[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 163 (Thursday, August 24, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 40289-40299]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-16921]



[[Page 40289]]

Vol. 82

Thursday,

No. 163

August 24, 2017

Part VIII





Department of Homeland Security





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





Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

Federal Register / Vol. 82 , No. 163 / Thursday, August 24, 2017 / 
Unified Agenda

[[Page 40290]]


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

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Office of the Secretary

6 CFR Chs. I and II

[DHS Docket No. OGC-RP-04-001]


Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, DHS.

ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda.

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

SUMMARY: This regulatory agenda is a semiannual summary of current and 
projected rulemakings, existing regulations, and completed actions of 
the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its components. This 
agenda provides the public with information about DHS's regulatory 
activity. DHS expects that this information will enable the public to 
be more aware of, and effectively participate in, the Department's 
regulatory activity. DHS invites the public to submit comments on any 
aspect of this agenda.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

General

    Please direct general comments and inquiries on the agenda to the 
Regulatory Affairs Law Division, Office of the General Counsel, U.S. 
Department of Homeland Security, 245 Murray Lane, Mail Stop 0485, 
Washington, DC 20528-0485.

Specific

    Please direct specific comments and inquiries on individual 
regulatory actions identified in this agenda to the individual listed 
in the summary of the regulation as the point of contact for that 
regulation.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DHS provides this notice pursuant to the 
requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (Pub. L. 96-354, Sept. 
19, 1980) and Executive Order 12866 ``Regulatory Planning and Review'' 
(Sept. 30, 1993) as incorporated in Executive Order 13563 ``Improving 
Regulation and Regulatory Review'' (Jan. 18, 2011), which require the 
Department to publish a semiannual agenda of regulations. The 
regulatory agenda is a summary of current and projected rulemakings, as 
well as actions completed since the publication of the last regulatory 
agenda for the Department. DHS's last semiannual regulatory agenda was 
published on December 23, 2016, at 81 FR 94756.
    Beginning in fall 2007, the Internet became the basic means for 
disseminating the Unified Agenda. The complete Unified Agenda is 
available online at www.reginfo.gov.
    The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 602) requires Federal 
agencies to publish their regulatory flexibility agendas in the Federal 
Register. A regulatory flexibility agenda shall contain, among other 
things, a brief description of the subject area of any rule which is 
likely to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of 
small entities. DHS's printed agenda entries include regulatory actions 
that are in the Department's regulatory flexibility agenda. Printing of 
these entries is limited to fields that contain information required by 
the agenda provisions of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. Additional 
information on these entries is available in the Unified Agenda 
published on the Internet.
    The semiannual agenda of the Department conforms to the Unified 
Agenda format developed by the Regulatory Information Service Center.

    Dated: April 3, 2017.
Christina E. McDonald,
Associate General Counsel for Regulatory Affairs.

              Office of the Secretary--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
125.......................  Chemical Facility Anti-            1601-AA69
                             Terrorism Standards
                             (CFATS).
------------------------------------------------------------------------


               Office of the Secretary--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
126.......................  Ammonium Nitrate Security          1601-AA52
                             Program.
127.......................  Homeland Security                  1601-AA72
                             Acquisition Regulation,
                             Enhancement of
                             Whistleblower Protections
                             for Contractor Employees.
128.......................  Homeland Security                  1601-AA76
                             Acquisition Regulation:
                             Safeguarding of
                             Controlled Unclassified
                             Sensitive Information
                             (HSAR Case 2015-001).
129.......................  Homeland Security                  1601-AA78
                             Acquisition Regulation:
                             Information Technology
                             Security Awareness
                             Training (HSAR Case 2015-
                             002).
130.......................  Homeland Security                  1601-AA79
                             Acquisition Regulation:
                             Privacy Training (HSAR
                             Case 2015-003).
------------------------------------------------------------------------


     U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
131.......................  Requirements for Filing            1615-AB98
                             Motions and
                             Administrative Appeals.
132.......................  EB-5 Immigrant Investor            1615-AC11
                             Regional Center Program.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


       U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
133.......................  EB-5 Immigrant Investor            1615-AC07
                             Program Modernization.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 40291]]


      U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
134.......................  Registration Requirement           1615-AB71
                             for Petitioners Seeking
                             To File H-1B Petitions on
                             Behalf of Aliens Subject
                             to Numerical Limitations.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


      U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
135.......................  Retention of EB-1, EB-2,           1615-AC05
                             and EB-3 Immigrant
                             Workers and Program
                             Improvements Affecting
                             Highly-Skilled H-1B
                             Nonimmigrant Workers.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                   U.S. Coast Guard--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
136.......................  Seafarers' Access to               1625-AC15
                             Maritime Facilities.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                   U.S. Coast Guard--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
137.......................  Numbering of Undocumented          1625-AA14
                             Barges.
138.......................  Outer Continental Shelf            1625-AA18
                             Activities.
139.......................  Commercial Fishing                 1625-AB85
                             Vessels--Implementation
                             of 2010 and 2012
                             Legislation.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                   U.S. Coast Guard--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
140.......................  Transportation Worker              1625-AB21
                             Identification Credential
                             (TWIC); Card Reader
                             Requirements.
141.......................  Updates to Maritime                1625-AB38
                             Security.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


          U.S. Customs and Border Protection--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
142.......................  Waiver of Passport and             1651-AA97
                             Visa Requirements Due to
                             an Unforeseen Emergency.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


          U.S. Customs and Border Protection--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
143.......................  Importer Security Filing           1651-AA70
                             and Additional Carrier
                             Requirements (Section 610
                             Review).
144.......................  Implementation of the Guam-        1651-AA77
                             CNMI Visa Waiver Program
                             (Section 610 Review).
------------------------------------------------------------------------


        Transportation Security Administration--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
145.......................  General Aviation Security          1652-AA53
                             and Other Aircraft
                             Operator Security.
146.......................  Security Training for              1652-AA55
                             Surface Transportation
                             Employees.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 40292]]


      U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
147.......................  Procedures and Standards           1653-AA67
                             for Declining Surety
                             Immigration Bonds and
                             Administrative Appeal
                             Requirement for Breaches.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


         Federal Emergency Management Agency--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
148.......................  Updates to Floodplain              1660-AA85
                             Management and Protection
                             of Wetlands Regulations
                             to Implement Executive
                             Order 13690 and the
                             Federal Flood Risk
                             Management Standard.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


         Federal Emergency Management Agency--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
149.......................  National Flood Insurance           1660-AA86
                             Program (NFIP) Financial
                             Assistance/Subsidy
                             Arrangement.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS)

Office of the Secretary (OS)

Proposed Rule Stage

125. Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)

    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 113-254
    Abstract: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) previously 
invited public comment on an advance notice of proposed rulemaking 
(ANPRM) for potential revisions to the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism 
Standards (CFATS) regulations. The ANPRM provided an opportunity for 
the public to provide recommendations for possible program changes. DHS 
is reviewing the public comments received in response to the ANPRM, 
after which DHS intends to publish a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM...............................   08/18/14  79 FR 48693
ANPRM Comment Period End............   10/17/14
NPRM................................   10/00/17
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Jon MacLaren, Chief, Rulemaking Section, Department 
of Homeland Security, National Protection and Programs Directorate, 
Infrastructure Security Compliance Division (NPPD/ISCD), 245 Murray 
Lane, Mail Stop 0610, Arlington, VA 20528-0610, Phone: 703 235-5263, 
Fax: 703 603-4935, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#bcd6d3d292d192d1dddfd0ddced9d2fcd4cd92d8d4cf92dbd3ca"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="660c0908480b480b07050a07140308260e1748020e1548010910">[email protected]</span></a>.
    RIN: 1601-AA69

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS)

Office of the Secretary (OS)

Long-Term Actions

126. Ammonium Nitrate Security Program

    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 110-161, 2008 Consolidated Appropriations 
Act, section 563
    Abstract: This rulemaking will implement the December 2007 
amendment to the Homeland Security Act entitled ``Secure Handling of 
Ammonium Nitrate.'' The amendment requires the Department of Homeland 
Security to ``regulate the sale and transfer of ammonium nitrate by an 
ammonium nitrate facility . . . to prevent the misappropriation or use 
of ammonium nitrate in an act of terrorism.''
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM...............................   10/29/08  73 FR 64280
Correction..........................   11/05/08  73 FR 65783
ANPRM Comment Period End............   12/29/08
NPRM................................   08/03/11  76 FR 46908
Notice of Public Meetings...........   10/07/11  76 FR 62311
Notice of Public Meetings...........   11/14/11  76 FR 70366
NPRM Comment Period End.............   12/01/11
                                     -----------------------------------
Final Rule..........................           To Be Determined
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Jon MacLaren, Chief, Rulemaking Section, Department 
of Homeland Security, National Protection and Programs Directorate, 
Infrastructure Security Compliance Division (NPPD/ISCD), 245 Murray 
Lane, Mail Stop 0610, Arlington, VA 20528-0610, Phone: 703 235-5263, 
Fax: 703 603-4935, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#670d0809490a490a06040b06150209270f1649030f1449000811"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="eb818485c586c5868a88878a998e85ab839ac58f8398c58c849d">[email protected]</span></a>.
    RIN: 1601-AA52

127. Homeland Security Acquisition Regulation, Enhancement of 
Whistleblower Protections for Contractor Employees

    Legal Authority: Sec. 827 of the National Defense Authorization Act 
(NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2013, (Pub. L. 112-239, enacted January 2, 
2013); 41 U.S.C. 1302(a)(2); 41 U.S.C. 1707
    Abstract: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is proposing to 
amend its Homeland Security Acquisition Regulation (HSAR) parts 3003 
and 3052 to implement section 827 of the National Defense Authorization 
Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 (Pub. L. 112-239, enacted January 
2, 2013) for the United States Coast Guard (USCG). Section 827 of the 
NDAA for FY 2013 established enhancements to the Whistleblower 
Protections for Contractor Employees for all agencies subject to 
section 2409 of title 10, United States Code, which includes the USCG.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   10/00/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Nancy Harvey, Policy Analyst, Department of 
Homeland Security, Office of the Chief Procurement Officer, Room 3636-
15,

[[Page 40293]]

301 7th Street SW., Washington, DC 20528, Phone: 202 447-0956, Email: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#07696669647e296f667571627e476f7629636f7429606871"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="395758575a401751584b4f5c40795148175d514a175e564f">[email protected]</span></a>.
    RIN: 1601-AA72

128. Homeland Security Acquisition Regulation: Safeguarding of 
Controlled Unclassified Sensitive Information (HSAR Case 2015-001)

    Legal Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301 to 302; 41 U.S.C. 1302; 41 U.S.C. 
1303; 41 U.S.C. 1707
    Abstract: This Homeland Security Acquisition Regulation (HSAR) rule 
would implement adequate security and privacy measures to safeguard 
Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), such as Personally 
Identifiable Information (PII), for DHS contractors. Specifically, the 
rule would define key terms, outline security requirements and 
inspection provisions for contractor information technology (IT) 
systems that store or process sensitive information, institute incident 
notification and response procedures, and identify post-incident credit 
monitoring requirements.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   01/19/17  82 FR 6429
NPRM Comment Period End.............   03/20/17
NPRM Comment Period Extended........   03/20/17  82 FR 14341
Second NPRM Comment Period End......   04/19/17
Final Rule..........................   09/00/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Shaundra Duggans, Procurement Analyst, Department 
of Homeland Security, Office of the Chief Procurement Officer, 
Acquisition Policy and Legislation, Room 3114, 245 Murray Lane, 
Washington, DC 20528, Phone: 202 447-0056, Email: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c0b3a8a1b5aea4b2a1eea4b5a7a7a1aeb380a8b1eea4a8b3eea7afb6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4d3e252c3823293f2c6329382a2a2c233e0d253c6329253e632a223b">[email protected]</span></a>.
    Nancy Harvey, Policy Analyst, Department of Homeland Security, 
Office of the Chief Procurement Officer, Room 3636-15, 301 7th Street 
SW., Washington, DC 20528, Phone: 202 447-0956, Email: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#47292629243e692f263531223e072f3669232f3469202831"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0d636c636e7423656c7f7b68744d657c2369657e236a627b">[email protected]</span></a>.
    RIN: 1601-AA76

129. Homeland Security Acquisition Regulation: Information Technology 
Security Awareness Training (HSAR Case 2015-002)

    Legal Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301 and 302; 41 U.S.C. 1707; 41 U.S.C. 
1302; 41 U.S.C. 1303
    Abstract: This Homeland Security Acquisition Regulation (HSAR) rule 
would standardize information technology security awareness training 
and DHS Rules of Behavior requirements for contractor and subcontractor 
employees who access DHS information systems and information resources 
or contractor-owned and/or operated information systems and information 
resources capable of collecting, processing, storing or transmitting 
controlled unclassified information (CUI).
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   01/19/17  82 FR 6446
NPRM Comment Period End.............   03/20/17
NPRM Comment Period Extended........   03/20/17  82 FR 14341
Second NPRM Comment Period End......   04/19/17
Final Rule..........................   09/00/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Shaundra Duggans, Procurement Analyst, Department 
of Homeland Security, Office of the Chief Procurement Officer, 
Acquisition Policy and Legislation, Room 3114, 245 Murray Lane, 
Washington, DC 20528, Phone: 202 447-0056, Email: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#bccfd4ddc9d2d8cedd92d8c9dbdbddd2cffcd4cd92d8d4cf92dbd3ca"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a0d3c8c1d5cec4d2c18ec4d5c7c7c1ced3e0c8d18ec4c8d38ec7cfd6">[email protected]</span></a>.
    Nancy Harvey, Policy Analyst, Department of Homeland Security, 
Office of the Chief Procurement Officer, Room 3636-15, 301 7th Street 
SW., Washington, DC 20528, Phone: 202 447-0956, Email: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5a343b34392374323b282c3f231a322b743e3229743d352c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2b454a45485205434a595d4e526b435a054f4358054c445d">[email protected]</span></a>.
    RIN: 1601-AA78

130. Homeland Security Acquisition Regulation: Privacy Training (HSAR 
Case 2015-003)

    Legal Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301 and 302; 41 U.S.C. 1707; 41 U.S.C. 
1702; 41 U.S.C. 1303
    Abstract: This Homeland Security Acquisition Regulation (HSAR) rule 
would require contractors to complete training that addresses the 
protection of privacy, in accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, and 
the handling and safeguarding of Personally Identifiable Information 
and Sensitive Personally Identifiable Information.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   01/19/17  82 FR 6425
NPRM Comment Period End.............   03/20/17
NPRM Comment Period Extended........   03/20/17  82 FR 14341
Second NPRM Comment Period End......   04/19/17
Final Rule..........................   09/00/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Candace Lightfoot, Procurement Analyst, Department 
of Homeland Security, Office of the Chief Procurement Officer, 
Acquisition Policy and Legislation, Building 410 (RDS), 245 Murray 
Drive, Washington, DC 20528, Phone: 202 447-0082, Email: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e281838c86838187cc8e8b858a96848d8d96a28a93cc868a91cc858d94"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="94f7f5faf0f5f7f1baf8fdf3fce0f2fbfbe0d4fce5baf0fce7baf3fbe2">[email protected]</span></a>.
    Nancy Harvey, Policy Analyst, Department of Homeland Security, 
Office of the Chief Procurement Officer, Room 3636-15, 301 7th Street 
SW., Washington, DC 20528, Phone: 202 447-0956, Email: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#deb0bfb0bda7f0b6bfaca8bba79eb6aff0bab6adf0b9b1a8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="781619161b015610190a0e1d01381009561c100b561f170e">[email protected]</span></a>.
    RIN: 1601-AA79

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS)

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

Proposed Rule Stage

131. Requirements for Filing Motions and Administrative Appeals

    Legal Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552; 5 U.S.C. 552a; 8 U.S.C. 1101; 8 
U.S.C. 1103; 8 U.S.C. 1304; 6 U.S.C. 112
    Abstract: This rule proposes to revise the requirements and 
procedures for the filing of motions and appeals before the Department 
of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services 
(USCIS), and its Administrative Appeals Office (AAO). The proposed 
changes are intended to streamline the existing processes for filing 
motions and appeals and will reduce delays in the review and appellate 
process. This rule also proposes additional changes necessitated by the 
establishment of DHS and its components. The proposed changes are 
intended to promote simplicity, accessibility, and efficiency in the 
administration of USCIS appeals and motions. The Department also 
solicits public comment on proposed changes to the AAO's appellate 
jurisdiction.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/00/17
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

[[Page 40294]]

    Agency Contact: Charles ``Locky'' Nimick, Deputy Chief, Department 
of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 
Administrative Appeals Office, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, 
DC 20529-2090, Phone: 703 224-4501, Email: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f4979c9586989187da9a9d999d979fb481879d9787da909c87da939b82"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="96f5fef7e4faf3e5b8f8fffbfff5fdd6e3e5fff5e5b8f2fee5b8f1f9e0">[email protected]</span></a>.
    RIN: 1615-AB98

132. <bullet> EB-5 Immigrant Investor Regional Center Program

    Legal Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1153(b)(5); Pub. L. 102-395, secs. 610 
and 601(a); Pub. L. 107-273, sec. 11037; Pub. L. 101-649, sec. 121(a); 
Pub. L. 105-119, sec. 116; Pub. L. 106-396, sec. 402; Pub. L. 108-156, 
sec. 4; Pub. L. 112-176, sec. 1; Pub. L. 114-113, sec. 575; Pub. L. 
114-53, sec. 131; Pub. L. 107-273
    Abstract: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is considering 
making regulatory changes to the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Regional 
Center Program. Based on decades of experience operating the program, 
DHS has determined that program changes are needed to better reflect 
business realities for regional centers and EB-5 immigrant investors, 
to increase predictability and transparency in the adjudication process 
for stakeholders, to improve operational efficiency for the agency, and 
to enhance program integrity. DHS issued an Advance Notice of Proposed 
Rulemaking (ANPRM) to seek comment from all interested stakeholders on 
several topics, including: (1) The process for initially designating 
entities as regional centers, (2) a potential requirement for regional 
centers to utilize an exemplar filing process, (3) continued 
participation requirements for maintaining regional center designation, 
and (4) the process for terminating regional center designation. While 
DHS has gathered some information related to these topics, the ANPRM 
sought additional information that can help the Department make 
operational and security updates to the Regional Center Program while 
minimizing the impact of such changes on regional center operations and 
EB-5 investors. The ANPRM is organized to include requests for comment 
immediately following discussions of the relevant issues.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM...............................   01/11/17  82 FR 3211
ANPRM Comment Period End............   04/11/17
NPRM................................   04/00/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Lori S. MacKenzie, Division Chief, Operations 
Policy & Performance, Immigrant Investor Program, Department of 
Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 131 M 
Street NE., Washington, DC 20529-2200, Phone: 202 357-9214, Email: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#25494a574c0b560b4844464e404b5f4c40655056464c560b414d560b424a53"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b7dbd8c5de99c499dad6d4dcd2d9cdded2f7c2c4d4dec499d3dfc499d0d8c1">[email protected]</span></a>.
    RIN: 1615-AC11

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS)

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

Final Rule Stage

133. EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program Modernization

    Legal Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1153(b)(5)
    Abstract: In January 2017, the Department of Homeland Security 
(DHS) proposed to amend its regulations governing the employment-based, 
fifth preference (EB-5) immigrant investor classification. In general, 
under the EB-5 program, individuals are eligible to apply for lawful 
permanent residence in the United States if they make the necessary 
investment in a commercial enterprise in the United States and create 
or, in certain circumstances, preserve 10 permanent full-time jobs for 
qualified U.S. workers. This rule sought public comment on a number of 
proposed changes to the EB-5 program regulations. Such proposed changes 
included: raising the minimum investment amount; allowing certain EB-5 
petitioners to retain their original priority date; changing the 
designation process for targeted employment areas; and other 
miscellaneous changes to filing and interview processes.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   01/13/17  82 FR 4738
NPRM Comment Period End.............   04/11/17
Final Action........................   04/00/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Lori S. MacKenzie, Division Chief, Operations 
Policy & Performance, Immigrant Investor Program, Department of 
Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 131 M 
Street NE., Washington, DC 20529-2200, Phone: 202 357-9214, Email: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a5c9cad7cc8bd68bc8c4c6cec0cbdfccc0e5d0d6c6ccd68bc1cdd68bc2cad3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a3cfccd1ca8dd08dcec2c0c8c6cdd9cac6e3d6d0c0cad08dc7cbd08dc4ccd5">[email protected]</span></a>.
    RIN: 1615-AC07

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS)

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

Long-Term Actions

134. Registration Requirement for Petitioners Seeking To File H-1B 
Petitions on Behalf of Aliens Subject to Numerical Limitations

    Legal Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1184(g)
    Abstract: The Department of Homeland Security will finalize its 
regulations governing petitions filed on behalf of alien workers 
subject to annual numerical limitations. This rule proposes to 
establish an electronic registration program for petitions subject to 
numerical limitations for the H-1B nonimmigrant classification. This 
action is necessary because the demand for H-1B specialty occupation 
workers by U.S. companies may exceed the numerical limitation. This 
rule is intended to allow USCIS to more efficiently manage the intake 
and lottery process for these H-1B petitions.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   03/03/11  76 FR 11686
NPRM Comment Period End.............   05/02/11
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Susan Arroyo, Chief of Staff, Service Center 
Operations, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and 
Immigration Services, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 
20529, Phone: 202 272-1094, Fax: 202 272-1543, Email: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0e7d7b7d6f602065206f7c7c6177614e7b7d6d677d206a667d20696178"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="abd8ded8cac585c085cad9d9c4d2c4ebded8c8c2d885cfc3d885ccc4dd">[email protected]</span></a>.
    RIN: 1615-AB71

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS)

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

Completed Actions

135. Retention of EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 Immigrant Workers and Program 
Improvements Affecting Highly-Skilled H-1B Nonimmigrant Workers

    Legal Authority: 6 U.S.C. 112; 8 U.S.C. 1154 and 1155; 8 U.S.C. 
1184; 8 U.S.C. 1255; 8 U.S.C. 1324a
    Abstract: In November 2016, the Department of Homeland Security 
(DHS) amended its regulations affecting certain employment-based 
immigrant

[[Page 40295]]

and nonimmigrant classifications. This rule amended regulations to 
provide stability and job flexibility for the beneficiaries of approved 
employment-based immigrant visa petitions while they wait to become 
lawful permanent residents. DHS also updated its regulations to conform 
them with the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-First Century Act 
of 2000 (AC21) as amended by the Twenty-First Century Department of 
Justice Appropriations Authorization Act (the 21st Century DOJ 
Appropriations Act), as well as the American Competitiveness and 
Workforce Improvement Act of 1998 (ACWIA). The rule clarified several 
interpretive questions raised by ACWIA and AC21 regarding H-1B 
petitions, and incorporated relevant AC21 policy memoranda and an 
Administrative Appeals Office precedent decision.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/31/15  80 FR 81900
NPRM Comment Period End.............   02/29/16
Final Rule..........................   11/18/16  81 FR 82398
Final Rule Effective................   01/17/17
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Kevin Cummings, Division Chief, Business and 
Foreign Workers Division, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. 
Citizenship and Immigration Services, Office of Policy and Strategy, 20 
Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529, Phone: 202 272-8377, 
Fax: 202 272-1480, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#442f21322d2a6a2e6a273129292d2a2337043137272d376a202c376a232b32"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="99f2fceff0f7b7f3b7faecf4f4f0f7feead9eceafaf0eab7fdf1eab7fef6ef">[email protected]</span></a>.
    RIN: 1615-AC05

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS)

U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)

Final Rule Stage

136. Seafarers' Access to Maritime Facilities

    Legal Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1226; 33 U.S.C. 1231; Pub. L. 111-281, 
sec. 811
    Abstract: This regulatory action will implement section 811 of the 
Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 (Pub. L. 111-281), which requires 
the owner/operator of a facility regulated by the Coast Guard under the 
Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (Pub. L. 107-295) (MTSA) 
to provide a system that enables seafarers and certain other 
individuals to transit between vessels moored at the facility and the 
facility gate in a timely manner at no cost to the seafarer or other 
individual. Ensuring that such access through a facility is consistent 
with the security requirements in MTSA is part of the Coast Guard's 
Ports, Waterways, and Coastal Security (PWCS) mission.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/29/14  79 FR 77981
NPRM Comment Period Reopened........   05/27/15  80 FR 30189
NPRM Comment Period End.............   07/01/15
Final Rule..........................   10/00/17
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: LCDR Kevin McDonald, Project Manager, Department of 
Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue 
SE., Commandant (CG-FAC-2), STOP 7501, Washington, DC 20593-7501, 
Phone: 202 372-1168, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#bbd0decdd2d595d195d6d8dfd4d5dad7dffbcec8d8dc95d6d2d7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="422927342b2c6c286c2f21262d2c232e2602373121256c2f2b2e">[email protected]</span></a>.
    RIN: 1625-AC15

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS)

U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)

Long-Term Actions

137. Numbering of Undocumented Barges

    Legal Authority: 46 U.S.C. 12301
    Abstract: Title 46 U.S.C. 12301, as amended by the Abandoned Barge 
Act of 1992, requires that all undocumented barges of more than 100 
gross tons operating on the navigable waters of the United States be 
numbered. This rulemaking would establish a numbering system and user 
fees for an original or renewed Certificate of Number for these barges. 
The numbering of undocumented barges allows the Coast Guard to identify 
the owners of abandoned barges. This rulemaking supports the Coast 
Guard's broad role and responsibility of protecting natural resources.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Request for Comments................   10/18/94  59 FR 52646
Comment Period End..................   01/17/95
ANPRM...............................   07/06/98  63 FR 36384
ANPRM Comment Period End............   11/03/98
NPRM................................   01/11/01  66 FR 2385
NPRM Comment Period End.............   04/11/01
NPRM Reopening of Comment Period....   08/12/04  69 FR 49844
NPRM Reopening Comment Period End...   11/10/04
                                     -----------------------------------
Next Action Undetermined............           To Be Determined
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Andrea Heck, Project Manager, Department of 
Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, National Vessel Documentation 
Center, 792 T.J. Jackson Drive, Falling Waters, WV 25419, Phone: 304 
271-2400, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f3929d97819692dd9edd9b969098b386809094dd9e9a9f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1c7d72786e797d32713274797f775c696f7f7b32717570">[email protected]</span></a>.
    RIN: 1625-AA14

138. Outer Continental Shelf Activities

    Legal Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1333(d)(1); 43 U.S.C. 1348(c); 43 U.S.C. 
1356; DHS Delegation No 0170.1
    Abstract: The Coast Guard is the lead Federal agency for workplace 
safety and health on facilities and vessels engaged in the exploration 
for, or development, or production of, minerals on the Outer 
Continental Shelf (OCS), other than for matters generally related to 
drilling and production that are regulated by the Bureau of Safety and 
Environmental Enforcement (BSEE). This project would revise the 
regulations on OCS activities by: (1) Adding new requirements, for OCS 
units for lifesaving, fire protection, training, and helidecks; (2) 
providing for USCG acceptance and approval of specified classification 
society plan reviews, inspections, audits, and surveys; and (3) 
requiring foreign vessels engaged in OCS activities to comply with 
rules similar to those imposed on U.S. vessels similarly engaged. This 
project would affect the owners and operators of facilities and vessels 
engaged in offshore activities.

[[Page 40296]]

    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Request for Comments................   06/27/95  60 FR 33185
Comment Period End..................   09/25/95
NPRM................................   12/07/99  64 FR 68416
NPRM Correction.....................   02/22/00  65 FR 8671
NPRM Comment Period Extended........   03/16/00  65 FR 14226
NPRM Comment Period Extended........   06/30/00  65 FR 40559
NPRM Comment Period End.............   11/30/00
                                     -----------------------------------
Next Action Undetermined............           To Be Determined
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Charles Rawson, Project Manager, Department of 
Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, Commandant (CG-ENG-2), 2703 Martin 
Luther King Jr. Avenue SE., STOP 7509, Washington, DC 20593-7509, 
Phone: 202 372-1390, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8deee5ecffe1e8fea3e8a3ffecfafee2e3cdf8feeeeaa3e0e4e1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6a09020b18060f19440f44180b1d1905042a1f19090d44070306">[email protected]</span></a>.
    RIN: 1625-AA18

139. Commercial Fishing Vessels--Implementation of 2010 and 2012 
Legislation

    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 111-281
    Abstract: The Coast Guard proposes to implement those requirements 
of 2010 and 2012 legislation that pertain to uninspected commercial 
fishing industry vessels and that took effect upon enactment of the 
legislation but that, to be implemented, require amendments to Coast 
Guard regulations affecting those vessels. The applicability of the 
regulations is being changed, and new requirements are being added to 
safety training, equipment, vessel examinations, vessel safety 
standards, the documentation of maintenance, and the termination of 
unsafe operations. This rulemaking promotes the Coast Guard's maritime 
safety mission.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   06/21/16  81 FR 40437
NPRM Comment Period Extended........   08/15/16  81 FR 53986
NPRM Comment Period End.............   10/19/16
Second NPRM Comment Period End......   12/18/16
                                     -----------------------------------
Final Rule..........................           To Be Determined
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Jack Kemerer, Project Manager, CG-CVC-3, Department 
of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. 
Avenue SE., STOP 7501, Washington, DC 20593-7501, Phone: 202 372-1249, 
Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f892999b93d699d6939d959d8a9d8ab88d8b9b9fd6959194"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b5dfd4d6de9bd49bded0d8d0c7d0c7f5c0c6d6d29bd8dcd9">[email protected]</span></a>.
    RIN: 1625-AB85

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS)

U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)

Completed Actions

140. Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC); Card 
Reader Requirements

    Legal Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1226; 33 U.S.C. 1231; 46 U.S.C. 701; 50 
U.S.C. 191; 50 U.S.C. 192; E.O. 12656
    Abstract: The Coast Guard established electronic card reader 
requirements for maritime facilities and vessels to be used in 
combination with TSA's Transportation Worker Identification Credential 
(TWIC). Congress enacted several statutory requirements within the 
Security and Accountability for Every (SAFE) Port Act of 2006 to guide 
regulations pertaining to TWIC readers, including the need to evaluate 
TSA's final pilot program report as part of the TWIC reader rulemaking. 
During the rulemaking process, we took into account the final pilot 
data and the various conditions in which TWIC readers may be employed. 
For example, we considered the types of vessels and facilities that 
will use TWIC readers, locations of secure and restricted areas, 
operational constraints, and need for accessibility. Recordkeeping 
requirements, amendments to security plans, and the requirement for 
data exchanges (i.e., Canceled Card List) between TSA and vessel or 
facility owners/operators were also addressed in this rulemaking.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM...............................   03/27/09  74 FR 13360
Notice of Public Meeting............   04/15/09  74 FR 17444
ANPRM Comment Period End............   05/26/09
Notice of Public Meeting Comment       05/26/09
 Period End.
NPRM................................   03/22/13  78 FR 20558
NPRM Comment Period Extended........   05/10/13  78 FR 27335
NPRM Comment Period Extended End....   06/20/13
Final Rule..........................   08/23/16  81 FR 57651
Final Rule Effective................   08/23/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: LCDR Kevin McDonald, Project Manager, Department of 
Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, Commandant (CG-FAC-2), 2703 Martin 
Luther King Jr. Avenue SE., STOP 7501, Washington, DC 20593-7501, 
Phone: 202 372-1168, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#97fcf2e1fef9b9fdb9faf4f3f8f9f6fbf3d7e2e4f4f0b9fafefb"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="117a7467787f3f7b3f7c72757e7f707d7551646272763f7c787d">[email protected]</span></a>.
    RIN: 1625-AB21

141. Updates to Maritime Security

    Legal Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1226; 33 U.S.C. 1231; 46 U.S.C. 701; 50 
U.S.C. 191 and 192; E.O. 12656; 33 CFR 1.05-1; 33 CFR 6.04-11; 33 CFR 
6.14; 33 CFR 6.16; 33 CFR 6.19; DHS Delegation No. 0170.1
    Abstract: The Coast Guard is no longer pursuing this rulemaking.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Withdrawn...........................   03/10/17
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: LCDR Kevin McDonald, Project Manager, Department of 
Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue 
SE., Commandant (CG-FAC-2), STOP 7501, Washington, DC 20593-7501, 
Phone: 202 372-1168, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#315a5447585f1f5b1f5c52555e5f505d5571444252561f5c585d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="563d33203f38783c783b35323938373a321623253531783b3f3a">[email protected]</span></a>.
    RIN: 1625-AB38

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS)

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (USCBP)

Final Rule Stage

142. Waiver of Passport and Visa Requirements Due to an Unforeseen 
Emergency

    Legal Authority: 212(a)(7)(B) INA 8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(7)
    Abstract: This rule reinstates a 1996 amendment to 8 CFR 212.1(g) 
regarding a waiver of documentary requirements for nonimmigrants 
seeking admission to the United States. The 1996 amendment allowed the 
former Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) to waive passport 
and visa requirements due to

[[Page 40297]]

an unforeseen emergency while preserving its ability to fine carriers 
for unlawfully transporting aliens to the United States who do not have 
a valid passport or visa. On November 20, 2009, the United States Court 
of Appeals for the Second Circuit invalidated the 1996 amendment based 
on procedural grounds.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   03/08/16  81 FR 12032
NPRM Comment Period End.............   05/09/16
Final Rule..........................   07/00/17
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Joseph R. O'Donnell, Program Manager, Fines, 
Penalties and Forfeitures Division, Department of Homeland Security, 
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations, 1300 
Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20229, Phone: 202 344-1691, 
Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#204a4f534550480e520e4f444f4e4e454c4c604448530e474f56"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="81ebeef2e4f1e9aff3afeee5eeefefe4ededc1e5e9f2afe6eef7">[email protected]</span></a>.
    RIN: 1651-AA97

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS)

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (USCBP)

Long-Term Actions

143. Importer Security Filing and Additional Carrier Requirements 
(Section 610 Review)

    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 109-347, sec. 203; 5 U.S.C. 301; 19 U.S.C. 
66; 19 U.S.C. 1431; 19 U.S.C. 1433 to 1434; 19 U.S.C. 1624; 19 U.S.C. 
2071 (note); 46 U.S.C. 60105
    Abstract: This final rule implements the provisions of section 203 
of the Security and Accountability for Every Port Act of 2006. On 
November 25, 2008, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) published an 
interim final rule (CBP Dec. 08-46) in the Federal Register (73 FR 
71730), that finalized most of the provisions proposed in the NPRM. It 
requires carrier and importers to provide to CBP, via a CBP approved 
electronic data interchange system, certain advance information 
pertaining to cargo brought into the United States by vessel to enable 
CBP to identify high-risk shipments to prevent smuggling and ensure 
cargo safety and security. The interim final rule did not finalize six 
data elements that were identified as areas of potential concern for 
industry during the rulemaking process and, for which, CBP provided 
some type of flexibility for compliance with those data elements. CBP 
solicited public comment on these six data elements, is conducting a 
structured review, and also invited comments on the revised Regulatory 
Assessment and Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis. (See 73 FR 71782-
85 for regulatory text and 73 CFR 71733-34 for general discussion.) The 
remaining requirements of the rule were adopted as final. CBP plans to 
issue a final rule after CBP completes a structured review of the 
flexibilities and analyzes the comments.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   01/02/08  73 FR 90
NPRM Comment Period End.............   03/03/08
NPRM Comment Period Extended........   02/01/08  73 FR 6061
NPRM Comment Period End.............   03/18/08
Interim Final Rule..................   11/25/08  73 FR 71730
Interim Final Rule Effective........   01/26/09
Interim Final Rule Comment Period      06/01/09
 End.
Correction..........................   07/14/09  74 FR 33920
Correction..........................   12/24/09  74 FR 68376
Final Action........................   11/00/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Craig Clark, Program Manager, Vessel Manifest & 
Importer Security Filing, Office of Cargo and Conveyance Security, 
Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, 
1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20229, Phone: 202 344-
3052, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#137061727a743d707f726178537071633d777b603d747c65"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="563524373f3178353a37243d1635342678323e2578313920">[email protected]</span></a>.
    RIN: 1651-AA70

144. Implementation of the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program (Section 610 
Review)

    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 110-229, sec. 702
    Abstract: The interim final rule amends Department of Homeland 
Security (DHS) regulations to implement section 702 of the Consolidated 
Natural Resources Act of 2008 (CNRA). This law extends the immigration 
laws of the United States to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana 
Islands (CNMI) and provides for a joint visa waiver program for travel 
to Guam and the CNMI. This rule implements section 702 of the CNRA by 
amending the regulations to replace the current Guam Visa Waiver 
Program with a new Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program. The amended 
regulations set forth the requirements for nonimmigrant visitors who 
seek admission for business or pleasure and solely for entry into and 
stay on Guam or the CNMI without a visa. This rule also establishes six 
ports of entry in the CNMI for purposes of administering and enforcing 
the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program. Section 702 of the Consolidated 
Natural Resources Act of 2008 (CNRA), subject to a transition period, 
extends the immigration laws of the United States to the Commonwealth 
of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) and provides for a visa waiver 
program for travel to Guam and/or the CNMI. On January 16, 2009, the 
Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Customs and Border Protection 
(CBP), issued an interim final rule in the Federal Register replacing 
the then-existing Guam Visa Waiver Program with the Guam-CNMI Visa 
Waiver Program and setting forth the requirements for nonimmigrant 
visitors seeking admission into Guam and/or the CNMI under the Guam-
CNMI Visa Waiver Program. As of November 28, 2009, the Guam-CNMI Visa 
Waiver Program is operational. This program allows nonimmigrant 
visitors from eligible countries to seek admission for business or 
pleasure for entry into Guam and/or the CNMI without a visa for a 
period of authorized stay not to exceed 45 days. This rulemaking would 
finalize the January 2009 interim final rule.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interim Final Rule..................   01/16/09  74 FR 2824
Interim Final Rule Effective........   01/16/09
Interim Final Rule Comment Period      03/17/09
 End.
Technical Amendment; Change of         05/28/09  74 FR 25387
 Implementation Date.
Final Action........................   08/00/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No.
    Agency Contact: Stephanie Watson, Supervisory Program Manager, 
Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, 
Office of Field Operations, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW., 2.5B-38, 
Washington, DC 20229, Phone: 202 325-4548, Email: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1f6c6b7a6f777e71767a317a31687e6b6c70715f7c7d6f317b776c31787069"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="bbc8cfdecbd3dad5d2de95de95ccdacfc8d4d5fbd8d9cb95dfd3c895dcd4cd">[email protected]</span></a>.
    RIN: 1651-AA77


[[Page 40298]]



DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS)

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

Long-Term Actions

145. General Aviation Security and Other Aircraft Operator Security

    Legal Authority: 6 U.S.C. 469; 18 U.S.C. 842; 18 U.S.C. 845; 46 
U.S.C. 70102 to 70106; 46 U.S.C. 70117; 49 U.S.C. 114; 49 U.S.C. 
114(f)(3); 49 U.S.C. 5103; 49 U.S.C. 5103a; 49 U.S.C. 40113; 49 U.S.C. 
44901 to 44907; 49 U.S.C. 44913 to 44914; 49 U.S.C. 44916 to 44918; 49 
U.S.C. 44932; 49 U.S.C. 44935 to 44936; 49 U.S.C. 44942; 49 U.S.C. 
46105
    Abstract: On October 30, 2008, the Transportation Security 
Administration (TSA) issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), 
proposing to amend current aviation transportation security regulations 
to enhance the security of general aviation by expanding the scope of 
current requirements, and by adding new requirements for certain large 
aircraft operators and airports serving those aircraft. TSA also 
proposed that all aircraft operations, including corporate and private 
charter operations, with aircraft having a maximum certificated takeoff 
weight (MTOW) above 12,500 pounds (large aircraft) be required to adopt 
a large aircraft security program. TSA also proposed to require certain 
airports that serve large aircraft to adopt security programs. TSA is 
considering publishing a supplemental NPRM (SNPRM) in response to 
comments received on the NPRM.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   10/30/08  73 FR 64790
NPRM Comment Period End.............   12/29/08
Notice--NPRM Comment Period Extended   11/25/08  73 FR 71590
NPRM Extended Comment Period End....   02/27/09
Notice--Public Meetings; Requests      12/18/08  73 FR 77045
 for Comments.
                                     -----------------------------------
Supplemental NPRM...................           To Be Determined
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Kevin Knott, Branch Manager, Industry Engagement 
Branch-Aviation Division, Department of Homeland Security, 
Transportation Security Administration, Office of Security Policy and 
Industry Engagement, 601 South 12th Street, Arlington, VA 22304, Phone: 
571 227-4370, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8de6e8fbe4e3a3e6e3e2f9f9cdf9feeca3e9e5fea3eae2fb"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="9df6f8ebf4f3b3f6f3f2e9e9dde9eefcb3f9f5eeb3faf2eb">[email protected]</span></a>.
    Alex Moscoso, Lead Economist, Economic Analysis Branch-Cross Modal 
Division, Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security 
Administration, Office of Security Policy and Industry Engagement, 601 
South 12th Street, Arlington, VA 20598-6028, Phone: 571 227-5839, 
Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c4a5a8a1bceaa9abb7a7abb7ab84b0b7a5eaa0acb7eaa3abb2"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="23424f465b0d4e4c50404c504c635750420d474b500d444c55">[email protected]</span></a>.
    Mardi Ruth Thompson, Senior Counsel, Regulations and Security 
Standards, Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security 
Administration, Office of the Chief Counsel, 601 South 12th Street, 
Arlington, VA 20598-6002, Phone: 202 365-1850, Fax: 571 227-1379, 
Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3b565a495f52154f5354564b4854557b4f485a155f5348155c544d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1c717d6e787532687473716c6f73725c686f7d3278746f327b736a">[email protected]</span></a>.
    RIN: 1652-AA53

146. Security Training for Surface Transportation Employees

    Legal Authority: 49 U.S.C. 114; Pub. L. 110-53, secs. 1405, 1408, 
1501, 1512, 1517, 1531, and 1534
    Abstract: As required by the 9/11 Act, this final rule requires 
security training for employees of higher-risk freight railroad 
carriers, public transportation agencies (including rail mass transit 
and bus systems), passenger railroad carriers, and over-the-road bus 
(OTRB) companies. Owner/operators of these higher-risk railroads, 
systems, and companies will be required to train employees performing 
security-sensitive functions, using a curriculum addressing 
preparedness and how to observe, assess, and respond to terrorist-
related threats and/or incidents. As part of this rulemaking, TSA is 
expanding its current requirements for rail security coordinators and 
reporting of significant security concerns (currently limited to 
freight railroads, passenger railroads, and the rail operations of 
public transportation systems) to include the bus components of higher-
risk public transportation systems and higher-risk OTRB companies. TSA 
is also adding a definition for Transportation Security-Sensitive 
Materials (TSSM). Other provisions are being amended or added, as 
necessary, to implement these additional requirements.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/16/16  81 FR 91336
NPRM Comment Period End.............   03/16/17
Final Rule..........................   09/00/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Chandru (Jack) Kalro, Deputy Director, Surface 
Division, Office of Security Policy and Industry Engagement, Department 
of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration, 601 South 
12th Street, Arlington, VA 20598-6028, Phone: 571 227-1145, Fax: 571 
227-2935, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6d1e181f0b0c0e080b1f020319020b0b040e082d191e0c4309051e430a021b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0b787e796d6a686e6d7964657f646d6d62686e4b7f786a256f6378256c647d">[email protected]</span></a>.
    Alex Moscoso, Lead Economist, Economic Analysis Branch-Cross Modal 
Division, Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security 
Administration, Office of Security Policy and Industry Engagement, 601 
South 12th Street, Arlington, VA 20598-6028, Phone: 571 227-5839, 
Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4c2d2029346221233f2f233f230c383f2d6228243f622b233a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="10717c75683e7d7f63737f637f506463713e7478633e777f66">[email protected]</span></a>.
    Traci Klemm, Assistant Chief Counsel for Regulations and Security 
Standards, Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security 
Administration, Office of the Chief Counsel, 601 South 12th Street, 
Arlington, VA 20598-6002, Phone: 571 227-3596, Email: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b3c7c1d2d0da9dd8dfd6dedef3c7c0d29dd7dbc09dd4dcc5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="86f2f4e7e5efa8edeae3ebebc6f2f5e7a8e2eef5a8e1e9f0">[email protected]</span></a>.
    RIN: 1652-AA55

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS)

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (USICE)

Proposed Rule Stage

147. Procedures and Standards for Declining Surety Immigration Bonds 
and Administrative Appeal Requirement for Breaches

    Legal Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103
    Abstract: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) proposes 
to set forth standards and procedures ICE will follow before making a 
determination to stop accepting immigration bonds posted by a surety 
company that has been certified to issue bonds by the Department of the 
Treasury when the company does not cure deficient performance. Treasury 
administers the Federal corporate surety program and, in its current 
regulations, allows agencies to prescribe ``for cause'' standards and 
procedures for declining to accept bonds from Treasury-certified 
sureties. ICE would also require surety companies seeking to overturn a 
breach determination to file an administrative appeal raising all legal 
and factual defenses.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/17
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

[[Page 40299]]

    Agency Contact: Beth Cook, Deputy Chief, Office of the Principal 
Legal Advisor, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and 
Customs Enforcement, Suite 200, 166 Sycamore Street, Williston, VT 
05495, Phone: 802 288-7742, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4f2d2a3b27612a612c2020240f262c2a612b273c61282039"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4c2e2938246229622f2323270c252f296228243f622b233a">[email protected]</span></a>.
    Molly Stubbs, ICE Regulatory Coordinator, Department of Homeland 
Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, 500 12th Street 
SW., Washington, DC 20536, Phone: 202 732-6202, Email: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c5a8aaa9a9bcebb6b1b0a7a7b685aca6a0eba1adb6eba2aab3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b6dbd9dadacf98c5c2c3d4d4c5f6dfd5d398d2dec598d1d9c0">[email protected]</span></a>.
    Brad Tuttle, Attorney Advisor, Department of Homeland Security, 
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, 500 12th Street SW., 
Washington, DC 20536, Phone: 202 732-5000, Email: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#52302033363e372b7c317c262726263e37123b31377c363a217c353d24"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="73110112171f160a5d105d070607071f16331a10165d171b005d141c05">[email protected]</span></a>.
    RIN: 1653-AA67

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS)

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

Long-Term Actions

148. Updates to Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands 
Regulations To Implement Executive Order 13690 and the Federal Flood 
Risk Management Standard

    Legal Authority: E.O. 11988, as amended; E.O. 13690
    Abstract: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) proposes 
to amend its regulations at 44 CFR part 9 ``Floodplain Management and 
Protection of Wetlands'' to implement Executive Order 13690, which 
establishes the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS). 44 CFR 
part 9 describes FEMA's process for determining whether the proposed 
location for an action falls within a floodplain. In addition, for 
those projects that would fall within a floodplain, part 9 describes 
FEMA's framework for deciding whether and how to complete the action in 
the floodplain, in light of the risk of flooding. Consistent with 
Executive Order 13690 and the FFRMS, the proposed rule would change how 
FEMA defines a ``floodplain'' with respect to certain actions. 
Additionally, under the proposed rule, FEMA would use natural systems, 
ecosystem process, and nature-based approaches, where practicable, when 
developing alternatives to locating a proposed action in the 
floodplain.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   08/22/16  81 FR 57401
NPRM Comment Period End.............   10/21/16
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Kristin Fontenot, Office of Environmental and 
Historic Preservation, Department of Homeland Security, Federal 
Emergency Management Agency, 400 C Street SW., Washington, DC 20472, 
Phone: 202 646-2741, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#761d041f05021f185810191802131819023610131b1758121e0558111900"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d2b9a0bba1a6bbbcfcb4bdbca6b7bcbda692b4b7bfb3fcb6baa1fcb5bda4">[email protected]</span></a>.
    RIN: 1660-AA85

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS)

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

Completed Actions

149. National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Financial Assistance/
Subsidy Arrangement

    Legal Authority: 42 U.S.C. 4001 et seq.
    Abstract: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued 
this final rule to remove the copy of the Financial Assistance/Subsidy 
Arrangement (Arrangement) and the summary of the Financial Control Plan 
from the appendices of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) 
regulations. It is no longer necessary or appropriate to retain a 
contract, agreement, or any other arrangement between FEMA and private 
insurance companies in the Code of Federal Regulations.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   05/23/16  81 FR 32261
NPRM Comment Period End.............   07/22/16
Final Rule..........................   11/23/16  81 FR 84483
Final Rule Effective................   12/23/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Claudia Murphy, Policyholder Services Division, 
Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 
400 C Street SW., Washington, DC 20472, Phone: 202 646-2775, Email: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#41222d20342528206f2c34333129380127242c206f2529326f262e37"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="27444b4652434e46094a5255574f5e6741424a4609434f5409404851">[email protected]</span></a>.
    RIN: 1660-AA86

[FR Doc. 2017-16921 Filed 8-23-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-9B-P


</pre><script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script></body>
</html>