provisions of the Privacy Act to avoid interference during the conduct 
of criminal, civil, or administrative actions or investigations; and to 
protect the identity of confidential sources incident involving adult 
sexual assault allegations.

DATES: Send comments on or before December 30, 2024.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by docket number and 
title, by any of the following methods.
    * Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow 
the instructions for submitting comments.
    * Mail: Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant to the 
Secretary of Defense for Privacy, Civil Liberties, and Transparency, 
Regulatory Directorate, 4800 Mark Center Drive, Attn: Mailbox 24, Suite 
05F16, Alexandria, VA 22350-1700.
    Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name 
and docket number or Regulation Identifier Number (RIN) for this 
Federal Register document. The general policy for comments and other 
submissions from members of the public is to make these submissions 
available for public viewing on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov as they are received without change, including any 
personal identifiers or contact information.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Rahwa Keleta, [email protected], 
(703) 256-1408.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    In accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, the DoD is establishing 
a new system of records titled ``Catch a Serial Offender (CATCH) 
Program Records,'' DoD-0024. This system of records covers DoD's 
maintenance of records used to collect and compare sexual assault 
reports for the purpose of identifying alleged serial sexual assault 
offenders. These records will consist of information voluntarily 
submitted into the CATCH system by eligible victims who elect to 
participate in the CATCH program and provide information about an 
alleged adult sexual assault incident, without identifying such 
victims, through established CATCH processes.

II. Privacy Act Exemption

    The Privacy Act allows Federal agencies to exempt eligible records 
in a system of records from certain provisions of the Act, including 
those that provide individuals with a right to request access to and 
amendment of their own records. If an agency intends to exempt a 
particular system of records, it must first go through the rulemaking 
process to provide public notice and an opportunity to comment on the 
proposed exemption. This proposed rule explains why an exemption is 
being claimed for this system of records and invites public comment, 
which DoD will consider before the issuance of a final rule 
implementing the exemption.
    The DoD proposes to modify 32 CFR part 310 to add a new Privacy Act 
exemption rule for the DoD-0024, ``Catch a Serial Offender (CATCH) 
Program Records,'' system of records. The DoD proposes to exempt this 
system of records because these records support the conduct of criminal 
law enforcement activities, and certain requirements of the Privacy Act 
may interfere with the effective execution of these activities. The 
Privacy Act, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a(j)(2), authorizes agencies with 
a principal law enforcement function pertaining to the enforcement of 
criminal laws (including activities of prosecutors, courts, etc.) to 
claim an exemption for systems of records that contain information 
identifying criminal offenders and alleged offenders, information 
compiled for the purpose of criminal investigation, or reports compiled 
during criminal law enforcement proceedings. The DoD is proposing to 
claim exemptions from several provisions of the Privacy Act, including 
various access, amendment, disclosure accounting, and notice 
requirements, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a(j)(2) to prevent the harms 
articulated in this rule from occurring.
    A notice of a new system of records for DoD-0024, ``Catch a Serial 
Offender (CATCH) Program Records,'' is published elsewhere in this 
issue of the Federal Register.

Regulatory Analysis

Executive Order 12866, ``Regulatory Planning and Review,'' as Amended 
by Executive Order 14094, ``Modernizing Regulatory Review,'' and 
Executive Order 13563, ``Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review''

    Executive Orders 12866 (as amended by Executive Order 14094) and 
13563 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. It has been determined 
that this rule is not a significant regulatory action.

Section 202, Public Law 104-4, ``Unfunded Mandates Reform Act''

    Section 202(a) of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 
U.S.C. 1532(a)) requires agencies to assess anticipated costs and 
benefits before issuing any rule whose mandates may result in the 
expenditure by State, local, and Tribal governments in the aggregate, 
or by the private sector, in any one year of $100 million in 1995 
dollars, updated annually for inflation. This rule will not mandate any 
requirements for State, local, or Tribal governments, nor will it 
affect private sector costs.

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

    The Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Privacy, Civil 
Liberties, and Transparency has certified that this proposed rule is 
not subject to the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) 
because it would not, if promulgated, have a significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of small entities. This proposed rule is 
concerned only with the administration of Privacy Act systems of 
records within the DoD. Therefore, the Regulatory Flexibility Act, as 
amended, does not require DoD to prepare a regulatory flexibility 
analysis.

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

    The Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) was enacted to 
minimize the paperwork burden for individuals; small businesses; 
educational and nonprofit institutions; Federal contractors; State, 
local, and Tribal governments; and other persons resulting from the 
collection of information by or for the Federal Government. The Act 
requires agencies obtain approval from the Office of Management and 
Budget before using identical questions to collect information from ten 
or more persons. This proposed rule does not impose reporting or 
recordkeeping requirements on the public.

[[Page 85894]]

Executive Order 13132, ``Federalism''

    Executive Order 13132 establishes certain requirements that an 
agency must meet when it promulgates a proposed rule that has 
federalism implications, imposes substantial direct compliance costs on 
State and local governments, and is not required by statute, or has 
federalism implications and preempts state law. This proposed rule will 
not have a substantial effect on State and local governments.

Executive Order 13175, ``Consultation and Coordination With Indian 
Tribal Governments''

    Executive Order 13175 establishes certain requirements that an 
agency must meet when it promulgates a proposed rule (and subsequent 
final rule) that imposes substantial direct compliance costs on one or 
more Indian Tribes, preempts Tribal law, or affects the distribution of 
power and responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian 
Tribes. This proposed rule will not have a substantial effect on Indian 
Tribal governments.

List of Subjects in 32 CFR Part 310

    Privacy.

    Accordingly, 32 CFR part 310 is proposed to be amended as follows:

PART 310--PROTECTION OF PRIVACY AND ACCESS TO AND AMENDMENT OF 
INDIVIDUAL RECORDS UNDER THE PRIVACY ACT OF 1974

0
1. The authority citation for 32 CFR part 310 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552a.

0
2. Amend Sec.  310.13 by adding paragraph (e)(15) to read as follows:


Sec.  310.13  Exemptions for DoD-wide systems.

* * * * *
    (e) * * *
    (15) System identifier and name. DoD-0024, ``Catch a Serial 
Offender (CATCH) Program Records.''
    (i) Exemptions. This system of records is exempt from 5 U.S.C. 552a 
(c)(3) and (4); (d)(1), (2), (3), and (4); (e)(1); (e)(2); (e)(3); 
(e)(4)(G), (H), and (I); (e)(5); (e)(8); (f) and (g).
    (ii) Authority. 5 U.S.C. 552a (j)(2).
    (iii) Exemption from the particular subsections. Exemption from the 
particular subsections is justified pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a(j)(2) for 
the following reasons:
    (A) Subsection (c)(3), (d)(1), and (d)(2). Records in this system 
of records may contain investigatory material compiled for criminal law 
enforcement purposes to include information identifying criminal 
offenders and alleged offenders, information compiled for the purpose 
of criminal investigation, or reports compiled during criminal law 
enforcement proceedings. Application of exemption (j)(2) may be 
necessary as access to, amendment of, or release of the accounting of 
disclosures of such records could inform a record subject of an 
investigation of the existence, nature, or scope of an actual or 
potential law enforcement or disciplinary investigation, and thereby 
seriously impede law enforcement or prosecutorial efforts by permitting 
the record subject and other persons to whom he might disclose the 
records to avoid criminal penalties or disciplinary measures; access 
to, amendment of, or release of the accounting of disclosures could 
also reveal confidential sources who might not have otherwise come 
forward to assist in an investigation and thereby hinder DoD's ability 
to obtain information from future confidential sources and result in an 
unwarranted invasion of the privacy of others.
    (B) Subsection (c)(4), (d)(3) and (4). These subsections are 
inapplicable to the extent that an exemption is being claimed from 
subsections (d)(1) and (2).
    (C) Subsection (e)(1). In the collection of information for 
investigatory or law enforcement purposes, it is not always possible to 
conclusively determine the relevance and necessity of particular 
information in the early stages of the investigation or adjudication. 
In some instances, it will be only after the collected information is 
evaluated in light of other information that its relevance and 
necessity for effective investigation and adjudication can be assessed. 
Collection of such information permits more informed decision-making by 
the Department when making required disciplinary and prosecutorial 
determinations.
    (D) Subsection (e)(2). To collect information from the subject 
individual could serve notice that he or she is the subject of a 
criminal investigation and thereby present a serious impediment to such 
investigations. Collection of information only from the individual 
accused of criminal activity or misconduct could also subvert discovery 
of relevant evidence and subvert the course of justice. Accordingly, 
application of exemption (j)(2) may be necessary.
    (E) Subsection (e)(3). To inform individuals as required by this 
subsection could reveal the existence of a criminal investigation and 
compromise investigative efforts. Accordingly, application of exemption 
(j)(2) may be necessary.
    (F) Subsection (e)(4)(G) and (H). These subsections are 
inapplicable to the extent exemption is claimed from subsections (d)(1) 
and (2).
    (G) Subsection (e)(4)(I). To the extent that this provision is 
construed to require more detailed disclosure about record sources than 
the broad, generic information currently published in the system 
notice, an exemption from this provision is necessary to protect the 
confidentiality of sources of information and to protect privacy and 
physical safety of witnesses and informants. Accordingly, application 
of exemption (j)(2) may be necessary.
    (H) Subsection (e)(5). It is often impossible to determine in 
advance if investigatory records contained in this system are accurate, 
relevant, timely and complete, but, in the interests of effective law 
enforcement, it is necessary to retain this information to maintain an 
accurate record of the investigatory activity to preserve the integrity 
of the investigation and satisfy various Constitutional and evidentiary 
requirements, such as mandatory disclosure of potentially exculpatory 
information in the investigative file to a defendant. It is also 
necessary to retain this information to aid in establishing patterns of 
activity and provide investigative leads. With the passage of time, 
seemingly irrelevant or untimely information may acquire new 
significance as further investigation brings new details to light and 
the accuracy of such information can only be determined through 
judicial processes. Accordingly, application of exemption (j)(2) may be 
necessary.
    (I) Subsection (e)(8). To serve notice could give persons 
sufficient warning to evade investigative efforts. Accordingly, 
application of exemption (j)(2) may be necessary.
    (J) Subsection (f). To the extent that portions of the system are 
exempt from the provisions of the Privacy Act concerning individual 
access and amendment of records, DoD is not required to establish rules 
concerning procedures and requirements relating to such provisions. 
Accordingly, application of exemptions (j)(2) may be necessary.
    (K) Subsection (g). This subsection is inapplicable to the extent 
that the system is exempt from other specific subsections of the 
Privacy Act to which the civil remedies provisions pertain.
    (iv) Exempt records from other systems. In the course of carrying 
out the overall purpose for this system, exempt records from other 
systems of records may in turn become part of the

[[Page 85895]]

records maintained in this system. To the extent that copies of exempt 
records from those other systems of records are maintained in this 
system, the DoD claims the same exemptions for the records from those 
other systems that are entered into this system, as claimed for the 
prior system(s) of which they are a part, provided the reason for the 
exemption remains valid and necessary.

    Dated: October 23, 2024.
Aaron T. Siegel,
Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense.
[FR Doc. 2024-25035 Filed 10-28-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6001-FR-P


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