Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2020 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Department of Labor (DOL) plans to discontinue use of the lock-up facility currently available for participating news media organizations to access statistical information prior to official release time. This Federal Register Notice supersedes the previous Notice issued on February 7, 2020, which announced the DOL's intent to eliminate use of electronic devices in the lock-up room. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, use of the lock-up facility has been indefinitely suspended since March 20, 2020, and timely and orderly distribution of DOL statistical information has been accomplished at official release time through DOL websites, social media channels, and email subscription lists. This notification announces the permanent discontinuation of the DOL lock-up facility effective June 3, 2020, regardless of whether the current restrictions in place as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic remain necessary as of that date.

The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a pre-clearance consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This program helps to ensure that requested data can be provided in the desired format, reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized, collection instruments are clearly understood, and the impact of collection requirements on respondents can be properly assessed. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is soliciting comments concerning the proposed reinstatement of the ``Well-being Supplement to the American Time Use Survey.'' A copy of the proposed information collection request can be obtained by contacting the individual listed below in the ADDRESSES section of this notice.