`[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 250 (Tuesday, December 31, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 107015-107021]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-30987]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families

45 CFR Parts 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 307, 308, 309, and 310

RIN 0970-AD06


Name Change From Office of Child Support Enforcement to Office of 
Child Support Services

AGENCY: Office of Child Support Services (OCSS), Administration for 
Children and Families (ACF), Department of Health and Human Services 
(HHS or the Department).

ACTION: Direct final rule.

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SUMMARY: In an effort to make child support regulations consistent with 
recent rulemaking and updated Tribal child support processes and 
reporting, this direct final rule (DFR) makes technical updates reflect 
the current name of the child support program, Office of Child Support 
Services (OCSS). This is a conforming update to

[[Page 107016]]

align with the Federal Register notice changing the office's name in 
the Statement of Organization, Functions, and Delegations of Authority 
that was published on June 5, 2023, and updates based on the 
Elimination of the Tribal Non-Federal Share Requirement final rule 
issued on February 12, 2024.

DATES: This rule is effective March 3, 2025, without further action 
unless adverse comment is received by January 30, 2025. If significant 
adverse comment is received, ACF will publish a timely withdrawal of 
the rule in the Federal Register.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by Regulatory 
Information Number (RIN) number, by one of the following methods:
     Federal e-Rulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Mail: Written comments may be submitted to: Office of 
Child Support Services, Attention: Director of Policy and Training, 330 
C Street SW, Washington, DC 20201.
    Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name 
and RIN for this rulemaking. All comments received will be posted 
without change to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal 
information provided.
    Docket: Go to the Federal Rulemaking Portal at https://www.regulations.gov for access to the rulemaking docket, including any 
background documents and the plain-language summary of the rule of not 
more than 100 words in length required by the Providing Accountability 
Through Transparency Act of 2023.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tavaughn McKenny, Program Specialist, 
OCSS Division of Policy and Training, at [email protected] or (202) 
565-0129. Telecommunications Relay users may dial 711 first.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Submission of Comments

    Comments should be specific, address issues raised by the rule, and 
explain reasons for any objections or recommended changes. This rule 
will be effective on the date shown in the DATES section unless OCSS 
receives significant adverse comment on or before the deadline for 
comments. Significant adverse comments are comments that provide strong 
justifications for why the rule should not be adopted or for changing 
the rule. OCSS does not expect to receive any significant adverse 
comments because it is adopting the name change already announced in 
the Federal Register and making technical updates to 45 CFR part 309. 
If OCSS receives any significant adverse comments, it will publish a 
document in the Federal Register withdrawing this rule before the 
effective date. Although we will not acknowledge receipt of individual 
comments, we will review and consider all comments that are relevant 
and received during the comment period. We will respond to these 
comments in the withdrawal if the rule is withdrawn. If OCSS receives 
no significant adverse comments, the rule will be effective 60 days 
after publication without further notice.

Statutory Authority

    This DFR is published under the authority granted to the Secretary 
of Health and Human Services by section 1102 of the Social Security Act 
(the Act) (42 U.S.C. 1302). Section 1102 of the Act authorizes the 
Secretary to publish regulations, not inconsistent with the Act, as may 
be necessary to the efficient administration of the functions with 
which the Secretary is responsible under the Act. This DFR is also 
authorized by section 452(a) of the Act (42 U.S.C. 652(a)), which gives 
the Secretary of HHS the statutory authority to change the name of the 
child support program.
    This DFR is further published in accordance with section 455(f) of 
the Act (42 U.S.C. 655(f)) which authorizes the Secretary to make child 
support funding available to Tribes and Tribal organizations operating 
child support programs and to issue regulations establishing 
requirements for Tribal child support programs.

Background

    In 1975, Congress established the child support program under title 
IV-D of the Social Security Act (Pub. L. 93-647). The child support 
program is administered at the federal level by the Office of Child 
Support Enforcement (OCSE) and functions in 54 states and territories 
and over 60 Tribes. When the child support program began, its primary 
focus was collecting child support to recover welfare costs, but that 
has changed significantly over time. Today, the program is focused on 
delivering family-centered child support services that improve the 
long-term financial and emotional support of children, by collecting 
and facilitating consistent child support payments based on 
noncustodial parents' ability to pay. This evolution has been guided by 
the changing needs of families, by Federal legislation, and by research 
and data that contribute to OCSE's understanding of the standards and 
requirements necessary to establish an effective child support program.
    On June 5, 2023, ACF published a notice in the Federal Register, 88 
FR 36587,\1\ updating the office's Statement of Organization, 
Functions, and Delegations of Authority to announce that the Office of 
Child Support Enforcement is now the Office of Child Support Services. 
This name change reflects the program's commitment to serve the whole 
family and provide services that promote family self-sufficiency, so 
children receive reliable support from both parents.
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    \1\ See Name Change Announcement--Office of Child Support 
Enforcement; Statement of Organization, Functions, and Delegations 
of Authority (88 FR 36587) at https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-06-05/pdf/2023-11815.pdf.
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    On February 12, 2024, ACF published a final rule in the Federal 
Register, 89 FR 9784,\2\ to announce the Elimination of the Tribal Non-
Federal Share Requirement. The final rule provided additional support 
to Tribes to administer their Tribal IV-D programs, however, a few 
changes are required in related regulations in 45 CFR 309.75(e) to 
align with the final rule. Additionally, as the Tribal IV-D program 
continues to evolve, updated Tribal processes and reporting necessitate 
updates to 45 CFR part 309.
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    \2\ See Final Rule--Elimination of the Tribal Non-Federal Share 
Requirement (89 FR 9784) at https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-02-12/pdf/2024-02110.pdf.
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Justification

    The purpose of this rule is to change the name of the child support 
program in 45 CFR chapter III, parts 301 through 310, and make required 
technical updates to 45 CFR part 309. The name of the child support 
program was changed from OCSE to OCSS on June 5, 2023. However, all 
child support regulations throughout 45 CFR chapter III refer to the 
child support program as OCSE. OCSS needs to change all references to 
the child support program in 45 CFR chapter III from OCSE to OCSS to 
align with the name change of the child support program.
    Additionally, technical updates are required to remove paragraphs 
one through four in 45 CFR 309.75(e) for alignment with the Elimination 
of the Tribal Non-Federal Share Requirement final rule. Technical 
updates are also required to align Sec.  309.130(a)(2) with OCSS's 
current process for making awards, and to align Sec. Sec.  309.20(b), 
309.130(b)(3), 309.135(d), 309.160, and 309.170(b) introductory text, 
(b)(1), (2), and (7), and (c) with updated Tribal IV-D reporting, 
including Office of Management and Budget (OMB)

[[Page 107017]]

approved data collection forms, and to allow for Tribal IV-D program 
applications to be submitted electronically.

Summary Description of the Regulatory Provisions

    The following is a summary of the regulatory provisions included in 
this direct final rule and, where appropriate, how these provisions 
differ from the provisions currently reflected in 45 CFR chapter III.
    The final rule makes a nomenclature change, to remove the name 
``Office of Child Support Enforcement'' wherever it appears throughout 
45 CFR chapter III, within titles, images, sections, and paragraphs, 
and replace it with the name ``Office of Child Support Services''. This 
name change promotes family self-sufficiency, emphasizing the need for 
children to receive reliable support from both parents.
    The term ``Office of Child Support Enforcement'' is replaced with 
``Office of Child Support Services'' in 45 CFR chapter III as shown in 
the following table:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Part                               Sections
------------------------------------------------------------------------
301.............................  301.1, 301.13.
303.............................  303.20.
304.............................  304.25, 304.29.
305.............................  305.32, 305.35.
309.............................  309.05, 309.20.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The final rule makes a nomenclature change, to remove the acronym 
``OCSE'' wherever it appears throughout 45 CFR chapter III, within 
titles, images, sections, and paragraphs, and replace it with the 
acronym ``OCSS''. This acronym change supports the name change to 
Office of Child Support Services that recognizes the program's 
commitment to serve the whole family and provide services that promote 
family self-sufficiency.
    The acronym ``OCSE'' is replaced with acronym ``OCSS'' in 45 CFR 
chapter III as shown in the following table:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Part                               Sections
------------------------------------------------------------------------
301.............................  301.13, 301.15, 301.16.
302.............................  302.85.
303.............................  303.11, 303.72.
304.............................  304.40.
305.............................  305.1, 305.35, 305.60, 305.66.
307.............................  307.1, 307.05, 307.15, 307.25.
308.............................  308.1.
309.............................  309.05, 309.45, 309.130, 309.145,
                                   309.160, 309.170.
310.............................  310.1, 310.5, 310.10, 310.20, 310.25,
                                   310.30, 310.35, 310.40.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In addition to changing the name of the ``Office of Child Support 
Enforcement'' to the ``Office of Child Support Services'' and changing 
the related acronym from ``OCSE'' to ``OCSS,'' this direct final rule 
removes the word ``enforcement'' where it is unnecessary or changes the 
word ``enforcement'' to the word ``services'' or the word ``program'' 
as appropriate. These changes acknowledge and reflect the name change 
and the broader scope of services the child support program provides to 
families. The changed provisions are Sec. Sec.  301.1, 301.13, 
302.19(a), 302.30, 302.70(d)(2), 302.75(b)(6), 302.85(b)(2)(ii), 
303.2(a)(3), 303.5(g)(ii)(B), 304.11, 304.20(b) introductory text, 
(b)(1) introductory text, (b)(1)(iii), and (b)(12), 304.23(i), 304.24, 
304.30, 305.1(d), 305.35(e), 307.1(h)(1), 307.5(c)(3), 309.01(a), 
309.05, 309.10(c), 309.55, 309.130(a)(1), (b)(4), and (c)(2), and 
309.170(a).
    This direct final rule also changes the word ``insure'' to the word 
``ensure'' in Sec.  302.19(a), and it adds the word ``child'' to 
clarify ``support services'' and removes the word ``enforcement'' in 
the heading and the body of Sec.  302.30.

Section 309.20 Who submits a Tribal IV-D program application and where?

    Section 309.20(b) requires Tribes or Tribal organizations 
submitting an initial application for funding under Sec.  309.65(a) to 
mail the application to OCSS, with a copy to the appropriate regional 
office. This rule amends that requirement by revising paragraph (b) to 
allow applications to be submitted via email to 
[email protected].

Section 309.75 What administrative and management procedures must a 
Tribe or Tribal organization include in a Tribal IV-D plan?

    Prior to the elimination of the Tribal non-Federal share 
requirement, Sec.  309.75(e) described the requirements for a Tribe and 
Tribal organization that intends to charge an application fee or 
recover costs in excess of the fee. Collected fees and recovered costs 
are considered program income and deducted from total allowable costs 
in accordance with 45 CFR 75.307(e)(1). When we proposed eliminating 
the Tribal non-Federal share requirement, we also proposed revising 
Sec.  309.75(e) to require Tribal child support programs to have 
procedures that prohibit charging fees and recovering costs and to 
remove paragraphs (e)(1) through (4).\3\ There were no objections to 
the proposed regulatory amendments and the amended language was 
incorporated in the final rule.\4\ However, when the revisions to Sec.  
309.75(e) were codified in the CFR, paragraphs (e)(1) through (4) were 
inadvertently retained. This rule effectuates that conforming change by 
removing paragraphs (e)(1) through (4).
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    \3\ See Notice of Proposed Rulemaking--Elimination of the Tribal 
Non-Federal Share Requirement (88 FR 24526) at https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-04-21/pdf/2023-07861.pdf.
    \4\ See Final Rule--Elimination of the Tribal Non-Federal Share 
Requirement (89 FR 9784) at https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-02-12/pdf/2024-02110.pdf.
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Section 309.130 How will Tribal IV-D programs be funded and what forms 
are required?

    Section 309.130(a)(2) provides that Tribes and Tribal organizations 
eligible for grants of less than $1 million per 12-month funding period 
will receive a single annual award, while those eligible for grants of 
$1 million or more per 12-month funding period will receive four equal 
quarterly awards. In practice, all Tribes and Tribal organizations 
receive a single annual award regardless of the funded amount. This 
rule makes a technical correction to Sec.  309.130(a)(2) by revising 
the paragraph to align with OCSS's current process for making awards.
    Tribes and Tribal organizations are required under Sec.  
309.130(b)(3) to submit a final SF 425, ``Federal Financial Report,'' 
within 90 days after the end of the fourth quarter of both the funding 
and liquidation periods. This timeframe is more restrictive than the 
OMB modified closeout provisions at 2 CFR 200.344, which allow 120 days 
for the submission of non-Federal entity closeout reports. In 2023, HHS 
began following 2 CFR 200.344. As explained in the published Change in 
Federal Award Closeout Provisions notice,\5\ ``[a]dhering to the 2 CFR 
200.344 closeout provisions would provide more time for recipient 
compliance and conform with other Federal awarding agencies, thus 
promoting greater equity and fairness.'' For these same reasons, this 
rule amends Sec.  309.130(b)(3) by removing the number ``90'' and 
adding, in its place, the number ``120'' to align with 2 CFR 200.344.
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    \5\ See Notice--Change in Federal Award Closeout Provisions (88 
FR 63591) at https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-09-15/pdf/FR-2023-09-15.pdf.
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Section 309.135 What requirements apply to funding, obligating and 
liquidating Federal title IV-D grant funds?

    Section 309.135(d) requires that a Tribe or Tribal organization use 
Form SF 269A to report quarterly on the amount of Federal title IV-D 
grant funds that have been obligated and liquidated and the amounts 
that remain

[[Page 107018]]

unobligated and unliquidated at the end of each fiscal quarter during 
the obligation and liquidation periods. Form SF 269A is now known as 
the SF 425, ``Federal Financial Report.'' This rule makes a technical 
correction to the citation by removing the number ``269A'' and adding, 
in its place, the number ``425''.

Section 309.170 What statistical and narrative reporting requirements 
apply to Tribal IV-D programs?

    The OCSS-75 Tribal Annual Data Report is used to report program 
status and accomplishments according to Sec.  309.170(b). In 2021, form 
OCSS-75 was revised through a joint workgroup with Tribal child support 
directors and provided to all Tribal child support directors for review 
and feedback, in addition to being made available for public comment in 
compliance with the requirements of section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. As such, this rule updates Sec.  
309.170 to conform to the revised OCSS-75 Tribal Annual Data Report,\6\ 
which was implemented beginning Fiscal Year 2023.
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    \6\ See OCSS AT-22-02 at https://www.acf.hhs.gov/css/policy-guidance/implementing-revised-ocse-75-form-and-instructions-effective-fy-2023.
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    Section 309.170(b) and (c) make a general reference to the 
submission of Tribal IV-D program statistical and narrative reports. 
This rule amends both citations to reference the Tribal Annual Data 
Report (OCSS-75) more specifically by adding the text ``on the Tribal 
Annual Data Report (OCSS-75)'' to paragraph (b) and removing the text 
``Tribal IV-D program statistical and narrative reports'' from 
paragraph (c) and adding, in its place, the text ``the Tribal Annual 
Data Report (OCSS-75)''.
    Section 309.170(b)(1) is amended to add the addition of new Tribal 
reporting criteria on Line 2A of the OCSS-75 report, ``Total Number of 
Tribal Cases Open at Any Time During the Fiscal Year''.
    Section 309.170(b)(2) is amended to reflect revised OCSS-75 data 
reporting requirements for paternity establishment. Requirements to 
report out-of-wedlock births in the previous year and paternities 
established or acknowledged are revised to reflect updated requirements 
to report the total number of children in cases open at any time during 
the fiscal year and the total number of children with paternity 
concluded.
    Section 309.170(b)(7) instructs Tribal child support programs to 
report total costs claimed. However, the OCSS-75 report does not 
collect data on total costs claimed. This rule removes paragraph (b)(7) 
accordingly and redesignates paragraph (b)(8) to paragraph (b)(7).

Effective Dates

    The effective date will be 60 days from the date of publication in 
the Federal Register.

Regulatory Review

Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995

    No new information collection requirements are imposed by these 
regulations.

Regulatory Impact Analysis

Executive Orders 12866 and 13563

    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, distributive 
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. This rule meets the 
standards of Executive Orders 12866, as amended by Executive Order 
14094, and 13563 because it does not have an economic impact and it 
harmonizes the OCSS Name Change, the Elimination of the Tribal Non-
Federal Share Requirement final rule, and Tribal IV-D regulations with 
current Tribal IV-D processes and reporting requirements. There is no 
financial impact to making these required technical updates.

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis

    The Secretary certifies that, under 5 U.S.C. 605(b), as enacted by 
the Regulatory Flexibility Act (Pub. L. 96-354), this rule will not 
result in a significant impact on a substantial number of small 
entities.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995

    The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-4) requires 
agencies to prepare an assessment of anticipated costs and benefits 
before issuing any rule that may result in an annual expenditure by 
State, local, and Tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the 
private sector, of $100 million or more (adjusted annually for 
inflation). That threshold level is currently approximately $177 
million. This rule does not impose any mandates on State, local, or 
Tribal governments, or the private sector, that will exceed this 
threshold in any year.

Assessment of Federal Regulations and Policies on Families

    Section 654 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations 
Act of 1999 requires Federal agencies to determine whether a proposed 
policy or regulation may affect family well-being. If the agency's 
determination is affirmative, then the agency must prepare an impact 
assessment addressing seven criteria specified in the law. We certify 
that we have assessed this rule's impact on the well-being of families. 
This rule will not affect family well-being.

Congressional Review

    This rule is not a major rule as defined in 5 U.S.C. chapter 8.

Executive Order 13132

    Executive Order 13132 prohibits an agency from publishing any rule 
that has federalism implications if the rule either imposes substantial 
direct compliance costs on State and local governments and is not 
required by statute, or the rule preempts State law, unless the agency 
meets the consultation and funding requirements of section 6 of the 
Executive order. This rule does not have federalism impacts as defined 
in the Executive Order 13132.
    Meg Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the 
Administration for Children and Families, performing the delegable 
duties of the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families, approved 
this document on December 10, 2024.

List of Subjects

45 CFR Part 301

    Child support, Grant procedures, State plan approval.

45 CFR Part 302, 303, and 304

    Child support, Grant programs--social programs.

45 CFR Part 305

    Child support, Financial incentives, Penalties, Program performance 
measures, Standards.

45 CFR Part 307

    Child support, Computer technology, Grant programs--social 
programs.

45 CFR Part 308

    Child support, Grant programs--social programs, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

[[Page 107019]]

45 CFR Part 309

    Child support, Grant programs--social programs, Indians--tribal 
government.

45 CFR Part 310

    Child support, Computer technology, Grant programs--social 
programs, Indians--tribal government.

    Dated: December 20, 2024.
Xavier Becerra,
Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services.

    For the reasons stated in the preamble, the Department of Health 
and Human Services amends 45 CFR parts 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 307, 
308, 309, and 310 as set forth below:

PART 301--STATE PLAN APPROVAL AND GRANT PROCEDURES

0
1. The authority citation for part 301 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  42 U.S.C. 651 through 658, 659a, 660, 664, 666, 667, 
1301, and 1302.


Sec.  301.1   [Amended]

0
2. Amend Sec.  301.1 by:
0
a. Removing the word ``Enforcement'' and adding in its place the word 
``Services'' in the definitions for ``Director'', ``Federal PLS'', 
``Office'', and ``Regional Office and Central Office''; and
0
b. Removing the word ``enforcement'' and adding in its place the word 
``program'' in the definition for ``Procedures''.


Sec.  301.13   [Amended]

0
3. Amend Sec.  301.13 by:
0
a. Removing the text ``Child Support Enforcement'' from the 
introductory text and adding, in its place, the text ``child support'';
0
b. Removing the word ``Enforcement'' everywhere it appears and adding, 
in its place, the word ``Services'' in paragraph (b); and
0
c. Removing the acronym ``OCSE'' and adding, in its place, the acronym 
``OCSS'' in paragraph (e).


Sec.  301.15   [Amended]

0
4. Amend Sec.  301.15 by:
0
a. Removing the word ``Enforcement'' and adding, in its place, the word 
``Services'' in the introductory text and paragraphs (a)(1) and (2); 
and
0
b. Removing the acronym ``OCSE'' everywhere it appears and adding, in 
its place, the acronym ``OCSS'' in paragraphs (a)(1) and (2) and (b)(2) 
and (3).


Sec.  301.16   [Amended]

0
5. Amend Sec.  301.16(b)(1) by removing the acronym ``OCSE'' and 
adding, in its place, the acronym ``OCSS''.

PART 302--STATE PLAN REQUIREMENTS

0
6. The authority citation for part 302 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  42 U.S.C. 651 through 658, 659a, 660, 664, 666, 667, 
1302, 1396a(a)(25), 1396b(d)(2), 1396b(o), 1396b(p), and 1396(k).


Sec.  302.19   [Amended]

0
7. Amend Sec.  302.19(a) by:
0
a. Removing the word ``insure'' and adding, in its place, the word 
``ensure''; and
0
b. Removing the word ``enforcement''.

0
8. Amend Sec.  302.30 by revising the section heading to read as 
follows:


Sec.  302.30   Publicizing the availability of child support services.


Sec.  302.70   [Amended]

0
9. Amend Sec.  302.70(d)(2) by removing the text ``Child Support 
Enforcement'' and adding, in its place, ``child support''.


Sec.  302.75   [Amended]

0
10. Amend Sec.  302.75(b)(6) by removing the word ``Enforcement'' and 
adding, in its place, the word ``Services''.


Sec.  302.85   [Amended]

0
11. Amend Sec.  302.85 by:
0
a. Removing the text ``OCSE website'' and adding, in its place, the 
text ``OCSS website'' in paragraph (a)(1);
0
b. Removing the acronym ``OCSE'' and adding, in its place the acronym 
``OCSS'' in paragraph (a)(2); and
0
c. Removing the text ``Child Support Enforcement'' in paragraph 
(b)(2)(ii) and adding, in its place, the text ``child support''.

PART 303--STANDARDS FOR PROGRAM OPERATIONS

0
12. The authority citation for part 303 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  42 U.S.C. 651 through 658, 659a, 660, 663, 664, 666, 
667, 1302, 1396a(a)(25), 1396b(d)(2), 1396b(o), 1396b(p), 1396(k), 
and 25 U.S.C. 1603(12) and 1621e.


Sec.  303.2   [Amended]

0
13. Amend Sec.  303.2(a)(3) by removing the word ``enforcement''.


Sec.  303.5   [Amended]

0
14. Amend Sec.  303.5(g)(1)(ii)(B) by removing the word 
``enforcement''.


Sec.  303.11   [Amended]

0
15. Amend Sec.  303.11(b)(21)(iv) by removing the acronym ``OCSE'' and 
adding, in its place, the acronym ``OCSS''.


Sec.  303.20   [Amended]

0
16. Amend Sec.  303.20(b)(4) by removing the word ``Enforcement'' and 
adding, in its place, the word ``Services''.


Sec.  303.72   [Amended]

0
17. Amend Sec.  303.72 by removing the acronym ``OCSE'' and adding, in 
its place, the acronym ``OCSS'' in paragraphs (b) heading, (f)(3), and 
(h)(5).

PART 304--FEDERAL FINANCIAL PARTICIPATION

0
18. The authority citation for part 304 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  42 U.S.C. 651 through 655, 657, 1302, 1396a(a)(25), 
1396b(d)(2), 1396b(o), 1396b(p), and 1396(k).


Sec.  304.11   [Amended]

0
19. Amend Sec.  304.11 by removing the word ``enforcement''.


Sec.  304.20   [Amended]

0
20. Amend Sec.  304.20 by:
0
a. Removing the word ``Enforcement'' and adding, in its place, the word 
``Services'' in paragraphs (b) introductory text and (b)(1)(iii) and 
(b)(12); and
0
b. Removing the text ``Child Support Enforcement'' in paragraph (b)(1) 
introductory text and adding, in its place, the text ``child support''.


Sec.  304.23   [Amended]

0
21. Amend Sec.  304.23(i) by removing the word ``enforcement''.


Sec.  304.24   [Amended]

0
22. Amend Sec.  304.24 by removing the word ``Enforcement'' everywhere 
it appears and adding, in its place, the word ``Services''.


Sec.  304.25   [Amended]

0
23. Amend Sec.  304.25(a) by removing the word ``Enforcement'' and 
adding, in its place, the word ``Services''.


Sec.  304.29   [Amended]

0
24. Amend Sec.  304.29 by removing the word ``Enforcement'' everywhere 
it appears and adding, in its place, the word ``Services''.


Sec.  304.30   [Amended]

0
25. Amend Sec.  304.30(a) introductory text and (b) introductory text 
by removing the word ``enforcement''.

[[Page 107020]]

Sec.  304.40   [Amended]

0
26. Amend Sec.  304.40(a)(2) by removing the acronym ``OCSE'' and 
adding, in its place, the acronym ``OCSS''.

PART 305--PROGRAM PERFORMANCE MEASURES, STANDARDS, FINANCIAL 
INCENTIVES, AND PENALITES

0
27. The authority citation for part 305 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 609(a)(8), 652(a)(4) and (g), 658a, and 
1302.


Sec.  305.1   [Amended]

0
28. Amend Sec.  305.1 by:
0
a. Removing the word ``enforcement'' from paragraph (d); and
0
b. Removing the acronym ``OCSE'' and adding, in its place, the acronym 
``OCSS'' in paragraph (j).


Sec.  305.32   [Amended]

0
29. Amend Sec.  305.32(f) by removing the word ``Enforcement'' and 
adding, in its place, the word ``Services''.


Sec.  305.35   [Amended]

0
30. Amend Sec.  305.35 by:
0
a. Removing the word ``Enforcement'' from paragraph (e) introductory 
text; and
0
b. Removing the text ``OCSE-396'' everywhere it appears and adding, in 
its place, the text ``OCSS-396'' in paragraph (e); and
0
c. Removing the word ``Enforcement'' and adding, in its place, the word 
``Services'' in paragraph (f).


Sec.  305.60   [Amended]

0
31. Amend Sec.  305.60 by removing the acronym ``OCSE'' and adding, in 
its place, the acronym ``OCSS'' in paragraphs (a), (b) introductory 
text, (c) introductory text, (c)(1), and (d).


Sec.  305.66   [Amended]

0
32. Amend Sec.  305.66(a) by removing the acronym ``OCSE'' and adding, 
in its place, the acronym ``OCSS''.

PART 307--COMPUTERIZED SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT SYSTEM

0
33. The authority citation for part 307 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 652 through 658, 664, 666 through 669A, and 
1302.


Sec.  307.1   [Amended]

0
34. Amend Sec.  307.1 by:
0
a. Removing the acronym ``OCSE'' and adding, in its place, the acronym 
``OCSS'' in paragraph (g); and
0
b. Removing the text ``Child Support Enforcement'' in paragraph (h)(1) 
and adding, in its place, the text ``child support''.


Sec.  307.5   [Amended]

0
35. Amend Sec.  307.5 by:
0
a. Removing the acronym ``OCSE'' and adding, in its place, the acronym 
``OCSS'' in paragraphs (a)(1) and (2); and
0
b. Removing the text ``Child Support Enforcement'' in paragraph (c)(3) 
and adding, in its place, the text ``child support''.


Sec.  307.15   [Amended]

0
36. Amend Sec.  307.15 by removing the acronym ``OCSE'' and adding, in 
its place, the acronym ``OCSS'' in paragraphs (b)(10)(ii) introductory 
text, (b)(10)(ii)(A) and (B), and (b)(10)(iii).


Sec.  307.25   [Amended]

0
37. Amend Sec.  307.25 by removing the acronym ``OCSE'' and adding, in 
its place, the acronym ``OCSS'' in paragraph (b).

PART 308--ANNUAL STATE SELF-ASSESSMENT REVIEW AND REPORT

0
38. The authority citation for part 308 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 654(15)(A) and 1302.


Sec.  308.1   [Amended]

0
39. Amend Sec.  308.1(e)(1) by removing the acronym ``OCSE'' everywhere 
it appears and adding, in its place, the acronym ``OCSS''.

PART 309--TRIBAL CHILD SUPPORT (IV-D) PROGRAM

0
40. The authority citation for part 309 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 655(f) and 1302.


0
41. Revise the heading for part 309 to read as set forth above.


Sec.  309.01   [Amended]

0
42. Amend Sec.  309.01(a) by removing the word ``enforcement''.

0
43. Amend Sec.  309.05 by:
0
a. Removing the word ``Enforcement'' and adding in its place the word 
``Services'' in the definition for ``Central office'';
0
b. Removing the definition of ``OCSE'' and adding the definition of 
``OCSS'' in its place; and
0
c. Revising the definition of ``Title IV-D''.
    The addition and revision read as follows:


Sec.  309.05   What definitions apply to this part?

* * * * *
    OCSS refers to the Federal Office of Child Support Services.
* * * * *
    Title IV-D refers to the title of the Social Security Act that 
authorizes the Child Support Services Program, including the Tribal 
Child Support Program.
* * * * *


Sec.  309.10   [Amended]

0
44. Amend Sec.  309.10(c) introductory by removing the word 
``enforcement''.

0
45. Amend Sec.  309.20 by revising paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  309.20   Who submits a Tribal IV-D program application and where?

* * * * *
    (b) Applications must be submitted to the Office of Child Support 
Services, either via email to [email protected] or mailed to the 
Office of Child Support Services, Attention: Federal Office of Child 
Support Services, with a copy to the appropriate regional office.


Sec.  309.45   [Amended]

0
46. Amend Sec.  309.45(c) by removing the acronym ``OCSE'' and adding, 
in its place, the acronym ``OCSS''.

0
47. Revise Sec.  309.55 to read as follows:


Sec.  309.55   What does this subpart cover?

    This subpart defines the Tribal IV-D plan provisions that are 
required to demonstrate that a Tribe or Tribal organization has the 
capacity to operate a child support program meeting the objectives of 
title IV-D of the Act and this part, including establishment of 
paternity, establishment, modification, and enforcement of support 
orders, and location of noncustodial parents.


Sec.  309.75   [Amended]

0
48. Amend Sec.  309.75 by removing paragraphs (e)(1) through (4).

0
49. Amend Sec.  309.130 by:
0
a. Removing the word ``enforcement'' in paragraph (a)(1);
0
b. Revising paragraph (a)(2);
0
c. Removing the acronym ``OCSE'' and adding, in its place, the acronym 
``OCSS'' in paragraph (b) introductory text;
0
d. Removing the number ``90'' and adding, in its place, the number 
``120'' in paragraph (b)(3);
0
e. In paragraph (b)(4):
0
i. Removing the text ``OCSE-34'' and ``OCSE'' and adding, in their 
places, the text ``OCSS-34'' and ``OCSS'', respectively; and
0
ii. Removing the word ``Enforcement'' and adding, in its place, the 
word ``Services''; and
0
f. Removing the word ``enforcement'' in paragraph (c)(2).
    The revision reads as follows:

[[Page 107021]]

Sec.  309.130   How will Tribal IV-D programs be funded and what forms 
are required?

    (a) * * *
    (2) Tribes and Tribal organizations eligible for grants will 
receive a single annual award.
* * * * *


Sec.  309.135   [Amended]

0
50. Amend Sec.  309.135(d) by removing the number ``269A'' and adding, 
in its place, the number ``425''.


Sec.  309.145   [Amended]

0
51. Amend Sec.  309.145(a)(3)(v) by removing the acronym ``OCSE'' and 
adding, in its place, the acronym ``OCSS''.


Sec.  309.160   [Amended]

0
52. Amend Sec.  309.160 by removing the acronym ``OCSE'' everywhere it 
appears and adding, in its place, the acronym ``OCSS''.


Sec.  309.170   [Amended]

0
53. Amend Sec.  309.170 by:
0
a. Revising the first sentence of paragraph (a), the introductory text 
of paragraph (b), and paragraphs (b)(1) and (2);
0
b. Adding the word ``and'' at the end of paragraph (b)(6);
0
c. Removing paragraph (b)(7);
0
d. Redesignate paragraph (b)(8) as paragraph (b)(7); and
0
e. Revising paragraph (c).
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  309.170   What statistical and narrative reporting requirements 
apply to Tribal IV-D programs?

    (a) Tribes and Tribal organizations operating a Tribal IV-D program 
must submit to OCSS the Child Support Services Program: Quarterly 
Report of Collections (Form OCSS-34). * * *
    (b) Tribes and Tribal organizations must submit the following 
information and statistics for Tribal IV-D program activity and 
caseload on the Tribal Annual Data Report (OCSS-75) for each annual 
funding period:
    (1) Total number of cases and, of the total number of cases, the 
number that are Tribal cases, the number that are State or Tribal TANF 
cases, and the number that are non-TANF cases;
    (2) Total number of children in cases open during the fiscal year 
and total number of children with paternity concluded;
* * * * *
    (c) A Tribe or Tribal organization must submit the Tribal Annual 
Data Report (OCSS-75) required by paragraph (b) of this section no 
later than 90 days after the end of each funding period.

PART 310--COMPUTERIZED TRIBAL IV-D SYSTEM AND OFFICE AUTOMATION

0
54. The authority citation for part 310 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 655(f) and 1302.


Sec.  310.1   [Amended]

0
55. Amend Sec.  310.1(a)(6) by removing the acronym ``OCSE'' and 
adding, in its place, the acronym ``OCSS''.


Sec.  310.5   [Amended]

0
56. Amend Sec.  310.5(b)(1) by:
0
a. Removing the acronym ``OCSE'' and adding, in its place, the acronym 
``OCSS''; and
0
b. Removing the words ``of this part''.


Sec.  310.10   [Amended]

0
57. Amend Sec.  310.10 by removing the acronym ``OCSE'' and adding, in 
its place, the acronym ``OCSS'' in paragraphs (a)(1), (f) introductory 
text, (f)(2), and (g).


Sec.  310.20   [Amended]

0
58. Amend Sec.  310.20 by removing the acronym ``OCSE'' everywhere it 
appears and adding, in its place, the acronym ``OCSS'' in paragraphs 
(a)(1) and (b).


Sec.  310.25   [Amended]

0
59. Amend Sec.  310.25 by removing the acronym ``OCSE'' and adding, in 
its place, the acronym ``OCSS'' in paragraphs (b), (c)(2), and (d).


Sec.  310.30   [Amended]

0
60. Amend Sec.  310.30 by removing the acronym ``OCSE'' everywhere it 
appears and adding, in its place, the acronym ``OCSS'' in paragraphs 
(a) and (b).


Sec.  310.35   [Amended]

0
61. Amend Sec.  310.35 by removing the acronym ``OCSE'' everywhere it 
appears and adding, in its place, the acronym ``OCSS'' in paragraphs 
(a) introductory text, (a)(1) introductory text, (a)(1)(ii), (a)(2) 
introductory text, (a)(2)(ii), and (b).


Sec.  310.40   [Amended]

0
62. Amend Sec.  310.40 by removing the acronym ``OCSE'' everywhere it 
appears and adding, in its place, the acronym ``OCSS''.

[FR Doc. 2024-30987 Filed 12-30-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-41-P`