TITLE 29—LABOR

        

CHAPTER 1—LABOR STATISTICS

SUBCHAPTER I—BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS

        

SUBCHAPTER II—SPECIAL STATISTICS

        

SUBCHAPTER I—BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS

§1. Design and duties of bureau generally

The general design and duties of the Bureau of Labor Statistics shall be to acquire and diffuse among the people of the United States useful information on subjects connected with labor, in the most general and comprehensive sense of that word, and especially upon its relation to capital, the hours of labor, the earnings of laboring men and women, and the means of promoting their material, social, intellectual, and moral prosperity.

(June 13, 1888, ch. 389, §1, 25 Stat. 182; Feb. 14, 1903, ch. 552, §4, 32 Stat. 826; Mar. 18, 1904, ch. 716, 33 Stat. 136; Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 141, §3, 37 Stat. 737.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Act June 27, 1884, created Bureau of Labor in Department of the Interior.

Section 1 of act June 13, 1888, created Department of Labor and outlined its general design and duties, and section 9 of that act transferred Bureau of Labor to Department of Labor.

Act Feb. 14, 1903, placed Department of Labor under jurisdiction and made it a part of Department of Commerce and Labor.

Act Mar. 18, 1904, changed name of Department of Labor to Bureau of Labor in Department of Commerce and Labor.

Act Mar. 4, 1913, created Department of Labor and transferred Bureau of Labor from Department of Commerce and Labor to newly created Department of Labor, redesignating such transferred Bureau as Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of functions of other officers, employees, and agencies of Department of Labor, with certain exceptions, to Secretary of Labor, with power to delegate, see Reorg. Plan No. 6 of 1950, §§1, 2, 15 F.R. 3174, 64 Stat. 1263, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

§2. Collection, collation, and reports of labor statistics

The Bureau of Labor Statistics, under the direction of the Secretary of Labor, shall collect, collate, and report at least once each year, or oftener if necessary, full and complete statistics of the conditions of labor and the products and distribution of the products of the same, and to this end said Secretary shall have power to employ any or either of the bureaus provided for his department and to rearrange such statistical work, and to distribute or consolidate the same as may be deemed desirable in the public interests; and said Secretary shall also have authority to call upon other departments of the Government for statistical data and results obtained by them; and said Secretary of Labor may collate, arrange, and publish such statistical information so obtained in such manner as to him may seem wise.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics shall also collect, collate, report, and publish at least once each month full and complete statistics of the volume of and changes in employment, as indicated by the number of persons employed, the total wages paid, and the total hours of employment, in the service of the Federal Government, the States and political subdivisions thereof, and in the following industries and their principal branches: (1) Manufacturing; (2) mining, quarrying, and crude petroleum production; (3) building construction; (4) agriculture and lumbering; (5) transportation, communication, and other public utilities; (6) the retail and wholesale trades; and such other industries as the Secretary of Labor may deem it in the public interest to include. Such statistics shall be reported for all such industries and their principal branches throughout the United States and also by States and/or Federal reserve districts and by such smaller geographical subdivisions as the said Secretary may from time to time prescribe. The said Secretary is authorized to arrange with any Federal, State, or municipal bureau or other governmental agency for the collection of such statistics in such manner as he may deem satisfactory, and may assign special agents of the Department of Labor to any such bureau or agency to assist in such collection.

(Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 141, §4, 37 Stat. 737; July 7, 1930, ch. 873, 46 Stat. 1019.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1930—Act July 7, 1930, inserted second par.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Census Data on Women-Owned Businesses; Study and Report

For provisions requiring Bureaus of Labor Statistics and the Census to include certain data on women-owned businesses in census reports, and requiring a study and report on the most cost effective and accurate means to gather and present such data, see section 501 of Pub. L. 100–533, set out as a note under section 131 of Title 13, Census.

Consumer Price Index for Older Americans

Pub. L. 100–175, title I, §191, Nov. 29, 1987, 101 Stat. 967, provided that: "The Secretary of Labor shall, through the Bureau of Labor Statistics, develop, from existing data sources, a reweighted index of consumer prices which reflects the expenditures for consumption by Americans 62 years of age and older. The Secretary shall furnish to the Congress the index within 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 29, 1987]. The Secretary shall include with the index furnished a report which explains the characteristics of the reweighted index, the research necessary to develop and measure accurately the rate of inflation affecting such Americans, and provides estimates of time and cost required for additional activities necessary to carry out the objectives of this section."

Prison Statistics Report

Joint Res. June 17, 1940, ch. 389, 54 Stat. 401, authorized Bureau of Labor Statistics to furnish a report to Congress before May 1, 1941, on kind, amount, and value of all goods produced in State and Federal prisons.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of functions of other officers, employees, and agencies of Department of Labor, with certain exceptions, to Secretary of Labor, with power to delegate, see Reorg. Plan No. 6 of 1950, §§1, 2, 15 F.R. 3174, 64 Stat. 1263, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

§2a. Omitted

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section, act Feb. 24, 1927, ch. 189, title IV, 44 Stat. 1222, which related to collection of statistical reports through local special agents, was from an appropriations act for the Departments of State, Justice, the Judiciary, and Departments of Commerce and Labor for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1928, and was not repeated in subsequent appropriation acts.

§2b. Studies of productivity and labor costs in industries

The Bureau of Labor Statistics of the United States Department of Labor is authorized and directed to make continuing studies of productivity and labor costs in the manufacturing, mining, transportation, distribution, and other industries.

(June 7, 1940, ch. 267, 54 Stat. 249; Aug. 30, 1954, ch. 1076, §1(27), 68 Stat. 968.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Provision of this section authorizing appropriations of up to $100,000 for studies by the bureau in the first fiscal year was omitted.

Amendments

1954—Act Aug. 30, 1954, repealed second par. which required Secretary of Labor to submit annually to Congress reports of findings under this section.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of functions of other officers, employees, and agencies of Department of Labor, with certain exceptions, to Secretary of Labor, with power to delegate, see Reorg. Plan No. 6 of 1950, §§1, 2, 15 F.R. 3174, 64 Stat. 1263, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

§3. Commissioner; appointment and tenure of office; compensation

The Bureau of Labor Statistics shall be under the charge of a Commissioner of Labor Statistics, who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate; he shall hold his office for four years, unless sooner removed, and shall receive a salary.

(June 27, 1884, ch. 127, 23 Stat. 60; June 13, 1888, ch. 389, §2, 25 Stat. 182; Mar. 18, 1904, ch. 716, 33 Stat. 136; Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 141, §3, 37 Stat. 737.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Act June 13, 1888, raised salary from $3,000 to $5,000 per annum.

Act Mar. 18, 1904, changed name of Department of Labor to Bureau of Labor.

Act Mar. 4, 1913, authorized the substitution of "Commissioner of Labor Statistics" and "Bureau of Labor Statistics" for "Commissioner of Labor" and "Bureau of Labor", respectively.

Words "of five thousand dollars per annum" at end of section were omitted as superseded by the Classification Acts. See sections 5101 et seq. and 5331 et seq. of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of functions of other officers, employees, and agencies of Department of Labor, with certain exceptions, to Secretary of Labor, with power to delegate, see Reorg. Plan No. 6 of 1950, §§1, 2, 15 F.R. 3174, 64 Stat. 1263, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

§4. Duties of Commissioner in general

It shall be the duty of the Commissioner of Labor Statistics to ascertain the effect of the customs laws, and the effect thereon of the state of the currency, in the United States, on the agricultural industry, especially as to its effect on mortgage indebtedness of farmers. He shall also establish a system of reports by which, at intervals of not less than two years, he can report the general condition, so far as production is concerned, of the leading industries of the country. He is also specially charged to investigate the causes of, and facts relating to, all controversies and disputes between employers and employees as they may occur, and which may tend to interfere with the welfare of the people of the different States. He shall also obtain such information upon the various subjects committed to him as he may deem desirable from different foreign nations, and what, if any, convict-made goods are imported into this country, and if so from whence.

(June 13, 1888, ch. 389, §7, 25 Stat. 183; Aug. 23, 1912, ch. 350, §1, 37 Stat. 407; Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 141, §3, 37 Stat. 737; May 29, 1928, ch. 901, §1(110), (111), 45 Stat. 994.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section is from act June 13, 1888. Act June 13, 1888, also contained other provisions relating to duties of former Commissioner of Labor to ascertain cost of producing, in leading countries, articles dutiable in United States, comparative cost of living, etc., which have been omitted from this section because of act Aug. 23, 1912, transferring those duties to Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce.

Act Aug. 23, 1912, transferred the duty of former Commissioner of Labor to ascertain the cost of producing, in leading countries, articles dutiable in the United States, the profits of the manufacturers and producers of such articles, the comparative cost of such articles, comparative cost of living in such countries, what articles are controlled by trusts and the effect they have on prices and production, to the Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce. Text of said act is set out as section 172 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade.

Act Mar. 4, 1913, authorized the substitution of "Commissioner of Labor Statistics" for "Commissioner of Labor".

Amendments

1928—Act May 29, 1928, repealed provisions requiring reports to Congress on investigations required by this section, and is authority for omission of "and report as to" after "ascertain" in first sentence and "and report thereon to Congress" at end of third sentence relating to information from foreign nations, and convict made goods.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of functions of other officers, employees, and agencies of Department of Labor, with certain exceptions, to Secretary of Labor, with power to delegate, see Reorg. Plan No. 6 of 1950, §§1, 2, 15 F.R. 3174, 64 Stat. 1263, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

§5. Bulletin as to labor conditions

The Commissioner of Labor Statistics is authorized to prepare and publish a bulletin of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as to the condition of labor in this and other countries, condensations of State and foreign labor reports, facts as to conditions of employment, and such other facts as may be deemed of value to the industrial interests of the country.

(Mar. 2, 1895, ch. 177, §1, 28 Stat. 805; Mar. 18, 1904, ch. 716, 33 Stat. 136; Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 141, §3, 37 Stat. 737.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Provision of act Mar. 2, 1895, as to printing of the bulletin for distribution is covered by section 1324 of Title 44, Public Printing and Documents.

Act Mar. 18, 1904, changed name of Department of Labor to Bureau of Labor.

Act Mar. 4, 1913, authorized substitution of "Commissioner of Labor Statistics" and "Bureau of Labor Statistics" for "Commissioner of Labor" and "Bureau of Labor", respectively.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Statistics of Cities

Commissioner authorized to compile, as part of bulletin of Department, an abstract of main features of official statistics of cities having over 30,000 population, by a provision of act July 1, 1898, ch. 546, §1, 30 Stat. 648.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of functions of other officers, employees, and agencies of Department of Labor, with certain exceptions, to Secretary of Labor, with power to delegate, see Reorg. Plan No. 6 of 1950, §§1, 2, 15 F.R. 3174, 64 Stat. 1263, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

§6. Annual and special reports to President and Congress

The Commissioner of Labor Statistics shall annually make a report in writing to the President and Congress, of the information collected and collated by him, and containing such recommendations as he may deem calculated to promote the efficiency of the department. He is also authorized to make special reports on particular subjects whenever required to do so by the President or either House of Congress, or when he shall think the subjects in his charge require it. He shall, on or before the 15th day of March in each year, make a report in detail to Congress of all moneys expended under his direction during the preceding fiscal year.

(June 13, 1888, ch. 389, §8, 25 Stat. 183; Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 141, §3, 37 Stat. 737; Pub. L. 94–273, §5(3), Apr. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 377.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Act Mar. 4, 1913, authorized substitution of "Commissioner of Labor Statistics" for "Commissioner of Labor".

Amendments

1976—Pub. L. 94–273 substituted "March" for "December".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Termination of Reporting Requirements

For termination, effective May 15, 2000, of provisions in this section requiring the Commissioner of Labor Statistics, on or before March 15 each year, to report to Congress on all moneys expended under the Commissioner's direction, see section 3003 of Pub. L. 104–66, as amended, set out as a note under section 1113 of Title 31, Money and Finance, and page 124 of House Document No. 103–7.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of functions of other officers, employees, and agencies of Department of Labor, with certain exceptions, to Secretary of Labor, with power to delegate, see Reorg. Plan No. 6 of 1950, §§1, 2, 15 F.R. 174, 64 Stat. 1263, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

§7. Repealed. Pub. L. 86–3, §§15, 23, Mar. 18, 1959, 73 Stat. 11, 13; Pub. L. 96–470, title I, §110, Oct. 19, 1980, 94 Stat. 2239

Section, acts Apr. 30, 1900, ch. 339, §76, 31 Stat. 155; Apr. 8, 1904, ch. 948, 33 Stat. 164; Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 141, §3, 37 Stat. 737, directed United States Commissioner of Labor Statistics to assemble and report on statistical details relating to all departments of labor in Territory of Hawaii.

§8. Unemployment data relating to Americans of Spanish origin or descent

The Department of Labor, in cooperation with the Department of Commerce, shall develop methods for improving and expanding the collection, analysis, and publication of unemployment data relating to Americans of Spanish origin or descent.

(Pub. L. 94–311, §1, June 16, 1976, 90 Stat. 688.)

SUBCHAPTER II—SPECIAL STATISTICS

§9. Authorization of special studies, compilations, and transcripts on request; cost

The Department of Labor is authorized, within the discretion of the Secretary of Labor, upon the written request of any person, to make special statistical studies relating to employment, hours of work, wages, and other conditions of employment; to prepare from its records special statistical compilations; and to furnish transcripts of its studies, tables, and other records, upon the payment of the actual cost of such work by the person requesting it.

(Apr. 13, 1934, ch. 118, §1, 48 Stat. 582; Apr. 11, 1935, ch. 59, 49 Stat. 154; June 15, 1937, ch. 349, 50 Stat. 259; Apr. 15, 1939, ch. 71, 53 Stat. 581.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

This section and sections 9a and 9b of this title comprised sections 1 to 3 of act Apr. 13, 1934. Section 4 of that act provided as follows: "This Act shall cease to be effective one year after the date of its enactment." The act was temporarily extended by acts Apr. 11, 1935, and June 15, 1937, and was made permanent by act Apr. 15, 1939.

§9a. Credit of receipts

All moneys hereinafter ¹ received by the Department of Labor in payment of the cost of such work shall be deposited to the credit of the appropriation of that bureau, service, office, division, or other agency of the Department of Labor which supervised such work, and may be used, in the discretion of the Secretary of Labor, and notwithstanding any other provision of law, for the ordinary expenses of such agency and/or to secure the special services of persons who are neither officers nor employees of the United States.

(Apr. 13, 1934, ch. 118, §2, 48 Stat. 582; Apr. 11, 1935, ch. 59, 49 Stat. 154; June 15, 1937, ch. 349, 50 Stat. 259; Apr. 15, 1939, ch. 71, 53 Stat. 581.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

This section and sections 9 and 9b of this title comprised sections 1 to 3 of act Apr. 13, 1934, which were to terminate one year after Apr. 13, 1934, pursuant to section 4 of act Apr. 13, 1934, set out as a Codification note under section 9 of this title. Such sections were temporarily extended by acts Apr. 11, 1935, and June 15, 1937, and were made permanent by act Apr. 15, 1939.

¹ So in original. Probably should be "hereafter".

§9b. Rules and regulations

The Secretary of Labor shall prescribe rules and regulations for the enforcement of sections 9 and 9a of this title.

(Apr. 13, 1934, ch. 118, §3, 48 Stat. 583; Apr. 11, 1935, ch. 59, 49 Stat. 154; June 15, 1937, ch. 349, 50 Stat. 259; Apr. 15, 1939, ch. 71, 53 Stat. 581; Aug. 7, 1946, ch. 770, §1(16), 60 Stat. 867.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

This section and sections 9 and 9a of this title comprised sections 1 to 3 of act Apr. 13, 1934, which were to terminate one year after Apr. 13, 1934, pursuant to section 4 of act Apr. 13, 1934, set out as a Codification note under section 9 of this title. Such sections were temporarily extended by acts Apr. 11, 1935, and June 15, 1937, and were made permanent by act Apr. 15, 1939.

Amendments

1946—Act Aug. 7, 1946, repealed provisions requiring Secretary of the Interior to make annual reports to Congress.

CHAPTER 2—WOMEN'S BUREAU

        

§11. Bureau established

There shall be established in the Department of Labor a bureau to be known as the Women's Bureau.

(June 5, 1920, ch. 248, §1, 41 Stat. 987.)

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of functions of other officers, employees, and agencies of Department of Labor, with certain exceptions, to Secretary of Labor, with power to delegate, see Reorg. Plan No. 6 of 1950, §§1, 2, 15 F.R. 3174, 64 Stat. 1263, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

§12. Director of bureau; appointment

The Women's Bureau shall be in charge of a director, a woman, to be appointed by the President.

(June 5, 1920, ch. 248, §2, 41 Stat. 987; Pub. L. 112–166, §2(i)(2), Aug. 10, 2012, 126 Stat. 1286.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Part of section 2 of act June 5, 1920, constitutes section 13 of this title.

Words "who shall receive an annual compensation of $5,000" were omitted in view of the Classification Acts. See sections 5101 et seq. and 5331 et seq. of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Amendments

2012—Pub. L. 112–166 struck out ", by and with the advice and consent of the Senate" before period at end.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2012 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 112–166 effective 60 days after Aug. 10, 2012, and applicable to appointments made on and after that effective date, including any nomination pending in the Senate on that date, see section 6(a) of Pub. L. 112–166, set out as a note under section 113 of Title 6, Domestic Security.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of functions of other officers, employees, and agencies of Department of Labor, with certain exceptions, to Secretary of Labor, with power to delegate, see Reorg. Plan No. 6 of 1950, §§1, 2, 15 F.R. 3174, 64 Stat. 1263, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

§13. Powers and duties of bureau

It shall be the duty of the Women's Bureau to formulate standards and policies which shall promote the welfare of wage-earning women, improve their working conditions, increase their efficiency, and advance their opportunities for profitable employment. The said bureau shall have authority to investigate and report to the Department of Labor upon all matters pertaining to the welfare of women in industry. The director of said bureau may from time to time publish the results of these investigations in such a manner and to such extent as the Secretary of Labor may prescribe.

(June 5, 1920, ch. 248, §2, 41 Stat. 987.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Part of section 2 of act June 5, 1920, constitutes section 12 of this title.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of functions of other officers, employees, and agencies of Department of Labor, with certain exceptions, to Secretary of Labor, with power to delegate, see Reorg. Plan No. 6 of 1950, §§1, 2, 15 F.R. 3174, 64 Stat. 1263, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

§14. Assistant director of bureau; appointment; duties

There shall be in the Women's Bureau an assistant director, to be appointed by the Secretary of Labor, who shall perform such duties as shall be prescribed by the director and approved by the Secretary of Labor.

(June 5, 1920, ch. 248, §3, 41 Stat. 987.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Words "who shall receive an annual compensation of $5,000 and" were omitted in view of the Classification Acts. See sections 5101 et seq. and 5331 et seq. of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of functions of other officers, employees, and agencies of Department of Labor, with certain exceptions, to Secretary of Labor, with power to delegate, see Reorg. Plan No. 6 of 1950, §§1, 2, 15 F.R. 3174, 64 Stat. 1263, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

§15. Repealed. Pub. L. 89–554, §8(a), Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 644

Section, act June 5, 1920, ch. 248, §4, 41 Stat. 987, authorized employment by Woman's Bureau of Department of Labor of such employees at such rates of compensation as Congress may provide by appropriation.

§16. Repealed. Oct. 31, 1951, ch. 654, §1(54), 65 Stat. 703

Section, act June 5, 1920, ch. 248, §5, 41 Stat. 987, related to quarters for bureau.

CHAPTER 2A—CHILDREN'S BUREAU

§§18 to 18c. Transferred

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section 18, acts Apr. 9, 1912, ch. 73, §1, 37 Stat. 79; Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 141, §3, 37 Stat. 737, which established a Children's Bureau in Department of Labor, was transferred to section 191 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

Section 18a, acts Apr. 9, 1912, ch. 73, §2, 37 Stat. 79; Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 141, §§3, 6, 37 Stat. 737, 738; Feb. 27, 1925, ch. 364, title IV, 43 Stat. 1050, which created office of chief of Children's Bureau, and enumerated powers and duties of said Bureau, was transferred to section 192 of Title 42.

Section 18b, acts Apr. 9, 1912, ch. 73, §3, 37 Stat. 80; Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 141, §§3, 6, 37 Stat. 737, 738, which created office of Assistant Chief of Children's Bureau, was transferred to section 193 of Title 42.

Section 18c, acts Apr. 9, 1912, ch. 73, §4, 37 Stat. 80; Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 141, §3, 37 Stat. 737, which related to quarters for Children's Bureau, was transferred to section 194 of Title 42.

CHAPTER 3—NATIONAL TRADE UNIONS

§§21 to 25. Repealed. July 22, 1932, ch. 524, 47 Stat. 741

Section 21, act June 29, 1886, ch. 567, §1, 24 Stat. 86, defined a National Trade Union for purposes of this chapter.

Section 22, act June 29, 1886, ch. 567, §2, 24 Stat. 86, related to rights of a National Trade Union upon incorporation in the office of the recorder of the District of Columbia.

Section 23, act June 29, 1886, ch. 567, §3, 24 Stat. 86, related to power of an incorporated National Trade Union to establish and amend its own constitution, rules, and by-laws.

Section 24, act June 29, 1886, ch. 567, §4, 24 Stat. 86, related to power of an incorporated National Trade Union to establish and grant powers to its own officers.

Section 25, act June 29, 1886, ch. 567, §5, 24 Stat. 86, related to establishment of a headquarters of a National Trade Union in District of Columbia.

CHAPTER 4—VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION OF PERSONS INJURED IN INDUSTRY

§§31 to 41c. Repealed. Pub. L. 93–112, title V, §500(a), Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 390

Section 31, acts June 2, 1920, ch. 219, §1, 41 Stat. 735; June 5, 1924, ch. 265, 43 Stat. 431; June 9, 1930, ch. 414, §1, 46 Stat. 524; June 30, 1932, ch. 324, §1, 47 Stat. 448; July 6, 1943, ch. 190, §1, 57 Stat. 374; Aug. 3, 1954, ch. 655, §2, 68 Stat. 652; Nov. 8, 1965, Pub. L. 89–333, §2(a), 79 Stat. 1282; Oct. 3, 1967, Pub. L. 90–99, §2, 81 Stat. 250; July 7, 1968, Pub. L. 90–391, §§2, 7(c), 82 Stat. 298, 300; Dec. 31, 1970, Pub. L. 91–610, §1, 84 Stat. 1817, related to grants to assist in rehabilitating handicapped individuals, providing in subsec. (a) authorization to make grants and a statement of purpose and in subsec. (b) authorization of appropriations.

Section 32, acts June 2, 1920, ch. 219, §2, 41 Stat. 735; July 6, 1943, ch. 190, §1, 57 Stat. 374; Aug. 3, 1954, ch. 655, §2, 68 Stat. 652; Nov. 8, 1965, Pub. L. 89–333, §2(a), 79 Stat. 1282; July 7, 1968, Pub. L. 90–391, §§3, 4, 5, 82 Stat. 298, related to grants to States for vocational rehabilitation services, providing in: subsec. (a) for computation of allotments; subsec. (b) for amount of payments and adjusted Federal shares; and subsec. (c) for private contributions for construction or establishment of facilities.

Section 33, acts June 2, 1920, ch. 219, §3, 41 Stat. 736; June 5, 1924, ch. 265, 43 Stat. 431; June 9, 1930, ch. 414, §2, 46 Stat. 524; June 30, 1932, ch. 324, §2, 47 Stat. 449; July 6, 1943, ch. 190, §1, 57 Stat. 376; Aug. 3, 1954, ch. 655, §2, 68 Stat. 654; Nov. 8, 1965, Pub. L. 89–333, §2(a), 79 Stat. 1283; July 7, 1968, Pub. L. 90–391, §6, 82 Stat. 299, related to grants for innovation of vocational rehabilitation services, providing in: subsec. (a) for the basis of allotments; subsec. (b) for duration of payments; subsec. (c) for restriction on payments; and subsec. (d) for additional amounts.

Section 34, acts June 2, 1920, ch. 219, §4, 41 Stat. 736; June 9, 1930, ch. 414, §3, 46 Stat. 525; July 6, 1943, ch. 190, §1, 57 Stat. 377; Aug. 3, 1954, ch. 655, §2, 68 Stat. 655; Aug. 3, 1956, ch. 903, 70 Stat. 956; Aug. 28, 1957, Pub. L. 85–198, §1, 71 Stat. 473; Aug. 28, 1957, Pub. L. 85–213, 71 Stat. 488; Nov. 8, 1965, Pub. L. 89–333, §§4(a), 5(a), 12(a), (b)(1), (2), 79 Stat. 1289, 1290, 1293; Oct. 3, 1967, Pub. L. 90–99, §3, 81 Stat. 251; July 7, 1968, Pub. L. 90–391, §7(a), (b), (d), 82 Stat. 299, 300; Dec. 31, 1970, Pub. L. 91–610, §2, 84 Stat. 1817, related to grants for special projects, providing in: subsec. (a) general provisions; subsec. (b) for payments; and subsec. (c) for National Advisory Council on Vocational Rehabilitation.

Section 35, acts June 2, 1920, ch. 219, §5, 41 Stat. 736; June 30, 1932, ch. 324, §3, 47 Stat. 450; July 6, 1943, ch. 190, §1, 57 Stat. 377; Aug. 3, 1954, ch. 655, §2, 68 Stat. 656; Nov. 8, 1965, Pub. L. 89–333, §§8(a), 12(b)(1), 79 Stat. 1291, 1293; Oct. 3, 1967, Pub. L. 90–99, §6, 81 Stat. 253; July 7, 1968, Pub. L. 90–391, §8, 82 Stat. 300, related to State plans, providing in: subsec. (a) for requirements for approval; subsec. (b) for approval; subsec. (c) for withholding or limitation of payments; and subsec. (d) for judicial review.

Section 36, acts June 2, 1920, ch. 219, §6, 41 Stat. 737; June 5, 1924, ch. 265, 43 Stat. 432; June 9, 1930, ch. 414, §4, 46 Stat. 526; June 30, 1932, ch. 324, §4, 47 Stat. 450; July 6, 1943, ch. 190, §1, 57 Stat. 378; Aug. 3, 1954, ch. 655, §2, 68 Stat. 658, related to method of computing and making payments.

Pub. L. 89–554, §8(a), Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 644, repealed section 36 of this title, insofar as section 36 authorized an appropriation to finance the operation of the Federal Board for Vocational Education, and insofar as it provided for certain salary restrictions.

Section 37, acts June 2, 1920, ch. 219, §7, 41 Stat. 737; July 6, 1943, ch. 190, §1, 57 Stat. 378; Aug. 3, 1954, ch. 655, §2, 68 Stat. 658; Aug. 28, 1957, Pub. L. 85–198, §2, 71 Stat. 474; Nov. 8, 1965, Pub. L. 89–333, §§5(b), 7, 12(b)(1), 79 Stat. 1290, 1291, 1293; July 7, 1968, Pub. L. 90–391, §9, 82 Stat. 301, related to administration, providing in: subsec. (a) general provisions; subsec. (b) for rules and regulations; subsec. (c) for research and dissemination of information; subsec. (d) for authorization of appropriations; and subsec. (e) for evaluation of vocational rehabilitation program.

Section 38, act June 2, 1920, ch. 219, §8, as added July 6, 1943, ch. 190, §1, 57 Stat. 379; amended Aug. 3, 1954, ch. 655, §2, 68 Stat. 659; Nov. 8, 1965, Pub. L. 89–333, §12(b)(3), 79 Stat. 1293, related to promotion of employment opportunities.

Section 39, act June 2, 1920, ch. 219, §9, as added July 6, 1943, ch. 190, §1, 57 Stat. 379; amended Aug. 3, 1954, ch. 655, §2, 68 Stat. 659, related to annual reports to Congress.

Section 40, act June 2, 1920, ch. 219, §10, as added July 6, 1943, ch. 190, §1, 57 Stat. 379; amended Aug. 3, 1954, ch. 655, §2, 68 Stat. 659, related to appropriations for administration.

Section 41, act June 2, 1920, ch. 219, §11, as added July 6, 1943, ch. 190, §1, 57 Stat. 379; amended Aug. 3, 1954, ch. 655, §2, 68 Stat. 659; Aug. 1, 1956, ch. 852, §16, 70 Stat. 910; June 25, 1959, Pub. L. 86–70, §24, 73 Stat. 147; July 12, 1960, Pub. L. 86–624, §20, 74 Stat. 416; Nov. 8, 1965, Pub. L. 89–333, §§6(a), 9, 10(a), 11, 12(b)(1), (c), (d), 13, 79 Stat. 1291–1294, Oct. 3, 1967, Pub. L. 90–99, §7, 81 Stat. 253; July 7, 1968, Pub. L. 90–391, §10, 82 Stat. 301, related to definitions.

Section 41a, act June 2, 1920, ch. 219, §12, as added Nov. 8, 1965, Pub. L. 89–333, §3, 79 Stat. 1284; amended July 7, 1968, Pub. L. 90–391, §11, 82 Stat. 303; Dec. 31, 1970, Pub. L. 91–610, §3, 84 Stat. 1817, related to grants for construction and staffing of rehabilitation facilities, providing in: subsec. (a) for authorization to make grants; subsec. (b) for project requirements, assurances, plans and specifications, and labor standards; subsec. (c) for percentage shares; subsec. (d) for reservation of grant funds, payment, and additional payments; subsec. (e) for recovery of Federal share upon cessation of public or non-profit character of rehabilitation facilities; subsec. (f) for grants for staffing facilities with professional or technical personnel and limitation on Federal share; subsec. (g) for planning grants; subsec. (h) for adjustments for overpayments or underpayments; subsec. (i) for authorization of appropriations; and subsec. (j) for definitions of "construction", "cost" of construction, and what a project for construction of a rehabilitation facility which is primarily a workshop, may include.

Section 41b, act June 2, 1920, ch. 219, §13, as added Nov. 8, 1965, Pub. L. 89–333, §3, 79 Stat. 1286; amended July 7, 1968, Pub. L. 90–391, §12, 82 Stat. 303; Dec. 31, 1970, Pub. L. 91–610, §4, 84 Stat. 1817, related to rehabilitation facility improvement, providing in: subsec. (a) for grants for projects for training services, authorization, definition of training services, allowances, and payments; subsec. (b) for rehabilitation facility improvement grants; authorization, improvement of service capability, and payments; subsec. (c) for technical assistance to rehabilitation facilities, and compensation of experts and consultants; subsec. (d) for National Policy and Performance Council, its establishment, membership, function, and compensation of members; subsec. (e) for labor standards; and subsec. (f) for authorization of appropriations.

Section 41c, act June 2, 1920, ch. 219, §14, as added Nov. 8, 1965, Pub. L. 89–333, §3, 79 Stat. 1288, related to waiver in the case of locally financed activity of requirement that plan be statewide.

Sections 31 to 41c, referred to above, and sections 42–1 to 42b of this title, were known as the Vocational Rehabilitation Act. Section 500(a) of Pub. L. 93–112, which repealed that Act, also provided that references to such Vocational Rehabilitation Act in any other provision of law would, ninety days after Sept. 26, 1973, be deemed to be references to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which is classified generally to chapter 15 (§701 et seq.) of this title.

On enactment of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, such former provisions were covered by various new sections of this title as follows:

Former sections	New sections
31(a)	701(1), 720(a)
31(b)(1), (2)	720(b)(1), (2)
31(b)(3)(A)	761(a), 774(a)
31(b)(3)(B)	720(b)(2)
31(b)(3)(C), (D)	774(a)(1)
31(b)(4)	See 720(b), 761(a), 774(a)
32(a)	730(a)
32(b)	731(a)
32(c)	724
33(a)(1)	740(a)(1)
33(a)(2)	741(a)
33(b)	741(b)
33(c)	709
33(d)	740(b)
34(a)	762(a), (b), 763, 774(b), 776(h)
34(a)(1)	762(a), (b)
34(a)(2)(A)	741(a), (b)
34(a)(2)(B)	774(d)
34(a)(2)(C)	763(b), 774(b)
34(a)(2)(D)	723(a)(7)
34(b)	741(c)
34(c)	Repealed
35(a)	721(a)
35(a), (1), (2)	721(a)(1), (2)
35(a)(3)	721(a)(3), (4)
35(a)(4)	721(a)(5)(A)(i)
35(a)(5), (6)	721(a)(5), (6)
35(a)(7)	723(a)(1), (2)
35(a)(8), (9)	721(a)(10), (11)
35(a)(10)	721(a)(11), (12)
35(a)(11)	721(a)(13)(A)
35(a)(12), (13)	721(a)(14), (15)
35(a)(14)	721(a)(17)
35(b)–(d)	721(b)–(d)
36	731(b)
37(a), (b)	780(a), (b)
37(c)(1)	780(c)
37(c)(2)	785(a)(5)
37(d)	See 780(d)
37(e)	783
38	See 791, 791(f)(1)
39	784
40	780(d)
41(a)(1)	706(14), 723(a)(1)
41(a)(1)(A)–(C)	723(a)(1)–(3)
41(a)(1)(D), (E)	723(a)(6), (7)
41(a)(2)	723(b)
41(a)(2)(A)(i)–(iv)	723(a)(4)(A)–(D)
41(a)(2)(B)	723(a)(5)
41(a)(2)(C)	723(a)(9)
41(a)(2)(D), (E)	723(b)(1), (2)
41(a)(2)(F)	723(a)(10)
41(a)(2)(G)	723(a)
41(a)(2)(H)	723(a)(3)
41(b)	706(4)(G), (6)
41(c)	706(10)
41(d)	See 706(L)
41(e)	706(8)
41(f)	706(3)
41(g)	706(13)
41(h)	707(a)
41(i)	706(5)
41(j)	707(b)
41(k)	706(11)
41(l)	706(1)
41a(a)	771(b)(1)
41a(b)	771(b)(2), 776
41a(b)(1)(A)–(C)	776(b)(1)(A)–(C)
41a(b)(2)	776(b)(4)
41a(b)(3)	See 780(b)
41a(b)(4)	776(b)(5)
41a(c)	771(b)(3)
41a(d), (e)	776(c), (d)
41a(f), (g)	771(c), (d)
41a(h)	776(e)
41a(i)	771(a)
41a(j)(1), (2)	706(1)
41a(j)(3)	776(f)
41b(a)(1)–(3)	772(b)(1)–(3)
41b(a)(4)	776(e)
41b(1), (2)	772(c)(1), (2)
41b(b)(3)	776(e)
41b(c)	774(e)
41b(d)(1)–(4)	Repealed
41b(e)	776(b)(4)
41b(f)	772(a), 774
41c	721(a)(4)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of Repeal

Repeal effective 90 days after Sept. 26, 1973, see section 500(a) of Pub. L. 93–112, which is classified to section 790(a) of this title.

Increase of Allotment Percentages for Alaska

Pub. L. 86–624, §47(g), July 12, 1960, 74 Stat. 424, provided that the allotment percentage determined for Alaska under section 41(h) of this title for the first to fourth years for which such percentage was based on the per capita income data for Alaska was to be increased by varying amounts each of those four years, that the Federal share for Alaska determined under section 41(i) of this title, for the first year for which such share was based on per capita income data for Alaska, was to be increased, and that where the first year for which such Federal share was based on per capital income data for Alaska was a fiscal year ending prior to July 1, 1962, the adjusted Federal share for Alaska for such year for purposes of section 32(b) of this title was to be the Federal share determined pursuant to section 41(i) of this title.

Limitation on Expenditure of Funds for Special Projects

Act Aug. 1, 1955, ch. 437, title II, 69 Stat. 403, provided in part that not more than $2 of the funds made available for special projects under section 34(a)(2) of this title was to be expended for any project for each $1 that the grantee, or the grantee and the State, expended for the same purpose.

District of Columbia Vocational Rehabilitation Program

Act Aug. 3, 1954, ch. 655, §3, 68 Stat. 662, provided that materials which the Director of the Bureau of the Budget [now the Director of the Office of Management and Budget] determined related to the provision of vocational rehabilitation services in the District of Columbia or the performance of certain functions by State licensing agencies were to be transferred within ninety days after Aug. 3, 1954, from the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to the municipal government of the District of Columbia, authorized the Board of Commissioners of the District of Columbia [now the Mayor of the District of Columbia] to take the necessary steps to secure the benefits of act June 2, 1920, ch. 219, 41 Stat. 735, and also authorized the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to continue the performance of certain functions relating to rehabilitation services in the District of Columbia until the completion of the transfer of responsibility.

Homebound Physically Handicapped Individuals

Act Aug. 3, 1954, ch. 655, §7, 68 Stat. 665, required the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make a thorough study of existing programs for teaching and training handicapped persons, commonly known as shut-ins, whose disabilities confine them to their homes or beds, for the purpose of ascertaining whether additional or supplementary programs or services are necessary, particularly in rural areas, in order to provide adequate general ameliorative and vocational training for such handicapped persons, and provided that the Secretary shall report to the Congress not later than six months after Aug. 3, 1954, the results of such study, together with such recommendations as may be desirable.

State Compliance With Chapter

Act July 6, 1943, ch. 190, §3(b), 57 Stat. 380, authorized particular States which were unable to comply with the preconditions of act June 2, 1920, ch. 219, 41 Stat. 735, on July 6, 1943, to secure the benefits of such act, for a period of sixty days after their particular State legislatures meet for the first time after such date.

Appropriations for Vocational Rehabilitation

Act June 26, 1940, ch. 428, 54 Stat. 583, making appropriations for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1941, made certain appropriations for cooperative vocational rehabilitation, and expenses connected therewith, with provisions for apportionment to the States to be computed in accordance with act June 2, 1920, ch. 219, 41 Stat. 735, and other acts.

§§41d, 42. Repealed. Pub. L. 90–391, §13, July 7, 1968, 82 Stat. 304

Section 41d, act June 2, 1920, ch. 219, §15, as added Nov. 8, 1965, Pub. L. 89–333, §3, 79 Stat. 1289, established a National Commission on Architectural Barriers to Rehabilitation of the Handicapped in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, and provided for its membership and functions, appointment of experts and consultants, technical and administrative assistance, compensation of Commission members, interim and final reports, and authorization of appropriations.

Section 42, act June 2, 1920, ch. 219, §16, formerly §12, as added Aug. 3, 1954, ch. 655, §2, 68 Stat. 662; amended Sept. 10, 1965, Pub. L. 89–178, §2, 79 Stat. 676 and renumbered Nov. 8, 1965, Pub. L. 89–333, §3, 79 Stat. 1284, authorized grants for special projects in correctional rehabilitation, prescribed conditions thereof, defined "organization", established a National Advisory Council on Correctional Manpower and Training in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, and provided for its composition, selection of members, functions, compensation and travel expenses, appropriations, terms of grant, and additional financial support.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Correctional Rehabilitation Research and Study; Time Extension for Final Report

Pub. L. 91–6, Mar. 28, 1969, 83 Stat. 6, provided that the date by which the research and study initiated and the final report required by section 42 of this title (as in effect prior to July 7, 1968) was to be completed was July 31, 1969.

§§42–1 to 42b. Repealed. Pub. L. 93–112, title V, §500(a), Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 390

Section 42–1, act June 2, 1920, ch. 219, §15, as added July 7, 1968, Pub. L. 90–391, §13, 82 Stat. 304; amended Dec. 31, 1970, Pub. L. 91–610, §5, 84 Stat. 1817, related to vocational evaluation and work adjustment program, providing in: subsec. (a) for computation of allotments, authorization of appropriations, Federal payments, restriction on payments, evaluation and work adjustment services, and disadvantaged individuals; subsec. (b) for restriction on payments; subsec. (c) for State plans and requirements for approval; subsec. (d) for withholding of payments and judicial review; and subsec. (e) for payments to States adjustments, advances or reimbursement, installments, and conditions.

Section 42a, act June 2, 1920, ch. 219, §16, formerly §17, as added Oct. 3, 1967, Pub. L. 90–99, §4, 81 Stat. 251; renumbered July 7, 1968, Pub. L. 90–391, §13, 82 Stat. 304, related to National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults, providing in: subsec. (a) for statement of purpose, agreement for establishment and operation of the National Center, and its designation; subsec. (b) for proposals and preference; subsec. (c) for terms and conditions of agreement; subsec. (d) for recovery of funds for non-user of facilities for contemplated purposes or termination of agreement, and cause for release from obligation; and subsec. (e) for definition of "construction" for determination pursuant to regulations of the Secretary of who are both deaf and blind. Subsections (c)(2) to (4) of section 42a were amended by Pub. L. 93–608, §1(8), Jan. 2, 1975, 88 Stat. 1968, without reference to the repeal of this section by Pub. L. 93–112. The purported amendment would have eliminated the annual report of the National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults, through the Secretary of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, to the Congress with comments and recommendations as the Secretary deemed appropriate.

Section 42b, act June 2, 1920, ch. 219, §17, formerly §18, as added Oct. 3, 1967, Pub. L. 90–99, §5, 81 Stat. 252; renumbered July 7, 1968, Pub. L. 90–391, §13, 82 Stat. 304, related to grants for services for migratory agricultural workers, authorization, payments, and other related provisions.

Sections 42–1 to 42b, referred to above, and sections 31 to 41c of this title, were known as the Vocational Rehabilitation Act. Section 500(a) of Pub. L. 93–112, which repealed that Act, also provided that references to such Vocational Rehabilitation Act in any other provision of law would, ninety days after Sept. 26, 1973, be deemed to be references to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which is classified generally to chapter 15 (§701 et seq.) of this title.

Such former provisions are covered by various sections as follows:

Former sections	Present sections
42–1(a)(1)	See 730(a), 740(a)
42–1(a)(2)	720(b)(1)
42–1(a)(3)	Repealed
42–1(a)(4)(A)–(F)	706(4)(A)–(F)
42–1(a), last sentence	Repealed
42–1(b)	709
42–1(c)	See 721(a)
42–1(c)(1)	721(a)(1)
42–1(c)(2)	721(a)(3)
42–1(c)(3)	721(a)(5)(A)
42–1(c)(4), (5)	721(a)(6), (7)
42–1(c)(6)	Repealed
42–1(c)(7)	721(a)(10)
42–1(c)(8)	See 721(a)(11)
42–1(d)	See 721(c), (d)
42–1(e)	See 776(e)
42a(a), (b)	775(b), (c)
42a(c)(1)–(3)	776(b)(2), (3), (5)
42a(c)(4)	Repealed
42a(d)	776(d)
42a(e)(1)	706(1)
42a(e)(2)	See 723(a)(6)
42b	774(c)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of Repeal

Repeal effective 90 days after Sept. 26, 1973, see section 500(a) of Pub. L. 93–112, which is classified to section 790(a) of this title.

§§43 to 45b. Omitted

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section 43, formerly constituting part of section 7 of act June 2, 1920, ch. 219, 41 Stat. 737, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 6166, §15, June 10, 1933; 1939 Reorg. Plan No. I, §§201, 204, eff. July 1, 1939, related to report, by Federal Security Agency, of gifts or donations. Act June 2, 1920, was amended generally by act July 6, 1943, ch. 190, 57 Stat. 374, which did not contain similar provisions.

Section 44, formerly constituting part of section 7 of act June 2, 1920, ch. 219, 41 Stat. 737, related to prohibition of discrimination for or against persons entitled to benefits of act of June 2, 1920. Act June 2, 1920, was amended generally by act July 6, 1943, ch. 190, 57 Stat. 374, which did not contain similar provisions.

Section 45, act Mar. 10, 1924, ch. 46, §5, 43 Stat. 18, related to extension of provisions of sections 31 to 44 of this title to the Territory of Hawaii and appropriation authorization for allotment.

Section 45a, acts Mar. 3, 1931, ch. 404, §2, 46 Stat. 1489; May 17, 1932, ch. 190, 47 Stat. 158, related to extension of provisions of sections 31 to 44 of this title upon the same terms and conditions as any of the several states.

Section 45b, acts Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, title V, §531, 49 Stat. 633; Aug. 10, 1939, ch. 666, title V, §508, 53 Stat. 1381, related to an authorization of appropriations for each fiscal year after fiscal year ending June 30, 1937, and appropriations therefor together with apportionment of appropriations to the states and to the Territory of Hawaii.

CHAPTER 4A—EMPLOYMENT STABILIZATION

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior chapter 4A, consisting of sections 47 to 47f, act Feb. 23, 1929, ch. 303, §§1–7, 45 Stat. 1260, related to vocational rehabilitation of disabled residents of the District of Columbia.

§§48, 48a. Omitted

Editorial Notes

Codification

Sections 48 to 48g of this title comprised the Employment Stabilization Act of 1931, act Feb. 10, 1931, ch. 117, §§1–8, 46 Stat. 1084–1086, which became obsolete upon the abolition of the National Resources Planning Board effective Aug. 31, 1943, by act June 26, 1943, ch. 145, title I, §1, 57 Stat. 170.

Section 48, act Feb. 10, 1931, ch. 117, §1, 46 Stat. 1084, related to citation of "Employment Stabilization Act of 1931".

Section 48a, act Feb. 10, 1931, ch. 117, §2, 46 Stat. 1084; Ex. Ord. No. 6623, Mar. 1, 1934; 1939 Reorg. Plan No. I, §§4, 6 eff. July 1, 1939, 4 F.R. 2727, 53 Stat. 1423; 1939 Reorg. Plan No. II, §4(e), (f), eff. July 1, 1939, 4 F.R. 2731, 53 Stat. 1433; 1940 Reorg. Plan No. III, §3, eff. June 30, 1940, 5 F.R. 2108, 54 Stat. 1232, related to definitions of terms used in this chapter.

§48b. Repealed. Pub. L. 89–554, §8(a), Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 648

Section, act Feb. 10, 1931, ch. 117, §3, 46 Stat. 1085, Ex. Ord. No. 6623, Mar. 1, 1934; 1939 Reorg. Plan No. I, §§4, 6, eff. July 1, 1939, 4 F.R. 2727, 53 Stat. 1423, related to powers and duties of the National Resources Planning Board, which was abolished by act June 26, 1943, ch. 145, title I, §1, 57 Stat. 170.

§§48c to 48g. Omitted

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section 48c, act Feb. 10, 1931, ch. 117, §4, 46 Stat. 1085; Ex. Ord. No. 6623, Mar. 1, 1934; 1939 Reorg. Plan No. I, §§4, 6, eff. July 1, 1939, 4 F.R. 2727, 53 Stat. 1423, related to basis of action of the National Resources Planning Board which was abolished. See note below.

Section 48d, act Feb. 10, 1931, ch. 117, §5, 46 Stat. 1086; Ex. Ord. No. 6623, Mar. 1, 1934; 1939 Reorg. Plan No. I, §§4, 6, eff. July 1, 1939, 4 F.R. 2727, 53 Stat. 1423, related to public works emergency appropriations during existence of depression periods.

Section 48e, act Feb. 10, 1931, ch. 117, §6, 46 Stat. 1086, related to use of emergency appropriations authorized by section 48d of this title.

Section 48f, act Feb. 10, 1931, ch. 117, §7, 46 Stat. 1086, related to acceleration of emergency construction work.

Section 48g, act Feb. 10, 1931, ch. 117, §8, 46 Stat. 1086; Ex. Ord. No. 6623, Mar. 1, 1934; 1939 Reorg. Plan No. I, §§4, 6, eff. July 1, 1939, 4 F.R. 2727, 53 Stat. 1423, related to advance planning by construction agencies of the government and submission of programs, plans, and estimates to the National Resources Planning Board which was abolished. See note below.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

National Resources Planning Board

The National Resources Planning Board was abolished August 31, 1943, by act June 26, 1943, ch. 145, title I, §1, 57 Stat. 170, and it was expressly provided that its functions were not to be transferred to any other agency, that the Director should exercise until January 1, 1944, such authority as was necessary to effectuate the discontinuance of the Board, and that the records and files of the Board should be transferred to the national archives.

CHAPTER 4B—FEDERAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE

        

§49. United States Employment Service established

In order to promote the establishment and maintenance of a national system of public employment service offices, the United States Employment Service shall be established and maintained within the Department of Labor.

(June 6, 1933, ch. 49, §1, 48 Stat. 113; Pub. L. 97–300, title VI, §601(a), formerly title V, §501(a), Oct. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1392; renumbered title VI, §601(a), Pub. L. 100–628, title VII, §712(a)(1), (2), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3248; Pub. L. 113–128, title III, §301, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1624.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2014—Pub. L. 113–128 inserted "service" before "offices".

1982—Pub. L. 97–300 substituted "the United States Employment Service shall be established and maintained within the Department of Labor" for "there is created in the Department of Labor a bureau to be known as the United States Employment Service".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2014 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 113–128 effective on the first day of the first full program year after July 22, 2014 (July 1, 2015), see section 506 of Pub. L. 113–128, set out as an Effective Date note under section 3101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1982 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–300 effective Oct. 1, 1983, but with Secretary authorized to use funds appropriated for fiscal 1983 to plan for orderly implementation of amendment, see section 181(i) of Pub. L. 97–300, which was formerly classified to section 1591(i) of this title.

Short Title

Act June 6, 1933, ch. 49, §16, formerly §15, as added by Pub. L. 97–300, title VI, §601(h), formerly title V, §501(h), Oct. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1397; renumbered title VI, §601(h), Pub. L. 100–628, title VII, §712(a)(1), (2), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3248; renumbered §16, Pub. L. 105–220, title III, §309(1), Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1082, provided that: "This Act [enacting this chapter] may be cited as the 'Wagner-Peyser Act'."

Administration of Manpower in District of Columbia

Pub. L. 93–198, title II, §204(a), Dec. 24, 1973, 87 Stat. 783, provided that: "All functions of the Secretary of Labor (hereafter in this section referred to as the Secretary) under section 3 of the Act [section 49b of this title] entitled 'An Act to provide for the establishment of a national employment system and for cooperation with the States in the promotion of such system, and for other purposes', approved June 6, 1933 (29 U.S.C. 49–49k), with respect to the maintenance of a public employment service for the District [of Columbia], are transferred [effective July 1, 1974] to the Commissioner [of the District of Columbia established under Reorg. Plan No. 3 of 1967 (now the Mayor)]. After the effective date of this transfer [July 1, 1974], the Secretary shall maintain with the District the same relationship with respect to a public employment service in the District, including the financing of such service, as he has with the States (with respect to a public employment service in the States) generally."

Recruitment and Distribution of Farm Labor

Act July 3, 1948, ch. 823, §1, 62 Stat. 1238, authorized the Federal Security Administrator to recruit foreign workers within the Western Hemisphere and workers in Puerto Rico for temporary agricultural employment in the continental United States and to direct, supervise, coordinate, and provide for the transportation of those workers from such places of recruitment to and between places of employment within the continental United States and return to the places of recruitment not later than June 30, 1949.

Act July 3, 1948, ch. 823, §2, 62 Stat. 1239, appropriated $2,500,000, for fiscal year ending June 30, 1949, to carry out the purposes of section 1 of act July 3, 1948.

Farm Placement Service

Act Apr. 28, 1947, ch. 43, §2, 61 Stat. 55, provided that the provisions of the Farm Labor Supply Appropriation Act, 1944 were not to be construed to limit or interfere with any of the functions of the United States Employment Service or State public employment services with respect to maintaining a farm placement service as authorized under this chapter.

Definitions of Terms in Pub. L. 113–128

Except as otherwise provided, definitions in section 3 of Pub. L. 113–128, which is classified to section 3102 of this title, apply to this section.

Statutory Notes and Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

Functions, powers, and duties of Secretary of Labor under this chapter, insofar as relates to prescription of personnel standards on a merit basis, transferred to Office of Personnel Management, see section 4728(a)(2)(A) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

Functions of all other officers of Department of Labor and functions of all agencies and employees of that Department were, with exception of functions vested by Administrative Procedure Act (see sections 551 et seq. and 701 et seq. of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees) in hearing examiners employed by such Department, transferred to Secretary of Labor, with power vested in him to authorize their performance or performance of any of his functions by any of those officers, agencies, and employees, by Reorg. Plan No. 6 of 1950, §§1, 2, 15 F.R. 3174, 64 Stat. 1263, set out in the Appendix to Title 5.

United States Employment Service transferred to Department of Labor, functions of Federal Security Administrator with respect to employment services, and Bureau of Employment Security transferred to Secretary of Labor by Reorg. Plan No. 2 of 1949, §1, eff. Aug. 20, 1949, 14 F.R. 5225, 63 Stat. 1065, set out in the Appendix to Title 5.

Section 1 of Reorg. Plan No. 2 of 1949, also provided that functions transferred by this section shall be performed by Secretary of Labor or, subject to his direction and control, by such officers, agencies, and employees of Department of Labor as he shall designate.

Act June 16, 1948, ch. 472, title I, 62 Stat. 446, provided in part that: "Effective July 1, 1948, the United States Employment Service, including its functions under title IV of the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944, is transferred to the Federal Security Agency, and on and after such date the functions of the Secretary of Labor with respect to the United States Employment Service are transferred to the Federal Security Administrator and shall be performed by him or, under his direction and control, by such officers and employees of the Federal Security Agency as he may designate. There are transferred to the Federal Security Agency, for use in connection with the functions transferred by the provisions of this paragraph, the personnel, property, and records of the Department of Labor related to the United States Employment Service, and the balances of such prior appropriations, allocations, and other funds available to the United States Employment Service as the Director of the Bureau of the Budget may determine. The provisions of section 9 of the Reorganization Act of 1945 (Public Law 263, Seventy-ninth Congress) shall apply to the transfer effected by this paragraph in like manner as if such transfer were a reorganization of the agencies and functions concerned under the provisions of that Act."

United States Employment Service and all functions of Social Security Board in Federal Security Agency relating to employment service transferred to War Manpower Commission by Ex. Ord. No. 9247, Sept. 17, 1942, 7 F.R. 7379. That Commission was terminated by Ex. Ord. No. 9617, Sept. 19, 1945, 10 F.R. 11929, and the United States Employment Service transferred to the Department of Labor.

Reorg. Plan No. I of 1939, §201, eff. July 1, 1939, 4 F.R. 2728, 53 Stat. 1424, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, consolidated United States Employment Service in Department of Labor and its functions and personnel, with other offices and agencies, under one agency to be known as Federal Security Agency with a Federal Security Administrator at head thereof.

Section 203 of Reorg. Plan No. I of 1939, provided that functions of United States Employment Service should be consolidated with unemployment compensation functions of Social Security Board and should be administered in Social Security Board in connection with unemployment compensation functions under direction and supervision of Federal Security Administrator.

Section 203 of Reorg. Plan No. I of 1939, further, abolished office of Director of United States Employment Service and transferred all functions of that office to Social Security Board, to be exercised by Board, and provided that functions of Secretary of Labor relating to administration of United States Employment Service should be transferred to, and exercised by, Federal Security Administrator.

§49a. Definitions

For purposes of this chapter—

(1) the terms "chief elected official", "institution of higher education", "one-stop center", "one-stop partner", "training services", "workforce development activity", and "workplace learning advisor", have the meaning given the terms in section 3102 of this title;

(2) the term "local workforce development board" means a local workforce development board established under section 3122 of this title;

(3) the term "one-stop delivery system" means a one-stop delivery system described in section 3151(e) of this title;

(4) the term "Secretary" means the Secretary of Labor;

(5) the term "State" means any of the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands; and

(6) the term "employment service office" means a local office of a State agency; and

(7) except in section 49l–2 of this title, the term "State agency", used without further description, means an agency designated or authorized under section 49c of this title.

(June 6, 1933, ch. 49, §2, 48 Stat. 114; Pub. L. 97–300, title VI, §601(a), formerly title V, §501(a), Oct. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1392; renumbered title VI, §601(a), Pub. L. 100–628, title VII, §712(a)(1), (2), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3248; Pub. L. 105–220, title III, §301, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1080; Pub. L. 113–128, title III, §302, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1624.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original "this Act", meaning act June 6, 1933, ch. 49, 48 Stat. 113, known as the Wagner-Peyser Act, which was classified to this chapter and section 338 of former Title 39, The Postal Service. Section 338 of former title 39 was repealed and reenacted as section 4152 of former Title 39, The Postal Service, by Pub. L. 86–682, Sept. 2, 1960, 74 Stat. 578. Section 4152 of former title 39 was repealed and reenacted as section 3202 of Title 39, Postal Service, by Pub. L. 91–375, Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 719.

Amendments

2014—Par. (1). Pub. L. 113–128, §302(1), added par. (1) and struck out former par. (1) which read as follows: "the term 'chief elected official' has the same meaning given that term under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998;".

Par. (2). Pub. L. 113–128, §302(2), substituted "development board" for "investment board" in two places and substituted "section 3122 of this title" for "section 117 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998".

Par. (3). Pub. L. 113–128, §302(3), substituted "section 3151(e) of this title" for "section 134(c) of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998".

Pars. (6), (7). Pub. L. 113–128, §302(4)–(6), added pars. (6) and (7).

1998—Par. (1). Pub. L. 105–220, §301(1), struck out "or officials" after "elected official" and substituted "Workforce Investment Act of 1998" for "Job Training Partnership Act".

Par. (2). Pub. L. 105–220, §301(2), (4), added par. (2) and struck out former par. (2) which read as follows: "the term 'private industry council' has the same meaning given that term under the Job Training Partnership Act;".

Par. (3). Pub. L. 105–220, §301(4), added par. (3). Former par. (3) redesignated (4).

Par. (4). Pub. L. 105–220, §301(2), (3), (5), redesignated par. (3) as (4), substituted "Labor; and" for "Labor;", and struck out former par. (4) which read as follows: "the term 'service delivery area' has the same meaning given that term under the Job Training Partnership Act; and".

1982—Pub. L. 97–300 amended section generally, substituting provisions relating to definitions for provisions which authorized appointment of personnel and payment of office expenses.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2014 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 113–128 effective on the first day of the first full program year after July 22, 2014 (July 1, 2015), see section 506 of Pub. L. 113–128, set out as an Effective Date note under section 3101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1998 Amendment

Pub. L. 105–220, title III, §311, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1086, which provided that the amendments made by subtitle A (§§301–311) of title III of Pub. L. 105–220 (enacting section 49l–2 of this title and amending this section, sections 49b, 49c, 49d, 49e to 49g, 49j, and 49k of this title, and section 655a of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare) would take effect on July 1, 1999, was repealed by Pub. L. 113–128, title V, §511(a), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1705.

Effective Date of 1982 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–300 effective Oct. 1, 1983, but with Secretary authorized to use funds appropriated for fiscal 1983 to plan for orderly implementation of amendment, see section 181(i) of Pub. L. 97–300, which was formerly classified to section 1591(i) of this title.

Definitions of Terms in Pub. L. 113–128

Except as otherwise provided, definitions in section 3 of Pub. L. 113–128, which is classified to section 3102 of this title, apply to this section.

§49b. Duties of Secretary

(a) Assistance to State public employment service offices

The Secretary shall assist in coordinating the State public employment service offices throughout the country and in increasing their usefulness by developing and prescribing minimum standards of efficiency, assisting them in meeting problems peculiar to their localities, promoting uniformity in their administrative and statistical procedure, furnishing and publishing information as to opportunities for employment and other information of value in the operation of the system, and maintaining a system for clearing labor between the States.

(b) Provision of unemployment compensation information

It shall be the duty of the Secretary to assure that unemployment insurance and employment service offices in each State, as appropriate, upon request of a public agency administering or supervising the administration of a State program funded under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.], of a public agency charged with any duty or responsibility under any program or activity authorized or required under part D of title IV of such Act [42 U.S.C. 651 et seq.], or of a State agency charged with the administration of the supplemental nutrition assistance program in a State under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.), shall (and, notwithstanding any other provision of law, is authorized to) furnish to such agency making the request, from any data contained in the files of any such office, information with respect to any individual specified in the request as to (1) whether such individual is receiving, has received, or has made application for, unemployment compensation, and the amount of any such compensation being received by such individual, (2) the current (or most recent) home address of such individual, and (3) whether such individual has refused an offer of employment and, if so, a description of the employment so offered and the terms, conditions, and rate of pay therefor.

(c) Public labor exchange services

The Secretary shall—

(1) assist in the coordination and development of a nationwide system of public labor exchange services, provided as part of the one-stop customer service systems of the States;

(2) assist in the development of continuous improvement models for such nationwide system that ensure private sector satisfaction with the system and meet the demands of jobseekers relating to the system, and identify and disseminate information on best practices for such system; and and ¹

(3) ensure, for individuals otherwise eligible to receive unemployment compensation, the provision of reemployment services and other activities in which the individuals are required to participate to receive the compensation.²

(4) in coordination with the State agencies and the staff of such agencies, assist in the planning and implementation of activities to enhance the professional development and career advancement opportunities of such staff, in order to strengthen the provision of a broad range of career guidance services, the identification of job openings (including providing intensive outreach to small and medium-sized employers and enhanced employer services), the provision of technical assistance and training to other providers of workforce development activities (including workplace learning advisors) relating to counseling and employment-related services, and the development of new strategies for coordinating counseling and technology.

(d) Colocation of employment service offices and one-stop centers

In order to improve service delivery, avoid duplication of services, and enhance coordination of services, including location of staff to ensure access to services under section 49f(a) of this title statewide in underserved areas, employment service offices in each State shall be colocated with one-stop centers.

(e) Development of national electronic tools

The Secretary, in consultation with States, is authorized to assist the States in the development of national electronic tools that may be used to improve access to workforce information for individuals through—

(1) the one-stop delivery systems established as described in section 3151(e) of this title; and

(2) such other delivery systems as the Secretary determines to be appropriate.

(June 6, 1933, ch. 49, §3, 48 Stat. 114; Sept. 8, 1950, ch. 933, §1, 64 Stat. 822; Aug. 3, 1954, ch. 655, §6(a), 68 Stat. 665; Aug. 1, 1956, ch. 852, §17(a), 70 Stat. 910; Pub. L. 86–624, §21(a), July 12, 1960, 74 Stat. 417; Pub. L. 93–198, title II, §204(c), Dec. 24, 1973, 87 Stat. 783; Pub. L. 94–566, title V, §508(a), Oct. 20, 1976, 90 Stat. 2689; Pub. L. 97–300, title VI, §601(a), formerly title V, §501(a), Oct. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1392; renumbered title VI, §601(a), Pub. L. 100–628, title VII, §712(a)(1), (2), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3248; Pub. L. 99–198, title XV, §1535(b)(2), Dec. 23, 1985, 99 Stat. 1584; Pub. L. 104–193, title I, §110(m), Aug. 22, 1996, 110 Stat. 2173; Pub. L. 105–220, title III, §§302(a), 310, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1080, 1086; Pub. L. 110–234, title IV, §4002(b)(1)(A), (B), (2)(Q), May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1095–1097; Pub. L. 110–246, §4(a), title IV, §4002(b)(1)(A), (B), (2)(Q), June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 1857, 1858; Pub. L. 113–128, title III, §303, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1625.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Social Security Act, referred to in subsec. (b), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620. Part A of title IV of the Social Security Act is classified generally to part A (§601 et seq.) of subchapter IV of chapter 7 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. Part D of title IV of such Act is classified generally to part D (§651 et seq.) of subchapter IV of chapter 7 of Title 42. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of Title 42 and Tables.

The Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, referred to in subsec. (b), is Pub. L. 88–525, Aug. 31, 1964, 78 Stat. 703, which is classified generally to chapter 51 (§2011 et seq.) of Title 7, Agriculture. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 2011 of Title 7 and Tables.

Codification

Pub. L. 110–234 and Pub. L. 110–246 made identical amendments to this section. The amendments by Pub. L. 110–234 were repealed by section 4(a) of Pub. L. 110–246.

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 113–128, §303(a), substituted "service offices" for "services".

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 113–128, §303(b)(1), substituted ", and identify and disseminate information on best practices for such system; and" for semicolon.

Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 113–128, §303(b)(2), added par. (4).

Subsecs. (d), (e). Pub. L. 113–128, §303(c), added subsecs. (d) and (e).

2008—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 110–246, §4002(b)(1)(A), (B), (2)(Q), which directed amendment of the "Wagner-Peysner Act" by substituting "supplemental nutrition assistance program" for "food stamp program" wherever appearing and "Food and Nutrition Act of 2008" for "Food Stamp Act of 1977" wherever appearing, was executed by making the substitutions in subsec. (b) of this section, which is section 3 of the Wagner-Peyser Act, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

1998—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 105–220, §302(a)(1), substituted "Secretary" for "United States Employment Service".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 105–220, §310, substituted "Secretary" for "Secretary of Labor".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 105–220, §302(a)(2), added subsec. (c).

1996—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 104–193 substituted "State program funded under part A of title IV" for "State plan approved under part A of title IV".

1985—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 99–198 inserted reference to a State agency charged with the administration of the food stamp program in a State under the Food Stamp Act.

1982—Pub. L. 97–300, amended section generally, substituting provisions which set out functions of the Service and duties of the Secretary of Labor for provisions which had stated the purposes of the Service, including services to veterans and supplying of data for the administration of programs in aid of families with dependent children, and defined "State".

1976—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 94–566 provided that the bureau has a further duty to assure that the employment offices in each State, upon request of a public agency administering or supervising the administration of a State plan approved under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act or of a public agency charged with any duty or responsibility under any program or activity authorized or required under part D of title IV of such Act, furnish to such agency making the request, from any data contained in the files of any such employment office, information with respect to any individual specified in the request as to whether such individual is receiving, has received, or has made application for, unemployment compensation, and the amount of any such compensation being received by such individual, the current (or most recent) home address of such individual, and whether such individual has refused an offer of employment and, if so, a description of the employment so offered and terms, conditions, and rate of pay therefor.

1973—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 93–198, §204(c)(1), struck out function of maintaining a public employment service for the District of Columbia from the functions of the bureau.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 93–198, §204(c)(2), included District of Columbia in definition of "State" or "States".

1960—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 86–624 struck out "Hawaii, Alaska," before "Puerto Rico".

1956—Subsec. (b). Act Aug. 1, 1956, inserted "Guam" after "Puerto Rico".

1954—Subsec. (a). Act Aug. 3, 1954, inserted provisions relating to employment counseling and placement services for handicapped persons.

1950—Subsec. (b). Act Sept. 8, 1950, included Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands in definition of "State" or "States".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2014 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 113–128 effective on the first day of the first full program year after July 22, 2014 (July 1, 2015), see section 506 of Pub. L. 113–128, set out as an Effective Date note under section 3101 of this title.

Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Amendment of this section and repeal of Pub. L. 110–234 by Pub. L. 110–246 effective May 22, 2008, the date of enactment of Pub. L. 110–234, except as otherwise provided, see section 4 of Pub. L. 110–246, set out as an Effective Date note under section 8701 of Title 7, Agriculture.

Amendment by section 4002(b)(1)(A), (B), (2)(Q) of Pub. L. 110–246 effective Oct. 1, 2008, see section 4407 of Pub. L. 110–246, set out as a note under section 1161 of Title 2, The Congress.

Effective Date of 1998 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 105–220 effective July 1, 1999, see section 311 of Pub. L. 105–220, formerly set out as a note under section 49a of this title.

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 104–193 effective July 1, 1997, with transition rules relating to State options to accelerate such date, rules relating to claims, actions, and proceedings commenced before such date, rules relating to closing out of accounts for terminated or substantially modified programs and continuance in office of Assistant Secretary for Family Support, and provisions relating to termination of entitlement under AFDC program, see section 116 of Pub. L. 104–193, as amended, set out as an Effective Date note under section 601 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

Effective Date of 1982 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–300 effective Oct. 1, 1983, but with Secretary authorized to use funds appropriated for fiscal 1983 to plan for orderly implementation of amendment, see section 181(i) of Pub. L. 97–300, which was formerly classified to section 1591(i) of this title.

Effective Date of 1973 Amendment

Pub. L. 93–198, title VII, §771(b), Dec. 24, 1973, 87 Stat. 836, provided in part that title II of Pub. L. 93–198 [amending this section and section 50 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 49 of this title and section 8101 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees], shall take effect on July 1, 1974.

Effective Date of 1954 Amendment

Act Aug. 3, 1954, ch. 655, §8, 68 Stat. 665, provided that: "The amendments made by this Act [enacting section 107e–1 of Title 20, Education, and amending this section, sections 31 to 41, 42, and 49g of this title, sections 107, 107a, 107b, 107e, and 107f of Title 20, and section 155a of former Title 36, Patriotic Societies and Observances] shall become effective July 1, 1954."

Definitions of Terms in Pub. L. 113–128

Except as otherwise provided, definitions in section 3 of Pub. L. 113–128, which is classified to section 3102 of this title, apply to this section.

¹ So in original.

² So in original. The period probably should be "; and".

§49c. Acceptance by States; creation of State agencies

In order to obtain the benefits of appropriations apportioned under section 49d of this title, a State shall, pursuant to State statute, accept the provisions of this chapter and, in accordance with such State statute, the Governor shall designate or authorize the creation of a State agency vested with all powers necessary to cooperate with the Secretary under this chapter.

(June 6, 1933, ch. 49, §4, 48 Stat. 114; Pub. L. 105–220, title III, §303, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1081.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1998—Pub. L. 105–220 substituted ", pursuant to State statute," for ", through its legislature,", inserted ", in accordance with such State statute, the Governor shall" after "the provisions of this chapter and", and substituted "Secretary" for "United States Employment Service".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1998 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 105–220 effective July 1, 1999, see section 311 of Pub. L. 105–220, formerly set out as a note under section 49a of this title.

Transfer of State Agencies to the States

Act July 26, 1946, ch. 672, title I, 60 Stat. 684, provided in part: "On November 15, 1946, the Secretary of Labor shall transfer, to the State agency in each State designated under section 4 of the Act of Congress approved June 6, 1933, as amended [this section], as the agency to administer the State-wide system of public employment offices in cooperation with the United States Employment Service under said Act [this chapter], the operation of State and local public employment office facilities and properties which were transferred by such State to the Federal Government in 1942 to promote the national war effort. The Secretary of Labor shall, on request of the State agency, also provide for the transfer and assignment to such State, without reimbursement therefor, of any other public employment office facilities and properties within such State, including records, files, and office equipment: Provided, That as a condition to such transfer and assignment of Federal properties, the Secretary may require the recipient State to waive any claim which may then exist or thereafter arise out of the use made by the Federal Government of, or for the loss of or damage to, property and facilities transferred to the Federal Government as hereinabove described."

§49c–1. Transfer to States of property used by United States Employment Service

For the purpose of assisting the State employment services established and maintained in accordance with the terms of the Act of June 6, 1933, entitled "An Act to provide for the establishment of a National Employment System and for cooperation with the States in the promotion of such system, and for other purposes", as amended (48 Stat. 113; 49 Stat. 216) [29 U.S.C. 49 et seq.], the Secretary of Labor is authorized without payment of compensation to transfer and assign to the States in which it is located all property, including records, files, and office equipment, used by the United States Employment Service in its administrative and local employment offices in the respective States, except the records, files, and property used in the Veterans' Service and in the Farm Placement Service maintained under the said Act, as soon as such States establish and maintain systems of public employment offices, in accordance with the terms of sections 4, 5, and 8 of the said Act [29 U.S.C. 49c, 49d, 49g] and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

(Aug. 11, 1939, ch. 693, 53 Stat. 1409; Ex. Ord. No. 9247, Sept. 17, 1942, 7 F.R. 7379; Ex. Ord. No. 9617, Sept. 19, 1945, 10 F.R. 11929; June 16, 1948, ch. 472, title I, 62 Stat. 446; 1949 Reorg. Plan No. 2, §1, eff. Aug. 20, 1949, 14 F.R. 5225, 63 Stat. 1065.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Act of June 6, 1933, and the said Act, referred to in text, are act June 6, 1933, ch. 49, 48 Stat. 113, known as the Wagner-Peyser Act, which is classified generally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 49 of this title and Tables.

Codification

This section was not enacted as part of the Wagner-Peyser Act which comprises this chapter.

Statutory Notes and Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

For history of transfer of functions of United States Employment Service to Secretary of Labor, see notes set out under section 49 of this title.

§49c–2. Omitted

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section, act July 26, 1946, ch. 672, title I, 60 Stat. 684, 685, which authorized transfer to and retention in State system of public employment offices of Federal employees, was from the Department of Labor Act, 1947, and was not repeated in subsequent appropriation acts.

§49c–3. Repealed. Pub. L. 89–554, §8(a), Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 653

Section, act July 26, 1946, ch. 672, title I, 60 Stat. 685, provided for refund of retirement deductions and interest to members of Social Security Boards returning to State employment.

§49c–4. Transferred

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section, Pub. L. 88–136, title I, Oct. 11, 1963, 77 Stat. 226, which related to personnel standards, was transferred to section 49n of this title and subsequently omitted from the Code.

§49c–5. Omitted

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section, act July 8, 1947, ch. 210, title I, 61 Stat. 263, which related to a joint budget, was from the Department of Labor Appropriation Act, 1948, and was not repeated in subsequent appropriation acts. Similar provisions were contained in act July 26, 1946, ch. 672, title I, §101, 60 Stat. 686.

§49d. Appropriations; certification for payment to States

(a) Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, such amounts from time to time as the Congress may deem necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter.

(b) Certification for payment to States

The Secretary shall from time to time certify to the Secretary of the Treasury for payment to each State which—

(1) except in the case of Guam, has an unemployment compensation law approved by the Secretary under the Federal Unemployment Tax Act [26 U.S.C. 3301 et seq.] and is found to be in compliance with section 503 of title 42,

(2) is found to have coordinated the public employment services with the provision of unemployment insurance claimant services, and

(3) is found to be in compliance with this chapter,

such amounts as the Secretary determines to be necessary for allotment in accordance with section 49e of this title.

(c) Availability of appropriations

(1) Beginning with fiscal year 1985 and thereafter appropriations for any fiscal year for programs and activities assisted or conducted under this chapter shall be available for obligation only on the basis of a program year. The program year shall begin on July 1 in the fiscal year for which the appropriation is made.

(2) Funds obligated for any program year may be expended by the State during that program year and the two succeeding program years and no amount shall be deobligated on account of a rate of expenditure which is consistent with the program plan.

(June 6, 1933, ch. 49, §5, 48 Stat. 114; May 10, 1935, ch. 102, 49 Stat. 216; June 29, 1938, ch. 816, 52 Stat. 1244; Sept. 8, 1950, ch. 933, §2, 64 Stat. 822; Aug. 1, 1956, ch. 852, §17(b), 70 Stat. 910; Pub. L. 86–778, title V, §543(c), Sept. 13, 1960, 74 Stat. 987; Pub. L. 94–566, title I, §116(c), Oct. 20, 1976, 90 Stat. 2672; Pub. L. 97–35, title VII, §702, Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 521; Pub. L. 97–300, title VI, §601(b), formerly title V, §501(b), Oct. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1392; renumbered title VI, §601(b), Pub. L. 100–628, title VII, §712(a)(1), (2), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3248; Pub. L. 105–220, title III, §304, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1081.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Federal Unemployment Tax Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(1), is act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, §§3301 to 3311, 68A Stat. 454, which is classified generally to chapter 23 (§3301 et seq.) of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 3311 of Title 26 and Tables.

Amendments

1998—Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 105–220 struck out par. (3) which read as follows:

"(3)(A) Appropriations for fiscal year 1984 shall be available both to fund activities for the period between October 1, 1983, and July 1, 1984, and for the program year beginning July 1, 1984.

"(B) There are authorized to be appropriated such additional sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this paragraph for the transition to program year funding."

1982—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 97–300 added subsec. (b). Former subsec. (b), which related to certification of compliance by the Secretary to the Secretary of the Treasury with regard to the Federal Unemployment Tax Act by State programs and payment of monies for the operation of the State systems, was struck out.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 97–300 added subsec. (c).

1981—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 97–35 inserted provisions authorizing appropriations for fiscal year beginning Oct. 1, 1981, and definition of "proper and efficient administration of its public employment offices".

1976—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 94–566 substituted "Guam" for "Guam and the Virgin Islands".

1960—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 86–778 substituted "Guam and the Virgin Islands" for "Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands".

1956—Subsec. (b). Act Aug. 1, 1956, inserted "Guam" after "Puerto Rico".

1950—Subsec. (a). Act, Sept. 8, 1950, struck out apportionment formula and requirement that States match the funds granted them.

1938—Subsec. (a). Act June 29, 1938, substituted "The annual appropriation under this chapter shall designate the amount to" for "Seventy-five per centum of the amounts appropriated under this chapter shall", at beginning of second sentence, and "the said amount among the several States" for "said 75 per centum of amounts appropriated after January 1, 1935, under this chapter" in proviso.

1935—Subsec. (a). Act May 10, 1935, inserted proviso.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1998 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 105–220 effective July 1, 1999, see section 311 of Pub. L. 105–220, formerly set out as a note under section 49a of this title.

Effective Date of 1982 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–300 effective Oct. 1, 1983, but with Secretary authorized to use funds appropriated for fiscal 1983 to plan for orderly implementation of amendment, see section 181(i) of Pub. L. 97–300, which was formerly classified to section 1591(i) of this title.

Effective Date of 1976 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 94–566 effective on later of Oct. 1, 1976, or day after day on which Secretary of Labor approves under section 3304(a) of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code, an unemployment compensation law submitted to him by Virgin Islands for approval, see section 116(f)(1) of Pub. L. 94–566, set out as a note under section 3304 of Title 26.

Effective Date of 1960 Amendment

Pub. L. 86–778, title V, §543(c), Sept. 13, 1960, 74 Stat. 987, provided that the amendment made by that section is effective on and after Jan. 1, 1961.

Suspension of State Appropriation Requirements Until July 1, 1952

Act Sept. 6, 1950, ch. 896, Ch. V, title I, 64 Stat. 643, provided in part that: "No State shall be required to make any appropriation as provided in section 5(a) of said Act of June 6, 1933 [subsec. (a) of this section], prior to July 1, 1952."

Similar provisions suspending the requirement until July 1, 1950 were contained in acts June 16, 1948, ch. 472, title I, 62 Stat. 445; June 29, 1949, ch. 275, title II, 63 Stat. 284.

§49d–1. Omitted

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section, act June 16, 1937, ch. 359, title IV, 50 Stat. 302, provided for reapportionment of unexpended appropriations.

§49e. Allotment of funds

(a) From the funds appropriated and (except for Guam) certified under section 49d of this title and made available for allotments under this section for each fiscal year, the Secretary shall first allot to Guam and the Virgin Islands an amount which, in relation to the total amount available for the fiscal year, is equal to the allotment percentage which each received of amounts available under this chapter in fiscal year 1983.

(b)(1) Subject to paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) of this subsection, after making the allotments required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall allot the remainder of the funds described in subsection (a) for each fiscal year among the States as follows:

(A) two-thirds of such remainder shall be allotted on the basis of the relative number of individuals in the civilian labor force in each State as compared to the total number of such individuals in all States; and

(B) one-third of such remainder shall be allotted on the basis of the relative number of unemployed individuals in each State as compared to the total number of such individuals in all States.

For purposes of this paragraph, the number of individuals in the civilian labor force and the number of unemployed individuals shall be based on data for the most recent calendar year available, as determined by the Secretary. For purposes of this paragraph, the term "State" does not include Guam or the Virgin Islands.

(2) No State's allotment under this section for any fiscal year shall be less than 90 percent of its allotment percentage for the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which the determination is made. For the purpose of this section, the Secretary shall determine the allotment percentage for each State (including Guam and the Virgin Islands) for fiscal year 1984 which is the percentage that the State received under this chapter for fiscal year 1983 of the total amounts available for payments to all States for such fiscal year. For each succeeding fiscal year, the allotment percentage for each such State shall be the percentage that the State received under this chapter for the preceding fiscal year of the total amounts available for allotments for all States for such fiscal year.

(3) For each fiscal year, no State shall receive a total allotment under paragraphs (1) and (2) which is less than 0.28 percent of the total amount available for allotments for all States.

(4) The Secretary shall reserve such amount, not to exceed 3 percent of the sums available for allotments under this section for each fiscal year, as shall be necessary to assure that each State will have a total allotment under this section sufficient to provide staff and other resources necessary to carry out employment service activities and related administrative and support functions on a statewide basis.

(5) The Secretary shall, not later than March 15 of fiscal year 1983 and each succeeding fiscal year, provide preliminary planning estimates and shall, not later than May 15 of each such fiscal year, provide final planning estimates, showing each State's projected allocation for the following year.

(June 6, 1933, ch. 49, §6, as added Pub. L. 97–300, title VI, §601(c), formerly title V, §501(c), Oct. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1393; renumbered title VI, §601(c), Pub. L. 100–628, title VII, §712(a)(1), (2), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3248; amended Pub. L. 105–220, title III, §310, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1086; Pub. L. 113–128, title III, §304, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1626.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 49e, act June 6, 1933, ch. 49, §6, 48 Stat. 115, related to apportionment of appropriations, and certification to Secretary of the Treasury, prior to repeal by act Sept. 8, 1950, ch. 933, §3, 64 Stat. 823.

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 113–128, §304(1), substituted "funds appropriated and (except for Guam) certified under section 49d of this title and made available for allotments under this section" for "amounts appropriated pursuant to section 49d of this title".

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 113–128, §304(2), in introductory provisions, inserted "after making the allotments required by subsection (a)," before "the Secretary" and substituted "funds described in subsection (a)" for "sums appropriated and certified pursuant to section 49d of this title"; in subpars. (A) and (B), substituted "remainder" for "sums"; and, in concluding provisions, inserted "For purposes of this paragraph, the term 'State' does not include Guam or the Virgin Islands." at end.

1998—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 105–220 substituted "Secretary" for "Secretary of Labor" in concluding provisions.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2014 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 113–128 effective on the first day of the first full program year after July 22, 2014 (July 1, 2015), see section 506 of Pub. L. 113–128, set out as an Effective Date note under section 3101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1998 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 105–220 effective July 1, 1999, see section 311 of Pub. L. 105–220, formerly set out as a note under section 49a of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective Oct. 1, 1983, but with Secretary authorized to use funds appropriated for fiscal 1983 to plan for orderly implementation of section, see section 181(i) of Pub. L. 97–300, which was formerly classified to section 1591(i) of this title.

Definitions of Terms in Pub. L. 113–128

Except as otherwise provided, definitions in section 3 of Pub. L. 113–128, which is classified to section 3102 of this title, apply to this section.

§49f. Percentage disposition of allotted funds

(a) Use of 90 percent of funds allotted

Ninety percent of the sums allotted to each State pursuant to section 49e of this title may be used—

(1) for job search and placement services to job seekers, including unemployment insurance claimants, including counseling, testing, occupational and labor market information, assessment, and referral to employers;

(2) for appropriate recruitment services and special technical services for employers; and

(3) for any of the following activities:

(A) evaluation of programs;

(B) developing linkages between services funded under this chapter and related Federal or State legislation, including the provision of labor exchange services at education sites;

(C) providing services for workers who have received notice of permanent layoff or impending layoff, or workers in occupations which are experiencing limited demand due to technological change, impact of imports, or plant closures;

(D) developing and providing labor market and occupational information;

(E) developing a management information system and compiling and analyzing reports therefrom;

(F) administering the work test for the State unemployment compensation system, including making eligibility assessments, and providing job finding and placement services for unemployment insurance claimants; and

(G) providing unemployment insurance claimants with referrals to, and application assistance for, training and education resources and programs, including Federal Pell Grants under subpart 1 of part A of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070a et seq.), educational assistance under chapter 30 of title 38 (commonly referred to as the Montgomery GI Bill), and chapter 33 of that title (Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance), student assistance under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq.), State student higher education assistance, and training and education programs provided under titles I and II of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act [29 U.S.C. 3111 et seq., 3271 et seq.], and title I of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 720 et seq.).

(b) Use of 10 percent of funds allotted

Ten percent of the sums allotted to each State pursuant to section 49e of this title shall be reserved for use in accordance with this subsection by the Governor of each such State to provide—

(1) performance incentives for public employment service offices and programs, consistent with the performance accountability measures that are based on indicators described in section 116(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act [29 U.S.C. 3141(b)(2)(A)(i)], taking into account direct or indirect placements (including those resulting from self-directed job search or group job search activities assisted by such offices or programs), wages on entered employment, retention, and other appropriate factors;

(2) services for groups with special needs, carried out pursuant to joint agreements between the employment service offices and the appropriate local workforce investment board and chief elected official or officials or other public agencies or private nonprofit organizations; and

(3) the extra costs of exemplary models for delivering services of the types described in subsection (a), and models for enhancing professional development and career advancement opportunities of State agency staff, as described in section 49b(c)(4) of this title.

(c) Joint funding

(1) Funds made available to States under this section may be used to provide additional funds under an applicable program if—

(A) such program otherwise meets the requirements of this chapter and the requirements of the applicable program;

(B) such program serves the same individuals that are served under this chapter;

(C) such program provides services in a coordinated manner with services provided under this chapter; and

(D) such funds would be used to supplement, and not supplant, funds provided from non-Federal sources.

(2) For purposes of this subsection, the term "applicable program" means any workforce investment activity carried out under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

(d) Performance of services and activities under contract

In addition to the services and activities otherwise authorized by this chapter, the Secretary or any State agency designated under this chapter may perform such other services and activities as shall be specified in contracts for payment or reimbursement of the costs thereof made with the Secretary or with any Federal, State, or local public agency, or administrative entity under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, or private nonprofit organization.

(e) Provision of services as part of one-stop delivery system

All job search, placement, recruitment, workforce and labor market information, and other labor exchange services authorized under subsection (a) shall be provided, consistent with the other requirements of this chapter, as part of the one-stop delivery system established by the State.

(June 6, 1933, ch. 49, §7, as added Pub. L. 97–300, title VI, §601(c), formerly title V, §501(c), Oct. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1394; renumbered title VI, §601(c), Pub. L. 100–628, title VII, §712(a)(1), (2), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3248; amended Pub. L. 101–392, §5(b), Sept. 25, 1990, 104 Stat. 759; Pub. L. 105–220, title III, §§305, 310, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1081, 1086; Pub. L. 113–128, title III, §305, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1626.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Higher Education Act of 1965, referred to in subsec. (a)(3)(G), is Pub. L. 89–329, Nov. 8, 1965, 79 Stat. 1219. Title IV of the Act is classified generally to subchapter IV (§1070 et seq.) of chapter 28 of Title 20, Education. Subpart 1 of part A of title IV of the Act is classified generally to subpart 1 (§1070a et seq.) of part A of subchapter IV of chapter 28 of Title 20. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1001 of Title 20 and Tables.

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, referred to in subsecs. (a)(3)(G), (c)(2), and (d), is Pub. L. 113–128, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1425, which enacted chapter 32 (§3101 et seq.) of this title, repealed chapter 30 (§2801 et seq.) of this title and chapter 73 (§9201 et seq.) of Title 20, Education, and made conforming amendments to numerous other sections and notes in the Code. Titles I and II of the Act are classified generally to subchapters I (§3111 et seq.) and II (§3271 et seq.), respectively, of chapter 32 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of this title and Tables.

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, referred to in subsec. (a)(3)(G), is Pub. L. 93–112, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 355. Title I of the Act is classified generally to subchapter I (§720 et seq.) of chapter 16 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 701 of this title and Tables.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 49f, act June 6, 1933, ch. 49, §7, 48 Stat. 115, related to ascertainment of amounts due to States, and certification to the Secretary of the Treasury, prior to repeal by act Sept. 8, 1950, ch. 933, §3, 64 Stat. 823.

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 113–128, §305(a), inserted ", including unemployment insurance claimants," after "seekers".

Subsec. (a)(3)(F). Pub. L. 113–128, §305(b)(2)(A), inserted ", including making eligibility assessments," after "system".

Subsec. (a)(3)(G). Pub. L. 113–128, §305(b)(1), (2)(B), (3), added subpar. (G).

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 113–128, §305(c)(1), substituted "the performance accountability measures that are based on indicators described in section 116(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act" for "performance standards established by the Secretary".

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 113–128, §305(c)(2), inserted "offices" after "employment service".

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 113–128, §305(c)(3), inserted ", and models for enhancing professional development and career advancement opportunities of State agency staff, as described in section 49b(c)(4) of this title" after "subsection (a)".

Subsecs. (c)(2), (d). Pub. L. 113–128, §305(d), substituted "the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act" for "the Workforce Investment Act of 1998".

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 113–128, §305(e), substituted "workforce and labor market information" for "labor employment statistics".

1998—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 105–220, §305(1), substituted "local workforce investment board" for "private industry council".

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 105–220, §305(2), substituted "any workforce investment activity carried out under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998." for "any program under any of the following provisions of law:

"(A) The Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act.

"(B) Section 123, title II, and title III of the Job Training Partnership Act."

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 105–220, §310, substituted "Secretary or with" for "Secretary of Labor or with".

Pub. L. 105–220, §305(3), substituted "Secretary or any State" for "United States Employment Service or any State" and "Workforce Investment Act of 1998" for "Job Training Partnership Act".

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 105–220, §305(4), added subsec. (e).

1990—Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 101–392 added subsec. (c) and redesignated former subsec. (c) as (d).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2014 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 113–128 effective on the first day of the first full program year after July 22, 2014 (July 1, 2015), see section 506 of Pub. L. 113–128, set out as an Effective Date note under section 3101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1998 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 105–220 effective July 1, 1999, see section 311 of Pub. L. 105–220, formerly set out as a note under section 49a of this title.

Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 101–392 effective July 1, 1991, see section 702(a) of Pub. L. 101–392, set out as an Effective Date note under section 3423a of Title 20, Education.

Effective Date

Section effective Oct. 1, 1983, but with Secretary authorized to use funds appropriated for fiscal 1983 to plan for orderly implementation of section, see section 181(i) of Pub. L. 97–300, which was formerly classified to section 1591(i) of this title.

Definitions of Terms in Pub. L. 113–128

Except as otherwise provided, definitions in section 3 of Pub. L. 113–128, which is classified to section 3102 of this title, apply to this section.

§49g. State plans

Any State desiring to receive assistance under section 49e of this title shall prepare and submit to, and have approved by, the Secretary and the Secretary of Education, a State plan in accordance with section 3112 or 3113 of this title.

(June 6, 1933, ch. 49, §8, 48 Stat. 115; Aug. 3, 1954, ch. 655, §6(b), 68 Stat. 665; Pub. L. 97–300, title VI, §601(d), formerly title V, §501(d), Oct. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1395; renumbered title VI, §601(d), Pub. L. 100–628, title VII, §712(a)(1), (2), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3248; Pub. L. 105–220, title III, §306, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1081; Pub. L. 113–128, title III, §306, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1627.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2014—Pub. L. 113–128 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section consisted of subsecs. (a) to (d) relating to submission, required content, and approval of State plans.

1998—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 105–220, §306(1), amended subsec. (a) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (a) read as follows: "Any State desiring to receive the benefits of this chapter shall, by the agency designated to cooperate with the United States Employment Service, submit to the Secretary of Labor detailed plans for carrying out the provisions of this chapter within such State."

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 105–220, §306(2), (3), redesignated subsec. (d) as (b) and struck out former subsec. (b) which contained certain requirements for plan preparation at State and national levels.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 105–220, §306(2), (4), added subsec. (c) and struck out former subsec. (c) which read as follows: "The Governor of the State shall be afforded the opportunity to review and transmit to the Secretary proposed modifications of such plans submitted."

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 105–220, §306(5), (6), redesignated subsec. (e) as (d) and substituted "such detailed plans" for "such plans". Former subsec. (d) redesignated (b).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 105–220, §306(5), redesignated subsec. (e) as (d).

1982—Pub. L. 97–300, §601(d)(1), substituted "Secretary of Labor" for "Director" wherever appearing.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 97–300, §601(d)(2), designated provisions relating to the submission of a plan to the Secretary by any State desiring to receive benefits under certain sections of this chapter as subsec. (a).

Subsecs. (b), (c). Pub. L. 97–300, §601(d)(5), added subsecs. (b) and (c).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 97–300, §601(d)(3), designated provisions relating to the inclusion in State plans of provision for handicapped persons employment opportunities and coordination with State agencies similarly concerned as subsec. (d).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 97–300, §601(d)(4), designated provisions relating to approval and notice by the Secretary of the State plans as subsec. (e).

1954—Act Aug. 3, 1954, inserted provisions relating to promotion and development of employment opportunities and for job counseling and placement of handicapped persons.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2014 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 113–128 effective on the first day of the first full program year after July 22, 2014 (July 1, 2015), see section 506 of Pub. L. 113–128, set out as an Effective Date note under section 3101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1998 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 105–220 effective July 1, 1999, see section 311 of Pub. L. 105–220, formerly set out as a note under section 49a of this title.

Effective Date of 1982 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–300 effective Oct. 1, 1983, but with Secretary authorized to use funds appropriated for fiscal 1983 to plan for orderly implementation of amendment, see section 181(i) of Pub. L. 97–300, which was formerly classified to section 1591(i) of this title.

Effective Date of 1954 Amendment

Amendment by act Aug. 3, 1954, effective July 1, 1954, see section 8 of act Aug. 3, 1954, set out as a note under section 49b of this title.

Definitions of Terms in Pub. L. 113–128

Except as otherwise provided, definitions in section 3 of Pub. L. 113–128, which is classified to section 3102 of this title, apply to this section.

§49h. Fiscal controls and accounting procedures

(a) Audit

(1) Each State shall establish such fiscal control and fund accounting procedures as may be necessary to assure the proper disbursal of, and accounting for, Federal funds paid to the recipient under this chapter. The Director of the Office of Management and Budget, in consultation with the Comptroller General of the United States, shall establish guidance for the proper performance of audits. Such guidance shall include a review of fiscal controls and fund accounting procedures established by States under this section.

(2) At least once every two years, the State shall prepare or have prepared an independent financial and compliance audit of funds received under this chapter.

(3) Each audit shall be conducted in accordance with applicable auditing standards set forth in the financial and compliance element of the Standards for Audit of Governmental Organizations, Programs, Activities, and Functions issued by the Comptroller General of the United States.

(b) Evaluations by Comptroller General

(1) The Comptroller General of the United States shall evaluate the expenditures by States of funds received under this chapter in order to assure that expenditures are consistent with the provisions of this chapter and to determine the effectiveness of the State in accomplishing the purposes of this chapter. The Comptroller General shall conduct evaluations whenever determined necessary and shall periodically report to the Congress on the findings of such evaluations.

(2) Nothing in this chapter shall be deemed to relieve the Inspector General of the Department of Labor of his responsibilities under chapter 4 of title 5.

(3) For the purpose of evaluating and reviewing programs established or provided for by this chapter, the Comptroller General shall have access to and the right to copy any books, accounts, records, correspondence, or other documents pertinent to such programs that are in the possession, custody, or control of the State.

(c) Repayment of funds by State

Each State shall repay to the United States amounts found not to have been expended in accordance with this chapter. No such finding shall be made except after notice and opportunity for a fair hearing. The Secretary may offset such amounts against any other amount to which the recipient is or may be entitled under this chapter.

(June 6, 1933, ch. 49, §9, 48 Stat. 116; Pub. L. 97–300, title VI, §601(e), formerly title V, §501(e), Oct. 18, 1982, 96 Stat. 1396; renumbered title VI, §601(e), Pub. L. 100–628, title VII, §712(a)(1), (2), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3248; Pub. L. 117–286, §4(b)(47), Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4348.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 117–286 substituted "chapter 4 of title 5." for "the Inspector General Act."

1982—Pub. L. 97–300 amended section generally, substituting provisions requiring the States to prepare accounting procedures under Federal guidance, to submit to biennial audit with evaluation of expenditures by the Comptroller General and providing for repayment of improperly expended funds, for provisions requiring reports on expenditures to the Secretary under his regulations and giving him authority to revoke State certification.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1982 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–300 effective Oct. 1, 1983, but with Secretary authorized to use funds appropriated for fiscal 1983 to plan for orderly implementation of amendment, see section 181(i) of Pub. L. 97–300, which was formerly classified to section 1591(i) of this title.

Termination of Reporting Requirements

For termination, effective May 15, 2000, of provisions of law requiring submittal to Congress of any annual, semiannual, or other regular periodic report listed in House Document No. 103–7 (in which a report required under subsec. (b)(1) of this section is listed on page 8), see section 3003 of Pub. L. 104–66, as amended, set out as a note under section 1113 of Title 31, Money and Finance.

§49i. Recordkeeping and accountability

(a) Records

Each State shall keep records that are sufficient to permit the preparation of reports required by this chapter and to permit the tracing of funds to a level of expenditure adequate to insure that the funds have not been spent unlawfully.

(b) Investigations

(1) The Secretary may investigate such facts, conditions, practices, or other matters which the Secretary finds necessary to determine whether any State receiving funds under this chapter or any official of such State has violated any provision of this chapter.

(2)(A) In order to evaluate compliance with the provisions of this chapter, the Secretary shall conduct investigations of the use of funds received by States under this chapter.

(B) In order to insure compliance with the provisions of this chapter, the Comptroller General of the United States may conduct investigations of the use of funds received under this chapter by any State.

(3) In conducting any investigation under this chapter, the Secretary or the Comptroller General of the United States may not request new compilation of information not readily available to such State.

(c) Reports

Each State receiving funds under this chapter shall—

(1) make such reports concerning its operations and expenditures in such form and containing such information as shall be prescribed by the Secretary, and

(2) establish and maintain a management information system in accordance with guidelines established by the Secretary designed to facilitate the compilation and analysis of programmatic and financial data necessary for reporting, monitoring, and evaluating purposes.

(June 6, 1933, ch. 49, §10, 48 Stat. 116; Pub. L. 97–300, title VI, §601(f), formerly title V, §501(f), Oct. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1396; renumbered title VI, §601(f), Pub. L. 100–628, title VII, §712(a)(1), (2), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3248.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1982—Pub. L. 97–300 amended section generally, substituting provisions relating to State maintenance of records and investigations by the Secretary and Comptroller General for provisions which limited expenditures in States prior to adoption of State systems to the current fiscal year and two fiscal years thereafter.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1982 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–300 effective Oct. 1, 1983, but with Secretary authorized to use funds appropriated for fiscal 1983 to plan for orderly implementation of amendment, see section 181(i) of Pub. L. 97–300, which was formerly classified to section 1591(i) of this title.

§49j. Notice of strikes and lockouts to applicants

In carrying out the provisions of this chapter the Secretary is authorized and directed to provide for the giving of notice of strikes or lockouts to applicants before they are referred to employment.

(June 6, 1933, ch. 49, § 11, 48 Stat. 116; Pub. L. 97–300, title VI, §601(g), formerly title V, §501(g), Oct. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1397; renumbered title VI, §601(g), Pub. L. 100–628, title VII, §712(a)(1), (2), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3248; Pub. L. 105–220, title III, §307, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1082.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1998—Pub. L. 105–220, §307(2), which directed the substitution of "Secretary" for "Director", was executed by making the substitution for "director" to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Pub. L. 105–220, §307(1), redesignated subsec. (b) as entire section and struck out subsec. (a) which provided for establishment and composition of a Federal Advisory Council, and similar State advisory councils, to work on problems relating to employment.

1982—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 97–300 inserted provision that nothing in this section should be construed to prohibit the Governor from carrying out functions of the State advisory council through the State job training coordinating council in accordance with section 1532(c) of this title.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1998 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 105–220 effective July 1, 1999, see section 311 of Pub. L. 105–220, formerly set out as a note under section 49a of this title.

Effective Date of 1982 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–300 effective Oct. 1, 1983, but with Secretary authorized to use funds appropriated for fiscal 1983 to plan for orderly implementation of amendment, see section 181(i) of Pub. L. 97–300, which was formerly classified to section 1591(i) of this title.

§49k. Rules and regulations

The Secretary is authorized to make such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter.

(June 6, 1933, ch. 49, §12, 48 Stat. 117; Pub. L. 105–220, title III, §308, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1082.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1998—Pub. L. 105–220, which directed the substitution of "The Secretary" for "The Director, with the approval of the Secretary of Labor,", was executed by making the substitution for text which read in part "director" rather than "Director", to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1998 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 105–220 effective July 1, 1999, see section 311 of Pub. L. 105–220, formerly set out as a note under section 49a of this title.

§49l. Miscellaneous operating authorities

(a) The activities carried out pursuant to section 49f of this title shall be subject to the performance accountability measures that are based on indicators described in section 3141(b)(2)(A)(i) of this title.

(b)(1) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit the referral of any applicant to private agencies as long as the applicant is not charged a fee.

(2) No funds paid under this chapter may be used by any State for advertising in newspapers for high paying jobs unless such State submits an annual report to the Secretary beginning in December 1984 concerning such advertising and the justifications therefor, and the justification may include that such jobs are part of a State industrial development effort.

(June 6, 1933, ch. 49, §13, as added Pub. L. 97–300, title VI, §601(h), formerly title V, §501(h), Oct. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1397; renumbered title VI, §601(h), Pub. L. 100–628, title VII, §712(a)(1), (2), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3248; amended Pub. L. 97–404, §5, Dec. 31, 1982, 96 Stat. 2027; Pub. L. 113–128, title III, §307, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1627.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 49l, act June 6, 1933, ch. 49, §13, 48 Stat. 117, relating to mail franking privileges to employment systems, was transferred to section 338 of former Title 39, The Postal Service. Section 338 of former Title 39 was repealed and reenacted as section 4152 of former Title 39, The Postal Service by Pub. L. 86–682, Sept. 2, 1960, 74 Stat. 578. Section 4152 of former Title 39 was repealed and reenacted as section 3202 of Title 39, Postal Service, by Pub. L. 91–375, Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 719.

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 113–128 amended subsec. (a) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (a) read as follows: "The Secretary is authorized to establish performance standards for activities under this chapter which shall take into account the differences in priorities reflected in State plans."

1982—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 97–404 designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2014 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 113–128 effective on the first day of the first full program year after July 22, 2014 (July 1, 2015), see section 506 of Pub. L. 113–128, set out as an Effective Date note under section 3101 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective Oct. 1, 1983, but with Secretary authorized to use funds appropriated for fiscal 1983 to plan for orderly implementation of section, see section 181(i) of Pub. L. 97–300, which was formerly classified to section 1591(i) of this title.

Definitions of Terms in Pub. L. 113–128

Except as otherwise provided, definitions in section 3 of Pub. L. 113–128, which is classified to section 3102 of this title, apply to this section.

§49l–1. Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to enable the Secretary to provide funds through reimburseable ¹ agreements with the States to operate statistical programs which are essential for development of estimates of the gross national product and other national statistical series, including those related to employment and unemployment.

(June 6, 1933, ch. 49, §14, as added Pub. L. 97–300, title VI, §601(h), formerly title V, §501(h), Oct. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1397; renumbered title VI, §601(h), Pub. L. 100–628, title VII, §712(a)(1), (2), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3248.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective Oct. 1, 1983, but with Secretary authorized to use funds appropriated for fiscal 1983 to plan for orderly implementation of section, see section 181(i) of Pub. L. 97–300, which was formerly classified to section 1591(i) of this title.

¹ So in original. Probably should be "reimbursable".

§49l–2. Workforce and labor market information system

(a) System content

(1) In general

The Secretary, in accordance with the provisions of this section, shall oversee the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of a nationwide workforce and labor market information system that includes—

(A) statistical data from cooperative statistical survey and projection programs and data from administrative reporting systems that, taken together, enumerate, estimate, and project employment opportunities and conditions at national, State, and local levels in a timely manner, including statistics on—

(i) employment and unemployment status of national, State, and local populations, including self-employed, part-time, and seasonal workers;

(ii) industrial distribution of occupations, as well as current and projected employment opportunities, wages, benefits (where data is available), and skill trends by occupation and industry, with particular attention paid to State and local conditions;

(iii) the incidence of, industrial and geographical location of, and number of workers displaced by, permanent layoffs and plant closings; and

(iv) employment and earnings information maintained in a longitudinal manner to be used for research and program evaluation;

(B) information on State and local employment opportunities, and other appropriate statistical data related to labor market dynamics, which—

(i) shall be current and comprehensive;

(ii) shall meet the needs identified through the consultations described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection (e)(2); and

(iii) shall meet the needs for the information identified in section 134(d); ¹

(C) technical standards (which the Secretary shall publish annually) for data and information described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) that, at a minimum, meet the criteria of chapter 35 of title 44;

(D) procedures to ensure compatibility and additivity of the data and information described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) from national, State, and local levels;

(E) procedures to support standardization and aggregation of data from administrative reporting systems described in subparagraph (A) of employment-related programs;

(F) analysis of data and information described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) for uses such as—

(i) national, State, and local policymaking;

(ii) implementation of Federal policies (including allocation formulas);

(iii) program planning and evaluation; and

(iv) researching labor market dynamics;

(G) wide dissemination of such data, information, and analysis in a user-friendly manner and voluntary technical standards for dissemination mechanisms; and

(H) programs of—

(i) training for effective data dissemination;

(ii) research and demonstration; and

(iii) programs and technical assistance.

(2) Information to be confidential

(A) In general

No officer or employee of the Federal Government or agent of the Federal Government may—

(i) use any submission that is furnished for exclusively statistical purposes under the provisions of this section for any purpose other than the statistical purposes for which the submission is furnished;

(ii) make any publication or media transmittal of the data contained in the submission described in clause (i) that permits information concerning individual subjects to be reasonably inferred by either direct or indirect means; or

(iii) permit anyone other than a sworn officer, employee, or agent of any Federal department or agency, or a contractor (including an employee of a contractor) of such department or agency, to examine an individual submission described in clause (i);

without the consent of the individual, agency, or other person who is the subject of the submission or provides that submission.

(B) Immunity from legal process

Any submission (including any data derived from the submission) that is collected and retained by a Federal department or agency, or an officer, employee, agent, or contractor of such a department or agency, for exclusively statistical purposes under this section shall be immune from the legal process and shall not, without the consent of the individual, agency, or other person who is the subject of the submission or provides that submission, be admitted as evidence or used for any purpose in any action, suit, or other judicial or administrative proceeding.

(C) Rule of construction

Nothing in this section shall be construed to provide immunity from the legal process for such submission (including any data derived from the submission) if the submission is in the possession of any person, agency, or entity other than the Federal Government or an officer, employee, agent, or contractor of the Federal Government, or if the submission is independently collected, retained, or produced for purposes other than the purposes of this chapter.

(b) System responsibilities

(1) In general

(A) Structure

The workforce and labor market information system described in subsection (a) shall be evaluated and improved by the Secretary, in consultation with the Workforce Information Advisory Council established in subsection (d).

(B) Grants and responsibilities

(i) In general

The Secretary shall carry out the provisions of this section in a timely manner, through grants to or agreements with States.

(ii) Distribution of funds

Using amounts appropriated under subsection (g), the Secretary shall provide funds through those grants and agreements. In distributing the funds (relating to workforce and labor market information funding) for fiscal years 2015 through 2020, the Secretary shall continue to distribute the funds to States in the manner in which the Secretary distributed funds to the States under this section for fiscal years 2004 through 2008.

(2) Duties

The Secretary, with respect to data collection, analysis, and dissemination of workforce and labor market information for the system, shall carry out the following duties:

(A) Assign responsibilities within the Department of Labor for elements of the workforce and labor market information system described in subsection (a) to ensure that the statistical and administrative data collected is consistent with appropriate Bureau of Labor Statistics standards and definitions, and that the information is accessible and understandable to users of such data.

(B) Actively seek the cooperation of heads of other Federal agencies to establish and maintain mechanisms for ensuring complementarity and nonduplication in the development and operation of statistical and administrative data collection activities.

(C) Solicit, receive, and evaluate the recommendations from the Workforce Information Advisory Council established in subsection (d) concerning the evaluation and improvement of the workforce and labor market information system described in subsection (a) and respond in writing to the Council regarding the recommendations.

(D) Eliminate gaps and duplication in statistical undertakings.

(E) Through the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Employment and Training Administration, and in collaboration with States, develop and maintain the elements of the workforce and labor market information system described in subsection (a), including the development of consistent procedures and definitions for use by the States in collecting the data and information described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection (a)(1).

(F) Establish procedures for the system to ensure that—

(i) such data and information are timely; and

(ii) paperwork and reporting for the system are reduced to a minimum.

(c) Two-year plan

The Secretary, acting through the Commissioner of Labor Statistics and the Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training, and in consultation with the Workforce Information Advisory Council described in subsection (d) and heads of other appropriate Federal agencies, shall prepare a 2-year plan for the workforce and labor market information system. The plan shall be developed and implemented in a manner that takes into account the activities described in State plans submitted by States under section 3112 or 3113 of this title and shall be submitted to the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate. The plan shall include—

(1) a description of how the Secretary will work with the States to manage the nationwide workforce and labor market information system described in subsection (a) and the statewide workforce and labor market information systems that comprise the nationwide system;

(2) a description of the steps to be taken in the following 2 years to carry out the duties described in subsection (b)(2);

(3) an evaluation of the performance of the system, with particular attention to the improvements needed at the State and local levels;

(4) a description of the involvement of States in the development of the plan, through consultation by the Secretary with the Workforce Information Advisory Council in accordance with subsection (d); and

(5) a description of the written recommendations received from the Workforce Information Advisory Council established under subsection (d), and the extent to which those recommendations were incorporated into the plan.

(d) Workforce Information Advisory Council

(1) In general

The Secretary, through the Commissioner of Labor Statistics and the Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training, shall formally consult at least twice annually with the Workforce Information Advisory Council established in accordance with paragraph (2). Such consultations shall address the evaluation and improvement of the nationwide workforce and labor market information system described in subsection (a) and the statewide workforce and labor market information systems that comprise the nationwide system and how the Department of Labor and the States will cooperate in the management of such systems. The Council shall provide written recommendations to the Secretary concerning the evaluation and improvement of the nationwide system, including any recommendations regarding the 2-year plan described in subsection (c).

(2) Establishment of Council

(A) Establishment

The Secretary shall establish an advisory council that shall be known as the Workforce Information Advisory Council (referred to in this section as the "Council") to participate in the consultations and provide the recommendations described in paragraph (1).

(B) Membership

The Secretary shall appoint the members of the Council, which shall consist of—

(i) 4 members who are representatives of lead State agencies with responsibility for workforce investment activities, or State agencies described in section 49c of this title, who have been nominated by such agencies or by a national organization that represents such agencies;

(ii) 4 members who are representatives of the State workforce and labor market information directors affiliated with the State agencies that perform the duties described in subsection (e)(2), who have been nominated by the directors;

(iii) 1 member who is a representative of providers of training services under section 3152 of this title;

(iv) 1 member who is a representative of economic development entities;

(v) 1 member who is a representative of businesses, who has been nominated by national business organizations or trade associations;

(vi) 1 member who is a representative of labor organizations, who has been nominated by a national labor federation;

(vii) 1 member who is a representative of local workforce development boards, who has been nominated by a national organization representing such boards; and

(viii) 1 member who is a representative of research entities that utilize workforce and labor market information.

(C) Geographic diversity

The Secretary shall ensure that the membership of the Council is geographically diverse and that no 2 of the members appointed under clauses (i), (ii), and (vii) represent the same State.

(D) Period of appointment; vacancies

(i) In general

Each member of the Council shall be appointed for a term of 3 years, except that the initial terms for members may be 1, 2, or 3 years in order to establish a rotation in which one-third of the members are selected each year. Any such member may be appointed for not more than 2 consecutive terms.

(ii) Vacancies

Any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring before the expiration of the term for which the member's predecessor was appointed shall be appointed only for the remainder of that term. A member may serve after the expiration of that member's term until a successor has taken office.

(E) Travel expenses

The members of the Council shall not receive compensation for the performance of services for the Council, but shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5 while away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for the Council. Notwithstanding section 1342 of title 31, the Secretary may accept the voluntary and uncompensated services of members of the Council.

(F) Permanent Council

Section 1013 of title 5 shall not apply to the Council.

(e) State responsibilities

(1) Designation of State agency

In order to receive Federal financial assistance under this section, the Governor of a State shall—

(A) designate a single State agency to be responsible for the management of the portions of the workforce and labor market information system described in subsection (a) that comprise a statewide workforce and labor market information system and for the State's participation in the development of the plan described in subsection (c); and

(B) establish a process for the oversight of such system.

(2) Duties

In order to receive Federal financial assistance under this section, the State agency shall—

(A) consult with State and local employers, participants, and local workforce investment boards about the labor market relevance of the data to be collected and disseminated through the statewide workforce and labor market information system;

(B) consult with eligible agencies (defined in section 3 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302)), State educational agencies, and local educational agencies concerning the provision of workforce and labor market information in order to—

(i) meet the needs of secondary school and postsecondary school students who seek such information; and

(ii) annually inform the development and implementation of programs of study defined in section 3 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302), and career pathways;

(C) collect and disseminate for the system, on behalf of the State and localities in the State, the information and data described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection (a)(1);

(D) maintain and continuously improve the statewide workforce and labor market information system in accordance with this section;

(E) perform contract and grant responsibilities for data collection, analysis, and dissemination for such system;

(F) conduct such other data collection, analysis, and dissemination activities as will ensure an effective statewide workforce and labor market information system;

(G) actively seek the participation of other State and local agencies in data collection, analysis, and dissemination activities in order to ensure complementarity, compatibility, and usefulness of data;

(H) utilize the quarterly records described in section 3141(i)(2) of this title to assist the State and other States in measuring State progress on State performance measures; and

(I) provide, on an annual and timely basis to each eligible agency (defined in section 3 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302)), the data and information described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection (a)(1).

(3) Rule of construction

Nothing in this section shall be construed as limiting the ability of a State agency to conduct additional data collection, analysis, and dissemination activities with State funds or with Federal funds from sources other than this section.

(f) Nonduplication requirement

None of the functions and activities carried out pursuant to this section shall duplicate the functions and activities carried out under the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2301 et seq.).

(g) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $60,153,000 for fiscal year 2015, $64,799,000 for fiscal year 2016, $66,144,000 for fiscal year 2017, $67,611,000 for fiscal year 2018, $69,200,000 for fiscal year 2019, and $70,667,000 for fiscal year 2020.

(h) "Local area" defined

In this section, the term "local area" means the smallest geographical area for which data can be produced with statistical reliability.

(June 6, 1933, ch. 49, §15, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title III, §309(2), Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1082; amended Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(f) [title VIII, §403(a)(1)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681-416; Pub. L. 105–332, §5(b)(1), Oct. 31, 1998, 112 Stat. 3127; Pub. L. 109–270, §2(g), Aug. 12, 2006, 120 Stat. 747; Pub. L. 113–128, title III, §308, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1627; Pub. L. 115–224, title III, §301, July 31, 2018, 132 Stat. 1622; Pub. L. 117–286, §4(a)(186), Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4326.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 134(d), referred to in subsec. (a)(1)(B)(iii), probably means section 134(d) of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, Pub. L. 105–220, which is classified to section 2864(d) of this title. The Wagner-Peyser Act, of which this section is a part, does not contain a section 134.

The Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006, referred to in subsec. (f), is Pub. L. 88–210, Dec. 18, 1963, 77 Stat. 403, as amended generally by Pub. L. 109–270, §1(b), Aug. 12, 2006, 120 Stat. 683, which is classified generally to chapter 44 (§2301 et seq.) of Title 20, Education. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 2301 of Title 20 and Tables.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 15 of act of June 6, 1933, was renumbered section 16, and is set out as a Short Title note under section 49 of this title.

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (d)(2)(F). Pub. L. 117–286 substituted "Section 1013 of title 5" for "Section 14 of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.)".

2018—Subsec. (e)(2)(B). Pub. L. 115–224, §301(1), added subpar. (B) and struck out former subpar. (B) which read as follows: "consult with State educational agencies and local educational agencies concerning the provision of workforce and labor market information in order to meet the needs of secondary school and postsecondary school students who seek such information;".

Subsec. (e)(2)(I). Pub. L. 115–224, §301(2)–(4), added subpar. (I).

2014—Pub. L. 113–128, §308(a), substituted "Workforce and labor market information system" for "Employment statistics" in section catchline.

Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 113–128, §308(b), substituted "workforce and labor market information system" for "employment statistics system of employment statistics" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 113–128, §308(c)(1), added par. (1) and struck out former par. (1). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "The employment statistics system described in subsection (a) shall be planned, administered, overseen, and evaluated through a cooperative governance structure involving the Federal Government and States."

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 113–128, §308(c)(2), added par. (2) and struck out former par. (2) which described duties to be carried out for the employment statistics system.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 113–128, §308(d), added subsec. (c) and struck out former subsec. (c) which related to preparation of an annual plan to achieve cooperative management of the nationwide and statewide employment statistics systems.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 113–128, §308(e), added subsec. (d) and struck out former subsec. (d) which required coordination with the States in the development of the annual plan.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 113–128, §308(f)(1), substituted "workforce and labor market information" for "employment statistics" wherever appearing.

Subsec. (e)(1)(A). Pub. L. 113–128, §308(f)(2), substituted "plan described in subsection (c)" for "annual plan".

Subsec. (e)(2)(G), (H). Pub. L. 113–128, §308(f)(3)(A), (B), (D), inserted "and" at end of subpar. (G), redesignated subpar. (I) as (H), and struck out former subpar. (H) which read as follows: "participate in the development of the annual plan described in subsection (c); and".

Subsec. (e)(2)(I). Pub. L. 113–128, §308(f)(3)(D), redesignated subpar. (I) as (H).

Pub. L. 113–128, §308(f)(3)(C), substituted "section 3141(i)(2) of this title" for "section 136(f)(2) of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998".

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 113–128, §308(g), substituted "$60,153,000 for fiscal year 2015, $64,799,000 for fiscal year 2016, $66,144,000 for fiscal year 2017, $67,611,000 for fiscal year 2018, $69,200,000 for fiscal year 2019, and $70,667,000 for fiscal year 2020" for "such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 1999 through 2004".

2006—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 109–270 substituted "Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006" for "Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act".

1998—Subsec. (a)(2)(A)(i). Pub. L. 105–332, §5(b)(1)(A), substituted "under the provisions of this section for any purpose other than the statistical purposes for which" for "under the provisions of this section for any purpose other than the statistical purposes for which".

Pub. L. 105–277, §101(f) [title VIII, §403(a)(1)(A)], struck out "of this section" after "statistical purposes".

Subsec. (e)(2)(G). Pub. L. 105–277, §101(f) [title VIII, §403(a)(1)(B)], and Pub. L. 105–332, §5(b)(1)(B), amended subpar. (G) identically, substituting "complementarity" for "complementary".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 115–224 effective July 1, 2019, see section 4 of Pub. L. 115–224, set out as a note under section 2301 of Title 20, Education.

Effective Date of 2014 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 113–128 effective on the first day of the first full program year after July 22, 2014 (July 1, 2015), see section 506 of Pub. L. 113–128, set out as an Effective Date note under section 3101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1998 Amendments

Pub. L. 105–332, §5(b)(2), Oct. 31, 1998, 112 Stat. 3127, provided that: "The amendments made by paragraph (1) [amending this section] take effect July 2, 1999."

Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(f) [title VIII, §403(a)(2)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681-416, provided that: "The amendments made by paragraph (1) [amending this section] take effect on July 2, 1999."

Effective Date

Section effective July 1, 1999, see section 311 of Pub. L. 105–220, formerly set out as an Effective Date of 1998 Amendment note under section 49a of this title.

¹ See References in Text note below.

§§49m, 49n. Omitted

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section 49m, Pub. L. 88–136, title I, Oct. 11, 1963, 77 Stat. 225, relating to payments to States for administrative expenses for their unemployment compensation law and their public employment offices, was from the Department of Labor Appropriation Act, 1964, and was not repeated in the Department of Labor Appropriation Act of 1965. Similar provisions were contained in the following prior appropriation acts:

Aug. 14, 1962, Pub. L. 87–582, title I, 76 Stat. 363.

Sept. 22, 1961, Pub. L. 87–290, title I, 75 Stat. 591.

Sept. 2, 1960, Pub. L. 86–703, title I, 74 Stat. 757.

Aug. 14, 1959, Pub. L. 86–158, title I, 73 Stat. 341.

Aug. 1, 1958, Pub. L. 85–580, title I, 72 Stat. 458.

June 29, 1957, Pub. L. 85–67, title I, 71 Stat. 212.

June 29, 1956, ch. 477, title I, 70 Stat. 424.

June 29, 1956, ch. 437, title I, 69 Stat. 398.

July 2, 1954, ch. 457, title I, 68 Stat. 435.

July 31, 1953, ch. 296, title I, 67 Stat. 246.

July 5, 1952, ch. 575, title I, 66 Stat. 369.

Aug. 31, 1951, ch. 373, title I, 65 Stat. 210.

Sept. 6, 1950, ch. 896, ch. V, title I, 64 Stat. 643.

June 29, 1949, ch. 275, title II, 63 Stat. 284.

June 16, 1948, ch. 472, title I, 62 Stat. 445.

Section 49n, Pub. L. 88–136, title I, Oct. 11, 1963, 77 Stat. 226, relating to personnel standards, was from the Department of Labor Appropriation Act, 1964, and was not repeated in the Department of Labor Appropriation Act of 1965. Similar provisions were contained in the following prior appropriations acts:

Aug. 14, 1962, Pub. L. 87–582, title I, 76 Stat. 363.

Sept. 22, 1961, Pub. L. 87–290, title I, 75 Stat. 591.

Sept. 2, 1960, Pub. L. 86–703, title I, 74 Stat. 757.

Aug. 14, 1959, Pub. L. 86–158, title I, 73 Stat. 341.

Aug. 1, 1958, Pub. L. 85–580, title I, 72 Stat. 458.

June 29, 1957, Pub. L. 85–67, title I, 71 Stat. 212.

June 29, 1956, ch. 477, title I, 70 Stat. 425.

Aug. 1, 1955, ch. 437, title I, 69 Stat. 398.

July 2, 1954, ch. 457, title I, 68 Stat. 435.

July 31, 1953, ch. 296, title I, 67 Stat. 246.

July 5, 1952, ch. 575, title I, 66 Stat. 359.

Aug. 31, 1951, ch. 273, title I, 65 Stat. 210.

Sept. 6, 1950, ch. 896, ch. V, title I, 64 Stat. 644.

June 29, 1949, ch. 275, title II, 63 Stat. 284.

June 16, 1948, ch. 472, title I, 62 Stat. 445.

July 8, 1947, ch. 210, title I, 61 Stat. 263.

July 26, 1946, ch. 672, title I, 60 Stat. 685.

CHAPTER 4C—APPRENTICE LABOR

        

§50. Promotion of labor standards of apprenticeship

The Secretary of Labor is authorized and directed to formulate and promote the furtherance of labor standards necessary to safeguard the welfare of apprentices, to extend the application of such standards by encouraging the inclusion thereof in contracts of apprenticeship, to bring together employers and labor for the formulation of programs of apprenticeship, to cooperate with State agencies engaged in the formulation and promotion of standards of apprenticeship, and to cooperate with the Secretary of Education in accordance with section 17 of title 20. For the purposes of this chapter the term "State" shall include the District of Columbia.

(Aug. 16, 1937, ch. 663, §1, 50 Stat. 664; 1939 Reorg. Plan No. I, §§ 201, 204, 206, eff. July 1, 1939, 4 F.R. 2728, 53 Stat. 1424, 1425; July 12, 1943, ch. 221, title VII, 57 Stat. 518; 1953 Reorg. Plan No. 1, §§5, 8, eff. Apr. 11, 1953, 18 F.R. 2053, 67 Stat. 631; Pub. L. 93–198, title II, § 204(h), Dec. 24, 1973, 87 Stat. 784; Pub. L. 96–88, title III, §301(a)(1), Oct. 17, 1979, 93 Stat. 677.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 17 of title 20, referred to in text, was repealed by Pub. L. 89–554, §8(a), Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 643.

Codification

Words "with the National Youth Administration" were omitted from text in view of abolition of National Youth Administration by act July 12, 1943.

Amendments

1973—Pub. L. 93–198 inserted provision that "State" includes the District of Columbia.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1973 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 93–198 effective July 1, 1974, see section 771(b) of Pub. L. 93–198, set out in part as a note under section 49b of this title.

Short Title of 2020 Amendment

Pub. L. 116–134, §1, Mar. 26, 2020, 134 Stat. 276, provided that: "This Act [enacting section 50c of this title] may be cited as the 'Support for Veterans in Effective Apprenticeships Act of 2019'."

Short Title

The act of Aug. 16, 1937, ch. 663, 50 Stat. 664, which enacted this chapter, is popularly known as the "National Apprenticeship Act".

Transfer of Functions

"Secretary of Education" substituted in text for "Office of Education under the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare", pursuant to section 301(a)(1) of Pub. L. 96–88, which is classified to section 3441(a)(1) of Title 20, Education, and which transferred all functions of Office of Education to Secretary of Education.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

Functions of Federal Security Administrator transferred to Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare and all agencies of Federal Security Agency transferred to Department of Health, Education, and Welfare by section 5 of Reorg. Plan No. 1 of 1953, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees. Federal Security Agency and office of Administrator abolished by section 8 of Reorg. Plan No. 1 of 1953.

Reorg. Plan No. I of 1939, consolidated National Youth Administration and Office of Education, with other agencies, into Federal Security Agency under supervision and direction of Federal Security Administrator.

Executive Order No. 13801

Ex. Ord. No. 13801, June 15, 2017, 82 F.R. 28229, which related to expanding apprenticeships and reducing federally funded education and workforce development programs, was revoked by Ex. Ord. No. 14016, Feb. 17, 2021, 86 F.R. 11089.

§50a. Publication of information; national advisory committees

The Secretary of Labor may publish information relating to existing and proposed labor standards of apprenticeship, and may appoint national advisory committees to serve without compensation. Such committees shall include representatives of employers, representatives of labor, educators, and officers of other executive departments, with the consent of the head of any such department.

(Aug. 16, 1937, ch. 663, §2, 50 Stat. 665.)

§50b. Appointment of employees

The Secretary of Labor is authorized to appoint such employees as he may from time to time find necessary for the administration of this chapter, with regard to existing laws applicable to the appointment and compensation of employees of the United States.

(Aug. 16, 1937, ch. 663, §3, 50 Stat. 665; July 12, 1943, ch. 221, title VII, 57 Stat. 518.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Proviso authorizing employment of certain persons in the division of apprentice training of National Youth Administration, was omitted in view of abolition of that agency by act July 12, 1943.

Provision formerly in this section relieved National Youth Administration, after August 16, 1937, of responsibility for promotion of labor standards of apprenticeship, and directed transfer of records and papers to Department of Labor.

§50c. Improved apprenticeship program coordination between the Department of Labor and the Department of Veterans Affairs

(a) Definitions

In this Act:

(1) Registered apprenticeship program

The term "registered apprenticeship program" means an apprenticeship program registered under the Act of August 16, 1937 (50 Stat. 664; commonly referred to as the "National Apprenticeship Act").

(2) Secretary

The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of Labor.

(b) Additional registered apprenticeship program requirements

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, for any program applying to become a registered apprenticeship program on or after the date that is 180 days after March 26, 2020, the Secretary shall—

(1) acquire from the program sponsor a written assurance that the sponsor—

(A) is aware of the availability of educational assistance for a veteran or other individual eligible under chapters 30 through 36 of title 38 for use in connection with a registered apprenticeship program;

(B) will make a good faith effort to obtain approval for educational assistance described in subparagraph (A) for, at a minimum, each program location that employs or recruits a veteran or other individual eligible for educational assistance under chapters 30 through 36 of title 38; and

(C) will not deny the application of a qualified candidate who is a veteran or other individual eligible for educational assistance described in subparagraph (A) for the purpose of avoiding making a good faith effort to obtain approval as described in subparagraph (B);

(2) in accordance with paragraphs (5) and (12) of section 29.5(b) of title 29, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the day before March 26, 2020), require the program sponsor, to the extent practicable, to provide standards that contain provisions to grant advanced standing or credit, and provide increased wages commensurate to such standing or credit, for any veteran or other individual eligible for educational assistance under chapters 30 through 36 of title 38 who—

(A) is enrolled in the registered apprenticeship program; and

(B)(i) has a demonstrated competence applicable to the apprenticeship occupation; or

(ii) has acquired experience, training, or skills through military service that is applicable to the apprenticeship occupation; and

(3) when the Secretary approves the registered apprenticeship program, provide a copy of the program's certificate of registration to the State approving agency designated under chapter 36 of title 38 in the State where the program is located.

(Pub. L. 116–134, §2, Mar. 26, 2020, 134 Stat. 276.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in subsec. (a), is Pub. L. 116–134, Mar. 26, 2020, 134 Stat. 276, known as the Support for Veterans in Effective Apprenticeships Act of 2019, which enacted this section and provisions set out as a note under section 50 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 2020 Amendment note set out under section 50 of this title and Tables.

The Act of August 16, 1937, referred to in subsec. (a)(1), is act Aug. 16, 1937, ch. 663, 50 Stat. 664, popularly known as the National Apprenticeship Act, which is classified generally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 50 of this title and Tables.

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Support for Veterans in Effective Apprenticeships Act of 2019, and not as part of the National Apprenticeship Act which comprises this chapter.

CHAPTER 5—LABOR DISPUTES; MEDIATION AND INJUNCTIVE RELIEF

        

§51. Repealed. Pub. L. 89–554, §8(a), Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 642

Section, act Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 141, §8, 37 Stat. 738, related to mediation in labor disputes and the appointment of commissioners of conciliation. See section 172 of this title.

§52. Statutory restriction of injunctive relief

No restraining order or injunction shall be granted by any court of the United States, or a judge or the judges thereof, in any case between an employer and employees, or between employers and employees, or between employees, or between persons employed and persons seeking employment, involving, or growing out of, a dispute concerning terms or conditions of employment, unless necessary to prevent irreparable injury to property, or to a property right, of the party making the application, for which injury there is no adequate remedy at law, and such property or property right must be described with particularity in the application, which must be in writing and sworn to by the applicant or by his agent or attorney.

And no such restraining order or injunction shall prohibit any person or persons, whether singly or in concert, from terminating any relation of employment, or from ceasing to perform any work or labor, or from recommending, advising, or persuading others by peaceful means so to do; or from attending at any place where any such person or persons may lawfully be, for the purpose of peacefully obtaining or communicating information, or from peacefully persuading any person to work or to abstain from working; or from ceasing to patronize or to employ any party to such dispute, or from recommending, advising, or persuading others by peaceful and lawful means so to do; or from paying or giving to, or withholding from, any person engaged in such dispute, any strike benefits or other moneys or things of value; or from peaceably assembling in a lawful manner, and for lawful purposes; or from doing any act or thing which might lawfully be done in the absence of such dispute by any party thereto; nor shall any of the acts specified in this paragraph be considered or held to be violations of any law of the United States.

(Oct. 15, 1914, ch. 323, §20, 38 Stat. 738.)

§53. "Person" or "persons" defined

The word "person" or "persons" wherever used in section 52 of this title shall be deemed to include corporations and associations existing under or authorized by the laws of either the United States, the laws of any of the Territories, the laws of any State, or the laws of any foreign country.

(Oct. 15, 1914, ch. 323, §1, 38 Stat. 730.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section is based on the 3d par. of section 1(a) of the Clayton Act (Oct. 15, 1914, ch. 323, as amended by section 305(b) of Pub. L. 94–435, Sept. 30, 1976). Section 1 of the Clayton Act is classified in its entirety to section 12 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade.

CHAPTER 6—JURISDICTION OF COURTS IN MATTERS AFFECTING EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEE

        

§101. Issuance of restraining orders and injunctions; limitation; public policy

No court of the United States, as defined in this chapter, shall have jurisdiction to issue any restraining order or temporary or permanent injunction in a case involving or growing out of a labor dispute, except in a strict conformity with the provisions of this chapter; nor shall any such restraining order or temporary or permanent injunction be issued contrary to the public policy declared in this chapter.

(Mar. 23, 1932, ch. 90, §1, 47 Stat. 70.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Short Title

Act Mar. 23, 1932, ch. 90, 47 Stat. 70, which enacted this chapter, is popularly known as the "Norris-LaGuardia Act".

§102. Public policy in labor matters declared

In the interpretation of this chapter and in determining the jurisdiction and authority of the courts of the United States, as such jurisdiction and authority are defined and limited in this chapter, the public policy of the United States is declared as follows:

Whereas under prevailing economic conditions, developed with the aid of governmental authority for owners of property to organize in the corporate and other forms of ownership association, the individual unorganized worker is commonly helpless to exercise actual liberty of contract and to protect his freedom of labor, and thereby to obtain acceptable terms and conditions of employment, wherefore, though he should be free to decline to associate with his fellows, it is necessary that he have full freedom of association, self-organization, and designation of representatives of his own choosing, to negotiate the terms and conditions of his employment, and that he shall be free from the interference, restraint, or coercion of employers of labor, or their agents, in the designation of such representatives or in self-organization or in other concerted activities for the purpose of collective bargaining or other mutual aid or protection; therefore, the following definitions of, and limitations upon, the jurisdiction and authority of the courts of the United States are enacted.

(Mar. 23, 1932, ch. 90, §2, 47 Stat. 70.)

§103. Nonenforceability of undertakings in conflict with public policy; "yellow dog" contracts

Any undertaking or promise, such as is described in this section, or any other undertaking or promise in conflict with the public policy declared in section 102 of this title, is declared to be contrary to the public policy of the United States, shall not be enforceable in any court of the United States and shall not afford any basis for the granting of legal or equitable relief by any such court, including specifically the following:

Every undertaking or promise hereafter made, whether written or oral, express or implied, constituting or contained in any contract or agreement of hiring or employment between any individual, firm, company, association, or corporation, and any employee or prospective employee of the same, whereby

(a) Either party to such contract or agreement undertakes or promises not to join, become, or remain a member of any labor organization or of any employer organization; or

(b) Either party to such contract or agreement undertakes or promises that he will withdraw from an employment relation in the event that he joins, becomes, or remains a member of any labor organization or of any employer organization.

(Mar. 23, 1932, ch. 90, §3, 47 Stat. 70.)

§104. Enumeration of specific acts not subject to restraining orders or injunctions

No court of the United States shall have jurisdiction to issue any restraining order or temporary or permanent injunction in any case involving or growing out of any labor dispute to prohibit any person or persons participating or interested in such dispute (as these terms are herein defined) from doing, whether singly or in concert, any of the following acts:

(a) Ceasing or refusing to perform any work or to remain in any relation of employment;

(b) Becoming or remaining a member of any labor organization or of any employer organization, regardless of any such undertaking or promise as is described in section 103 of this title;

(c) Paying or giving to, or withholding from, any person participating or interested in such labor dispute, any strike or unemployment benefits or insurance, or other moneys or things of value;

(d) By all lawful means aiding any person participating or interested in any labor dispute who is being proceeded against in, or is prosecuting, any action or suit in any court of the United States or of any State;

(e) Giving publicity to the existence of, or the facts involved in, any labor dispute, whether by advertising, speaking, patrolling, or by any other method not involving fraud or violence;

(f) Assembling peaceably to act or to organize to act in promotion of their interests in a labor dispute;

(g) Advising or notifying any person of an intention to do any of the acts heretofore specified;

(h) Agreeing with other persons to do or not to do any of the acts heretofore specified; and

(i) Advising, urging, or otherwise causing or inducing without fraud or violence the acts heretofore specified, regardless of any such undertaking or promise as is described in section 103 of this title.

(Mar. 23, 1932, ch. 90, §4, 47 Stat. 70.)

§105. Doing in concert of certain acts as constituting unlawful combination or conspiracy subjecting person to injunctive remedies

No court of the United States shall have jurisdiction to issue a restraining order or temporary or permanent injunction upon the ground that any of the persons participating or interested in a labor dispute constitute or are engaged in an unlawful combination or conspiracy because of the doing in concert of the acts enumerated in section 104 of this title.

(Mar. 23, 1932, ch. 90, §5, 47 Stat. 71.)

§106. Responsibility of officers and members of associations or their organizations for unlawful acts of individual officers, members, and agents

No officer or member of any association or organization, and no association or organization participating or interested in a labor dispute, shall be held responsible or liable in any court of the United States for the unlawful acts of individual officers, members, or agents, except upon clear proof of actual participation in, or actual authorization of, such acts, or of ratification of such acts after actual knowledge thereof.

(Mar. 23, 1932, ch. 90, §6, 47 Stat. 71.)

§107. Issuance of injunctions in labor disputes; hearing; findings of court; notice to affected persons; temporary restraining order; undertakings

No court of the United States shall have jurisdiction to issue a temporary or permanent injunction in any case involving or growing out of a labor dispute, as defined in this chapter, except after hearing the testimony of witnesses in open court (with opportunity for cross-examination) in support of the allegations of a complaint made under oath, and testimony in opposition thereto, if offered, and except after findings of fact by the court, to the effect—

(a) That unlawful acts have been threatened and will be committed unless restrained or have been committed and will be continued unless restrained, but no injunction or temporary restraining order shall be issued on account of any threat or unlawful act excepting against the person or persons, association, or organization making the threat or committing the unlawful act or actually authorizing or ratifying the same after actual knowledge thereof;

(b) That substantial and irreparable injury to complainant's property will follow;

(c) That as to each item of relief granted greater injury will be inflicted upon complainant by the denial of relief than will be inflicted upon defendants by the granting of relief;

(d) That complainant has no adequate remedy at law; and

(e) That the public officers charged with the duty to protect complainant's property are unable or unwilling to furnish adequate protection.

Such hearing shall be held after due and personal notice thereof has been given, in such manner as the court shall direct, to all known persons against whom relief is sought, and also to the chief of those public officials of the county and city within which the unlawful acts have been threatened or committed charged with the duty to protect complainant's property: Provided, however, That if a complainant shall also allege that, unless a temporary restraining order shall be issued without notice, a substantial and irreparable injury to complainant's property will be unavoidable, such a temporary restraining order may be issued upon testimony under oath, sufficient, if sustained, to justify the court in issuing a temporary injunction upon a hearing after notice. Such a temporary restraining order shall be effective for no longer than five days and shall become void at the expiration of said five days. No temporary restraining order or temporary injunction shall be issued except on condition that complainant shall first file an undertaking with adequate security in an amount to be fixed by the court sufficient to recompense those enjoined for any loss, expense, or damage caused by the improvident or erroneous issuance of such order or injunction, including all reasonable costs (together with a reasonable attorney's fee) and expense of defense against the order or against the granting of any injunctive relief sought in the same proceeding and subsequently denied by the court.

The undertaking mentioned in this section shall be understood to signify an agreement entered into by the complainant and the surety upon which a decree may be rendered in the same suit or proceeding against said complainant and surety, upon a hearing to assess damages of which hearing complainant and surety shall have reasonable notice, the said complainant and surety submitting themselves to the jurisdiction of the court for that purpose. But nothing in this section contained shall deprive any party having a claim or cause of action under or upon such undertaking from electing to pursue his ordinary remedy by suit at law or in equity.

(Mar. 23, 1932, ch. 90, §7, 47 Stat. 71.)

§108. Noncompliance with obligations involved in labor disputes or failure to settle by negotiation or arbitration as preventing injunctive relief

No restraining order or injunctive relief shall be granted to any complainant who has failed to comply with any obligation imposed by law which is involved in the labor dispute in question, or who has failed to make every reasonable effort to settle such dispute either by negotiation or with the aid of any available governmental machinery of mediation or voluntary arbitration.

(Mar. 23, 1932, ch. 90, §8, 47 Stat. 72.)

§109. Granting of restraining order or injunction as dependent on previous findings of fact; limitation on prohibitions included in restraining orders and injunctions

No restraining order or temporary or permanent injunction shall be granted in a case involving or growing out of a labor dispute, except on the basis of findings of fact made and filed by the court in the record of the case prior to the issuance of such restraining order or injunction; and every restraining order or injunction granted in a case involving or growing out of a labor dispute shall include only a prohibition of such specific act or acts as may be expressly complained of in the bill of complaint or petition filed in such case and as shall be expressly included in said findings of fact made and filed by the court as provided in this chapter.

(Mar. 23, 1932, ch. 90, §9, 47 Stat. 72.)

§110. Review by court of appeals of issuance or denial of temporary injunctions; record

Whenever any court of the United States shall issue or deny any temporary injunction in a case involving or growing out of a labor dispute, the court shall, upon the request of any party to the proceedings and on his filing the usual bond for costs, forthwith certify as in ordinary cases the record of the case to the court of appeals for its review. Upon the filing of such record in the court of appeals, the appeal shall be heard and the temporary injunctive order affirmed, modified, or set aside expeditiously ¹

(Mar. 23, 1932, ch. 90, §10, 47 Stat. 72; June 25, 1948, ch. 646, §32(a), 62 Stat. 991; May 24, 1949, ch. 139, §127, 63 Stat. 107; Pub. L. 98–620, title IV, §402(30), Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3359.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1984—Pub. L. 98–620 substituted "expeditiously" for "with the greatest possible expedition, giving the proceedings precedence over all other matters except older matters of the same character."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

Act June 25, 1948, eff. Sept. 1, 1948, as amended by act May 24, 1949, substituted "court of appeals" for "circuit court of appeals".

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–620 not applicable to cases pending on Nov. 8, 1984, see section 403 of Pub. L. 98–620, set out as a note under section 1657 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure.

¹ So in original. Probably should be followed by a period.

§§111, 112. Repealed. June 25, 1948, ch. 645, §21, 62 Stat. 862, eff. Sept. 1, 1948

Section 111, act Mar. 23, 1932, ch. 90, §11, 47 Stat. 72, related to contempts, speedy and public trial, and jury. See section 3692 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure.

Section 112, act Mar. 23, 1932, ch. 90, §12, 47 Stat. 73, related to contempts and demand for retirement of sitting judge. See rule 42 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, set out in the Appendix to Title 18.

§113. Definitions of terms and words used in chapter

When used in this chapter, and for the purposes of this chapter—

(a) A case shall be held to involve or to grow out of a labor dispute when the case involves persons who are engaged in the same industry, trade, craft, or occupation; or have direct or indirect interests therein; or who are employees of the same employer; or who are members of the same or an affiliated organization of employers or employees; whether such dispute is (1) between one or more employers or associations of employers and one or more employees or associations of employees; (2) between one or more employers or associations of employers and one or more employers or associations of employers; or (3) between one or more employees or associations of employees and one or more employees or associations of employees; or when the case involves any conflicting or competing interests in a "labor dispute" (as defined in this section) of "persons participating or interested" therein (as defined in this section).

(b) A person or association shall be held to be a person participating or interested in a labor dispute if relief is sought against him or it, and if he or it is engaged in the same industry, trade, craft, or occupation in which such dispute occurs, or has a direct or indirect interest therein, or is a member, officer, or agent of any association composed in whole or in part of employers or employees engaged in such industry, trade, craft, or occupation.

(c) The term "labor dispute" includes any controversy concerning terms or conditions of employment, or concerning the association or representation of persons in negotiating, fixing, maintaining, changing, or seeking to arrange terms or conditions of employment, regardless of whether or not the disputants stand in the proximate relation of employer and employee.

(d) The term "court of the United States" means any court of the United States whose jurisdiction has been or may be conferred or defined or limited by Act of Congress, including the courts of the District of Columbia.

(Mar. 23, 1932, ch. 90, §13, 47 Stat. 73.)

§114. Separability

If any provision of this chapter or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held unconstitutional or otherwise invalid, the remaining provisions of this chapter and the application of such provisions to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.

(Mar. 23, 1932, ch. 90, §14, 47 Stat. 73.)

§115. Repeal of conflicting acts

All acts and parts of acts in conflict with the provisions of this chapter are repealed.

(Mar. 23, 1932, ch. 90, §15, 47 Stat. 73.)

CHAPTER 7—LABOR-MANAGEMENT RELATIONS

SUBCHAPTER I—GENERAL PROVISIONS

        

SUBCHAPTER II—NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS

        

SUBCHAPTER III—CONCILIATION OF LABOR DISPUTES; NATIONAL EMERGENCIES

        

SUBCHAPTER IV—LIABILITIES OF AND RESTRICTIONS ON LABOR AND MANAGEMENT

        

SUBCHAPTER V—CONGRESSIONAL JOINT COMMITTEE ON LABOR-MANAGEMENT RELATIONS

        

SUBCHAPTER I—GENERAL PROVISIONS

§141. Short title; Congressional declaration of purpose and policy

(a) This chapter may be cited as the "Labor Management Relations Act, 1947".

(b) Industrial strife which interferes with the normal flow of commerce and with the full production of articles and commodities for commerce, can be avoided or substantially minimized if employers, employees, and labor organizations each recognize under law one another's legitimate rights in their relations with each other, and above all recognize under law that neither party has any right in its relations with any other to engage in acts or practices which jeopardize the public health, safety, or interest.

It is the purpose and policy of this chapter, in order to promote the full flow of commerce, to prescribe the legitimate rights of both employees and employers in their relations affecting commerce, to provide orderly and peaceful procedures for preventing the interference by either with the legitimate rights of the other, to protect the rights of individual employees in their relations with labor organizations whose activities affect commerce, to define and proscribe practices on the part of labor and management which affect commerce and are inimical to the general welfare, and to protect the rights of the public in connection with labor disputes affecting commerce.

(June 23, 1947, ch. 120, §1, 61 Stat. 136.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in subsec. (a), was in the original "This Act" meaning act June 23, 1947, ch. 120, 61 Stat. 136, which is classified principally to this subchapter and subchapters III (§171 et seq.) and IV (§185 et seq.) of this chapter. For complete classification of this act to the Code, see Tables.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Short Title of 1978 Amendment

Pub. L. 95–524, §6(a), Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 2020, provided that: "This section [enacting section 175a of this title, amending sections 173 and 186 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 175a of this title] may be cited as the 'Labor Management Cooperation Act of 1978'."

National Commission on Technology, Automation, and Economic Progress

Pub. L. 88–444, Aug. 19, 1964, 78 Stat. 462, established the National Commission on Technology, Automation, and Economic Progress, to make a comprehensive and impartial study and make recommendations from time to time as needed for constructive action. The Commission was directed to submit a final report of its findings and recommendations to the President and the Congress by January 1, 1966, and ceased 30 days after submitting its final report.

Executive Documents

Executive Order No. 10918

Ex. Ord. No. 10918, Feb. 16, 1961, 26 F.R. 1427, which established the President's Advisory Committee on Labor-Management Policy, was revoked by Ex. Ord. No. 11710, Apr. 4, 1973, 38 F.R. 9071, formerly set out below.

Executive Order No. 11710

Ex. Ord. No. 11710, Apr. 4, 1973, 38 F.R. 9071, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 11729, July 12, 1973, 38 F.R. 18863, which established the National Commission for Industrial Peace, was revoked by Ex. Ord. No. 11823, Dec. 12, 1974, 39 F.R. 43529.

Executive Order No. 11809

Ex. Ord. No. 11809, Sept. 30, 1974, 39 F.R. 35565, which established the President's Labor-Management Committee, was revoked by Ex. Ord. No. 11948, Dec. 20, 1976, 41 F.R. 55705, formerly set out as a note under section 1013 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Ex. Ord. No. 14025. Worker Organizing and Empowerment

Ex. Ord. No. 14025, Apr. 26, 2021, 86 F.R. 22829, provided:

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Policy and Findings. The National Labor Relations Act (29 U.S.C. 151 [et seq.]) proclaims that the policy of the United States is to encourage worker organizing and collective bargaining and to promote equality of bargaining power between employers and employees. In the Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute (5 U.S.C. 7101(a)(1)), the Congress found that "experience in both private and public employment indicates that the statutory protection of the right of employees to organize, bargain collectively, and participate through labor organizations of their own choosing in decisions which affect them . . . safeguards the public interest, . . . contributes to the effective conduct of public business, and . . . facilitates and encourages the amicable settlements of disputes between employees and their employers involving conditions of employment."

In the past few decades, the Federal Government has not used its full authority to promote and implement this policy of support for workers organizing unions and bargaining collectively with their employers. During this period, economic change in the United States and globally, technological developments, and the failure to modernize Federal organizing and labor-management relations laws to respond appropriately to the reality found in American workplaces, have made worker organizing exceedingly difficult.

The result has been a steady decline in union density in the United States and the loss of worker power and voice in workplaces and communities across the country. This decline has had a host of negative consequences for American workers and the economy, including weakening and shrinking America's middle class. Meanwhile, some workers have been excluded from opportunities to organize unions and bargain collectively with their employers by law or practice, and so have never been able to build meaningful economic power or have a voice in their workplaces.

Confirming the policies declared in Federal labor laws, substantial evidence shows that union membership increases wages, the likelihood of receiving employer-provided benefits, and job security. Union membership also gives workers the means to build the power to ensure that their voices are heard in their workplaces, their communities, and in the Nation.

Therefore, it is the policy of my Administration to encourage worker organizing and collective bargaining.

Sec. 2. Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment. There is hereby established within the Executive Office of the President the Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment (Task Force).

(a) The Vice President shall serve as Chair of the Task Force. In addition to the Vice President, the Task Force shall consist of the following officials or their designees:

(i) the Secretary of Labor, who shall serve as Vice Chair of the Task Force;

(ii) the Secretary of the Treasury;

(iii) the Secretary of Defense;

(iv) the Secretary of the Interior;

(v) the Secretary of Agriculture;

(vi) the Secretary of Commerce;

(vii) the Secretary of Health and Human Services;

(viii) the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development;

(ix) the Secretary of Transportation;

(x) the Secretary of Energy;

(xi) the Secretary of Education;

(xii) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs;

(xiii) the Secretary of Homeland Security;

(xiv) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency;

(xv) the Administrator of General Services;

(xvi) the Administrator of the Small Business Administration;

(xvii) the United States Trade Representative;

(xviii) the Director of the Office of Management and Budget;

(xix) the Director of the Office of Personnel Management;

(xx) the Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers;

(xxi) the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy;

(xxii) the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy;

(xxiii) the Assistant to the President and National Climate Advisor; and

(xxiv) the heads of such other executive departments, agencies, and offices as the President may from time to time designate upon the recommendation of the Chair of the Task Force.

(b) The Task Force and its members shall identify executive branch policies, practices, and programs that could be used, consistent with applicable law, to promote my Administration's policy of support for worker power, worker organizing, and collective bargaining. This identification shall include policies, practices, and programs that could be used to promote worker power in areas of the country with hostile labor laws, for marginalized workers (including women and persons of color) and hard-to-organize industries, and in changing industries. The Task Force and its members also shall identify statutory, regulatory, or other changes that may be necessary to make policies, practices, and programs more effective means of supporting worker organizing and collective bargaining.

(c) The functions of the Task Force are advisory in nature only; the purpose of the Task Force is to make recommendations regarding changes to policies, practices, programs, and other changes that would serve the objectives of this order.

(d) The Task Force should invite the National Labor Relations Board, the Federal Labor Relations Authority, the National Mediation Board, and other executive agencies, boards, and commissions with responsibility for implementing laws concerning worker organizing and collective bargaining to consult, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law, with the Task Force.

(e) The Chair may establish such sub-committees or other working groups composed of Task Force members or their representatives as may be necessary to accomplish the objectives of this order.

(f) Consistent with the objectives of this order and applicable law, the Task Force may gather relevant information from labor organizations, other worker advocates, academic and other experts, and other entities and persons it identifies that will assist the Task Force in accomplishing the objectives of this order.

(g) The Task Force shall, within 180 days of the date of this order [Apr. 26, 2021], submit to the President recommendations for actions as described in subsection (b) of this section to promote worker organizing and collective bargaining in the public and private sectors, and to increase union density. The Task Force may, at the Chair's discretion, recommend appropriate or time-sensitive individual actions to promote worker organizing and collective bargaining before the deadline established by this section. The Task Force and its members shall work to implement all recommendations that the President may approve, to the extent permitted by law, and shall report their progress as directed by the Chair.

Sec. 3. Definitions. For purposes of this order:

(a) "Policies, practices, and programs" includes regulations; guidance and other formal policy documents; procurements; grants and other direct or indirect Federal investments; tax and trade administration and enforcement; administration and enforcement of labor, employment, and other relevant laws; property management; and human resources management and labor relations.

(b) "Worker organizing and collective bargaining" encompasses the private sector, State and local governments, and the Federal Government. It also includes those sectors of the economy and those workers who have not historically been able to unionize, or whose ability to effectively collectively bargain or organize has been undermined.

(c) the term "agency" refers to all agencies described in section 3502(1) of title 44, United States Code, except for the agencies described in section 3502(5) of title 44.

Sec. 4. Revocations. (a) Executive Order 13845 of July 19, 2018 (Establishing the President's National Council for the American Worker) [former 29 U.S.C. 3101 note], and Executive Order 13931 of June 26, 2020 (Continuing the President's National Council for the American Worker and the American Workforce Policy Advisory Board) [former 29 U.S.C. 3101 note], are revoked.

(b) The Director of the Office of Management and Budget and the heads of executive departments and agencies shall promptly consider taking steps to rescind any orders, rules, regulations, guidelines, or policies, or portions thereof, implementing or enforcing Executive Order 13845 or Executive Order 13931, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law, including the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 551 et seq.). In addition, they shall abolish any personnel positions, committees, task forces, or other entities established pursuant to Executive Order 13845 or Executive Order 13931, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law.

Sec. 5. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

J.R. Biden, Jr.      

§142. Definitions

When used in this chapter—

(1) The term "industry affecting commerce" means any industry or activity in commerce or in which a labor dispute would burden or obstruct commerce or tend to burden or obstruct commerce or the free flow of commerce.

(2) The term "strike" includes any strike or other concerted stoppage of work by employees (including a stoppage by reason of the expiration of a collective-bargaining agreement) and any concerted slowdown or other concerted interruption of operations by employees.

(3) The terms "commerce", "labor disputes", "employer", "employee", "labor organization", "representative", "person", and "supervisor" shall have the same meaning as when used in subchapter II of this chapter.

(June 23, 1947, ch. 120, title V, §501, 61 Stat. 161.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Subchapter II of this chapter, referred to in par. (3), was in the original "the National Labor Relations Act as amended by this Act" [29 U.S.C. §151 et seq.].

§143. Saving provisions

Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to require an individual employee to render labor or service without his consent, nor shall anything in this chapter be construed to make the quitting of his labor by an individual employee an illegal act; nor shall any court issue any process to compel the performance by an individual employee of such labor or service, without his consent; nor shall the quitting of labor by an employee or employees in good faith because of abnormally dangerous conditions for work at the place of employment of such employee or employees be deemed a strike under this chapter.

(June 23, 1947, ch. 120, title V, §502, 61 Stat. 162.)

§144. Separability

If any provision of this chapter, or the application of such provision to any person or circumstance, shall be held invalid, the remainder of this chapter, or the application of such provision to persons or circumstances other than those as to which it is held invalid, shall not be affected thereby.

(June 23, 1947, ch. 120, title V, §503, 61 Stat. 162.)

SUBCHAPTER II—NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS

Editorial Notes

Codification

This subchapter is comprised of the National Labor Relations Act, and is not part of the Labor Management Relations Act, 1947, which comprises this chapter.

§151. Findings and declaration of policy

The denial by some employers of the right of employees to organize and the refusal by some employers to accept the procedure of collective bargaining lead to strikes and other forms of industrial strife or unrest, which have the intent or the necessary effect of burdening or obstructing commerce by (a) impairing the efficiency, safety, or operation of the instrumentalities of commerce; (b) occurring in the current of commerce; (c) materially affecting, restraining, or controlling the flow of raw materials or manufactured or processed goods from or into the channels of commerce, or the prices of such materials or goods in commerce; or (d) causing diminution of employment and wages in such volume as substantially to impair or disrupt the market for goods flowing from or into the channels of commerce.

The inequality of bargaining power between employees who do not possess full freedom of association or actual liberty of contract, and employers who are organized in the corporate or other forms of ownership association substantially burdens and affects the flow of commerce, and tends to aggravate recurrent business depressions, by depressing wage rates and the purchasing power of wage earners in industry and by preventing the stabilization of competitive wage rates and working conditions within and between industries.

Experience has proved that protection by law of the right of employees to organize and bargain collectively safeguards commerce from injury, impairment, or interruption, and promotes the flow of commerce by removing certain recognized sources of industrial strife and unrest, by encouraging practices fundamental to the friendly adjustment of industrial disputes arising out of differences as to wages, hours, or other working conditions, and by restoring equality of bargaining power between employers and employees.

Experience has further demonstrated that certain practices by some labor organizations, their officers, and members have the intent or the necessary effect of burdening or obstructing commerce by preventing the free flow of goods in such commerce through strikes and other forms of industrial unrest or through concerted activities which impair the interest of the public in the free flow of such commerce. The elimination of such practices is a necessary condition to the assurance of the rights herein guaranteed.

It is hereby declared to be the policy of the United States to eliminate the causes of certain substantial obstructions to the free flow of commerce and to mitigate and eliminate these obstructions when they have occurred by encouraging the practice and procedure of collective bargaining and by protecting the exercise by workers of full freedom of association, self-organization, and designation of representatives of their own choosing, for the purpose of negotiating the terms and conditions of their employment or other mutual aid or protection.

(July 5, 1935, ch. 372, §1, 49 Stat. 449; June 23, 1947, ch. 120, title I, §101, 61 Stat. 136.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1947—Act June 23, 1947, amended section generally to restate the declaration of policy and to make the finding and policy of this subchapter "two-sided".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1947 Amendment

Act June 23, 1947, ch. 120, title I, §104, 61 Stat. 152, provided that: "The amendments made by this title [amending this subchapter] shall take effect sixty days after the date of the enactment of this Act [June 23, 1947], except that the authority of the President to appoint certain officers conferred upon him by section 3 of the National Labor Relations Act as amended by this title [section 153 of this title] may be exercised forthwith."

§152. Definitions

When used in this subchapter—

(1) The term "person" includes one or more individuals, labor organizations, partnerships, associations, corporations, legal representatives, trustees, trustees in cases under title 11, or receivers.

(2) The term "employer" includes any person acting as an agent of an employer, directly or indirectly, but shall not include the United States or any wholly owned Government corporation, or any Federal Reserve Bank, or any State or political subdivision thereof, or any person subject to the Railway Labor Act [45 U.S.C. 151 et seq.], as amended from time to time, or any labor organization (other than when acting as an employer), or anyone acting in the capacity of officer or agent of such labor organization.

(3) The term "employee" shall include any employee, and shall not be limited to the employees of a particular employer, unless this subchapter explicitly states otherwise, and shall include any individual whose work has ceased as a consequence of, or in connection with, any current labor dispute or because of any unfair labor practice, and who has not obtained any other regular and substantially equivalent employment, but shall not include any individual employed as an agricultural laborer, or in the domestic service of any family or person at his home, or any individual employed by his parent or spouse, or any individual having the status of an independent contractor, or any individual employed as a supervisor, or any individual employed by an employer subject to the Railway Labor Act [45 U.S.C. 151 et seq.], as amended from time to time, or by any other person who is not an employer as herein defined.

(4) The term "representatives" includes any individual or labor organization.

(5) The term "labor organization" means any organization of any kind, or any agency or employee representation committee or plan, in which employees participate and which exists for the purpose, in whole or in part, of dealing with employers concerning grievances, labor disputes, wages, rates of pay, hours of employment, or conditions of work.

(6) The term "commerce" means trade, traffic, commerce, transportation, or communication among the several States, or between the District of Columbia or any Territory of the United States and any State or other Territory, or between any foreign country and any State, Territory, or the District of Columbia, or within the District of Columbia or any Territory, or between points in the same State but through any other State or any Territory or the District of Columbia or any foreign country.

(7) The term "affecting commerce" means in commerce, or burdening or obstructing commerce or the free flow of commerce, or having led or tending to lead to a labor dispute burdening or obstructing commerce or the free flow of commerce.

(8) The term "unfair labor practice" means any unfair labor practice listed in section 158 of this title.

(9) The term "labor dispute" includes any controversy concerning terms, tenure or conditions of employment, or concerning the association or representation of persons in negotiating, fixing, maintaining, changing, or seeking to arrange terms or conditions of employment, regardless of whether the disputants stand in the proximate relation of employer and employee.

(10) The term "National Labor Relations Board" means the National Labor Relations Board provided for in section 153 of this title.

(11) The term "supervisor" means any individual having authority, in the interest of the employer, to hire, transfer, suspend, lay off, recall, promote, discharge, assign, reward, or discipline other employees, or responsibly to direct them, or to adjust their grievances, or effectively to recommend such action, if in connection with the foregoing the exercise of such authority is not of a merely routine or clerical nature, but requires the use of independent judgment.

(12) The term "professional employee" means—

(a) any employee engaged in work (i) predominantly intellectual and varied in character as opposed to routine mental, manual, mechanical, or physical work; (ii) involving the consistent exercise of discretion and judgment in its performance; (iii) of such a character that the output produced or the result accomplished cannot be standardized in relation to a given period of time; (iv) requiring knowledge of an advanced type in a field of science or learning customarily acquired by a prolonged course of specialized intellectual instruction and study in an institution of higher learning or a hospital, as distinguished from a general academic education or from an apprenticeship or from training in the performance of routine mental, manual, or physical processes; or

(b) any employee, who (i) has completed the courses of specialized intellectual instruction and study described in clause (iv) of paragraph (a), and (ii) is performing related work under the supervision of a professional person to qualify himself to become a professional employee as defined in paragraph (a).

(13) In determining whether any person is acting as an "agent" of another person so as to make such other person responsible for his acts, the question of whether the specific acts performed were actually authorized or subsequently ratified shall not be controlling.

(14) The term "health care institution" shall include any hospital, convalescent hospital, health maintenance organization, health clinic, nursing home, extended care facility, or other institution devoted to the care of sick, infirm, or aged person.¹

(July 5, 1935, ch. 372, §2, 49 Stat. 450; June 23, 1947, ch. 120, title I, §101, 61 Stat. 137; Pub. L. 93–360, §1(a), (b), July 26, 1974, 88 Stat. 395; Pub. L. 95–598, title III, §319, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2678.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Railway Labor Act, referred to in pars. (2) and (3), is act May 20, 1926, ch. 347, 44 Stat. 577, which is classified principally to chapter 8 (§151 et seq.) of Title 45, Railroads. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 151 of Title 45 and Tables.

Amendments

1978—Par. (1). Pub. L. 95–598 substituted "cases under title 11" for "bankruptcy".

1974—Par. (2). Pub. L. 93–360, §1(a), struck out provisions which had excepted from definition of "employer" corporations and associations operating hospitals if no part of the net earnings inured to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual.

Par. (14). Pub. L. 93–360, §1(b), added par. (14).

1947—Act June 23, 1947, amended section generally to redefine terms used in this subchapter and to define several new terms.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1978 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 95–598 effective Oct. 1, 1979, see section 402(a) of Pub. L. 95–598, set out as an Effective Date note preceding section 101 of Title 11, Bankruptcy.

Effective Date of 1974 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 93–360 effective on thirtieth day after July 26, 1974, see section 4 of Pub. L. 93–360, set out as an Effective Date note under section 169 of this title.

Effective Date of 1947 Amendment

For effective date of amendment by act June 23, 1947, see section 104 of act June 23, 1947, set out as a note under section 151 of this title.

¹ So in original. Probably should be "persons."

§153. National Labor Relations Board

(a) Creation, composition, appointment, and tenure; Chairman; removal of members

The National Labor Relations Board (hereinafter called the "Board") created by this subchapter prior to its amendment by the Labor Management Relations Act, 1947 [29 U.S.C. 141 et seq.], is continued as an agency of the United States, except that the Board shall consist of five instead of three members, appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Of the two additional members so provided for, one shall be appointed for a term of five years and the other for a term of two years. Their successors, and the successors of the other members, shall be appointed for terms of five years each, excepting that any individual chosen to fill a vacancy shall be appointed only for the unexpired term of the member whom he shall succeed. The President shall designate one member to serve as Chairman of the Board. Any member of the Board may be removed by the President, upon notice and hearing, for neglect of duty or malfeasance in office, but for no other cause.

(b) Delegation of powers to members and regional directors; review and stay of actions of regional directors; quorum; seal

The Board is authorized to delegate to any group of three or more members any or all of the powers which it may itself exercise. The Board is also authorized to delegate to its regional directors its powers under section 159 of this title to determine the unit appropriate for the purpose of collective bargaining, to investigate and provide for hearings, and determine whether a question of representation exists, and to direct an election or take a secret ballot under subsection (c) or (e) of section 159 of this title and certify the results thereof, except that upon the filing of a request therefor with the Board by any interested person, the Board may review any action of a regional director delegated to him under this paragraph, but such a review shall not, unless specifically ordered by the Board, operate as a stay of any action taken by the regional director. A vacancy in the Board shall not impair the right of the remaining members to exercise all of the powers of the Board, and three members of the Board shall, at all times, constitute a quorum of the Board, except that two members shall constitute a quorum of any group designated pursuant to the first sentence hereof. The Board shall have an official seal which shall be judicially noticed.

(c) Annual reports to Congress and the President

The Board shall at the close of each fiscal year make a report in writing to Congress and to the President summarizing significant case activities and operations for that fiscal year.

(d) General Counsel; appointment and tenure; powers and duties; vacancy

There shall be a General Counsel of the Board who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, for a term of four years. The General Counsel of the Board shall exercise general supervision over all attorneys employed by the Board (other than administrative law judges and legal assistants to Board members) and over the officers and employees in the regional offices. He shall have final authority, on behalf of the Board, in respect of the investigation of charges and issuance of complaints under section 160 of this title, and in respect of the prosecution of such complaints before the Board, and shall have such other duties as the Board may prescribe or as may be provided by law. In case of a vacancy in the office of the General Counsel the President is authorized to designate the officer or employee who shall act as General Counsel during such vacancy, but no person or persons so designated shall so act (1) for more than forty days when the Congress is in session unless a nomination to fill such vacancy shall have been submitted to the Senate, or (2) after the adjournment sine die of the session of the Senate in which such nomination was submitted.

(July 5, 1935, ch. 372, §3, 49 Stat. 451; June 23, 1947, ch. 120, title I, §101, 61 Stat. 139; Pub. L. 86–257, title VII, §§701(b), 703, Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 542; Pub. L. 93–608, §3(3), Jan. 2, 1975, 88 Stat. 1972; Pub. L. 95–251, §3, Mar. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 184; Pub. L. 97–375, title II, §213, Dec. 21, 1982, 96 Stat. 1826.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Labor Management Relations Act, 1947, referred to in subsec. (a), is act June 23, 1947, ch. 120, 61 Stat. 136, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this act to the Code, see section 141 of this title and Tables.

Codification

In subsec. (d), "administrative law judges" substituted for "trial examiners" pursuant to section 3105 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, and section 3 of Pub. L. 95–251, Mar. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 184, which is set out as a note under section 3105 of Title 5.

Amendments

1982—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 97–375 substituted "summarizing significant case activities and operations for that fiscal year" for "stating in detail the cases it has heard, the decisions it has rendered, and an account of all moneys it has disbursed".

1975—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 93–608 struck out requirement that report contain the names, salaries, and duties of all employees and officers employed or supervised by the Board.

1959—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 86–257, §701(b), authorized the Board to delegate to its regional directors its powers under section 159 of this title to determine the unit appropriate for the purpose of collective bargaining, to investigate and provide for hearings, and determine whether a question of representation exists, and to direct an election or take a secret ballot under section 159(c) or 159(e) of this title and certify the results thereof.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 86–257, §703, authorized the President to designate the officer or employee who shall act as General Counsel in the case of a vacancy in the office of the General Counsel.

1947—Act June 23, 1947, amended section generally by increasing membership from three to five, delegating its powers and duties to a quorum of any three members, and by appointing a General Counsel and outlining his powers and duties.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1959 Amendment

Pub. L. 86–257, title VII, §707, Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 546, provided that: "The amendments made by this title [amending this section and sections 158, 159, and 160 of this title] shall take effect sixty days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 14, 1959] and no provision of this title shall be deemed to make an unfair labor practice, any act which is performed prior to such effective date which did not constitute an unfair labor practice prior thereto."

Termination of Reporting Requirements

For termination, effective May 15, 2000, of provisions in subsec. (c) of this section relating to making a report in writing to Congress at the close of each fiscal year, see section 3003 of Pub. L. 104–66, as amended, set out as a note under section 1113 of Title 31, Money and Finance, and page 184 of House Document No. 103–7.

§154. National Labor Relations Board; eligibility for reappointment; officers and employees; payment of expenses

(a) Each member of the Board and the General Counsel of the Board shall be eligible for reappointment, and shall not engage in any other business, vocation, or employment. The Board shall appoint an executive secretary, and such attorneys, examiners, and regional directors, and such other employees as it may from time to time find necessary for the proper performance of its duties. The Board may not employ any attorneys for the purpose of reviewing transcripts of hearings or preparing drafts of opinions except that any attorney employed for assignment as a legal assistant to any Board member may for such Board member review such transcripts and prepare such drafts. No administrative law judge's report shall be reviewed, either before or after its publication, by any person other than a member of the Board or his legal assistant, and no administrative law judge shall advise or consult with the Board with respect to exceptions taken to his findings, rulings, or recommendations. The Board may establish or utilize such regional, local, or other agencies, and utilize such voluntary and uncompensated services, as may from time to time be needed. Attorneys appointed under this section may, at the direction of the Board, appear for and represent the Board in any case in court. Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to authorize the Board to appoint individuals for the purpose of conciliation or mediation, or for economic analysis.

(b) All of the expenses of the Board, including all necessary traveling and subsistence expenses outside the District of Columbia incurred by the members or employees of the Board under its orders, shall be allowed and paid on the presentation of itemized vouchers therefor approved by the Board or by any individual it designates for that purpose.

(July 5, 1935, ch. 372, §4, 49 Stat. 451; June 23, 1947, ch. 120, title I, §101, 61 Stat. 139; Pub. L. 95–251, §3, Mar. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 184.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Provisions of subsec. (a) which prescribed the basic compensation of members of the Board and the General Counsel were omitted to conform to the provisions of the Executive Schedule. See sections 5314 and 5315 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

In subsec. (a), "administrative law judge's" and "administrative law judge" substituted for "trial examiner's" and "trial examiner", respectively, pursuant to section 3105 of Title 5, and section 3 of Pub. L. 95–251, Mar. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 184, which is set out as a note under section 3105 of Title 5.

Amendments

1947—Act June 23, 1947, amended section generally by increasing Board members' salaries from $10,000 to $12,000 per annum, by providing a salary of $12,000 per annum for the General Counsel, striking out former subsec. (b) relating to termination of "Old Board", and redesignating subsec. (c) relating to payment of expenses of Board as subsec. (b).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1947 Amendment

For effective date of amendment by act June 23, 1947, see section 104 of act June 23, 1947, set out as a note under section 151 of this title.

§155. National Labor Relations Board; principal office, conducting inquiries throughout country; participation in decisions or inquiries conducted by member

The principal office of the Board shall be in the District of Columbia, but it may meet and exercise any or all of its powers at any other place. The Board may, by one or more of its members or by such agents or agencies as it may designate, prosecute any inquiry necessary to its functions in any part of the United States. A member who participates in such an inquiry shall not be disqualified from subsequently participating in a decision of the Board in the same case.

(July 5, 1935, ch. 372, §5, 49 Stat. 452; June 23, 1947, ch. 120, title I, §101, 61 Stat. 140.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1947—Act June 23, 1947, reenacted section without change.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1947 Amendment

For effective date of amendment by act June 23, 1947, see section 104 of act June 23, 1947, set out as a note under section 151 of this title.

§156. Rules and regulations

The Board shall have authority from time to time to make, amend, and rescind, in the manner prescribed by subchapter II of chapter 5 of title 5, such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this subchapter.

(July 5, 1935, ch. 372, §6, 49 Stat. 452; June 23, 1947, ch. 120, title I, §101, 61 Stat. 140.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

"Subchapter II of chapter 5 of title 5" substituted in text for "the Administrative Procedure Act" on authority of Pub. L. 89–554, §7(b), Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 631, the first section of which enacted Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Amendments

1947—Act June 23, 1947, amended section generally to provide that the rules and regulations issued by the Board should be in the manner prescribed by the Administrative Procedure Act.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1947 Amendment

For effective date of amendment by act June 23, 1947, see section 104 of act June 23, 1947, set out as a note under section 151 of this title.

§157. Right of employees as to organization, collective bargaining, etc.

Employees shall have the right to self-organization, to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to bargain collectively through representatives of their own choosing, and to engage in other concerted activities for the purpose of collective bargaining or other mutual aid or protection, and shall also have the right to refrain from any or all of such activities except to the extent that such right may be affected by an agreement requiring membership in a labor organization as a condition of employment as authorized in section 158(a)(3) of this title.

(July 5, 1935, ch. 372, §7, 49 Stat. 452; June 23, 1947, ch. 120, title I, §101, 61 Stat. 140.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1947—Act June 23, 1947, restated rights of employees to bargain collectively and inserted provision that they have right to refrain from joining in concerted activities with their fellow employees.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1947 Amendment

For effective date of amendment by act June 23, 1947, see section 104 of act June 23, 1947, set out as a note under section 151 of this title.

§158. Unfair labor practices

(a) Unfair labor practices by employer

It shall be an unfair labor practice for an employer—

(1) to interfere with, restrain, or coerce employees in the exercise of the rights guaranteed in section 157 of this title;

(2) to dominate or interfere with the formation or administration of any labor organization or contribute financial or other support to it: Provided, That subject to rules and regulations made and published by the Board pursuant to section 156 of this title, an employer shall not be prohibited from permitting employees to confer with him during working hours without loss of time or pay;

(3) by discrimination in regard to hire or tenure of employment or any term or condition of employment to encourage or discourage membership in any labor organization: Provided, That nothing in this subchapter, or in any other statute of the United States, shall preclude an employer from making an agreement with a labor organization (not established, maintained, or assisted by any action defined in this subsection as an unfair labor practice) to require as a condition of employment membership therein on or after the thirtieth day following the beginning of such employment or the effective date of such agreement, whichever is the later, (i) if such labor organization is the representative of the employees as provided in section 159(a) of this title, in the appropriate collective-bargaining unit covered by such agreement when made, and (ii) unless following an election held as provided in section 159(e) of this title within one year preceding the effective date of such agreement, the Board shall have certified that at least a majority of the employees eligible to vote in such election have voted to rescind the authority of such labor organization to make such an agreement: Provided further, That no employer shall justify any discrimination against an employee for nonmembership in a labor organization (A) if he has reasonable grounds for believing that such membership was not available to the employee on the same terms and conditions generally applicable to other members, or (B) if he has reasonable grounds for believing that membership was denied or terminated for reasons other than the failure of the employee to tender the periodic dues and the initiation fees uniformly required as a condition of acquiring or retaining membership;

(4) to discharge or otherwise discriminate against an employee because he has filed charges or given testimony under this subchapter;

(5) to refuse to bargain collectively with the representatives of his employees, subject to the provisions of section 159(a) of this title.

(b) Unfair labor practices by labor organization

It shall be an unfair labor practice for a labor organization or its agents—

(1) to restrain or coerce (A) employees in the exercise of the rights guaranteed in section 157 of this title: Provided, That this paragraph shall not impair the right of a labor organization to prescribe its own rules with respect to the acquisition or retention of membership therein; or (B) an employer in the selection of his representatives for the purposes of collective bargaining or the adjustment of grievances;

(2) to cause or attempt to cause an employer to discriminate against an employee in violation of subsection (a)(3) or to discriminate against an employee with respect to whom membership in such organization has been denied or terminated on some ground other than his failure to tender the periodic dues and the initiation fees uniformly required as a condition of acquiring or retaining membership;

(3) to refuse to bargain collectively with an employer, provided it is the representative of his employees subject to the provisions of section 159(a) of this title;

(4)(i) to engage in, or to induce or encourage any individual employed by any person engaged in commerce or in an industry affecting commerce to engage in, a strike or a refusal in the course of his employment to use, manufacture, process, transport, or otherwise handle or work on any goods, articles, materials, or commodities or to perform any services; or (ii) to threaten, coerce, or restrain any person engaged in commerce or in an industry affecting commerce, where in either case an object thereof is—

(A) forcing or requiring any employer or self-employed person to join any labor or employer organization or to enter into any agreement which is prohibited by subsection (e);

(B) forcing or requiring any person to cease using, selling, handling, transporting, or otherwise dealing in the products of any other producer, processor, or manufacturer, or to cease doing business with any other person, or forcing or requiring any other employer to recognize or bargain with a labor organization as the representative of his employees unless such labor organization has been certified as the representative of such employees under the provisions of section 159 of this title: Provided, That nothing contained in this clause (B) shall be construed to make unlawful, where not otherwise unlawful, any primary strike or primary picketing;

(C) forcing or requiring any employer to recognize or bargain with a particular labor organization as the representative of his employees if another labor organization has been certified as the representative of such employees under the provisions of section 159 of this title;

(D) forcing or requiring any employer to assign particular work to employees in a particular labor organization or in a particular trade, craft, or class rather than to employees in another labor organization or in another trade, craft, or class, unless such employer is failing to conform to an order or certification of the Board determining the bargaining representative for employees performing such work:

Provided, That nothing contained in this subsection shall be construed to make unlawful a refusal by any person to enter upon the premises of any employer (other than his own employer), if the employees of such employer are engaged in a strike ratified or approved by a representative of such employees whom such employer is required to recognize under this subchapter: Provided further, That for the purposes of this paragraph (4) only, nothing contained in such paragraph shall be construed to prohibit publicity, other than picketing, for the purpose of truthfully advising the public, including consumers and members of a labor organization, that a product or products are produced by an employer with whom the labor organization has a primary dispute and are distributed by another employer, as long as such publicity does not have an effect of inducing any individual employed by any person other than the primary employer in the course of his employment to refuse to pick up, deliver, or transport any goods, or not to perform any services, at the establishment of the employer engaged in such distribution;

(5) to require of employees covered by an agreement authorized under subsection (a)(3) the payment, as a condition precedent to becoming a member of such organization, of a fee in an amount which the Board finds excessive or discriminatory under all the circumstances. In making such a finding, the Board shall consider, among other relevant factors, the practices and customs of labor organizations in the particular industry, and the wages currently paid to the employees affected;

(6) to cause or attempt to cause an employer to pay or deliver or agree to pay or deliver any money or other thing of value, in the nature of an exaction, for services which are not performed or not to be performed; and

(7) to picket or cause to be picketed, or threaten to picket or cause to be picketed, any employer where an object thereof is forcing or requiring an employer to recognize or bargain with a labor organization as the representative of his employees, or forcing or requiring the employees of an employer to accept or select such labor organization as their collective bargaining representative, unless such labor organization is currently certified as the representative of such employees:

(A) where the employer has lawfully recognized in accordance with this subchapter any other labor organization and a question concerning representation may not appropriately be raised under section 159(c) of this title,

(B) where within the preceding twelve months a valid election under section 159(c) of this title has been conducted, or

(C) where such picketing has been conducted without a petition under section 159(c) of this title being filed within a reasonable period of time not to exceed thirty days from the commencement of such picketing: Provided, That when such a petition has been filed the Board shall forthwith, without regard to the provisions of section 159(c)(1) of this title or the absence of a showing of a substantial interest on the part of the labor organization, direct an election in such unit as the Board finds to be appropriate and shall certify the results thereof: Provided further, That nothing in this subparagraph (C) shall be construed to prohibit any picketing or other publicity for the purpose of truthfully advising the public (including consumers) that an employer does not employ members of, or have a contract with, a labor organization, unless an effect of such picketing is to induce any individual employed by any other person in the course of his employment, not to pick up, deliver or transport any goods or not to perform any services.

Nothing in this paragraph (7) shall be construed to permit any act which would otherwise be an unfair labor practice under this subsection.

(c) Expression of views without threat of reprisal or force or promise of benefit

The expressing of any views, argument, or opinion, or the dissemination thereof, whether in written, printed, graphic, or visual form, shall not constitute or be evidence of an unfair labor practice under any of the provisions of this subchapter, if such expression contains no threat of reprisal or force or promise of benefit.

(d) Obligation to bargain collectively

For the purposes of this section, to bargain collectively is the performance of the mutual obligation of the employer and the representative of the employees to meet at reasonable times and confer in good faith with respect to wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment, or the negotiation of an agreement, or any question arising thereunder, and the execution of a written contract incorporating any agreement reached if requested by either party, but such obligation does not compel either party to agree to a proposal or require the making of a concession: Provided, That where there is in effect a collective-bargaining contract covering employees in an industry affecting commerce, the duty to bargain collectively shall also mean that no party to such contract shall terminate or modify such contract, unless the party desiring such termination or modification—

(1) serves a written notice upon the other party to the contract of the proposed termination or modification sixty days prior to the expiration date thereof, or in the event such contract contains no expiration date, sixty days prior to the time it is proposed to make such termination or modification;

(2) offers to meet and confer with the other party for the purpose of negotiating a new contract or a contract containing the proposed modifications;

(3) notifies the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service within thirty days after such notice of the existence of a dispute, and simultaneously therewith notifies any State or Territorial agency established to mediate and conciliate disputes within the State or Territory where the dispute occurred, provided no agreement has been reached by that time; and

(4) continues in full force and effect, without resorting to strike or lock-out, all the terms and conditions of the existing contract for a period of sixty days after such notice is given or until the expiration date of such contract, whichever occurs later:

The duties imposed upon employers, employees, and labor organizations by paragraphs (2) to (4) of this subsection shall become inapplicable upon an intervening certification of the Board, under which the labor organization or individual, which is a party to the contract, has been superseded as or ceased to be the representative of the employees subject to the provisions of section 159(a) of this title, and the duties so imposed shall not be construed as requiring either party to discuss or agree to any modification of the terms and conditions contained in a contract for a fixed period, if such modification is to become effective before such terms and conditions can be reopened under the provisions of the contract. Any employee who engages in a strike within any notice period specified in this subsection, or who engages in any strike within the appropriate period specified in subsection (g) of this section, shall lose his status as an employee of the employer engaged in the particular labor dispute, for the purposes of sections 158, 159, and 160 of this title, but such loss of status for such employee shall terminate if and when he is reemployed by such employer. Whenever the collective bargaining involves employees of a health care institution, the provisions of this subsection shall be modified as follows:

(A) The notice of paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be ninety days; the notice of paragraph (3) of this subsection shall be sixty days; and the contract period of paragraph (4) of this subsection shall be ninety days.

(B) Where the bargaining is for an initial agreement following certification or recognition, at least thirty days' notice of the existence of a dispute shall be given by the labor organization to the agencies set forth in paragraph (3) of this subsection.

(C) After notice is given to the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service under either clause (A) or (B) of this sentence, the Service shall promptly communicate with the parties and use its best efforts, by mediation and conciliation, to bring them to agreement. The parties shall participate fully and promptly in such meetings as may be undertaken by the Service for the purpose of aiding in a settlement of the dispute.

(e) Enforceability of contract or agreement to boycott any other employer; exception

It shall be an unfair labor practice for any labor organization and any employer to enter into any contract or agreement, express or implied, whereby such employer ceases or refrains or agrees to cease or refrain from handling, using, selling, transporting or otherwise dealing in any of the products of any other employer, or to cease doing business with any other person, and any contract or agreement entered into heretofore or hereafter containing such an agreement shall be to such extent unenforcible ¹ and void: Provided, That nothing in this subsection shall apply to an agreement between a labor organization and an employer in the construction industry relating to the contracting or subcontracting of work to be done at the site of the construction, alteration, painting, or repair of a building, structure, or other work: Provided further, That for the purposes of this subsection and subsection (b)(4)(B) the terms "any employer", "any person engaged in commerce or an industry affecting commerce", and "any person" when used in relation to the terms "any other producer, processor, or manufacturer", "any other employer", or "any other person" shall not include persons in the relation of a jobber, manufacturer, contractor, or subcontractor working on the goods or premises of the jobber or manufacturer or performing parts of an integrated process of production in the apparel and clothing industry: Provided further, That nothing in this subchapter shall prohibit the enforcement of any agreement which is within the foregoing exception.

(f) Agreement covering employees in the building and construction industry

It shall not be an unfair labor practice under subsections (a) and (b) of this section for an employer engaged primarily in the building and construction industry to make an agreement covering employees engaged (or who, upon their employment, will be engaged) in the building and construction industry with a labor organization of which building and construction employees are members (not established, maintained, or assisted by any action defined in subsection (a) as an unfair labor practice) because (1) the majority status of such labor organization has not been established under the provisions of section 159 of this title prior to the making of such agreement, or (2) such agreement requires as a condition of employment, membership in such labor organization after the seventh day following the beginning of such employment or the effective date of the agreement, whichever is later, or (3) such agreement requires the employer to notify such labor organization of opportunities for employment with such employer, or gives such labor organization an opportunity to refer qualified applicants for such employment, or (4) such agreement specifies minimum training or experience qualifications for employment or provides for priority in opportunities for employment based upon length of service with such employer, in the industry or in the particular geographical area: Provided, That nothing in this subsection shall set aside the final proviso to subsection (a)(3): Provided further, That any agreement which would be invalid, but for clause (1) of this subsection, shall not be a bar to a petition filed pursuant to section 159(c) or 159(e) of this title.

(g) Notification of intention to strike or picket at any health care institution

A labor organization before engaging in any strike, picketing, or other concerted refusal to work at any health care institution shall, not less than ten days prior to such action, notify the institution in writing and the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service of that intention, except that in the case of bargaining for an initial agreement following certification or recognition the notice required by this subsection shall not be given until the expiration of the period specified in clause (B) of the last sentence of subsection (d). The notice shall state the date and time that such action will commence. The notice, once given, may be extended by the written agreement of both parties.

(July 5, 1935, ch. 372, §8, 49 Stat. 452; June 23, 1947, ch. 120, title I, §101, 61 Stat. 140; Oct. 22, 1951, ch. 534, §1(b), 65 Stat. 601; Pub. L. 86–257, title II, §201(e), title VII, §§704(a)–(c), 705(a), Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 525, 542-545; Pub. L. 93–360, §1(c)–(e), July 26, 1974, 88 Stat. 395, 396.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1974—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 93–360, §1(c), (d), substituted "any notice" for "the sixty-day" and inserted ", or who engages in any strike within the appropriate period specified in subsection (g) of this section," in loss-of-employee-status provision and inserted enumeration of modifications to this subsection which are to be applied whenever the collective bargaining involves employees of a health care institution.

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 93–360, §1(e), added subsec. (g).

1959—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 86–257, §201(e), struck out "and has at the time the agreement was made or within the preceding twelve months received from the Board a notice of compliance with sections 159(f), (g), (h) of this title" after "such agreement when made" in cl. (i).

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 86–257, §704(a), among other changes, substituted "induce or encourage any individual employed by any person engaged in commerce or in an industry affecting commerce to engage in, a strike or a refusal in the course of his employment" for "induce or encourage the employees of any employer to engage in, a strike or a concerted refusal in the course of their employment" in cl. (i), added cl. (ii), and inserted provisions relating to agreements prohibited by subsection (e) of this section in cl. (A), the proviso relating to primary strikes and primary picketing in cl. (B), and the last proviso relating to publicity.

Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 86–257, §704(c), added par. (7).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 86–257, §704(b), added subsec. (e).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 86–257, §705(a), added subsec. (f).

1951—Subsec. (a)(3). Act Oct. 22, 1951, substituted "and has at the time the agreement was made or within the preceding twelve months received from the Board a notice of compliance with section 159(f), (g), (h) of this title, and (ii) unless following an election held as provided in section 159(e) of this title within one year preceding the effective date of such agreement, the Board shall have certified that at least a majority of the employees eligible to vote in such election have voted to rescind the authority of such labor organization to make such an agreement:" for "; and (ii) if, following the most recent election held as provided in section 159(e) of this title the Board shall have certified that at least a majority of the employees eligible to vote in such election have voted to authorize such labor organization to make such an agreement:".

1947—Act June 23, 1947, amended section generally by stating what were unfair labor practices by a union as well as by an employer, and by inserting provisions protecting the right of free speech for both employers and unions.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1974 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 93–360 effective on thirtieth day after July 26, 1974, see section 4 of Pub. L. 93–360, set out as an Effective Date note under section 169 of this title.

Effective Date of 1959 Amendment

Amendment by sections 704(a)–(c) and 705(a) of Pub. L. 86–257 effective sixty days after Sept. 14, 1959, see section 707 of Pub. L. 86–257, set out as a note under section 153 of this title.

Effective Date of 1947 Amendment

For effective date of amendment by act June 23, 1947, see section 104 of act June 23, 1947, set out as a note under section 151 of this title.

Agreements Requiring Membership in a Labor Organization as a Condition of Employment

Section 705(b) of Pub. L. 86–257 provided that: "Nothing contained in the amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall be construed as authorizing the execution or application of agreements requiring membership in a labor organization as a condition of employment in any State or Territory in which such execution or application is prohibited by State or Territorial Law."

Unfair Labor Practices Prior to June 23, 1947

Act June 23, 1947, ch. 120, title I, §102, 61 Stat. 152, provided that: "No provision of this title [amending this subchapter] shall be deemed to make an unfair labor practice any act which was performed prior to the date of the enactment of this act [June 23, 1947] which did not constitute an unfair labor practice prior thereto, and the provisions of section 8(a)(3) and section 8(b)(2) of the National Labor Relations Act as amended by this title [subsecs. (a)(3) and (b)(2) of this section] shall not make an unfair labor practice the performance of any obligation under a collective-bargaining agreement entered into prior to the date of the enactment of this Act [June 23, 1947], or (in the case of an agreement for a period of not more than one year) entered into on or after such date of enactment, but prior to the effective date of this title, if the performance of such obligation would not have constituted an unfair labor practice under section 8(3) [see subsec. (a)(3) of this section] of the National Labor Relations Act prior to the effective date of this title [sixty days after June 23, 1947] unless such agreement was renewed or extended subsequent thereto."

¹ So in original. Probably should be "unenforceable".

§158a. Providing facilities for operations of Federal Credit Unions

Provision by an employer of facilities for the operations of a Federal Credit Union on the premises of such employer shall not be deemed to be intimidation, coercion, interference, restraint or discrimination within the provisions of sections 157 and 158 of this title, or acts amendatory thereof.

(Dec. 6, 1937, ch. 3, §5, 51 Stat. 5.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

This section was not enacted either as part of the Labor Management Relations Act, 1947, which comprises this chapter, or as part of the National Labor Relations Act, which comprises this subchapter.

§159. Representatives and elections

(a) Exclusive representatives; employees' adjustment of grievances directly with employer

Representatives designated or selected for the purposes of collective bargaining by the majority of the employees in a unit appropriate for such purposes, shall be the exclusive representatives of all the employees in such unit for the purposes of collective bargaining in respect to rates of pay, wages, hours of employment, or other conditions of employment: Provided, That any individual employee or a group of employees shall have the right at any time to present grievances to their employer and to have such grievances adjusted, without the intervention of the bargaining representative, as long as the adjustment is not inconsistent with the terms of a collective-bargaining contract or agreement then in effect: Provided further, That the bargaining representative has been given opportunity to be present at such adjustment.

(b) Determination of bargaining unit by Board

The Board shall decide in each case whether, in order to assure to employees the fullest freedom in exercising the rights guaranteed by this subchapter, the unit appropriate for the purposes of collective bargaining shall be the employer unit, craft unit, plant unit, or subdivision thereof: Provided, That the Board shall not (1) decide that any unit is appropriate for such purposes if such unit includes both professional employees and employees who are not professional employees unless a majority of such professional employees vote for inclusion in such unit; or (2) decide that any craft unit is inappropriate for such purposes on the ground that a different unit has been established by a prior Board determination, unless a majority of the employees in the proposed craft unit vote against separate representation or (3) decide that any unit is appropriate for such purposes if it includes, together with other employees, any individual employed as a guard to enforce against employees and other persons rules to protect property of the employer or to protect the safety of persons on the employer's premises; but no labor organization shall be certified as the representative of employees in a bargaining unit of guards if such organization admits to membership, or is affiliated directly or indirectly with an organization which admits to membership, employees other than guards.

(c) Hearings on questions affecting commerce; rules and regulations

(1) Whenever a petition shall have been filed, in accordance with such regulations as may be prescribed by the Board—

(A) by an employee or group of employees or any individual or labor organization acting in their behalf alleging that a substantial number of employees (i) wish to be represented for collective bargaining and that their employer declines to recognize their representative as the representative defined in subsection (a), or (ii) assert that the individual or labor organization, which has been certified or is being currently recognized by their employer as the bargaining representative, is no longer a representative as defined in subsection (a); or

(B) by an employer, alleging that one or more individuals or labor organizations have presented to him a claim to be recognized as the representative defined in subsection (a);

the Board shall investigate such petition and if it has reasonable cause to believe that a question of representation affecting commerce exists shall provide for an appropriate hearing upon due notice. Such hearing may be conducted by an officer or employee of the regional office, who shall not make any recommendations with respect thereto. If the Board finds upon the record of such hearing that such a question of representation exists, it shall direct an election by secret ballot and shall certify the results thereof.

(2) In determining whether or not a question of representation affecting commerce exists, the same regulations and rules of decision shall apply irrespective of the identity of the persons filing the petition or the kind of relief sought and in no case shall the Board deny a labor organization a place on the ballot by reason of an order with respect to such labor organization or its predecessor not issued in conformity with section 160(c) of this title.

(3) No election shall be directed in any bargaining unit or any subdivision within which in the preceding twelve-month period, a valid election shall have been held. Employees engaged in an economic strike who are not entitled to reinstatement shall be eligible to vote under such regulations as the Board shall find are consistent with the purposes and provisions of this subchapter in any election conducted within twelve months after the commencement of the strike. In any election where none of the choices on the ballot receives a majority, a run-off shall be conducted, the ballot providing for a selection between the two choices receiving the largest and second largest number of valid votes cast in the election.

(4) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the waiving of hearings by stipulation for the purpose of a consent election in conformity with regulations and rules of decision of the Board.

(5) In determining whether a unit is appropriate for the purposes specified in subsection (b) the extent to which the employees have organized shall not be controlling.

(d) Petition for enforcement or review; transcript

Whenever an order of the Board made pursuant to section 160(c) of this title is based in whole or in part upon facts certified following an investigation pursuant to subsection (c) of this section and there is a petition for the enforcement or review of such order, such certification and the record of such investigation shall be included in the transcript of the entire record required to be filed under subsection (e) or (f) of section 160 of this title, and thereupon the decree of the court enforcing, modifying, or setting aside in whole or in part the order of the Board shall be made and entered upon the pleadings, testimony, and proceedings set forth in such transcript.

(e) Secret ballot; limitation of elections

(1) Upon the filing with the Board, by 30 per centum or more of the employees in a bargaining unit covered by an agreement between their employer and a labor organization made pursuant to section 158(a)(3) of this title, of a petition alleging they desire that such authority be rescinded, the Board shall take a secret ballot of the employees in such unit and certify the results thereof to such labor organization and to the employer.

(2) No election shall be conducted pursuant to this subsection in any bargaining unit or any subdivision within which, in the preceding twelve-month period, a valid election shall have been held.

(July 5, 1935, ch. 372, §9, 49 Stat. 453; June 23, 1947, ch. 120, title I, §101, 61 Stat. 143; Oct. 22, 1951, ch. 534, §1(c), (d), 65 Stat. 601; Pub. L. 86–257, title II, §201(d), title VII, §702, Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 525, 542.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1959—Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 86–257, §702, substituted "Employees engaged in an economic strike who are not entitled to reinstatement shall be eligible to vote under such regulations as the Board shall find are consistent with the purposes and provisions of this subchapter in any election conducted within twelve months after the commencement of the strike" for "Employees on strike who are not entitled to reinstatement shall not be eligible to vote."

Subsecs. (f), (g). Pub. L. 86–257, §201(d), repealed subsecs. (f) and (g) which required unions to file their constitutions, bylaws and a report, prescribed the contents of the report and directed the filing of annual financial reports, and are now covered by section 431 of this title.

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 86–257, §201(d), repealed subsec. (h) which related to affidavits showing union's officers free from Communist Party affiliation or belief.

1951—Subsec. (e). Act Oct. 22, 1951, §1(c), struck out par. (1) and renumbered pars. (2) and (3) as (1) and (2).

Subsecs. (f) to (h). Act Oct. 22, 1951, §1(d), struck out "No petition under section 159(e)(1) shall be entertained" wherever appearing.

1947—Act June 23, 1947, amended section generally to allow employees to carry their grievances directly to the employer, to circumscribe certain powers of the Board, to make the union file with the Secretary of Labor its constitution, bylaws, and report before being certified as a bargaining agent, to require annual reports by labor unions, and to require labor unions to file affidavits with the Board showing that none of its officers are affiliated with or believe in the Communist Party.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1959 Amendment

Amendment by section 702 of Pub. L. 86–257 effective sixty days after Sept. 14, 1959, see section 707 of Pub. L. 86–257, set out as a note under section 153 of this title.

Effective Date of 1947 Amendment

For effective date of amendment by act June 23, 1947, see section 104 of act June 23, 1947, set out as a note under section 151 of this title.

Certain Certifications of Bargaining Units Unaffected

Act June 23, 1947, ch. 120, title I, §103, 61 Stat. 152, provided that: "No provisions of this title [amending this subchapter] shall affect any certification of representatives or any determination as to the appropriate collective-bargaining unit, which was made under section 9 of the National Labor Relations Act [this section] prior to the effective date of this title [sixty days after June 23, 1947] until one year after the date of such certification or if, in respect of any such certification, a collective-bargaining contract was entered into prior to the effective date of this title [sixty days after June 23, 1947], until the end of the contract period or until one year after such date, whichever first occurs."

§160. Prevention of unfair labor practices

(a) Powers of Board generally

The Board is empowered, as hereinafter provided, to prevent any person from engaging in any unfair labor practice (listed in section 158 of this title) affecting commerce. This power shall not be affected by any other means of adjustment or prevention that has been or may be established by agreement, law, or otherwise: Provided, That the Board is empowered by agreement with any agency of any State or Territory to cede to such agency jurisdiction over any cases in any industry (other than mining, manufacturing, communications, and transportation except where predominantly local in character) even though such cases may involve labor disputes affecting commerce, unless the provision of the State or Territorial statute applicable to the determination of such cases by such agency is inconsistent with the corresponding provision of this subchapter or has received a construction inconsistent therewith.

(b) Complaint and notice of hearing; answer; court rules of evidence inapplicable

Whenever it is charged that any person has engaged in or is engaging in any such unfair labor practice, the Board, or any agent or agency designated by the Board for such purposes, shall have power to issue and cause to be served upon such person a complaint stating the charges in that respect, and containing a notice of hearing before the Board or a member thereof, or before a designated agent or agency, at a place therein fixed, not less than five days after the serving of said complaint: Provided, That no complaint shall issue based upon any unfair labor practice occurring more than six months prior to the filing of the charge with the Board and the service of a copy thereof upon the person against whom such charge is made, unless the person aggrieved thereby was prevented from filing such charge by reason of service in the armed forces, in which event the six-month period shall be computed from the day of his discharge. Any such complaint may be amended by the member, agent, or agency conducting the hearing or the Board in its discretion at any time prior to the issuance of an order based thereon. The person so complained of shall have the right to file an answer to the original or amended complaint and to appear in person or otherwise and give testimony at the place and time fixed in the complaint. In the discretion of the member, agent, or agency conducting the hearing or the Board, any other person may be allowed to intervene in the said proceeding and to present testimony. Any such proceeding shall, so far as practicable, be conducted in accordance with the rules of evidence applicable in the district courts of the United States under the rules of civil procedure for the district courts of the United States, adopted by the Supreme Court of the United States pursuant to section 2072 of title 28.

(c) Reduction of testimony to writing; findings and orders of Board

The testimony taken by such member, agent, or agency or the Board shall be reduced to writing and filed with the Board. Thereafter, in its discretion, the Board upon notice may take further testimony or hear argument. If upon the preponderance of the testimony taken the Board shall be of the opinion that any person named in the complaint has engaged in or is engaging in any such unfair labor practice, then the Board shall state its findings of fact and shall issue and cause to be served on such person an order requiring such person to cease and desist from such unfair labor practice, and to take such affirmative action including reinstatement of employees with or without back pay, as will effectuate the policies of this subchapter: Provided, That where an order directs reinstatement of an employee, back pay may be required of the employer or labor organization, as the case may be, responsible for the discrimination suffered by him: And provided further, That in determining whether a complaint shall issue alleging a violation of subsection (a)(1) or (a)(2) of section 158 of this title, and in deciding such cases, the same regulations and rules of decision shall apply irrespective of whether or not the labor organization affected is affiliated with a labor organization national or international in scope. Such order may further require such person to make reports from time to time showing the extent to which it has complied with the order. If upon the preponderance of the testimony taken the Board shall not be of the opinion that the person named in the complaint has engaged in or is engaging in any such unfair labor practice, then the Board shall state its findings of fact and shall issue an order dismissing the said complaint. No order of the Board shall require the reinstatement of any individual as an employee who has been suspended or discharged, or the payment to him of any back pay, if such individual was suspended or discharged for cause. In case the evidence is presented before a member of the Board, or before an administrative law judge or judges thereof, such member, or such judge or judges as the case may be, shall issue and cause to be served on the parties to the proceeding a proposed report, together with a recommended order, which shall be filed with the Board, and if no exceptions are filed within twenty days after service thereof upon such parties, or within such further period as the Board may authorize, such recommended order shall become the order of the Board and become effective as therein prescribed.

(d) Modification of findings or orders prior to filing record in court

Until the record in a case shall have been filed in a court, as hereinafter provided, the Board may at any time upon reasonable notice and in such manner as it shall deem proper, modify or set aside, in whole or in part, any finding or order made or issued by it.

(e) Petition to court for enforcement of order; proceedings; review of judgment

The Board shall have power to petition any court of appeals of the United States, or if all the courts of appeals to which application may be made are in vacation, any district court of the United States, within any circuit or district, respectively, wherein the unfair labor practice in question occurred or wherein such person resides or transacts business, for the enforcement of such order and for appropriate temporary relief or restraining order, and shall file in the court the record in the proceedings, as provided in section 2112 of title 28. Upon the filing of such petition, the court shall cause notice thereof to be served upon such person, and thereupon shall have jurisdiction of the proceeding and of the question determined therein, and shall have power to grant such temporary relief or restraining order as it deems just and proper, and to make and enter a decree enforcing, modifying and enforcing as so modified, or setting aside in whole or in part the order of the Board. No objection that has not been urged before the Board, its member, agent, or agency, shall be considered by the court, unless the failure or neglect to urge such objection shall be excused because of extraordinary circumstances. The findings of the Board with respect to questions of fact if supported by substantial evidence on the record considered as a whole shall be conclusive. If either party shall apply to the court for leave to adduce additional evidence and shall show to the satisfaction of the court that such additional evidence is material and that there were reasonable grounds for the failure to adduce such evidence in the hearing before the Board, its member, agent, or agency, the court may order such additional evidence to be taken before the Board, its member, agent, or agency, and to be made a part of the record. The Board may modify its findings as to the facts, or make new findings by reason of additional evidence so taken and filed, and it shall file such modified or new findings, which findings with respect to questions of fact if supported by substantial evidence on the record considered as a whole shall be conclusive, and shall file its recommendations, if any, for the modification or setting aside of its original order. Upon the filing of the record with it the jurisdiction of the court shall be exclusive and its judgment and decree shall be final, except that the same shall be subject to review by the appropriate United States court of appeals if application was made to the district court as hereinabove provided, and by the Supreme Court of the United States upon writ of certiorari or certification as provided in section 1254 of title 28.

(f) Review of final order of Board on petition to court

Any person aggrieved by a final order of the Board granting or denying in whole or in part the relief sought may obtain a review of such order in any United States court of appeals in the circuit wherein the unfair labor practice in question was alleged to have been engaged in or wherein such person resides or transacts business, or in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, by filing in such a court a written petition praying that the order of the Board be modified or set aside. A copy of such petition shall be forthwith transmitted by the clerk of the court to the Board, and thereupon the aggrieved party shall file in the court the record in the proceeding, certified by the Board, as provided in section 2112 of title 28. Upon the filing of such petition, the court shall proceed in the same manner as in the case of an application by the Board under subsection (e), and shall have the same jurisdiction to grant to the Board such temporary relief or restraining order as it deems just and proper, and in like manner to make and enter a decree enforcing, modifying, and enforcing as so modified, or setting aside in whole or in part the order of the Board; the findings of the Board with respect to questions of fact if supported by substantial evidence on the record considered as a whole shall in like manner be conclusive.

(g) Institution of court proceedings as stay of Board's order

The commencement of proceedings under subsection (e) or (f) of this section shall not, unless specifically ordered by the court, operate as a stay of the Board's order.

(h) Jurisdiction of courts unaffected by limitations prescribed in chapter 6 of this title

When granting appropriate temporary relief or a restraining order, or making and entering a decree enforcing, modifying, and enforcing as so modified or setting aside in whole or in part an order of the Board, as provided in this section, the jurisdiction of courts sitting in equity shall not be limited by chapter 6 of this title.

(i) Repealed. Pub. L. 98–620, title IV, §402(31), Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3360

(j) Injunctions

The Board shall have power, upon issuance of a complaint as provided in subsection (b) charging that any person has engaged in or is engaging in an unfair labor practice, to petition any United States district court, within any district wherein the unfair labor practice in question is alleged to have occurred or wherein such person resides or transacts business, for appropriate temporary relief or restraining order. Upon the filing of any such petition the court shall cause notice thereof to be served upon such person, and thereupon shall have jurisdiction to grant to the Board such temporary relief or restraining order as it deems just and proper.

(k) Hearings on jurisdictional strikes

Whenever it is charged that any person has engaged in an unfair labor practice within the meaning of paragraph (4)(D) of section 158(b) of this title, the Board is empowered and directed to hear and determine the dispute out of which such unfair labor practice shall have arisen, unless, within ten days after notice that such charge has been filed, the parties to such dispute submit to the Board satisfactory evidence that they have adjusted, or agreed upon methods for the voluntary adjustment of, the dispute. Upon compliance by the parties to the dispute with the decision of the Board or upon such voluntary adjustment of the dispute, such charge shall be dismissed.

(l) Boycotts and strikes to force recognition of uncertified labor organizations; injunctions; notice; service of process

Whenever it is charged that any person has engaged in an unfair labor practice within the meaning of paragraph (4)(A), (B), or (C) of section 158(b) of this title, or section 158(e) of this title or section 158(b)(7) of this title, the preliminary investigation of such charge shall be made forthwith and given priority over all other cases except cases of like character in the office where it is filed or to which it is referred. If, after such investigation, the officer or regional attorney to whom the matter may be referred has reasonable cause to believe such charge is true and that a complaint should issue, he shall, on behalf of the Board, petition any United States district court within any district where the unfair labor practice in question has occurred, is alleged to have occurred, or wherein such person resides or transacts business, for appropriate injunctive relief pending the final adjudication of the Board with respect to such matter. Upon the filing of any such petition the district court shall have jurisdiction to grant such injunctive relief or temporary restraining order as it deems just and proper, notwithstanding any other provision of law: Provided further, That no temporary restraining order shall be issued without notice unless a petition alleges that substantial and irreparable injury to the charging party will be unavoidable and such temporary restraining order shall be effective for no longer than five days and will become void at the expiration of such period: Provided further, That such officer or regional attorney shall not apply for any restraining order under section 158(b)(7) of this title if a charge against the employer under section 158(a)(2) of this title has been filed and after the preliminary investigation, he has reasonable cause to believe that such charge is true and that a complaint should issue. Upon filing of any such petition the courts shall cause notice thereof to be served upon any person involved in the charge and such person, including the charging party, shall be given an opportunity to appear by counsel and present any relevant testimony: Provided further, That for the purposes of this subsection district courts shall be deemed to have jurisdiction of a labor organization (1) in the district in which such organization maintains its principal office, or (2) in any district in which its duly authorized officers or agents are engaged in promoting or protecting the interests of employee members. The service of legal process upon such officer or agent shall constitute service upon the labor organization and make such organization a party to the suit. In situations where such relief is appropriate the procedure specified herein shall apply to charges with respect to section 158(b)(4)(D) of this title.

(m) Priority of cases

Whenever it is charged that any person has engaged in an unfair labor practice within the meaning of subsection (a)(3) or (b)(2) of section 158 of this title, such charge shall be given priority over all other cases except cases of like character in the office where it is filed or to which it is referred and cases given priority under subsection (l).

(July 5, 1935, ch. 372, §10, 49 Stat. 453; June 23, 1947, ch. 120, title I, §101, 61 Stat. 146; June 25, 1948, ch. 646, §32(a), (b), 62 Stat. 991; May 24, 1949, ch. 139, §127, 63 Stat. 107; Pub. L. 85–791, §13, Aug. 28, 1958, 72 Stat. 945; Pub. L. 86–257, title VII, §§704(d), 706, Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 544; Pub. L. 95–251, §3, Mar. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 184; Pub. L. 98–620, title IV, §402(31), Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3360.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The rules of evidence applicable in the district courts of the United States, referred to in subsec. (b), are set out in the Appendix to Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure.

The rules of civil procedure for the district courts of the United States, referred to in subsec. (b), are set out in the Appendix to Title 28.

Chapter 6 (§101 et seq.) of this title, referred to in subsec. (h), is a reference to act Mar. 23, 1932, ch. 90, 47 Stat. 70, popularly known as the Norris-LaGuardia Act.

Codification

In subsec. (b), "section 2072 of title 28" substituted for "the Act of June 19, 1934 (U.S.C., title 28, secs. 723-B, 723–C)" on authority of act June 25, 1948, ch. 646, 62 Stat. 869, section 1 of which enacted Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure.

In subsec. (c), "administrative law judge or judges" and "such judge or judges" substituted for "examiner or examiners" and "such examiner or examiners", respectively, pursuant to section 3105 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, and section 3 of Pub. L. 95–251, Mar. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 184, which is set out as a note under section 3105 of Title 5.

In subsec. (f), "United States court of appeals" substituted for "circuit court of appeals of the United States" on authority of act June 25, 1948, as amended by act May 24, 1949.

As originally enacted subsecs. (j) and (l) contained references to the District Court of the United States for the District of Columbia. Act June 25, 1948, as amended by act May 24, 1949, substituted "United States District Court for the District of Columbia" for "District Court of the United States for the District of Columbia". However, the words "United States District Court for the District of Columbia" have now been deleted entirely as superfluous in view of section 132(a) of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure, which states that "There shall be in each judicial district a district court which shall be a court of record known as the United States District Court for the district", and section 88 of Title 28 which states that "the District of Columbia constitutes one judicial district".

Amendments

1984—Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 98–620 struck out subsec. (i) which provided for expeditious hearings on petitions.

1959—Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 86–257, §704(d), included unfair labor practices within the meaning of sections 158(e) and 158(b)(7) of this title, and inserted proviso prohibiting the officer or regional attorney from applying for any restraining order under section 158(b)(7) of this title if a charge against the employer under section 158(a)(2) of this title has been filed and after the preliminary investigation, he has reasonable cause to believe that such charge is true and that a complaint should issue.

Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 86–257, §706, added subsec. (m).

1958—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 85–791, §13(a), struck out "a transcript of" after "until".

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 85–791, §13(b), struck out "(including the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia)" before ", or if all the courts", and substituted "file in the court the record in the proceedings, as provided in section 2112 of title 28" for "certify and file in the court a transcript of the entire record in the proceedings including the pleadings and testimony upon which such order was entered and the findings and order of the Board" in first sentence, in second sentence substituted "the filing of such petition" for "such filing of" and struck out "upon the pleadings, testimony and proceedings set forth in such transcript" after "make and enter", in fifth sentence substituted "member" for "members" after "before the Board, its", and substituted "record" for "transcript", and in seventh sentence, substituted "Upon the filing of the record with it the" for "The", and "section 1254 of title 28" for "sections 346 and 347 of title 28".

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 85–791, §13(c), substituted "transmitted by the clerk of the court to" for "served upon" and "the record in the proceeding, certified by the Board, as provided in section 2112 of title 28" for "a transcript of the entire record in the proceeding, certified by the Board including the pleading and testimony upon which the order complained of was entered, and the findings and order of the Board" in second sentence, and in third sentence substituted "the filing of such petition," for "such filing", and struck out "exclusive" before "jurisdiction".

1947—Act June 23, 1947, amended section generally and added subsecs. (j) to (l) which gives the Board general power to petition district court for temporary relief or restraining order, directs Board to hear and determine jurisdictional strikes, and to investigate boycotts and strikes to force recognition of an uncertified labor union and to petition district court for injunctive relief.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–620 not applicable to cases pending on Nov. 8, 1984, see section 403 of Pub. L. 98–620, set out as a note under section 1657 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure.

Effective Date of 1959 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 86–257 effective sixty days after Sept. 14, 1959, see section 707 of Pub. L. 86–257, set out as a note under section 153 of this title.

Effective Date of 1947 Amendment

For effective date of amendment by act June 23, 1947, see section 104 of act June 23, 1947, set out as a note under section 151 of this title.

§161. Investigatory powers of Board

For the purpose of all hearings and investigations, which, in the opinion of the Board, are necessary and proper for the exercise of the powers vested in it by sections 159 and 160 of this title—

(1) Documentary evidence; summoning witnesses and taking testimony

The Board, or its duly authorized agents or agencies, shall at all reasonable times have access to, for the purpose of examination, and the right to copy any evidence of any person being investigated or proceeded against that relates to any matter under investigation or in question. The Board, or any member thereof, shall upon application of any party to such proceedings, forthwith issue to such party subpenas requiring the attendance and testimony of witnesses or the production of any evidence in such proceedings or investigation requested in such application. Within five days after the service of a subpena on any person requiring the production of any evidence in his possession or under his control, such person may petition the Board to revoke, and the Board shall revoke, such subpena if in its opinion the evidence whose production is required does not relate to any matter under investigation, or any matter in question in such proceedings, or if in its opinion such subpena does not describe with sufficient particularity the evidence whose production is required. Any member of the Board, or any agent or agency designated by the Board for such purposes, may administer oaths and affirmations, examine witnesses, and receive evidence. Such attendance of witnesses and the production of such evidence may be required from any place in the United States or any Territory or possession thereof, at any designated place of hearing.

(2) Court aid in compelling production of evidence and attendance of witnesses

In case of contumacy or refusal to obey a subpena issued to any person, any district court of the United States or the United States courts of any Territory or possession, within the jurisdiction of which the inquiry is carried on or within the jurisdiction of which said person guilty of contumacy or refusal to obey is found or resides or transacts business, upon application by the Board shall have jurisdiction to issue to such person an order requiring such person to appear before the Board, its member, agent, or agency, there to produce evidence if so ordered, or there to give testimony touching the matter under investigation or in question; and any failure to obey such order of the court may be punished by said court as a contempt thereof.

(3) Repealed. Pub. L. 91–452, title II, §234, Oct. 15, 1970, 84 Stat. 930

(4) Process, service and return; fees of witnesses

Complaints, orders, and other process and papers of the Board, its member, agent, or agency, may be served either personally or by registered or certified mail or by telegraph or by leaving a copy thereof at the principal office or place of business of the person required to be served. The verified return by the individual so serving the same setting forth the manner of such service shall be proof of the same, and the return post office receipt or telegraph receipt therefor when registered or certified and mailed or when telegraphed as aforesaid shall be proof of service of the same. Witnesses summoned before the Board, its member, agent, or agency, shall be paid the same fees and mileage that are paid witnesses in the courts of the United States, and witnesses whose depositions are taken and the persons taking the same shall severally be entitled to the same fees as are paid for like services in the courts of the United States.

(5) Process, where served

All process of any court to which application may be made under this subchapter may be served in the judicial district wherein the defendant or other person required to be served resides or may be found.

(6) Information and assistance from departments

The several departments and agencies of the Government, when directed by the President, shall furnish the Board, upon its request, all records, papers, and information in their possession relating to any matter before the Board.

(July 5, 1935, ch. 372, §11, 49 Stat. 455; June 23, 1947, ch. 120, title I, §101, 61 Stat. 150; June 25, 1948, ch. 646, §32(b), 62 Stat. 991; May 24, 1949, ch. 139, §127, 63 Stat. 107; Pub. L. 91–452, title II, §234, Oct. 15, 1970, 84 Stat. 930; Pub. L. 86–507, §1(57), June 11, 1960, as added Pub. L. 96–245, May 21, 1980, 94 Stat. 347.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

The original text of par. (2) contained a reference to the District Court of the United States for the District of Columbia. Act June 25, 1948, as amended by act May 24, 1949, substituted "United States District Court for the District of Columbia" for "District Court of the United States for the District of Columbia". However, the words "United States District Court for the District of Columbia" have now been deleted entirely as superfluous in view of section 132(a) of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure, which states that "There shall be in each judicial district a district court which shall be a court of record known as the United States District Court for the district", and section 88 of Title 28 which states that "the District of Columbia constitutes one judicial district".

Amendments

1980—Par. (4). Pub. L. 96–245 inserted provisions authorizing service by certified mail.

1970—Par. (3). Pub. L. 91–452 struck out par. (3) which related to the immunity from prosecution of any individual compelled to testify or produce evidence after claiming his privilege against self-incrimination.

1947—Act June 23, 1947, restated section with addition of provisions requiring the issuance of subpenas as a matter of course on the request of any party.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1970 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 91–452 effective on sixtieth day following Oct. 15, 1970, and not to affect any immunity to which any individual is entitled under this section by reason of any testimony given before sixtieth day following Oct. 15, 1970, see section 260 of Pub. L. 91–452, set out as an Effective Date; Savings Provisions note under section 6001 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure.

Effective Date of 1947 Amendment

For effective date of amendment by act June 23, 1947, see section 104 of act June 23, 1947, set out as a note under section 151 of this title.

§162. Offenses and penalties

Any person who shall willfully resist, prevent, impede, or interfere with any member of the Board or any of its agents or agencies in the performance of duties pursuant to this subchapter shall be punished by a fine of not more than $5,000 or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or both.

(July 5, 1935, ch. 372, §12, 49 Stat. 456; June 23, 1947, ch. 120, title I, §101, 61 Stat. 151.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1947—Act June 23, 1947, reenacted section without change.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1947 Amendment

For effective date of amendment by act June 23, 1947, see section 104 of act June 23, 1947, set out as a note under section 151 of this title.

§163. Right to strike preserved

Nothing in this subchapter, except as specifically provided for herein, shall be construed so as either to interfere with or impede or diminish in any way the right to strike, or to affect the limitations or qualifications on that right.

(July 5, 1935, ch. 372, §13, 49 Stat. 457; June 23, 1947, ch. 120, title I, §101, 61 Stat. 151.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1947—Act June 23, 1947, amended section so as to provide that except as specifically provided for in this subchapter nothing shall interfere with or diminish the right to strike and that nothing was to be construed to affect the limitations or qualifications on the right to strike, thus recognizing that the right to strike is not an unlimited and unqualified right.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1947 Amendment

For effective date of amendment by act June 23, 1947, see section 104 of act June 23, 1947, set out as a note under section 151 of this title.

§164. Construction of provisions

(a) Supervisors as union members

Nothing herein shall prohibit any individual employed as a supervisor from becoming or remaining a member of a labor organization, but no employer subject to this subchapter shall be compelled to deem individuals defined herein as supervisors as employees for the purpose of any law, either national or local, relating to collective bargaining.

(b) Agreements requiring union membership in violation of State law

Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed as authorizing the execution or application of agreements requiring membership in a labor organization as a condition of employment in any State or Territory in which such execution or application is prohibited by State or Territorial law.

(c) Power of Board to decline jurisdiction of labor disputes; assertion of jurisdiction by State and Territorial courts

(1) The Board, in its discretion, may, by rule of decision or by published rules adopted pursuant to subchapter II of chapter 5 of title 5, decline to assert jurisdiction over any labor dispute involving any class or category of employers, where, in the opinion of the Board, the effect of such labor dispute on commerce is not sufficiently substantial to warrant the exercise of its jurisdiction: Provided, That the Board shall not decline to assert jurisdiction over any labor dispute over which it would assert jurisdiction under the standards prevailing upon August 1, 1959.

(2) Nothing in this subchapter shall be deemed to prevent or bar any agency or the courts of any State or Territory (including the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands), from assuming and asserting jurisdiction over labor disputes over which the Board declines, pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection, to assert jurisdiction.

(July 5, 1935, ch. 372, §14, 49 Stat. 457; June 23, 1947, ch. 120, title I, §101, 61 Stat. 151; Pub. L. 86–257, title VII, §701(a), Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 541.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

In subsec. (c)(1), "subchapter II of chapter 5 of title 5" substituted for "the Administrative Procedure Act" on authority of Pub. L. 89–554, §7(b), Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 631, the first section of which enacted Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Amendments

1959—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 86–257 added subsec. (c).

1947—Act June 23, 1947, amended section generally by inserting new subject matter. Section formerly referred to conflict of laws, see section 165 of this title.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1947 Amendment

For effective date of amendment by act June 23, 1947, see section 104 of act June 23, 1947, set out as a note under section 151 of this title.

§165. Conflict of laws

Wherever the application of the provisions of section 272 of chapter 10 of the Act entitled "An Act to establish a uniform system of bankruptcy throughout the United States", approved July 1, 1898, and Acts amendatory thereof and supplementary thereto (U.S.C., title 11, sec. 672), conflicts with the application of the provisions of this subchapter, this subchapter shall prevail: Provided, That in any situation where the provisions of this subchapter cannot be validly enforced, the provisions of such other Acts shall remain in full force and effect.

(July 5, 1935, ch. 372, §15, 49 Stat. 457; June 23, 1947, ch. 120, title I, §101, 61 Stat. 151.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Act approved July 1, 1898, referred to in text, popularly known as the Bankruptcy Act, was classified generally to former Title 11, Bankruptcy, and was repealed effective Oct. 1, 1979, by Pub. L. 95–598, §§401(a), 402(a), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2682, section 101 of which enacted revised Title 11.

Amendments

1947—Act June 23, 1947, amended section generally by inserting new subject matter which was formerly covered by section 164 of this title. Section formerly referred to separability provisions, see section 166 of this title.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1947 Amendment

For effective date of amendment by act June 23, 1947, see section 104 of act June 23, 1947, set out as a note under section 151 of this title.

§166. Separability

If any provision of this subchapter, or the application of such provision to any person or circumstances, shall be held invalid, the remainder of this subchapter, or the application of such provision to persons or circumstances other than those as to which it is held invalid, shall not be affected thereby.

(July 5, 1935, ch. 372, §16, 49 Stat. 457; June 23, 1947, ch. 120, title I, §101, 61 Stat. 151.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1947—Act June 23, 1947, amended section generally by inserting new subject matter which was formerly covered by section 165 of this title. Section formerly referred to short title of chapter, see section 167 of this title.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1947 Amendment

For effective date of amendment by act June 23, 1947, see section 104 of act June 23, 1947, set out as a note under section 151 of this title.

§167. Short title of subchapter

This subchapter may be cited as the "National Labor Relations Act".

(July 5, 1935, ch. 372, §17, as added June 23, 1947, ch. 120, title I, §101, 61 Stat. 152.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

For effective date of amendment by act June 23, 1947, see section 104 of act June 23, 1947, set out as a note under section 151 of this title.

§168. Validation of certificates and other Board actions

No petition entertained, no investigation made, no election held, and no certification issued by the National Labor Relations Board, under any of the provisions of section 159 of this title, shall be invalid by reason of the failure of the Congress of Industrial Organizations to have complied with the requirements of section 159(f), (g), or (h) of this title prior to December 22, 1949, or by reason of the failure of the American Federation of Labor to have complied with the provisions of section 159(f), (g), or (h) of this title prior to November 7, 1947: Provided, That no liability shall be imposed under any provision of this chapter upon any person for failure to honor any election or certificate referred to above, prior to October 22, 1951: Provided, however, That this proviso shall not have the effect of setting aside or in any way affecting judgments or decrees heretofore entered under section 160(e) or (f) of this title and which have become final.

(July 5, 1935, ch. 372, §18, as added Oct. 22, 1951, ch. 534, §1(a), 65 Stat. 601.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 159(f), (g), or (h) of this title, referred to in text, was repealed by Pub. L. 86–257, title II, §201(d), 73 Stat. 525. See section 431 of this title.

§169. Employees with religious convictions; payment of dues and fees

Any employee who is a member of and adheres to established and traditional tenets or teachings of a bona fide religion, body, or sect which has historically held conscientious objections to joining or financially supporting labor organizations shall not be required to join or financially support any labor organization as a condition of employment; except that such employee may be required in a contract between such employees' employer and a labor organization in lieu of periodic dues and initiation fees, to pay sums equal to such dues and initiation fees to a nonreligious, nonlabor organization charitable fund exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(3) of title 26, chosen by such employee from a list of at least three such funds, designated in such contract or if the contract fails to designate such funds, then to any such fund chosen by the employee. If such employee who holds conscientious objections pursuant to this section requests the labor organization to use the grievance-arbitration procedure on the employee's behalf, the labor organization is authorized to charge the employee for the reasonable cost of using such procedure.

(July 5, 1935, ch. 372, §19, as added Pub. L. 93–360, §3, July 26, 1974, 88 Stat. 397; amended Pub. L. 96–593, Dec. 24, 1980, 94 Stat. 3452.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1980—Pub. L. 96–593 inserted reference to nonlabor organization and provisions respecting charges to employee for use of grievance-arbitration procedure, and struck out applicability of provisions to employees of health care institutions only.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Pub. L. 93–360, §4, July 26, 1974, 88 Stat. 397, provided that: "The amendments made by this Act [enacting this section and section 183 of this title and amending sections 152 and 158 of this title] shall become effective on the thirtieth day after its date of enactment [July 26, 1974]."

SUBCHAPTER III—CONCILIATION OF LABOR DISPUTES; NATIONAL EMERGENCIES

§171. Declaration of purpose and policy

It is the policy of the United States that—

(a) sound and stable industrial peace and the advancement of the general welfare, health, and safety of the Nation and of the best interests of employers and employees can most satisfactorily be secured by the settlement of issues between employers and employees through the processes of conference and collective bargaining between employers and the representatives of their employees;

(b) the settlement of issues between employers and employees through collective bargaining may be advanced by making available full and adequate governmental facilities for conciliation, mediation, and voluntary arbitration to aid and encourage employers and the representatives of their employees to reach and maintain agreements concerning rates of pay, hours, and working conditions, and to make all reasonable efforts to settle their differences by mutual agreement reached through conferences and collective bargaining or by such methods as may be provided for in any applicable agreement for the settlement of disputes; and

(c) certain controversies which arise between parties to collective-bargaining agreements may be avoided or minimized by making available full and adequate governmental facilities for furnishing assistance to employers and the representatives of their employees in formulating for inclusion within such agreements provision for adequate notice of any proposed changes in the terms of such agreements, for the final adjustment of grievances or questions regarding the application or interpretation of such agreements, and other provisions designed to prevent the subsequent arising of such controversies.

(June 23, 1947, ch. 120, title II, §201, 61 Stat. 152.)

Executive Documents

Executive Order No. 11482

Ex. Ord. No. 11482, Sept. 22, 1969, 34 F.R. 14723, which related to the Construction Industry Collective Bargaining Commission, was revoked by Ex. Ord. No. 12110, Dec. 28, 1978, 44 F.R. 1069, formerly set out as a note under section 1013 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Executive Order No. 11849

Ex. Ord. No. 11849, Apr. 1, 1975, 40 F.R. 14887, which related to the Collective Bargaining Committee in Construction, was revoked by Ex. Ord. No. 12110, Dec. 28, 1978, 44 F.R. 1069, formerly set out as a note under section 1013 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

§172. Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service

(a) Creation; appointment of Director

There is created an independent agency to be known as the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (herein referred to as the "Service", except that for sixty days after June 23, 1947, such term shall refer to the Conciliation Service of the Department of Labor). The Service shall be under the direction of a Federal Mediation and Conciliation Director (hereinafter referred to as the "Director"), who shall be appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Director shall not engage in any other business, vocation, or employment.

(b) Appointment of officers and employees; expenditures for supplies, facilities, and services

The Director is authorized, subject to the civil service laws, to appoint such clerical and other personnel as may be necessary for the execution of the functions of the Service, and shall fix their compensation in accordance with chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5, and may, without regard to the provisions of the civil service laws, appoint such conciliators and mediators as may be necessary to carry out the functions of the Service. The Director is authorized to make such expenditures for supplies, facilities, and services as he deems necessary. Such expenditures shall be allowed and paid upon presentation of itemized vouchers therefor approved by the Director or by any employee designated by him for that purpose.

(c) Principal and regional offices; delegation of authority by Director; annual report to Congress

The principal office of the Service shall be in the District of Columbia, but the Director may establish regional offices convenient to localities in which labor controversies are likely to arise. The Director may by order, subject to revocation at any time, delegate any authority and discretion conferred upon him by this chapter to any regional director, or other officer or employee of the Service. The Director may establish suitable procedures for cooperation with State and local mediation agencies. The Director shall make an annual report in writing to Congress at the end of the fiscal year.

(d) Transfer of all mediation and conciliation services to Service; effective date; pending proceedings unaffected

All mediation and conciliation functions of the Secretary of Labor or the United States Conciliation Service under section 51 of this title, and all functions of the United States Conciliation Service under any other law are transferred to the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, together with the personnel and records of the United States Conciliation Service. Such transfer shall take effect upon the sixtieth day after June 23, 1947. Such transfer shall not affect any proceedings pending before the United States Conciliation Service or any certification, order, rule, or regulation theretofore made by it or by the Secretary of Labor. The Director and the Service shall not be subject in any way to the jurisdiction or authority of the Secretary of Labor or any official or division of the Department of Labor.

(June 23, 1947, ch. 120, title II, §202, 61 Stat. 153; Oct. 28, 1949, ch. 782, title XI, §1106(a), 63 Stat. 972.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 51 of this title, referred to in subsec. (d), was repealed by Pub. L. 89–554, §8(a), Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 642.

Codification

Provisions of subsec. (a) which prescribed the basic annual compensation of the Director were omitted to conform to the provisions of the Executive Schedule. See section 5314 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

In subsec. (b), "chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5" substituted for "the Classification Act of 1949, as amended" on authority of Pub. L. 89–554, §7(b), Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 631, the first section of which enacted Title 5.

Provisions of subsec. (b) that authorized the Director to fix the compensation of conciliators and mediators without regard to the Classification Act of 1923, as amended, have been omitted as obsolete. Sections 1202 and 1204 of the Classification Act of 1949, 63 Stat. 972, 973, repealed the Classification Act of 1923 and all other laws or parts of laws inconsistent with the 1949 Act. While section 1106(a) of the 1949 Act provided that references in other laws to the 1923 Act should be held and considered to mean the 1949 Act, it did not have the effect of continuing the exceptions contained in this section because of section 1106(b) which provided that the application of the 1949 Act to any position, officer, or employee shall not be affected by section 1106(a). The Classification Act of 1949 was repealed by Pub. L. 89–554, Sept. 6, 1966, §8(a), 80 Stat. 632 (of which section 1 revised and enacted Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, into law). Section 5102 of Title 5 contains the applicability provisions of the 1949 Act, and section 5103 of Title 5 authorizes the Office of Personnel Management to determine the applicability to specific positions and employees.

Amendments

1949—Subsec. (b). Act Oct. 28, 1949, substituted "Classification Act of 1949" for "Classification Act of 1923".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Repeals

Act Oct. 28, 1949, ch. 782, cited as a credit to this section, was repealed (subject to a savings clause) by Pub. L. 89–554, Sept. 6, 1966, §8, 80 Stat. 632, 655.

Termination of Reporting Requirements

For termination, effective May 15, 2000, of provisions in subsec. (c) requiring the Director to make an annual report in writing to Congress at the end of the fiscal year, see section 3003 of Pub. L. 104–66, set out as a note under section 1113 of Title 31, Money and Finance, and page 171 of House Document No. 103–7.

§173. Functions of Service

(a) Settlement of disputes through conciliation and mediation

It shall be the duty of the Service, in order to prevent or minimize interruptions of the free flow of commerce growing out of labor disputes, to assist parties to labor disputes in industries affecting commerce to settle such disputes through conciliation and mediation.

(b) Intervention on motion of Service or request of parties; avoidance of mediation of minor disputes

The Service may proffer its services in any labor dispute in any industry affecting commerce, either upon its own motion or upon the request of one or more of the parties to the dispute, whenever in its judgment such dispute threatens to cause a substantial interruption of commerce. The Director and the Service are directed to avoid attempting to mediate disputes which would have only a minor effect on interstate commerce if State or other conciliation services are available to the parties. Whenever the Service does proffer its services in any dispute, it shall be the duty of the Service promptly to put itself in communication with the parties and to use its best efforts, by mediation and conciliation, to bring them to agreement.

(c) Settlement of disputes by other means upon failure of conciliation

If the Director is not able to bring the parties to agreement by conciliation within a reasonable time, he shall seek to induce the parties voluntarily to seek other means of settling the dispute without resort to strike, lock-out, or other coercion, including submission to the employees in the bargaining unit of the employer's last offer of settlement for approval or rejection in a secret ballot. The failure or refusal of either party to agree to any procedure suggested by the Director shall not be deemed a violation of any duty or obligation imposed by this chapter.

(d) Use of conciliation and mediation services as last resort

Final adjustment by a method agreed upon by the parties is declared to be the desirable method for settlement of grievance disputes arising over the application or interpretation of an existing collective-bargaining agreement. The Service is directed to make its conciliation and mediation services available in the settlement of such grievance disputes only as a last resort and in exceptional cases.

(e) Encouragement and support of establishment and operation of joint labor management activities conducted by committees

The Service is authorized and directed to encourage and support the establishment and operation of joint labor management activities conducted by plant, area, and industrywide committees designed to improve labor management relationships, job security and organizational effectiveness, in accordance with the provisions of section 175a of this title.

(f) Use of alternative means of dispute resolution procedures; assignment of neutrals and arbitrators

The Service may make its services available to Federal agencies to aid in the resolution of disputes under the provisions of subchapter IV of chapter 5 of title 5. Functions performed by the Service may include assisting parties to disputes related to administrative programs, training persons in skills and procedures employed in alternative means of dispute resolution, and furnishing officers and employees of the Service to act as neutrals. Only officers and employees who are qualified in accordance with section 573 of title 5 may be assigned to act as neutrals. The Service shall consult with the agency designated by, or the interagency committee designated or established by, the President under section 573 of title 5 in maintaining rosters of neutrals and arbitrators, and to adopt such procedures and rules as are necessary to carry out the services authorized in this subsection.

(June 23, 1947, ch. 120, title II, §203, 61 Stat. 153; Pub. L. 95–524, §6(c)(1), Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 2020; Pub. L. 101–552, §7, Nov. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 2746; Pub. L. 102–354, §5(b)(5), Aug. 26, 1992, 106 Stat. 946; Pub. L. 104–320, §4(c), Oct. 19, 1996, 110 Stat. 3871.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in subsec. (c), was in the original "this Act" meaning act June 23, 1947, ch. 120, 61 Stat. 136, known as the Labor Management Relations Act, 1947, which is classified principally to this subchapter and subchapters III (§171 et seq.) and IV (§185 et seq.) of this chapter. For complete classification of this act to the Code, see Tables.

Amendments

1996—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 104–320 substituted "the agency designated by, or the interagency committee designated or established by, the President under section 573 of title 5" for "the Administrative Conference of the United States and other agencies".

1992—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 102–354 substituted "section 573" for "section 583".

1990—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 101–552 added subsec. (f).

1978—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 95–524 added subsec. (e).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Applicability to Collective Bargaining Agreements

Amendment by Pub. L. 95–524 not to affect terms and conditions of any collective bargaining agreement whether in effect prior to or entered into after Oct. 27, 1978, see section 6(e) of Pub. L. 95–524, set out as a note under section 175a of this title.

§174. Co-equal obligations of employees, their representatives, and management to minimize labor disputes

(a) ¹ In order to prevent or minimize interruptions of the free flow of commerce growing out of labor disputes, employers and employees and their representatives, in any industry affecting commerce, shall—

(1) exert every reasonable effort to make and maintain agreements concerning rates of pay, hours, and working conditions, including provision for adequate notice of any proposed change in the terms of such agreements;

(2) whenever a dispute arises over the terms or application of a collective-bargaining agreement and a conference is requested by a party or prospective party thereto, arrange promptly for such a conference to be held and endeavor in such conference to settle such dispute expeditiously; and

(3) in case such dispute is not settled by conference, participate fully and promptly in such meetings as may be undertaken by the Service under this chapter for the purpose of aiding in a settlement of the dispute.

(June 23, 1947, ch. 120, title II, §204, 61 Stat. 154.)

¹ So in original. No subsec. (b) has been enacted.

§175. National Labor-Management Panel; creation and composition; appointment, tenure, and compensation; duties

(a) There is created a National Labor-Management Panel which shall be composed of twelve members appointed by the President, six of whom shall be selected from among persons outstanding in the field of management and six of whom shall be selected from among persons outstanding in the field of labor. Each member shall hold office for a term of three years, except that any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which his predecessor was appointed shall be appointed for the remainder of such term, and the terms of office of the members first taking office shall expire, as designated by the President at the time of appointment, four at the end of the first year, four at the end of the second year, and four at the end of the third year after the date of appointment. Members of the panel, when serving on business of the panel, shall be paid compensation at the rate of $25 per day, and shall also be entitled to receive an allowance for actual and necessary travel and subsistence expenses while so serving away from their places of residence.

(b) It shall be the duty of the panel, at the request of the Director, to advise in the avoidance of industrial controversies and the manner in which mediation and voluntary adjustment shall be administered, particularly with reference to controversies affecting the general welfare of the country.

(June 23, 1947, ch. 120, title II, §205, 61 Stat. 154.)

§175a. Assistance to plant, area, and industrywide labor management committees

(a) Establishment and operation of plant, area, and industrywide committees

(1) The Service is authorized and directed to provide assistance in the establishment and operation of plant, area and industrywide labor management committees which—

(A) have been organized jointly by employers and labor organizations representing employees in that plant, area, or industry; and

(B) are established for the purpose of improving labor management relationships, job security, organizational effectiveness, enhancing economic development or involving workers in decisions affecting their jobs including improving communication with respect to subjects of mutual interest and concern.

(2) The Service is authorized and directed to enter into contracts and to make grants, where necessary or appropriate, to fulfill its responsibilities under this section.

(b) Restrictions on grants, contracts, or other assistance

(1) No grant may be made, no contract may be entered into and no other assistance may be provided under the provisions of this section to a plant labor management committee unless the employees in that plant are represented by a labor organization and there is in effect at that plant a collective bargaining agreement.

(2) No grant may be made, no contract may be entered into and no other assistance may be provided under the provisions of this section to an area or industrywide labor management committee unless its participants include any labor organizations certified or recognized as the representative of the employees of an employer participating in such committee. Nothing in this clause shall prohibit participation in an area or industrywide committee by an employer whose employees are not represented by a labor organization.

(3) No grant may be made under the provisions of this section to any labor management committee which the Service finds to have as one of its purposes the discouragement of the exercise of rights contained in section 157 of this title, or the interference with collective bargaining in any plant, or industry.

(c) Establishment of office

The Service shall carry out the provisions of this section through an office established for that purpose.

(d) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the provisions of this section $10,000,000 for the fiscal year 1979, and such sums as may be necessary thereafter.

(June 23, 1947, ch. 120, title II, §205A, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §6(c)(2), Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 2020.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Short Title

For short title of section 6 of Pub. L. 95–524 as the Labor Management Cooperation Act of 1978, see Short Title of 1978 Amendment note set out under section 141 of this title.

Congressional Statement of Purpose

Pub. L. 95–524, §6(b), Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 2020, provided that: "It is the purpose of this section [enacting this section and amending sections 173 and 186 of this title]—

"(1) to improve communication between representatives of labor and management;

"(2) to provide workers and employers with opportunities to study and explore new and innovative joint approaches to achieving organizational effectiveness;

"(3) to assist workers and employers in solving problems of mutual concern not susceptible to resolution within the collective bargaining process;

"(4) to study and explore ways of eliminating potential problems which reduce the competitiveness and inhibit the economic development of the plant, area or industry;

"(5) to enhance the involvement of workers in making decisions that affect their working lives;

"(6) to expand and improve working relationships between workers and managers; and

"(7) to encourage free collective bargaining by establishing continuing mechanisms for communication between employers and their employees through Federal assistance to the formation and operation of labor management committees."

Applicability to Collective Bargaining Agreements

Pub. L. 95–524, §6(e), Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 2021, provided that: "Nothing in this section or the amendments made by this section [enacting this section, amending sections 173 and 186 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section] shall affect the terms and conditions of any collective bargaining agreement whether in effect prior to or entered into after the date of enactment of this section [Oct. 27, 1978]."

§176. National emergencies; appointment of board of inquiry by President; report; contents; filing with Service

Whenever in the opinion of the President of the United States, a threatened or actual strike or lockout affecting an entire industry or a substantial part thereof engaged in trade, commerce, transportation, transmission, or communication among the several States or with foreign nations, or engaged in the production of goods for commerce, will, if permitted to occur or to continue, imperil the national health or safety, he may appoint a board of inquiry to inquire into the issues involved in the dispute and to make a written report to him within such time as he shall prescribe. Such report shall include a statement of the facts with respect to the dispute, including each party's statement of its position but shall not contain any recommendations. The President shall file a copy of such report with the Service and shall make its contents available to the public.

(June 23, 1947, ch. 120, title II, §206, 61 Stat. 155.)

Executive Documents

Executive Order No. 11621

Ex. Ord. No. 11621, Oct. 4, 1971, 36 F.R. 19435, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 11622, Oct. 5, 1971, 36 F.R. 19491, which created a Board of Inquiry to inquire into issues involved in certain labor disputes, was revoked by Ex. Ord. No. 12553, Feb. 25, 1986, 51 F.R. 7237.

§177. Board of inquiry

(a) Composition

A board of inquiry shall be composed of a chairman and such other members as the President shall determine, and shall have power to sit and act in any place within the United States and to conduct such hearings either in public or in private, as it may deem necessary or proper, to ascertain the facts with respect to the causes and circumstances of the dispute.

(b) Compensation

Members of a board of inquiry shall receive compensation at the rate of $50 for each day actually spent by them in the work of the board, together with necessary travel and subsistence expenses.

(c) Powers of discovery

For the purpose of any hearing or inquiry conducted by any board appointed under this title, the provisions of sections 49 and 50 of title 15 (relating to the attendance of witnesses and the production of books, papers, and documents) are made applicable to the powers and duties of such board.

(June 23, 1947, ch. 120, title II, §207, 61 Stat. 155.)

§178. Injunctions during national emergency

(a) Petition to district court by Attorney General on direction of President

Upon receiving a report from a board of inquiry the President may direct the Attorney General to petition any district court of the United States having jurisdiction of the parties to enjoin such strike or lock-out or the continuing thereof, and if the court finds that such threatened or actual strike or lock-out—

(i) affects an entire industry or a substantial part thereof engaged in trade, commerce, transportation, transmission, or communication among the several States or with foreign nations, or engaged in the production of goods for commerce; and

(ii) if permitted to occur or to continue, will imperil the national health or safety, it shall have jurisdiction to enjoin any such strike or lockout, or the continuing thereof, and to make such other orders as may be appropriate.

(b) Inapplicability of chapter 6

In any case, the provisions of chapter 6 of this title shall not be applicable.

(c) Review of orders

The order or orders of the court shall be subject to review by the appropriate United States court of appeals and by the Supreme Court upon writ of certiorari or certification as provided in section 1254 of title 28.

(June 23, 1947, ch. 120, title II, §208, 61 Stat. 155; June 25, 1948, ch. 646, §32(a), 62 Stat. 991; May 24, 1949, ch. 139, §127, 63 Stat. 107.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Chapter 6 (§101 et seq.) of this title, referred to in subsec. (b), is a reference to act Mar. 23, 1932, ch. 90, 47 Stat. 70, popularly known as the Norris-LaGuardia Act.

Codification

In subsec. (c), "court of appeals" substituted for "circuit court of appeals" on authority of act June 25, 1948, as amended by act May 24, 1949. The words "United States" immediately preceding "Court of appeals" were inserted on authority of section 43 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure.

In subsec. (c), "section 1254 of title 28" substituted for "sections 239 and 240 of the Judicial Code, as amended (U.S.C. title 28, secs. 346 and 347)" on authority of act June 25, 1948, ch. 646, 62 Stat. 869, section 1 of which enacted Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure.

§179. Injunctions during national emergency; adjustment efforts by parties during injunction period

(a) Assistance of Service; acceptance of Service's proposed settlement

Whenever a district court has issued an order under section 178 of this title enjoining acts or practices which imperil or threaten to imperil the national health or safety, it shall be the duty of the parties to the labor dispute giving rise to such order to make every effort to adjust and settle their differences, with the assistance of the Service created by this chapter. Neither party shall be under any duty to accept, in whole or in part, any proposal of settlement made by the Service.

(b) Reconvening of board of inquiry; report by board; contents; secret ballot of employees by National Labor Relations Board; certification of results to Attorney General

Upon the issuance of such order, the President shall reconvene the board of inquiry which has previously reported with respect to the dispute. At the end of a sixty-day period (unless the dispute has been settled by that time), the board of inquiry shall report to the President the current position of the parties and the efforts which have been made for settlement, and shall include a statement by each party of its position and a statement of the employer's last offer of settlement. The President shall make such report available to the public. The National Labor Relations Board, within the succeeding fifteen days, shall take a secret ballot of the employees of each employer involved in the dispute on the question of whether they wish to accept the final offer of settlement made by their employer as stated by him and shall certify the results thereof to the Attorney General within five days thereafter.

(June 23, 1947, ch. 120, title II, §209, 61 Stat. 155.)

§180. Discharge of injunction upon certification of results of election or settlement; report to Congress

Upon the certification of the results of such ballot or upon a settlement being reached, whichever happens sooner, the Attorney General shall move the court to discharge the injunction, which motion shall then be granted and the injunction discharged. When such motion is granted, the President shall submit to the Congress a full and comprehensive report of the proceedings, including the findings of the board of inquiry and the ballot taken by the National Labor Relations Board, together with such recommendations as he may see fit to make for consideration and appropriate action.

(June 23, 1947, ch. 120, title II, §210, 61 Stat. 156.)

§181. Compilation of collective bargaining agreements, etc.; use of data

(a) For the guidance and information of interested representatives of employers, employees, and the general public, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor shall maintain a file of copies of all available collective bargaining agreements and other available agreements and actions thereunder settling or adjusting labor disputes. Such file shall be open to inspection under appropriate conditions prescribed by the Secretary of Labor, except that no specific information submitted in confidence shall be disclosed.

(b) The Bureau of Labor Statistics in the Department of labor is authorized to furnish upon request of the Service, or employers, employees, or their representatives, all available data and factual information which may aid in the settlement of any labor dispute, except that no specific information submitted in confidence shall be disclosed.

(June 23, 1947, ch. 120, title II, §211, 61 Stat. 156.)

§182. Exemption of Railway Labor Act from subchapter

The provisions of this subchapter shall not be applicable with respect to any matter which is subject to the provisions of the Railway Labor Act [45 U.S.C. 151 et seq.], as amended from time to time.

(June 23, 1947, ch. 120, title II, §212, 61 Stat. 156.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Railway Labor Act, as amended, referred to in text, is act May 20, 1926, ch. 347, 44 Stat. 577, which is classified principally to chapter 8 (§151 et seq.) of Title 45, Railroads. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 151 of Title 45 and Tables.

§183. Conciliation of labor disputes in the health care industry

(a) Establishment of Boards of Inquiry; membership

If, in the opinion of the Director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, a threatened or actual strike or lockout affecting a health care institution will, if permitted to occur or to continue, substantially interrupt the delivery of health care in the locality concerned, the Director may further assist in the resolution of the impasse by establishing within 30 days after the notice to the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service under clause (A) of the last sentence of section 158(d) of this title (which is required by clause (3) of such section 158(d) of this title), or within 10 days after the notice under clause (B), an impartial Board of Inquiry to investigate the issues involved in the dispute and to make a written report thereon to the parties within fifteen (15) days after the establishment of such a Board. The written report shall contain the findings of fact together with the Board's recommendations for settling the dispute, with the objective of achieving a prompt, peaceful and just settlement of the dispute. Each such Board shall be composed of such number of individuals as the Director may deem desirable. No member appointed under this section shall have any interest or involvement in the health care institutions or the employee organizations involved in the dispute.

(b) Compensation of members of Boards of Inquiry

(1) Members of any board established under this section who are otherwise employed by the Federal Government shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for travel, subsistence, and other necessary expenses incurred by them in carrying out its duties under this section.

(2) Members of any board established under this section who are not subject to paragraph (1) shall receive compensation at a rate prescribed by the Director but not to exceed the daily rate prescribed for GS–18 of the General Schedule under section 5332 of title 5, including travel for each day they are engaged in the performance of their duties under this section and shall be entitled to reimbursement for travel, subsistence, and other necessary expenses incurred by them in carrying out their duties under this section.

(c) Maintenance of status quo

After the establishment of a board under subsection (a) of this section and for 15 days after any such board has issued its report, no change in the status quo in effect prior to the expiration of the contract in the case of negotiations for a contract renewal, or in effect prior to the time of the impasse in the case of an initial bargaining negotiation, except by agreement, shall be made by the parties to the controversy.

(d) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this section.

(June 23, 1947, ch. 120, title II, §213, as added Pub. L. 93–360, §2, July 26, 1974, 88 Stat. 396.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective on thirtieth day after July 26, 1974, see section 4 of Pub. L. 93–360, set out as a note under section 169 of this title.

References in Other Laws to GS–16, 17, or 18 Pay Rates

References in laws to the rates of pay for GS–16, 17, or 18, or to maximum rates of pay under the General Schedule, to be considered references to rates payable under specified sections of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, see section 529 [title I, §101(c)(1)] of Pub. L. 101–509, set out in a note under section 5376 of Title 5.

SUBCHAPTER IV—LIABILITIES OF AND RESTRICTIONS ON LABOR AND MANAGEMENT

§185. Suits by and against labor organizations

(a) Venue, amount, and citizenship

Suits for violation of contracts between an employer and a labor organization representing employees in an industry affecting commerce as defined in this chapter, or between any such labor organizations, may be brought in any district court of the United States having jurisdiction of the parties, without respect to the amount in controversy or without regard to the citizenship of the parties.

(b) Responsibility for acts of agent; entity for purposes of suit; enforcement of money judgments

Any labor organization which represents employees in an industry affecting commerce as defined in this chapter and any employer whose activities affect commerce as defined in this chapter shall be bound by the acts of its agents. Any such labor organization may sue or be sued as an entity and in behalf of the employees whom it represents in the courts of the United States. Any money judgment against a labor organization in a district court of the United States shall be enforceable only against the organization as an entity and against its assets, and shall not be enforceable against any individual member or his assets.

(c) Jurisdiction

For the purposes of actions and proceedings by or against labor organizations in the district courts of the United States, district courts shall be deemed to have jurisdiction of a labor organization (1) in the district in which such organization maintains its principal office, or (2) in any district in which its duly authorized officers or agents are engaged in representing or acting for employee members.

(d) Service of process

The service of summons, subpena, or other legal process of any court of the United States upon an officer or agent of a labor organization, in his capacity as such, shall constitute service upon the labor organization.

(e) Determination of question of agency

For the purposes of this section, in determining whether any person is acting as an "agent" of another person so as to make such other person responsible for his acts, the question of whether the specific acts performed were actually authorized or subsequently ratified shall not be controlling.

(June 23, 1947, ch. 120, title III, §301, 61 Stat. 156.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (b), was in the original "this Act" meaning act June 23, 1947, ch. 120, 61 Stat. 136, known as the Labor Management Relations Act, 1947, which is classified principally to this subchapter and subchapters III (§171 et seq.) and IV (§185 et seq.) of this chapter. For complete classification of this act to the Code, see Tables.

§186. Restrictions on financial transactions

(a) Payment or lending, etc., of money by employer or agent to employees, representatives, or labor organizations

It shall be unlawful for any employer or association of employers or any person who acts as a labor relations expert, adviser, or consultant to an employer or who acts in the interest of an employer to pay, lend, or deliver, or agree to pay, lend, or deliver, any money or other thing of value—

(1) to any representative of any of his employees who are employed in an industry affecting commerce; or

(2) to any labor organization, or any officer or employee thereof, which represents, seeks to represent, or would admit to membership, any of the employees of such employer who are employed in an industry affecting commerce; or

(3) to any employee or group or committee of employees of such employer employed in an industry affecting commerce in excess of their normal compensation for the purpose of causing such employee or group or committee directly or indirectly to influence any other employees in the exercise of the right to organize and bargain collectively through representatives of their own choosing; or

(4) to any officer or employee of a labor organization engaged in an industry affecting commerce with intent to influence him in respect to any of his actions, decisions, or duties as a representative of employees or as such officer or employee of such labor organization.

(b) Request, demand, etc., for money or other thing of value

(1) It shall be unlawful for any person to request, demand, receive, or accept, or agree to receive or accept, any payment, loan, or delivery of any money or other thing of value prohibited by subsection (a).

(2) It shall be unlawful for any labor organization, or for any person acting as an officer, agent, representative, or employee of such labor organization, to demand or accept from the operator of any motor vehicle (as defined in section 13102 of title 49) employed in the transportation of property in commerce, or the employer of any such operator, any money or other thing of value payable to such organization or to an officer, agent, representative or employee thereof as a fee or charge for the unloading, or in connection with the unloading, of the cargo of such vehicle: Provided, That nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to make unlawful any payment by an employer to any of his employees as compensation for their services as employees.

(c) Exceptions

The provisions of this section shall not be applicable (1) in respect to any money or other thing of value payable by an employer to any of his employees whose established duties include acting openly for such employer in matters of labor relations or personnel administration or to any representative of his employees, or to any officer or employee of a labor organization, who is also an employee or former employee of such employer, as compensation for, or by reason of, his service as an employee of such employer; (2) with respect to the payment or delivery of any money or other thing of value in satisfaction of a judgment of any court or a decision or award of an arbitrator or impartial chairman or in compromise, adjustment, settlement, or release of any claim, complaint, grievance, or dispute in the absence of fraud or duress; (3) with respect to the sale or purchase of an article or commodity at the prevailing market price in the regular course of business; (4) with respect to money deducted from the wages of employees in payment of membership dues in a labor organization: Provided, That the employer has received from each employee, on whose account such deductions are made, a written assignment which shall not be irrevocable for a period of more than one year, or beyond the termination date of the applicable collective agreement, whichever occurs sooner; (5) with respect to money or other thing of value paid to a trust fund established by such representative, for the sole and exclusive benefit of the employees of such employer, and their families and dependents (or of such employees, families, and dependents jointly with the employees of other employers making similar payments, and their families and dependents): Provided, That (A) such payments are held in trust for the purpose of paying, either from principal or income or both, for the benefit of employees, their families and dependents, for medical or hospital care, pensions on retirement or death of employees, compensation for injuries or illness resulting from occupational activity or insurance to provide any of the foregoing, or unemployment benefits or life insurance, disability and sickness insurance, or accident insurance; (B) the detailed basis on which such payments are to be made is specified in a written agreement with the employer, and employees and employers are equally represented in the administration of such fund, together with such neutral persons as the representatives of the employers and the representatives of employees may agree upon and in the event the employer and employee groups deadlock on the administration of such fund and there are no neutral persons empowered to break such deadlock, such agreement provides that the two groups shall agree on an impartial umpire to decide such dispute, or in event of their failure to agree within a reasonable length of time, an impartial umpire to decide such dispute shall, on petition of either group, be appointed by the district court of the United States for the district where the trust fund has its principal office, and shall also contain provisions for an annual audit of the trust fund, a statement of the results of which shall be available for inspection by interested persons at the principal office of the trust fund and at such other places as may be designated in such written agreement; and (C) such payments as are intended to be used for the purpose of providing pensions or annuities for employees are made to a separate trust which provides that the funds held therein cannot be used for any purpose other than paying such pensions or annuities; (6) with respect to money or other thing of value paid by any employer to a trust fund established by such representative for the purpose of pooled vacation, holiday, severance or similar benefits, or defraying costs of apprenticeship or other training programs: Provided, That the requirements of clause (B) of the proviso to clause (5) of this subsection shall apply to such trust funds; (7) with respect to money or other thing of value paid by any employer to a pooled or individual trust fund established by such representative for the purpose of (A) scholarships for the benefit of employees, their families, and dependents for study at educational institutions, (B) child care centers for preschool and school age dependents of employees, or (C) financial assistance for employee housing: Provided, That no labor organization or employer shall be required to bargain on the establishment of any such trust fund, and refusal to do so shall not constitute an unfair labor practice: Provided further, That the requirements of clause (B) of the proviso to clause (5) of this subsection shall apply to such trust funds; (8) with respect to money or any other thing of value paid by any employer to a trust fund established by such representative for the purpose of defraying the costs of legal services for employees, their families, and dependents for counsel or plan of their choice: Provided, That the requirements of clause (B) of the proviso to clause (5) of this subsection shall apply to such trust funds: Provided further, That no such legal services shall be furnished: (A) to initiate any proceeding directed (i) against any such employer or its officers or agents except in workman's compensation cases, or (ii) against such labor organization, or its parent or subordinate bodies, or their officers or agents, or (iii) against any other employer or labor organization, or their officers or agents, in any matter arising under subchapter II of this chapter or this chapter; and (B) in any proceeding where a labor organization would be prohibited from defraying the costs of legal services by the provisions of the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 [29 U.S.C. 401 et seq.]; or (9) with respect to money or other things of value paid by an employer to a plant, area or industrywide labor management committee established for one or more of the purposes set forth in section 5(b) of the Labor Management Cooperation Act of 1978.

(d) Penalties for violations

(1) Any person who participates in a transaction involving a payment, loan, or delivery of money or other thing of value to a labor organization in payment of membership dues or to a joint labor-management trust fund as defined by clause (B) of the proviso to clause (5) of subsection (c) of this section or to a plant, area, or industry-wide labor-management committee that is received and used by such labor organization, trust fund, or committee, which transaction does not satisfy all the applicable requirements of subsections (c)(4) through (c)(9) of this section, and willfully and with intent to benefit himself or to benefit other persons he knows are not permitted to receive a payment, loan, money, or other thing of value under subsections (c)(4) through (c)(9) violates this subsection, shall, upon conviction thereof, be guilty of a felony and be subject to a fine of not more than $15,000, or imprisoned for not more than five years, or both; but if the value of the amount of money or thing of value involved in any violation of the provisions of this section does not exceed $1,000, such person shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and be subject to a fine of not more than $10,000, or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.

(2) Except for violations involving transactions covered by subsection (d)(1) of this section, any person who willfully violates this section shall, upon conviction thereof, be guilty of a felony and be subject to a fine of not more than $15,000, or imprisoned for not more than five years, or both; but if the value of the amount of money or thing of value involved in any violation of the provisions of this section does not exceed $1,000, such person shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and be subject to a fine of not more than $10,000, or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.

(e) Jurisdiction of courts

The district courts of the United States and the United States courts of the Territories and possessions shall have jurisdiction, for cause shown, and subject to the provisions of section 381 of title 28 (relating to notice to opposite party) to restrain violations of this section, without regard to the provisions of section 17 of title 15 and section 52 of this title, and the provisions of chapter 6 of this title.

(f) Effective date of provisions

This section shall not apply to any contract in force on June 23, 1947, until the expiration of such contract, or until July 1, 1948, whichever first occurs.

(g) Contributions to trust funds

Compliance with the restrictions contained in subsection (c)(5)(B) upon contributions to trust funds, otherwise lawful, shall not be applicable to contributions to such trust funds established by collective agreement prior to January 1, 1946, nor shall subsection (c)(5)(A) be construed as prohibiting contributions to such trust funds if prior to January 1, 1947, such funds contained provisions for pooled vacation benefits.

(June 23, 1947, ch. 120, title III, §302, 61 Stat. 157; Pub. L. 86–257, title V, §505, Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 537; Pub. L. 91–86, Oct. 14, 1969, 83 Stat. 133; Pub. L. 93–95, Aug. 15, 1973, 87 Stat. 314; Pub. L. 95–524, §6(d), Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 2021; Pub. L. 98–473, title II, §801, Oct. 12, 1984, 98 Stat. 2131; Pub. L. 101–273, §1, Apr. 18, 1990, 104 Stat. 138; Pub. L. 104–88, title III, §337, Dec. 29, 1995, 109 Stat. 954.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959, referred to in subsec. (c)(8), is Pub. L. 86–257, Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 519, which is classified principally to chapter 11 (§401 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 401 of this title and Tables.

Section 5(b) of the Labor Management Cooperation Act of 1978, referred to in subsec. (c)(9), probably means section 6(b) of Pub. L. 95–524, which is set out as a note under section 175a of this title.

Section 381 of title 28, referred to in subsec. (e), was omitted from the revision of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure, by act June 25, 1948, ch. 646, 62 Stat. 869. See rule 65 of Federal Rules of Civil Procedure set out in the Appendix to Title 28.

Chapter 6 (§101 et seq.) of this title, referred to in subsec. (e), is a reference to act Mar. 23, 1932, ch. 90, 47 Stat. 70, popularly known as the Norris-LaGuardia Act.

Amendments

1995—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 104–88 substituted "(as defined in section 13102 of title 49)" for "(as defined in part II of the Interstate Commerce Act)".

1990—Subsec. (c)(7)(C). Pub. L. 101–273 added subcl. (C).

1984—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 98–473, in amending subsec. (d) generally, added par. (1), designated existing provisions as par. (2), inserted reference to par. (1), and inserted provisions relating to commission of a felony.

1978—Subsec. (c)(9). Pub. L. 95–524 added cl. (9).

1973—Subsec. (c)(8). Pub. L. 93–95 added cl. (8).

1969—Subsec. (c)(7). Pub. L. 91–86 added cl. (7).

1959—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 86–257 amended subsec. (a) generally. Prior to amendment subsec. (a) read as follows: "It shall be unlawful for any employer to pay or deliver, or to agree to pay or deliver, any money or other thing of value to any representative of any of his employees who are employed in an industry affecting commerce."

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 86–257 amended subsec. (b) generally. Prior to amendment subsec. (b) read as follows: "It shall be unlawful for any representative of any employees who are employed in an industry affecting commerce to receive or accept, or to agree to receive or accept, from the employer of such employees any money or other thing of value."

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 86–257 substituted "in respect to any money or other thing of value payable by an employer to any of his employees whose established duties include acting openly for such employer in matters of labor relations or personnel administration or to any representative of his employees, or to any officer or employee of a labor organization, who is also an employee or former employee of such employer, as compensation for, or by reason of, his service as an employee of such employer" for "with respect to any money or other thing of value payable by an employer to any representative who is an employee or former employee of such employer, as compensation for, or by reason of, his services as an employee of such employer" in cl. (1), and added cl. (6).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1995 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 104–88 effective Jan. 1, 1996, see section 2 of Pub. L. 104–88, set out as an Effective Date note under section 1301 of Title 49, Transportation.

Applicability to Collective Bargaining Agreements

Amendment by Pub. L. 95–524 not to affect terms and conditions of any collective bargaining agreement whether in effect prior to or entered into after Oct. 27, 1978, see section 6(e) of Pub. L. 95–524, set out as an Effective Date note under section 175a of this title.

§187. Unlawful activities or conduct; right to sue; jurisdiction; limitations; damages

(a) It shall be unlawful, for the purpose of this section only, in an industry or activity affecting commerce, for any labor organization to engage in any activity or conduct defined as an unfair labor practice in section 158(b)(4) of this title.

(b) Whoever shall be injured in his business or property by reason or ¹ any violation of subsection (a) may sue therefor in any district court of the United States subject to the limitations and provisions of section 185 of this title without respect to the amount in controversy, or in any other court having jurisdiction of the parties, and shall recover the damages by him sustained and the cost of the suit.

(June 23, 1947, ch. 120, title III, §303, 61 Stat. 158; Pub. L. 86–257, title VII, §704(e), Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 545.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1959—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 86–257 struck out provisions which specified particular practices that were unlawful, and inserted reference to practices defined in section 158(b)(4) of this title, which section defines the unfair labor practices formerly enumerated in this subsection.

¹ So in original. Probably should be "of".

§188. Repealed. Aug. 9, 1955, ch. 690, §4(3), 69 Stat. 625

Section, act June 23, 1947, ch. 120, title III, §305, 61 Stat. 160, forbade striking by Government employees, required discharge of striking employee and forfeiture of his civil-service status, and made him ineligible for employment for three years. See sections 3333 and 7311 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, and section 1918 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure.

SUBCHAPTER V—CONGRESSIONAL JOINT COMMITTEE ON LABOR-MANAGEMENT RELATIONS

§§191 to 197. Omitted

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section 191, act June 23, 1947, ch. 120, title IV, §401, 61 Stat. 160, related to establishment and composition of Joint Committee on Labor-Management Relations.

Section 192, act June 23, 1947, ch. 120, title IV, §402, 61 Stat. 160, related to a study by committee of the entire field of labor-management relations.

Section 193, acts June 23, 1947, ch. 120, title IV, §403, 61 Stat. 160; Aug. 10, 1948, ch. 833, 62 Stat. 1286, related to a final report to Congress to be submitted no later than March 1, 1949.

Section 194, act June 23, 1947, ch. 120, title IV, §404, 61 Stat. 161, related to employment and compensation of experts and other personnel.

Section 195, act June 23, 1947, ch. 120, title IV, §405, 61 Stat. 161, related to hearings, calling of witnesses, production of evidence.

Section 196, act June 23, 1947, ch. 120, title IV, §406, 61 Stat. 161, related to reimbursement of committee members for expenses.

Section 197, act June 23, 1947, ch. 120, title IV, §407, 61 Stat. 161, related to appropriation of funds.

CHAPTER 8—FAIR LABOR STANDARDS

        

§201. Short title

This chapter may be cited as the "Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938".

(June 25, 1938, ch. 676, §1, 52 Stat. 1060.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Short Title of 2022 Amendment

Pub. L. 117–328, div. KK, §101, Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 6093, provided that: "This division [enacting section 218d of this title, amending sections 207, 215, and 216 of this title and section 20168 of Title 49, Transportation, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 207, 215, and 218d of this title and section 20168 of Title 49] may be cited as the 'Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers Act' or the 'PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act'."

Short Title of 2007 Amendment

Pub. L. 110–28, title VIII, §8101, May 25, 2007, 121 Stat. 188, provided that: "This subtitle [subtitle A (§§8101–8104) of title VIII of Pub. L. 110–28, amending section 206 of this title, repealing sections 205 and 208 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 206 of this title] may be cited as the 'Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007'."

Short Title of 2000 Amendment

Pub. L. 106–202, §1, May 18, 2000, 114 Stat. 308, provided that: "This Act [amending section 207 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 207 of this title] may be cited as the 'Worker Economic Opportunity Act'."

Short Title of 1998 Amendments

Pub. L. 105–334, §1, Oct. 31, 1998, 112 Stat. 3137, provided that: "This Act [amending section 213 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 213 of this title] may be cited as the 'Drive for Teen Employment Act'."

Pub. L. 105–221, §1, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1248, provided that: "This Act [amending section 203 of this title] may be cited as the 'Amy Somers Volunteers at Food Banks Act'."

Short Title of 1996 Amendment

Pub. L. 104–188, [title II], §2104(a), Aug. 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1928, provided that: "This section [amending section 206 of this title] may be cited as the 'Minimum Wage Increase Act of 1996'."

Short Title of 1995 Amendment

Pub. L. 104–26, §1, Sept. 6, 1995, 109 Stat. 264, provided that: "This Act [amending section 207 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 207 of this title] may be cited as the 'Court Reporter Fair Labor Amendments of 1995'."

Short Title of 1989 Amendment

Pub. L. 101–157, §1(a), Nov. 17, 1989, 103 Stat. 938, provided that: "This Act [enacting section 60k of Title 2, The Congress, amending sections 203, 205 to 208, 213, 214, and 216 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 203 and 206 of this title] may be cited as the 'Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1989'."

Short Title of 1985 Amendment

Pub. L. 99–150, §1(a), Nov. 13, 1985, 99 Stat. 787, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 203, 207, and 211 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 203, 207, 215, and 216 of this title] may be cited as the 'Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1985'."

Short Title of 1977 Amendment

Pub. L. 95–151, §1(a), Nov. 1, 1977, 91 Stat. 1245, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 203, 206, 208, 213, 214, and 216 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 203, 204, and 213 of this title] may be cited as the 'Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1977'."

Short Title of 1974 Amendment

Pub. L. 93–259, §1(a), Apr. 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 55, provided that: "This Act [enacting section 633a of this title, amending sections 202 to 208, 210, 212 to 214, 216, 255, 260, 630, and 634 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 202, 206, 207, 213, and 621 of this title] may be cited as the 'Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1974'."

Short Title of 1966 Amendment

Pub. L. 89–601, §1, Sept. 23, 1966, 80 Stat. 830, provided: "That this Act [amending sections 203, 206, 207, 213, 214, 216, 218, and 255 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 207 and 214 of this title, section 1082 of former Title 5, Executive Departments and Government Officers and Employees, and section 2000e–14 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare] may be cited as the 'Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1966'."

Short Title of 1963 Amendment

Pub. L. 88–38, §1, June 10, 1963, 77 Stat. 56, provided: "That this Act [amending section 206 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 206 of this title] may be cited as the 'Equal Pay Act of 1963'."

Short Title of 1961 Amendment

Pub. L. 87–30, §1, May 5, 1961, 75 Stat. 65, provided: "That this Act [amending sections 203 to 208, 212 to 214, 216, and 217 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 213 of this title] may be cited as the 'Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1961'."

Short Title of 1956 Amendment

Act Aug. 8, 1956, ch. 1035, §1, 70 Stat. 1118, provided: "That this Act [amending sections 206, 213, and 216 of this title] may be cited as the 'American Samoa Labor Standards Amendments of 1956'."

Short Title of 1955 Amendment

Act Aug. 12, 1955, ch. 867, §1, 69 Stat. 711, provided: "That this Act [amending sections 204–206, 208, and 210 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 204, 206, and 208 of this title] may be cited as the 'Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1955'."

Short Title of 1949 Amendment

Act Oct. 26, 1949, ch. 736, §1, 63 Stat. 910, provided: "That this Act [enacting section 216b of this title, amending sections 202 to 208, 211 to 216, and 217 of this title, and repealing section 216a of this title] may be cited as the 'Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1949'."

§202. Congressional finding and declaration of policy

(a) The Congress finds that the existence, in industries engaged in commerce or in the production of goods for commerce, of labor conditions detrimental to the maintenance of the minimum standard of living necessary for health, efficiency, and general well-being of workers (1) causes commerce and the channels and instrumentalities of commerce to be used to spread and perpetuate such labor conditions among the workers of the several States; (2) burdens commerce and the free flow of goods in commerce; (3) constitutes an unfair method of competition in commerce; (4) leads to labor disputes burdening and obstructing commerce and the free flow of goods in commerce; and (5) interferes with the orderly and fair marketing of goods in commerce. That Congress further finds that the employment of persons in domestic service in households affects commerce.

(b) It is declared to be the policy of this chapter, through the exercise by Congress of its power to regulate commerce among the several States and with foreign nations, to correct and as rapidly as practicable to eliminate the conditions above referred to in such industries without substantially curtailing employment or earning power.

(June 25, 1938, ch. 676, §2, 52 Stat. 1060; Oct. 26, 1949, ch. 736, §2, 63 Stat. 910; Pub. L. 93–259, §7(a), Apr. 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 62.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1974—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 93–259 inserted finding of Congress that employment of persons in domestic service in households affects commerce.

1949—Subsec. (b). Act Oct. 26, 1949, inserted reference to regulation of commerce with foreign nations.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1974 Amendment

Pub. L. 93–259, §29(a), Apr. 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 76, provided that: "Except as otherwise specifically provided, the amendments made by this Act [see Short Title of 1974 Amendment note set out under section 201 of this title] shall take effect on May 1, 1974."

Effective Date of 1949 Amendment

Act Oct. 26, 1949, ch. 736, §16(a), 63 Stat. 919, provided that: "The amendments made by this Act [enacting section 216b of this title, amending this section and sections 203 to 208, 211 to 216, and 217 of this title, and repealing section 216a of this title] shall take effect upon the expiration of ninety days from the date of its enactment [Oct. 26, 1947]; except that the amendment made by section 4 [amending section 204 of this title] shall take effect on the date of its enactment [Oct. 26, 1949]."

Rules, Regulations, and Orders With Regard to Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1974

Pub. L. 93–259, §29(b), Apr. 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 76, provided that: "Notwithstanding subsection (a) [set out as an Effective Date of 1974 Amendment note above], on and after the date of the enactment of this Act [Apr. 8, 1974] the Secretary of Labor is authorized to prescribe necessary rules, regulations, and orders with regard to the amendments made by this Act [see Short Title of 1974 Amendment note set out under section 201 of this title]."

§203. Definitions

As used in this chapter—

(a) "Person" means an individual, partnership, association, corporation, business trust, legal representative, or any organized group of persons.

(b) "Commerce" means trade, commerce, transportation, transmission, or communication among the several States or between any State and any place outside thereof.

(c) "State" means any State of the United States or the District of Columbia or any Territory or possession of the United States.

(d) "Employer" includes any person acting directly or indirectly in the interest of an employer in relation to an employee and includes a public agency, but does not include any labor organization (other than when acting as an employer) or anyone acting in the capacity of officer or agent of such labor organization.

(e)(1) Except as provided in paragraphs (2), (3), and (4), the term "employee" means any individual employed by an employer.

(2) In the case of an individual employed by a public agency, such term means—

(A) any individual employed by the Government of the United States—

(i) as a civilian in the military departments (as defined in section 102 of title 5),

(ii) in any executive agency (as defined in section 105 of such title),

(iii) in any unit of the judicial branch of the Government which has positions in the competitive service,

(iv) in a nonappropriated fund instrumentality under the jurisdiction of the Armed Forces,

(v) in the Library of Congress, or

(vi) the ¹ Government Publishing Office;

(B) any individual employed by the United States Postal Service or the Postal Regulatory Commission; and

(C) any individual employed by a State, political subdivision of a State, or an interstate governmental agency, other than such an individual—

(i) who is not subject to the civil service laws of the State, political subdivision, or agency which employs him; and

(ii) who—

(I) holds a public elective office of that State, political subdivision, or agency,

(II) is selected by the holder of such an office to be a member of his personal staff,

(III) is appointed by such an officeholder to serve on a policymaking level,

(IV) is an immediate adviser to such an officeholder with respect to the constitutional or legal powers of his office, or

(V) is an employee in the legislative branch or legislative body of that State, political subdivision, or agency and is not employed by the legislative library of such State, political subdivision, or agency.

(3) For purposes of subsection (u), such term does not include any individual employed by an employer engaged in agriculture if such individual is the parent, spouse, child, or other member of the employer's immediate family.

(4)(A) The term "employee" does not include any individual who volunteers to perform services for a public agency which is a State, a political subdivision of a State, or an interstate governmental agency, if—

(i) the individual receives no compensation or is paid expenses, reasonable benefits, or a nominal fee to perform the services for which the individual volunteered; and

(ii) such services are not the same type of services which the individual is employed to perform for such public agency.

(B) An employee of a public agency which is a State, political subdivision of a State, or an interstate governmental agency may volunteer to perform services for any other State, political subdivision, or interstate governmental agency, including a State, political subdivision or agency with which the employing State, political subdivision, or agency has a mutual aid agreement.

(5) The term "employee" does not include individuals who volunteer their services solely for humanitarian purposes to private non-profit food banks and who receive from the food banks groceries.

(f) "Agriculture" includes farming in all its branches and among other things includes the cultivation and tillage of the soil, dairying, the production, cultivation, growing, and harvesting of any agricultural or horticultural commodities (including commodities defined as agricultural commodities in section 1141j(g) ² of title 12), the raising of livestock, bees, fur-bearing animals, or poultry, and any practices (including any forestry or lumbering operations) performed by a farmer or on a farm as an incident to or in conjunction with such farming operations, including preparation for market, delivery to storage or to market or to carriers for transportation to market.

(g) "Employ" includes to suffer or permit to work.

(h) "Industry" means a trade, business, industry, or other activity, or branch or group thereof, in which individuals are gainfully employed.

(i) "Goods" means goods (including ships and marine equipment), wares, products, commodities, merchandise, or articles or subjects of commerce of any character, or any part or ingredient thereof, but does not include goods after their delivery into the actual physical possession of the ultimate consumer thereof other than a producer, manufacturer, or processor thereof.

(j) "Produced" means produced, manufactured, mined, handled, or in any other manner worked on in any State; and for the purposes of this chapter an employee shall be deemed to have been engaged in the production of goods if such employee was employed in producing, manufacturing, mining, handling, transporting, or in any other manner working on such goods, or in any closely related process or occupation directly essential to the production thereof, in any State.

(k) "Sale" or "sell" includes any sale, exchange, contract to sell, consignment for sale, shipment for sale, or other disposition.

(l) "Oppressive child labor" means a condition of employment under which (1) any employee under the age of sixteen years is employed by an employer (other than a parent or a person standing in place of a parent employing his own child or a child in his custody under the age of sixteen years in an occupation other than manufacturing or mining or an occupation found by the Secretary of Labor to be particularly hazardous for the employment of children between the ages of sixteen and eighteen years or detrimental to their health or well-being) in any occupation, or (2) any employee between the ages of sixteen and eighteen years is employed by an employer in any occupation which the Secretary of Labor shall find and by order declare to be particularly hazardous for the employment of children between such ages or detrimental to their health or well-being; but oppressive child labor shall not be deemed to exist by virtue of the employment in any occupation of any person with respect to whom the employer shall have on file an unexpired certificate issued and held pursuant to regulations of the Secretary of Labor certifying that such person is above the oppressive child-labor age. The Secretary of Labor shall provide by regulation or by order that the employment of employees between the ages of fourteen and sixteen years in occupations other than manufacturing and mining shall not be deemed to constitute oppressive child labor if and to the extent that the Secretary of Labor determines that such employment is confined to periods which will not interfere with their schooling and to conditions which will not interfere with their health and well-being.

(m)(1) "Wage" paid to any employee includes the reasonable cost, as determined by the Administrator, to the employer of furnishing such employee with board, lodging, or other facilities, if such board, lodging or other facilities are customarily furnished by such employer to his employees: Provided, That the cost of board, lodging, or other facilities shall not be included as a part of the wage paid to any employee to the extent it is excluded therefrom under the terms of a bona fide collective-bargaining agreement applicable to the particular employee: Provided further, That the Secretary is authorized to determine the fair value of such board, lodging, or other facilities for defined classes of employees and in defined areas, based on average cost to the employer or to groups of employers similarly situated, or average value to groups of employees, or other appropriate measures of fair value. Such evaluations, where applicable and pertinent, shall be used in lieu of actual measure of cost in determining the wage paid to any employee.

(2)(A) In determining the wage an employer is required to pay a tipped employee, the amount paid such employee by the employee's employer shall be an amount equal to—

(i) the cash wage paid such employee which for purposes of such determination shall be not less than the cash wage required to be paid such an employee on August 20, 1996; and

(ii) an additional amount on account of the tips received by such employee which amount is equal to the difference between the wage specified in clause (i) and the wage in effect under section 206(a)(1) of this title.

The additional amount on account of tips may not exceed the value of the tips actually received by an employee. The preceding 2 sentences shall not apply with respect to any tipped employee unless such employee has been informed by the employer of the provisions of this subsection, and all tips received by such employee have been retained by the employee, except that this subsection shall not be construed to prohibit the pooling of tips among employees who customarily and regularly receive tips.

(B) An employer may not keep tips received by its employees for any purposes, including allowing managers or supervisors to keep any portion of employees' tips, regardless of whether or not the employer takes a tip credit.

(n) "Resale" shall not include the sale of goods to be used in residential or farm building construction, repair, or maintenance: Provided, That the sale is recognized as a bona fide retail sale in the industry.

(o) Hours Worked.—In determining for the purposes of sections 206 and 207 of this title the hours for which an employee is employed, there shall be excluded any time spent in changing clothes or washing at the beginning or end of each workday which was excluded from measured working time during the week involved by the express terms of or by custom or practice under a bona fide collective-bargaining agreement applicable to the particular employee.

(p) "American vessel" includes any vessel which is documented or numbered under the laws of the United States.

(q) "Secretary" means the Secretary of Labor.

(r)(1) "Enterprise" means the related activities performed (either through unified operation or common control) by any person or persons for a common business purpose, and includes all such activities whether performed in one or more establishments or by one or more corporate or other organizational units including departments of an establishment operated through leasing arrangements, but shall not include the related activities performed for such enterprise by an independent contractor. Within the meaning of this subsection, a retail or service establishment which is under independent ownership shall not be deemed to be so operated or controlled as to be other than a separate and distinct enterprise by reason of any arrangement, which includes, but is not necessarily limited to, an agreement, (A) that it will sell, or sell only, certain goods specified by a particular manufacturer, distributor, or advertiser, or (B) that it will join with other such establishments in the same industry for the purpose of collective purchasing, or (C) that it will have the exclusive right to sell the goods or use the brand name of a manufacturer, distributor, or advertiser within a specified area, or by reason of the fact that it occupies premises leased to it by a person who also leases premises to other retail or service establishments.

(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), the activities performed by any person or persons—

(A) in connection with the operation of a hospital, an institution primarily engaged in the care of the sick, the aged, the mentally ill or defective who reside on the premises of such institution, a school for mentally or physically handicapped or gifted children, a preschool, elementary or secondary school, or an institution of higher education (regardless of whether or not such hospital, institution, or school is operated for profit or not for profit), or

(B) in connection with the operation of a street, suburban or interurban electric railway, or local trolley or motorbus carrier, if the rates and services of such railway or carrier are subject to regulation by a State or local agency (regardless of whether or not such railway or carrier is public or private or operated for profit or not for profit), or

(C) in connection with the activities of a public agency,

shall be deemed to be activities performed for a business purpose.

(s)(1) "Enterprise engaged in commerce or in the production of goods for commerce" means an enterprise that—

(A)(i) has employees engaged in commerce or in the production of goods for commerce, or that has employees handling, selling, or otherwise working on goods or materials that have been moved in or produced for commerce by any person; and

(ii) is an enterprise whose annual gross volume of sales made or business done is not less than $500,000 (exclusive of excise taxes at the retail level that are separately stated);

(B) is engaged in the operation of a hospital, an institution primarily engaged in the care of the sick, the aged, or the mentally ill or defective who reside on the premises of such institution, a school for mentally or physically handicapped or gifted children, a preschool, elementary or secondary school, or an institution of higher education (regardless of whether or not such hospital, institution, or school is public or private or operated for profit or not for profit); or

(C) is an activity of a public agency.

(2) Any establishment that has as its only regular employees the owner thereof or the parent, spouse, child, or other member of the immediate family of such owner shall not be considered to be an enterprise engaged in commerce or in the production of goods for commerce or a part of such an enterprise. The sales of such an establishment shall not be included for the purpose of determining the annual gross volume of sales of any enterprise for the purpose of this subsection.

(t) "Tipped employee" means any employee engaged in an occupation in which he customarily and regularly receives more than $30 a month in tips.

(u) "Man-day" means any day during which an employee performs any agricultural labor for not less than one hour.

(v) "Elementary school" means a day or residential school which provides elementary education, as determined under State law.

(w) "Secondary school" means a day or residential school which provides secondary education, as determined under State law.

(x) "Public agency" means the Government of the United States; the government of a State or political subdivision thereof; any agency of the United States (including the United States Postal Service and Postal Regulatory Commission), a State, or a political subdivision of a State; or any interstate governmental agency.

(y) "Employee in fire protection activities" means an employee, including a firefighter, paramedic, emergency medical technician, rescue worker, ambulance personnel, or hazardous materials worker, who—

(1) is trained in fire suppression, has the legal authority and responsibility to engage in fire suppression, and is employed by a fire department of a municipality, county, fire district, or State; and

(2) is engaged in the prevention, control, and extinguishment of fires or response to emergency situations where life, property, or the environment is at risk.

(June 25, 1938, ch. 676, §3, 52 Stat. 1060; 1946 Reorg. Plan No. 2, §1(b), eff. July 16, 1946, 11 F.R. 7873, 60 Stat. 1095; Oct. 26, 1949, ch. 736, §3, 63 Stat. 911; Pub. L. 87–30, §2, May 5, 1961, 75 Stat. 65; Pub. L. 89–601, title I, §§101–103, title II, §215(a), Sept. 23, 1966, 80 Stat. 830–832, 837; Pub. L. 92–318, title IX, §906(b)(2), (3), June 23, 1972, 86 Stat. 375; Pub. L. 93–259, §§6(a), 13(e), Apr. 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 58, 64; Pub. L. 95–151, §§3(a), (b), 9(a)–(c), Nov. 1, 1977, 91 Stat. 1249, 1251; Pub. L. 99–150, §§4(a), 5, Nov. 13, 1985, 99 Stat. 790; Pub. L. 101–157, §§3(a), (d), 5, Nov. 17, 1989, 103 Stat. 938, 939, 941; Pub. L. 104–1, title II, §203(d), Jan. 23, 1995, 109 Stat. 10; Pub. L. 104–188, [title II], §2105(b), Aug. 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1929; Pub. L. 105–221, §2, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1248; Pub. L. 106–151, §1, Dec. 9, 1999, 113 Stat. 1731; Pub. L. 109–435, title VI, §604(f), Dec. 20, 2006, 120 Stat. 3242; Pub. L. 113–235, div. H, title I, §1301(b), Dec. 16, 2014, 128 Stat. 2537; Pub. L. 115–141, div. S, title XII, §1201(a), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1148.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 1141j(g) of title 12, referred to in subsec. (f), was redesignated section 1141j(f) by Pub. L. 110–246, title I, §1610, June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1746.

Amendments

2018—Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 115–141 designated first and second sentences of existing provisions as par. (1) and remainder of existing provisions as par. (2)(A), redesignated former pars. (1) and (2) as cls. (i) and (ii), respectively, of par. (2)(A) and, in cl. (ii), substituted "clause (i)" for "paragraph (1)", and added subpar. (B) of par. (2).

2006—Subsecs. (e)(2)(B), (x). Pub. L. 109–435 substituted "Postal Regulatory Commission" for "Postal Rate Commission".

1999—Subsec. (y). Pub. L. 106–151 added subsec. (y).

1998—Subsec. (e)(5). Pub. L. 105–221 added par. (5).

1996—Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 104–188 inserted "In determining the wage an employer is required to pay a tipped employee, the amount paid such employee by the employee's employer shall be an amount equal to—

"(1) the cash wage paid such employee which for purposes of such determination shall be not less than the cash wage required to be paid such an employee on August 20, 1996; and

"(2) an additional amount on account of the tips received by such employee which amount is equal to the difference between the wage specified in paragraph (1) and the wage in effect under section 206(a)(1) of this title.

The additional amount on account of tips may not exceed the value of the tips actually received by an employee.", and struck out former penultimate sentence which read as follows: "In determining the wage of a tipped employee, the amount paid such employee by his employer shall be deemed to be increased on account of tips by an amount determined by the employer, but not by an amount in excess of (1) 45 percent of the applicable minimum wage rate during the year beginning April 1, 1990, and (2) 50 percent of the applicable minimum wage rate after March 31, 1991, except that the amount of the increase on account of tips determined by the employer may not exceed the value of tips actually received by the employee."

Pub. L. 104–188 in last sentence substituted "preceding 2 sentences" for "previous sentence" and struck out "(1)" after "employee unless" and "(2)" after "subsection, and".

1995—Subsec. (e)(2)(A). Pub. L. 104–1 struck out "legislative or" before "judicial branch" in cl. (iii) and added cl. (vi).

1989—Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 101–157, §5, substituted "in excess of (1) 45 percent of the applicable minimum wage rate during the year beginning April 1, 1990, and (2) 50 percent of the applicable minimum wage rate after March 31, 1991," for "in excess of 40 per centum of the applicable minimum wage rate,".

Subsec. (r). Pub. L. 101–157, §3(d), designated first sentence as par. (1), made a separate sentence out of the existing proviso and redesignated cls. (1), (2), and (3) as (A), (B), and (C), respectively, designated second sentence as par. (2), in par. (2) as so designated, redesignated existing pars. (1), (2), and (3) as subpars. (A), (B), and (C), respectively, and, in subpar. (A) as so redesignated, substituted "school is operated" for "school is public or private or operated".

Subsec. (s). Pub. L. 101–157, §3(a), amended subsec. (s) generally, completely revising definition of "enterprise engaged in commerce or in the production of goods for commerce".

1985—Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 99–150, §4(a)(1), substituted "paragraphs (2), (3), and (4)" for "paragraphs (2) and (3)".

Subsec. (e)(2)(C)(ii). Pub. L. 99–150, §5, struck out "or" at end of subcl. (III), struck out "who" in subcl. (IV) before "is an", substituted ", or" for period at end of subcl. (IV), and added subcl. (V).

Subsec. (e)(4). Pub. L. 99–150, §4(a)(2), added par. (4).

1977—Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 95–151, §3(b), substituted "45 per centum" for "50 per centum", effective Jan. 1, 1979, and "40 per centum" for "45 per centum", effective Jan. 1, 1980.

Subsec. (s). Pub. L. 95–151, §9(a)–(c), in par. (1) inserted exception for enterprises comprised exclusively of retail or service establishments and described in par. (2), added par. (2), redesignated former pars. (2) to (5) as (3) to (6), respectively, and in text following par. (6), as so redesignated, inserted provisions relating to coverage of retail or service establishments subject to section 206(a)(1) of this title on June 30, 1978, and provisions relating to violations of such coverage requirements.

Subsec. (t). Pub. L. 95–151, §3(a), substituted "$30" for "$20".

1974—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 93–259, §6(a)(1), redefined "employer" to include a public agency and struck out text which excluded from such term the United States or any State or political subdivision of a State (except with respect to employees of a State, or a political subdivision thereof, employed (1) in a hospital, institution, or school referred to in last sentence of subsec. (r) of this section, or (2) in the operation of a railway or carrier referred to in such sentence).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 93–259, §6(a)(2), in revising definition of "employee", incorporated existing introductory text in provisions designated as par. (1), inserting exception provision; added par. (2); incorporated existing cl. (1) in provisions designated as par. (3); and struck out former cl. (2) excepting from "employee", "any individual who is employed by an employer engaged in agriculture if such individual (A) is employed as a hand harvest laborer and is paid on a piece rate basis in an operation which has been, and is customarily and generally recognized as having been, paid on a piece rate basis in the region of employment, (B) commutes daily from his permanent residence to the farm on which he is so employed, and (C) has been engaged in agriculture less than thirteen weeks during the preceding calendar year".

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 93–259, §6(a)(3), substituted "other activity, or branch or group thereof" for "branch thereof, or group of industries".

Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 93–259, §13(e), substituted in provision respecting wage of tipped employee "the amount of the increase on account of tips determined by the employer may not exceed the value of tips actually received by the employee" for "in the case of an employee who (either himself or acting through his representative) shows to the satisfaction of the Secretary that the actual amount of tips received by him was less than the amount determined by the employer as the amount by which the wage paid him was deemed to be increased under this sentence, the amount paid such employee by his employer shall be deemed to have been increased by such lesser amount" and inserted "The previous sentence shall not apply with respect to any tipped employee unless (1) such employee has been informed by the employer of the provisions of this subsection, and (2) all tips received by such employee have been retained by the employee, except that this subsection shall not be construed to prohibit the pooling of tips among employees who customarily and regularly receive tips."

Subsec. (r)(3). Pub. L. 93–259, §6(a)(4), added par. (3).

Subsec. (s). Pub. L. 93–259, §6(a)(5), in first sentence substituted preceding par. (1) "or employees handling, selling, or otherwise working on goods or materials" for "including employees handling, selling, or otherwise working on goods" and added par. (5), and inserted third sentence deeming employees of an enterprise which is a public agency to be employees engaged in commerce, or in production of goods for commerce, or employees handling, selling, or otherwise working on goods or materials that have been moved in or produced for commerce.

Subsec. (x). Pub. L. 93–259, §6(a)(6), added subsec. (x).

1972—Subsecs. (r)(1), (s)(4). Pub. L. 92–318, §906(b)(2), (3), inserted reference to a preschool.

1966—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 89–601, §102(b), expanded definition of employer to include a State or a political subdivision thereof with respect to employees in a hospital, institution, or school referred to in last sentence of subsec. (r) of this section, or in the operation of a railway or carrier referred to in such sentence.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 89–601, §103(a), excluded from definition of "employee," when that term is used in definition of "man-day," any agricultural employee who is the parent, spouse, child, or other member of his employer's immediate family and any agricultural hand harvest laborer, paid on a piece rate basis, who commutes daily from his permanent residence to the farm on which he is so employed, and who has been employed in agriculture less than 13 weeks during the preceding calendar year.

Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 89–601, §101(a), inserted provisions for determining the wage of a tipped employee.

Subsec. (n). Pub. L. 89–601, §215(a), struck out ", except as used in subsection (s)(1)," before "shall not".

Subsec. (r). Pub. L. 89–601, §102(a), extended activities performed for a business purpose to include activities in the operation of hospitals, institutions for the sick, aged, or mentally ill or defective, schools for the handicapped, elementary and secondary schools, institutions of higher learning, or street, suburban, or interurban electric railway or local trolley or motorbus carriers if subject to regulation by a State or local agency regardless of whether public or private or whether operated for profit or not for profit.

Subsec. (s). Pub. L. 89–601, §102(c), removed gross annual business level tests of $1,000,000 for retail and service enterprises, street, suburban, or interurban electric railways or local trolley or motorbus carriers, and brought within the coverage of the gross annual business test all enterprises having employees engaged in commerce in the production of goods for commerce, including employees handling, selling, or otherwise working on goods that have been moved in or produced for commerce, lowered the minimum gross annual volume test for covered enterprises from $1,000,000 to $500,000 for the period from Feb. 1, 1967, through Jan. 31, 1969, and to $250,000 for the period after Jan. 31, 1969, retained the $250,000 annual gross volume test for coverage of gasoline service establishments, and expanded coverage to include laundering or cleaning services, construction or reconstruction activities, or operation of hospitals, certain institutions for the care of the sick, aged, or mentally ill, certain special schools, and institutions of higher learning regardless of annual gross volume.

Subsec. (t). Pub. L. 89–601, §101(b), added subsec. (t).

Subsec. (u). Pub. L. 89–601, §103(b), added subsec. (u).

Subsecs. (v), (w). Pub. L. 89–601, §102(d), added subsecs. (v) and (w).

1961—Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 87–30, §2(a), provided for exclusion from wages under a collective-bargaining agreement the cost of board, lodging, or other facilities and authorized the Secretary to determine the fair value of board, lodging, or other facilities for defined classes of employees in defined areas to be used in lieu of actual cost.

Subsec. (n). Pub. L. 87–30, §2(b), inserted ", except as used in subsection (s)(1)," before "shall not".

Subsecs. (p) to (s). Pub. L. 87–30, §2(c), added subsecs. (p) to (s).

1949—Subsec. (b). Act Oct. 26, 1949, §3(a), substituted "between" for "from" after "States or", and "and" for "to" before "any place".

Subsec. (j). Act Oct. 26, 1949, §3(b), inserted "closely related" before "process" and substituted "directly essential" for "necessary" after "occupation".

Subsec. (l)(1). Act Oct. 26, 1949, §3(c), included parental employment of a child under 16 years of age in an occupation found by the Secretary of Labor to be hazardous for children between the ages of 16 and 18 years, in definition of oppressive child labor.

Subsecs. (n), (o). Act Oct. 26, 1949, §3(d), added subsecs. (n) and (o).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

"Government Publishing Office" substituted for "Government Printing Office" in subsec. (e)(2)(A)(vi) on authority of section 1301(b) of Pub. L. 113–235, set out as a note preceding section 301 of Title 44, Public Printing and Documents.

Effective Date of 1989 Amendment

Pub. L. 101–157, §3(e), Nov. 17, 1989, 103 Stat. 939, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 213 of this title] shall become effective on April 1, 1990."

Pub. L. 101–157, §5, Nov. 17, 1989, 103 Stat. 941, provided that the amendment made by that section is effective Apr. 1, 1990.

Effective Date of 1985 Amendment; Promulgation of Regulations

Pub. L. 99–150, §6, Nov. 13, 1985, 99 Stat. 790, provided that: "The amendments made by this Act [amending this section and sections 207 and 211 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 201, 207, 215, and 216 of this title] shall take effect April 15, 1986. The Secretary of Labor shall before such date promulgate such regulations as may be required to implement such amendments."

Effective Date of 1977 Amendment

Pub. L. 95–151, §3(a), Nov. 1, 1977, 91 Stat. 1249, provided that the amendment made by that section is effective Jan. 1, 1978.

Pub. L. 95–151, §3(b)(1), Nov. 1, 1977, 91 Stat. 1249, provided that the amendment made by that section, reducing the maximum percentage of the minimum wage used in determining tips as wages from 50 to 45 per centum, is effective Jan. 1, 1979.

Pub. L. 95–151, §3(b)(2), Nov. 1, 1977, 91 Stat. 1249, provided that the amendment made by that section, reducing the maximum percentage of the minimum wage used in determining tips as wages from 45 to 40 per centum, is effective Jan. 1, 1980.

Pub. L. 95–151, §15(a), (b), Nov. 1, 1977, 91 Stat. 1253, provided that:

"(a) Except as provided in sections 3, 14, and subsection (b) of this section, the amendments made by this Act [amending sections 206, 208, 213, and 216 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 204 of this title] shall take effect January 1, 1978.

"(b) The amendments made by sections 8, 9, 11, 12, and 13 [amending this section and sections 213 and 214 of this title] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 1, 1977]."

Effective Date of 1974 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 93–259 effective May 1, 1974, see section 29(a) of Pub. L. 93–259, set out as a note under section 202 of this title.

Effective Date of 1966 Amendment

Pub. L. 89–601, title VI, §602, Sept. 23, 1966, 80 Stat. 844, provided in part that: "Except as otherwise provided in this Act, the amendments made by this Act [amending this section and sections 206, 207, 213, 214, 216, 218, and 255 of this title] shall take effect on February 1, 1967."

Effective Date of 1961 Amendment

Pub. L. 87–30, §14, May 5, 1961, 75 Stat. 75, provided that: "The amendments made by this Act [amending this section and sections 204 to 208, 212 to 214, 216, and 217 of this title] shall take effect upon the expiration of one hundred and twenty days after the date of its enactment [May 5, 1961], except as otherwise provided in such amendments and except that the authority to promulgate necessary rules, regulations, or orders with regard to amendments made by this Act, under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 and amendments thereto [this chapter], including amendments made by this Act, may be exercised by the Secretary on and after the date of enactment of this Act [May 5, 1961]."

Effective Date of 1949 Amendment

Amendment by act Oct. 26, 1949, effective ninety days after Oct. 26, 1949, see section 16(a) of act Oct. 26, 1949, set out as a note under section 202 of this title.

Effect on Regulations

Pub. L. 115–141, div. S, title XII, §1201(c), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1149, provided that: "The portions of the final rule promulgated by the Department of Labor entitled 'Updating Regulations Issued Under the Fair Labor Standards Act' (76 Fed. Reg. 18832 (April 5, 2011)) that revised sections 531.52, 531.54, and 531.59 of title 29, Code of Federal Regulations (76 Fed. Reg. 18854–18856) and that are not addressed by section 3(m) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 203(m)) (as such section was in effect on April 5, 2011), shall have no further force or effect until any future action taken by the Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division of the Department of Labor."

Construction of 1999 Amendment

Pub. L. 106–151, §2, Dec. 9, 1999, 113 Stat. 1731, provided that: "The amendment made by section 1 [amending this section] shall not be construed to reduce or substitute for compensation standards: (1) contained in any existing or future agreement or memorandum of understanding reached through collective bargaining by a bona fide representative of employees in accordance with the laws of a State or political subdivision of a State; and (2) which result in compensation greater than the compensation available to employees under the overtime exemption under section 7(k) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 [29 U.S.C. 207(k)]."

Preservation of Coverage

Pub. L. 101–157, §3(b), Nov. 17, 1989, 103 Stat. 939, provided that:

"(1) In general.—Any enterprise that on March 31, 1990, was subject to section 6(a)(1) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 206(a)(1)) and that because of the amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] is not subject to such section shall—

"(A) pay its employees not less than the minimum wage in effect under such section on March 31, 1990;

"(B) pay its employees in accordance with section 7 of such Act (29 U.S.C. 207); and

"(C) remain subject to section 12 of such Act (29 U.S.C. 212).

"(2) Violations.—A violation of paragraph (1) shall be considered a violation of section 6, 7, or 12 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 [29 U.S.C. 206, 207, 212], as the case may be."

Volunteers; Promulgation of Regulations

Pub. L. 99–150, §4(b), Nov. 13, 1985, 99 Stat. 790, provided that: "Not later than March 15, 1986, the Secretary of Labor shall issue regulations to carry out paragraph (4) of section 3(e) (as amended by subsection (a) of this section) [29 U.S.C. 203(e)(4)]."

Practice of Public Agency in Treating Certain Individuals as Volunteers Prior to April 15, 1986; Liability

Pub. L. 99–150, §4(c), Nov. 13, 1985, 99 Stat. 790, provided that: "If, before April 15, 1986, the practice of a public agency was to treat certain individuals as volunteers, such individuals shall until April 15, 1986, be considered, for purposes of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 [this chapter], as volunteers and not as employees. No public agency which is a State, a political subdivision of a State, or an interstate governmental agency shall be liable for a violation of section 6 [29 U.S.C. 206] occurring before April 15, 1986, with respect to services deemed by that agency to have been performed for it by an individual on a voluntary basis."

Status of Baggers at Commissary of Military Department

Pub. L. 95–485, title VIII, §819, Oct. 20, 1978, 92 Stat. 1626, provided that: "Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an individual who performs bagger or carryout service for patrons of a commissary of a military department may not be considered to be an employee for purposes of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 [this chapter] by virtue of such service if the sole compensation of such individual for such service is derived from tips."

Administrative Action by Secretary of Labor With Regard to Implementation of Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1977

Pub. L. 95–151, §15(c), Nov. 1, 1977, 91 Stat. 1253, provided that: "On and after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 1, 1977], the Secretary of Labor shall take such administrative action as may be necessary for the implementation of the amendments made by this Act [See Short Title of 1977 Amendment note set out under section 201 of this title]."

Rules, Regulations, and Orders Promulgated With Regard to 1966 Amendments

Pub. L. 89–601, title VI, §602, Sept. 23, 1966, 80 Stat. 844, provided in part that: "On and after the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 23, 1966] the Secretary is authorized to promulgate necessary rules, regulations, or orders with regard to the amendments made by this Act [see Short Title of 1966 Amendment note set out under section 201 of this title]."

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

In subsec. (l), "Secretary of Labor" substituted for "Chief of the Children's Bureau in the Department of Labor" and for "Chief of the Children's Bureau" pursuant to Reorg. Plan No. 2 of 1946, §1(b), eff. July 16, 1946, 11 F.R. 7873, 60 Stat. 1095, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, which transferred functions of Children's Bureau and its Chief under sections 201 to 216 and 217 to 219 of this title to Secretary of Labor to be performed under his direction and control by such officers and employees of Department of Labor as he designates.

¹ So in original. Probably should be preceded by "in".

² See References in Text note below.

§204. Administration

(a) Creation of Wage and Hour Division in Department of Labor; Administrator

There is created in the Department of Labor a Wage and Hour Division which shall be under the direction of an Administrator, to be known as the Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division (in this chapter referred to as the "Administrator"). The Administrator shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.

(b) Appointment, selection, classification, and promotion of employees by Administrator

The Administrator may, subject to the civil-service laws, appoint such employees as he deems necessary to carry out his functions and duties under this chapter and shall fix their compensation in accordance with chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5. The Administrator may establish and utilize such regional, local, or other agencies, and utilize such voluntary and uncompensated services, as may from time to time be needed. Attorneys appointed under this section may appear for and represent the Administrator in any litigation, but all such litigation shall be subject to the direction and control of the Attorney General. In the appointment, selection, classification, and promotion of officers and employees of the Administrator, no political test or qualification shall be permitted or given consideration, but all such appointments and promotions shall be given and made on the basis of merit and efficiency.

(c) Principal office of Administrator; jurisdiction

The principal office of the Administrator shall be in the District of Columbia, but he or his duly authorized representative may exercise any or all of his powers in any place.

(d) Biennial report to Congress; studies of exemptions to hour and wage provisions and means to prevent curtailment of employment opportunities

(1) The Secretary shall submit biennially in January a report to the Congress covering his activities for the preceding two years and including such information, data, and recommendations for further legislation in connection with the matters covered by this chapter as he may find advisable. Such report shall contain an evaluation and appraisal by the Secretary of the minimum wages and overtime coverage established by this chapter, together with his recommendations to the Congress. In making such evaluation and appraisal, the Secretary shall take into consideration any changes which may have occurred in the cost of living and in productivity and the level of wages in manufacturing, the ability of employers to absorb wage increases, and such other factors as he may deem pertinent. Such report shall also include a summary of the special certificates issued under section 214(b) of this title.

(2) The Secretary shall conduct studies on the justification or lack thereof for each of the special exemptions set forth in section 213 of this title, and the extent to which such exemptions apply to employees of establishments described in subsection (g) of such section and the economic effects of the application of such exemptions to such employees. The Secretary shall submit a report of his findings and recommendations to the Congress with respect to the studies conducted under this paragraph not later than January 1, 1976.

(3) The Secretary shall conduct a continuing study on means to prevent curtailment of employment opportunities for manpower groups which have had historically high incidences of unemployment (such as disadvantaged minorities, youth, elderly, and such other groups as the Secretary may designate). The first report of the results of such study shall be transmitted to the Congress not later than one year after the effective date of the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1974. Subsequent reports on such study shall be transmitted to the Congress at two-year intervals after such effective date. Each such report shall include suggestions respecting the Secretary's authority under section 214 of this title.

(e) Study of effects of foreign production on unemployment; report to President and Congress

Whenever the Secretary has reason to believe that in any industry under this chapter the competition of foreign producers in United States markets or in markets abroad, or both, has resulted, or is likely to result, in increased unemployment in the United States, he shall undertake an investigation to gain full information with respect to the matter. If he determines such increased unemployment has in fact resulted, or is in fact likely to result, from such competition, he shall make a full and complete report of his findings and determinations to the President and to the Congress: Provided, That he may also include in such report information on the increased employment resulting from additional exports in any industry under this chapter as he may determine to be pertinent to such report.

(f) Employees of Library of Congress; administration of provisions by Office of Personnel Management

The Secretary is authorized to enter into an agreement with the Librarian of Congress with respect to individuals employed in the Library of Congress to provide for the carrying out of the Secretary's functions under this chapter with respect to such individuals. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, or any other law, the Director of the Office of Personnel Management is authorized to administer the provisions of this chapter with respect to any individual employed by the United States (other than an individual employed in the Library of Congress, United States Postal Service, Postal Regulatory Commission, or the Tennessee Valley Authority). Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to affect the right of an employee to bring an action for unpaid minimum wages, or unpaid overtime compensation, and liquidated damages under section 216(b) of this title.

(June 25, 1938, ch. 676, §4, 52 Stat. 1061; Oct. 26, 1949, ch. 736, §4, 63 Stat. 911; Oct. 28, 1949, ch. 782, title XI, §1106(a), 63 Stat. 972; Aug. 12, 1955, ch. 867, §2, 69 Stat. 711; Pub. L. 87–30, §3, May 5, 1961, 75 Stat. 66; Pub. L. 93–259, §§6(b), 24(c), 27, Apr. 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 60, 72, 73; 1978 Reorg. Plan No. 2, §102, eff. Jan. 1, 1979, 43 F.R. 36037, 92 Stat. 3783; Pub. L. 104–66, title I, §1102(a), Dec. 21, 1995, 109 Stat. 722; Pub. L. 109–435, title VI, §604(f), Dec. 20, 2006, 120 Stat. 3242.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The effective date of the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1974, referred to in subsec. (d)(3), is the effective date of Pub. L. 93–259, which is May 1, 1974, except as otherwise specifically provided, see section 29(a) of Pub. L. 93–259, set out as an Effective Date of 1974 Amendment note under section 202 of this title.

Codification

In subsec. (a), provisions that prescribed the compensation of the Administrator were omitted to conform to the provisions of the Executive Schedule. See section 5316 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

In subsec. (b), "chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5" substituted for "the Classification Act of 1949, as amended" on authority of Pub. L. 89–554, §7(b), Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 631, the first section of which enacted Title 5.

Amendments

2006—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 109–435 substituted "Postal Regulatory Commission" for "Postal Rate Commission".

1995—Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 104–66 in first sentence substituted "biennially" and "preceding two years" for "annually" and "preceding year", respectively.

1974—Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 93–259, §§24(c), 27(1), (2), inserted provision at end of subsec. (d) requiring the report to Congress to include a summary of the special certificates issued under section 214(b) of this title, designated subsec. (d) provisions as subsec. (d)(1), and required the report to contain an evaluation and appraisal of overtime coverage established by this chapter, respectively.

Subsec. (d)(2), (3). Pub. L. 93–259, §27(3), added pars. (2) and (3).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 93–259, §6(b), added subsec. (f).

1961—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 87–30 added subsec. (e).

1955—Subsec. (d). Act Aug. 12, 1955, required an evaluation and appraisal by the Secretary of the minimum wages, together with his recommendations to Congress, to be included in the annual report.

1949—Subsec. (b). Act Oct. 28, 1949, substituted "Classification Act of 1949" for "Classification Act of 1923".

Subsec. (a). Act Oct. 26, 1949, increased compensation of Administrator to $15,000.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1974 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 93–259 effective May 1, 1974, see section 29(a) of Pub. L. 93–259, set out as a note under section 202 of this title.

Effective Date of 1961 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 87–30 effective upon expiration of one hundred and twenty days after May 5, 1961, except as otherwise provided, see section 14 of Pub. L. 87–30, set out as a note under section 203 of this title.

Effective Date of 1949 Amendment

Amendment by act Oct. 26, 1949, effective Oct. 26, 1949, see section 16(a) of act Oct. 26, 1949, set out as a note under section 202 of this title.

Repeals

Acts Oct. 26, 1949, ch. 736, §4, 63 Stat. 911, and Oct. 28, 1949, ch. 782, cited as a credit to this section, were repealed (subject to a savings clause) by Pub. L. 89–554, Sept. 6, 1966, §8, 80 Stat. 632, 655.

Termination of Reporting Requirements

For termination, effective May 15, 2000, of provisions of law requiring submittal to Congress of any annual, semiannual, or other regular periodic report listed in House Document No. 103–7 (in which reports required under paragraphs (1) and (3) of subsec. (d) of this section are listed on page 124), see section 3003 of Pub. L. 104–66, set out as a note under section 1113 of Title 31, Money and Finance.

Minimum Wage Study Commission; Establishment, Purposes, Composition, Etc.

Pub. L. 95–151, §2(e), Nov. 1, 1977, 91 Stat. 1246, provided for the establishment, purposes, composition, etc., of the Minimum Wage Study Commission, the submission of reports, with the latest report being submitted to the President and Congress thirty six months after the date of the appointment of the members of the Commission and such appointments being made within 180 days after Nov. 1, 1977, and the Commission to cease to exist thirty days after submission of the report.

Definition of "Secretary"

Act Aug. 12, 1955, ch. 867, §6, 69 Stat. 712, provided that: "The term 'Secretary' as used in this Act and in amendments made by this Act [amending this section and sections 205, 206, 208, and 210 of this title] means the Secretary of Labor."

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

Functions relating to enforcement and administration of equal pay provisions vested by subsecs. (d)(1) and (f) in Secretary of Labor and Civil Service Commission transferred to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission by Reorg. Plan No. 1 of 1978, §1, 43 F.R. 19807, 92 Stat. 3781, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, effective Jan. 1, 1979, as provided by section 1–101 of Ex. Ord. No. 12106, Dec. 28, 1978, 44 F.R. 1053.

"Director of the Office of Personnel Management" substituted for "Civil Service Commission" in subsec. (f), pursuant to Reorg. Plan No. 2 of 1978, §102, 43 F.R. 36037, 92 Stat. 3783, set out under section 1101 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, which transferred all functions vested by statute in United States Civil Service Commission to Director of the Office of Personnel Management (except as otherwise specified), effective Jan. 1, 1979, as provided by section 1–102 of Ex. Ord. No. 12107, Dec. 28, 1978, 44 F.R. 1055, set out under section 1101 of Title 5.

Functions of all other officers of Department of Labor and functions of all agencies and employees of that Department, with exception of functions vested by Administrative Procedure Act (now covered by sections 551 et seq. and 701 et seq. of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees) in hearing examiners employed by Department, transferred to Secretary of Labor, with power vested in him to authorize their performance or performance of any of his functions by any of those officers, agencies, and employees, by Reorg. Plan No. 6 of 1950, §§1, 2, 15 F.R. 3174, 64 Stat. 1263, set out in the Appendix to Title 5.

§205. Repealed. Pub. L. 110–28, title VIII, §8103(c)(1)(A), May 25, 2007, 121 Stat. 189

Section, acts June 25, 1938, ch. 676, §5, 52 Stat. 1062; June 26, 1940, ch. 432, §3(c), 54 Stat. 615; Oct. 26, 1949, ch. 736, §5, 63 Stat. 911; Aug. 12, 1955, ch. 867, §5(a), 69 Stat. 711; Pub. L. 87–30, §4, May 5, 1961, 75 Stat. 67; Pub. L. 93–259, §5(a), Apr. 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 56; Pub. L. 101–157, §4(a), Nov. 17, 1989, 103 Stat. 939, related to establishment of special industry committees for American Samoa to recommend the minimum rate or rates of wages. See section 8103 of Pub. L. 110–28, set out as a note under section 206 of this title.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of Repeal

Repeal effective 60 days after May 25, 2007, see section 8103(c)(2) of Pub. L. 110–28, set out as an Effective Date of 2007 Amendment note under section 206 of this title.

§206. Minimum wage

(a) Employees engaged in commerce; home workers in Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands; employees in American Samoa; seamen on American vessels; agricultural employees

Every employer shall pay to each of his employees who in any workweek is engaged in commerce or in the production of goods for commerce, or is employed in an enterprise engaged in commerce or in the production of goods for commerce, wages at the following rates:

(1) except as otherwise provided in this section, not less than—

(A) $5.85 an hour, beginning on the 60th day after May 25, 2007;

(B) $6.55 an hour, beginning 12 months after that 60th day; and

(C) $7.25 an hour, beginning 24 months after that 60th day;

(2) if such employee is a home worker in Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands, not less than the minimum piece rate prescribed by regulation or order; or, if no such minimum piece rate is in effect, any piece rate adopted by such employer which shall yield, to the proportion or class of employees prescribed by regulation or order, not less than the applicable minimum hourly wage rate. Such minimum piece rates or employer piece rates shall be commensurate with, and shall be paid in lieu of, the minimum hourly wage rate applicable under the provisions of this section. The Administrator, or his authorized representative, shall have power to make such regulations or orders as are necessary or appropriate to carry out any of the provisions of this paragraph, including the power without limiting the generality of the foregoing, to define any operation or occupation which is performed by such home work employees in Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands; to establish minimum piece rates for any operation or occupation so defined; to prescribe the method and procedure for ascertaining and promulgating minimum piece rates; to prescribe standards for employer piece rates, including the proportion or class of employees who shall receive not less than the minimum hourly wage rate; to define the term "home worker"; and to prescribe the conditions under which employers, agents, contractors, and subcontractors shall cause goods to be produced by home workers;

(3) if such employee is employed as a seaman on an American vessel, not less than the rate which will provide to the employee, for the period covered by the wage payment, wages equal to compensation at the hourly rate prescribed by paragraph (1) of this subsection for all hours during such period when he was actually on duty (including periods aboard ship when the employee was on watch or was, at the direction of a superior officer, performing work or standing by, but not including off-duty periods which are provided pursuant to the employment agreement); or

(4) if such employee is employed in agriculture, not less than the minimum wage rate in effect under paragraph (1) after December 31, 1977.

(b) Additional applicability to employees pursuant to subsequent amendatory provisions

Every employer shall pay to each of his employees (other than an employee to whom subsection (a)(5) ¹ applies) who in any workweek is engaged in commerce or in the production of goods for commerce, or is employed in an enterprise engaged in commerce or in the production of goods for commerce, and who in such workweek is brought within the purview of this section by the amendments made to this chapter by the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1966, title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 [20 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.], or the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1974, wages at the following rate: Effective after December 31, 1977, not less than the minimum wage rate in effect under subsection (a)(1).

(c) Repealed. Pub. L. 104–188, [title II], §2104(c), Aug. 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1929

(d) Prohibition of sex discrimination

(1) No employer having employees subject to any provisions of this section shall discriminate, within any establishment in which such employees are employed, between employees on the basis of sex by paying wages to employees in such establishment at a rate less than the rate at which he pays wages to employees of the opposite sex in such establishment for equal work on jobs the performance of which requires equal skill, effort, and responsibility, and which are performed under similar working conditions, except where such payment is made pursuant to (i) a seniority system; (ii) a merit system; (iii) a system which measures earnings by quantity or quality of production; or (iv) a differential based on any other factor other than sex: Provided, That an employer who is paying a wage rate differential in violation of this subsection shall not, in order to comply with the provisions of this subsection, reduce the wage rate of any employee.

(2) No labor organization, or its agents, representing employees of an employer having employees subject to any provisions of this section shall cause or attempt to cause such an employer to discriminate against an employee in violation of paragraph (1) of this subsection.

(3) For purposes of administration and enforcement, any amounts owing to any employee which have been withheld in violation of this subsection shall be deemed to be unpaid minimum wages or unpaid overtime compensation under this chapter.

(4) As used in this subsection, the term "labor organization" means any organization of any kind, or any agency or employee representation committee or plan, in which employees participate and which exists for the purpose, in whole or in part, of dealing with employers concerning grievances, labor disputes, wages, rates of pay, hours of employment, or conditions of work.

(e) Employees of employers providing contract services to United States

(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 213 of this title (except subsections (a)(1) and (f) thereof), every employer providing any contract services (other than linen supply services) under a contract with the United States or any subcontract thereunder shall pay to each of his employees whose rate of pay is not governed by chapter 67 of title 41 or to whom subsection (a)(1) of this section is not applicable, wages at rates not less than the rates provided for in subsection (b) of this section.

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 213 of this title (except subsections (a)(1) and (f) thereof) and the provisions of chapter 67 of title 41, every employer in an establishment providing linen supply services to the United States under a contract with the United States or any subcontract thereunder shall pay to each of his employees in such establishment wages at rates not less than those prescribed in subsection (b), except that if more than 50 per centum of the gross annual dollar volume of sales made or business done by such establishment is derived from providing such linen supply services under any such contracts or subcontracts, such employer shall pay to each of his employees in such establishment wages at rates not less than those prescribed in subsection (a)(1) of this section.

(f) Employees in domestic service

Any employee—

(1) who in any workweek is employed in domestic service in a household shall be paid wages at a rate not less than the wage rate in effect under subsection (b) unless such employee's compensation for such service would not because of section 209(a)(6) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 409(a)(6)] constitute wages for the purposes of title II of such Act [42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.], or

(2) who in any workweek—

(A) is employed in domestic service in one or more households, and

(B) is so employed for more than 8 hours in the aggregate,

shall be paid wages for such employment in such workweek at a rate not less than the wage rate in effect under subsection (b).

(g) Newly hired employees who are less than 20 years old

(1) In lieu of the rate prescribed by subsection (a)(1), any employer may pay any employee of such employer, during the first 90 consecutive calendar days after such employee is initially employed by such employer, a wage which is not less than $4.25 an hour.

(2) In lieu of the rate prescribed by subsection (a)(1), the Governor of Puerto Rico, subject to the approval of the Financial Oversight and Management Board established pursuant to section 2121 of title 48, may designate a time period not to exceed four years during which employers in Puerto Rico may pay employees who are initially employed after June 30, 2016, a wage which is not less than the wage described in paragraph (1). Notwithstanding the time period designated, such wage shall not continue in effect after such Board terminates in accordance with section 2149 of title 48.

(3) No employer may take any action to displace employees (including partial displacements such as reduction in hours, wages, or employment benefits) for purposes of hiring individuals at the wage authorized in paragraph (1) or (2).

(4) Any employer who violates this subsection shall be considered to have violated section 215(a)(3) of this title.

(5) This subsection shall only apply to an employee who has not attained the age of 20 years, except in the case of the wage applicable in Puerto Rico, 25 years, until such time as the Board described in paragraph (2) terminates in accordance with section 2149 of title 48.

(June 25, 1938, ch. 676, §6, 52 Stat. 1062; June 26, 1940, ch. 432, §3(e), (f), 54 Stat. 616; Oct. 26, 1949, ch. 736, §6, 63 Stat. 912; Aug. 12, 1955, ch. 867, §3, 69 Stat. 711; Aug. 8, 1956, ch. 1035, §2, 70 Stat. 1118; Pub. L. 87–30, §5, May 5, 1961, 75 Stat. 67; Pub. L. 88–38, §3, June 10, 1963, 77 Stat. 56; Pub. L. 89–601, title III, §§301–305, Sept. 23, 1966, 80 Stat. 838, 839, 841; Pub. L. 93–259, §§2–4, 5(b), 7(b)(1), Apr. 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 55, 56, 62; Pub. L. 95–151, §2(a)–(d)(2), Nov. 1, 1977, 91 Stat. 1245, 1246; Pub. L. 101–157, §§2, 4(b), Nov. 17, 1989, 103 Stat. 938, 940; Pub. L. 101–239, title X, §10208(d)(2)(B)(i), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2481; Pub. L. 104–188, [title II], §§2104(b), (c), 2105(c), Aug. 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1928, 1929; Pub. L. 110–28, title VIII, §§8102(a), 8103(c)(1)(B), May 25, 2007, 121 Stat. 188, 189; Pub. L. 114–187, title IV, §403, June 30, 2016, 130 Stat. 586.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Subsection (a)(5), referred to in subsec. (b), was redesignated subsec. (a)(4) of this section by Pub. L. 110–28, title VIII, §8103(c)(1)(B), May 25, 2007, 121 Stat. 189.

The Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1966, referred to in subsec. (b), is Pub. L. 89–601, Sept. 23, 1966, 80 Stat. 830. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1966 Amendment note set out under section 201 of this title and Tables.

The Education Amendments of 1972, referred to in subsec. (b), is Pub. L. 92–318, June 23, 1972, 86 Stat. 235. Title IX of the Act, known as the Patsy Takemoto Mink Equal Opportunity in Education Act, is classified principally to chapter 38 (§1681 et seq.) of Title 20, Education. For complete classification of title IX to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1681 of Title 20 and Tables.

The Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1974, referred to in subsec. (b), is Pub. L. 93–259, Apr. 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 55. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1974 Amendment note set out under section 201 of this title and Tables.

The Social Security Act, referred to in subsec. (f)(1), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620. Title II of such Act is classified generally to subchapter II (§401 et seq.) of chapter 7 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of Title 42 and Tables.

Codification

In subsec. (e)(1), "chapter 67 of title 41" substituted for "the Service Contract Act of 1965 (41 U.S.C. 351–357)" on authority of Pub. L. 111–350, §6(c), Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3854, which Act enacted Title 41, Public Contracts.

In subsec. (e)(2), "chapter 67 of title 41" substituted for "the Service Contract Act of 1965" on authority of Pub. L. 111–350, §6(c), Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3854, which Act enacted Title 41, Public Contracts.

Amendments

2016—Subsec. (g)(2) to (5). Pub. L. 114–187 added pars. (2) to (5) and struck out former pars. (2) to (4) which read as follows:

"(2) No employer may take any action to displace employees (including partial displacements such as reduction in hours, wages, or employment benefits) for purposes of hiring individuals at the wage authorized in paragraph (1).

"(3) Any employer who violates this subsection shall be considered to have violated section 215(a)(3) of this title.

"(4) This subsection shall only apply to an employee who has not attained the age of 20 years."

2007—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 110–28, §8102(a), amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) read as follows: "except as otherwise provided in this section, not less than $4.25 an hour during the period ending on September 30, 1996, not less than $4.75 an hour during the year beginning on October 1, 1996, and not less than $5.15 an hour beginning September 1, 1997;".

Subsec. (a)(3) to (5). Pub. L. 110–28, §8103(c)(1)(B), redesignated pars. (4) and (5) as (3) and (4), respectively, and struck out former par. (3) which read as follows: "if such employee is employed in American Samoa, in lieu of the rate or rates provided by this subsection or subsection (b), not less than the applicable rate established by the Secretary of Labor in accordance with recommendations of a special industry committee or committees which he shall appoint pursuant to sections 205 and 208 of this title. The minimum wage rate thus established shall not exceed the rate prescribed in paragraph (1) of this subsection;".

1996—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 104–188, §2104(b), amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) read as follows: "except as otherwise provided in this section, not less than $3.35 an hour during the period ending March 31, 1990, not less than $3.80 an hour during the year beginning April 1, 1990, and not less than $4.25 an hour after March 31, 1991;".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 104–188, §2104(c), struck out subsec. (c) which related to employees in Puerto Rico.

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 104–188, §2105(c), added subsec. (g).

1989—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 101–157, §2, amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) read as follows: "not less than $2.65 an hour during the year beginning January 1, 1978, not less than $2.90 an hour during the year beginning January 1, 1979, not less than $3.10 an hour during the year beginning January 1, 1980, and not less than $3.35 an hour after December 31, 1980, except as otherwise provided in this section;".

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 101–157, §4(b)(1), substituted "pursuant to sections 205 and 208 of this title" for "in the same manner and pursuant to the same provisions as are applicable to the special industry committees provided for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands by this chapter as amended from time to time. Each such committee shall have the same powers and duties and shall apply the same standards with respect to the application of the provisions of this chapter to employees employed in American Samoa as pertain to special industry committees established under section 205 of this title with respect to employees employed in Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 101–157, §4(b)(2), amended subsec. (c) generally, substituting provisions relating to the application of wage rates under subsec. (a)(1) to employees in Puerto Rico for provisions relating to the superseding of subsec. (a)(1) wage rates by wage orders of a special industry committee for employees in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 101–239 substituted "209(a)(6)" for "209(g)".

1977—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 95–151, §2(a), substituted "not less than $2.65 an hour during the year beginning January 1, 1978, not less than $2.90 an hour during the year beginning January 1, 1979, not less than $3.10 an hour during the year beginning January 1, 1980, and not less than $3.35 an hour after December 1, 1980" for "not less than $2 an hour during the period ending December 31, 1974, not less than $2.10 an hour during the year beginning January 1, 1975, and not less than $2.30 an hour after December 31, 1975".

Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 95–151, §2(b), substituted provisions for a minimum wage rate of not less than the minimum wage rate in effect under par. (1) after Dec. 31, 1977, for provisions for a minimum wage rate of not less than $1.60 an hour during the period ending Dec. 31, 1974, $1.80 an hour during the year beginning Jan. 1, 1975, $2 an hour during the year beginning Jan. 1, 1976, $2.20 an hour during the year beginning Jan. 1, 1977, and $2.30 an hour after Dec. 31, 1977.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 95–151, §2(c), substituted provisions for a minimum wage rate, effective after Dec. 31, 1977, of not less than the minimum wage rate in effect under subsec. (a)(1) of this section, for provisions for a minimum wage rate of not less than $1.90 an hour during the period ending Dec. 31, 1974, not less than $2 an hour during the year beginning Jan. 1, 1975, not less than $2.20 an hour during the year beginning Jan. 1, 1976, and not less than $2.30 an hour after Dec. 31, 1976.

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 95–151, §2(d)(2)(A), inserted "(A)" before "heretofore" and cl. (B), and substituted "subsection (a)(1)" for "subsections (a) and (b)".

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 95–151, §2(d)(1), added par. (2). Former par. (2), relating to applicability, etc., of wage rate orders effective on the effective date of the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1974, and effective on the first day of the second and each subsequent year after such date, was struck out.

Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 95–151, §2(d)(1), (2)(B), (C), redesignated par. (5) as (3) and substituted references to subsec. (a)(1) of this section, for references to subsec. (a) or (b) of this section. Former par. (3), relating to appointment of a special industry committee for recommendations with respect to highest minimum wage rates for employees employed in Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands subject to the amendments to this chapter by the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1974, was struck out.

Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 95–151, §2(d)(1), (2)(B), (D), redesignated par. (6) as (4) and struck out "or (3)" after "(2)". Former par. (4), relating to wage rates of employees in Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands subject to the former provisions of subsec. (c)(2)(A) or (3) of this section, was struck out.

Subsec. (c)(5), (6). Pub. L. 95–151, §2(d)(2)(B), redesignated pars. (5) and (6) as (3) and (4), respectively.

1974—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 93–259, §2, substituted "not less than $2 an hour during the period ending December 31, 1974, not less than $2.10 an hour during the year beginning January 1, 1975, and not less than $2.30 an hour after December 31, 1975" for "not less than $1.40 an hour during the first year from the effective date of the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1966 and not less than $1.60 an hour thereafter".

Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 93–259, §4, substituted provisions for a minimum wage rate not less than: $1.60 an hour during period ending Dec. 31, 1974; $1.80, $2, and $2.20 an hour during years beginning Jan. 1, 1975, 1976, and 1977, respectively; and $2.30 an hour after Dec. 31, 1977 for former provisions for a minimum wage rate not less than $1 an hour during first year from the effective date of the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1966, not less than $1.15 an hour during second year from such date, and not less than $1.30 an hour thereafter.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 93–259, §3, inserted references to "title II of the Education Amendments of 1972" and "Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1974" and substituted provisions for a minimum wage rate not less than $1.90 an hour during period ending Dec. 31, 1974; $2 and $2.20 an hour during years beginning Jan. 1, 1975, and 1976, respectively; and $2.30 an hour after Dec. 31, 1976 for former provisions for a minimum wage rate not less than: $1 an hour during first year from effective date of Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1966; $1.15, $1.30, and $1.45 an hour during second, third, and fourth years from such date; and $1.60 an hour thereafter.

Subsec. (c)(2) to (6). Pub. L. 93–259, §5(b), added pars. (2) to (6) and struck out former pars. (2) to (4) which had provided:

"(2) In the case of any such employee who is covered by such a wage order and to whom the rate or rates prescribed by subsection (a) would otherwise apply, the following rates shall apply:

"(A) The rate or rates applicable under the most recent wage order issued by the Secretary prior to the effective date of the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1966, increased by 12 per centum, unless such rate or rates are superseded by the rate or rates prescribed in a wage order issued by the Secretary pursuant to the recommendations of a review committee appointed under paragraph (C). Such rate or rates shall become effective sixty days after the effective date of the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1966 or one year from the effective date of the most recent wage order applicable to such employee therefore issued by the Secretary pursuant to the recommendations of a special industry committee appointed under section 205 of this title, whichever is later.

"(B) Beginning one year after the applicable effective date under paragraph (A), not less than the rate or rates prescribed by paragraph (A), increased by an amount equal to 16 per centum of the rate or rates applicable under the most recent wage order issued by the Secretary prior to the effective date of the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1966, unless such rate or rates are superseded by the rate or rates prescribed in a wage order issued by the Secretary pursuant to the recommendations of a review committee appointed under paragraph (C).

"(C) Any employer, or group of employers, employing a majority of the employees in an industry in Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands, may apply to the Secretary in writing for the appointment of a review committee to recommend the minimum rate or rates to be paid such employees in lieu of the rate or rates provided by paragraph (A) or (B). Any such application with respect to any rate or rates provided for under paragraph (A) shall be filed within sixty days following the enactment of the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1966 and any such application with respect to any rate or rates provided for under paragraph (B) shall be filed not more than one hundred and twenty days and not less than sixty days prior to the effective date of the applicable rate or rates under paragraph (B). The Secretary shall promptly consider such application and may appoint a review committee if he has reasonable cause to believe, on the basis of financial and other information contained in the application, that compliance with any applicable rate or rates prescribed by paragraph (A) or (B) will substantially curtail employment in such industry. The Secretary's decision upon any such application shall be final. Any wage order issued pursuant to the recommendations of a review committee appointed under this paragraph shall take effect on the applicable effective date provided in paragraph (A) or (B).

"(D) In the event a wage order has not been issued pursuant to the recommendation of a review committee prior to the applicable effective date under paragraph (A) or (B), the applicable percentage increase provided by any such paragraph shall take effect on the effective date prescribed therein, except with respect to the employees of an employer who filed an application under paragraph (C) and who files with the Secretary an undertaking with a surety or sureties satisfactory to the Secretary for payment to his employees of an amount sufficient to compensate such employees for the difference between the wages they actually receive and the wages to which they are entitled under this subsection. The Secretary shall be empowered to enforce such undertaking and any sums recovered by him shall be held on a special deposit account and shall be paid, on order of the Secretary, directly to the employee or employees affected. Any such sum not paid to an employee because of inability to do so within a period of three years shall be covered into the Treasury of the United States as miscellaneous receipts.

"(3) In the case of any such employee to whom subsection (a)(5) or subsection (b) would otherwise apply, the Secretary shall within sixty days after the effective date of the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1966 appoint a special industry committee in accordance with section 205 of this title to recommend the highest minimum wage rate or rates in accordance with the standards prescribed by section 208 of this title, but not in excess of the applicable rate provided by subsection (a)(5) or subsection (b), to be applicable to such employee in lieu of the rate or rates prescribed by subsection (a)(5) or subsection (b), as the case may be. The rate or rates recommended by the special industry committee shall be effective with respect to such employee upon the effective date of the wage order issued pursuant to such recommendation but not before sixty days after the effective date of the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1966.

"(4) The provisions of sections 205 and 208 of this title, relating to special industry committees, shall be applicable to review committees appointed under this subsection. The appointment of a review committee shall be in addition to and not in lieu of any special industry committee required to be appointed pursuant to the provisions of subsection (a) of section 208 of this title, except that no special industry committee shall hold any hearing within one year after a minimum wage rate or rates for such industry shall have been recommended to the Secretary by a review committee to be paid in lieu of the rate or rates provided for under paragraph (A) or (B). The minimum wage rate or rates prescribed by this subsection shall be in effect only for so long as and insofar as such minimum wage rate or rates have not been superseded by a wage order fixing a higher minimum wage rate or rates (but not in excess of the applicable rate prescribed in subsection (a) or subsection (b)) hereafter issued by the Secretary pursuant to the recommendation of a special industry committee."

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 93–259, §7(b)(1), added subsec. (f).

1966—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 89–601, §301(a), inserted ", or is employed in an enterprise engaged in commerce or in the production of goods for commerce," in opening provisions.

Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 89–601, §301(a), raised minimum wage to not less than $1.40 an hour during first year from the effective date of the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1966, and not less than $1.60 thereafter, except as otherwise provided in this section.

Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 89–601, §301(b), added par. (4).

Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 89–601, §302, added par. (5).

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 89–601, §303, substituted provisions for a minimum wage for employees covered for first time by the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1966 (other than newly covered agricultural employees) at not less than $1 an hour during first year from the effective date of the 1966 amendments, not less than $1.15 an hour during second year from such date, not less than $1.30 an hour during third year from such date, not less than $1.45 an hour during fourth year from such date, and not less than $1.60 an hour thereafter, for provisions setting a timetable for increases in the minimum wage of employees first covered by the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1961.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 89–601, §304, provided for a percentage minimum wage increase for employees in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands who are covered by wage orders already in effect as the equivalent of the percentage increase on the mainland, provided for minimum wages for employees brought within coverage of this chapter for the first time by the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1966 at rates to be set by special industry committees so as to reach as rapidly as is economically feasible without substantially curtailing employment the objectives of the minimum wage prescribed for mainland employees, and eliminated the review committees that has been established by the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1961.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 89–601, §305, added subsec. (e).

1963—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 88–38 added subsec. (d).

1961—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 87–30, §5(a)(1), inserted "in any workweek" in opening provisions.

Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 87–30, §5(a)(2), increased minimum wage from not less than $1 an hour to not less than $1.15 an hour during first two years from the effective date of the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1961, and not less than $1.25 an hour thereafter.

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 87–30, §5(a)(3), inserted "in lieu of the rate or rates provided by this subsection or subsection (b)" and "as amended from time to time" and struck out "now" before "applicable to".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 87–30, §5(b), added subsec. (b). Former subsec. (b) had provided that "This section shall take effect upon the expiration of one hundred and twenty days from June 25, 1938."

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 87–30, §5(c), added subsec. (c). Former subsec. (c) had provided for wage orders recommended by special industrial committees and covering employees in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands to supersede minimum wages of $1 an hour and for continuance of wage orders in effect prior to effective date of this chapter until superseded by wage orders recommended by the special industrial committees.

1956—Subsec. (a)(3). Act Aug. 8, 1956, added par. (3).

1955—Subsec. (a)(1). Act Aug. 12, 1955, increased minimum wage from not less than 75 cents an hour to not less than $1 an hour.

1949—Subsec. (a). Act Oct. 26, 1949, §6(a), (b), struck out subpars. (1), (2), (3), and (4), inserted subpar. (1) fixing the minimum wage rate at not less than 75 cents an hour, and redesignated subpar. (5) as (2).

Subsec. (c). Act Oct. 26, 1949, §6(c), continued existing minimum wage rates in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands until superseded by special industry committee wage orders.

1940—Subsec. (a)(5). Act June 26, 1940, added par. (5).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2015 Amendment

Pub. L. 114–61, §1(c), Oct. 7, 2015, 129 Stat. 546, provided that: "This Act [amending provisions set out as notes under this section], and the amendments made by this Act, shall take effect as of September 29, 2015."

Effective Date of 2007 Amendment

Pub. L. 110–28, title VIII, §8102(b), May 25, 2007, 121 Stat. 188, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act [May 25, 2007]."

Pub. L. 110–28, title VIII, §8103(c)(2), May 25, 2007, 121 Stat. 189, provided that: "The amendments made by this subsection [amending this section and repealing sections 205 and 208 of this title] shall take effect 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act [May 25, 2007]."

Effective Date of 1977 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 95–151 effective Jan. 1, 1978, see section 15(a) of Pub. L. 95–151, set out as a note under section 203 of this title.

Effective Date of 1974 Amendment

Amendment by sections 2 to 4 and 7(b)(1) of Pub. L. 93–259 effective May 1, 1974, see section 29(a) of Pub. L. 93–259, set out as a note under section 202 of this title.

Pub. L. 93–259, §5(b), Apr. 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 56, provided that the amendment made by that section is effective Apr. 8, 1974.

Effective Date of 1966 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 89–601 effective Feb. 1, 1967, except as otherwise provided, see section 602 of Pub. L. 89–601, set out as a note under section 203 of this title.

Effective Date of 1963 Amendment

Pub. L. 88–38, §4, June 10, 1963, 77 Stat. 57, provided that: "The amendments made by this Act [amending this section and enacting provisions set out below] shall take effect upon the expiration of one year from the date of its enactment [June 10, 1963]: Provided, That in the case of employees covered by a bona fide collective bargaining agreement in effect at least thirty days prior to the date of enactment of this Act [June 10, 1963], entered into by a labor organization as defined in section 6(d)(4) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended [subsec. (d)(4) of this section], the amendments made by this Act shall take effect upon the termination of such collective bargaining agreement or upon the expiration of two years from the date of enactment of this Act [June 10, 1963], whichever shall first occur."

Effective Date of 1961 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 87–30 effective upon expiration of one hundred and twenty days after May 5, 1961, except as otherwise provided, see section 14 of Pub. L. 87–30, set out as a note under section 203 of this title.

Effective Date of 1955 Amendment

Act Aug. 12, 1955, ch. 867, §3, 69 Stat. 711, provided that the amendment made by section 3 is effective Mar. 1, 1956.

Effective Date of 1949 Amendment

Amendment by act Oct. 26, 1949, effective ninety days after Oct. 26, 1949, see section 16(a) of act Oct. 26, 1949, set out as a note under section 202 of this title.

Applicability of Minimum Wage to American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

Pub. L. 110–28, title VIII, §8103(a), (b), May 25, 2007, 121 Stat. 188, 189, as amended by Pub. L. 111–117, div. D, title V, §520, Dec. 16, 2009, 123 Stat. 3283; Pub. L. 111–244, §2(a), Sept. 30, 2010, 124 Stat. 2618; Pub. L. 112–149, §4(a), July 26, 2012, 126 Stat. 1145; Pub. L. 113–34, §2, Sept. 18, 2013, 127 Stat. 518; Pub. L. 114–61, §1(a), Oct. 7, 2015, 129 Stat. 545, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Section 6 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 206) shall apply to American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

"(b) Transition.—Notwithstanding subsection (a)—

"(1) the minimum wage applicable to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands under section 6(a)(1) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 206(a)(1)) shall be—

"(A) $3.55 an hour, beginning on the 60th day after the date of enactment of this Act [May 25, 2007]; and

"(B) increased by $0.50 an hour (or such lesser amount as may be necessary to equal the minimum wage under section 6(a)(1) of such Act), beginning 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act and each year thereafter until the minimum wage applicable to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands under this paragraph is equal to the minimum wage set forth in such section, except that, beginning in 2010 and each year thereafter (except 2011, 2013, and 2015 when there shall be no increase), such increase shall occur on September 30; and

"(2) the minimum wage applicable to American Samoa under section 6(a)(1) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 206(a)(1)) shall be—

"(A) the applicable wage rate in effect for each industry and classification as of September 29, 2015; and

"(B) increased by $0.40 an hour (or such lesser amount as may be necessary to equal the minimum wage under section 6(a)(1) of such Act), beginning on September 30, 2015, and on September 30 of every third year thereafter, until the minimum wage applicable to American Samoa under this paragraph is equal to the minimum wage set forth in such section."

Report on the Impact of Past and Future Minimum Wage Increases

Pub. L. 110–28, title VIII, §8104, May 25, 2007, 121 Stat. 189, as amended by Pub. L. 111–5, div. A, title VIII, §802(a), Feb. 17, 2009, 123 Stat. 186; Pub. L. 111–244, §2(b), Sept. 30, 2010, 124 Stat. 2618; Pub. L. 112–149, §4(b), July 26, 2012, 126 Stat. 1145; Pub. L. 114–61, §1(b), Oct. 7, 2015, 129 Stat. 545, provided that:

"(a) Report.—The Government Accountability Office shall assess the impact of minimum wage increases that have occurred pursuant to section 8103 [of Pub. L. 110–28, amending this section, repealing sections 205 and 208 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section], and not later than April 1, 2017, shall transmit to Congress a report of its findings. The Government Accountability Office shall submit a subsequent report not later than April 1, 2020.

"(b) Economic Information.—To provide sufficient economic data for the conduct of any report under subsection (a) the Bureau of the Census of the Department of Commerce shall include and separately report on American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the Virgin Islands in its County Business Patterns data with the same regularity and to the same extent as each Bureau collects and reports such data for the 50 States. In the event that the inclusion of American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the Virgin Islands in such surveys and data compilations requires time to structure and implement, the Bureau of the Census shall in the interim annually report the best available data that can feasibly be secured with respect to such territories. Such interim report shall describe the steps the Bureau will take to improve future data collection in the territories to achieve comparability with the data collected in the United States. The Bureau of the Census, together with the Department of the Interior, shall coordinate their efforts to achieve such improvements.

"(c) Report on Alternative Methods of Increasing the Minimum Wage in American Samoa.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 'An Act to amend the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007 to reduce a scheduled increase in the minimum wage applicable to American Samoa' [Pub. L. 114–61, approved Oct. 7, 2015], the Government Accountability Office shall transmit to Congress a report on alternative ways of increasing the minimum wage in American Samoa to keep pace with the cost of living in American Samoa and to eventually equal the minimum wage set forth in section 6(a)(1) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 206(a)(1))."

[Pub. L. 111–5, div. A, title VIII, §802(b), Feb. 17, 2009, 123 Stat. 187, provided that: "The amendment made by this section [amending section 8104 of Pub. L. 110–28, set out above] shall take effect on the date of enactment of this Act [Feb. 17, 2009]."]

Training Wage

Pub. L. 101–157, §6, Nov. 17, 1989, 103 Stat. 941, provided that:

"(a) In General.—

"(1) Authority.—Any employer may, in lieu of the minimum wage prescribed by section 6 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 206), pay an eligible employee the wage prescribed by paragraph (2)—

"(A) while such employee is employed for the period authorized by subsection (g)(1)(B)(i), or

"(B) while such employee is engaged in on-the-job training for the period authorized by subsection (g)(1)(B)(ii).

"(2) Wage rate.—The wage referred to in paragraph (1) shall be a wage—

"(A) of not less than $3.35 an hour during the year beginning April 1, 1990; and

"(B) beginning April 1, 1991, of not less than $3.35 an hour or 85 percent of the wage prescribed by section 6 of such Act, whichever is greater.

"(b) Wage Period.—An employer may pay an eligible employee the wage authorized by subsection (a) for a period that—

"(1) begins on or after April 1, 1990;

"(2) does not exceed the maximum period during which an employee may be paid such wage as determined under subsection (g)(1)(B); and

"(3) ends before April 1, 1993.

"(c) Wage Conditions.—No eligible employee may be paid the wage authorized by subsection (a) by an employer if—

"(1) any other individual has been laid off by such employer from the position to be filled by such eligible employee or from any substantially equivalent position; or

"(2) such employer has terminated the employment of any regular employee or otherwise reduced the number of employees with the intention of filling the vacancy so created by hiring an employee to be paid such wage.

"(d) Limitations.—

"(1) Employee hours.—During any month in which employees are to be employed in an establishment under this section, the proportion of employee hours of employment to the total hours of employment of all employees in such establishment may not exceed a proportion equal to one-fourth of the total hours of employment of all employees in such establishment.

"(2) Displacement.—

"(A) Prohibition.—No employer may take any action to displace employees (including partial displacements such as reduction in hours, wages, or employment benefits) for purposes of hiring individuals at the wage authorized in subsection (a).

"(B) Disqualification.—If the Secretary determines that an employer has taken an action in violation of subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall issue an order disqualifying such employer from employing any individual at such wage.

"(e) Notice.—Each employer shall provide to any eligible employee who is to be paid the wage authorized by subsection (a) a written notice before the employee begins employment stating the requirements of this section and the remedies provided by subsection (f) for violations of this section. The Secretary shall provide to employers the text of the notice to be provided under this subsection.

"(f) Enforcement.—Any employer who violates this section shall be considered to have violated section 15(a)(3) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 215(a)(3)). Sections 16 and 17 of such Act (29 U.S.C. 216 and 217) shall apply with respect to the violation.

"(g) Definitions.—For purposes of this section:

"(1) Eligible employee.—

"(A) In general.—The term 'eligible employee' means with respect to an employer an individual who—

"(i) is not a migrant agricultural worker or a seasonal agricultural worker (as defined in paragraphs (8) and (10) of section 3 of the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act (29 U.S.C. 1802(8) and (10)) without regard to subparagraph (B) of such paragraphs and is not a nonimmigrant described in section 101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(a));

"(ii) has not attained the age of 20 years; and

"(iii) is eligible to be paid the wage authorized by subsection (a) as determined under subparagraph (B).

"(B) Duration.—

"(i) An employee shall initially be eligible to be paid the wage authorized by subsection (a) until the employee has been employed a cumulative total of 90 days at such wage.

"(ii) An employee who has been employed by an employer at the wage authorized by subsection (a) for the period authorized by clause (i) may be employed by any other employer for an additional 90 days if the employer meets the requirements of subsection (h).

"(iii) The total period, as authorized by clauses (i) and (ii), that an employee may be paid the wage authorized by subsection (a) may not exceed 180 days.

"(iv) For purposes of this subparagraph, the term 'employer' means with respect to an employee an employer who is required to withhold payroll taxes for such employee.

"(C) Proof.—

"(i) In general.—An individual is responsible for providing the requisite proof of previous period or periods of employment with other employers. An employer's good faith reliance on the proof presented to the employer by an individual shall constitute a complete defense to a charge that the employer has violated subsection (b)(2) with respect to such individual.

"(ii) Regulations.—The Secretary of Labor shall issue regulations defining the requisite proof required of an individual. Such regulations shall establish minimal requirements for requisite proof and may prescribe that an accurate list of the individual's employers and a statement of the dates and duration of employment with each employer constitute requisite proof.

"(2) On-the-job training.—The term 'on-the-job training' means training that is offered to an individual while employed in productive work that provides training, technical and other related skills, and personal skills that are essential to the full and adequate performance of such employment.

"(h) Employer Requirements.—An employer who wants to employ employees at the wage authorized by subsection (a) for the period authorized by subsection (g)(1)(B)(ii) shall—

"(1) notify the Secretary annually of the positions at which such employees are to be employed at such wage,

"(2) provide on-the-job training to such employees which meets general criteria of the Secretary issued by regulation after consultation with the Committee on Labor and Human Resources [now Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions] of the Senate and the Committee on Education and Labor [now Committee on Education and the Workforce] of the House of Representatives and other interested persons,

"(3) keep on file a copy of the training program which the employer will provide such employees,

"(4) provide a copy of the training program to the employees,

"(5) post in a conspicuous place in places of employment a notice of the types of jobs for which the employer is providing on-the-job training, and

"(6) send to the Secretary on an annual basis a copy of such notice.

The Secretary shall make available to the public upon request notices provided to the Secretary by employers in accordance with paragraph (6).

"(i) Report.—The Secretary of Labor shall report to Congress not later than March 1, 1993, on the effectiveness of the wage authorized by subsection (a). The report shall include—

"(1) an analysis of the impact of such wage on employment opportunities for inexperienced workers;

"(2) any reduction in employment opportunities for experienced workers resulting from the employment of employees under such wage;

"(3) the nature and duration of the training provided under such wage; and

"(4) the degree to which employers used the authority to pay such wage."

Practice of Public Agency in Treating Certain Individuals as Volunteers Prior to April 15, 1986; Liability

Certain public agencies not to be liable for violations of this section occurring before Apr. 15, 1986, with respect to services deemed by that agency to have been performed for it by an individual on a voluntary basis, see section 4(c) of Pub. L. 99–150, set out as a note under section 203 of this title.

Effect of Amendments by Public Law 99–150 on Public Agency Liability Respecting any Employee Covered Under Special Enforcement Policy

Amendment by Pub. L. 99–150 not to affect liability of certain public agencies under section 216 of this title for violation of this section occurring before Apr. 15, 1986, see section 7 of Pub. L. 99–150, set out as a note under section 216 of this title.

Inapplicability to Northern Mariana Islands

Pursuant to section 503(c) of the Covenant to Establish a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands with the United States of America, as set forth in Pub. L. 94–241, Mar. 24, 1976, 90 Stat. 263, set out as a note under section 1801 of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions, this section is inapplicable to the Northern Mariana Islands.

Rules, Regulations, and Orders Promulgated With Regard to 1966 Amendments

Secretary authorized to promulgate necessary rules, regulations, or orders on and after the date of the enactment of Pub. L. 89–601, Sept. 23, 1966, with regard to the amendments made by Pub. L. 89–601, see section 602 of Pub. L. 89–601, set out as a note under section 203 of this title.

Congressional Finding and Declaration of Policy

Pub. L. 88–38, §2, June 10, 1963, 77 Stat. 56, provided that:

"(a) The Congress hereby finds that the existence in industries engaged in commerce or in the production of goods for commerce of wage differentials based on sex—

"(1) depresses wages and living standards for employees necessary for their health and efficiency;

"(2) prevents the maximum utilization of the available labor resources;

"(3) tends to cause labor disputes, thereby burdening, affecting, and obstructing commerce;

"(4) burdens commerce and the free flow of goods in commerce; and

"(5) constitutes an unfair method of competition.

"(b) It is hereby declared to be the policy of this Act [amending this section, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section], through exercise by Congress of its power to regulate commerce among the several States and with foreign nations, to correct the conditions above referred to in such industries."

Definition of "Administrator"

The term "Administrator" as meaning the Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division, see section 204 of this title.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

Functions relating to enforcement and administration of equal pay provisions vested by this section in Secretary of Labor and Administrator of Wage and Hour Division of Department of Labor transferred to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission by Reorg. Plan No. 1 of 1978, §1, 43 F.R. 19807, 92 Stat. 3781, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, effective Jan. 1, 1979, as provided by section 1–101 of Ex. Ord. No. 12106, Dec. 28, 1978, 44 F.R. 1053.

Functions of all other officers of Department of Labor and functions of all agencies and employees of that Department, with exception of functions vested by Administrative Procedure Act (now covered by sections 551 et seq. and 701 et seq. of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees) in hearing examiners employed by Department, transferred to Secretary of Labor, with power vested in him to authorize their performance or performance of any of his functions by any of those officers, agencies, and employees, by Reorg. Plan No. 6 of 1950, §§1, 2, 15 F.R. 3174, 64 Stat. 1263, set out in the Appendix to Title 5.

¹ See References in Text note below.

§207. Maximum hours

(a) Employees engaged in interstate commerce; additional applicability to employees pursuant to subsequent amendatory provisions

(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, no employer shall employ any of his employees who in any workweek is engaged in commerce or in the production of goods for commerce, or is employed in an enterprise engaged in commerce or in the production of goods for commerce, for a workweek longer than forty hours unless such employee receives compensation for his employment in excess of the hours above specified at a rate not less than one and one-half times the regular rate at which he is employed.

(2) No employer shall employ any of his employees who in any workweek is engaged in commerce or in the production of goods for commerce, or is employed in an enterprise engaged in commerce or in the production of goods for commerce, and who in such workweek is brought within the purview of this subsection by the amendments made to this chapter by the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1966—

(A) for a workweek longer than forty-four hours during the first year from the effective date of the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1966,

(B) for a workweek longer than forty-two hours during the second year from such date, or

(C) for a workweek longer than forty hours after the expiration of the second year from such date,

unless such employee receives compensation for his employment in excess of the hours above specified at a rate not less than one and one-half times the regular rate at which he is employed.

(b) Employment pursuant to collective bargaining agreement; employment by independently owned and controlled local enterprise engaged in distribution of petroleum products

No employer shall be deemed to have violated subsection (a) by employing any employee for a workweek in excess of that specified in such subsection without paying the compensation for overtime employment prescribed therein if such employee is so employed—

(1) in pursuance of an agreement, made as a result of collective bargaining by representatives of employees certified as bona fide by the National Labor Relations Board, which provides that no employee shall be employed more than one thousand and forty hours during any period of twenty-six consecutive weeks; or

(2) in pursuance of an agreement, made as a result of collective bargaining by representatives of employees certified as bona fide by the National Labor Relations Board, which provides that during a specified period of fifty-two consecutive weeks the employee shall be employed not more than two thousand two hundred and forty hours and shall be guaranteed not less than one thousand eight hundred and forty-hours (or not less than forty-six weeks at the normal number of hours worked per week, but not less than thirty hours per week) and not more than two thousand and eighty hours of employment for which he shall receive compensation for all hours guaranteed or worked at rates not less than those applicable under the agreement to the work performed and for all hours in excess of the guaranty which are also in excess of the maximum workweek applicable to such employee under subsection (a) or two thousand and eighty in such period at rates not less than one and one-half times the regular rate at which he is employed; or

(3) by an independently owned and controlled local enterprise (including an enterprise with more than one bulk storage establishment) engaged in the wholesale or bulk distribution of petroleum products if—

(A) the annual gross volume of sales of such enterprise is less than $1,000,000 exclusive of excise taxes,

(B) more than 75 per centum of such enterprise's annual dollar volume of sales is made within the State in which such enterprise is located, and

(C) not more than 25 per centum of the annual dollar volume of sales of such enterprise is to customers who are engaged in the bulk distribution of such products for resale,

and such employee receives compensation for employment in excess of forty hours in any workweek at a rate not less than one and one-half times the minimum wage rate applicable to him under section 206 of this title,

and if such employee receives compensation for employment in excess of twelve hours in any workday, or for employment in excess of fifty-six hours in any workweek, as the case may be, at a rate not less than one and one-half times the regular rate at which he is employed.

(c), (d) Repealed. Pub. L. 93–259, §19(e), Apr. 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 66

(e) "Regular rate" defined

As used in this section the "regular rate" at which an employee is employed shall be deemed to include all remuneration for employment paid to, or on behalf of, the employee, but shall not be deemed to include—

(1) sums paid as gifts; payments in the nature of gifts made at Christmas time or on other special occasions, as a reward for service, the amounts of which are not measured by or dependent on hours worked, production, or efficiency;

(2) payments made for occasional periods when no work is performed due to vacation, holiday, illness, failure of the employer to provide sufficient work, or other similar cause; reasonable payments for traveling expenses, or other expenses, incurred by an employee in the furtherance of his employer's interests and properly reimbursable by the employer; and other similar payments to an employee which are not made as compensation for his hours of employment;

(3) Sums ¹ paid in recognition of services performed during a given period if either, (a) both the fact that payment is to be made and the amount of the payment are determined at the sole discretion of the employer at or near the end of the period and not pursuant to any prior contract, agreement, or promise causing the employee to expect such payments regularly; or (b) the payments are made pursuant to a bona fide profit-sharing plan or trust or bona fide thrift or savings plan, meeting the requirements of the Administrator set forth in appropriate regulations which he shall issue, having due regard among other relevant factors, to the extent to which the amounts paid to the employee are determined without regard to hours of work, production, or efficiency; or (c) the payments are talent fees (as such talent fees are defined and delimited by regulations of the Administrator) paid to performers, including announcers, on radio and television programs;

(4) contributions irrevocably made by an employer to a trustee or third person pursuant to a bona fide plan for providing old-age, retirement, life, accident, or health insurance or similar benefits for employees;

(5) extra compensation provided by a premium rate paid for certain hours worked by the employee in any day or workweek because such hours are hours worked in excess of eight in a day or in excess of the maximum workweek applicable to such employee under subsection (a) or in excess of the employee's normal working hours or regular working hours, as the case may be;

(6) extra compensation provided by a premium rate paid for work by the employee on Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, or regular days of rest, or on the sixth or seventh day of the workweek, where such premium rate is not less than one and one-half times the rate established in good faith for like work performed in nonovertime hours on other days;

(7) extra compensation provided by a premium rate paid to the employee, in pursuance of an applicable employment contract or collective-bargaining agreement, for work outside of the hours established in good faith by the contract or agreement as the basic, normal, or regular workday (not exceeding eight hours) or workweek (not exceeding the maximum workweek applicable to such employee under subsection (a),² where such premium rate is not less than one and one-half times the rate established in good faith by the contract or agreement for like work performed during such workday or workweek; or

(8) any value or income derived from employer-provided grants or rights provided pursuant to a stock option, stock appreciation right, or bona fide employee stock purchase program which is not otherwise excludable under any of paragraphs (1) through (7) if—

(A) grants are made pursuant to a program, the terms and conditions of which are communicated to participating employees either at the beginning of the employee's participation in the program or at the time of the grant;

(B) in the case of stock options and stock appreciation rights, the grant or right cannot be exercisable for a period of at least 6 months after the time of grant (except that grants or rights may become exercisable because of an employee's death, disability, retirement, or a change in corporate ownership, or other circumstances permitted by regulation), and the exercise price is at least 85 percent of the fair market value of the stock at the time of grant;

(C) exercise of any grant or right is voluntary; and

(D) any determinations regarding the award of, and the amount of, employer-provided grants or rights that are based on performance are—

(i) made based upon meeting previously established performance criteria (which may include hours of work, efficiency, or productivity) of any business unit consisting of at least 10 employees or of a facility, except that, any determinations may be based on length of service or minimum schedule of hours or days of work; or

(ii) made based upon the past performance (which may include any criteria) of one or more employees in a given period so long as the determination is in the sole discretion of the employer and not pursuant to any prior contract.

(f) Employment necessitating irregular hours of work

No employer shall be deemed to have violated subsection (a) by employing any employee for a workweek in excess of the maximum workweek applicable to such employee under subsection (a) if such employee is employed pursuant to a bona fide individual contract, or pursuant to an agreement made as a result of collective bargaining by representatives of employees, if the duties of such employee necessitate irregular hours of work, and the contract or agreement (1) specifies a regular rate of pay of not less than the minimum hourly rate provided in subsection (a) or (b) of section 206 of this title (whichever may be applicable) and compensation at not less than one and one-half times such rate for all hours worked in excess of such maximum workweek, and (2) provides a weekly guaranty of pay for not more than sixty hours based on the rates so specified.

(g) Employment at piece rates

No employer shall be deemed to have violated subsection (a) by employing any employee for a workweek in excess of the maximum workweek applicable to such employee under such subsection if, pursuant to an agreement or understanding arrived at between the employer and the employee before performance of the work, the amount paid to the employee for the number of hours worked by him in such workweek in excess of the maximum workweek applicable to such employee under such subsection—

(1) in the case of an employee employed at piece rates, is computed at piece rates not less than one and one-half times the bona fide piece rates applicable to the same work when performed during nonovertime hours; or

(2) in the case of an employee performing two or more kinds of work for which different hourly or piece rates have been established, is computed at rates not less than one and one-half times such bona fide rates applicable to the same work when performed during nonovertime hours; or

(3) is computed at a rate not less than one and one-half times the rate established by such agreement or understanding as the basic rate to be used in computing overtime compensation thereunder: Provided, That the rate so established shall be authorized by regulation by the Administrator as being substantially equivalent to the average hourly earnings of the employee, exclusive of overtime premiums, in the particular work over a representative period of time;

and if (i) the employee's average hourly earnings for the workweek exclusive of payments described in paragraphs (1) through (7) of subsection (e) are not less than the minimum hourly rate required by applicable law, and (ii) extra overtime compensation is properly computed and paid on other forms of additional pay required to be included in computing the regular rate.

(h) Credit toward minimum wage or overtime compensation of amounts excluded from regular rate

(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), sums excluded from the regular rate pursuant to subsection (e) shall not be creditable toward wages required under section 206 of this title or overtime compensation required under this section.

(2) Extra compensation paid as described in paragraphs (5), (6), and (7) of subsection (e) shall be creditable toward overtime compensation payable pursuant to this section.

(i) Employment by retail or service establishment

No employer shall be deemed to have violated subsection (a) by employing any employee of a retail or service establishment for a workweek in excess of the applicable workweek specified therein, if (1) the regular rate of pay of such employee is in excess of one and one-half times the minimum hourly rate applicable to him under section 206 of this title, and (2) more than half his compensation for a representative period (not less than one month) represents commissions on goods or services. In determining the proportion of compensation representing commissions, all earnings resulting from the application of a bona fide commission rate shall be deemed commissions on goods or services without regard to whether the computed commissions exceed the draw or guarantee.

(j) Employment in hospital or establishment engaged in care of sick, aged, or mentally ill

No employer engaged in the operation of a hospital or an establishment which is an institution primarily engaged in the care of the sick, the aged, or the mentally ill or defective who reside on the premises shall be deemed to have violated subsection (a) if, pursuant to an agreement or understanding arrived at between the employer and the employee before performance of the work, a work period of fourteen consecutive days is accepted in lieu of the workweek of seven consecutive days for purposes of overtime computation and if, for his employment in excess of eight hours in any workday and in excess of eighty hours in such fourteen-day period, the employee receives compensation at a rate not less than one and one-half times the regular rate at which he is employed.

(k) Employment by public agency engaged in fire protection or law enforcement activities

No public agency shall be deemed to have violated subsection (a) with respect to the employment of any employee in fire protection activities or any employee in law enforcement activities (including security personnel in correctional institutions) if—

(1) in a work period of 28 consecutive days the employee receives for tours of duty which in the aggregate exceed the lesser of (A) 216 hours, or (B) the average number of hours (as determined by the Secretary pursuant to section 6(c)(3) of the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1974) in tours of duty of employees engaged in such activities in work periods of 28 consecutive days in calendar year 1975; or

(2) in the case of such an employee to whom a work period of at least 7 but less than 28 days applies, in his work period the employee receives for tours of duty which in the aggregate exceed a number of hours which bears the same ratio to the number of consecutive days in his work period as 216 hours (or if lower, the number of hours referred to in clause (B) of paragraph (1)) bears to 28 days,

compensation at a rate not less than one and one-half times the regular rate at which he is employed.

(l) Employment in domestic service in one or more households

No employer shall employ any employee in domestic service in one or more households for a workweek longer than forty hours unless such employee receives compensation for such employment in accordance with subsection (a).

(m) Employment in tobacco industry

For a period or periods of not more than fourteen workweeks in the aggregate in any calendar year, any employer may employ any employee for a workweek in excess of that specified in subsection (a) without paying the compensation for overtime employment prescribed in such subsection, if such employee—

(1) is employed by such employer—

(A) to provide services (including stripping and grading) necessary and incidental to the sale at auction of green leaf tobacco of type 11, 12, 13, 14, 21, 22, 23, 24, 31, 35, 36, or 37 (as such types are defined by the Secretary of Agriculture), or in auction sale, buying, handling, stemming, redrying, packing, and storing of such tobacco,

(B) in auction sale, buying, handling, sorting, grading, packing, or storing green leaf tobacco of type 32 (as such type is defined by the Secretary of Agriculture), or

(C) in auction sale, buying, handling, stripping, sorting, grading, sizing, packing, or stemming prior to packing, of perishable cigar leaf tobacco of type 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 61, or 62 (as such types are defined by the Secretary of Agriculture); and

(2) receives for—

(A) such employment by such employer which is in excess of ten hours in any workday, and

(B) such employment by such employer which is in excess of forty-eight hours in any workweek,

compensation at a rate not less than one and one-half times the regular rate at which he is employed.

An employer who receives an exemption under this subsection shall not be eligible for any other exemption under this section.

(n) Employment by street, suburban, or interurban electric railway, or local trolley or motorbus carrier

In the case of an employee of an employer engaged in the business of operating a street, suburban or interurban electric railway, or local trolley or motorbus carrier (regardless of whether or not such railway or carrier is public or private or operated for profit or not for profit), in determining the hours of employment of such an employee to which the rate prescribed by subsection (a) applies there shall be excluded the hours such employee was employed in charter activities by such employer if (1) the employee's employment in such activities was pursuant to an agreement or understanding with his employer arrived at before engaging in such employment, and (2) if employment in such activities is not part of such employee's regular employment.

(o) Compensatory time

(1) Employees of a public agency which is a State, a political subdivision of a State, or an interstate governmental agency may receive, in accordance with this subsection and in lieu of overtime compensation, compensatory time off at a rate not less than one and one-half hours for each hour of employment for which overtime compensation is required by this section.

(2) A public agency may provide compensatory time under paragraph (1) only—

(A) pursuant to—

(i) applicable provisions of a collective bargaining agreement, memorandum of understanding, or any other agreement between the public agency and representatives of such employees; or

(ii) in the case of employees not covered by subclause (i), an agreement or understanding arrived at between the employer and employee before the performance of the work; and

(B) if the employee has not accrued compensatory time in excess of the limit applicable to the employee prescribed by paragraph (3).

In the case of employees described in clause (A)(ii) hired prior to April 15, 1986, the regular practice in effect on April 15, 1986, with respect to compensatory time off for such employees in lieu of the receipt of overtime compensation, shall constitute an agreement or understanding under such clause (A)(ii). Except as provided in the previous sentence, the provision of compensatory time off to such employees for hours worked after April 14, 1986, shall be in accordance with this subsection.

(3)(A) If the work of an employee for which compensatory time may be provided included work in a public safety activity, an emergency response activity, or a seasonal activity, the employee engaged in such work may accrue not more than 480 hours of compensatory time for hours worked after April 15, 1986. If such work was any other work, the employee engaged in such work may accrue not more than 240 hours of compensatory time for hours worked after April 15, 1986. Any such employee who, after April 15, 1986, has accrued 480 or 240 hours, as the case may be, of compensatory time off shall, for additional overtime hours of work, be paid overtime compensation.

(B) If compensation is paid to an employee for accrued compensatory time off, such compensation shall be paid at the regular rate earned by the employee at the time the employee receives such payment.

(4) An employee who has accrued compensatory time off authorized to be provided under paragraph (1) shall, upon termination of employment, be paid for the unused compensatory time at a rate of compensation not less than—

(A) the average regular rate received by such employee during the last 3 years of the employee's employment, or

(B) the final regular rate received by such employee,

whichever is higher ³

(5) An employee of a public agency which is a State, political subdivision of a State, or an interstate governmental agency—

(A) who has accrued compensatory time off authorized to be provided under paragraph (1), and

(B) who has requested the use of such compensatory time,

shall be permitted by the employee's employer to use such time within a reasonable period after making the request if the use of the compensatory time does not unduly disrupt the operations of the public agency.

(6) The hours an employee of a public agency performs court reporting transcript preparation duties shall not be considered as hours worked for the purposes of subsection (a) if—

(A) such employee is paid at a per-page rate which is not less than—

(i) the maximum rate established by State law or local ordinance for the jurisdiction of such public agency,

(ii) the maximum rate otherwise established by a judicial or administrative officer and in effect on July 1, 1995, or

(iii) the rate freely negotiated between the employee and the party requesting the transcript, other than the judge who presided over the proceedings being transcribed, and

(B) the hours spent performing such duties are outside of the hours such employee performs other work (including hours for which the agency requires the employee's attendance) pursuant to the employment relationship with such public agency.

For purposes of this section, the amount paid such employee in accordance with subparagraph (A) for the performance of court reporting transcript preparation duties, shall not be considered in the calculation of the regular rate at which such employee is employed.

(7) For purposes of this subsection—

(A) the term "overtime compensation" means the compensation required by subsection (a), and

(B) the terms "compensatory time" and "compensatory time off" mean hours during which an employee is not working, which are not counted as hours worked during the applicable workweek or other work period for purposes of overtime compensation, and for which the employee is compensated at the employee's regular rate.

(p) Special detail work for fire protection and law enforcement employees; occasional or sporadic employment; substitution

(1) If an individual who is employed by a State, political subdivision of a State, or an interstate governmental agency in fire protection or law enforcement activities (including activities of security personnel in correctional institutions) and who, solely at such individual's option, agrees to be employed on a special detail by a separate or independent employer in fire protection, law enforcement, or related activities, the hours such individual was employed by such separate and independent employer shall be excluded by the public agency employing such individual in the calculation of the hours for which the employee is entitled to overtime compensation under this section if the public agency—

(A) requires that its employees engaged in fire protection, law enforcement, or security activities be hired by a separate and independent employer to perform the special detail,

(B) facilitates the employment of such employees by a separate and independent employer, or

(C) otherwise affects the condition of employment of such employees by a separate and independent employer.

(2) If an employee of a public agency which is a State, political subdivision of a State, or an interstate governmental agency undertakes, on an occasional or sporadic basis and solely at the employee's option, part-time employment for the public agency which is in a different capacity from any capacity in which the employee is regularly employed with the public agency, the hours such employee was employed in performing the different employment shall be excluded by the public agency in the calculation of the hours for which the employee is entitled to overtime compensation under this section.

(3) If an individual who is employed in any capacity by a public agency which is a State, political subdivision of a State, or an interstate governmental agency, agrees, with the approval of the public agency and solely at the option of such individual, to substitute during scheduled work hours for another individual who is employed by such agency in the same capacity, the hours such employee worked as a substitute shall be excluded by the public agency in the calculation of the hours for which the employee is entitled to overtime compensation under this section.

(q) Maximum hour exemption for employees receiving remedial education

Any employer may employ any employee for a period or periods of not more than 10 hours in the aggregate in any workweek in excess of the maximum workweek specified in subsection (a) without paying the compensation for overtime employment prescribed in such subsection, if during such period or periods the employee is receiving remedial education that is—

(1) provided to employees who lack a high school diploma or educational attainment at the eighth grade level;

(2) designed to provide reading and other basic skills at an eighth grade level or below; and

(3) does not include job specific training.

(June 25, 1938, ch. 676, §7, 52 Stat. 1063; Oct. 29, 1941, ch. 461, 55 Stat. 756; July 20, 1949, ch. 352, §1, 63 Stat. 446; Oct. 26, 1949, ch. 736, §7, 63 Stat. 912; Pub. L. 87–30, §6, May 5, 1961, 75 Stat. 69; Pub. L. 89–601, title II, §§204(c), (d), 212(b), title IV, §§401–403, Sept. 23, 1966, 80 Stat. 835–837, 841, 842; Pub. L. 93–259, §§6(c)(1), 7(b)(2), 9(a), 12(b), 19, 21(a), Apr. 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 60, 62, 64, 66, 68; Pub. L. 99–150, §§2(a), 3(a)–(c)(1), Nov. 13, 1985, 99 Stat. 787, 789; Pub. L. 101–157, §7, Nov. 17, 1989, 103 Stat. 944; Pub. L. 104–26, §2, Sept. 6, 1995, 109 Stat. 264; Pub. L. 106–202, §2(a), (b), May 18, 2000, 114 Stat. 308, 309; Pub. L. 111–148, title IV, §4207, Mar. 23, 2010, 124 Stat. 577; Pub. L. 117–328, div. KK, §102(a)(1), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 6093.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1966, referred to in subsec. (a)(2), is Pub. L. 89–601, Sept. 23, 1966, 80 Stat. 830. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1966 Amendment note set out under section 201 of this title and Tables.

The effective date of the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1966, referred to in subsec. (a)(2)(A), means the effective date of Pub. L. 89–601, which is Feb. 1, 1967 except as otherwise provided, see section 602 of Pub. L. 89–601, set out as an Effective Date of 1966 Amendment note under section 203 of this title.

Section 6(c)(3) of the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1974, referred to in subsec. (k)(1), is Pub. L. 93–259, §6(c)(3), Apr. 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 61, which is set out as a note under section 213 of this title.

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (r). Pub. L. 117–328 struck out subsec. (r) which related to reasonable break time for nursing mothers.

2010—Subsec. (r). Pub. L. 111–148 added subsec. (r).

2000—Subsec. (e)(8). Pub. L. 106–202, §2(a), added par. (8).

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 106–202, §2(b), designated existing provisions as par. (2) and added par. (1).

1995—Subsec. (o)(6), (7). Pub. L. 104–26 added par. (6) and redesignated former par. (6) as (7).

1989—Subsec. (q). Pub. L. 101–157 added subsec. (q).

1985—Subsec. (o). Pub. L. 99–150, §2(a), added subsec. (o).

Subsec. (p). Pub. L. 99–150, §3(a)–(c)(1), added subsec. (p).

1974—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 93–259, §19(a), (b), substituted "seven workweeks" for "ten workweeks", "ten workweeks" for "fourteen workweeks" and "forty-eight hours" for "fifty hours" effective May 1, 1974. Pub. L. 93–259, §19(c), substituted "five workweeks" for "seven workweeks" and "seven workweeks" for "ten workweeks" effective Jan. 1, 1975. Pub. L. 93–259, §19(d), substituted "three workweeks" for "five workweeks" and "five workweeks" for "seven workweeks" effective Jan. 1, 1976. Pub. L. 93–259, §19(e), repealed subsec. (c) effective Dec. 31, 1976.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 93–259, §19(a), (b), substituted "seven workweeks" for "ten workweeks", "ten workweeks" for "fourteen workweeks" and "forty-eight hours" for "fifty hours" effective May 1, 1974. Pub. L. 93–259, §19(c), substituted "five workweeks" for "seven workweeks" and "seven workweeks" for "ten workweeks" effective Jan. 1, 1975. Pub. L. 93–259, §19(d), substituted "three workweeks" for "five workweeks" and "five workweeks" for "seven workweeks" effective Jan. 1, 1976. Pub. L. 93–259, §19(e), repealed subsec. (d) effective Dec. 31, 1976.

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 93–259, §12(b), extended provision excepting from being considered a subsec. (a) violation agreements or undertakings between employers and employees respecting consecutive work period and overtime compensation to agreements between employers engaged in operation of an establishment which is an institution primarily engaged in the care of the sick, the aged, or the mentally ill or defective who reside on the premises and employees respecting consecutive work period and overtime compensation.

Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 93–259, §6(c)(1)(D), effective Jan. 1, 1978, substituted in par. (1) "exceed the lesser of (A) 216 hours, or (B) the average number of hours (as determined by the Secretary pursuant to section 6(c)(3) of the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1974) in tours of duty of employees engaged in such activities in work periods of 28 consecutive days in calendar year 1975" for "exceed 216 hours" and inserted in par. (2) "(or if lower, the number of hours referred to in clause (B) of paragraph (1)".

Pub. L. 93–259, §6(c)(1)(C), substituted "216 hours" for "232 hours", wherever appearing, effective Jan. 1, 1977.

Pub. L. 93–259, §6(c)(1)(B), substituted "232 hours" for "240 hours", wherever appearing, effective Jan. 1, 1976.

Pub. L. 93–259, §6(c)(1)(A), added subsec. (k), effective Jan. 1, 1975.

Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 93–259, §7(b)(2), added subsec. (l).

Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 93–259, §9(a), added subsec. (m).

Subsec. (n). Pub. L. 93–259, §21(a), added subsec. (n).

1966—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 89–601, §401, retained provision for 40-hour workweek and compensation for employment in excess of 40 hours at not less than one and one-half times the regular rate of pay and substituted provisions setting out a phased timetable for the workweek in the case of employees covered by the overtime provisions for the first time under the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1966 beginning at 44 hours during the first year from the effective date of the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1966, 42 hours during the second year from such date, and 40 hours after the expiration of the second year from such date, for provisions giving a phased timetable for workweeks in the case of employees first covered under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1961.

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 89–601, §212(b), substituted provisions granting an overtime exemption for petroleum distribution employees if they receive compensation for the hours of employment in excess of 40 hours in any workweek at a rate not less than one and one-half times the applicable minimum wage rate and if the enterprises do an annual gross sales volume of less than $1,000,000, if more than 75 per centum of such enterprise's annual dollar volume of sales is made within the state in which the enterprise is located, and not more than 25 per centum of the annual dollar volume is to customers who are engaged in the bulk distribution of such products for resale for provisions covering employees for a period of not more than 14 workweeks in the aggregate in any calendar year in an industry found to be of a seasonal nature.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 89–601, §204(c), substituted provisions for an overtime exemption of 10 weeks in any calendar year or 14 weeks in the case of an employer not qualifying for the exemption in subsec. (d) of this section, limited to 10 hours a day and 50 hours a week, applicable to employees employed in seasonal industries which are not engaged in agricultural processing, for provisions granting a year-round unlimited exemption applicable to employees of employers engaged in first processing of milk into dairy products, cotton compressing and ginning, cottonseed processing, and the processing of certain farm products into sugar, and granting a 14-week unlimited exemption applicable to employees of employers engaged in first processing of perishable or seasonal fresh fruits or vegetables first processing within the area of production of any agricultural commodity during a seasonal operation, or the handling or slaughtering of livestock and poultry.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 89–601, §204(c), added subsec. (d). Former subsec. (d) redesignated (e).

Subsecs. (e), (f). Pub. L. 89–601, §204(d)(1), redesignated former subsecs. (d) and (e) as (e) and (f) respectively. Former subsec. (f) redesignated (g).

Subsecs. (g), (h). Pub. L. 89–601, §204(d)(1), (2), redesignated former subsecs. (f) and (g) as subsecs. (g) and (h) respectively, and in subsecs. (g) and (h) as so redesignated, substituted reference to "subsection (e)" for reference to "subsection (d)." Former subsec. (h) redesignated (i).

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 89–601, §§204(d)(1), 402, redesignated former subsec. (h) as (i) and inserted provision that, in determining the proportion of compensation representing commissions, all earnings resulting from the application of a bona fide commission rate shall be deemed commissions on goods or services without regard to whether the computed commissions exceed the draw or guarantee.

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 89–601, §403, added subsec. (j).

1961—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 87–30, §6(a), designated existing provisions as par. (1), inserted "in any workweek", and added par. (2).

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 87–30, §6(b), substituted "in excess of the maximum workweek applicable to such employee under subsection (a)" for "in excess of forty hours in the workweek".

Subsec. (d)(5), (7). Pub. L. 87–30, §6(c), (d), substituted "in excess of the maximum workweek applicable to such employee under subsection (a)" for "forty in a workweek" in par. (5) and "the maximum workweek applicable to such employee under subsection (a)" for "forty hours" in par. (7).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 87–30, §6(e), substituted "the maximum workweek applicable to such employee under subsection (a)", "subsection (a) or (b) of section 206 of this title (whichever may be applicable" and "such maximum" for "forty hours", "section 206(a) of this title" and "forty in any", respectively.

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 87–30, §6(f), substituted "the maximum workweek applicable to such employee under subsection" for "forty hours" in two places.

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 87–30, §6(g), added subsec. (h).

1949—Subsec. (a). Act Oct. 26, 1949, continued requirement that employment in excess of 40 hours in a workweek be compensated at rate not less than 1½ times regular rate except as to employees specifically exempted.

Subsec. (b)(1). Act Oct. 26, 1949, increased employment period limitation from one thousand hours to one thousand and forty hours in semi-annual agreements.

Subsec. (b)(2). Act Oct. 26, 1949, increased employment period limitation from two thousand and eighty hours to two thousand two hundred and forty hours in annual agreements, fixed minimum and maximum guaranteed employment periods, and provided for overtime rate for hours worked in excess of the guaranty.

Subsec. (c). Act Oct. 26, 1949, added buttermilk to commodities listed for first processing.

Subsec. (d). Act Oct. 26, 1949, struck out former subsec. (d) and inserted a new subsec. (d) defining regular rate with certain specified types of payments excepted.

Subsec. (e) added by act July 20, 1949, and amended by act Oct. 26, 1949, which determined compensation to be paid for irregular hours of work.

Subsecs. (f) and (g). Act Oct. 26, 1949, added subsecs. (f) and (g).

1941—Subsec. (b)(2) amended by act Oct. 29, 1941.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2022 Amendment

Pub. L. 117–328, div. KK, §103(a), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 6096, provided that: "The amendments made by section 102(a) [enacting section 218d of this title and amending this section] shall take effect on the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 29, 2022]."

Effective Date of 2000 Amendment

Pub. L. 106–202, §2(c), May 18, 2000, 114 Stat. 309, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall take effect on the date that is 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act [May 18, 2000]."

Effective Date of 1995 Amendment

Pub. L. 104–26, §3, Sept. 6, 1995, 109 Stat. 265, provided that: "The amendments made by section 2 [amending this section] shall apply after the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 6, 1995] and with respect to actions brought in a court after the date of the enactment of this Act."

Effective Date of 1985 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 99–150 effective Apr. 15, 1986, see section 6 of Pub. L. 99–150, set out as a note under section 203 of this title.

Effective Date of 1974 Amendment

Pub. L. 93–259, §6(c)(1)(A)–(D), Apr. 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 60, provided that the amendments made by that section are effective Jan. 1, 1975, 1976, 1977, and 1978, respectively.

Amendment by sections 7(b)(2), 9(a), 12(b), 19(a), (b), and 21(a) of Pub. L. 93–259 effective May 1, 1974, see section 29(a) of Pub. L. 93–259, set out as a note under section 202 of this title.

Pub. L. 93–259, §19(c)–(e), Apr. 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 66, provided that the amendments and repeals made by subsecs. (c), (d), and (e) of section 19 are effective Jan. 1, 1975, Jan. 1, 1976, and Dec. 31, 1976, respectively.

Effective Date of 1966 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 89–601 effective Feb. 1, 1967, except as otherwise provided, see section 602 of Pub. L. 89–601, set out as a note under section 203 of this title.

Effective Date of 1961 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 87–30 effective upon expiration of one hundred and twenty days after May 5, 1961, except as otherwise provided, see section 14 of Pub. L. 87–30, set out as a note under section 203 of this title.

Effective Date of 1949 Amendment

Amendment by act Oct. 26, 1949, effective ninety days after Oct. 26, 1949, see section 16(a) of act Oct. 26, 1949, set out as a note under section 202 of this title.

Regulations

Pub. L. 106–202, §2(e), May 18, 2000, 114 Stat. 309, provided that: "The Secretary of Labor may promulgate such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the amendments made by this Act [amending this section]."

Applicability; Liability of Employers

Pub. L. 110–244, title III, §306, June 6, 2008, 122 Stat. 1620, provided that:

"(a) Applicability Following This Act.—Beginning on the date of enactment of this Act [June 6, 2008], section 7 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 207) shall apply to a covered employee notwithstanding section 13(b)(1) of that Act (29 U.S.C. 213(b)(1)).

"(b) Liability Limitation Following SAFETEA–LU.—

"(1) Limitation on liability.—An employer shall not be liable for a violation of section 7 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 207) with respect to a covered employee if—

"(A) the violation occurred in the 1-year period beginning on August 10, 2005; and

"(B) as of the date of the violation, the employer did not have actual knowledge that the employer was subject to the requirements of such section with respect to the covered employee.

"(2) Actions to recover amounts previously paid.—Nothing in paragraph (1) shall be construed to establish a cause of action for an employer to recover amounts paid before the date of enactment of this Act [June 6, 2008] in settlement of, in compromise of, or pursuant to a judgment rendered regarding a claim or potential claim based on an alleged or proven violation of section 7 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 207) occurring in the 1-year period referred to in paragraph (1)(A) with respect to a covered employee.

"(c) Covered Employee Defined.—In this section, the term 'covered employee' means an individual—

"(1) who is employed by a motor carrier or motor private carrier (as such terms are defined by section 13102 of title 49, United States Code, as amended by section 305);

"(2) whose work, in whole or in part, is defined—

"(A) as that of a driver, driver's helper, loader, or mechanic; and

"(B) as affecting the safety of operation of motor vehicles weighing 10,000 pounds or less in transportation on public highways in interstate or foreign commerce, except vehicles—

"(i) designed or used to transport more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for compensation;

"(ii) designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers (including the driver) and not used to transport passengers for compensation; or

"(iii) used in transporting material found by the Secretary of Transportation to be hazardous under section 5103 of title 49, United States Code, and transported in a quantity requiring placarding under regulations prescribed by the Secretary under section 5103 of title 49, United States Code; and

"(3) who performs duties on motor vehicles weighing 10,000 pounds or less."

Liability of Employers

Pub. L. 106–202, §2(d), May 18, 2000, 114 Stat. 309, provided that: "No employer shall be liable under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 [29 U.S.C. 201 et seq.] for any failure to include in an employee's regular rate (as defined for purposes of such Act) any income or value derived from employer-provided grants or rights obtained pursuant to any stock option, stock appreciation right, or employee stock purchase program if—

"(1) the grants or rights were obtained before the effective date described in subsection (c) [set out as an Effective Date of 2000 Amendment note above];

"(2) the grants or rights were obtained within the 12-month period beginning on the effective date described in subsection (c), so long as such program was in existence on the date of enactment of this Act [May 18, 2000] and will require shareholder approval to modify such program to comply with section 7(e)(8) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 [29 U.S.C. 207(e)(8)] (as added by the amendments made by subsection (a)); or

"(3) such program is provided under a collective bargaining agreement that is in effect on the effective date described in subsection (c)."

Compensatory Time; Collective Bargaining Agreements in Effect on April 15, 1986

Pub. L. 99–150, §2(b), Nov. 13, 1985, 99 Stat. 788, provided that: "A collective bargaining agreement which is in effect on April 15, 1986, and which permits compensatory time off in lieu of overtime compensation shall remain in effect until its expiration date unless otherwise modified, except that compensatory time shall be provided after April 14, 1986, in accordance with section 7(o) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (as added by subsection (a)) [29 U.S.C. 207(o)]."

Deferment of Monetary Overtime Compensation

Pub. L. 99–150, §2(c)(2), Nov. 13, 1985, 99 Stat. 789, provided that a State, political subdivision of a State, or interstate governmental agency could defer until Aug. 1, 1986, the payment of monetary overtime compensation under this section for hours worked after Apr. 14, 1986.

Effect of Amendments by Public Law 99–150 on Public Agency Liability Respecting any Employee Covered Under Special Enforcement Policy

Amendment by Pub. L. 99–150 not to affect liability of certain public agencies under section 216 of this title for violation of this section occurring before Apr. 15, 1986, see section 7 of Pub. L. 99–150, set out as a note under section 216 of this title.

Rules, Regulations, and Orders Promulgated With Regard to 1966 Amendments

Secretary authorized to promulgate necessary rules, regulations, or orders on and after the date of the enactment of Pub. L. 89–601, Sept. 23, 1966, with regard to the amendments made by Pub. L. 89–601, see section 602 of Pub. L. 89–601, set out as a note under section 203 of this title.

Study by Secretary of Labor of Excessive Overtime

Pub. L. 89–601, title VI, §603, Sept. 23, 1966, 80 Stat. 844, directed Secretary of Labor to make a complete study of practices dealing with overtime payments for work in excess of forty hours per week and the extent to which such overtime work impeded the creation of new job opportunities in American industry and instructed him to report to the Congress by July 1, 1967, the findings of such survey with appropriate recommendations.

Definition of "Administrator"

The term "Administrator" as meaning the Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division, see section 204 of this title.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

Functions of all other officers of Department of Labor and functions of all agencies and employees of that Department, with exception of functions vested by Administrative Procedure Act (now covered by sections 551 et seq. and 701 et seq. of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees) in hearing examiners employed by Department, transferred to Secretary of Labor, with power vested in him to authorize their performance or performance of any of his functions by any of those officers, agencies, and employees, by Reorg. Plan No. 6 of 1950, §§1, 2, 15 F.R. 3174, 64 Stat. 1263, set out in the Appendix to Title 5.

Ex. Ord. No. 9607. Forty-Eight Hour Wartime Workweek

Ex. Ord. No. 9607, Aug. 30, 1945, 10 F.R. 11191, provided:

By virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and statutes as President of the United States it is ordered that Executive Order 9301 of February 9, 1943 [8 F.R. 1825] (formerly set out as note under this section), establishing a minimum wartime workweek of forty-eight hours, be, and it is hereby, revoked.

Harry S. Truman.      

¹ So in original. Probably should not be capitalized.

² So in original. The comma probably should be preceded by a closing parenthesis.

³ So in original. Probably should be followed by a period.

§208. Repealed. Pub. L. 110–28, title VIII, §8103(c)(1)(A), May 25, 2007, 121 Stat. 189

Section, acts June 25, 1938, ch. 676, §8, 52 Stat. 1064; Oct. 26, 1949, ch. 736, §8, 63 Stat. 915; Aug. 12, 1955, ch. 867, §§4, 5(b)–(e), 69 Stat. 711, 712; Pub. L. 85–750, Aug. 25, 1958, 72 Stat. 844; Pub. L. 87–30, §7, May 5, 1961, 75 Stat. 70; Pub. L. 93–259, §5(c)(1), (d), Apr. 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 58; Pub. L. 95–151, §2(d)(3), Nov. 1, 1977, 91 Stat. 1246; Pub. L. 101–157, §4(c), Nov. 17, 1989, 103 Stat. 940; Pub. L. 101–583, §1, Nov. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 2871, related to wage orders in American Samoa.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of Repeal

Repeal effective 60 days after May 25, 2007, see section 8103(c)(2) of Pub. L. 110–28, set out as an Effective Date of 2007 Amendment note under section 206 of this title.

§209. Attendance of witnesses

For the purpose of any hearing or investigation provided for in this chapter, the provisions of sections 49 and 50 of title 15 (relating to the attendance of witnesses and the production of books, papers, and documents), are made applicable to the jurisdiction, powers, and duties of the Administrator, the Secretary of Labor, and the industry committees.

(June 25, 1938, ch. 676, §9, 52 Stat. 1065; 1946 Reorg. Plan No. 2, §1(b), eff. July 16, 1946, 11 F.R. 7873, 60 Stat. 1095.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Definition of "Administrator"

The term "Administrator" as meaning the Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division, see section 204 of this title.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

Functions relating to enforcement and administration of equal pay provisions vested by this section in Secretary of Labor and Administrator of Wage and Hour Division of Department of Labor transferred to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission by Reorg. Plan No. 1 of 1978, §1, 43 F.R. 19807, 92 Stat. 3781, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, effective Jan. 1, 1979, as provided by section 1–101 of Ex. Ord. No. 12106, Dec. 28, 1978, 44 F.R. 1053.

Functions of all other officers of Department of Labor and functions of all agencies and employees of that Department, with exception of functions vested by Administrative Procedure Act (now covered by sections 551 et seq. and 701 et seq. of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees) in hearing examiners employed by Department, transferred to Secretary of Labor, with power vested in him to authorize their performance or performance of any of his functions by any of those officers, agencies, and employees, by Reorg. Plan No. 6 of 1950, §§1, 2, 15 F.R. 3174, 64 Stat. 1263, set out in the Appendix to Title 5.

"Secretary of Labor" substituted in text for "Chief of the Children's Bureau" by 1946 Reorg. Plan No. 2. See Transfer of Functions note set out under section 203 of this title.

§210. Court review of wage orders in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands

(a) Any person aggrieved by an order of the Secretary issued under section 208 ¹ of this title may obtain a review of such order in the United States Court of Appeals for any circuit wherein such person resides or has his principal place of business, or in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, by filing in such court, within 60 days after the entry of such order a written petition praying that the order of the Secretary be modified or set aside in whole or in part. A copy of such petition shall forthwith be transmitted by the clerk of the court to the Secretary, and thereupon the Secretary shall file in the court the record of the industry committee upon which the order complained of was entered, as provided in section 2112 of title 28. Upon the filing of such petition such court shall have exclusive jurisdiction to affirm, modify (including provision for the payment of an appropriate minimum wage rate), or set aside such order in whole or in part, so far as it is applicable to the petitioner. The review by the court shall be limited to questions of law, and findings of fact by such industry committee when supported by substantial evidence shall be conclusive. No objection to the order of the Secretary shall be considered by the court unless such objection shall have been urged before such industry committee or unless there were reasonable grounds for failure so to do. If application is made to the court for leave to adduce additional evidence, and it is shown to the satisfaction of the court that such additional evidence may materially affect the result of the proceeding and that there were reasonable grounds for failure to adduce such evidence in the proceedings before such industry committee, the court may order such additional evidence to be taken before an industry committee and to be adduced upon the hearing in such manner and upon such terms and conditions as to the court may seem proper. Such industry committee may modify the initial findings by reason of the additional evidence so taken, and shall file with the court such modified or new findings which if supported by substantial evidence shall be conclusive, and shall also file its recommendation, if any, for the modification or setting aside of the original order. The judgment and decree of the court shall be final, subject to review by the Supreme Court of the United States upon certiorari or certification as provided in section 1254 of title 28.

(b) The commencement of proceedings under subsection (a) shall not, unless specifically ordered by the court, operate as a stay of the Administrator's order. The court shall not grant any stay of the order unless the person complaining of such order shall file in court an undertaking with a surety or sureties satisfactory to the court for the payment to the employees affected by the order, in the event such order is affirmed, of the amount by which the compensation such employees are entitled to receive under the order exceeds the compensation they actually receive while such stay is in effect.

(June 25, 1938, ch. 676, §10, 52 Stat. 1065; Aug. 12, 1955, ch. 867, §5(f), 69 Stat. 712; Pub. L. 85–791, §22, Aug. 28, 1958, 72 Stat. 948; Pub. L. 93–259, §5(c)(2), Apr. 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 58.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 208 of this title, referred to in subsec. (a), was repealed by Pub. L. 110–28, title VIII, §8103(c)(1)(A), May 25, 2007, 121 Stat. 189.

Amendments

1974—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 93–259 inserted "(including provision for the payment of an appropriate minimum wage rate)" in third sentence after "modify".

1958—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 85–791 substituted "transmitted by the clerk of the court to the Secretary, and thereupon the Secretary shall file in the court the record of the industry committee" for "served upon the Secretary, and thereupon the Secretary shall certify and file in the court a transcript of the record" in second sentence, and inserted "as provided in section 2112 of title 28", and substituted "petition" for "transcript" in third sentence.

1955—Subsec. (a). Act Aug. 12, 1955, amended subsec. (a) generally to make subsection conform to new procedure applicable to Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1974 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 93–259 effective May 1, 1974, see section 29(a) of Pub. L. 93–259, set out as a note under section 202 of this title.

Definition of "Administrator"

The term "Administrator" as meaning the Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division, see section 204 of this title.

Definition of "Secretary"

The term "Secretary" as meaning the Secretary of Labor, see section 6 of act Aug. 12, 1955, set out as a note under section 204 of this title.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of functions of other officers, employees, and agencies of Department of Labor, with certain exceptions, to Secretary of Labor, with power to delegate, see Reorg. Plan No. 6 of 1950, §§1, 2, 15 F.R. 3174, 64 Stat. 1263, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

¹ See References in Text note below.

§211. Collection of data

(a) Investigations and inspections

The Administrator or his designated representatives may investigate and gather data regarding the wages, hours, and other conditions and practices of employment in any industry subject to this chapter, and may enter and inspect such places and such records (and make such transcriptions thereof), question such employees, and investigate such facts, conditions, practices, or matters as he may deem necessary or appropriate to determine whether any person has violated any provision of this chapter, or which may aid in the enforcement of the provisions of this chapter. Except as provided in section 212 of this title and in subsection (b) of this section, the Administrator shall utilize the bureaus and divisions of the Department of Labor for all the investigations and inspections necessary under this section. Except as provided in section 212 of this title, the Administrator shall bring all actions under section 217 of this title to restrain violations of this chapter.

(b) State and local agencies and employees

With the consent and cooperation of State agencies charged with the administration of State labor laws, the Administrator and the Secretary of Labor may, for the purpose of carrying out their respective functions and duties under this chapter, utilize the services of State and local agencies and their employees and, notwithstanding any other provision of law, may reimburse such State and local agencies and their employees for services rendered for such purposes.

(c) Records

Every employer subject to any provision of this chapter or of any order issued under this chapter shall make, keep, and preserve such records of the persons employed by him and of the wages, hours, and other conditions and practices of employment maintained by him, and shall preserve such records for such periods of time, and shall make such reports therefrom to the Administrator as he shall prescribe by regulation or order as necessary or appropriate for the enforcement of the provisions of this chapter or the regulations or orders thereunder. The employer of an employee who performs substitute work described in section 207(p)(3) of this title may not be required under this subsection to keep a record of the hours of the substitute work.

(d) Homework regulations

The Administrator is authorized to make such regulations and orders regulating, restricting, or prohibiting industrial homework as are necessary or appropriate to prevent the circumvention or evasion of and to safeguard the minimum wage rate prescribed in this chapter, and all existing regulations or orders of the Administrator relating to industrial homework are continued in full force and effect.

(June 25, 1938, ch. 676, §11, 52 Stat. 1066; 1946 Reorg. Plan No. 2, §1(b), eff. July 16, 1946, 11 F.R. 7873, 60 Stat. 1095; Oct. 26, 1949, ch. 736, §9, 63 Stat. 916; Pub. L. 99–150, §3(c)(2), Nov. 13, 1985, 99 Stat. 789.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1985—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 99–150 inserted "The employer of an employee who performs substitute work described in section 207(p)(3) of this title may not be required under this subsection to keep a record of the hours of the substitute work."

1949—Subsec. (d). Act Oct. 26, 1949, added subsec. (d).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1985 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 99–150 effective Apr. 15, 1986, see section 6 of Pub. L. 99–150, set out as a note under section 203 of this title.

Effective Date of 1949 Amendment

Amendment by act Oct. 26, 1949, effective ninety days after Oct. 26, 1949, see section 16(a) of act Oct. 26, 1949, set out as a note under section 202 of this title.

Effect of Amendments by Public Law 99–150 on Public Agency Liability Respecting any Employee Covered Under Special Enforcement Policy

Amendment by Pub. L. 99–150 not to affect liability of certain public agencies under section 216 of this title for violation of this section occurring before Apr. 15, 1986, see section 7 of Pub. L. 99–150, set out as a note under section 216 of this title.

Definition of "Administrator"

The term "Administrator" as meaning the Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division, see section 204 of this title.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

Functions relating to enforcement and administration of equal pay provisions vested by subsecs. (a), (b), and (c) of this section in Secretary of Labor and Administrator of Wage and Hour Division of Department of Labor transferred to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission by Reorg. Plan No. 1 of 1978, §1, 43 F.R. 19807, 92 Stat. 3781, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, effective Jan. 1, 1979, as provided by section 1–101 of Ex. Ord. No. 12106, Dec. 28, 1978, 44 F.R. 1053.

For transfer of functions of other officers, employees, and agencies of Department of Labor, with certain exceptions, to Secretary of Labor, with power to delegate, see Reorg. Plan No. 6 of 1950, §§1, 2, 15 F.R. 3174, 64 Stat. 1263, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

"Secretary of Labor" substituted for "Chief of the Children's Bureau" in subsec. (b) by 1946 Reorg. Plan No. 2. See note set out under section 203 of this title.

§212. Child labor provisions

(a) Restrictions on shipment of goods; prosecution; conviction

No producer, manufacturer, or dealer shall ship or deliver for shipment in commerce any goods produced in an establishment situated in the United States in or about which within thirty days prior to the removal of such goods therefrom any oppressive child labor has been employed: Provided, That any such shipment or delivery for shipment of such goods by a purchaser who acquired them in good faith in reliance on written assurance from the producer, manufacturer, or dealer that the goods were produced in compliance with the requirements of this section, and who acquired such goods for value without notice of any such violation, shall not be deemed prohibited by this subsection: And provided further, That a prosecution and conviction of a defendant for the shipment or delivery for shipment of any goods under the conditions herein prohibited shall be a bar to any further prosecution against the same defendant for shipments or deliveries for shipment of any such goods before the beginning of said prosecution.

(b) Investigations and inspections

The Secretary of Labor or any of his authorized representatives, shall make all investigations and inspections under section 211(a) of this title with respect to the employment of minors, and, subject to the direction and control of the Attorney General, shall bring all actions under section 217 of this title to enjoin any act or practice which is unlawful by reason of the existence of oppressive child labor, and shall administer all other provisions of this chapter relating to oppressive child labor.

(c) Oppressive child labor

No employer shall employ any oppressive child labor in commerce or in the production of goods for commerce or in any enterprise engaged in commerce or in the production of goods for commerce.

(d) Proof of age

In order to carry out the objectives of this section, the Secretary may by regulation require employers to obtain from any employee proof of age.

(June 25, 1938, ch. 676, §12, 52 Stat. 1067; 1946 Reorg. Plan No. 2, §1(b), eff. July 16, 1946, 11 F.R. 7873, 60 Stat. 1095; Oct. 26, 1949, ch. 736, §10, 63 Stat. 917; Pub. L. 87–30, §8, May 5, 1961, 75 Stat. 70; Pub. L. 93–259, §25(a), Apr. 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 72.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1974—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 93–259 added subsec. (d).

1961—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 87–30 inserted "or in any enterprise engaged in commerce or in the production of goods for commerce".

1949—Subsec. (a). Act Oct. 26, 1949, §10(a), struck out effective date at beginning of subsection and inserted proviso excepting good faith purchaser of goods produced by oppressive child labor.

Subsec. (c). Act Oct. 26, 1949, §10(b), added subsec. (c).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1974 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 93–259 effective May 1, 1974, see section 29(a) of Pub. L. 93–259, set out as a note under section 202 of this title.

Effective Date of 1961 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 87–30 effective upon expiration of one hundred and twenty days after May 5, 1961, except as otherwise provided, see section 14 of Pub. L. 87–30, set out as a note under section 203 of this title.

Effective Date of 1949 Amendment

Amendment by act Oct. 26, 1949, effective ninety days after Oct. 26, 1949, see section 16(a) of act Oct. 26, 1949, set out as a note under section 202 of this title.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of functions of other officers, employees, and agencies of Department of Labor, with certain exceptions, to Secretary of Labor, with power to delegate, see Reorg. Plan No. 6 of 1950, §§1, 2, 15 F.R. 3174, 64 Stat. 1263, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

"Secretary of Labor" substituted for "Chief of the Children's Bureau in the Department of Labor" in subsec. (b) by 1946 Reorg. Plan No. 2. See note set out under section 203 of this title.

§213. Exemptions

(a) Minimum wage and maximum hour requirements

The provisions of sections 206 (except subsection (d) in the case of paragraph (1) of this subsection) and 207 of this title shall not apply with respect to—

(1) any employee employed in a bona fide executive, administrative, or professional capacity (including any employee employed in the capacity of academic administrative personnel or teacher in elementary or secondary schools), or in the capacity of outside salesman (as such terms are defined and delimited from time to time by regulations of the Secretary, subject to the provisions of subchapter II of chapter 5 of title 5, except that an employee of a retail or service establishment shall not be excluded from the definition of employee employed in a bona fide executive or administrative capacity because of the number of hours in his workweek which he devotes to activities not directly or closely related to the performance of executive or administrative activities, if less than 40 per centum of his hours worked in the workweek are devoted to such activities); or

(2) Repealed. Pub. L. 101–157, §3(c)(1), Nov. 17, 1989, 103 Stat. 939.

(3) any employee employed by an establishment which is an amusement or recreational establishment, organized camp, or religious or non-profit educational conference center, if (A) it does not operate for more than seven months in any calendar year, or (B) during the preceding calendar year, its average receipts for any six months of such year were not more than 331/3 per centum of its average receipts for the other six months of such year, except that the exemption from sections 206 and 207 of this title provided by this paragraph does not apply with respect to any employee of a private entity engaged in providing services or facilities (other than, in the case of the exemption from section 206 of this title, a private entity engaged in providing services and facilities directly related to skiing) in a national park or a national forest, or on land in the National Wildlife Refuge System, under a contract with the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture; or

(4) Repealed. Pub. L. 101–157, §3(c)(1), Nov. 17, 1989, 103 Stat. 939.

(5) any employee employed in the catching, taking, propagating, harvesting, cultivating, or farming of any kind of fish, shellfish, crustacea, sponges, seaweeds, or other aquatic forms of animal and vegetable life, or in the first processing, canning or packing such marine products at sea as an incident to, or in conjunction with, such fishing operations, including the going to and returning from work and loading and unloading when performed by any such employee; or

(6) any employee employed in agriculture (A) if such employee is employed by an employer who did not, during any calendar quarter during the preceding calendar year, use more than five hundred man-days of agricultural labor, (B) if such employee is the parent, spouse, child, or other member of his employer's immediate family, (C) if such employee (i) is employed as a hand harvest laborer and is paid on a piece rate basis in an operation which has been, and is customarily and generally recognized as having been, paid on a piece rate basis in the region of employment, (ii) commutes daily from his permanent residence to the farm on which he is so employed, and (iii) has been employed in agriculture less than thirteen weeks during the preceding calendar year, (D) if such employee (other than an employee described in clause (C) of this subsection) (i) is sixteen years of age or under and is employed as a hand harvest laborer, is paid on a piece rate basis in an operation which has been, and is customarily and generally recognized as having been, paid on a piece rate basis in the region of employment, (ii) is employed on the same farm as his parent or person standing in the place of his parent, and (iii) is paid at the same piece rate as employees over age sixteen are paid on the same farm, or (E) if such employee is principally engaged in the range production of livestock; or

(7) any employee to the extent that such employee is exempted by regulations, order, or certificate of the Secretary issued under section 214 of this title; or

(8) any employee employed in connection with the publication of any weekly, semiweekly, or daily newspaper with a circulation of less than four thousand the major part of which circulation is within the county where published or counties contiguous thereto; or

(9) Repealed. Pub. L. 93–259, §23(a)(1), Apr. 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 69.

(10) any switchboard operator employed by an independently owned public telephone company which has not more than seven hundred and fifty stations; or

(11) Repealed. Pub. L. 93–259, §10(a), Apr. 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 63.

(12) any employee employed as a seaman on a vessel other than an American vessel; or

(13), (14) Repealed. Pub. L. 93–259, §§9(b)(1), 23(b)(1), Apr. 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 63, 69.

(15) any employee employed on a casual basis in domestic service employment to provide babysitting services or any employee employed in domestic service employment to provide companionship services for individuals who (because of age or infirmity) are unable to care for themselves (as such terms are defined and delimited by regulations of the Secretary); or

(16) a criminal investigator who is paid availability pay under section 5545a of title 5;

(17) any employee who is a computer systems analyst, computer programmer, software engineer, or other similarly skilled worker, whose primary duty is—

(A) the application of systems analysis techniques and procedures, including consulting with users, to determine hardware, software, or system functional specifications;

(B) the design, development, documentation, analysis, creation, testing, or modification of computer systems or programs, including prototypes, based on and related to user or system design specifications;

(C) the design, documentation, testing, creation, or modification of computer programs related to machine operating systems; or

(D) a combination of duties described in subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) the performance of which requires the same level of skills, and

who, in the case of an employee who is compensated on an hourly basis, is compensated at a rate of not less than $27.63 an hour; or

(18) any employee who is a border patrol agent, as defined in section 5550(a) of title 5; or

(19) any employee employed to play baseball who is compensated pursuant to a contract that provides for a weekly salary for services performed during the league's championship season (but not spring training or the off season) at a rate that is not less than a weekly salary equal to the minimum wage under section 206(a) of this title for a workweek of 40 hours, irrespective of the number of hours the employee devotes to baseball related activities.

(b) Maximum hour requirements

The provisions of section 207 of this title shall not apply with respect to—

(1) any employee with respect to whom the Secretary of Transportation has power to establish qualifications and maximum hours of service pursuant to the provisions of section 31502 of title 49; or

(2) any employee of an employer engaged in the operation of a rail carrier subject to part A of subtitle IV of title 49; or

(3) any employee of a carrier by air subject to the provisions of title II of the Railway Labor Act [45 U.S.C. 181 et seq.]; or

(4) Repealed. Pub. L. 93–259, §11(c), Apr. 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 64.

(5) any individual employed as an outside buyer of poultry, eggs, cream, or milk, in their raw or natural state; or

(6) any employee employed as a seaman; or

(7) Repealed. Pub. L. 93–259, §21(b)(3), Apr. 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 68.

(8) Repealed. Pub. L. 95–151, §14(b), Nov. 1, 1977, 91 Stat. 1252.

(9) any employee employed as an announcer, news editor, or chief engineer by a radio or television station the major studio of which is located (A) in a city or town of one hundred thousand population or less, according to the latest available decennial census figures as compiled by the Bureau of the Census, except where such city or town is part of a standard metropolitan statistical area, as defined and designated by the Office of Management and Budget, which has a total population in excess of one hundred thousand, or (B) in a city or town of twenty-five thousand population or less, which is part of such an area but is at least 40 airline miles from the principal city in such area; or

(10)(A) any salesman, partsman, or mechanic primarily engaged in selling or servicing automobiles, trucks, or farm implements, if he is employed by a nonmanufacturing establishment primarily engaged in the business of selling such vehicles or implements to ultimate purchasers; or

(B) any salesman primarily engaged in selling trailers, boats, or aircraft, if he is employed by a nonmanufacturing establishment primarily engaged in the business of selling trailers, boats, or aircraft to ultimate purchasers; or

(11) any employee employed as a driver or driver's helper making local deliveries, who is compensated for such employment on the basis of trip rates, or other delivery payment plan, if the Secretary shall find that such plan has the general purpose and effect of reducing hours worked by such employees to, or below, the maximum workweek applicable to them under section 207(a) of this title; or

(12) any employee employed in agriculture or in connection with the operation or maintenance of ditches, canals, reservoirs, or waterways, not owned or operated for profit, or operated on a sharecrop basis, and which are used exclusively for supply and storing of water, at least 90 percent of which was ultimately delivered for agricultural purposes during the preceding calendar year; or

(13) any employee with respect to his employment in agriculture by a farmer, notwithstanding other employment of such employee in connection with livestock auction operations in which such farmer is engaged as an adjunct to the raising of livestock, either on his own account or in conjunction with other farmers, if such employee (A) is primarily employed during his workweek in agriculture by such farmer, and (B) is paid for his employment in connection with such livestock auction operations at a wage rate not less than that prescribed by section 206(a)(1) of this title; or

(14) any employee employed within the area of production (as defined by the Secretary) by an establishment commonly recognized as a country elevator, including such an establishment which sells products and services used in the operation of a farm, if no more than five employees are employed in the establishment in such operations; or

(15) any employee engaged in the processing of maple sap into sugar (other than refined sugar) or syrup; or

(16) any employee engaged (A) in the transportation and preparation for transportation of fruits or vegetables, whether or not performed by the farmer, from the farm to a place of first processing or first marketing within the same State, or (B) in transportation, whether or not performed by the farmer, between the farm and any point within the same State of persons employed or to be employed in the harvesting of fruits or vegetables; or

(17) any driver employed by an employer engaged in the business of operating taxicabs; or

(18), (19) Repealed. Pub. L. 93–259, §§15(c), 16(b), Apr. 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 65.

(20) any employee of a public agency who in any workweek is employed in fire protection activities or any employee of a public agency who in any workweek is employed in law enforcement activities (including security personnel in correctional institutions), if the public agency employs during the workweek less than 5 employees in fire protection or law enforcement activities, as the case may be; or

(21) any employee who is employed in domestic service in a household and who resides in such household; or

(22) Repealed. Pub. L. 95–151, §5, Nov. 1, 1977, 91 Stat. 1249.

(23) Repealed. Pub. L. 93–259, §10(b)(3), Apr. 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 64.

(24) any employee who is employed with his spouse by a nonprofit educational institution to serve as the parents of children—

(A) who are orphans or one of whose natural parents is deceased, or

(B) who are enrolled in such institution and reside in residential facilities of the institution,

while such children are in residence at such institution, if such employee and his spouse reside in such facilities, receive, without cost, board and lodging from such institution, and are together compensated, on a cash basis, at an annual rate of not less than $10,000; or

(25), (26) Repealed. Pub. L. 95–151, §§6(a), 7(a), Nov. 1, 1977, 91 Stat. 1249, 1250.

(27) any employee employed by an establishment which is a motion picture theater; or

(28) any employee employed in planting or tending trees, cruising, surveying, or felling timber, or in preparing or transporting logs or other forestry products to the mill, processing plant, railroad, or other transportation terminal, if the number of employees employed by his employer in such forestry or lumbering operations does not exceed eight;

(29) any employee of an amusement or recreational establishment located in a national park or national forest or on land in the National Wildlife Refuge System if such employee (A) is an employee of a private entity engaged in providing services or facilities in a national park or national forest, or on land in the National Wildlife Refuge System, under a contract with the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture, and (B) receives compensation for employment in excess of fifty-six hours in any workweek at a rate not less than one and one-half times the regular rate at which he is employed; or

(30) a criminal investigator who is paid availability pay under section 5545a of title 5.

(c) Child labor requirements

(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) or (4), the provisions of section 212 of this title relating to child labor shall not apply to any employee employed in agriculture outside of school hours for the school district where such employee is living while he is so employed, if such employee—

(A) is less than twelve years of age and (i) is employed by his parent, or by a person standing in the place of his parent, on a farm owned or operated by such parent or person, or (ii) is employed, with the consent of his parent or person standing in the place of his parent, on a farm, none of the employees of which are (because of subsection (a)(6)(A)) required to be paid at the wage rate prescribed by section 206(a)(5) ¹ of this title,

(B) is twelve years or thirteen years of age and (i) such employment is with the consent of his parent or person standing in the place of his parent, or (ii) his parent or such person is employed on the same farm as such employee, or

(C) is fourteen years of age or older.

(2) The provisions of section 212 of this title relating to child labor shall apply to an employee below the age of sixteen employed in agriculture in an occupation that the Secretary of Labor finds and declares to be particularly hazardous for the employment of children below the age of sixteen, except where such employee is employed by his parent or by a person standing in the place of his parent on a farm owned or operated by such parent or person.

(3) The provisions of section 212 of this title relating to child labor shall not apply to any child employed as an actor or performer in motion pictures or theatrical productions, or in radio or television productions.

(4)(A) An employer or group of employers may apply to the Secretary for a waiver of the application of section 212 of this title to the employment for not more than eight weeks in any calendar year of individuals who are less than twelve years of age, but not less than ten years of age, as hand harvest laborers in an agricultural operation which has been, and is customarily and generally recognized as being, paid on a piece rate basis in the region in which such individuals would be employed. The Secretary may not grant such a waiver unless he finds, based on objective data submitted by the applicant, that—

(i) the crop to be harvested is one with a particularly short harvesting season and the application of section 212 of this title would cause severe economic disruption in the industry of the employer or group of employers applying for the waiver;

(ii) the employment of the individuals to whom the waiver would apply would not be deleterious to their health or well-being;

(iii) the level and type of pesticides and other chemicals used would not have an adverse effect on the health or well-being of the individuals to whom the waiver would apply;

(iv) individuals age twelve and above are not available for such employment; and

(v) the industry of such employer or group of employers has traditionally and substantially employed individuals under twelve years of age without displacing substantial job opportunities for individuals over sixteen years of age.

(B) Any waiver granted by the Secretary under subparagraph (A) shall require that—

(i) the individuals employed under such waiver be employed outside of school hours for the school district where they are living while so employed;

(ii) such individuals while so employed commute daily from their permanent residence to the farm on which they are so employed; and

(iii) such individuals be employed under such waiver (I) for not more than eight weeks between June 1 and October 15 of any calendar year, and (II) in accordance with such other terms and conditions as the Secretary shall prescribe for such individuals' protection.

(5)(A) In the administration and enforcement of the child labor provisions of this chapter, employees who are 16 and 17 years of age shall be permitted to load materials into, but not operate or unload materials from, scrap paper balers and paper box compactors—

(i) that are safe for 16- and 17-year-old employees loading the scrap paper balers or paper box compactors; and

(ii) that cannot be operated while being loaded.

(B) For purposes of subparagraph (A), scrap paper balers and paper box compactors shall be considered safe for 16- or 17-year-old employees to load only if—

(i)(I) the scrap paper balers and paper box compactors meet the American National Standards Institute's Standard ANSI Z245.5–1990 for scrap paper balers and Standard ANSI Z245.2–1992 for paper box compactors; or

(II) the scrap paper balers and paper box compactors meet an applicable standard that is adopted by the American National Standards Institute after August 6, 1996, and that is certified by the Secretary to be at least as protective of the safety of minors as the standard described in subclause (I);

(ii) the scrap paper balers and paper box compactors include an on-off switch incorporating a key-lock or other system and the control of the system is maintained in the custody of employees who are 18 years of age or older;

(iii) the on-off switch of the scrap paper balers and paper box compactors is maintained in an off position when the scrap paper balers and paper box compactors are not in operation; and

(iv) the employer of 16- and 17-year-old employees provides notice, and posts a notice, on the scrap paper balers and paper box compactors stating that—

(I) the scrap paper balers and paper box compactors meet the applicable standard described in clause (i);

(II) 16- and 17-year-old employees may only load the scrap paper balers and paper box compactors; and

(III) any employee under the age of 18 may not operate or unload the scrap paper balers and paper box compactors.

The Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register a standard that is adopted by the American National Standards Institute for scrap paper balers or paper box compactors and certified by the Secretary to be protective of the safety of minors under clause (i)(II).

(C)(i) Employers shall prepare and submit to the Secretary reports—

(I) on any injury to an employee under the age of 18 that requires medical treatment (other than first aid) resulting from the employee's contact with a scrap paper baler or paper box compactor during the loading, operation, or unloading of the baler or compactor; and

(II) on any fatality of an employee under the age of 18 resulting from the employee's contact with a scrap paper baler or paper box compactor during the loading, operation, or unloading of the baler or compactor.

(ii) The reports described in clause (i) shall be used by the Secretary to determine whether or not the implementation of subparagraph (A) has had any effect on the safety of children.

(iii) The reports described in clause (i) shall provide—

(I) the name, telephone number, and address of the employer and the address of the place of employment where the incident occurred;

(II) the name, telephone number, and address of the employee who suffered an injury or death as a result of the incident;

(III) the date of the incident;

(IV) a description of the injury and a narrative describing how the incident occurred; and

(V) the name of the manufacturer and the model number of the scrap paper baler or paper box compactor involved in the incident.

(iv) The reports described in clause (i) shall be submitted to the Secretary promptly, but not later than 10 days after the date on which an incident relating to an injury or death occurred.

(v) The Secretary may not rely solely on the reports described in clause (i) as the basis for making a determination that any of the employers described in clause (i) has violated a provision of section 212 of this title relating to oppressive child labor or a regulation or order issued pursuant to section 212 of this title. The Secretary shall, prior to making such a determination, conduct an investigation and inspection in accordance with section 212(b) of this title.

(vi) The reporting requirements of this subparagraph shall expire 2 years after August 6, 1996.

(6) In the administration and enforcement of the child labor provisions of this chapter, employees who are under 17 years of age may not drive automobiles or trucks on public roadways. Employees who are 17 years of age may drive automobiles or trucks on public roadways only if—

(A) such driving is restricted to daylight hours;

(B) the employee holds a State license valid for the type of driving involved in the job performed and has no records of any moving violation at the time of hire;

(C) the employee has successfully completed a State approved driver education course;

(D) the automobile or truck is equipped with a seat belt for the driver and any passengers and the employee's employer has instructed the employee that the seat belts must be used when driving the automobile or truck;

(E) the automobile or truck does not exceed 6,000 pounds of gross vehicle weight;

(F) such driving does not involve—

(i) the towing of vehicles;

(ii) route deliveries or route sales;

(iii) the transportation for hire of property, goods, or passengers;

(iv) urgent, time-sensitive deliveries;

(v) more than two trips away from the primary place of employment in any single day for the purpose of delivering goods of the employee's employer to a customer (other than urgent, time-sensitive deliveries);

(vi) more than two trips away from the primary place of employment in any single day for the purpose of transporting passengers (other than employees of the employer);

(vii) transporting more than three passengers (including employees of the employer); or

(viii) driving beyond a 30 mile radius from the employee's place of employment; and

(G) such driving is only occasional and incidental to the employee's employment.

For purposes of subparagraph (G), the term "occasional and incidental" is no more than one-third of an employee's worktime in any workday and no more than 20 percent of an employee's worktime in any workweek.

(7)(A)(i) Subject to subparagraph (B), in the administration and enforcement of the child labor provisions of this chapter, it shall not be considered oppressive child labor for a new entrant into the workforce to be employed inside or outside places of business where machinery is used to process wood products.

(ii) In this paragraph, the term "new entrant into the workforce" means an individual who—

(I) is under the age of 18 and at least the age of 14, and

(II) by statute or judicial order is exempt from compulsory school attendance beyond the eighth grade.

(B) The employment of a new entrant into the workforce under subparagraph (A) shall be permitted—

(i) if the entrant is supervised by an adult relative of the entrant or is supervised by an adult member of the same religious sect or division as the entrant;

(ii) if the entrant does not operate or assist in the operation of power-driven woodworking machines;

(iii) if the entrant is protected from wood particles or other flying debris within the workplace by a barrier appropriate to the potential hazard of such wood particles or flying debris or by maintaining a sufficient distance from machinery in operation; and

(iv) if the entrant is required to use personal protective equipment to prevent exposure to excessive levels of noise and saw dust.

(d) Delivery of newspapers and wreathmaking

The provisions of sections 206, 207, and 212 of this title shall not apply with respect to any employee engaged in the delivery of newspapers to the consumer or to any homeworker engaged in the making of wreaths composed principally of natural holly, pine, cedar, or other evergreens (including the harvesting of the evergreens or other forest products used in making such wreaths).

(e) Maximum hour requirements and minimum wage employees

The provisions of section 207 of this title shall not apply with respect to employees for whom the Secretary of Labor is authorized to establish minimum wage rates as provided in section 206(a)(3) ¹ of this title, except with respect to employees for whom such rates are in effect; and with respect to such employees the Secretary may make rules and regulations providing reasonable limitations and allowing reasonable variations, tolerances, and exemptions to and from any or all of the provisions of section 207 of this title if he shall find, after a public hearing on the matter, and taking into account the factors set forth in section 206(a)(3) ¹ of this title, that economic conditions warrant such action.

(f) Employment in foreign countries and certain United States territories

The provisions of sections 206, 207, 211, and 212 of this title shall not apply with respect to any employee whose services during the workweek are performed in a workplace within a foreign country or within territory under the jurisdiction of the United States other than the following: a State of the United States; the District of Columbia; Puerto Rico; the Virgin Islands; outer Continental Shelf lands defined in the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (ch. 345, 67 Stat. 462) [43 U.S.C. 1331 et seq.]; American Samoa; Guam; Wake Island; Eniwetok Atoll; Kwajalein Atoll; and Johnston Island.

(g) Certain employment in retail or service establishments, agriculture

The exemption from section 206 of this title provided by paragraph (6) of subsection (a) of this section shall not apply with respect to any employee employed by an establishment (1) which controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, another establishment the activities of which are not related for a common business purpose to, but materially support the activities of the establishment employing such employee; and (2) whose annual gross volume of sales made or business done, when combined with the annual gross volume of sales made or business done by each establishment which controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, the establishment employing such employee, exceeds $10,000,000 (exclusive of excise taxes at the retail level which are separately stated).

(h) Maximum hour requirement: fourteen workweek limitation

The provisions of section 207 of this title shall not apply for a period or periods of not more than fourteen workweeks in the aggregate in any calendar year to any employee who—

(1) is employed by such employer—

(A) exclusively to provide services necessary and incidental to the ginning of cotton in an establishment primarily engaged in the ginning of cotton;

(B) exclusively to provide services necessary and incidental to the receiving, handling, and storing of raw cotton and the compressing of raw cotton when performed at a cotton warehouse or compress-warehouse facility, other than one operated in conjunction with a cotton mill, primarily engaged in storing and compressing;

(C) exclusively to provide services necessary and incidental to the receiving, handling, storing, and processing of cottonseed in an establishment primarily engaged in the receiving, handling, storing, and processing of cottonseed; or

(D) exclusively to provide services necessary and incidental to the processing of sugar cane or sugar beets in an establishment primarily engaged in the processing of sugar cane or sugar beets; and

(2) receives for—

(A) such employment by such employer which is in excess of ten hours in any workday, and

(B) such employment by such employer which is in excess of forty-eight hours in any workweek,

compensation at a rate not less than one and one-half times the regular rate at which he is employed.

Any employer who receives an exemption under this subsection shall not be eligible for any other exemption under this section or section 207 of this title.

(i) Cotton ginning

The provisions of section 207 of this title shall not apply for a period or periods of not more than fourteen workweeks in the aggregate in any period of fifty-two consecutive weeks to any employee who—

(1) is engaged in the ginning of cotton for market in any place of employment located in a county where cotton is grown in commercial quantities; and

(2) receives for any such employment during such workweeks—

(A) in excess of ten hours in any workday, and

(B) in excess of forty-eight hours in any workweek,

compensation at a rate not less than one and one-half times the regular rate at which he is employed. No week included in any fifty-two week period for purposes of the preceding sentence may be included for such purposes in any other fifty-two week period.

(j) Processing of sugar beets, sugar beet molasses, or sugar cane

The provisions of section 207 of this title shall not apply for a period or periods of not more than fourteen workweeks in the aggregate in any period of fifty-two consecutive weeks to any employee who—

(1) is engaged in the processing of sugar beets, sugar beet molasses, or sugar cane into sugar (other than refined sugar) or syrup; and

(2) receives for any such employment during such workweeks—

(A) in excess of ten hours in any workday, and

(B) in excess of forty-eight hours in any workweek,

compensation at a rate not less than one and one-half times the regular rate at which he is employed. No week included in any fifty-two week period for purposes of the preceding sentence may be included for such purposes in any other fifty-two week period.

(June 25, 1938, ch. 676, §13, 52 Stat. 1067; Aug. 9, 1939, ch. 605, 53 Stat. 1266; Oct. 26, 1949, ch. 736, §11, 63 Stat. 917; Aug. 8, 1956, ch. 1035, §3, 70 Stat. 1118; Pub. L. 85–231, §1(1), Aug. 30, 1957, 71 Stat. 514; Pub. L. 86–624, §21(b), July 12, 1960, 74 Stat. 417; Pub. L. 87–30, §§9, 10, May 5, 1961, 75 Stat. 71, 74; Pub. L. 89–601, title II, §§201–204(a), (b), 205–212(a), 213, 214, 215(b), (c), Sept. 23, 1966, 80 Stat. 833–838; Pub. L. 89–670, §8(e), Oct. 15, 1966, 80 Stat. 943; 1970 Reorg. Plan No. 2, §102, eff. July 1, 1970, 35 F.R. 7959, 84 Stat. 2085; Pub. L. 92–318, title IX, §906(b)(1), June 23, 1972, 86 Stat. 375; Pub. L. 93–259, §§6(c)(2), 7(b)(3), (4), 8, 9(b), 10, 11, 12(a), 13(a)–(d), 14–18, 20(a)–(c), 21(b), 22, 23, 25(b), Apr. 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 61–69, 72; Pub. L. 95–151, §§4–8, 9(d), 11, 14, Nov. 1, 1977, 91 Stat. 1249, 1250-1252; Pub. L. 96–70, title I, §1225(a), Sept. 27, 1979, 93 Stat. 468; Pub. L. 101–157, §3(c), Nov. 17, 1989, 103 Stat. 939; Pub. L. 103–329, title VI, §633(d), Sept. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 2428; Pub. L. 104–88, title III, §340, Dec. 29, 1995, 109 Stat. 955; Pub. L. 104–174, §1, Aug. 6, 1996, 110 Stat. 1553; Pub. L. 104–188, [title II], §2105(a), Aug. 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1929; Pub. L. 105–78, title I, §105, Nov. 13, 1997, 111 Stat. 1477; Pub. L. 105–334, §2(a), Oct. 31, 1998, 112 Stat. 3137; Pub. L. 108–199, div. E, title I, §108, Jan. 23, 2004, 118 Stat. 236; Pub. L. 113–277, §2(g)(2), Dec. 18, 2014, 128 Stat. 3005; Pub. L. 115–141, div. S, title II, §201(a), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1126.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Railway Labor Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(3), is act May 20, 1926, ch. 347, 44 Stat. 577. Title II of the Railway Labor Act was added by act Apr. 10, 1936, ch. 166, 49 Stat. 1189, and is classified generally to subchapter II (§181 et seq.) of Title 45, Railroads. For complete classification of this Act to the Code see section 151 of Title 45 and Tables.

Section 206(a)(5) of this title, referred to in subsec. (c)(1)(A), was redesignated section 206(a)(4) of this title by Pub. L. 110–28, title VIII, §8103(c)(1)(B), May 25, 2007, 121 Stat. 189.

Section 206(a)(3) of this title, referred to in subsec. (e), was repealed and section 206(a)(4) of this title was redesignated section 206(a)(3) by Pub. L. 110–28, title VIII, §8103(c)(1)(B), May 25, 2007, 121 Stat. 189.

The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, referred to in subsec. (f), is act Aug. 7, 1953, ch. 345, 67 Stat. 462, which is classified generally to subchapter III (§1331 et seq.) of chapter 29 of Title 43, Public Lands. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1301 of Title 43 and Tables.

Codification

In subsec. (a)(1), "subchapter II of chapter 5 of title 5" substituted for "the Administrative Procedure Act" on authority of Pub. L. 89–554, §7(b), Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 631, the first section of which enacted Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

In subsec. (b)(1), "section 31502 of title 49" substituted for "section 3102 of title 49" on authority of Pub. L. 103–272, §§1(c), (e), 6(b), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 745, 862, 1029, 1378. Previously, "section 3102 of title 49" substituted for "section 204 of the Motor Carrier Act, 1935 [49 U.S.C. 304]", on authority of Pub. L. 97–449, §6(b), Jan. 12, 1983, 96 Stat. 2443, the first section of which enacted subtitle I (§101 et seq.) and chapter 31 (§3101 et seq.) of subtitle II of Title 49, Transportation.

Amendments

2018—Subsec. (a)(19). Pub. L. 115–141 added par. (19).

2014—Subsec. (a)(18). Pub. L. 113–277 added par. (18).

2004—Subsec. (c)(7). Pub. L. 108–199 added par. (7).

1998—Subsec. (c)(6). Pub. L. 105–334 added par. (6).

1997—Subsec. (b)(12). Pub. L. 105–78 substituted "water, at least 90 percent of which was ultimately delivered for agricultural purposes during the preceding calendar year" for "water for agricultural purposes".

1996—Subsec. (a)(17). Pub. L. 104–188 added par. (17).

Subsec. (c)(5). Pub. L. 104–174 added par. (5).

1995—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 104–88 substituted "rail carrier subject to part A of subtitle IV of title 49" for "common carrier by rail and subject to the provisions of part I of the Interstate Commerce Act".

1994—Subsec. (a)(16). Pub. L. 103–329, §633(d)(1), added par. (16).

Subsec. (b)(30). Pub. L. 103–329, §633(d)(2), added par. (30).

1989—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 101–157, §3(c)(1), struck out par. (2) which related to employees employed by a retail or service establishment.

Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 101–157, §3(c)(1), struck out par. (4) which related to employees employed by an establishment which qualified as an exempt retail establishment under clause (2) of this subsection and was recognized as a retail establishment in the particular industry notwithstanding that such establishment made or processed at the retail establishment the goods that it sold.

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 101–157, §3(c)(2), substituted "provided by paragraph (6) of subsection (a)" for "provided by paragraphs (2) and (6) of subsection (a)" and struck out before period at end ", except that the exemption from section 206 of this title provided by paragraph (2) of subsection (a) of this section shall apply with respect to any establishment described in this subsection which has an annual dollar volume of sales which would permit it to qualify for the exemption provided in paragraph (2) of subsection (a) if it were in an enterprise described in section 203(s) of this title".

1979—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 96–70 struck out "; and the Canal Zone" after "Johnston Island".

1977—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 95–151, §9(d), substituted "section 203(s)(5)" for "section 203(s)(4)".

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 95–151, §§4(a), 11, inserted "organized camp, or religious or non-profit educational conference center," after "recreational establishment,", and inserted provisions relating to applicability of exemption from sections 206 and 207 of this title authorized by this paragraph for private employees in national parks, etc.

Subsec. (b)(8). Pub. L. 95–151, §14(a), substituted "forty-four" for "forty-six".

Pub. L. 95–151, §14(b), struck out par. (8) which related to exemption of hotel, motel, and restaurant employees, effective Jan. 1, 1979.

Subsec. (b)(22). Pub. L. 95–151, §5, struck out par. (22) which related to exemption of shade-grown tobacco employees.

Subsec. (b)(25). Pub. L. 95–151, §6(a), struck out par. (25) which related to exemption of cotton ginning employees. See subsec. (i) of this section.

Subsec. (b)(26). Pub. L. 95–151, §7(a), struck out par. (26) which related to exemption of sugar employees. See subsec. (j) of this section.

Subsec. (b)(29). Pub. L. 95–151, §4(b), added par. (29).

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 95–151, §8, in par. (1) inserted reference to par. (4), and added par. (4).

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 95–151, §6(b), added subsec. (i).

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 95–151, §7(b), added subsec. (j).

1974—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 93–259, §8(a), substituted "$225,000" for "$250,000" effective Jan. 1, 1975, Pub. L. 93–259, §8(b), substituted "$200,000" for "$225,000" effective Jan. 1, 1976. Pub. L. 93–259, §8(c), struck out "or such establishment has an annual dollar volume of sales which is less than $200,000 (exclusive of excise taxes at the retail level which are separately stated)" after "section 203(s) of this title" effective Jan. 1, 1977.

Subsec. (a)(9). Pub. L. 93–259, §23(a)(1), repealed exemption provision respecting any employee employed by an establishment which is a motion picture theater. See subsec. (b)(27) of this section.

Subsec. (a)(11). Pub. L. 93–259, §10(a), repealed exemption provision respecting any employee or proprietor in a retail or service establishment which qualifies as an exempt retail or service establishment under former par. (2) of subsec. (a) with respect to whom provisions of sections 206 and 207 of this title would not otherwise apply, engaged in handling telegraphic messages for public under an agency or contract arrangement with a telegraph company where telegraph message revenue of such agency does not exceed $500 a month.

Subsec. (a)(13). Pub. L. 93–259, §23(b)(1), repealed exemption provision respecting any employee employed in planting or tending trees, cruising, surveying, or felling timber, or in preparing or transporting logs or other forestry products to mill, processing plant, railroad, or other transportation terminal, if number of employees employed by his employer in such forestry or lumbering operations does not exceed eight. See subsec. (b)(28) of this section.

Subsec. (a)(14). Pub. L. 93–259, §9(b)(1), repealed exemption provision respecting any agricultural employee employed in the growing and harvesting of shade-grown tobacco who is engaged in processing (including, but not limited to, drying, curing, fermenting, bulking, rebulking, sorting, grading, aging, and baling) of such tobacco, prior to the stemming process, for use as cigar wrapper tobacco. See subsec. (b)(22) of this section.

Subsec. (a)(15). Pub. L. 93–259, §7(b)(3), added par. (15).

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 93–259, §23(c), amended par. (2) (insofar as it relates to pipeline employees), inserting "engaged in the operation of a common carrier by rail and" after "employer".

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 93–259, §11(a), effective May 1, 1974, inserted "who is" after "employee" and ", and who receives compensation for employment in excess of forty-eight hours in any workweek at a rate not less than one and one-half times the regular rate at which he is employed" before the semi-colon. Pub. L. 93–259, §11(b), substituted "forty-four hours" for "forty-eight hours" effective one year after May 1, 1974. Pub. L. 93–259, §11(c), repealed subsec. (b)(4) effective two years after May 1, 1974.

Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 93–259, §21(b)(1), substituted "(regardless of whether or not such railway or carrier is public or private or operated for profit or not for profit), if such employee receives compensation for employment in excess of forty-eight hours in any workweek at a rate not less than one and one-half times the regular rate at which he is employed" for ", if the rates and services of such railway or carrier are subject to regulation by a State or local agency" effective May 1, 1974. Pub. L. 93–259, §21(b)(2), substituted "forty-four hours" for "forty-eight hours" effective one year after May 1, 1974. Pub. L. 93–259, §21(b)(3) repealed subsec. (b)(7) effective two years after May 1, 1974.

Subsec. (b)(8). Pub. L. 93–259, §§12(a), 13(a), effective May 1, 1974, insofar as relating to nursing home employees, struck out exemption provision respecting any employee who is employed by an establishment which is an institution (other than a hospital) primarily engaged in the care of the sick, the aged, or the mentally ill or defective who reside on the premises, and receives compensation for employment in excess of forty-eight hours in any workweek at a rate not less than one and one-half times the regular rate at which he is employed, and insofar as relating to a hotel, motel, and restaurant employees, substituted "(A) any employee (other than an employee of a hotel or motel who performs maid or custodial services) who is" for "any employee", inserted before the semicolon "and who receives compensation for employment in excess of forty-eight hours in any workweek at a rate not less than one and one-half times the regular rate at which he is employed", and added subpar. (B). Pub. L. 93–259, §13(b), effective one year after May 1, 1974, substituted "forty-six hours" for "forty-eight hours" in subparas. (A) and (B). Pub. L. 93–259, §13(c), effective two years after May 1, 1974, substituted "forty-four hours" for "forty-six hours" in subpar. (B). Pub. L. 93–259, §13(d), repealed subsec. (b)(8)(B) and eliminated the designation (A), effective three years after May 1, 1974.

Subsec. (b)(10). Pub. L. 93–259, §14, incorporated existing paragraph in provisions designated as subpar. (A), struck out from the list references to trailers and aircraft, inserted reference to implements, and added subpar. (B) incorporating references to trailers and aircraft.

Subsec. (b)(15). Pub. L. 93–259, §20(a), struck out exemption provision respecting any employee engaged in ginning of cotton for market, in any place of employment located in a county where cotton is grown in commercial quantities or in the processing of sugar beets, sugar-beet molasses, and sugarcane into sugar. See subsec. (b)(25) and (26) of this section.

Subsec. (b)(18). Pub. L. 93–259, §15(a), effective May 1, 1974, inserted "and who receives compensation for employment in excess of forty-eight hours in any workweek at a rate not less than one and one-half times the regular rate at which he is employed." Pub. L. 93–259, §15(b), effective one year after May 1, 1974, substituted "forty-four hours" for "forty-eight hours." Pub. L. 93–259, §15(c), repealed par. (18) effective two years after May 1, 1974.

Subsec. (b)(19). Pub. L. 93–259, §16(a), effective one year after May 1, 1974, substituted "forty-four hours" for "forty-eight hours". Pub. L. 93–259, §16(b), repealed par. (19), effective two years after May 1, 1974.

Subsec. (b)(20). Pub. L. 93–259, §6(c)(2)(A), added par. (20) effective May 1, 1974. Pub. L. 93–259, §6(c)(2)(B), effective Jan. 1, 1975, made maximum hours provisions inapplicable during any workweek to any employee of a public agency employing during the workweek less than 5 employees.

Subsec. (b)(21). Pub. L. 93–259, §7(b)(4), added par. (21).

Subsec. (b)(22). Pub. L. 93–259, §9(b)(2), added par. (22).

Subsec. (b)(23). Pub. L. 93–259, §10(b)(1), added par. (23), effective May 1, 1974. Pub. L. 93–259, §10(b)(2), substituted "forty-four hours" for "forty-eight hours" effective one year after May 1, 1974. Pub. L. 93–259, §10(b)(3), repealed par. (23) effective two years after May 1, 1974.

Subsec. (b)(24). Pub. L. 93–259, §17, added par. (24).

Subsec. (b)(25). Pub. L. 93–259, §20(b)(1), added par. (25) effective May 1, 1974. Pub. L. 93–259, §20(b)(2), effective Jan. 1, 1975, substituted "sixty-six" for "seventy-two" in subpar. (A), "sixty" for "sixty-four" in subpar. (B), and "forty-six hours in any workweek for not more than two workweeks in that year, and" for "forty-eight hours in any other workweek in that year," in subpar. (D), and added subpar. (E). Pub. L. 93–259, §20(b)(3), effective Jan. 1, 1976, substituted "sixty" for "sixty-six", "fifty-six" for "sixty", "forty-eight" for "fifty", "forty-four" for "forty-six", and "forty" for "forty-four".

Subsec. (b)(26). Pub. L. 93–259, §20(c)(1), added par. (26) effective May 1, 1974. Pub. L. 93–259, §20(c)(2), effective Jan. 1, 1975, substituted "sixty-six" for "seventy-two" in subpar. (A), "sixty" for "sixty-four" in subpar. (B), and "forty-six hours in any workweek for not more than two workweeks in that year, and" for "forty-eight hours in any other workweek in that year," in subpar. (D), and added subpar. (E). Pub. L. 93–259, §20(c)(3), effective Jan. 1, 1976, substituted "sixty" for "sixty-six", "fifty-six" for "sixty", "forty-eight" for "fifty", "forty-four" for "forty-six", and "forty" for "forty-four".

Subsec. (b)(27). Pub. L. 93–259, §23(a)(2), added par. (27).

Subsec. (b)(28). Pub. L. 93–259, §23(b)(2), added par. (28).

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 93–259, §25(b), amended par. (1) generally, striking out "with respect" after "shall not apply", inserting ", if such employee—", and adding subpars. (A) to (C).

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 93–259, §18, added subsec. (g).

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 93–259, §22, added subsec. (h).

1972—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 92–318 inserted "(except subsection (d) in the case of paragraph (1) of this subsection)" after introductory text "sections 206".

1966—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 89–601, §214, inserted "(including any employee employed in the capacity of academic administrative personnel or teacher in elementary or secondary schools)" after "professional capacity".

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 89–601, §201(a), revised the retail or service establishment exemption so as to exempt employees of a retail or service establishment (other than an establishment or employee engaged in laundering or drycleaning or an establishment engaged in the operation of a hospital, school, or institution specifically included in the definition of the term "enterprise engaged in commerce or in the production of goods for commerce") if more than 50 per centum of the establishment's annual dollar volume of sales of goods or services is made within the state in which the establishment is located and the establishment is not an enterprise described in section 203(s) of this title or the establishment has an annual dollar volume of sales which is less than $250,000.

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 89–601, §§201(b)(2), 202, repealed par. (3) relating to employees of laundry, cleaning, and fabric or clothing repair establishments doing more than 50 per centum of their annual dollar volume of business within the state in which the establishment is located and enacted a new par. (3) relating to employees of amusement or recreational establishments which do not operate for more than seven months in any calendar year or which had receipts over a six-month period which were not more than 331/3 per centum of its average receipts for the other six months of such year.

Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 89–601, §203(a), limited the provisions exempting agricultural employees from application of sections 206 and 207 of this title by narrowing the class of exempted agricultural employees to include only an employee employed by an employer who did not, during any calendar quarter during the preceding calendar year, use more than 500 man-days of agricultural labor, an employee who is the spouse, parent, child, or other member of his employer's immediate family, certain hand harvest laborers, or an employee principally engaged in the range production of livestock. See subsec. (b)(12) of this section.

Subsec. (a)(7). Pub. L. 89–601, §215(c), extended coverage to include employees exempted by a certificate of the Secretary.

Subsec. (a)(8). Pub. L. 89–601, §205, substituted "where published" for "where printed and published".

Subsec. (a)(9). Pub. L. 89–601, §§206(a), 207, repealed par. (9) relating to employees of street, suburban, or interurban electric railways, or local trolleys or motor bus carriers not in a section 203(s) enterprise and enacted a new par. (9) relating to employees employed by motion picture theaters. See subsec. (b)(7) of this section.

Subsec. (a)(10). Pub. L. 89–601, §§204(a), 215(b)(1), repealed par. (10) relating to employees engaged in handling and processing of agricultural, horticultural, and dairy products and redesignated par. (11) as (10). See section 207(d) of this title.

Subsec. (a)(11). Pub. L. 89–601, §215(b)(1), redesignated par. (13) as (11). Former par. (11) redesignated (10).

Subsec. (a)(12). Pub. L. 89–601, §§206(b)(1), 215(b)(1), repealed par. (12) relating to employees of employers engaged in the business of operating taxicabs and redesignated par. (14) as (12). See subsec. (b)(17) of this section.

Subsec. (a)(13). Pub. L. 89–601, §§208, 215(b)(1), redesignated par. (15) as (13) and substituted "eight" for "twelve". Former par. (13) redesignated (11).

Subsec. (a)(14). Pub. L. 89–601, §215(b), redesignated par. (21) as (14) and substituted a period for "; or" at end. Former par. (14) redesignated (12).

Subsec. (a)(15). Pub. L. 89–601, §215(b)(1), redesignated par. (15) as (13).

Subsec. (a)(16). Pub. L. 89–601, §203(b), repealed par. (16) relating to agricultural employees employed in livestock auctions. See subsec. (b)(13) of this section.

Subsec. (a)(17). Pub. L. 89–601, §204(a), repealed par. (17) relating to country elevator operators. See subsec. (b)(14) of this section.

Subsec. (a)(18). Pub. L. 89–601, §204(a), repealed par. (18) relating to cotton ginning employees. See subsec. (b)(15) of this section.

Subsec. (a)(19). Pub. L. 89–601, §209(a), repealed par. (19) relating to employees of retail and service establishments that are primarily engaged in the business of selling automobiles, trucks, or farm implements. See subsec. (b)(10) of this section.

Subsec. (a)(20). Pub. L. 89–601, §210(a), repealed par. (20) relating to employees of food retail or service establishments. See subsec. (b)(18) of this section.

Subsec. (a)(21). Pub. L. 89–601, §215(b)(1), redesignated par. (21) as (14).

Subsec. (a)(22). Pub. L. 89–601, §204(a), repealed par. (22) relating to fruit and vegetable transportation employees. See subsec. (b)(16) of this section.

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 89–670 substituted "Secretary of Transportation" for "Interstate Commerce Commission".

Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 89–601, §206(c), narrowed the scope of the exemption from any employee of the covered transportation companies to drivers, operators, and conductors only and narrowed the range of covered transportation companies from any street, suburban, or interurban electric railway, or local trolley or motorbus carrier to only those of such named enterprises as have their rates and service subject to regulation by a state or local agency.

Subsec. (b)(8). Pub. L. 89–601, §§201(b)(1), 211, repealed par. (8) which named employees of gasoline service stations as a group to which section 207 of this title shall not apply and enacted a new par. (8) providing that section 207 of this title shall not apply with respect to hotel, motel, or restaurant employees and employees who receive compensation for employment in excess 48 hours in any workweek at a rate not less than one and one-half times the regular rate at which he is employed and who is employed by an institution other than a hospital primarily engaged in the care of the sick, the aged, or the mentally ill or defective residing on the premises.

Subsec. (b)(10). Pub. L. 89–601, §§209(b), 212(a), repealed par. (10) which granted an unlimited overtime exemption relating to petroleum distribution employees and enacted a new par. (10) relating to salesmen, partsmen, or mechanics primarily engaged in selling or servicing automobiles, trailers, trucks, farm implements, or aircraft if employed by a nonmanufacturing establishment primarily engaged in the business of selling such vehicles to ultimate purchasers. See subsec. (b)(3) of this section.

Subsec. (b)(12) to (19). Pub. L. 89–601, §§203(c)(B), 204(b), 206(b)(2), 210(b), added pars. (12) to (19).

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 89–601, §203(d), inserted provision making section 212 of this title relating to child labor applicable to an employee below the age of sixteen employed in agriculture in an occupation that the Secretary of Labor finds and declares to be particularly hazardous for the employment of children below the age of sixteen, except where such employee is employed by his parent or by a person standing in the place of his parent on a farm owned or operated by such parent or person.

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 89–601, §213, inserted reference to Eniwetok Atoll, Kwajalein Atoll, and Johnston Island.

1961—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 87–30, §9, substituted "any employee employed in a bona fide executive, administrative, or professional capacity, or in the capacity of outside salesman (as such terms are defined and delimited from time to time by regulations of the Secretary, subject to, the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act" and exception provision for "any employee employed in a bona fide executive, administrative, professional, or local retailing capacity, or in the capacity of outside salesman (as such terms are defined and delimited by regulations of the Administrator)".

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 87–30, §9, inserted conditional provision, including subclauses (i) to (iv).

Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 87–30, §9, inserted "propagating" and "or in the first processing, canning or packing such marine products at sea as an incident to, or in conjunction with, such fishing operations" after "taking" and "life", respectively, and substituted "loading and unloading when performed by any such employee" for "including employment in the loading, unloading, or packing of such products for shipment or in propagating, processing (other than canning), marketing, freezing, curing, storing, or distributing the above products or byproducts thereof". See subsec. (b)(4) of this section.

Subsec. (a)(7). Pub. L. 87–30, §9, substituted "Secretary" for "Administrator".

Subsec. (a)(9). Pub. L. 87–30, §9, substituted "not in an enterprise described in section 203(s)(2) of this title" for "not included in other exemptions contained in this section.".

Subsec. (a)(10). Pub. L. 87–30, §9, substituted "Secretary" for "Administrator" and struck out "ginning" after "storing".

Subsec. (a)(11). Pub. L. 87–30, §9, substituted "by an independently owned public telephone company" for "in a public telephone exchange".

Subsec. (a)(13). Pub. L. 87–30, §9, substituted "which qualifies as an exempt retail or service establishment under clause (2) of this subsection" for "as defined in clause (2) of this subsection".

Subsec. (a)(14). Pub. L. 87–30, §9, inserted "on a vessel other than an American vessel".

Subsec. (a)(16) to (22). Pub. L. 87–30, §9, added pars. (16) to (22).

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 87–30, §9, extended exemption to any employee in the processing, marketing, freezing, curing, storing, packing for shipment, or distributing of aquatic forms of life, formerly contained in subsec. (a)(5) of this section.

Subsec. (b)(6) to (11). Pub. L. 87–30, §9, added pars. (6) to (11).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 87–30, §10, extended the nonapplicability of sections 206, 207, and 212 of this title to any homeworker engaged in the making of evergreen wreaths.

1960—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 86–624 struck out "Alaska; Hawaii;" before "Puerto Rico".

1957—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 85–231 added subsec. (f).

1956—Subsec. (e). Act Aug. 8, 1956, added subsec. (b).

1949—Subsec. (a)(2). Act Oct. 26, 1949, clarified exemption by defining term "retail or service establishment" and stated conditions under which exemption shall apply.

Subsec. (a)(3). Act Oct. 26, 1949, redesignated par. (3) as (14) and added par. (3) providing a limited exemption to employees of laundries and establishments engaged in laundering, cleaning, or repairing clothing of fabrics.

Subsec. (a)(4). Act Oct. 26, 1949, redesignated par. (4) as subsec. (b)(3) and added par. (4) providing limited exemption to employees of retail establishments making or processing goods.

Subsec. (a)(5). Act Oct. 26, 1949, struck out canning of fish, shellfish, etc. See subsec. (b)(4).

Subsec. (a)(6). Act Oct. 26, 1949, added irrigation workers to the exemption.

Subsec. (a)(8). Act Oct. 26, 1949, extended exemption to employees of newspapers published daily, increased circulation limitation from 3,000 to 4,000, and increased circulation area to include counties contiguous to county of publication.

Subsec. (a)(10). Act Oct. 26, 1949, struck out "to" before "any individual".

Subsec. (a)(11). Act Oct. 26, 1949, increased number of stations from, less than 500, to, not more than 750.

Subsec. (a)(12), (13). Act Oct. 26, 1949, added pars. (12) and (13).

Subsec. (a)(14). Act Oct. 26, 1949, redesignated par. (3) as (14).

Subsec. (a)(15). Act Oct. 26, 1949, added par. (15).

Subsec. (b)(3) to (5). Act Oct. 26, 1949, added pars. (3) to (5).

Subsec. (c). Act Oct. 26, 1949, substituted "outside of school hours for the school district where such employee is living while he is so employed" for prior provision relating to school attendance following "in agricultural", and added radio or television productions to the exemption.

Subsec. (d). Act Oct. 26, 1949, added par. (d).

1939—Subsec. (a)(11). Act Aug. 9, 1939, added par. (11).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

Pub. L. 115–141, div. S, title II, §201(b), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1127, provided that: "This section [amending this section], and the amendments made by this section, shall take effect on the date of enactment of this Act [Mar. 23, 2018]."

Effective Date of 2014 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 113–277 effective on the first day of the first pay period beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2016, subject to certain exceptions, see section 2(i) of Pub. L. 113–277, set out as a note under section 5542 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Effective Date of 1998 Amendment

Pub. L. 105–334, §2(b), Oct. 31, 1998, 112 Stat. 3138, provided that:

"(1) In general.—This Act [amending this section and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 201 of this title] shall become effective on the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 31, 1998].

"(2) Exception.—The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] defining the term 'occasional and incidental' shall also apply to any case, action, citation, or appeal pending on the date of the enactment of this Act unless such case, action, citation, or appeal involves property damage or personal injury."

Effective Date of 1995 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 104–88 effective Jan. 1, 1996, see section 2 of Pub. L. 104–88, set out as an Effective Date note under section 1301 of Title 49, Transportation.

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–329 effective on first day of first applicable pay period beginning on or after 30th day following Sept. 30, 1994, with exceptions relating to criminal investigators employed in Offices of Inspectors General, see section 633(e) of Pub. L. 103–329, set out as an Effective Date note under section 5545a of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Effective Date of 1989 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 101–157 effective Apr. 1, 1990, see section 3(e) of Pub. L. 101–157, set out as a note under section 203 of this title.

Effective Date of 1979 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–70 effective Oct. 1, 1979, see section 3304 of Pub. L. 96–70, set out as an Effective Date note under section 3601 of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse.

Effective Date of 1977 Amendment

Pub. L. 95–151, §14(a), (b), Nov. 1, 1977, 91 Stat. 1252, provided that the amendments made by subsecs. (a) and (b) of section 14 are effective Jan. 1, 1978, and Jan. 1, 1979, respectively.

Amendment by sections 4 to 7 of Pub. L. 95–151 effective Jan. 1, 1978, see section 15(a) of Pub. L. 95–151, set out as a note under section 203 of this title.

Amendment by sections 8, 9(d), and 11 of Pub. L. 95–151 effective on Nov. 1, 1977, see section 15(b) of Pub. L. 95–151, set out as a note under section 203 of this title.

Effective Date of 1974 Amendment

Pub. L. 93–259, §6(c)(2)(B), Apr. 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 61, provided that the amendment made by section 6(c)(2)(B) is effective Jan. 1, 1975.

Pub. L. 93–259, §8(a)–(c), Apr. 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 62, provided that the amendments made by subsecs. (a), (b), and (c) of section 8 are effective Jan. 1, 1975, 1976, and 1977, respectively.

Pub. L. 93–259, §10(b)(2), (3), Apr. 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 63, 64, provided that the amendment and repeal made by pars. (2) and (3) of section 10(b) are effective one year and two years after May 1, 1974, respectively.

Pub. L. 93–259, §11(b), (c), Apr. 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 64, provided that the amendment and repeal made by subsecs. (b) and (c) of section 11 are effective one year and two years after May 1, 1974, respectively.

Pub. L. 93–259, §13(b)–(d), Apr. 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 64, provided that the amendments made by subsecs. (b), (c), and (d) of section 13 are effective one year, two years, and three years after May 1, 1974, respectively.

Pub. L. 93–259, §15(b), (c), Apr. 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 65, provided that the amendment and repeal made by subsecs. (b) and (c) of section 15 are effective one year and two years after May 1, 1974, respectively.

Pub. L. 93–259, §16(a), (b), Apr. 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 65, provided that the amendment and repeal made by subsecs. (a) and (b) of section 16 are effective one year and two years after May 1, 1974, respectively.

Pub. L. 93–259, §20(b)(2), (3), Apr. 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 67, provided that the amendments made by pars. (2) and (3) of section 20(b) are effective Jan. 1, 1975, and 1976, respectively.

Pub. L. 93–259, §20(c)(2), (3), Apr. 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 67, 68, provided that the amendments made by pars. (2) and (3) of section 20(c) are effective Jan. 1, 1975, and 1976, respectively.

Pub. L. 93–259, §21(b)(2), (3), Apr. 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 68, provided that the amendment and repeal made by pars. (2) and (3) of section 21(b) are effective one year and two years after May 1, 1974, respectively.

Amendment by sections 6(c)(2)(A), 7(b)(3), (4), 9(b), 10(a), (b)(1), 11(a), 12(a), 13(a), 14, 15(a), 17, 18, 20(a), (b)(1), (c)(1), 21(b)(1), 22, 23, and 25(b) of Pub. L. 93–259 effective May 1, 1974, see section 29(a) of Pub. L. 93–259, set out as a note under section 202 of this title.

Effective Date of 1966 Amendments

Amendment by Pub. L. 89–670 effective Apr. 1, 1967, as prescribed by President and published in Federal Register, see section 16(a), formerly §15(a), of Pub. L. 89–670 and Ex. Ord. No. 11340, Mar. 30, 1967, 32 F.R. 5453.

Amendment by Pub. L. 89–601 effective Feb. 1, 1967, except as otherwise provided, see section 602 of Pub. L. 89–601, set out as a note under section 203 of this title.

Effective Date of 1961 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 87–30 effective upon expiration of one hundred and twenty days after May 5, 1961, except as otherwise provided, see section 14 of Pub. L. 87–30, set out as a note under section 203 of this title.

Effective Date of 1957 Amendment

Pub. L. 85–231, §2, Aug. 30, 1957, 71 Stat. 514, provided that: "The amendments made by this Act [amending this section and sections 216 and 217 of this title] shall take effect upon the expiration of ninety days from the date of its enactment [Aug. 30, 1957]."

Effective Date of 1949 Amendment

Amendment by act Oct. 26, 1949, effective ninety days after Oct. 26, 1949, see section 16(a) of act Oct. 26, 1949, set out as a note under section 202 of this title.

Exemptions for Apprentices and Student Learners

Pub. L. 104–174, §3, Aug. 6, 1996, 110 Stat. 1555, provided that: "Section 1 [amending this section] shall not be construed as affecting the exemption for apprentices and student learners published in section 570.63 of title 29, Code of Federal Regulations."

Regulations Concerning Computer, Software, and Other Similarly Skilled Professionals

Pub. L. 101–583, §2, Nov. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 2871, provided that: "Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 15, 1990], the Secretary of Labor shall promulgate regulations that permit computer systems analysts, computer programmers, software engineers, and other similarly skilled professional workers as defined in such regulations to qualify as exempt executive, administrative, or professional employees under section 13(a)(1) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 213(a)(1)). Such regulations shall provide that if such employees are paid on an hourly basis they shall be exempt only if their hourly rate of pay is at least 6½ times greater than the applicable minimum wage rate under section 6 of such Act (29 U.S.C. 206)."

Public Agency Employees in Fire Protection and Law Enforcement Activities; Studies in 1976 of 1975 Tours of Duty

Pub. L. 93–259, §6(c)(3), Apr. 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 61, authorized Secretary of Labor to conduct a study in 1976 of average number of hours in tours of duty in work periods in 1975 of certain employees of public agencies employed in fire protection and law enforcement activities, and publish results of such studies in Federal Register.

Pipeline Employees Under Subsec. (b)(2)

Pub. L. 93–259, §23(c), Apr. 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 69, provided in part for amendment of subsec. (b)(2) of this section "insofar as it relates to pipeline employees".

Rules, Regulations, and Orders Promulgated With Regard to 1966 Amendments

Secretary authorized to promulgate necessary rules, regulations, or orders on and after the date of the enactment of Pub. L. 89–601, Sept. 23, 1966, with regard to the amendments made by Pub. L. 89–601, see section 602 of Pub. L. 89–601, set out as a note under section 203 of this title.

Study of Agricultural Handling and Processing Exemptions and Rates of Pay in Exempt Food Service Enterprises

Pub. L. 87–30, §13, May 5, 1961, 75 Stat. 75, directed Secretary of Labor to study complicated system of exemptions available for handling and processing agricultural products under this chapter and complex problems involving rates of pay of certain employees exempted from provisions of this chapter, and submit results of his studies along with his recommendations for proposed legislation to second session of Eighty-seventh Congress.

Transportation of Migrant Farm Workers

Act Aug. 3, 1956, ch. 905, §3, 70 Stat. 958, provided that: "Section 13(b)(1) of the Fair Labor Standards Act, as amended [subsec. (b)(1) of this section] shall not apply in the case of any employee with respect to whom the Interstate Commerce Commission [now Secretary of Transportation] has power to establish qualifications and maximum hours of service solely by virtue of section 204(a)(3a) of the Interstate Commerce Act [now 49 U.S.C. 31502]."

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

Functions vested by law (including reorganization plans) in Bureau of the Budget or Director of Bureau of the Budget transferred to President of the United States by section 101 of Reorg. Plan No. 2 of 1970, eff. July 1, 1970, 35 F.R. 7959, 84 Stat. 2085, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees. Section 102 of Reorg. Plan No. 2 of 1970 redesignated Bureau of the Budget as Office of Management and Budget.

For transfer of functions of other officers, employees, and agencies of Department of Labor, with certain exceptions, to Secretary of Labor, with power to delegate, see Reorg. Plan No. 6 of 1950, §§1, 2, 15 F.R. 3174, 64 Stat. 1263, set out in the Appendix to Title 5.

¹ See References in Text note below.

§214. Employment under special certificates

(a) Learners, apprentices, messengers

The Secretary, to the extent necessary in order to prevent curtailment of opportunities for employment, shall by regulations or by orders provide for the employment of learners, of apprentices, and of messengers employed primarily in delivering letters and messages, under special certificates issued pursuant to regulations of the Secretary, at such wages lower than the minimum wage applicable under section 206 of this title and subject to such limitations as to time, number, proportion, and length of service as the Secretary shall prescribe.

(b) Students

(1)(A) The Secretary, to the extent necessary in order to prevent curtailment of opportunities for employment, shall by special certificate issued under a regulation or order provide, in accordance with subparagraph (B), for the employment, at a wage rate not less than 85 per centum of the otherwise applicable wage rate in effect under section 206 of this title or not less than $1.60 an hour, whichever is the higher, of full-time students (regardless of age but in compliance with applicable child labor laws) in retail or service establishments.

(B) Except as provided in paragraph (4)(B), during any month in which full-time students are to be employed in any retail or service establishment under certificates issued under this subsection the proportion of student hours of employment to the total hours of employment of all employees in such establishment may not exceed—

(i) in the case of a retail or service establishment whose employees (other than employees engaged in commerce or in the production of goods for commerce) were covered by this chapter before the effective date of the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1974—

(I) the proportion of student hours of employment to the total hours of employment of all employees in such establishment for the corresponding month of the immediately preceding twelve-month period,

(II) the maximum proportion for any corresponding month of student hours of employment to the total hours of employment of all employees in such establishment applicable to the issuance of certificates under this section at any time before the effective date of the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1974 for the employment of students by such employer, or

(III) a proportion equal to one-tenth of the total hours of employment of all employees in such establishment,

whichever is greater;

(ii) in the case of retail or service establishment whose employees (other than employees engaged in commerce or in the production of goods for commerce) are covered for the first time on or after the effective date of the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1974—

(I) the proportion of hours of employment of students in such establishment to the total hours of employment of all employees in such establishment for the corresponding month of the twelve-month period immediately prior to the effective date of such Amendments,

(II) the proportion of student hours of employment to the total hours of employment of all employees in such establishment for the corresponding month of the immediately preceding twelve-month period, or

(III) a proportion equal to one-tenth of the total hours of employment of all employees in such establishment,

whichever is greater; or

(iii) in the case of a retail or service establishment for which records of student hours worked are not available, the proportion of student hours of employment to the total hours of employment of all employees based on the practice during the immediately preceding twelve-month period in (I) similar establishments of the same employer in the same general metropolitan area in which such establishment is located, (II) similar establishments of the same or nearby communities if such establishment is not in a metropolitan area, or (III) other establishments of the same general character operating in the community or the nearest comparable community.

For purpose of clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) of this subparagraph, the term "student hours of employment" means hours during which students are employed in a retail or service establishment under certificates issued under this subsection.

(2) The Secretary, to the extent necessary in order to prevent curtailment of opportunities for employment, shall by special certificate issued under a regulation or order provide for the employment, at a wage rate not less than 85 per centum of the wage rate in effect under section 206(a)(5) ¹ of this title or not less than $1.30 an hour, whichever is the higher, of full-time students (regardless of age but in compliance with applicable child labor laws) in any occupation in agriculture.

(3) The Secretary, to the extent necessary in order to prevent curtailment of opportunities for employment, shall by special certificate issued under a regulation or order provide for the employment by an institution of higher education, at a wage rate not less than 85 per centum of the otherwise applicable wage rate in effect under section 206 of this title or not less than $1.60 an hour, whichever is the higher, of full-time students (regardless of age but in compliance with applicable child labor laws) who are enrolled in such institution. The Secretary shall by regulation prescribe standards and requirements to insure that this paragraph will not create a substantial probability of reducing the full-time employment opportunities of persons other than those to whom the minimum wage rate authorized by this paragraph is applicable.

(4)(A) A special certificate issued under paragraph (1), (2), or (3) shall provide that the student or students for whom it is issued shall, except during vacation periods, be employed on a part-time basis and not in excess of twenty hours in any workweek.

(B) If the issuance of a special certificate under paragraph (1) or (2) for an employer will cause the number of students employed by such employer under special certificates issued under this subsection to exceed six, the Secretary may not issue such a special certificate for the employment of a student by such employer unless the Secretary finds employment of such student will not create a substantial probability of reducing the full-time employment opportunities of persons other than those employed under special certificates issued under this subsection. If the issuance of a special certificate under paragraph (1) or (2) for an employer will not cause the number of students employed by such employer under special certificates issued under this subsection to exceed six—

(i) the Secretary may issue a special certificate under paragraph (1) or (2) for the employment of a student by such employer if such employer certifies to the Secretary that the employment of such student will not reduce the full-time employment opportunities of persons other than those employed under special certificates issued under this subsection, and

(ii) in the case of an employer which is a retail or service establishment, subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) shall not apply with respect to the issuance of special certificates for such employer under such paragraph.

The requirement of this subparagraph shall not apply in the case of the issuance of special certificates under paragraph (3) for the employment of full-time students by institutions of higher education; except that if the Secretary determines that an institution of higher education is employing students under certificates issued under paragraph (3) but in violation of the requirements of that paragraph or of regulations issued thereunder, the requirements of this subparagraph shall apply with respect to the issuance of special certificates under paragraph (3) for the employment of students by such institution.

(C) No special certificate may be issued under this subsection unless the employer for whom the certificate is to be issued provides evidence satisfactory to the Secretary of the student status of the employees to be employed under such special certificate.

(D) To minimize paperwork for, and to encourage, small businesses to employ students under special certificates issued under paragraphs (1) and (2), the Secretary shall, by regulation or order, prescribe a simplified application form to be used by employers in applying for such a certificate for the employment of not more than six full-time students. Such an application shall require only—

(i) a listing of the name, address, and business of the applicant employer,

(ii) a listing of the date the applicant began business, and

(iii) the certification that the employment of such full-time students will not reduce the full-time employment opportunities of persons other than persons employed under special certificates.

(c) Handicapped workers

(1) The Secretary, to the extent necessary to prevent curtailment of opportunities for employment, shall by regulation or order provide for the employment, under special certificates, of individuals (including individuals employed in agriculture) whose earning or productive capacity is impaired by age, physical or mental deficiency, or injury, at wages which are—

(A) lower than the minimum wage applicable under section 206 of this title,

(B) commensurate with those paid to nonhandicapped workers, employed in the vicinity in which the individuals under the certificates are employed, for essentially the same type, quality, and quantity of work, and

(C) related to the individual's productivity.

(2) The Secretary shall not issue a certificate under paragraph (1) unless the employer provides written assurances to the Secretary that—

(A) in the case of individuals paid on an hourly rate basis, wages paid in accordance with paragraph (1) will be reviewed by the employer at periodic intervals at least once every six months, and

(B) wages paid in accordance with paragraph (1) will be adjusted by the employer at periodic intervals, at least once each year, to reflect changes in the prevailing wage paid to experienced nonhandicapped individuals employed in the locality for essentially the same type of work.

(3) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), no employer shall be permitted to reduce the hourly wage rate prescribed by certificate under this subsection in effect on June 1, 1986, of any handicapped individual for a period of two years from such date without prior authorization of the Secretary.

(4) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prohibit an employer from maintaining or establishing work activities centers to provide therapeutic activities for handicapped clients.

(5)(A) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, any employee receiving a special minimum wage at a rate specified pursuant to this subsection or the parent or guardian of such an employee may petition the Secretary to obtain a review of such special minimum wage rate. An employee or the employee's parent or guardian may file such a petition for and in behalf of the employee or in behalf of the employee and other employees similarly situated. No employee may be a party to any such action unless the employee or the employee's parent or guardian gives consent in writing to become such a party and such consent is filed with the Secretary.

(B) Upon receipt of a petition filed in accordance with subparagraph (A), the Secretary within ten days shall assign the petition to an administrative law judge appointed pursuant to section 3105 of title 5. The administrative law judge shall conduct a hearing on the record in accordance with section 554 of title 5 with respect to such petition within thirty days after assignment.

(C) In any such proceeding, the employer shall have the burden of demonstrating that the special minimum wage rate is justified as necessary in order to prevent curtailment of opportunities for employment.

(D) In determining whether any special minimum wage rate is justified pursuant to subparagraph (C), the administrative law judge shall consider—

(i) the productivity of the employee or employees identified in the petition and the conditions under which such productivity was measured; and

(ii) the productivity of other employees performing work of essentially the same type and quality for other employers in the same vicinity.

(E) The administrative law judge shall issue a decision within thirty days after the hearing provided for in subparagraph (B). Such action shall be deemed to be a final agency action unless within thirty days the Secretary grants a request to review the decision of the administrative law judge. Either the petitioner or the employer may request review by the Secretary within fifteen days of the date of issuance of the decision by the administrative law judge.

(F) The Secretary, within thirty days after receiving a request for review, shall review the record and either adopt the decision of the administrative law judge or issue exceptions. The decision of the administrative law judge, together with any exceptions, shall be deemed to be a final agency action.

(G) A final agency action shall be subject to judicial review pursuant to chapter 7 of title 5. An action seeking such review shall be brought within thirty days of a final agency action described in subparagraph (F).

(d) Employment by schools

The Secretary may by regulation or order provide that sections 206 and 207 of this title shall not apply with respect to the employment by any elementary or secondary school of its students if such employment constitutes, as determined under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, an integral part of the regular education program provided by such school and such employment is in accordance with applicable child labor laws.

(June 25, 1938, ch. 676, §14, 52 Stat. 1068; Oct. 26, 1949, ch. 736, §12, 63 Stat. 918; Pub. L. 87–30, §11, May 5, 1961, 75 Stat. 74; Pub. L. 89–601, title V, §501, Sept. 23, 1966, 80 Stat. 842; Pub. L. 93–259, §24(a), (b), Apr. 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 69, 72; Pub. L. 95–151, §§12, 13, Nov. 1, 1977, 91 Stat. 1252; Pub. L. 99–486, Oct. 16, 1986, 100 Stat. 1229; Pub. L. 101–157, §4(d), Nov. 17, 1989, 103 Stat. 941.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Effective date of the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1974, referred to in subsec. (b)(1)(B)(i), (ii), means May 1, 1974, except as otherwise specifically provided, under provisions of section 29(a) of Pub. L. 93–259, set out as an Effective Date of 1974 Amendment note under section 202 of this title.

Section 206(a)(5) of this title, referred to in subsec. (b)(2), was redesignated section 206(a)(4) of this title by Pub. L. 110–28, title VIII, §8103(c)(1)(B), May 25, 2007, 121 Stat. 189.

Amendments

1989—Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 101–157 struck out "(or in the case of employment in Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands not described in section 205(e) of this title, at a wage rate not less than 85 per centum of the otherwise applicable wage rate in effect under section 206(c) of this title)" after "whichever is the higher".

Subsec. (b)(2), (3). Pub. L. 101–157 struck out "(or in the case of employment in Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands not described in section 205(e) of this title, at a wage rate not less than 85 per centum of the wage rate in effect under section 206(c) of this title)" after "whichever is the higher".

1986—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 99–486 amended subsec. (c) generally, revising and restating as pars. (1) to (5) provisions formerly contained in pars. (1) to (3).

1977—Subsec. (b)(4)(B). Pub. L. 95–151, §12(a), substituted "six" for "four" wherever appearing.

Subsec. (b)(4)(D). Pub. L. 95–151, §13, added subpar. (D).

1974—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 93–259, §24(a), added subsec. (a) and struck out former subsec. (a) which had provided: "The Secretary of Labor, to the extent necessary in order to prevent curtailment of opportunities for employment, shall by regulations or by orders provide for the employment of learners, of apprentices, and of messengers employed primarily in delivery letters and messages, under special certificates issued pursuant to regulations of the Secretary, at such wages lower than the minimum wage applicable under section 206 of this title and subject to such limitations as to time, number, proportion, and length of service as the Secretary shall prescribe."

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 93–259, §24(a), added subsec. (b) and struck out former subsec. (b) which had provided: "The Secretary, to the extent necessary in order to prevent curtailment of opportunities for employment, shall by regulation or order provide for the employment of full-time students, regardless of age but in compliance with applicable child labor laws, on a part-time basis in retail or service establishments (not to exceed twenty hours in any workweek) or on a part-time or full-time basis in such establishments during school vacations, under special certificates issued pursuant to regulations of the Secretary, at a wage rate not less than 85 per centum of the minimum wage applicable under section 206 of this title, except that the proportion of student hours of employment to total hours of employment of all employees in any establishment may not exceed (1) such proportion for the corresponding month of the twelve-month period preceding May 1, 1961, (2) in the case of a retail or service establishment whose employees (other than employees engaged in commerce or in the production of goods for commerce) are covered by this chapter for the first time on or after the effective date of the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1966, such proportion for the corresponding month of the twelve-month period immediately prior to such date, or (3) in the case of a retail or service establishment coming into existence after May 1, 1961, or a retail or service establishment for which records of student hours worked are not available, a proportion of student hours of employment to total hours of employment of all employees based on the practice during the twelve-month period preceding May 1, 1961, in (A) similar establishments of the same employer in the same general metropolitan area in which the new establishment is located, (B) similar establishments of the same employer in the same or nearby counties if the new establishment is not in a metropolitan area, or (C) other establishments of the same general character operating in the community or the nearest comparable community. Before the Secretary may issue a certificate under this subsection he must find that such employment will not create a substantial probability of reducing the full-time employment opportunities of persons other than those employed under this subsection."

Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 93–259, §24(a), (b), struck out subsec. (c) and redesignated subsec. (d) as (c). Former subsec. (c) had provided: "The Secretary, to the extent necessary in order to prevent curtailment of opportunities for employment, shall by certificate or order provide for the employment of full-time students, regardless of age but in compliance with applicable child labor laws, on a part-time basis in agriculture (not to exceed twenty hours in any workweek) or on a part-time or full-time basis in agriculture during school vacations, at a wage rate not less than 85 per centum of the minimum wage applicable under section 206 of this title. Before the Secretary may issue a certificate or order under this subsection he must find that such employment will not create a substantial probability of reducing the full-time employment opportunities of persons other than those employed under this subsection."

1966—Pub. L. 89–601 provided for employment of full-time students regardless of age but in compliance with applicable child labor laws outside of their school hours in retail or service establishments or in agriculture at not less than 85 percent of the minimum wage in full-time positions during school vacations or in part-time positions not to exceed 20 hours in any workweek under certificates issued by the Secretary, set out the formula for the allowable proportion of student hours of employment to total hours of employment, provided for the employment of handicapped workers at rates down to 50 percent of the applicable minimum wage and at even lower rates for persons suffering severe impairment, authorized the establishment of special rates for handicapped workers employed in work activities centers, and defined work activity centers.

1961—Pub. L. 87–30 provided for employment of students in cl. (1).

1949—Act Oct. 26, 1949, substituted "primarily" for "exclusively" after "messengers employed".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1977 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 95–151 effective Nov. 1, 1977, see section 15(b) of Pub. L. 95–151, set out as a note under section 203 of this title.

Effective Date of 1974 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 93–259 effective May 1, 1974, see section 29(a) of Pub. L. 93–259, set out as a note under section 202 of this title.

Effective Date of 1966 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 89–601 effective Feb. 1, 1967, except as otherwise provided, see section 602 of Pub. L. 89–601, set out as a note under section 203 of this title.

Effective Date of 1961 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 87–30 effective upon expiration of one hundred and twenty days after May 5, 1961, except as otherwise provided, see section 14 of Pub. L. 87–30, set out as a note under section 203 of this title.

Effective Date of 1949 Amendment

Amendment by act Oct. 26, 1949, effective ninety days after Oct. 26, 1949, see section 16(a) of act Oct. 26, 1949, set out as a note under section 202 of this title.

Rules, Regulations, and Orders Promulgated With Regard to 1966 Amendments

Secretary authorized to promulgate necessary rules, regulations, or orders on and after the date of the enactment of Pub. L. 89–601, Sept. 23, 1966, with regard to the amendments made by Pub. L. 89–601, see section 602 of Pub. L. 89–601, set out as a note under section 203 of this title.

Study of Wages Paid Handicapped Clients in Sheltered Workshops

Pub. L. 89–601, title VI, §605, Sept. 23, 1966, 80 Stat. 845, instructed Secretary of Labor to commence a complete study of wage payments to handicapped clients of sheltered workshops and of feasibility of raising existing wage standards in such workshops. The Secretary was directed to report to Congress by July 1, 1967, findings of such study with appropriate recommendations.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of functions of other officers, employees, and agencies of Department of Labor, with certain exceptions, to Secretary of Labor, with power to delegate, see Reorg. Plan No. 6 of 1950, §§1, 2, 15 F.R. 3174, 64 Stat. 1263, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

¹ See References in Text note below.

§215. Prohibited acts; prima facie evidence

(a) After the expiration of one hundred and twenty days from June 25, 1938, it shall be unlawful for any person—

(1) to transport, offer for transportation, ship, deliver, or sell in commerce, or to ship, deliver, or sell with knowledge that shipment or delivery or sale thereof in commerce is intended, any goods in the production of which any employee was employed in violation of section 206 or section 207 of this title, or in violation of any regulation or order of the Secretary issued under section 214 of this title; except that no provision of this chapter shall impose any liability upon any common carrier for the transportation in commerce in the regular course of its business of any goods not produced by such common carrier, and no provision of this chapter shall excuse any common carrier from its obligation to accept any goods for transportation; and except that any such transportation, offer, shipment, delivery, or sale of such goods by a purchaser who acquired them in good faith in reliance on written assurance from the producer that the goods were produced in compliance with the requirements of this chapter, and who acquired such goods for value without notice of any such violation, shall not be deemed unlawful;

(2) to violate any of the provisions of section 206 or section 207 of this title, or any of the provisions of any regulation or order of the Secretary issued under section 214 of this title;

(3) to discharge or in any other manner discriminate against any employee because such employee has filed any complaint or instituted or caused to be instituted any proceeding under or related to this chapter, or has testified or is about to testify in any such proceeding, or has served or is about to serve on an industry committee;

(4) to violate any of the provisions of section 212 of this title;

(5) to violate any of the provisions of section 211(c) of this title, or any regulation or order made or continued in effect under the provisions of section 211(d) of this title, or to make any statement, report, or record filed or kept pursuant to the provisions of such section or of any regulation or order thereunder, knowing such statement, report, or record to be false in a material respect; and

(6) to violate any of the provisions of section 218d of this title.

(b) For the purposes of subsection (a)(1) proof that any employee was employed in any place of employment where goods shipped or sold in commerce were produced, within ninety days prior to the removal of the goods from such place of employment, shall be prima facie evidence that such employee was engaged in the production of such goods.

(June 25, 1938, ch. 676, §15, 52 Stat. 1068; Oct. 26, 1949, ch. 736, §13, 63 Stat. 919; 1950 Reorg. Plan No. 6, §§1, 2, eff. May 24, 1950, 15 F.R. 3174, 64 Stat. 1263; Pub. L. 117–328, div. KK, §102(b)(1), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 6095.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 117–328 added par. (6).

1949—Subsec. (a)(1). Act Oct. 26, 1949, §13(a), inserted provision protecting purchaser in good faith in sale of goods produced in violation of this chapter.

Subsec. (a)(5). Act Oct. 26, 1949, §13(b), inserted "or any regulation or order made or continued in effect under the provisions of section 211(d) of this title" after "211(c) of this title".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2022 Amendment

Pub. L. 117–328, div. KK, §103(b), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 6096, provided that: "The amendments made by section 102(b) [amending this section and section 216 of this title] shall take effect on the date that is 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 29, 2022]."

Effective Date of 1949 Amendment

Amendment by act Oct. 26, 1949, effective ninety days after Oct. 26, 1949, see section 16(a) of act Oct. 26, 1949, set out as a note under section 202 of this title.

Liability of Public Agency for Discrimination Against Employee for Assertion of Coverage

Pub. L. 99–150, §8, Nov. 13, 1985, 99 Stat. 791, provided that: "A public agency which is a State, political subdivision of a State, or an interstate governmental agency and which discriminates or has discriminated against an employee with respect to the employee's wages or other terms or conditions of employment because on or after February 19, 1985, the employee asserted coverage under section 7 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 [29 U.S.C. 207] shall be held to have violated section 15(a)(3) of such Act [29 U.S.C. 215(a)(3)]. The protection against discrimination afforded by the preceding sentence shall be available after August 1, 1986, only for an employee who takes an action described in section 15(a)(3) of such Act."

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of functions of other officers, employees, and agencies of Department of Labor, with certain exceptions, to Secretary of Labor, with power to delegate, see Reorg. Plan No. 6 of 1950, §§1, 2, 15 F.R. 3174, 64 Stat. 1263, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

§216. Penalties

(a) Fines and imprisonment

Any person who willfully violates any of the provisions of section 215 of this title shall upon conviction thereof be subject to a fine of not more than $10,000, or to imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. No person shall be imprisoned under this subsection except for an offense committed after the conviction of such person for a prior offense under this subsection.

(b) Damages; right of action; attorney's fees and costs; termination of right of action

Any employer who violates the provisions of section 206 or section 207 of this title shall be liable to the employee or employees affected in the amount of their unpaid minimum wages, or their unpaid overtime compensation, as the case may be, and in an additional equal amount as liquidated damages. Any employer who violates the provisions of section 215(a)(3) or 218d of this title shall be liable for such legal or equitable relief as may be appropriate to effectuate the purposes of section 215(a)(3) or 218d of this title, including without limitation employment, reinstatement, promotion, and the payment of wages lost and an additional equal amount as liquidated damages. Any employer who violates section 203(m)(2)(B) of this title shall be liable to the employee or employees affected in the amount of the sum of any tip credit taken by the employer and all such tips unlawfully kept by the employer, and in an additional equal amount as liquidated damages. An action to recover the liability prescribed in the preceding sentences may be maintained against any employer (including a public agency) in any Federal or State court of competent jurisdiction by any one or more employees for and in behalf of himself or themselves and other employees similarly situated. No employee shall be a party plaintiff to any such action unless he gives his consent in writing to become such a party and such consent is filed in the court in which such action is brought. The court in such action shall, in addition to any judgment awarded to the plaintiff or plaintiffs, allow a reasonable attorney's fee to be paid by the defendant, and costs of the action. The right provided by this subsection to bring an action by or on behalf of any employee, and the right of any employee to become a party plaintiff to any such action, shall terminate upon the filing of a complaint by the Secretary of Labor in an action under section 217 of this title in which (1) restraint is sought of any further delay in the payment of unpaid minimum wages, or the amount of unpaid overtime compensation, as the case may be, owing to such employee under section 206 or section 207 of this title by an employer liable therefor under the provisions of this subsection or (2) legal or equitable relief is sought as a result of alleged violations of section 215(a)(3) or 218d of this title.

(c) Payment of wages and compensation; waiver of claims; actions by the Secretary; limitation of actions

The Secretary is authorized to supervise the payment of the unpaid minimum wages or the unpaid overtime compensation owing to any employee or employees under section 206 or section 207 of this title, and the agreement of any employee to accept such payment shall upon payment in full constitute a waiver by such employee of any right he may have under subsection (b) of this section to such unpaid minimum wages or unpaid overtime compensation and an additional equal amount as liquidated damages. The Secretary may bring an action in any court of competent jurisdiction to recover the amount of unpaid minimum wages or overtime compensation and an equal amount as liquidated damages. The right provided by subsection (b) to bring an action by or on behalf of any employee to recover the liability specified in the first sentence of such subsection and of any employee to become a party plaintiff to any such action shall terminate upon the filing of a complaint by the Secretary in an action under this subsection in which a recovery is sought of unpaid minimum wages or unpaid overtime compensation under sections 206 and 207 of this title or liquidated or other damages provided by this subsection owing to such employee by an employer liable under the provisions of subsection (b), unless such action is dismissed without prejudice on motion of the Secretary. Any sums thus recovered by the Secretary of Labor on behalf of an employee pursuant to this subsection shall be held in a special deposit account and shall be paid, on order of the Secretary of Labor, directly to the employee or employees affected. Any such sums not paid to an employee because of inability to do so within a period of three years shall be covered into the Treasury of the United States as miscellaneous receipts. In determining when an action is commenced by the Secretary of Labor under this subsection for the purposes of the statutes of limitations provided in section 6(a) of the Portal-to-Portal Act of 1947 [29 U.S.C. 255(a)], it shall be considered to be commenced in the case of any individual claimant on the date when the complaint is filed if he is specifically named as a party plaintiff in the complaint, or if his name did not so appear, on the subsequent date on which his name is added as a party plaintiff in such action. The authority and requirements described in this subsection shall apply with respect to a violation of section 203(m)(2)(B) of this title, as appropriate, and the employer shall be liable for the amount of the sum of any tip credit taken by the employer and all such tips unlawfully kept by the employer, and an additional equal amount as liquidated damages.

(d) Savings provisions

In any action or proceeding commenced prior to, on, or after August 8, 1956, no employer shall be subject to any liability or punishment under this chapter or the Portal-to-Portal Act of 1947 [29 U.S.C. 251 et seq.] on account of his failure to comply with any provision or provisions of this chapter or such Act (1) with respect to work heretofore or hereafter performed in a workplace to which the exemption in section 213(f) of this title is applicable, (2) with respect to work performed in Guam, the Canal Zone or Wake Island before the effective date of this amendment of subsection (d), or (3) with respect to work performed in a possession named in section 206(a)(3) ¹ of this title at any time prior to the establishment by the Secretary, as provided therein, of a minimum wage rate applicable to such work.

(e) Civil penalties for certain violations

(1)(A) Any person who violates the provisions of sections ² 212 or 213(c) of this title, relating to child labor, or any regulation issued pursuant to such sections, shall be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed—

(i) $11,000 for each employee who was the subject of such a violation; or

(ii) $50,000 with regard to each such violation that causes the death or serious injury of any employee under the age of 18 years, which penalty may be doubled where the violation is a repeated or willful violation.

(B) For purposes of subparagraph (A), the term "serious injury" means—

(i) permanent loss or substantial impairment of one of the senses (sight, hearing, taste, smell, tactile sensation);

(ii) permanent loss or substantial impairment of the function of a bodily member, organ, or mental faculty, including the loss of all or part of an arm, leg, foot, hand or other body part; or

(iii) permanent paralysis or substantial impairment that causes loss of movement or mobility of an arm, leg, foot, hand or other body part.

(2) Any person who repeatedly or willfully violates section 206 or 207 of this title, relating to wages, shall be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $1,100 for each such violation. Any person who violates section 203(m)(2)(B) of this title shall be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $1,100 for each such violation, as the Secretary determines appropriate, in addition to being liable to the employee or employees affected for all tips unlawfully kept, and an additional equal amount as liquidated damages, as described in subsection (b).

(3) In determining the amount of any penalty under this subsection, the appropriateness of such penalty to the size of the business of the person charged and the gravity of the violation shall be considered. The amount of any penalty under this subsection, when finally determined, may be—

(A) deducted from any sums owing by the United States to the person charged;

(B) recovered in a civil action brought by the Secretary in any court of competent jurisdiction, in which litigation the Secretary shall be represented by the Solicitor of Labor; or

(C) ordered by the court, in an action brought for a violation of section 215(a)(4) of this title or a repeated or willful violation of section 215(a)(2) of this title, to be paid to the Secretary.

(4) Any administrative determination by the Secretary of the amount of any penalty under this subsection shall be final, unless within 15 days after receipt of notice thereof by certified mail the person charged with the violation takes exception to the determination that the violations for which the penalty is imposed occurred, in which event final determination of the penalty shall be made in an administrative proceeding after opportunity for hearing in accordance with section 554 of title 5 and regulations to be promulgated by the Secretary.

(5) Except for civil penalties collected for violations of section 212 of this title, sums collected as penalties pursuant to this section shall be applied toward reimbursement of the costs of determining the violations and assessing and collecting such penalties, in accordance with the provision of section 9a of this title. Civil penalties collected for violations of section 212 of this title shall be deposited in the general fund of the Treasury.

(June 25, 1938, ch. 676, §16, 52 Stat. 1069; May 14, 1947, ch. 52, §5(a), 61 Stat. 87; Oct. 26, 1949, ch. 736, §14, 63 Stat. 919; 1950 Reorg. Plan No. 6, §§1, 2, 15 F.R. 3174, 64 Stat. 1263; Aug. 8, 1956, ch. 1035, §4, 70 Stat. 1118; Pub. L. 85–231, §1(2), Aug. 30, 1957, 71 Stat. 514; Pub. L. 87–30, §12(a), May 5, 1961, 75 Stat. 74; Pub. L. 89–601, title VI, §601(a), Sept. 23, 1966, 80 Stat. 844; Pub. L. 93–259, §§ 6(d)(1), 25(c), 26, Apr. 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 61, 72, 73; Pub. L. 95–151, §10, Nov. 1, 1977, 91 Stat. 1252; Pub. L. 101–157, §9, Nov. 17, 1989, 103 Stat. 945; Pub. L. 101–508, title III, §3103, Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–29; Pub. L. 104–174, §2, Aug. 6, 1996, 110 Stat. 1554; Pub. L. 110–233, title III, §302(a), May 21, 2008, 122 Stat. 920; Pub. L. 115–141, div. S, title XII, §1201(b), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1148; Pub. L. 117–328, div. KK, §102(b)(2), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 6096.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Portal-to-Portal Act of 1947, referred to in subsec. (d), is act May 14, 1947, ch. 52, 61 Stat. 84, which is classified principally to chapter 9 (§251 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 251 of this title and Tables.

The effective date of this amendment of subsection (d), referred to in subsec. (d), occurred upon the expiration of 90 days after Aug. 30, 1957. See section 2 of Pub. L. 85–231, set out as an Effective Date of 1957 Amendment note under section 213 of this title.

Section 206(a)(3) of this title, referred to in subsec. (d)(3), was repealed and section 206(a)(4) of this title was redesignated section 206(a)(3) by Pub. L. 110–28, title VIII, §8103(c)(1)(B), May 25, 2007, 121 Stat. 189.

Constitutionality

For information regarding the constitutionality of certain provisions of this section, see the Table of Laws Held Unconstitutional in Whole or in Part by the Supreme Court on the Constitution Annotated website, constitution.congress.gov.

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 117–328 substituted "section 215(a)(3) or 218d" for "section 215(a)(3)" wherever appearing.

2018—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 115–141, §1201(b)(1), inserted "Any employer who violates section 203(m)(2)(B) of this title shall be liable to the employee or employees affected in the amount of the sum of any tip credit taken by the employer and all such tips unlawfully kept by the employer, and in an additional equal amount as liquidated damages." after second sentence and struck out "either of" after "liability prescribed in".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 115–141, §1201(b)(2), inserted at end "The authority and requirements described in this subsection shall apply with respect to a violation of section 203(m)(2)(B) of this title, as appropriate, and the employer shall be liable for the amount of the sum of any tip credit taken by the employer and all such tips unlawfully kept by the employer, and an additional equal amount as liquidated damages."

Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 115–141, §1201(b)(3), inserted at end "Any person who violates section 203(m)(2)(B) of this title shall be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $1,100 for each such violation, as the Secretary determines appropriate, in addition to being liable to the employee or employees affected for all tips unlawfully kept, and an additional equal amount as liquidated damages, as described in subsection (b)."

2008—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 110–233 amended subsec. (e) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (e) related to civil penalties for certain violations.

1996—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 104–174 in first sentence substituted "of section 212 of this title or section 213(c)(5) of this title" for "of section 212 of this title" and "under section 212 of this title or section 213(c)(5) of this title" for "under that section".

1990—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 101–508 struck out "or any person who repeatedly or willfully violates section 206 or 207 of this title" after "issued under that section," in first sentence, substituted "not to exceed $10,000 for each employee who was the subject of such a violation" for "not to exceed $1,000 for each such violation" in first sentence, inserted after first sentence "Any person who repeatedly or willfully violates section 206 or 207 of this title shall be subject to a civil penalty of not to exceed $1,000 for each such violation.", substituted "any penalty under this subsection" for "such penalty" wherever appearing except after "appropriateness of", substituted "Except for civil penalties collected for violations of section 212 of this title, sums" for "Sums" in last sentence, and inserted at end "Civil penalties collected for violations of section 212 of this title shall be deposited in the general fund of the Treasury."

1989—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 101–157 inserted "or any person who repeatedly or willfully violates section 206 or 207 of this title" in introductory provisions and inserted "or a repeated or willful violation of section 215(a)(2) of this title" in par. (3).

1977—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 95–151, §10(a), (b), inserted provisions relating to violations of section 215(a)(3) of this title by employers, "(1)" after "section 217 of this title in which", and cl. (2), and substituted "An action to recover the liability prescribed in either of the preceding sentences" for "Action to recover such liability".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 95–151, §10(c), inserted "to recover the liability specified in the first sentence of such subsection" after "an action by or on behalf of any employee".

1974—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 93–259, §6(d)(1), substituted in second sentence "maintained against any employer (including a public agency) in any Federal or State court" for "maintained in any court".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 93–259, §26, in revising first three sentences, reenacted first sentence, substituting "Secretary" for "Secretary of Labor"; included in second sentence provision for an action by the Secretary for liquidated damaged and deleted requirement of a written request by an employee claiming unpaid minimum wages or unpaid overtime compensation with the Secretary of Labor prior to an action by the Secretary and proviso prohibiting any action in any case involving an issue of law not settled finally by the courts and depriving courts of jurisdiction of any action or proceeding involving the issue of law not settled finally; and substituted third sentence "The right provided by subsection (b) to bring by or on behalf of any employee and of any employees to become a party plaintiff to any such action shall terminate upon the filing of a complaint by the Secretary in an action under this subsection in which a recovery is sought of unpaid minimum wages or unpaid overtime compensation under sections 206 and 207 of this title or liquidated or other damages provided by this subsection owing to such employee by an employer liable under the provisions of subsection (b), unless such action is dismissed without prejudice on motion of the Secretary." for "The consent of any employee to the bringing of any such action by the Secretary of Labor, unless such action is dismissed without prejudice on motion of the Secretary of Labor, shall constitute a waiver by such employee of any right of action he may have under subsection (b) of this section for such unpaid wages or unpaid overtime compensation and an additional equal amount as liquidated damages."

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 93–259, §25(c), added subsec. (e).

1966—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 89–601 substituted "statutes of limitations" for "two-year statute of limitations".

1961—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 87–30 provided for termination of right of action upon commencement of injunction proceedings by the Secretary of Labor.

1957—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 85–231 added cls. (1) and (2) and designated existing provisions as cl. (3).

1956—Subsec. (d). Act Aug. 8, 1956, added subsec. (d).

1949—Subsec. (c). Act Oct. 26, 1949, added subsec. (c).

1947—Subsec. (b). Act May 14, 1947, struck out provisions relating to the designation by employee or employees of an agent or representative to maintain an action under this section for and on behalf of all employees similarly situated and inserted provisions relating to the requirement that no employee shall be a party plaintiff unless he gives his consent in writing and such consent is filed with the court.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2022 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 117–328 effective 120 days after Dec. 29, 2022, see section 103(b) of div. KK of Pub. L. 117–328, set out as a note under section 215 of this title.

Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Pub. L. 110–233, title III, §302(b), May 21, 2008, 122 Stat. 922, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [May 21, 2008]."

Effective Date of 1977 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 95–151 effective Jan. 1, 1978, see section 15(a) of Pub. L. 95–151, set out as a note under section 203 of this title.

Effective Date of 1974 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 93–259 effective May 1, 1974, see section 29(a) of Pub. L. 93–259, set out as a note under section 202 of this title.

Effective Date of 1966 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 89–601 effective Feb. 1, 1967, except as otherwise provided, see section 602 of Pub. L. 89–601, set out as a note under section 203 of this title.

Effective Date of 1961 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 87–30 effective upon expiration of one hundred and twenty days after May 5, 1961, except as otherwise provided, see section 14 of Pub. L. 87–30, set out as a note under section 203 of this title.

Effective Date of 1957 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 85–231 effective upon expiration of ninety days from Aug. 30, 1957, see section 2 of Pub. L. 85–231, set out as a note under section 213 of this title.

Effective Date of 1949 Amendment

Amendment by act Oct. 26, 1949, effective ninety days after Oct. 26, 1949, see section 16(a) of act Oct. 26, 1949, set out as a note under section 202 of this title.

Effective Date of 1947 Amendment

Act May 14, 1947, ch. 52, §5(b), 61 Stat. 87, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) of this section [amending this section] shall be applicable only with respect to actions commenced under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended [this chapter], on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [May 14, 1947]."

Liability of State, Political Subdivision, or Interstate Governmental Agency for Violations Before April 15, 1986, Respecting any Employee Not Covered Under Special Enforcement Policy

Pub. L. 99–150, §2(c)(1), Nov. 13, 1985, 99 Stat. 788, provided that: "No State, political subdivision of a State, or interstate governmental agency shall be liable under section 16 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 [29 U.S.C. 216] for a violation of section 6 [29 U.S.C. 206] (in the case of a territory or possession of the United States), 7 [29 U.S.C. 207], or 11(c) [29 U.S.C. 211(c)] (as it relates to section 7) of such Act occurring before April 15, 1986, with respect to any employee of the State, political subdivision, or agency who would not have been covered by such Act [this chapter] under the Secretary of Labor's special enforcement policy on January 1, 1985, and published in sections 775.2 and 775.4 of title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations."

Effect of Amendments by Public Law 99–150 on Public Agency Liability Respecting any Employee Covered Under Special Enforcement Policy

Pub. L. 99–150, §7, Nov. 13, 1985, 99 Stat. 791, provided that: "The amendments made by this Act [see Short Title of 1985 Amendment note set out under section 201 of this title] shall not affect whether a public agency which is a State, political subdivision of a State, or an interstate governmental agency is liable under section 16 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 [29 U.S.C. 216] for a violation of section 6, 7, or 11 of such Act [29 U.S.C. 206, 207, 211] occurring before April 15, 1986, with respect to any employee of such public agency who would have been covered by such Act [this chapter] under the Secretary of Labor's special enforcement policy on January 1, 1985, and published in section 775.3 of title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations."

Rules, Regulations, and Orders Promulgated With Regard to 1966 Amendments

Secretary authorized to promulgate necessary rules, regulations, or orders on and after the date of the enactment of Pub. L. 89–601, Sept. 23, 1966, with regard to the amendments made by Pub. L. 89–601, see section 602 of Pub. L. 89–601, set out as a note under section 203 of this title.

Construction of 1949 Amendments With Portal-to-Portal Act of 1947

Act Oct. 26, 1949, ch. 736, §16(b), 63 Stat. 920, provided that: "Except as provided in section 3(o) [29 U.S.C. 203(o)] and in the last sentence of section 16(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended [29 U.S.C. 216(c)], no amendment made by this Act [amending sections 202, 208, 211 to 217 of this title] shall be construed as amending, modifying, or repealing any provisions of the Portal-to-Portal Act of 1947."

Retroactive Effect of 1949 Amendments; Limitation of Actions

Act Oct. 26, 1949, ch. 736, §16(d), 63 Stat. 920, provided that actions based upon acts or omissions occurring prior to the effective date of act Oct. 26, 1949, which was to be effective ninety days after Oct. 26, 1949, were not prevented by the amendments made to sections 202 to 208, and 211 to 217 of this title by such act, so long as such actions were instituted within two years from such effective date.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

Functions relating to enforcement and administration of equal pay provisions vested by subsecs. (b) and (c) of this section in Secretary of Labor transferred to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission by Reorg. Plan No. 1 of 1978, §1, 43 F.R. 19807, 92 Stat. 3781, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, effective Jan. 1, 1979, as provided by section 1–101 of Ex. Ord. No. 12106, Dec. 28, 1978, 44 F.R. 1053.

For transfer of functions of other officers, employees, and agencies of Department of Labor, with certain exceptions, to Secretary of Labor, with power to delegate, see Reorg. Plan No. 6 of 1950, §§1, 2, 15 F.R. 3174, 64 Stat. 1263, set out in the Appendix to Title 5.

¹ See References in Text note below.

² So in original. Probably should be "section".

§216a. Repealed. Oct. 26, 1949, ch. 736, §16(f), 63 Stat. 920

Section, act July 20, 1949, ch. 352, §2, 63 Stat. 446, related to liability for overtime work performed prior to July 20, 1949. See section 216b of this title.

§216b. Liability for overtime work performed prior to July 20, 1949

No employer shall be subject to any liability or punishment under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended [29 U.S.C. 201 et seq.] (in any action or proceeding commenced prior to or on or after January 24, 1950), on account of the failure of said employer to pay an employee compensation for any period of overtime work performed prior to July 20, 1949, if the compensation paid prior to July 20, 1949, for such work was at least equal to the compensation which would have been payable for such work had section 7(d)(6) and (7) and section 7(g) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended [29 U.S.C. 207(d)(6), (7), (g)], been in effect at the time of such payment.

(Oct. 26, 1949, ch. 736, §16(e), 63 Stat. 920.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, referred to in text, is act June 25, 1938, ch. 676, 52 Stat. 1060, which is classified generally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 201 of this title and Tables.

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1949, and not as part of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 which comprises this chapter.

"January 24, 1950" substituted in text for "the effective date of this Act". See Effective Date of 1949 Amendment note set out under section 202 of this title.

§217. Injunction proceedings

The district courts, together with the United States District Court for the District of the Canal Zone, the District Court of the Virgin Islands, and the District Court of Guam shall have jurisdiction, for cause shown, to restrain violations of section 215 of this title, including in the case of violations of section 215(a)(2) of this title the restraint of any withholding of payment of minimum wages or overtime compensation found by the court to be due to employees under this chapter (except sums which employees are barred from recovering, at the time of the commencement of the action to restrain the violations, by virtue of the provisions of section 255 of this title).

(June 25, 1938, ch. 676, §17, 52 Stat. 1069; Oct. 26, 1949, ch. 736, §15, 63 Stat. 919; Pub. L. 85–231, §1(3), Aug. 30, 1957, 71 Stat. 514; Pub. L. 86–624, §21(c), July 12, 1960, 74 Stat. 417; Pub. L. 87–30, §12(b), May 5, 1961, 75 Stat. 74.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1961—Pub. L. 87–30 substituted ", including in the case of violations of section 215(a)(2) of this title the restraint of any withholding of payment of minimum wages or overtime compensation found by the court to be due to employees under this chapter (except sums which employees are barred from recovering, at the time of the commencement of the action to restrain the violations, by virtue of the provisions of section 255 of this title" for ": Provided, That no court shall have jurisdiction, in any action brought by the Administrator to restrain such violations, to order the payment to employees of unpaid minimum wages or unpaid overtime compensation or an additional equal amount as liquidated damages in such action".

1960—Pub. L. 86–624 struck out reference to the District Court for Territory of Alaska.

1957—Pub. L. 85–231 included the District Court of Guam within the enumeration of courts having jurisdiction of injunction proceedings.

1949—Act Oct. 26, 1949, included a more precise description of United States courts having jurisdiction to restrain violations and inserted proviso denying jurisdiction to order payment of unpaid minimum wages, overtime, and liquidated damages in injunction proceedings.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1961 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 87–30 effective upon expiration of one hundred and twenty days after May 5, 1961, except as otherwise provided, see section 14 of Pub. L. 87–30, set out as a note under section 203 of this title.

Effective Date of 1957 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 85–231 effective upon expiration of ninety days from Aug. 30, 1957, see section 2 of Pub. L. 85–231, set out as a note under section 213 of this title.

Effective Date of 1949 Amendment

Amendment by act Oct. 26, 1949, effective ninety days after Oct. 26, 1949, see section 16(a) of act Oct. 26, 1949, set out as a note under section 202 of this title.

Termination of United States District Court for the District of the Canal Zone

For termination of the United States District Court for the District of the Canal Zone at end of the "transition period", being the 30-month period beginning Oct. 1, 1979, and ending midnight Mar. 31, 1982, see Paragraph 5 of Article XI of the Panama Canal Treaty of 1977 and sections 2101 and 2201 to 2203 of Pub. L. 96–70, title II, Sept. 27, 1979, 93 Stat. 493, formerly classified to sections 3831 and 3841 to 3843, respectively, of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

Functions relating to enforcement and administration of equal pay provisions vested by this section in Secretary of Labor transferred to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission by Reorg. Plan No. 1 of 1978, §1, 43 F.R. 19807, 92 Stat. 3781, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, effective Jan. 1, 1979, as provided by section 1–101 of Ex. Ord. No. 12106, Dec. 28, 1978, 44 F.R. 1053.

§218. Relation to other laws

(a) No provision of this chapter or of any order thereunder shall excuse noncompliance with any Federal or State law or municipal ordinance establishing a minimum wage higher than the minimum wage established under this chapter or a maximum work week lower than the maximum workweek established under this chapter, and no provision of this chapter relating to the employment of child labor shall justify noncompliance with any Federal or State law or municipal ordinance establishing a higher standard than the standard established under this chapter. No provision of this chapter shall justify any employer in reducing a wage paid by him which is in excess of the applicable minimum wage under this chapter, or justify any employer in increasing hours of employment maintained by him which are shorter than the maximum hours applicable under this chapter.

(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter (other than section 213(f) of this title) or any other law—

(1) any Federal employee in the Canal Zone engaged in employment of the kind described in section 5102(c)(7) of title 5, or

(2) any employee employed in a nonappropriated fund instrumentality under the jurisdiction of the Armed Forces,

shall have his basic compensation fixed or adjusted at a wage rate that is not less than the appropriate wage rate provided for in section 206(a)(1) of this title (except that the wage rate provided for in section 206(b) of this title shall apply to any employee who performed services during the workweek in a work place within the Canal Zone), and shall have his overtime compensation set at an hourly rate not less than the overtime rate provided for in section 207(a)(1) of this title.

(June 25, 1938, ch. 676, §18, 52 Stat. 1069; Pub. L. 89–601, title III, §306, Sept. 23, 1966, 80 Stat. 841; Pub. L. 90–83, §8, Sept. 11, 1967, 81 Stat. 222.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

For definition of Canal Zone, referred to in subsec. (b), see section 3602(b) of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse.

Amendments

1967—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 90–83 substituted reference to section 5102(c)(7) of title 5 for reference to par. (7) of section 202 of the Classification Act of 1949 to reflect the amendment of section 5341(a) of title 5 by section 1(97) of Pub. L. 90–83 and struck out provision covering employees described in section 7474 of title 10 in view of the repeal of section 7474 of title 10 by Pub. L. 89–554.

1966—Pub. L. 89–601 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a) and added subsec. (b).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1966 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 89–601 effective Feb. 1, 1967, except as otherwise provided, see section 602 of Pub. L. 89–601, set out as a note under section 203 of this title.

Rules, Regulations, and Orders Promulgated With Regard to 1966 Amendments

Secretary authorized to promulgate necessary rules, regulations, or orders on and after the date of the enactment of Pub. L. 89–601, Sept. 23, 1966, with regard to the amendments made by Pub. L. 89–601, see section 602 of Pub. L. 89–601, set out as a note under section 203 of this title.

§218a. Repealed. Pub. L. 114–74, title VI, §604, Nov. 2, 2015, 129 Stat. 599

Section, act June 25, 1938, ch. 676, §18A, as added Pub. L. 111–148, title I, §1511, Mar. 23, 2010, 124 Stat. 252, related to automatic enrollment for employees of large employers.

§218b. Notice to employees

(a) In general

In accordance with regulations promulgated by the Secretary, an employer to which this chapter applies, shall provide to each employee at the time of hiring (or with respect to current employees, not later than March 1, 2013), written notice—

(1) informing the employee of the existence of an Exchange, including a description of the services provided by such Exchange, and the manner in which the employee may contact the Exchange to request assistance;

(2) if the employer plan's share of the total allowed costs of benefits provided under the plan is less than 60 percent of such costs, that the employee may be eligible for a premium tax credit under section 36B of title 26 and a cost sharing reduction under section 18071 of title 42 if the employee purchases a qualified health plan through the Exchange; and

(3) if the employee purchases a qualified health plan through the Exchange, the employee may lose the employer contribution (if any) to any health benefits plan offered by the employer and that all or a portion of such contribution may be excludable from income for Federal income tax purposes.

(b) Effective date

Subsection (a) shall take effect with respect to employers in a State beginning on March 1, 2013.

(June 25, 1938, ch. 676, §18B, as added and amended Pub. L. 111–148, title I, §1512, title X, §10108(i)(2), Mar. 23, 2010, 124 Stat. 252, 914; Pub. L. 112–10, div. B, title VIII, §1858(c), Apr. 15, 2011, 125 Stat. 169.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2011—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 112–10 struck out "and the employer does not offer a free choice voucher" after "Exchange".

2010—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 111–148, §10108(i)(2), inserted "and the employer does not offer a free choice voucher" after "Exchange" and substituted "may lose" for "will lose".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2011 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 112–10 effective as if included in the provisions of, and the amendments made by, the provisions of Pub. L. 111–148 to which it relates, see section 1858(d) of Pub. L. 112–10, set out as a note under section 36B of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

§218c. Protections for employees

(a) Prohibition

No employer shall discharge or in any manner discriminate against any employee with respect to his or her compensation, terms, conditions, or other privileges of employment because the employee (or an individual acting at the request of the employee) has—

(1) received a credit under section 36B of title 26 or a subsidy under section 18071 of title 42; ¹

(2) provided, caused to be provided, or is about to provide or cause to be provided to the employer, the Federal Government, or the attorney general of a State information relating to any violation of, or any act or omission the employee reasonably believes to be a violation of, any provision of this title ¹ (or an amendment made by this title); ¹

(3) testified or is about to testify in a proceeding concerning such violation;

(4) assisted or participated, or is about to assist or participate, in such a proceeding; or

(5) objected to, or refused to participate in, any activity, policy, practice, or assigned task that the employee (or other such person) reasonably believed to be in violation of any provision of this title ¹ (or amendment), or any order, rule, regulation, standard, or ban under this title ¹ (or amendment).

(b) Complaint procedure

(1) In general

An employee who believes that he or she has been discharged or otherwise discriminated against by any employer in violation of this section may seek relief in accordance with the procedures, notifications, burdens of proof, remedies, and statutes of limitation set forth in section 2087(b) of title 15.

(2) No limitation on rights

Nothing in this section shall be deemed to diminish the rights, privileges, or remedies of any employee under any Federal or State law or under any collective bargaining agreement. The rights and remedies in this section may not be waived by any agreement, policy, form, or condition of employment.

(June 25, 1938, ch. 676, §18C, as added Pub. L. 111–148, title I, §1558, Mar. 23, 2010, 124 Stat. 261.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 18071 of title 42, referred to in subsec. (a)(1), was in the original "section 1402 of this Act", and was translated as meaning section 1402 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which is classified to section 18071 of title 42, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

This title, referred to in subsec. (a)(2), (5), probably means title I of Pub. L. 111–148, Mar. 23, 2011, 124 Stat. 130. For complete classification of title I to the Code, see Tables.

Section 2087(b) of title 15, referred to in subsec. (b)(1), was in the original "section 2807(b) of title 15", and probably should have read "section 40(b) of the Consumer Product Safety Act", which is classified to section 2087(b) of Title 15, Commerce and Trade.

¹ See References in Text note below.

§218d. Breastfeeding accommodations in the workplace

(a) In general

An employer shall provide—

(1) a reasonable break time for an employee to express breast milk for such employee's nursing child for 1 year after the child's birth each time such employee has need to express the milk; and

(2) a place, other than a bathroom, that is shielded from view and free from intrusion from coworkers and the public, which may be used by an employee to express breast milk.

(b) Compensation

(1) In general

Subject to paragraph (2), an employer shall not be required to compensate an employee receiving reasonable break time under subsection (a)(1) for any time spent during the workday for such purpose unless otherwise required by Federal or State law or municipal ordinance.

(2) Relief from duties

Break time provided under subsection (a)(1) shall be considered hours worked if the employee is not completely relieved from duty during the entirety of such break.

(c) Exemption for small employers

An employer that employs less than 50 employees shall not be subject to the requirements of this section, if such requirements would impose an undue hardship by causing the employer significant difficulty or expense when considered in relation to the size, financial resources, nature, or structure of the employer's business.

(d) Exemption for crewmembers of air carriers

(1) In general

An employer that is an air carrier shall not be subject to the requirements of this section with respect to an employee of such air carrier who is a crewmember ¹

(2) Definitions

In this subsection:

(A) Air carrier

The term "air carrier" has the meaning given such term in section 40102 of title 49.

(B) Crewmember

The term "crewmember" has the meaning given such term in section 1.1 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations).

(e) Applicability to rail carriers

(1) In general

Except as provided in paragraph (2), an employer that is a rail carrier shall be subject to the requirements of this section.

(2) Certain employees

An employer that is a rail carrier shall be subject to the requirements of this section with respect to an employee of such rail carrier who is a member of a train crew involved in the movement of a locomotive or rolling stock or who is an employee who maintains the right of way, provided that compliance with the requirements of this section does not—

(A) require the employer to incur significant expense, such as through the addition of such a member of a train crew in response to providing a break described in subsection (a)(1) to another such member of a train crew, removal or retrofitting of seats, or the modification or retrofitting of a locomotive or rolling stock; or

(B) result in unsafe conditions for an individual who is an employee who maintains the right of way.

(3) Significant expense

For purposes of paragraph (2)(A), it shall not be considered a significant expense to modify or retrofit a locomotive or rolling stock by installing a curtain or other screening protection.

(4) Definitions

In this subsection:

(A) Employee who maintains the right of way

The term "employee who maintains the right of way" means an employee who is a safety-related railroad employee described in section 20102(4)(C) of title 49.

(B) Rail carrier

The term "rail carrier" means an employer described in section 213(b)(2) of this title.

(C) Train crew

The term "train crew" has the meaning given such term as used in chapter II of subtitle B of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations).

(f) Applicability to motorcoach services operators

(1) In general

Except as provided in paragraph (2), an employer that is a motorcoach services operator shall be subject to the requirements of this section.

(2) Employees who are involved in the movement of a motorcoach

An employer that is a motorcoach services operator shall be subject to the requirements of this section with respect to an employee of such motorcoach services operator who is involved in the movement of a motorcoach provided that compliance with the requirements of this section does not—

(A) require the employer to incur significant expense, such as through the removal or retrofitting of seats, the modification or retrofitting of a motorcoach, or unscheduled stops; or

(B) result in unsafe conditions for an employee of a motorcoach services operator or a passenger of a motorcoach.

(3) Significant expense

For purposes of paragraph (2)(A), it shall not be considered a significant expense—

(A) to modify or retrofit a motorcoach by installing a curtain or other screening protection if an employee requests such a curtain or other screening protection; or

(B) for an employee to use scheduled stop time to express breast milk.

(4) Definitions

In this subsection:

(A) Motorcoach; motorcoach services

The terms "motorcoach" and "motorcoach services" have the meanings given the terms in section 32702 of the Motorcoach Enhanced Safety Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 31136 note).

(B) Motorcoach services operator

The term "motorcoach services operator" means an entity that offers motorcoach services.

(g) Notification prior to commencement of action

(1) In general

Except as provided in paragraph (2), before commencing an action under section 216(b) of this title for a violation of subsection (a)(2), an employee shall—

(A) notify the employer of such employee of the failure to provide the place described in such subsection; and

(B) provide the employer with 10 days after such notification to come into compliance with such subsection with respect to the employee.

(2) Exceptions

Paragraph (1) shall not apply in a case in which—

(A) the employee has been discharged because the employee—

(i) has made a request for the break time or place described in subsection (a); or

(ii) has opposed any employer conduct related to this section; or

(B) the employer has indicated that the employer has no intention of providing the place described in subsection (a)(2).

(h) Interaction with State and Federal law

(1) Laws providing greater protection

Nothing in this section shall preempt a State law or municipal ordinance that provides greater protections to employees than the protections provided for under this section.

(2) No effect on title 49 preemption

This section shall have no effect on the preemption of a State law or municipal ordinance that is preempted under subtitle IV, V, or VII of title 49.

(June 25, 1938, ch. 676, §18D, as added Pub. L. 117–328, div. KK, §102(a)(2), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 6093.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Motorcoach Enhanced Safety Act of 2012, referred to in subsec. (f)(4)(A), is subtitle G of title II of div. C of Pub. L. 112–141, which is set out as a note under section 31136 of Title 49, Transportation.

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to those in subsecs. (a) to (c) of this section were contained in section 207(r) of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 117–328, §102(a)(1).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective on Dec. 29, 2022, see section 103(a) of div. KK of Pub. L. 117–328, set out as an Effective Date of 2022 Amendment note under section 207 of this title.

Delayed Application of Law to Employees of Rail Carriers

Pub. L. 117–328, div. KK, §103(d), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 6096, provided that:

"(1) In general.—Section 18D of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 [29 U.S.C. 218d] (as added by section 102(a)) shall not apply to employees who are members of a train crew involved in the movement of a locomotive or rolling stock or who are employees who maintain the right of way of an employer that is a rail carrier until the date that is 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 29, 2022].

"(2) Definitions.—In this subsection:

"(A) Employee; employer.—The terms 'employee' and 'employer' have the meanings given such terms in section 3 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 203).

"(B) Employees [sic] who maintains the right of way; rail carrier; train crew.—The terms 'employee who maintains the right of way', 'rail carrier', and 'train crew' have the meanings given such terms in section 18D(e)(4) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 [29 U.S.C. 218d(e)(4)], as added by section 102(a)."

Delayed Application of Law to Employees of Motorcoach Services Operators

Pub. L. 117–328, div. KK, §103(e), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 6097, provided that:

"(1) In general.—Section 18D of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 [29 U.S.C. 218d] (as added by section 102(a)) shall not apply to employees who are involved in the movement of a motorcoach of an employer that is a motorcoach services operator until the date that is 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 29, 2022].

"(2) Definitions.—In this subsection:

"(A) Employee; employer.—The terms 'employee' and 'employer' have the meanings given such terms in section 3 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 203).

"(B) Motorcoach; motorcoach services operator.—The terms 'motorcoach' and 'motorcoach services operator' have the meanings given such terms in section 18D(f)(4) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 [29 U.S.C. 218d(f)(4)], as added by section 102(a)."

¹ So in original. Probably should be followed by a period.

§219. Separability

If any provision of this chapter or the application of such provision to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of this chapter and the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.

(June 25, 1938, ch. 676, §19, 52 Stat. 1069.)

CHAPTER 9—PORTAL-TO-PORTAL PAY

        

§251. Congressional findings and declaration of policy

(a) The Congress finds that the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended [29 U.S.C. 201 et seq.], has been interpreted judicially in disregard of long-established customs, practices, and contracts between employers and employees, thereby creating wholly unexpected liabilities, immense in amount and retroactive in operation, upon employers with the results that, if said Act as so interpreted or claims arising under such interpretations were permitted to stand, (1) the payment of such liabilities would bring about financial ruin of many employers and seriously impair the capital resources of many others, thereby resulting in the reduction of industrial operations, halting of expansion and development, curtailing employment, and the earning power of employees; (2) the credit of many employers would be seriously impaired; (3) there would be created both an extended and continuous uncertainty on the part of industry, both employer and employee, as to the financial condition of productive establishments and a gross inequality of competitive conditions between employers and between industries; (4) employees would receive windfall payments, including liquidated damages, of sums for activities performed by them without any expectation of reward beyond that included in their agreed rates of pay; (5) there would occur the promotion of increasing demands for payment to employees for engaging in activities no compensation for which had been contemplated by either the employer or employee at the time they were engaged in; (6) voluntary collective bargaining would be interfered with and industrial disputes between employees and employers and between employees and employees would be created; (7) the courts of the country would be burdened with excessive and needless litigation and champertous practices would be encouraged; (8) the Public Treasury would be deprived of large sums of revenues and public finances would be seriously deranged by claims against the Public Treasury for refunds of taxes already paid; (9) the cost to the Government of goods and services heretofore and hereafter purchased by its various departments and agencies would be unreasonably increased and the Public Treasury would be seriously affected by consequent increased cost of war contracts; and (10) serious and adverse effects upon the revenues of Federal, State, and local governments would occur.

The Congress further finds that all of the foregoing constitutes a substantial burden on commerce and a substantial obstruction to the free flow of goods in commerce.

The Congress, therefore, further finds and declares that it is in the national public interest and for the general welfare, essential to national defense, and necessary to aid, protect, and foster commerce, that this chapter be enacted.

The Congress further finds that the varying and extended periods of time for which, under the laws of the several States, potential retroactive liability may be imposed upon employers, have given and will give rise to great difficulties in the sound and orderly conduct of business and industry.

The Congress further finds and declares that all of the results which have arisen or may arise under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended, as aforesaid, may (except as to liability for liquidated damages) arise with respect to the Walsh-Healey and Bacon-Davis Acts ¹ and that it is, therefore, in the national public interest and for the general welfare, essential to national defense, and necessary to aid, protect, and foster commerce, that this chapter shall apply to the Walsh-Healey Act and the Bacon-Davis Act.¹

(b) It is declared to be the policy of the Congress in order to meet the existing emergency and to correct existing evils (1) to relieve and protect interstate commerce from practices which burden and obstruct it; (2) to protect the right of collective bargaining; and (3) to define and limit the jurisdiction of the courts.

(May 14, 1947, ch. 52, §1, 61 Stat. 84.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended, referred to in subsec. (a), is act June 25, 1938, ch. 676, 52 Stat. 1060, which is classified generally to chapter 8 (§201 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 201 of this title and Tables.

This chapter, referred to in subsec. (a), was in the original "this Act", meaning act May 14, 1947, ch. 52, 61 Stat. 84, known as the Portal-to-Portal Act of 1947, which enacted this chapter and amended section 216 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out below and Tables.

The Walsh-Healey and Bacon-Davis Acts, referred to in subsec. (a), are defined for purposes of this chapter in section 262 of this title.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Short Title of 1996 Amendment

Pub. L. 104–188, [title II], §2101, Aug. 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1928, provided that: "This section and sections 2102 [amending section 254 of this title] and 2103 [enacting provisions set out as a note under section 254 of this title] may be cited as the 'Employee Commuting Flexibility Act of 1996'."

Short Title

Act May 14, 1947, ch. 52, §15, 61 Stat. 90, provided that: "This Act [enacting this chapter and amending section 216 of this title] may be cited as the 'Portal-to-Portal Act of 1947'."

Separability

Act May 14, 1947, ch. 52, §14, 61 Stat. 90, provided: "If any provision of this Act [see Short Title note above] or the application of such provision to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of this Act and the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby."

¹ See References in Text note below.

§252. Relief from certain existing claims under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended, the Walsh-Healey Act, and the Bacon-Davis Act

(a) Liability of employer

No employer shall be subject to any liability or punishment under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended [29 U.S.C. 201 et seq.] the Walsh-Healey Act, or the Bacon-Davis Act ¹ (in any action or proceeding commenced prior to or on or after May 14, 1947), on account of the failure of such employer to pay an employee minimum wages, or to pay an employee overtime compensation, for or on account of any activity of an employee engaged in prior to May 14, 1947, except an activity which was compensable by either—

(1) an express provision of a written or nonwritten contract in effect, at the time of such activity, between such employee, his agent, or collective-bargaining representative and his employer; or

(2) a custom or practice in effect, at the time of such activity, at the establishment or other place where such employee was employed, covering such activity, not inconsistent with a written or nonwritten contract, in effect at the time of such activity, between such employee, his agent, or collective-bargaining representative and his employer.

(b) Compensable activity

For the purposes of subsection (a), an activity shall be considered as compensable under such contract provision or such custom or practice only when it was engaged in during the portion of the day with respect to which it was so made compensable.

(c) Time of employment

In the application of the minimum wage and overtime compensation provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended [29 U.S.C. 201 et seq.], of the Walsh-Healey Act, or of the Bacon-Davis Act,¹ in determining the time for which an employer employed an employee there shall be counted all that time, but only that time, during which the employee engaged in activities which were compensable within the meaning of subsections (a) and (b) of this section.

(d) Jurisdiction

No court of the United States, of any State, Territory, or possession of the United States, or of the District of Columbia, shall have jurisdiction of any action or proceeding, whether instituted prior to or on or after May 14, 1947, to enforce liability or impose punishment for or on account of the failure of the employer to pay minimum wages or overtime compensation under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended [29 U.S.C. 201 et seq.], under the Walsh-Healey Act, or under the Bacon-Davis Act,¹ to the extent that such action or proceeding seeks to enforce any liability or impose any punishment with respect to an activity which was not compensable under subsections (a) and (b) of this section.

(e) Assignment of actions

No cause of action based on unpaid minimum wages, unpaid overtime compensation, or liquidated damages, under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended [29 U.S.C. 201 et seq.], the Walsh-Healey Act, or the Bacon-Davis Act,¹ which accrued prior to May 14, 1947, or any interest in such cause of action, shall hereafter be assignable, in whole or in part, to the extent that such cause of action is based on an activity which was not compensable within the meaning of subsections (a) and (b).

(May 14, 1947, ch. 52, §2, 61 Stat. 85.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended, referred to in subsecs. (a), (c) to (e), is act June 25, 1938, ch. 676, 52 Stat. 1060, which is classified generally to chapter 8 (§201 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 201 of this title and Tables.

The Walsh-Healey and Bacon-Davis Acts, referred to in subsecs. (a), (c) to (e), are defined for purposes of this chapter in section 262 of this title.

¹ See References in Text note below.

§253. Compromise and waiver

(a) Compromise of certain existing claims under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, the Walsh-Healey Act, or the Bacon-Davis Act; limitations

Any cause of action under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended [29 U.S.C. 201 et seq.], the Walsh-Healey Act, or the Bacon-Davis Act,¹ which accrued prior to May 14, 1947, or any action (whether instituted prior to or on or after May 14, 1947) to enforce such a cause of action, may hereafter be compromised in whole or in part, if there exists a bona fide dispute as to the amount payable by the employer to his employee; except that no such action or cause of action may be so compromised to the extent that such compromise is based on an hourly wage rate less than the minimum required under such Act, or on a payment for overtime at a rate less than one and one-half times such minimum hourly wage rate.

(b) Waiver of liquidated damages under Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938

Any employee may hereafter waive his right under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended [29 U.S.C. 201 et seq.], to liquidated damages, in whole or in part, with respect to activities engaged in prior to May 14, 1947.

(c) Satisfaction

Any such compromise or waiver, in the absence of fraud or duress, shall, according to the terms thereof, be a complete satisfaction of such cause of action and a complete bar to any action based on such cause of action.

(d) Retroactive effect of section

The provisions of this section shall also be applicable to any compromise or waiver heretofore so made or given.

(e) "Compromise" defined

As used in this section, the term "compromise" includes "adjustment", "settlement", and "release".

(May 14, 1947, ch. 52, §3, 61 Stat. 86.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (b), is act June 25, 1938, ch. 676, 52 Stat. 1060, which is classified generally to chapter 8 (§201 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 201 of this title and Tables.

The Walsh-Healey and Bacon-Davis Acts, referred to in subsec. (a), are defined for purposes of this chapter in section 262 of this title.

¹ See References in Text note below.

§254. Relief from liability and punishment under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, the Walsh-Healey Act, and the Bacon-Davis Act for failure to pay minimum wage or overtime compensation

(a) Activities not compensable

Except as provided in subsection (b), no employer shall be subject to any liability or punishment under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended [29 U.S.C. 201 et seq.], the Walsh-Healey Act, or the Bacon-Davis Act,¹ on account of the failure of such employer to pay an employee minimum wages, or to pay an employee overtime compensation, for or on account of any of the following activities of such employee engaged in on or after May 14, 1947—

(1) walking, riding, or traveling to and from the actual place of performance of the principal activity or activities which such employee is employed to perform, and

(2) activities which are preliminary to or postliminary to said principal activity or activities,

which occur either prior to the time on any particular workday at which such employee commences, or subsequent to the time on any particular workday at which he ceases, such principal activity or activities. For purposes of this subsection, the use of an employer's vehicle for travel by an employee and activities performed by an employee which are incidental to the use of such vehicle for commuting shall not be considered part of the employee's principal activities if the use of such vehicle for travel is within the normal commuting area for the employer's business or establishment and the use of the employer's vehicle is subject to an agreement on the part of the employer and the employee or representative of such employee.

(b) Compensability by contract or custom

Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) which relieve an employer from liability and punishment with respect to any activity, the employer shall not be so relieved if such activity is compensable by either—

(1) an express provision of a written or nonwritten contract in effect, at the time of such activity, between such employee, his agent, or collective-bargaining representative and his employer; or

(2) a custom or practice in effect, at the time of such activity, at the establishment or other place where such employee is employed, covering such activity, not inconsistent with a written or nonwritten contract, in effect at the time of such activity, between such employee, his agent, or collective-bargaining representative and his employer.

(c) Restriction on activities compensable under contract or custom

For the purposes of subsection (b), an activity shall be considered as compensable under such contract provision or such custom or practice only when it is engaged in during the portion of the day with respect to which it is so made compensable.

(d) Determination of time employed with respect to activities

In the application of the minimum wage and overtime compensation provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended [29 U.S.C. 201 et seq.], of the Walsh-Healey Act, or of the Bacon-Davis Act,¹ in determining the time for which an employer employs an employee with respect to walking, riding, traveling, or other preliminary or postliminary activities described in subsection (a) of this section, there shall be counted all that time, but only that time, during which the employee engages in any such activity which is compensable within the meaning of subsections (b) and (c) of this section.

(May 14, 1947, ch. 52, §4, 61 Stat. 86; Pub. L. 104–188, [title II], §2102, Aug. 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1928.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (d), is act June 25, 1938, ch. 676, 52 Stat. 1060, which is classified generally to chapter 8 (§201 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 201 of this title and Tables.

The Walsh-Healey and Bacon-Davis Acts, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (d), are defined for purposes of this chapter in section 262 of this title.

Amendments

1996—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 104–188 in closing provisions inserted at end "For purposes of this subsection, the use of an employer's vehicle for travel by an employee and activities performed by an employee which are incidental to the use of such vehicle for commuting shall not be considered part of the employee's principal activities if the use of such vehicle for travel is within the normal commuting area for the employer's business or establishment and the use of the employer's vehicle is subject to an agreement on the part of the employer and the employee or representative of such employee."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Pub. L. 104–188, [title II], §2103, Aug. 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1928, provided that: "The amendment made by section 2101 [probably means section 2102 of Pub. L. 104–188, amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 20, 1996] and shall apply in determining the application of section 4 of the Portal-to-Portal Act of 1947 [this section] to an employee in any civil action brought before such date of enactment but pending on such date."

¹ See References in Text note below.

§255. Statute of limitations

Any action commenced on or after May 14, 1947, to enforce any cause of action for unpaid minimum wages, unpaid overtime compensation, or liquidated damages, under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended [29 U.S.C. 201 et seq.], the Walsh-Healey Act, or the Bacon-Davis Act ¹ —

(a) if the cause of action accrues on or after May 14, 1947—may be commenced within two years after the cause of action accrued, and every such action shall be forever barred unless commenced within two years after the cause of action accrued, except that a cause of action arising out of a willful violation may be commenced within three years after the cause of action accrued;

(b) if the cause of action accrued prior to May 14, 1947—may be commenced within whichever of the following periods is the shorter: (1) two years after the cause of action accrued, or (2) the period prescribed by the applicable State statute of limitations; and, except as provided in paragraph (c), every such action shall be forever barred unless commenced within the shorter of such two periods;

(c) if the cause of action accrued prior to May 14, 1947, the action shall not be barred by paragraph (b) if it is commenced within one hundred and twenty days after May 14, 1947 unless at the time commenced it is barred by an applicable State statute of limitations;

(d) with respect to any cause of action brought under section 216(b) of this title against a State or a political subdivision of a State in a district court of the United States on or before April 18, 1973, the running of the statutory periods of limitation shall be deemed suspended during the period beginning with the commencement of any such action and ending one hundred and eighty days after the effective date of the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1974, except that such suspension shall not be applicable if in such action judgment has been entered for the defendant on the grounds other than State immunity from Federal jurisdiction.

(May 14, 1947, ch. 52, §6, 61 Stat. 87; Pub. L. 89–601, title VI, §601(b), Sept. 23, 1966, 80 Stat. 844; Pub. L. 93–259, §6(d)(2)(A), Apr. 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 61.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended, referred to in text, is act June 25, 1938, ch. 676, 52 Stat. 1060, which is classified generally to chapter 8 (§201 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 201 of this title and Tables.

The Walsh-Healey and Bacon-Davis Acts, referred to in text, are defined for purposes of this chapter in section 262 of this title.

The effective date of the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1974, referred to in subsec. (d), means May 1, 1974, except as otherwise specifically provided, under provisions of section 29(a) of Pub. L. 93–259, set out as an Effective Date of 1974 Amendment note under section 202 of this title.

Amendments

1974—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 93–259 added subsec. (d).

1966—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 89–601 inserted provision allowing causes of action arising out of willful violations to be commenced within three years after the cause of action accrued.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1974 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 93–259 effective May 1, 1974, see section 29(a) of Pub. L. 93–259, set out as a note under section 202 of this title.

Effective Date of 1966 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 89–601 effective Feb. 1, 1967, except as otherwise provided, see section 602 of Pub. L. 89–601, set out as a note under section 203 of this title.

Rules, Regulations, and Orders Promulgated With Regard to 1966 Amendments

Secretary authorized to promulgate necessary rules, regulations, or orders on and after the date of the enactment of Pub. L. 89–601, Sept. 23, 1966, with regard to the amendments made by Pub. L. 89–601, see section 602 of Pub. L. 89–601, set out as a note under section 203 of this title.

¹ See References in Text note below.

§256. Determination of commencement of future actions

In determining when an action is commenced for the purposes of section 255 of this title, an action commenced on or after May 14, 1947 under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended [29 U.S.C. 201 et seq.], the Walsh-Healey Act, or the Bacon-Davis Act,¹ shall be considered to be commenced on the date when the complaint is filed; except that in the case of a collective or class action instituted under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended, or the Bacon-Davis Act,¹ it shall be considered to be commenced in the case of any individual claimant—

(a) on the date when the complaint is filed, if he is specifically named as a party plaintiff in the complaint and his written consent to become a party plaintiff is filed on such date in the court in which the action is brought; or

(b) if such written consent was not so filed or if his name did not so appear—on the subsequent date on which such written consent is filed in the court in which the action was commenced.

(May 14, 1947, ch. 52, §7, 61 Stat. 88.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended, referred to in text, is act June 25, 1938, ch. 676, 52 Stat. 1060, which is classified generally to chapter 8 (§201 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 201 of this title and Tables.

The Walsh-Healey and Bacon-Davis Acts, referred to in text, are defined for purposes of this chapter in section 262 of this title.

¹ See References in Text note below.

§257. Pending collective and representative actions

The statute of limitations prescribed in section 255(b) of this title shall also be applicable (in the case of a collective or representative action commenced prior to May 14, 1947 under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended [29 U.S.C. 201 et seq.]) to an individual claimant who has not been specifically named as a party plaintiff to the action prior to the expiration of one hundred and twenty days after May 14, 1947. In the application of such statute of limitations such action shall be considered to have been commenced as to him when, and only when, his written consent to become a party plaintiff to the action is filed in the court in which the action was brought.

(May 14, 1947, ch. 52, §8, 61 Stat. 88.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended, referred to in text, is act June 25, 1938, ch. 676, 52 Stat. 1060, as amended, which is classified generally to chapter 8 (§201 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 201 of this title and Tables.

§258. Reliance on past administrative rulings, etc.

In any action or proceeding commenced prior to or on or after May 14, 1947 based on any act or omission prior to May 14, 1947, no employer shall be subject to any liability or punishment for or on account of the failure of the employer to pay minimum wages or overtime compensation under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended [29 U.S.C. 201 et seq.], the Walsh-Healey Act, or the Bacon-Davis Act,¹ if he pleads and proves that the act or omission complained of was in good faith in conformity with and in reliance on any administrative regulation, order, ruling, approval, or interpretation, of any agency of the United States, or any administrative practice or enforcement policy of any such agency with respect to the class of employers to which he belonged. Such a defense, if established, shall be a bar to the action or proceeding, notwithstanding that after such act or omission, such administrative regulation, order, ruling, approval, interpretation, practice, or enforcement policy is modified or rescinded or is determined by judicial authority to be invalid or of no legal effect.

(May 14, 1947, ch. 52, §9, 61 Stat. 88.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended, referred to in text, is act June 25, 1938, ch. 676, 52 Stat. 1060, which is classified generally to chapter 8 (§201 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 201 of this title and Tables.

The Walsh-Healey and Bacon-Davis Acts, referred to in text, are defined for purposes of this chapter in section 262 of this title.

¹ See References in Text note below.

§259. Reliance in future on administrative rulings, etc.

(a) In any action or proceeding based on any act or omission on or after May 14, 1947, no employer shall be subject to any liability or punishment for or on account of the failure of the employer to pay minimum wages or overtime compensation under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended [29 U.S.C. 201 et seq.], the Walsh-Healey Act, or the Bacon-Davis Act,¹ if he pleads and proves that the act or omission complained of was in good faith in conformity with and in reliance on any written administrative regulation, order, ruling, approval, or interpretation, of the agency of the United States specified in subsection (b) of this section, or any administrative practice or enforcement policy of such agency with respect to the class of employers to which he belonged. Such a defense, if established, shall be a bar to the action or proceeding, notwithstanding that after such act or omission, such administrative regulation, order, ruling, approval, interpretation, practice, or enforcement policy is modified or rescinded or is determined by judicial authority to be invalid or of no legal effect.

(b) The agency referred to in subsection (a) shall be—

(1) in the case of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended [29 U.S.C. 201 et seq.]—the Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division of the Department of Labor;

(2) in the case of the Walsh-Healey Act—the Secretary of Labor, or any Federal officer utilized by him in the administration of such Act; and

(3) in the case of the Bacon-Davis Act ¹—the Secretary of Labor.

(May 14, 1947, ch. 52, §10, 61 Stat. 89.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended, referred to in text, is act June 25, 1938, ch. 676, 52 Stat. 1060, which is classified generally to chapter 8 (§201 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 201 of this title and Tables.

The Walsh-Healey and Bacon-Davis Acts, referred to in text, are defined for purposes of this chapter in section 262 of this title.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

Functions relating to enforcement and administration of equal pay provisions vested by subsec. (b)(1) of this section in Administrator of Wage and Hour Division of Department of Labor transferred to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission by Reorg. Plan No. 1 of 1978, §1, 43 F.R. 19807, 92 Stat. 3781, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, effective Jan. 1, 1979, as provided by section 1–101 of Ex. Ord. No. 12106, Dec. 28, 1978, 44 F.R. 1053.

For transfer of functions of other officers, employees, and agencies of Department of Labor, with certain exceptions, to Secretary of Labor, with power to delegate, see Reorg. Plan No. 6, of 1950, §§1, 2, 15 F.R. 3174, 64 Stat. 1263, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

¹ See References in Text note below.

§260. Liquidated damages

In any action commenced prior to or on or after May 14, 1947 to recover unpaid minimum wages, unpaid overtime compensation, or liquidated damages, under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended [29 U.S.C. 201 et seq.], if the employer shows to the satisfaction of the court that the act or omission giving rise to such action was in good faith and that he had reasonable grounds for believing that his act or omission was not a violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended, the court may, in its sound discretion, award no liquidated damages or award any amount thereof not to exceed the amount specified in section 216 of this title.

(May 14, 1947, ch. 52, §11, 61 Stat. 89; Pub. L. 93–259, §6(d)(2)(B), Apr. 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 62.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended, referred to in text, is act June 25, 1938, ch. 676, 52 Stat. 1060, as amended, which is classified generally to chapter 8 (§201 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 201 of this title and Tables.

Amendments

1974—Pub. L. 93–259 substituted "section 216 of this title" for "section 216(b) of this title".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1974 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 93–259 effective May 1, 1974, see section 29(a) of Pub. L. 93–259, set out as a note under section 202 of this title.

§261. Applicability of "area of production" regulations

No employer shall be subject to any liability or punishment under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended [29 U.S.C. 201 et seq.], on account of the failure of such employer to pay an employee minimum wages, or to pay an employee overtime compensation, for or on account of an activity engaged in by such employee prior to December 26, 1946, if such employer—

(1) was not so subject by reason of the definition of an "area of production", by a regulation of the Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division of the Department of Labor, which regulation was applicable at the time of performance of the activity even though at that time the regulation was invalid; or

(2) would not have been so subject if the regulation signed on December 18, 1946 (Federal Register, Vol. 11, p. 14648) had been in force on and after October 24, 1938.

(May 14, 1947, ch. 52, §12, 61 Stat. 89.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended, referred to in text, is act June 25, 1938, ch. 676, 52 Stat. 1060, as amended, which is classified generally to chapter 8 (§201 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 201 of this title and Tables.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of functions of other officers, employees, and agencies of Department of Labor, with certain exceptions, to Secretary of Labor, with power to delegate, see Reorg. Plan No. 6, of 1950, §§1, 2, 15 F.R. 3174, 64 Stat. 1263, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

§262. Definitions

(a) When the terms "employer", "employee", and "wage" are used in this chapter in relation to the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended [29 U.S.C. 201 et seq.], they shall have the same meaning as when used in such Act of 1938.

(b) When the term "employer" is used in this chapter in relation to the Walsh-Healey Act or Bacon-Davis Act ¹ it shall mean the contractor or subcontractor covered by such Act.

(c) When the term "employee" is used in this chapter in relation to the Walsh-Healey Act or the Bacon-Davis Act ¹ it shall mean any individual employed by the contractor or subcontractor covered by such Act in the performance of his contract or subcontract.

(d) The term "Wash-Healey Act" ² means the Act entitled "An Act to provide conditions for the purchase of supplies and the making of contracts by the United States, and for other purposes", approved June 30, 1936 (49 Stat. 2036), as amended; ¹ and the term "Bacon-Davis Act" means the Act entitled "An Act to amend the Act approved March 3, 1931, relating to the rate of wages for laborers and mechanics employed by contractors and subcontractors on public buildings", approved August 30, 1935 (49 Stat. 1011), as amended.¹

(e) As used in section 255 of this title the term "State" means any State of the United States or the District of Columbia or any Territory or possession of the United States.

(May 14, 1947, ch. 52, §13, 61 Stat. 90.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended, referred to in subsec. (a), is act June 25, 1938, ch. 676, 52 Stat. 1060, which is classified generally to chapter 8 (§201 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 201 of this title and Tables.

The Walsh-Healey Act and the Act entitled "An Act to provide conditions for the purchase of supplies and the making of contracts by the United States, and for other purposes", approved June 30, 1936, referred to in subsecs. (b) to (d), are act June 30, 1936, ch. 881, 49 Stat. 2036, which was classified principally to sections 35 to 45 of former Title 41, Public Contracts, and was substantially repealed and restated as chapter 65 (§6501 et seq.) of Title 41, Public Contracts, by Pub. L. 111–350, §§3, 7(b), Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3677, 3855. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1936 Act note set out under section 101 of Title 41 and Tables. For disposition of sections of former Title 41, see Disposition Table preceding section 101 of Title 41.

The "Bacon-Davis Act", as defined for purposes of this chapter in subsec. (d), is act Aug. 30, 1935, ch. 825, 49 Stat. 1011, which generally amended act Mar. 3, 1931, ch. 411, 46 Stat. 1494, popularly known as the "Davis-Bacon Act", and which was classified to sections 276a to 276a–6 of former Title 40, Public Buildings, Property, and Works. Sections 276a to 276a–6 of former Title 40 were repealed and reenacted as sections 3141–3144, 3146, and 3147 of Title 40, Public Buildings, Property, and Works, by Pub. L. 107–217, §§1, 6(b), Aug. 21, 2002, 116 Stat. 1062, 1304.

¹ See References in Text note below.

² So in original. Probably should be "Walsh-Healey Act".

CHAPTER 10—DISCLOSURE OF WELFARE AND PENSION PLANS

§§301 to 309. Repealed. Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §111(a)(1), Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 851

Section 301, Pub. L. 85–836, §2, Aug. 28, 1958, 72 Stat. 997, set forth Congressional findings and policy with respect to welfare and pension plan disclosure. See section 1001 of this title.

Section 302, Pub. L. 85–836, §3, Aug. 28, 1958, 72 Stat. 997; Pub. L. 86–624, §21(d), July 12, 1960, 74 Stat. 417; Pub. L. 87–420, §§2–5, Mar. 20, 1962, 76 Stat. 35, provided definitions for this chapter. See section 1002 of this title.

Section 303, Pub. L. 85–836, §4, Aug. 28, 1958, 72 Stat. 998; Pub. L. 87–420, §6, Mar. 20, 1962, 76 Stat. 35, related to plans covered within chapter. See section 1003 of this title.

Section 304, Pub. L. 85–836, §5, Aug. 28, 1958, 72 Stat. 998; Pub. L. 87–420, §7, Mar. 20, 1962, 76 Stat. 36, related to duties of administrator and definition of "administrator". See sections 1002(16)(A) and 1021 of this title.

Section 305, Pub. L. 85–836, §6, Aug. 28, 1958, 72 Stat. 999; Pub. L. 87–420, §8, Mar. 20, 1962, 76 Stat. 36, related to time for publication and contents of plan. See section 1022 of this title.

Section 306, Pub. L. 85–836, §7, Aug. 28, 1958, 72 Stat. 1000; Pub. L. 87–420, §§9–13, Mar. 20, 1962, 76 Stat. 36, 37, related to time for publication, contents, etc., of annual reports. See section 1023 of this title.

Section 307, Pub. L. 85–836, §8, Aug. 28, 1958, 72 Stat. 1002; Pub. L. 87–420, §§14, 18, Mar. 20, 1962, 76 Stat. 37, 43, related to publication of description of plan and annual report. See section 1024 of this title.

Section 308, Pub. L. 85–836, §9, Aug. 28, 1958, 72 Stat. 1002; Pub. L. 87–420, §15, Mar. 20, 1962, 76 Stat. 37, related to enforcement provisions. See section 1131 et seq. of this title.

Section 308a, Pub. L. 85–836, §10, as added Pub. L. 87–420, §16(a), Mar. 20, 1962, 76 Stat. 38, related to reports as public information. See section 1026 of this title.

Section 308b, Pub. L. 85–836, §11, as added Pub. L. 87–420, §16(a), Mar. 20, 1962, 76 Stat. 38, related to retention of records. See section 1027 of this title.

Section 308c, Pub. L. 85–836, §12, as added Pub. L. 87–420, §16(a), Mar. 20, 1962, 76 Stat. 38, related to reliance on administrative interpretations and forms. See section 1028 of this title.

Section 308d, Pub. L. 85–836, §13, as added Pub. L. 87–420, §16(a), Mar. 20, 1962, 76 Stat. 39, related to bonding requirements. See section 1112 of this title.

Section 308e, Pub. L. 85–836, §14, as added Pub. L. 87–420, §16(a), Mar. 20, 1962, 76 Stat. 40, related to establishment, membership, duties, etc., of Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans. See section 1142 of this title.

Section 308f, Pub. L. 85–836, §15, as added Pub. L. 87–420, §16(a), Mar. 20, 1962, 76 Stat. 41, related to administration of provisions of chapter. See section 1137 of this title.

Section 309, Pub. L. 85–836, §16, formerly §10, Aug. 28, 1958, 72 Stat. 1002, renumbered and amended Pub. L. 87–420, §16(a), (b), Mar. 20, 1962, 76 Stat. 38, 41, related to effect of other laws on provisions of this chapter. See section 1144 of this title.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of Repeal

Repeal effective Jan. 1, 1975, except that chapter to remain applicable to any conduct and events which occurred before Jan. 1, 1975, see section 1031 of this title.

The Secretary of Labor was empowered, in the case of a plan which has a plan year which begins before Jan. 1, 1975, and ends after Dec. 31, 1974, to postpone by regulation the effective date of the repeal of any provision of this chapter until the beginning of the first plan year of such plan which begins after Jan. 1, 1975, pursuant to section 1031(b)(2) of this title.

CHAPTER 11—LABOR-MANAGEMENT REPORTING AND DISCLOSURE PROCEDURE

SUBCHAPTER I—GENERAL PROVISIONS

        

SUBCHAPTER II—BILL OF RIGHTS OF MEMBERS OF LABOR ORGANIZATIONS

        

SUBCHAPTER III—REPORTING BY LABOR ORGANIZATIONS, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF LABOR ORGANIZATIONS, AND EMPLOYERS

        

SUBCHAPTER IV—TRUSTEESHIPS

        

SUBCHAPTER V—ELECTIONS

        

SUBCHAPTER VI—SAFEGUARDS FOR LABOR ORGANIZATIONS

        

SUBCHAPTER VII—MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

        

SUBCHAPTER I—GENERAL PROVISIONS

§401. Congressional declaration of findings, purposes, and policy

(a) Standards for labor-management relations

The Congress finds that, in the public interest, it continues to be the responsibility of the Federal Government to protect employees' rights to organize, choose their own representatives, bargain collectively, and otherwise engage in concerted activities for their mutual aid or protection; that the relations between employers and labor organizations and the millions of workers they represent have a substantial impact on the commerce of the Nation; and that in order to accomplish the objective of a free flow of commerce it is essential that labor organizations, employers, and their officials adhere to the highest standards of responsibility and ethical conduct in administering the affairs of their organizations, particularly as they affect labor-management relations.

(b) Protection of rights of employees and the public

The Congress further finds, from recent investigations in the labor and management fields, that there have been a number of instances of breach of trust, corruption, disregard of the rights of individual employees, and other failures to observe high standards of responsibility and ethical conduct which require further and supplementary legislation that will afford necessary protection of the rights and interests of employees and the public generally as they relate to the activities of labor organizations, employers, labor relations consultants, and their officers and representatives.

(c) Necessity to eliminate or prevent improper practices

The Congress, therefore, further finds and declares that the enactment of this chapter is necessary to eliminate or prevent improper practices on the part of labor organizations, employers, labor relations consultants, and their officers and representatives which distort and defeat the policies of the Labor Management Relations Act, 1947, as amended [29 U.S.C. 141 et seq.], and the Railway Labor Act, as amended [45 U.S.C. 151 et seq.], and have the tendency or necessary effect of burdening or obstructing commerce by (1) impairing the efficiency, safety, or operation of the instrumentalities of commerce; (2) occurring in the current of commerce; (3) materially affecting, restraining, or controlling the flow of raw materials or manufactured or processed goods into or from the channels of commerce, or the prices of such materials or goods in commerce; or (4) causing diminution of employment and wages in such volume as substantially to impair or disrupt the market for goods flowing into or from the channels of commerce.

(Pub. L. 86–257, §2, Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 519.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in subsec. (c), was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 86–257, Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 519, known as the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959, which enacted this chapter, amended sections 153, 158, 159, 160, 164, 186, and 187 of this title, and enacted provisions set out as notes under sections 153, 158, and 481 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out below and Tables.

The Labor Management Relations Act, 1947, referred to in subsec. (c), is act June 23, 1947, ch. 120, 61 Stat. 136, which is classified principally to chapter 7 (§141 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 141 of this title and Tables.

The Railway Labor Act, referred to in subsec. (c), is act May 20, 1926, ch. 347, 44 Stat. 577, which is classified principally to chapter 8 (§151 et seq.) of Title 45, Railroads. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 151 of Title 45 and Tables.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Short Title

Pub. L. 86–257, §1, Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 519, provided that: "This Act [enacting this chapter, amending sections 153, 158, 159, 160, 164, 186, and 187 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 153, 158, and 481 of this title] may be cited as the 'Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959'."

§402. Definitions

For the purposes of this chapter—

(a) "Commerce" means trade, traffic, commerce, transportation, transmission, or communication among the several States or between any State and any place outside thereof.

(b) "State" includes any State of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, Wake Island, the Canal Zone, and Outer Continental Shelf lands defined in the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act [43 U.S.C. 1331 et seq.].

(c) "Industry affecting commerce" means any activity, business, or industry in commerce or in which a labor dispute would hinder or obstruct commerce or the free flow of commerce and includes any activity or industry "affecting commerce" within the meaning of the Labor Management Relations Act, 1947, as amended [29 U.S.C. 141 et seq.], or the Railway Labor Act, as amended [45 U.S.C. 151 et seq.].

(d) "Person" includes one or more individuals, labor organizations, partnerships, associations, corporations, legal representatives, mutual companies, joint-stock companies, trusts, unincorporated organizations, trustees, trustees in cases under title 11, or receivers.

(e) "Employer" means any employer or any group or association of employers engaged in an industry affecting commerce (1) which is, with respect to employees engaged in an industry affecting commerce, an employer within the meaning of any law of the United States relating to the employment of any employees or (2) which may deal with any labor organization concerning grievances, labor disputes, wages, rates of pay, hours of employment, or conditions of work, and includes any person acting directly or indirectly as an employer or as an agent of an employer in relation to an employee but does not include the United States or any corporation wholly owned by the Government of the United States or any State or political subdivision thereof.

(f) "Employee" means any individual employed by an employer, and includes any individual whose work has ceased as a consequence of, or in connection with, any current labor dispute or because of any unfair labor practice or because of exclusion or expulsion from a labor organization in any manner or for any reason inconsistent with the requirements of this chapter.

(g) "Labor dispute" includes any controversy concerning terms, tenure, or conditions of employment, or concerning the association or representation of persons in negotiating, fixing, maintaining, changing, or seeking to arrange terms or conditions of employment, regardless of whether the disputants stand in the proximate relation of employer and employee.

(h) "Trusteeship" means any receivership, trusteeship, or other method of supervision or control whereby a labor organization suspends the autonomy otherwise available to a subordinate body under its constitution or bylaws.

(i) "Labor organization" means a labor organization engaged in an industry affecting commerce and includes any organization of any kind, any agency, or employee representation committee, group, association, or plan so engaged in which employees participate and which exists for the purpose, in whole or in part, of dealing with employers concerning grievances, labor disputes, wages, rates of pay, hours, or other terms or conditions of employment, and any conference, general committee, joint or system board, or joint council so engaged which is subordinate to a national or international labor organization, other than a State or local central body.

(j) A labor organization shall be deemed to be engaged in an industry affecting commerce if it—

(1) is the certified representative of employees under the provisions of the National Labor Relations Act, as amended [29 U.S.C. 151 et seq.], or the Railway Labor Act, as amended [45 U.S.C. 151 et seq.]; or

(2) although not certified, is a national or international labor organization or a local labor organization recognized or acting as the representative of employees of an employer or employers engaged in an industry affecting commerce; or

(3) has chartered a local labor organization or subsidiary body which is representing or actively seeking to represent employees of employers within the meaning of paragraph (1) or (2); or

(4) has been chartered by a labor organization representing or actively seeking to represent employees within the meaning of paragraph (1) or (2) as the local or subordinate body through which such employees may enjoy membership or become affiliated with such labor organization; or

(5) is a conference, general committee, joint or system board, or joint council, subordinate to a national or international labor organization, which includes a labor organization engaged in an industry affecting commerce within the meaning of any of the preceding paragraphs of this subsection, other than a State or local central body.

(k) "Secret ballot" means the expression by ballot, voting machine, or otherwise, but in no event by proxy, of a choice with respect to any election or vote taken upon any matter, which is cast in such a manner that the person expressing such choice cannot be identified with the choice expressed.

(l) "Trust in which a labor organization is interested" means a trust or other fund or organization (1) which was created or established by a labor organization, or one or more of the trustees or one or more members of the governing body of which is selected or appointed by a labor organization, and (2) a primary purpose of which is to provide benefits for the members of such labor organization or their beneficiaries.

(m) "Labor relations consultant" means any person who, for compensation, advises or represents an employer, employer organization, or labor organization concerning employee organizing, concerted activities, or collective bargaining activities.

(n) "Officer" means any constitutional officer, any person authorized to perform the functions of president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, or other executive functions of a labor organization, and any member of its executive board or similar governing body.

(o) "Member" or "member in good standing", when used in reference to a labor organization, includes any person who has fulfilled the requirements for membership in such organization, and who neither has voluntarily withdrawn from membership nor has been expelled or suspended from membership after appropriate proceedings consistent with lawful provisions of the constitution and bylaws of such organization.

(p) "Secretary" means the Secretary of Labor.

(q) "Officer, agent, shop steward, or other representative", when used with respect to a labor organization, includes elected officials and key administrative personnel, whether elected or appointed (such as business agents, heads of departments or major units, and organizers who exercise substantial independent authority), but does not include salaried nonsupervisory professional staff, stenographic, and service personnel.

(r) "District court of the United States" means a United States district court and a United States court of any place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.

(Pub. L. 86–257, §3, Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 520; Pub. L. 95–598, title III, §320, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2678.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in the opening phrase, was in the original "titles I, II, III, IV, V (except section 505), and VI of this Act", which reference includes those sections of the Act which are classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of such titles to the Code, see Tables.

For definition of Canal Zone, referred to in subsec. (b), see section 3602(b) of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse.

The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, referred to in subsec. (b), is act Aug. 7, 1953, ch. 345, 67 Stat. 462, which is classified generally to subchapter III (§1331 et seq.) of chapter 29 of Title 43, Public Lands. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1301 of Title 43 and Tables.

The Labor Management Relations Act, 1947, referred to in subsec. (c), is act June 23, 1947, ch. 120, 61 Stat. 136, which is classified principally to chapter 7 (§141 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 141 of this title and Tables.

This chapter, referred to in subsec. (f), was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 86–257, Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 519, known as the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959, which enacted this chapter, amended sections 153, 158, 159, 160, 164, 186, and 187 of this title, and enacted provisions set out as notes under sections 153, 158, and 481 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 401 of this title and Tables.

The Railway Labor Act, referred to in subsecs. (c) and (j)(1), is act May 20, 1926, ch. 347, 44 Stat. 577, which is classified principally to chapter 8 (§151 et seq.) of Title 45, Railroads. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 151 of Title 45 and Tables.

The National Labor Relations Act, referred to in subsec. (j)(1), is act July 5, 1935, ch. 372, 49 Stat. 452, which is classified generally to subchapter II (§151 et seq.) of chapter 7 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 167 of this title and Tables.

Amendments

1978—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 95–598 substituted "cases under title 11" for "bankruptcy".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1978 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 95–598 effective Oct. 1, 1979, see section 402(a) of Pub. L. 95–598, set out as an Effective Date note preceding section 101 of Title 11, Bankruptcy.

SUBCHAPTER II—BILL OF RIGHTS OF MEMBERS OF LABOR ORGANIZATIONS

§411. Bill of rights; constitution and bylaws of labor organizations

(a)(1) Equal rights

Every member of a labor organization shall have equal rights and privileges within such organization to nominate candidates, to vote in elections or referendums of the labor organization, to attend membership meetings, and to participate in the deliberations and voting upon the business of such meetings, subject to reasonable rules and regulations in such organization's constitution and bylaws.

(2) Freedom of speech and assembly

Every member of any labor organization shall have the right to meet and assemble freely with other members; and to express any views, arguments, or opinions; and to express at meetings of the labor organization his views, upon candidates in an election of the labor organization or upon any business properly before the meeting, subject to the organization's established and reasonable rules pertaining to the conduct of meetings: Provided, That nothing herein shall be construed to impair the right of a labor organization to adopt and enforce reasonable rules as to the responsibility of every member toward the organization as an institution and to his refraining from conduct that would interfere with its performance of its legal or contractual obligations.

(3) Dues, initiation fees, and assessments

Except in the case of a federation of national or international labor organizations, the rates of dues and initiation fees payable by members of any labor organization in effect on September 14, 1959 shall not be increased, and no general or special assessment shall be levied upon such members, except—

(A) in the case of a local labor organization, (i) by majority vote by secret ballot of the members in good standing voting at a general or special membership meeting, after reasonable notice of the intention to vote upon such question, or (ii) by majority vote of the members in good standing voting in a membership referendum conducted by secret ballot; or

(B) in the case of a labor organization, other than a local labor organization or a federation of national or international labor organizations, (i) by majority vote of the delegates voting at a regular convention, or at a special convention of such labor organization held upon not less than thirty days' written notice to the principal office of each local or constituent labor organization entitled to such notice, or (ii) by majority vote of the members in good standing of such labor organization voting in a membership referendum conducted by secret ballot, or (iii) by majority vote of the members of the executive board or similar governing body of such labor organization, pursuant to express authority contained in the constitution and bylaws of such labor organization: Provided, That such action on the part of the executive board or similar governing body shall be effective only until the next regular convention of such labor organization.

(4) Protection of the right to sue

No labor organization shall limit the right of any member thereof to institute an action in any court, or in a proceeding before any administrative agency, irrespective of whether or not the labor organization or its officers are named as defendants or respondents in such action or proceeding, or the right of any member of a labor organization to appear as a witness in any judicial, administrative, or legislative proceeding, or to petition any legislature or to communicate with any legislator: Provided, That any such member may be required to exhaust reasonable hearing procedures (but not to exceed a four-month lapse of time) within such organization, before instituting legal or administrative proceedings against such organizations or any officer thereof: And provided further, That no interested employer or employer association shall directly or indirectly finance, encourage, or participate in, except as a party, any such action, proceeding, appearance, or petition.

(5) Safeguards against improper disciplinary action

No member of any labor organization may be fined, suspended, expelled, or otherwise disciplined except for nonpayment of dues by such organization or by any officer thereof unless such member has been (A) served with written specific charges; (B) given a reasonable time to prepare his defense; (C) afforded a full and fair hearing.

(b) Invalidity of constitution and bylaws

Any provision of the constitution and bylaws of any labor organization which is inconsistent with the provisions of this section shall be of no force or effect.

(Pub. L. 86–257, title I, §101, Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 522.)

§412. Civil action for infringement of rights; jurisdiction

Any person whose rights secured by the provisions of this subchapter have been infringed by any violation of this subchapter may bring a civil action in a district court of the United States for such relief (including injunctions) as may be appropriate. Any such action against a labor organization shall be brought in the district court of the United States for the district where the alleged violation occurred, or where the principal office of such labor organization is located.

(Pub. L. 86–257, title I, §102, Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 523.)

§413. Retention of existing rights of members

Nothing contained in this subchapter shall limit the rights and remedies of any member of a labor organization under any State or Federal law or before any court or other tribunal, or under the constitution and bylaws of any labor organization.

(Pub. L. 86–257, title I, §103, Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 523.)

§414. Right to copies of collective bargaining agreements

It shall be the duty of the secretary or corresponding principal officer of each labor organization, in the case of a local labor organization, to forward a copy of each collective bargaining agreement made by such labor organization with any employer to any employee who requests such a copy and whose rights as such employee are directly affected by such agreement, and in the case of a labor organization other than a local labor organization, to forward a copy of any such agreement to each constituent unit which has members directly affected by such agreement; and such officer shall maintain at the principal office of the labor organization of which he is an officer copies of any such agreement made or received by such labor organization, which copies shall be available for inspection by any member or by any employee whose rights are affected by such agreement. The provisions of section 440 of this title shall be applicable in the enforcement of this section.

(Pub. L. 86–257, title I, §104, Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 523.)

§415. Information to members of provisions of chapter

Every labor organization shall inform its members concerning the provisions of this chapter.

(Pub. L. 86–257, title I, §105, Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 523.)

SUBCHAPTER III—REPORTING BY LABOR ORGANIZATIONS, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF LABOR ORGANIZATIONS, AND EMPLOYERS

§431. Report of labor organizations

(a) Adoption and filing of constitution and bylaws; contents of report

Every labor organization shall adopt a constitution and bylaws and shall file a copy thereof with the Secretary, together with a report, signed by its president and secretary or corresponding principal officers, containing the following information—

(1) the name of the labor organization, its mailing address, and any other address at which it maintains its principal office or at which it keeps the records referred to in this subchapter;

(2) the name and title of each of its officers;

(3) the initiation fee or fees required from a new or transferred member and fees for work permits required by the reporting labor organization;

(4) the regular dues or fees or other periodic payments required to remain a member of the reporting labor organization; and

(5) detailed statements, or references to specific provisions of documents filed under this subsection which contain such statements, showing the provision made and procedures followed with respect to each of the following: (A) qualifications for or restrictions on membership, (B) levying of assessments, (C) participation in insurance or other benefit plans, (D) authorization for disbursement of funds of the labor organization, (E) audit of financial transactions of the labor organization, (F) the calling of regular and special meetings, (G) the selection of officers and stewards and of any representatives to other bodies composed of labor organizations' representatives, with a specific statement of the manner in which each officer was elected, appointed, or otherwise selected, (H) discipline or removal of officers or agents for breaches of their trust, (I) imposition of fines, suspensions, and expulsions of members, including the grounds for such action and any provision made for notice, hearing, judgment on the evidence, and appeal procedures, (J) authorization for bargaining demands, (K) ratification of contract terms, (L) authorization for strikes, and (M) issuance of work permits. Any change in the information required by this subsection shall be reported to the Secretary at the time the reporting labor organization files with the Secretary the annual financial report required by subsection (b).

(b) Annual financial report; filing; contents

Every labor organization shall file annually with the Secretary a financial report signed by its president and treasurer or corresponding principal officers containing the following information in such detail as may be necessary accurately to disclose its financial condition and operations for its preceding fiscal year—

(1) assets and liabilities at the beginning and end of the fiscal year;

(2) receipts of any kind and the sources thereof;

(3) salary, allowances, and other direct or indirect disbursements (including reimbursed expenses) to each officer and also to each employee who, during such fiscal year, received more than $10,000 in the aggregate from such labor organization and any other labor organization affiliated with it or with which it is affiliated, or which is affiliated with the same national or international labor organization;

(4) direct and indirect loans made to any officer, employee, or member, which aggregated more than $250 during the fiscal year, together with a statement of the purpose, security, if any, and arrangements for repayment;

(5) direct and indirect loans to any business enterprise, together with a statement of the purpose, security, if any, and arrangements for repayment; and

(6) other disbursements made by it including the purposes thereof;

all in such categories as the Secretary may prescribe.

(c) Availability of information to members; examination of books, records, and accounts

Every labor organization required to submit a report under this subchapter shall make available the information required to be contained in such report to all of its members, and every such labor organization and its officers shall be under a duty enforceable at the suit of any member of such organization in any State court of competent jurisdiction or in the district court of the United States for the district in which such labor organization maintains its principal office, to permit such member for just cause to examine any books, records, and accounts necessary to verify such report. The court in such action may, in its discretion, in addition to any judgment awarded to the plaintiff or plaintiffs, allow a reasonable attorney's fee to be paid by the defendant, and costs of the action.

(Pub. L. 86–257, title II, §201(a)–(c), Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 524, 525.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section is comprised of subsecs. (a) to (c) of section 201 of Pub. L. 86–257. Subsec. (d) of section 201 repealed subsecs. (f) to (h) of section 159 of this title, and subsec. (e) of section 201 amended section 158(a)(3)(i) of this title.

§432. Report of officers and employees of labor organizations

(a) Filing; contents of report

Every officer of a labor organization and every employee of a labor organization (other than an employee performing exclusively clerical or custodial services) shall file with the Secretary a signed report listing and describing for his preceding fiscal year—

(1) any stock, bond, security, or other interest, legal or equitable, which he or his spouse or minor child directly or indirectly held in, and any income or any other benefit with monetary value (including reimbursed expenses) which he or his spouse or minor child derived directly or indirectly from, an employer whose employees such labor organization represents or is actively seeking to represent, except payments and other benefits received as a bona fide employee of such employer;

(2) any transaction in which he or his spouse or minor child engaged, directly or indirectly, involving any stock, bond, security, or loan to or from, or other legal or equitable interest in the business of an employer whose employees such labor organization represents or is actively seeking to represent;

(3) any stock, bond, security, or other interest, legal or equitable, which he or his spouse or minor child directly or indirectly held in, and any income or any other benefit with monetary value (including reimbursed expenses) which he or his spouse or minor child directly or indirectly derived from, any business a substantial part of which consists of buying from, selling or leasing to, or otherwise dealing with, the business of an employer whose employees such labor organization represents or is actively seeking to represent;

(4) any stock, bond, security, or other interest, legal or equitable, which he or his spouse or minor child directly or indirectly held in, and any income or any other benefit with monetary value (including reimbursed expenses) which he or his spouse or minor child directly or indirectly derived from, a business any part of which consists of buying from, or selling or leasing directly or indirectly to, or otherwise dealing with such labor organization;

(5) any direct or indirect business transaction or arrangement between him or his spouse or minor child and any employer whose employees his organization represents or is actively seeking to represent, except work performed and payments and benefits received as a bona fide employee of such employer and except purchases and sales of goods or services in the regular course of business at prices generally available to any employee of such employer; and

(6) any payment of money or other thing of value (including reimbursed expenses) which he or his spouse or minor child received directly or indirectly from any employer or any person who acts as a labor relations consultant to an employer, except payments of the kinds referred to in section 186(c) of this title.

(b) Report of certain bona fide investments

The provisions of paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4), and (5) of subsection (a) shall not be construed to require any such officer or employee to report his bona fide investments in securities traded on a securities exchange registered as a national securities exchange under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 [15 U.S.C. 78a et seq.], in shares in an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 [15 U.S.C. 80a–1 et seq.], or in securities of a public utility holding company registered under the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, or to report any income derived therefrom.

(c) Exemption from filing requirement

Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to require any officer or employee of a labor organization to file a report under subsection (a) unless he or his spouse or minor child holds or has held an interest, has received income or any other benefit with monetary value or a loan, or has engaged in a transaction described therein.

(Pub. L. 86–257, title II, §202, Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 525.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, referred to in subsec. (b), is act June 6, 1934, ch. 404, 48 Stat. 881, which is classified principally to chapter 2B (§78a et seq.) of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 78a of Title 15 and Tables.

The Investment Company Act of 1940, referred to in subsec. (b), is title I of act Aug. 22, 1940, ch. 686, 54 Stat. 789, which is classified generally to subchapter I (§80a–1 et seq.) of chapter 2D of Title 15. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 80a–51 of Title 15 and Tables.

The Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, referred to in subsec. (b), is title I of act Aug. 26, 1935, ch. 687, 49 Stat. 803, which was classified generally to chapter 2C (§79 et seq.) of Title 15, Commerce and Trade, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 109–58, title XII, §1263, Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 974. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

§433. Report of employers

(a) Filing and contents of report of payments, loans, promises, agreements, or arrangements

Every employer who in any fiscal year made—

(1) any payment or loan, direct or indirect, of money or other thing of value (including reimbursed expenses), or any promise or agreement therefor, to any labor organization or officer, agent, shop steward, or other representative of a labor organization, or employee of any labor organization, except (A) payments or loans made by any national or State bank, credit union, insurance company, savings and loan association or other credit institution and (B) payments of the kind referred to in section 186(c) of this title;

(2) any payment (including reimbursed expenses) to any of his employees, or any group or committee of such employees, for the purpose of causing such employee or group or committee of employees to persuade other employees to exercise or not to exercise, or as the manner of exercising, the right to organize and bargain collectively through representatives of their own choosing unless such payments were contemporaneously or previously disclosed to such other employees;

(3) any expenditure, during the fiscal year, where an object thereof, directly or indirectly, is to interfere with, restrain, or coerce employees in the exercise of the right to organize and bargain collectively through representatives of their own choosing, or is to obtain information concerning the activities of employees or a labor organization in connection with a labor dispute involving such employer, except for use solely in conjunction with an administrative or arbitral proceeding or a criminal or civil judicial proceeding;

(4) any agreement or arrangement with a labor relations consultant or other independent contractor or organization pursuant to which such person undertakes activities where an object thereof, directly or indirectly, is to persuade employees to exercise or not to exercise, or persuade employees as to the manner of exercising, the right to organize and bargain collectively through representatives of their own choosing, or undertakes to supply such employer with information concerning the activities of employees or a labor organization in connection with a labor dispute involving such employer, except information for use solely in conjunction with an administrative or arbitral proceeding or a criminal or civil judicial proceeding; or

(5) any payment (including reimbursed expenses) pursuant to an agreement or arrangement described in subdivision (4);

shall file with the Secretary a report, in a form prescribed by him, signed by its president and treasurer or corresponding principal officers showing in detail the date and amount of each such payment, loan, promise, agreement, or arrangement and the name, address, and position, if any, in any firm or labor organization of the person to whom it was made and a full explanation of the circumstances of all such payments, including the terms of any agreement or understanding pursuant to which they were made.

(b) Persuasive activities relating to the right to organize and bargain collectively; supplying information of activities in connection with labor disputes; filing and contents of report of agreement or arrangement

Every person who pursuant to any agreement or arrangement with an employer undertakes activities where an object thereof is, directly or indirectly—

(1) to persuade employees to exercise or not to exercise, or persuade employees as to the manner of exercising, the right to organize and bargain collectively through representatives of their own choosing; or

(2) to supply an employer with information concerning the activities of employees or a labor organization in connection with a labor dispute involving such employer, except information for use solely in conjunction with an administrative or arbitral proceeding or a criminal or civil judicial proceeding;

shall file within thirty days after entering into such agreement or arrangement a report with the Secretary, signed by its president and treasurer or corresponding principal officers, containing the name under which such person is engaged in doing business and the address of its principal office, and a detailed statement of the terms and conditions of such agreement or arrangement. Every such person shall file annually, with respect to each fiscal year during which payments were made as a result of such an agreement or arrangement, a report with the Secretary, signed by its president and treasurer or corresponding principal officers, containing a statement (A) of its receipts of any kind from employers on account of labor relations advice or services, designating the sources thereof, and (B) of its disbursements of any kind, in connection with such services and the purposes thereof. In each such case such information shall be set forth in such categories as the Secretary may prescribe.

(c) Advisory or representative services exempt from filing requirements

Nothing in this section shall be construed to require any employer or other person to file a report covering the services of such person by reason of his giving or agreeing to give advice to such employer or representing or agreeing to represent such employer before any court, administrative agency, or tribunal of arbitration or engaging or agreeing to engage in collective bargaining on behalf of such employer with respect to wages, hours, or other terms or conditions of employment or the negotiation of an agreement or any question arising thereunder.

(d) Exemption from filing requirements generally

Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to require an employer to file a report under subsection (a) unless he has made an expenditure, payment, loan, agreement, or arrangement of the kind described therein. Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to require any other person to file a report under subsection (b) unless he was a party to an agreement or arrangement of the kind described therein.

(e) Services by and payments to regular officers, supervisors, and employees of employer

Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to require any regular officer, supervisor, or employee of an employer to file a report in connection with services rendered to such employer nor shall any employer be required to file a report covering expenditures made to any regular officer, supervisor, or employee of an employer as compensation for service as a regular officer, supervisor, or employee of such employer.

(f) Rights protected by section 158(c) of this title

Nothing contained in this section shall be construed as an amendment to, or modification of the rights protected by, section 158(c) of this title.

(g) "Interfere with, restrain, or coerce" defined

The term "interfere with, restrain, or coerce" as used in this section means interference, restraint, and coercion which, if done with respect to the exercise of rights guaranteed in section 157 of this title, would, under section 158(a) of this title, constitute an unfair labor practice.

(Pub. L. 86–257, title II, §203, Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 526.)

§434. Exemption of attorney-client communications

Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed to require an attorney who is a member in good standing of the bar of any State, to include in any report required to be filed pursuant to the provisions of this chapter any information which was lawfully communicated to such attorney by any of his clients in the course of a legitimate attorney-client relationship.

(Pub. L. 86–257, title II, §204, Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 528.)

§435. Reports and documents as public information

(a) Publication; statistical and research purposes

The contents of the reports and documents filed with the Secretary pursuant to sections 431, 432, 433, and 441 of this title shall be public information, and the Secretary may publish any information and data which he obtains pursuant to the provisions of this subchapter. The Secretary may use the information and data for statistical and research purposes, and compile and publish such studies, analyses, reports, and surveys based thereon as he may deem appropriate.

(b) Inspection and examination of information and data

The Secretary shall by regulation make reasonable provision for the inspection and examination, on the request of any person, of the information and data contained in any report or other document filed with him pursuant to section 431, 432, 433, or 441 of this title.

(c) Copies of reports or documents; availability to State agencies

The Secretary shall by regulation provide for the furnishing by the Department of Labor of copies of reports or other documents filed with the Secretary pursuant to this subchapter, upon payment of a charge based upon the cost of the service. The Secretary shall make available without payment of a charge, or require any person to furnish, to such State agency as is designated by law or by the Governor of the State in which such person has his principal place of business or headquarters, upon request of the Governor of such State, copies of any reports and documents filed by such person with the Secretary pursuant to section 431, 432, 433, or 441 of this title, or of information and data contained therein. No person shall be required by reason of any law of any State to furnish to any officer or agency of such State any information included in a report filed by such person with the Secretary pursuant to the provisions of this subchapter, if a copy of such report, or of the portion thereof containing such information, is furnished to such officer or agency. All moneys received in payment of such charges fixed by the Secretary pursuant to this subsection shall be deposited in the general fund of the Treasury.

(Pub. L. 86–257, title II, §205, Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 528; Pub. L. 89–216, §2(a)–(c), Sept. 29, 1965, 79 Stat. 888.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1965—Pub. L. 89–216 inserted references to section 441 of this title.

§436. Retention of records

Every person required to file any report under this subchapter shall maintain records on the matters required to be reported which will provide in sufficient detail the necessary basic information and data from which the documents filed with the Secretary may be verified, explained, or clarified, and checked for accuracy and completeness, and shall include vouchers, worksheets, receipts, and applicable resolutions, and shall keep such records available for examination for a period of not less than five years after the filing of the documents based on the information which they contain.

(Pub. L. 86–257, title II, §206, Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 529.)

§437. Time for making reports

(a) Each labor organization shall file the initial report required under section 431(a) of this title within ninety days after the date on which it first becomes subject to this chapter.

(b) Each person required to file a report under section 431(b), 432, 433(a), the second sentence of 433(b), or section 441 of this title shall file such report within ninety days after the end of each of its fiscal years; except that where such person is subject to section 431(b), 432, 433(a), the second sentence of 433(b), or section 441 of this title, as the case may be, for only a portion of such a fiscal year (because September 14, 1959, occurs during such person's fiscal year) such person becomes subject to this chapter during its fiscal year or such person may consider that portion as the entire fiscal year in making such report.

(Pub. L. 86–257, title II, §207, Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 529; Pub. L. 89–216, §2(d), Sept. 29, 1965, 79 Stat. 888.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1965—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 89–216 inserted reference to section 441 of this title in two places.

§438. Rules and regulations; simplified reports

The Secretary shall have authority to issue, amend, and rescind rules and regulations prescribing the form and publication of reports required to be filed under this subchapter and such other reasonable rules and regulations (including rules prescribing reports concerning trusts in which a labor organization is interested) as he may find necessary to prevent the circumvention or evasion of such reporting requirements. In exercising his power under this section the Secretary shall prescribe by general rule simplified reports for labor organizations or employers for whom he finds that by virtue of their size a detailed report would be unduly burdensome, but the Secretary may revoke such provision for simplified forms of any labor organization or employer if he determines, after such investigation as he deems proper and due notice and opportunity for a hearing, that the purposes of this section would be served thereby.

(Pub. L. 86–257, title II, §208, Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 529.)

§439. Violations and penalties

(a) Willful violations of provisions of subchapter

Any person who willfully violates this subchapter shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.

(b) False statements or representations of fact with knowledge of falsehood

Any person who makes a false statement or representation of a material fact, knowing it to be false, or who knowingly fails to disclose a material fact, in any document, report, or other information required under the provisions of this subchapter shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.

(c) False entry in or willful concealment, etc., of books and records

Any person who willfully makes a false entry in or willfully conceals, withholds, or destroys any books, records, reports, or statements required to be kept by any provision of this subchapter shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.

(d) Personal responsibility of individuals required to sign reports

Each individual required to sign reports under sections 431 and 433 of this title shall be personally responsible for the filing of such reports and for any statement contained therein which he knows to be false.

(Pub. L. 86–257, title II, §209, Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 529.)

§440. Civil action for enforcement by Secretary; jurisdiction

Whenever it shall appear that any person has violated or is about to violate any of the provisions of this subchapter, the Secretary may bring a civil action for such relief (including injunctions) as may be appropriate. Any such action may be brought in the district court of the United States where the violation occurred or, at the option of the parties, in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.

(Pub. L. 86–257, title II, §210, Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 530.)

§441. Surety company reports; contents; waiver or modification of requirements respecting contents of reports

Each surety company which issues any bond required by this chapter or the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 [29 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.] shall file annually with the Secretary, with respect to each fiscal year during which any such bond was in force, a report, in such form and detail as he may prescribe by regulation, filed by the president and treasurer or corresponding principal officers of the surety company, describing its bond experience under each such chapter or Act, including information as to the premiums received, total claims paid, amounts recovered by way of subrogation, administrative and legal expenses and such related data and information as the Secretary shall determine to be necessary in the public interest and to carry out the policy of the chapter. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Secretary finds that any such specific information cannot be practicably ascertained or would be uninformative, the Secretary may modify or waive the requirement for such information.

(Pub. L. 86–257, title II, §211, as added Pub. L. 89–216, §3, Sept. 29, 1965, 79 Stat. 888; amended Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §112(a)(2)(D), formerly §111(a)(2)(D), Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 852, renumbered §112(a)(2)(D), Pub. L. 117–328, div. T, title III, §320(a)(1), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5354.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, referred to in text, is Pub. L. 93–406, Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 829, which is classified principally to chapter 18 (§1001 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1001 of this title and Tables.

Amendments

1974—Pub. L. 93–406, §112(a)(2)(D), formerly §111(a)(2)(D), as renumbered by Pub. L. 117–328, substituted "Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974" for "Welfare and Pension Plans Disclosure Act".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2022 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 117–328 applicable to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2022, see section 320(c) of Pub. L. 117–328, set out as a note under section 414 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 1974 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 93–406 effective Jan. 1, 1975, except as provided in section 1031(b)(2) of this title, see section 1031(b)(1) of this title.

SUBCHAPTER IV—TRUSTEESHIPS

§461. Reports

(a) Filing and contents; annual financial report

Every labor organization which has or assumes trusteeship over any subordinate labor organization shall file with the Secretary within thirty days after September 14, 1959 or the imposition of any such trusteeship, and semiannually thereafter, a report, signed by its president and treasurer or corresponding principal officers, as well as by the trustees of such subordinate labor organization, containing the following information: (1) the name and address of the subordinate organization; (2) the date of establishing the trusteeship; (3) a detailed statement of the reason or reasons for establishing or continuing the trusteeship; and (4) the nature and extent of participation by the membership of the subordinate organization in the selection of delegates to represent such organization in regular or special conventions or other policy-determining bodies and in the election of officers of the labor organization which has assumed trusteeship over such subordinate organization. The initial report shall also include a full and complete account of the financial condition of such subordinate organization as of the time trusteeship was assumed over it. During the continuance of a trusteeship the labor organization which has assumed trusteeship over a subordinate labor organization shall file on behalf of the subordinate labor organization the annual financial report required by section 431(b) of this title signed by the president and treasurer or corresponding principal officers of the labor organization which has assumed such trusteeship and the trustees of the subordinate labor organization.

(b) Applicability of other laws

The provisions of sections 431(c), 435, 436, 438, and 440 of this title shall be applicable to reports filed under this subchapter.

(c) Penalty for violations

Any person who willfully violates this section shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.

(d) False statements and entries; failure to disclose material facts; withholding, concealing or destroying documents, books, records, reports, or statements; penalty

Any person who makes a false statement or representation of a material fact, knowing it to be false, or who knowingly fails to disclose a material fact, in any report required under the provisions of this section or willfully makes any false entry in or willfully withholds, conceals, or destroys any documents, books, records, reports, or statements upon which such report is based, shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.

(e) Personal liability

Each individual required to sign a report under this section shall be personally responsible for the filing of such report and for any statement contained therein which he knows to be false.

(Pub. L. 86–257, title III, §301, Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 530.)

§462. Purposes for establishment of trusteeship

Trusteeships shall be established and administered by a labor organization over a subordinate body only in accordance with the constitution and bylaws of the organization which has assumed trusteeship over the subordinate body and for the purpose of correcting corruption or financial malpractice, assuring the performance of collective bargaining agreements or other duties of a bargaining representative, restoring democratic procedures, or otherwise carrying out the legitimate objects of such labor organization.

(Pub. L. 86–257, title III, §302, Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 531.)

§463. Unlawful acts relating to labor organization under trusteeship

(a) During any period when a subordinate body of a labor organization is in trusteeship, it shall be unlawful (1) to count the vote of delegates from such body in any convention or election of officers of the labor organization unless the delegates have been chosen by secret ballot in an election in which all the members in good standing of such subordinate body were eligible to participate, or (2) to transfer to such organization any current receipts or other funds of the subordinate body except the normal per capita tax and assessments payable by subordinate bodies not in trusteeship: Provided, That nothing herein contained shall prevent the distribution of the assets of a labor organization in accordance with its constitution and bylaws upon the bona fide dissolution thereof.

(b) Any person who willfully violates this section shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.

(Pub. L. 86–257, title III, §303, Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 531.)

§464. Civil action for enforcement

(a) Complaint; investigation; commencement of action by Secretary, member or subordinate body of labor organization; jurisdiction

Upon the written complaint of any member or subordinate body of a labor organization alleging that such organization has violated the provisions of this subchapter (except section 461 of this title) the Secretary shall investigate the complaint and if the Secretary finds probable cause to believe that such violation has occurred and has not been remedied he shall, without disclosing the identity of the complainant, bring a civil action in any district court of the United States having jurisdiction of the labor organization for such relief (including injunctions) as may be appropriate. Any member or subordinate body of a labor organization affected by any violation of this subchapter (except section 461 of this title) may bring a civil action in any district court of the United States having jurisdiction of the labor organization for such relief (including injunctions) as may be appropriate.

(b) Venue

For the purpose of actions under this section, district courts of the United States shall be deemed to have jurisdiction of a labor organization (1) in the district in which the principal office of such labor organization is located, or (2) in any district in which its duly authorized officers or agents are engaged in conducting the affairs of the trusteeship.

(c) Presumptions of validity or invalidity of trusteeship

In any proceeding pursuant to this section a trusteeship established by a labor organization in conformity with the procedural requirements of its constitution and bylaws and authorized or ratified after a fair hearing either before the executive board or before such other body as may be provided in accordance with its constitution or bylaws shall be presumed valid for a period of eighteen months from the date of its establishment and shall not be subject to attack during such period except upon clear and convincing proof that the trusteeship was not established or maintained in good faith for a purpose allowable under section 462 of this title. After the expiration of eighteen months the trusteeship shall be presumed invalid in any such proceeding and its discontinuance shall be decreed unless the labor organization shall show by clear and convincing proof that the continuation of the trusteeship is necessary for a purpose allowable under section 462 of this title. In the latter event the court may dismiss the complaint or retain jurisdiction of the cause on such conditions and for such period as it deems appropriate.

(Pub. L. 86–257, title III, §304, Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 531.)

§465. Report to Congress

The Secretary shall submit to the Congress at the expiration of three years from September 14, 1959, a report upon the operation of this subchapter.

(Pub. L. 86–257, title III, §305, Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 532.)

§466. Additional rights and remedies; exclusive jurisdiction of district court; res judicata

The rights and remedies provided by this subchapter shall be in addition to any and all other rights and remedies at law or in equity: Provided, That upon the filing of a complaint by the Secretary the jurisdiction of the district court over such trusteeship shall be exclusive and the final judgment shall be res judicata.

(Pub. L. 86–257, title III, §306, Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 532.)

SUBCHAPTER V—ELECTIONS

§481. Terms of office and election procedures

(a) Officers of national or international labor organizations; manner of election

Every national or international labor organization, except a federation of national or international labor organizations, shall elect its officers not less often than once every five years either by secret ballot among the members in good standing or at a convention of delegates chosen by secret ballot.

(b) Officers of local labor organizations; manner of election

Every local labor organization shall elect its officers not less often than once every three years by secret ballot among the members in good standing.

(c) Requests for distribution of campaign literature; civil action for enforcement; jurisdiction; inspection of membership lists; adequate safeguards to insure fair election

Every national or international labor organization, except a federation of national or international labor organizations, and every local labor organization, and its officers, shall be under a duty, enforceable at the suit of any bona fide candidate for office in such labor organization in the district court of the United States in which such labor organization maintains its principal office, to comply with all reasonable requests of any candidate to distribute by mail or otherwise at the candidate's expense campaign literature in aid of such person's candidacy to all members in good standing of such labor organization and to refrain from discrimination in favor of or against any candidate with respect to the use of lists of members, and whenever such labor organizations or its officers authorize the distribution by mail or otherwise to members of campaign literature on behalf of any candidate or of the labor organization itself with reference to such election, similar distribution at the request of any other bona fide candidate shall be made by such labor organization and its officers, with equal treatment as to the expense of such distribution. Every bona fide candidate shall have the right, once within 30 days prior to an election of a labor organization in which he is a candidate, to inspect a list containing the names and last known addresses of all members of the labor organization who are subject to a collective bargaining agreement requiring membership therein as a condition of employment, which list shall be maintained and kept at the principal office of such labor organization by a designated official thereof. Adequate safeguards to insure a fair election shall be provided, including the right of any candidate to have an observer at the polls and at the counting of the ballots.

(d) Officers of intermediate bodies; manner of election

Officers of intermediate bodies, such as general committees, system boards, joint boards, or joint councils, shall be elected not less often than once every four years by secret ballot among the members in good standing or by labor organization officers representative of such members who have been elected by secret ballot.

(e) Nomination of candidates; eligibility; notice of election; voting rights; counting and publication of results; preservation of ballots and records

In any election required by this section which is to be held by secret ballot a reasonable opportunity shall be given for the nomination of candidates and every member in good standing shall be eligible to be a candidate and to hold office (subject to section 504 of this title and to reasonable qualifications uniformly imposed) and shall have the right to vote for or otherwise support the candidate or candidates of his choice, without being subject to penalty, discipline, or improper interference or reprisal of any kind by such organization or any member thereof. Not less than fifteen days prior to the election notice thereof shall be mailed to each member at his last known home address. Each member in good standing shall be entitled to one vote. No member whose dues have been withheld by his employer for payment to such organization pursuant to his voluntary authorization provided for in a collective bargaining agreement shall be declared ineligible to vote or be a candidate for office in such organization by reason of alleged delay or default in the payment of dues. The votes cast by members of each local labor organization shall be counted, and the results published, separately. The election officials designated in the constitution and bylaws or the secretary, if no other official is designated, shall preserve for one year the ballots and all other records pertaining to the election. The election shall be conducted in accordance with the constitution and bylaws of such organization insofar as they are not inconsistent with the provisions of this subchapter.

(f) Election of officers by convention of delegates; manner of conducting convention; preservation of records

When officers are chosen by a convention of delegates elected by secret ballot, the convention shall be conducted in accordance with the constitution and bylaws of the labor organization insofar as they are not inconsistent with the provisions of this subchapter. The officials designated in the constitution and bylaws or the secretary, if no other is designated, shall preserve for one year the credentials of the delegates and all minutes and other records of the convention pertaining to the election of officers.

(g) Use of dues, assessments or similar levies, and funds of employer for promotion of candidacy of person

No moneys received by any labor organization by way of dues, assessment, or similar levy, and no moneys of an employer shall be contributed or applied to promote the candidacy of any person in any election subject to the provisions of this subchapter. Such moneys of a labor organization may be utilized for notices, factual statements of issues not involving candidates, and other expenses necessary for the holding of an election.

(h) Removal of officers guilty of serious misconduct

If the Secretary, upon application of any member of a local labor organization, finds after hearing in accordance with subchapter II of chapter 5 of title 5 that the constitution and bylaws of such labor organization do not provide an adequate procedure for the removal of an elected officer guilty of serious misconduct, such officer may be removed, for cause shown and after notice and hearing, by the members in good standing voting in a secret ballot, conducted by the officers of such labor organization in accordance with its constitution and bylaws insofar as they are not inconsistent with the provisions of this subchapter.

(i) Rules and regulations for determining adequacy of removal procedures

The Secretary shall promulgate rules and regulations prescribing minimum standards and procedures for determining the adequacy of the removal procedures to which reference is made in subsection (h).

(Pub. L. 86–257, title IV, §401, Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 532.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

In subsec. (h), "subchapter II of chapter 5 of title 5" substituted for "the Administrative Procedure Act" on authority of Pub. L. 89–554, §7(b), Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 631, the first section of which enacted Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Pub. L. 86–257, title IV, §404, Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 535, provided that: "The provisions of this title [enacting this subchapter] shall become applicable—

"(1) ninety days after the date of enactment of this Act [Sept. 14, 1959] in the case of a labor organization whose constitution and bylaws can lawfully be modified or amended by action of its constitutional officers or governing body, or

"(2) where such modification can only be made by a constitutional convention of the labor organization, not later than the next constitutional convention of such labor organization after the date of enactment of this Act [Sept. 14, 1959], or one year after such date, whichever is sooner. If no such convention is held within such one-year period, the executive board or similar governing body empowered to act for such labor organization between conventions is empowered to make such interim constitutional changes as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this title [enacting this subchapter]."

§482. Enforcement

(a) Filing of complaint; presumption of validity of challenged election

A member of a labor organization—

(1) who has exhausted the remedies available under the constitution and bylaws of such organization and of any parent body, or

(2) who has invoked such available remedies without obtaining a final decision within three calendar months after their invocation,

may file a complaint with the Secretary within one calendar month thereafter alleging the violation of any provision of section 481 of this title (including violation of the constitution and bylaws of the labor organization pertaining to the election and removal of officers). The challenged election shall be presumed valid pending a final decision thereon (as hereinafter provided) and in the interim the affairs of the organization shall be conducted by the officers elected or in such other manner as its constitution and bylaws may provide.

(b) Investigation of complaint; commencement of civil action by Secretary; jurisdiction; preservation of assets

The Secretary shall investigate such complaint and, if he finds probable cause to believe that a violation of this subchapter has occurred and has not been remedied, he shall, within sixty days after the filing of such complaint, bring a civil action against the labor organization as an entity in the district court of the United States in which such labor organization maintains its principal office to set aside the invalid election, if any, and to direct the conduct of an election or hearing and vote upon the removal of officers under the supervision of the Secretary and in accordance with the provisions of this subchapter and such rules and regulations as the Secretary may prescribe. The court shall have power to take such action as it deems proper to preserve the assets of the labor organization.

(c) Declaration of void election; order for new election; certification of election to court; decree; certification of result of vote for removal of officers

If, upon a preponderance of the evidence after a trial upon the merits, the court finds—

(1) that an election has not been held within the time prescribed by section 481 of this title, or

(2) that the violation of section 481 of this title may have affected the outcome of an election,

the court shall declare the election, if any, to be void and direct the conduct of a new election under supervision of the Secretary and, so far as lawful and practicable, in conformity with the constitution and bylaws of the labor organization. The Secretary shall promptly certify to the court the names of the persons elected, and the court shall thereupon enter a decree declaring such persons to be the officers of the labor organization. If the proceeding is for the removal of officers pursuant to subsection (h) of section 481 of this title, the Secretary shall certify the results of the vote and the court shall enter a decree declaring whether such persons have been removed as officers of the labor organization.

(d) Review of orders; stay of order directing election

An order directing an election, dismissing a complaint, or designating elected officers of a labor organization shall be appealable in the same manner as the final judgment in a civil action, but an order directing an election shall not be stayed pending appeal.

(Pub. L. 86–257, title IV, §402, Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 534.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section applicable ninety days after Sept. 14, 1959, in the case of certain labor organizations, see section 404 of Pub. L. 86–257, set out as a note under section 481 of this title.

§483. Application of other laws; existing rights and remedies; exclusiveness of remedy for challenging election

No labor organization shall be required by law to conduct elections of officers with greater frequency or in a different form or manner than is required by its own constitution or bylaws, except as otherwise provided by this subchapter. Existing rights and remedies to enforce the constitution and bylaws of a labor organization with respect to elections prior to the conduct thereof shall not be affected by the provisions of this subchapter. The remedy provided by this subchapter for challenging an election already conducted shall be exclusive.

(Pub. L. 86–257, title IV, §403, Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 534.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section applicable ninety days after Sept. 14, 1959, in the case of certain labor organizations, see section 404 of Pub. L. 86–257, set out as a note under section 481 of this title.

SUBCHAPTER VI—SAFEGUARDS FOR LABOR ORGANIZATIONS

§501. Fiduciary responsibility of officers of labor organizations

(a) Duties of officers; exculpatory provisions and resolutions void

The officers, agents, shop stewards, and other representatives of a labor organization occupy positions of trust in relation to such organization and its members as a group. It is, therefore, the duty of each such person, taking into account the special problems and functions of a labor organization, to hold its money and property solely for the benefit of the organization and its members and to manage, invest, and expend the same in accordance with its constitution and bylaws and any resolutions of the governing bodies adopted thereunder, to refrain from dealing with such organization as an adverse party or in behalf of an adverse party in any matter connected with his duties and from holding or acquiring any pecuniary or personal interest which conflicts with the interests of such organization, and to account to the organization for any profit received by him in whatever capacity in connection with transactions conducted by him or under his direction on behalf of the organization. A general exculpatory provision in the constitution and bylaws of such a labor organization or a general exculpatory resolution of a governing body purporting to relieve any such person of liability for breach of the duties declared by this section shall be void as against public policy.

(b) Violation of duties; action by member after refusal or failure by labor organization to commence proceedings; jurisdiction; leave of court; counsel fees and expenses

When any officer, agent, shop steward, or representative of any labor organization is alleged to have violated the duties declared in subsection (a) and the labor organization or its governing board or officers refuse or fail to sue or recover damages or secure an accounting or other appropriate relief within a reasonable time after being requested to do so by any member of the labor organization, such member may sue such officer, agent, shop steward, or representative in any district court of the United States or in any State court of competent jurisdiction to recover damages or secure an accounting or other appropriate relief for the benefit of the labor organization. No such proceeding shall be brought except upon leave of the court obtained upon verified application and for good cause shown, which application may be made ex parte. The trial judge may allot a reasonable part of the recovery in any action under this subsection to pay the fees of counsel prosecuting the suit at the instance of the member of the labor organization and to compensate such member for any expenses necessarily paid or incurred by him in connection with the litigation.

(c) Embezzlement of assets; penalty

Any person who embezzles, steals, or unlawfully and willfully abstracts or converts to his own use, or the use of another, any of the moneys, funds, securities, property, or other assets of a labor organization of which he is an officer, or by which he is employed, directly or indirectly, shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than five years, or both.

(Pub. L. 86–257, title V, §501, Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 535.)

§502. Bonding of officers and employees of labor organizations; amount, form, and placement of bonds; penalty for violation

(a) Every officer, agent, shop steward, or other representative or employee of any labor organization (other than a labor organization whose property and annual financial receipts do not exceed $5,000 in value), or of a trust in which a labor organization is interested, who handles funds or other property thereof shall be bonded to provide protection against loss by reason of acts of fraud or dishonesty on his part directly or through connivance with others. The bond of each such person shall be fixed at the beginning of the organization's fiscal year and shall be in an amount not less than 10 per centum of the funds handled by him and his predecessor or predecessors, if any, during the preceding fiscal year, but in no case more than $500,000. If the labor organization or the trust in which a labor organization is interested does not have a preceding fiscal year, the amount of the bond shall be, in the case of a local labor organization, not less than $1,000, and in the case of any other labor organization or of a trust in which a labor organization is interested, not less than $10,000. Such bonds shall be individual or schedule in form, and shall have a corporate surety company as surety thereon. Any person who is not covered by such bonds shall not be permitted to receive, handle, disburse, or otherwise exercise custody or control of the funds or other property of a labor organization or of a trust in which a labor organization is interested. No such bond shall be placed through an agent or broker or with a surety company in which any labor organization or any officer, agent, shop steward, or other representative of a labor organization has any direct or indirect interest. Such surety company shall be a corporate surety which holds a grant of authority from the Secretary of the Treasury under sections 9304–9308 of title 31, as an acceptable surety on Federal bonds: Provided, That when in the opinion of the Secretary a labor organization has made other bonding arrangements which would provide the protection required by this section at comparable cost or less, he may exempt such labor organization from placing a bond through a surety company holding such grant of authority.

(b) Any person who willfully violates this section shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.

(Pub. L. 86–257, title V, §502, Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 536; Pub. L. 89–216, §1, Sept. 29, 1965, 79 Stat. 888.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

In subsec. (a), "sections 9304–9308 of title 31" substituted for "the Act of July 30, 1947 (6 U.S.C. 6–13)" on authority of Pub. L. 97–258, §4(b), Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1067, the first section of which enacted Title 31, Money and Finance.

Amendments

1965—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 89–216 substituted "to provide protection against loss by reason of act of fraud or dishonesty on his part directly or through connivance with others" for "for the faithful discharge of his duties" in first sentence and inserted proviso allowing Secretary to permit other arrangements to provide necessary protection.

§503. Financial transactions between labor organization and officers and employees

(a) Direct and indirect loans

No labor organization shall make directly or indirectly any loan or loans to any officer or employee of such organization which results in a total indebtedness on the part of such officer or employee to the labor organization in excess of $2,000.

(b) Direct or indirect payment of fines

No labor organization or employer shall directly or indirectly pay the fine of any officer or employee convicted of any willful violation of this chapter.

(c) Penalty for violations

Any person who willfully violates this section shall be fined not more than $5,000 or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.

(Pub. L. 86–257, title V, §503, Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 536.)

§504. Prohibition against certain persons holding office

(a) Membership in Communist Party; persons convicted of robbery, bribery, etc.

No person who is or has been a member of the Communist Party or who has been convicted of, or served any part of a prison term resulting from his conviction of, robbery, bribery, extortion, embezzlement, grand larceny, burglary, arson, violation of narcotics laws, murder, rape, assault with intent to kill, assault which inflicts grievous bodily injury, or a violation of subchapter III or IV of this chapter ¹ any felony involving abuse or misuse of such person's position or employment in a labor organization or employee benefit plan to seek or obtain an illegal gain at the expense of the members of the labor organization or the beneficiaries of the employee benefit plan, or conspiracy to commit any such crimes or attempt to commit any such crimes, or a crime in which any of the foregoing crimes is an element, shall serve or be permitted to serve—

(1) as a consultant or adviser to any labor organization,

(2) as an officer, director, trustee, member of any executive board or similar governing body, business agent, manager, organizer, employee, or representative in any capacity of any labor organization,

(3) as a labor relations consultant or adviser to a person engaged in an industry or activity affecting commerce, or as an officer, director, agent, or employee of any group or association of employers dealing with any labor organization, or in a position having specific collective bargaining authority or direct responsibility in the area of labor-management relations in any corporation or association engaged in an industry or activity affecting commerce, or

(4) in a position which entitles its occupant to a share of the proceeds of, or as an officer or executive or administrative employee of, any entity whose activities are in whole or substantial part devoted to providing goods or services to any labor organization, or

(5) in any capacity, other than in his capacity as a member of such labor organization, that involves decisionmaking authority concerning, or decisionmaking authority over, or custody of, or control of the moneys, funds, assets, or property of any labor organization,

during or for the period of thirteen years after such conviction or after the end of such imprisonment, whichever is later, unless the sentencing court on the motion of the person convicted sets a lesser period of at least three years after such conviction or after the end of such imprisonment, whichever is later, or unless prior to the end of such period, in the case of a person so convicted or imprisoned, (A) his citizenship rights, having been revoked as a result of such conviction, have been fully restored, or (B) if the offense is a Federal offense, the sentencing judge or, if the offense is a State or local offense, the United States district court for the district in which the offense was committed, pursuant to sentencing guidelines and policy statements under section 994(a) of title 28, determines that such person's service in any capacity referred to in clauses (1) through (5) would not be contrary to the purposes of this chapter. Prior to making any such determination the court shall hold a hearing and shall give notice of such proceeding by certified mail to the Secretary of Labor and to State, county, and Federal prosecuting officials in the jurisdiction or jurisdictions in which such person was convicted. The court's determination in any such proceeding shall be final. No person shall knowingly hire, retain, employ, or otherwise place any other person to serve in any capacity in violation of this subsection.

(b) Penalty for violations

Any person who willfully violates this section shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than five years, or both.

(c) Definitions

For the purpose of this section—

(1) A person shall be deemed to have been "convicted" and under the disability of "conviction" from the date of the judgment of the trial court, regardless of whether that judgment remains under appeal.

(2) A period of parole shall not be considered as part of a period of imprisonment.

(d) Salary of person barred from labor organization office during appeal of conviction

Whenever any person—

(1) by operation of this section, has been barred from office or other position in a labor organization as a result of a conviction, and

(2) has filed an appeal of that conviction,

any salary which would be otherwise due such person by virtue of such office or position, shall be placed in escrow by the individual employer or organization responsible for payment of such salary. Payment of such salary into escrow shall continue for the duration of the appeal or for the period of time during which such salary would be otherwise due, whichever period is shorter. Upon the final reversal of such person's conviction on appeal, the amounts in escrow shall be paid to such person. Upon the final sustaining of such person's conviction on appeal, the amounts in escrow shall be returned to the individual employer or organization responsible for payments of those amounts. Upon final reversal of such person's conviction, such person shall no longer be barred by this statute ² from assuming any position from which such person was previously barred.

(Pub. L. 86–257, title V, §504, Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 536; Pub. L. 98–473, title II, §§229, 803, Oct. 12, 1984, 98 Stat. 2031, 2133; Pub. L. 100–182, §15(a), Dec. 7, 1987, 101 Stat. 1269.)

Editorial Notes

Constitutionality

For information regarding the constitutionality of certain provisions of this section, see the Table of Laws Held Unconstitutional in Whole or in Part by the Supreme Court on the Constitution Annotated website, constitution.congress.gov.

Amendments

1987—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–182, in concluding provisions, substituted "if the offense is a Federal offense, the sentencing judge or, if the offense is a State or local offense, the United States district court for the district in which the offense was committed, pursuant to sentencing guidelines and policy statements under section 994(a) of title 28," for "the United States Parole Commission", "court" and "court's" for "Commission" and "Commission's", respectively, and "a hearing" for "an administrative hearing".

1984—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 98–473, §229, which directed substitution of "if the offense is a Federal offense, the sentencing judge or, if the offense is a State or local offense, on motion of the United States Department of Justice, the district court of the United States for the district in which the offense was committed, pursuant to sentencing guidelines and policy statements issued pursuant to section 994(a) of title 28," for "the Board of Parole of the United States Justice Department", "court" and "court's" for "Board" and "Board's", respectively, and "a" for "an administrative", was (except for the last substitution) incapable of execution in view of the previous amendment by section 803(a) of Pub. L. 98–473 which became effective prior to the effective date of the amendment by section 229. See note below.

Pub. L. 98–473, §803(a), in amending provisions after "or a violation of subchapter III or IV of this chapter" generally, inserted provisions relating to abuse or misuse of employment in a labor organization or employee benefit plan, substituted "conspiracy to commit any such crimes or attempt to commit any such crimes, or a crime in which any of the foregoing crimes is an element" for "conspiracy to commit any such crimes", added par. (1), redesignated former par. (1) as (2) and in par. (2) as so redesignated substituted "employee, or representative in any capacity of any labor organization" for "or other employee (other than as an employee performing exclusively clerical or custodial duties) of any labor organization, or", redesignated former par. (2) as (3) and in par. (3) as so redesignated inserted "or advisor" after "consultant", struck out "(other than as an employee performing exclusively clerical or custodial duties)" after "employee", and inserted "or in a position having specific collective bargaining authority or direct responsibility in the area of labor-management relations in any corporation or association engaged in an industry or activity affecting commerce, or", added pars. (4) and (5), struck out "or for five years after the termination of his membership in the Communist Party," substituted "the period of thirteen years" for "five years", inserted "whichever is later, unless the sentencing court on the motion of the person convicted sets a lesser period of at least three years after such conviction or after the end of such imprisonment, whichever is later, or", substituted in cl. (B) "United States Parole Commission" for "Board of Parole of the United States Department of Justice", and in the provisions following cl. (B) substituted "Commission" and "Commission's" for "Board" and "Board's", respectively, inserted provision of notice to the Secretary of Labor, and substituted "No person shall knowingly hire, retain, employ, or otherwise place any other person to serve in any capacity in violation of this subsection" for "No labor organization or officer thereof shall knowingly permit any person to assume or hold any office or paid position in violation of this subsection".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 98–473, §803(b), amended subsec. (b) generally, substituting "five years" for "one year".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 98–473, §803(c), designated existing provisions as par. (1), substituted provisions defining conviction as from date of judgment of trial court, regardless of appeal, for former provisions defining it as from date of judgment of trial court or date of final sustaining of judgment on appeal, whichever is later, regardless of whether such conviction occurred before or after Sept. 14, 1959, and added par. (2).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 98–473, §803(d), added subsec. (d).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1987 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 100–182 applicable with respect to offenses committed after Dec. 7, 1987, see section 26 of Pub. L. 100–182, set out as a note under section 3006A of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure.

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Amendment by section 229 of Pub. L. 98–473 effective Nov. 1, 1987, and applicable only to offenses committed after the taking effect of such amendment, see section 235(a)(1) of Pub. L. 98–473, set out as an Effective Date note under section 3551 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure.

Pub. L. 98–473, title II, §804, Oct. 12, 1984, 98 Stat. 2134, provided that:

"(a) The amendments made by section 802 [amending section 1111 of this title] and section 803 [amending this section] of this title shall take effect with respect to any judgment of conviction entered by the trial court after the date of enactment of this title [Oct. 12, 1984], except that that portion of such amendments relating to the commencement of the period of disability shall apply to any judgment of conviction entered prior to the date of enactment of this title if a right of appeal or an appeal from such judgment is pending on the date of enactment of this title.

"(b) Subject to subsection (a) the amendments made by sections 803 and 804 [probably should be sections 802 and 803] shall not affect any disability under section 411 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 [section 1111 of this title] or under section 504 of the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 [this section] in effect on the date of enactment of this title [Oct. 12, 1984]."

¹ So in original. Probably should be followed by a comma.

² So in original. Probably should be "section".

SUBCHAPTER VII—MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

§521. Investigations by Secretary; applicability of other laws

(a) The Secretary shall have power when he believes it necessary in order to determine whether any person has violated or is about to violate any provision of this chapter (except subchapter II of this chapter) to make an investigation and in connection therewith he may enter such places and inspect such records and accounts and question such persons as he may deem necessary to enable him to determine the facts relative thereto. The Secretary may report to interested persons or officials concerning the facts required to be shown in any report required by this chapter and concerning the reasons for failure or refusal to file such a report or any other matter which he deems to be appropriate as a result of such an investigation.

(b) For the purpose of any investigation provided for in this chapter, the provisions of sections 49 and 50 of title 15 (relating to the attendance of witnesses and the production of books, papers, and documents), are made applicable to the jurisdiction, powers, and duties of the Secretary or any officers designated by him.

(Pub. L. 86–257, title VI, §601, Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 539.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The phrase "this chapter (except subchapter II of this chapter)", referred to in subsec. (a), was in the original "this Act (except title I or amendments made by this Act to other statutes)". "This chapter", referred to later in subsec. (a) and also in subsec. (b), was in the original "this Act". "This Act" is Pub. L. 86–257, Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 519, as amended, known as the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959, which enacted this chapter, amended sections 153, 158, 159, 160, 164, 186, and 187 of this title, and enacted provisions set out as notes under sections 153, 158, and 481 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 401 of this title and Tables.

§522. Extortionate picketing; penalty for violation

(a) It shall be unlawful to carry on picketing on or about the premises of any employer for the purpose of, or as part of any conspiracy or in furtherance of any plan or purpose for, the personal profit or enrichment of any individual (except a bona fide increase in wages or other employee benefits) by taking or obtaining any money or other thing of value from such employer against his will or with his consent.

(b) Any person who willfully violates this section shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than twenty years, or both.

(Pub. L. 86–257, title VI, §602, Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 539.)

§523. Retention of rights under other Federal and State laws

(a) Except as explicitly provided to the contrary, nothing in this chapter shall reduce or limit the responsibilities of any labor organization or any officer, agent, shop steward, or other representative of a labor organization, or of any trust in which a labor organization is interested, under any other Federal law or under the laws of any State, and, except as explicitly provided to the contrary, nothing in this chapter shall take away any right or bar any remedy to which members of a labor organization are entitled under such other Federal law or law of any State.

(b) Nothing contained in this chapter and section 186(a)–(c) of this title shall be construed to supersede or impair or otherwise affect the provisions of the Railway Labor Act, as amended [45 U.S.C. 151 et seq.], or any of the obligations, rights, benefits, privileges, or immunities of any carrier, employee, organization, representative, or person subject thereto; nor shall anything contained in this chapter be construed to confer any rights, privileges, immunities, or defenses upon employers, or to impair or otherwise affect the rights of any person under the National Labor Relations Act, as amended [29 U.S.C. 151 et seq.].

(Pub. L. 86–257, title VI, §603, Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 540.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in subsec. (a), was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 86–257, Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 519, known as the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959, which enacted this chapter, amended sections 153, 158, 159, 160, 164, 186, and 187 of this title, and enacted provisions set out as notes under sections 153, 158, and 481 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 401 of this title and Tables.

The phrase "this chapter and section 186(a)–(c) of this title", referred to in subsec. (b), was in original "titles I, II, III, IV, V, or VI of this Act". The phrase "this chapter" later appearing in subsec. (b), was in original "said titles (except section 505) of this Act". Original text reference, in both instances, includes those sections of the Act which are classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of such titles to the Code, see Tables.

The Railway Labor Act, referred to in subsec. (b), is act May 20, 1926, ch. 347, 44 Stat. 577, which is classified principally to chapter 8 (§151 et seq.) of Title 45, Railroads. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 151 of Title 45 and Tables.

The National Labor Relations Act, referred to in subsec. (b), is act July 5, 1935, ch. 372, 49 Stat. 452, which is classified generally to subchapter II (§151 et seq.) of chapter 7 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 167 of this title and Tables.

§524. Effect on State laws

Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to impair or diminish the authority of any State to enact and enforce general criminal laws with respect to robbery, bribery, extortion, embezzlement, grand larceny, burglary, arson, violation of narcotics laws, murder, rape, assault with intent to kill, or assault which inflicts grievous bodily injury, or conspiracy to commit any of such crimes.

(Pub. L. 86–257, title VI, §604, Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 540.)

§524a. Elimination of racketeering activities threat; State legislation governing collective bargaining representative

Notwithstanding this or any other Act regulating labor-management relations, each State shall have the authority to enact and enforce, as part of a comprehensive statutory system to eliminate the threat of pervasive racketeering activity in an industry that is, or over time has been, affected by such activity, a provision of law that applies equally to employers, employees, and collective bargaining representatives, which provision of law governs service in any position in a local labor organization which acts or seeks to act in that State as a collective bargaining representative pursuant to the National Labor Relations Act [29 U.S.C. 151 et seq.], in the industry that is subject to that program.

(Pub. L. 98–473, title II, §2201, Oct. 12, 1984, 98 Stat. 2192.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in text, probably means title II of Pub. L. 98–473, Oct. 12, 1984, 98 Stat. 1976, known as the Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1984 Amendment note set out under section 1 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure, and Tables.

The National Labor Relations Act, referred to in text, is act July 5, 1935, ch. 372, 49 Stat. 449, which is classified generally to subchapter II (§151 et seq.) of chapter 7 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 167 of this title and Tables.

Codification

Section was not enacted as part of the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959, which comprises this chapter.

§525. Service of process

For the purposes of this chapter, service of summons, subpena, or other legal process of a court of the United States upon an officer or agent of a labor organization in his capacity as such shall constitute service upon the labor organization.

(Pub. L. 86–257, title VI, §605, Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 540.)

§526. Applicability of administrative procedure provisions

The provisions of subchapter II of chapter 5, and chapter 7, of title 5 shall be applicable to the issuance, amendment, or rescission of any rules or regulations, or any adjudication authorized or required pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.

(Pub. L. 86–257, title VI, §606, Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 540.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

"Subchapter II of chapter 5, and chapter 7, of title 5" substituted in text for "the Administrative Procedure Act" on authority of Pub. L. 89–554, §7(b), Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 631, the first section of which enacted Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

§527. Cooperation with other agencies and departments

In order to avoid unnecessary expense and duplication of functions among Government agencies, the Secretary may make such arrangements or agreements for cooperation or mutual assistance in the performance of his functions under this chapter and the functions of any such agency as he may find to be practicable and consistent with law. The Secretary may utilize the facilities or services of any department, agency, or establishment of the United States or of any State or political subdivision of a State, including the services of any of its employees, with the lawful consent of such department, agency, or establishment; and each department, agency, or establishment of the United States is authorized and directed to cooperate with the Secretary and, to the extent permitted by law, to provide such information and facilities as he may request for his assistance in the performance of his functions under this chapter. The Attorney General or his representative shall receive from the Secretary for appropriate action such evidence developed in the performance of his functions under this chapter as may be found to warrant consideration for criminal prosecution under the provisions of this chapter or other Federal law.

(Pub. L. 86–257, title VI, §607, Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 540.)

§528. Criminal contempt

No person shall be punished for any criminal contempt allegedly committed outside the immediate presence of the court in connection with any civil action prosecuted by the Secretary or any other person in any court of the United States under the provisions of this chapter unless the facts constituting such criminal contempt are established by the verdict of the jury in a proceeding in the district court of the United States, which jury shall be chosen and empaneled in the manner prescribed by the law governing trial juries in criminal prosecutions in the district courts of the United States.

(Pub. L. 86–257, title VI, §608, Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 541.)

§529. Prohibition on certain discipline by labor organization

It shall be unlawful for any labor organization, or any officer, agent, shop steward, or other representative of a labor organization, or any employee thereof to fine, suspend, expel, or otherwise discipline any of its members for exercising any right to which he is entitled under the provisions of this chapter. The provisions of section 412 of this title shall be applicable in the enforcement of this section.

(Pub. L. 86–257, title VI, §609, Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 541.)

§530. Deprivation of rights by violence; penalty

It shall be unlawful for any person through the use of force or violence, or threat of the use of force or violence, to restrain, coerce, or intimidate, or attempt to restrain, coerce, or intimidate any member of a labor organization for the purpose of interfering with or preventing the exercise of any right to which he is entitled under the provisions of this chapter. Any person who willfully violates this section shall be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.

(Pub. L. 86–257, title VI, §610, Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 541.)

§531. Separability

If any provision of this chapter, or the application of such provision to any person or circumstances, shall be held invalid, the remainder of this chapter or the application of such provision to persons or circumstances other than those as to which it is held invalid, shall not be affected thereby.

(Pub. L. 86–257, title VI, §611, Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 541.)

CHAPTER 12—DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

        

§551. Establishment of Department; Secretary; seal

There shall be an executive department in the Government to be called the Department of Labor, with a Secretary of Labor, who shall be the head thereof, to be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and whose tenure of office shall be like that of the heads of the other executive departments. The provisions of title 4 of the Revised Statutes, including all amendments thereto, shall be applicable to said department. The purpose of the Department of Labor shall be to foster, promote, and develop the welfare of the wage earners of the United States, to improve their working conditions, and to advance their opportunities for profitable employment. The said Secretary shall cause a seal of office to be made for the said department of such device as the President shall approve and judicial notice shall be taken of the said seal.

(Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 141, §1, 37 Stat. 736; Mar. 4, 1925, ch. 549, §4, 43 Stat. 1301.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Title 4 of the Revised Statutes, referred to in text, was entitled "Provisions Applicable to All Executive Departments", and consisted of R.S. §§158 to 198. For provisions of the Code derived from such title 4, see sections 101, 301, 303, 304, 503, 2952, 3101, 3106, 3341, 3345 to 3349, 5535, 5536 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees; section 207 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure; sections 514, 520 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure; section 3321 of Title 31, Money and Finance.

Codification

Section was formerly classified to section 611 of Title 5 prior to the general revision and enactment of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, by Pub. L. 89–554, §1, Sept. 1, 1966, 80 Stat. 378.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Short Title of 1986 Amendment

Pub. L. 99–619, §1, Nov. 6, 1986, 100 Stat. 3491, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 552 and 553 of this title and sections 5313 to 5316 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, repealing section 3 of Reorganization Plan No. 6 of 1950, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 552 and 553 of this title and section 5316 of Title 5] may be cited as the 'Department of Labor Executive Level Conforming Amendments of 1986'."

History of Department

A Department of Labor under the charge of a Commissioner of Labor was first established by act June 13, 1888, ch. 389, 25 Stat. 182. That Department was placed under the jurisdiction and made a part of a new department, called the Department of Commerce and Labor, by act Feb. 14, 1903, ch. 552, §4, 32 Stat. 827. The name Department of Labor was changed to Bureau of Labor by act Mar. 18, 1904, ch. 716, 33 Stat. 136. The present Department of Labor was created by act Mar. 4, 1913. The Bureau of Labor in the Department of Commerce and Labor was transferred to the present Department of Labor by said act.

Compensation of Secretary

Compensation of Secretary, see section 5312 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of functions of other officers, employees, and agencies of Department of Labor, with certain exceptions, to Secretary of Labor, with power to delegate, see Reorg. Plan No. 6, of 1950, §§1, 2, 15 F.R. 3174, 64 Stat. 1263, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Emergency Preparedness Functions

For assignment of certain emergency preparedness functions to Secretary of Labor, see Parts 1, 2, and 12 of Ex. Ord. No. 12656, Nov. 18, 1988, 53 F.R. 47491, set out as a note under section 5195 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

Order of Succession

For order of succession during any period when both Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Labor are unable to perform functions and duties of office of Secretary, see Ex. Ord. No. 13245, Dec. 18, 2001, 66 F.R. 66268, listed in a table under section 3345 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Ex. Ord. No. 13578. Coordinating Policies on Automotive Communities and Workers

Ex. Ord. No. 13578, July 6, 2011, 76 F.R. 40591, provided:

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Policy. Over the last decade, the United States has experienced a decline in employment in the automotive industry and among part suppliers. This decline accelerated dramatically from 2008 to 2009, with more than 400,000 jobs being lost in the industry. Now, 2 years later, the American automotive industry is beginning to recover. The automotive industry has, over the past 2 years, experienced its strongest period of job growth since the late 1990s. Exports have expanded, and the domestic automakers in 2010 gained market share for the first time since 1995. The automotive supply chain, which employs three times as many workers as the automakers, has also shown renewed strength. However, we still have a long way to go.

Over the past 2 years my Administration has undertaken coordinated efforts on behalf of automotive communities, including targeted technical and financial assistance. For example, the Department of Labor set aside funds for green jobs and job training for high-growth sectors of the economy specifically targeted to communities affected by the automotive downturn, and the Department of Commerce provided funds specifically for automotive communities to develop plans for economic recovery. Stabilizing the automotive industry will also require the use of expanded strategies by automotive communities that include land-use redevelopment, small business support, and worker training.

The purpose of this order is to continue the coordinated Federal response to factors affecting automotive communities and workers and to ensure that Federal programs and policies address these concerns.

Sec. 2. Assignment of Responsibilities to the Secretary of Labor.

(a) The Secretary of Labor shall:

(i) work to coordinate the development of policies and programs among executive departments and agencies with the goal of coordinating a Federal response to factors that have a distinct impact on automotive communities and workers, including through the coordination of economic adjustment assistance activities;

(ii) advise the President, in coordination with the Director of the National Economic Council, on the potential effects of pending legislation;

(iii) provide recommendations to the President, in coordination with the Director of the National Economic Council, on executive branch policy proposals affecting automotive communities and changes to Federal policies and programs intended to address issues of special importance to automotive communities and workers; and

(iv) conduct outreach to representatives of nonprofit organizations, businesses, labor organizations, State and local government agencies, elected officials, and other interested persons that will assist in bringing to the President's attention concerns, ideas, and policy options for expanding and improving efforts to revitalize automotive communities.

(b) The Secretary of Labor shall perform the functions assigned by this order in coordination with the Director of the National Economic Council. The Secretary of Labor may delegate these responsibilities to the Executive Director of the Department of Labor Office of Recovery for Auto Communities and Workers.

Sec. 3. Revocation. Executive Order 13509 of June 23, 2009, is hereby revoked.

Sec. 4. General Provisions. (a) The heads of executive departments and agencies shall assist and provide information to the Secretary of Labor or the Secretary's designee, consistent with applicable law, as may be necessary to carry out the responsibilities assigned by this order.

(b) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i) authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii) functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(c) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(d) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

Barack Obama.      

§552. Deputy Secretary; appointment; duties

There is established in the Department of Labor the office of Deputy Secretary of Labor, which shall be filled by appointment by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Deputy Secretary shall perform such duties as may be prescribed by the Secretary of Labor or required by law. The Deputy Secretary shall (1) in case of the death, resignation, or removal from office of the Secretary, perform the duties of the Secretary until a successor is appointed, and (2) in case of the absence or sickness of the Secretary, perform the duties of the Secretary until such absence or sickness shall terminate.

(Apr. 17, 1946, ch. 140, §1, 60 Stat. 91; Pub. L. 99–619, §2(a)(1), Nov. 6, 1986, 100 Stat. 3491.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Provisions of this section which prescribed the basic annual compensation of the Under [Deputy] Secretary were omitted to conform to the provisions of the Executive Schedule. See section 5314 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Section was formerly classified to section 611a of Title 5 prior to the general revision and enactment of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, by Pub. L. 89–554, §1, Sept. 1, 1966, 80 Stat. 378.

Amendments

1986—Pub. L. 99–619 substituted "Deputy Secretary" for "Under Secretary" in three places.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

References in Other Laws

Pub. L. 99–619, §2(a)(4), Nov. 6, 1986, 100 Stat. 3491, provided that: "Any reference to the Under Secretary of Labor in any law, rule, regulation, certificate, directive, or other document in force on the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 6, 1986] shall be deemed to refer and apply to the Deputy Secretary of Labor."

Present Incumbent

Pub. L. 99–619, §2(f)(1), Nov. 6, 1986, 100 Stat. 3492, provided that: "The incumbent in the position of Under Secretary of Labor on the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 6, 1986] may serve as Deputy Secretary of Labor at the pleasure of the President after such date and the amendments made by subsection (a)(2) [amending section 5313 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees] shall apply to such incumbent."

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of functions of other officers, employees, and agencies of Department of Labor, with certain exceptions, to Secretary of Labor, with power to delegate, see Reorg. Plan No. 6, of 1950, §§1, 2, 15 F.R. 3174, 64 Stat. 1263, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Order of Succession

For order of succession during any period when both Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Labor are unable to perform functions and duties of office of Secretary, see Ex. Ord. No. 13245, Dec. 18, 2001, 66 F.R. 66268, listed in a table under section 3345 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

§553. Assistant Secretaries; appointment; duties

There are established in the Department of Labor nine offices of Assistant Secretary of Labor, which shall be filled by appointment by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Each of the Assistant Secretaries of Labor shall perform such duties as may be prescribed by the Secretary of Labor or required by law. One of such Assistant Secretaries shall be an Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health.

(Apr. 17, 1946, ch. 140, §2, 60 Stat. 91; Pub. L. 87–137, §1, Aug. 11, 1961, 75 Stat. 338; Pub. L. 91–596, §29(a), Dec. 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 1618; Pub. L. 99–619, §2(b)(1), Nov. 6, 1986, 100 Stat. 3491.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Provisions of this section which prescribed the basic annual compensation of the Assistant Secretaries were omitted to conform to the provisions of the Executive Schedule. See section 5315 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Section was formerly classified to section 611b of Title 5 prior to the general revision and enactment of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, by Pub. L. 89–554, §1, Sept. 1, 1966, 80 Stat. 378.

Amendments

1986—Pub. L. 99–619 substituted "nine offices" for "five offices".

1970—Pub. L. 91–596 increased the number of Assistant Secretaries of Labor from four to five and inserted provision that one of such Assistant Secretaries be an Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health.

1961—Pub. L. 87–137 increased the number of Assistant Secretaries of Labor from three to four.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1970 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 91–596 effective 120 days after Dec. 29, 1970 see section 34 of Pub. L. 91–596, set out as an Effective Date note under section 651 of this title.

Assistant Secretaries for Administration and Management and Public Affairs

Pub. L. 112–166, §2(i)(1), Aug. 10, 2012, 126 Stat. 1285, provided that: "Notwithstanding section 2 of the Act of April 17, 1946 (29 U.S.C. 553), the appointment of individuals to serve as the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management and the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs within the Department of Labor, shall not be subject to the advice and consent of the Senate."

References in Other Laws

Pub. L. 99–619, §2(b)(3), Nov. 6, 1986, 100 Stat. 3491, provided that: "Any reference in any law, regulation, certificate, directive, or other document to the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment in force on the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 6, 1986] shall be deemed to be a reference to the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment and Training."

Present Incumbent

Pub. L. 99–619, §2(f)(2), Nov. 6, 1986, 100 Stat. 3492, provided that the incumbent in the position of Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment on Nov. 6, 1986, could serve as Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment and Training at the pleasure of the President after such date and that the amendments made by subsection (b)(2) of Pub. L. 99–619 to section 5315 of title 5 were to apply to such incumbent.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of functions of other officers, employees, and agencies of Department of Labor, with certain exceptions, to Secretary of Labor, with power to delegate, see Reorg. Plan No. 6, of 1950, §§1, 2, 15 F.R. 3174, 64 Stat. 1263, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

§554. Assistants to Secretary

There shall be in the Department of Labor not more than two assistants to the Secretary, who shall be appointed by the President and shall perform such duties as may be prescribed by the Secretary of Labor or required by law.

(Mar. 4, 1927, ch. 498, 44 Stat. 1415.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was formerly classified to section 613a of Title 5 prior to the general revision and enactment of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, by Pub. L. 89–554, §1, Sept. 1, 1966, 80 Stat. 378.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of functions of other officers, employees, and agencies of Department of Labor, with certain exceptions, to Secretary of Labor, with power to delegate, see Reorg. Plan No. 6, of 1950, §§1, 2, 15 F.R. 3174, 64 Stat. 1263, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

§555. Solicitor

There shall be a solicitor for the Department of Labor.

(Mar. 18, 1904, ch. 716, §1, 33 Stat. 135; Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 141, §7, 37 Stat. 738; Ex. Ord. No. 6166, §7, June 10, 1933.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

The words "of the Department of Justice" were omitted from text on authority of section 7 of Ex. Ord. No. 6166, which transferred the Solicitor for the Department of Labor from the Department of Justice to the Department of Labor.

Section was formerly classified to section 613b of Title 5 prior to the general revision and enactment of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, by Pub. L. 89–554, §1, Sept. 1, 1966, 80 Stat. 378.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Compensation of Solicitor

Compensation of solicitor, see section 5315 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of functions of other officers, employees, and agencies of Department of Labor, with certain exceptions, to Secretary of Labor, with power to delegate, see Reorg. Plan No. 6, of 1950, §§1, 2, 15 F.R. 3174, 64 Stat. 1263, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

§556. Chief clerk; other employees

There shall be in said department a chief clerk and such other clerical assistants, inspectors, and special agents as may from time to time be provided for by Congress.

(Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 141, §2, 37 Stat. 736; Ex. Ord. No. 6166, §4, June 10, 1933.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

The words "a disbursing clerk" were omitted from text on authority of Ex. Ord. No. 6166, which transferred all functions relating to the disbursement of moneys of the United States to the Treasury Department. See section 3321 of Title 31, Money and Finance.

Section was formerly classified to section 615 of Title 5 prior to the general revision and enactment of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, by Pub. L. 89–554, §1, Sept. 1, 1966, 80 Stat. 378.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of functions of other officers, employees, and agencies of Department of Labor, with certain exceptions, to Secretary of Labor, with power to delegate, see Reorg. Plan No. 6, of 1950, §§1, 2, 15 F.R. 3174, 64 Stat. 1263, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

§557. Bureaus and offices in Department

The following-named offices, bureaus, divisions, and branches of the public service, and all that pertains to the same, shall be under the jurisdiction and supervision of the Department of Labor:

1. Bureau of Employees' Compensation.

2. Bureau of Labor Standards.

3. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

4. Division of Public Contracts.

5. Employees' Compensation Appeals Board.

6. United States Employment Service.

7. Wage and Hour Division.

8. Women's Bureau.

(Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 141, §3, 37 Stat. 737; June 5, 1920, ch. 248, §1, 41 Stat. 987; June 6, 1933, ch. 49, §1, 48 Stat. 113; Ex. Ord. No. 6166, §14, June 10, 1933; June 30, 1936, ch. 881, §4, 49 Stat. 2038; June 25, 1938, ch. 676, §4, 52 Stat. 1061; 1939 Reorg. Plan No. I, §201, eff. July 1, 1939, 4 F.R. 2728, 53 Stat. 1424; 1940 Reorg. Plan No. V, §1, eff. June 4, 1940, 5 F.R. 2223, 54 Stat. 1238; Ex. Ord. No. 9247, Sept. 17, 1942, 7 F.R. 7379; Ex. Ord. No. 9617, Sept. 19, 1945, 10 F.R. 11929; 1946 Reorg. Plan No. 2, §1, eff. July 16, 1946, 11 F.R. 7873, 60 Stat. 1095; June 23, 1947, ch. 120, title II, §202, 61 Stat. 153; 1949 Reorg. Plan No. 2, §1, eff. Aug. 20, 1949, 14 F.R. 5225, 63 Stat. 1065; 1950 Reorg. Plan No. 19, §§1, 2, eff. May 24, 1952, 15 F.R. 3178, 64 Stat. 1271, 1272.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was formerly classified to section 616 of Title 5 prior to the general revision and enactment of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, by Pub. L. 89–554, §1, Sept. 1, 1966, 80 Stat. 378.

Statutory Notes and Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of functions of other officers, employees, and agencies of Department of Labor, with certain exceptions, to Secretary of Labor, with power to delegate, see Reorg. Plan No. 6, of 1950, §§1, 2, 15 F.R. 3174, 64 Stat. 1263, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Bureau of Employees' Compensation transferred to Department of Labor from Federal Security Agency by Reorg. Plan No. 19 of 1950, §1, which was repealed by Pub. L. 89–554, §8(a), Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 662, the subject matter of which is covered by section 8101 et seq. of Title 5. Subsequently, Bureau of Compensation absorbed by Employment Standards Administration in Department of Labor.

Bureau of Labor Standards established in Department of Labor by departmental order in 1934, and its functions absorbed by Occupational Safety and Health Administration in May 1971.

Division of Public Contracts established in Department of Labor by virtue of act June 30, 1936, and was consolidated with Wage and Hour Division by order of Secretary of Labor on Aug. 21, 1942. Subsequently, by order of Secretary of Labor in May 1971, Division of Public Contracts absorbed by Wage and Hour Division.

Employees' Compensation Appeals Board transferred to Department of Labor from Federal Security Agency by Reorg. Plan No. 19 of 1950, §2, which was repealed by Pub. L. 89–554, §8(a), Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 662, the subject matter of which is covered by section 8101 et seq. of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

United States Employment Service created in Department of Labor by act June 6, 1933. Service transferred to Federal Security Agency by Reorg. Plan No. I of 1939, and its functions consolidated with unemployment compensation functions of Social Security Board in Bureau of Employment Security. Ex. Ord. No. 9247, Sept. 17, 1942, transferred United States Employment Service from Social Security Board to War Manpower Commission and became a part of Bureau of Placement. Service transferred to Department of Labor by Ex. Ord. No. 9617, Sept. 19, 1945, to be administered as an organizational entity. Act June 16, 1948, ch. 472, 62 Stat. 443, transferred Service to Federal Security Agency to function as a part of Bureau of Employment Security in Social Security Administration. Reorg. Plan No. 2 of 1949, eff. Aug. 20, 1949, transferred Bureau of Employment Security, including United States Employment Service, to Department of Labor.

Wage and Hour Division established in Department of Labor by act June 25, 1938, and consolidated with Division of Public Contracts by order of Secretary of Labor on Aug. 21, 1942.

Women's Bureau established in Department of Labor by act June 5, 1920.

Bureau of Immigration and Bureau of Naturalization, placed under jurisdiction of Department of Labor upon its creation by act Mar. 4, 1913, consolidated as Immigration and Naturalization Service by Ex. Ord. No. 6166, §14. Immigration and Naturalization Service of Department of Labor, including Office of Commissioner of Immigration and Naturalization, transferred to Department of Justice by Reorg. Plan No. V of 1940, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Children's Bureau transferred from Department of Labor to Federal Security Agency by Reorg. Plan No. 2 of 1946, set out in the Appendix to Title 5. For status of Children's Bureau, see note under section 191 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

United States Conciliation Service established in Department of Labor by virtue of act Mar. 4, 1913, §8, formerly set out as section 619 of former Title 5, Executive Departments and Government Officers and Employees, and section 51 of this title, but was discontinued in view of act June 23, 1947, §202, and set out as section 172 of this title, which transferred to Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, an independent agency, all powers and functions vested in Secretary of Labor by act Mar. 4, 1913, §8, formerly cited as a credit to this section.

§557a. Mine Safety and Health Administration

There is established in the Department of Labor a Mine Safety and Health Administration to be headed by an Assistant Secretary of Labor for Mine Safety and Health appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Secretary, acting through the Assistant Secretary for Mine Safety and Health, shall have authority to appoint, subject to the civil service laws, such officers and employees as he may deem necessary for the administration of this Act, and to prescribe powers, duties, and responsibilities of all officers and employees engaged in the administration of this Act. The Secretary is authorized and directed, except as specifically provided otherwise to carry out his functions under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 [30 U.S.C. 801 et seq.] through the Mine Safety and Health Administration.

(Pub. L. 95–164, title III, §302(a), Nov. 9, 1977, 91 Stat. 1319.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in text, means Pub. L. 95–164, Nov. 9, 1977, 91 Stat. 1290, known as the Federal Mine Safety and Health Amendments Act of 1977, which enacted this section, sections 822 to 825 and 961 of Title 30, Mineral Lands and Mining, amended sections 5314 and 5315 of Title 5, and sections 801 to 804, 811 to 821, 842, 861, 878, 951 to 955, 958 and 959 of Title 30, repealed sections 721 to 740 of Title 30 and section 1456a of Title 43, Public Lands, and enacted provisions set out as notes under sections 801 and 954 of Title 30 and section 11 of former Title 31, Money and Finance. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1977 Amendment note set out under section 801 of Title 30 and Tables.

The Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, referred to in text, is Pub. L. 91–173, Dec. 30, 1969, 83 Stat. 742, which is classified principally to chapter 22 (§801 et seq.) of Title 30. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 801 of Title 30 and Tables.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective 120 days after Nov. 9, 1977, see section 307 of Pub. L. 95–164, set out as an Effective Date of 1977 Amendment note under section 801 of Title 30, Mineral Lands and Mining.

§557b. Office of disability employment policy

Beginning in fiscal year 2001, there is established in the Department of Labor an office of disability employment policy which shall, under the overall direction of the Secretary, provide leadership, develop policy and initiatives, and award grants furthering the objective of eliminating barriers to the training and employment of people with disabilities. Such office shall be headed by an Assistant Secretary.

(Pub. L. 106–554, §1(a)(1) [title I], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A-10.)

§558. Library, records, etc., of Department

The Secretary of Labor shall have charge in the buildings or premises occupied by or appropriated to the Department of Labor, of the library, furniture, fixtures, records, and other property pertaining to it or acquired for use in its business. He shall be allowed to expend for periodicals and the purposes of the library and for rental of appropriate quarters for the accommodation of the Department of Labor within the District of Columbia, and for all other incidental expenses, such sums as Congress may provide from time to time.

(Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 141, §6, 37 Stat. 738.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was formerly classified to section 617 of Title 5 prior to the general revision and enactment of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, by Pub. L. 89–554, §1, Sept. 1, 1966, 80 Stat. 378.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of functions of other officers, employees, and agencies of Department of Labor, with certain exceptions, to Secretary of Labor, with power to delegate, see Reorg. Plan No. 6, of 1950, §§1, 2, 15 F.R. 3174, 64 Stat. 1263, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

§559. Rented quarters

Where any office, bureau, or branch of the public service transferred to the Department of Labor by this Act is occupying rented buildings or premises, it may continue to do so until other suitable quarters are provided for its use.

(Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 141, §6, 37 Stat. 738.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in text, is act Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 141, 37 Stat. 736, which is classified principally to sections 2, 551, and 555 to 562 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

Codification

Section was formerly classified to section 618 of Title 5 prior to the general revision and enactment of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, by Pub. L. 89–554, §1, Sept. 1, 1966, 80 Stat. 378.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of functions of other officers, employees, and agencies of Department of Labor, with certain exceptions, to Secretary of Labor, with power to delegate, see Reorg. Plan No. 6, of 1950, §§1, 2, 15 F.R. 3174, 64 Stat. 1263, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

§560. Reports and investigations

The Secretary of Labor shall annually, at the close of each fiscal year, prepare and submit to Congress the financial statements of the Department that have been audited. He shall also, from time to time, make such special investigations and reports as he may be required to do by the President, or by Congress, or which he himself may deem necessary.

(Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 141, §9, 37 Stat. 738; Pub. L. 104–66, title I, §1102(c), Dec. 21, 1995, 109 Stat. 723.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was formerly classified to section 620 of Title 5 prior to the general revision and enactment of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, by Pub. L. 89–554, §1, Sept. 1, 1966, 80 Stat. 378.

Amendments

1995—Pub. L. 104–66 in first sentence substituted "prepare and submit to Congress the financial statements of the Department that have been audited" for "make a report in writing to Congress, giving an account of all moneys received and disbursed by him and his department and describing the work done by the department".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Termination of Reporting Requirements

For termination, effective May 15, 2000, of provisions of law requiring submittal to Congress of any annual, semiannual, or other regular periodic report listed in House Document No. 103–7 (in which a report required under this section is listed on page 124), see section 3003 of Pub. L. 104–66, as amended, set out as a note under section 1113 of Title 31, Money and Finance.

§561. Records and papers and furniture transferred to Department

The official records and papers on file in and pertaining exclusively to the business of any bureau, office, department, or branch of the public service in this Act transferred to the Department of Labor, together with the furniture in use in such bureau, office, department, or branch of the public service, are transferred to the Department of Labor.

(Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 141, §5, 37 Stat. 737.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in text, is act Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 141, 37 Stat. 736, which is classified principally to sections 2, 551, and 555 to 562 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

Codification

Section was formerly classified to section 621 of Title 5 prior to the general revision and enactment of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, by Pub. L. 89–554, §1, Sept. 1, 1966, 80 Stat. 378.

§562. Laws operative

All laws prescribing the work and defining the duties of the several bureaus, offices, departments, or branches of the public service by this Act transferred to and made a part of the Department of Labor shall, so far as the same are not in conflict with the provisions of this Act, remain in full force and effect, to be executed under the direction of the Secretary of Labor.

(Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 141, §6, 37 Stat. 738.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in text, is act Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 141, 37 Stat. 736, which is classified principally to sections 2, 551, and 555 to 562 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

Codification

Section was formerly classified to section 622 of Title 5 prior to the general revision and enactment of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, by Pub. L. 89–554, §1, Sept. 1, 1966, 80 Stat. 378.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of functions of other officers, employees, and agencies of Department of Labor, with certain exceptions, to Secretary of Labor, with power to delegate, see Reorg. Plan No. 6, of 1950, §§1, 2, 15 F.R. 3174, 64 Stat. 1263, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

§563. Working capital fund; establishment; availability; capitalization; reimbursement

There is established a working capital fund, to be available without fiscal year limitation, for expenses necessary for the maintenance and operation of a comprehensive program of centralized services which the Secretary of Labor may prescribe and deem appropriate and advantageous to provide on a reimbursable basis: Provided, That such Working Capital Fund may receive advances and reimbursements from funds available to bureaus, offices, and agencies for which such centralized services are performed at rates which will return in full all expenses of operation, including reserves for accrued annual leave, workers' compensation, depreciation of capitalized equipment and amortization of human resources software and systems (either acquired or donated): Provided further, That, through September 30, 2019, the Secretary of Labor may transfer an amount not to exceed $3,000,000 from unobligated balances in the Department's salaries and expenses accounts to the Working Capital Fund, to be merged with the Working Capital Fund and used for the acquisition of capital equipment and the improvement of financial management, information technology, infrastructure technology investment activities related to support systems and modernization, and other support systems, and to remain available until expended: Provided further, That the Secretary of Labor may transfer to the Working Capital Fund, to remain available for obligation for five fiscal years after the fiscal year of such transfer, annually an amount not to exceed $9,000,000 from unobligated balances in the Department's salaries and expenses accounts made available in Public Laws 115–245, 116–94, or 116–260, and annually an amount not to exceed $9,000,000 from unobligated balances in the Department's discretionary grants accounts made available in Public Laws 115–245, 116–94, 116–260, for the acquisition of capital equipment and the improvement of financial management, information technology, infrastructure technology investment activities related to support systems and modernization, and other support systems: Provided further, That the Secretary of Labor may transfer to the Working Capital Fund, to remain available for obligation for five fiscal years after the fiscal year of such transfer, annually an amount not to exceed $18,000,000 from unobligated balances in the Department's salaries and expenses accounts made available in this Act and hereafter, and $18,000,000 from unobligated balances in the Department's discretionary grants accounts made available in this Act and hereafter for the acquisition of capital equipment and the improvement of financial management, information technology, infrastructure technology investment activities related to support systems and modernization, and other support systems: Provided further, That none of the funds transferred pursuant to the preceding proviso shall be available unless the Chief Information Officer of the Department of Labor has submitted a plan, approved by the Office of Management and Budget, describing the amounts to be transferred by account, the planned use of funds, including descriptions of projects, project status, including any scheduled delays and cost overruns, financial expenditures, planned activities, and expected benefits, to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate by July 31 of the calendar year prior to the fiscal year in which the transfer will occur: Provided further, That the Working Capital Fund may receive reimbursements from entities or persons for use of Departmental facilities, including associated utilities and security services, and such reimbursements shall be credited to and merged with the Working Capital Fund: Provided further, That pursuant to section 11319 of title 40, the Secretary shall ensure that the Department's Chief Information Officer shall, at a minimum, be a principal advisor to the Secretary and a member on any board or governance structure of the Department responsible for advising and setting Department-wide information technology budgets: Provided further, That none of the funds available for information technology modernization under this section or under the heading "IT Modernization" shall be used for information technology modernization projects unless an experienced project manager, employed by the Department of Labor, is assigned oversight responsibility, including but not limited to, ensuring such projects are completed within established timeframes and budgets.

(Pub. L. 85–67, title I, §101, June 29, 1957, 71 Stat. 210; Pub. L. 86–703, title I, §101, Sept. 2, 1960, 74 Stat. 755; Pub. L. 104–134, title I, §101(d) [title I], Apr. 26, 1996, 110 Stat. 1321–211, 1321-219; renumbered title I, Pub. L. 104–140, §1(a), May 2, 1996, 110 Stat. 1327; Pub. L. 105–78, title I, Nov. 13, 1997, 111 Stat. 1476; Pub. L. 112–10, div. B, title VIII, §1809(b), Apr. 15, 2011, 125 Stat. 157; Pub. L. 115–245, div. B, title I, §117(a), Sept. 28, 2018, 132 Stat. 3066; Pub. L. 117–103, div. H, title I, §116, Mar. 15, 2022, 136 Stat. 441.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Public Law 115–245, referred to in text, is Pub. L. 115–245, Sept. 28, 2018, 132 Stat. 2981, known as the Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2019. Title I of div. B of Pub. L. 115–245, 132 Stat. 3048, is the Department of Labor Appropriations Act, 2019.

Public Law 116–94, referred to in text, is Pub. L. 116–94, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 2534, known as the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020. Title I of div. A of Pub. L. 116–94, 133 Stat. 2537, is the Department of Labor Appropriations Act, 2020.

Public Law 116–260, referred to in text, is Pub. L. 116–260, Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 1182, known as the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. Title I of div. H of Pub. L. 116–260, 134 Stat. 1547, is the Department of Labor Appropriations Act, 2021.

The heading "IT Modernization", referred to in text, probably means the heading appearing in title I of div. B of Pub. L. 115–245, Sept. 28, 2018, 132 Stat. 3061. There is no such heading in title I of Pub. L. 85–67.

Codification

Section was formerly classified to section 622a of Title 5 prior to the general revision and enactment of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, by Pub. L. 89–554, §1, Sept. 1, 1966, 80 Stat. 378.

Amendments

2022—Pub. L. 117–103 substituted "That the Secretary of Labor may transfer to the Working Capital Fund, to remain available for obligation for five fiscal years after the fiscal year of such transfer, annually an amount not to exceed $9,000,000 from unobligated balances in the Department's salaries and expenses accounts made available in Public Laws 115–245, 116–94, or 116–260, and annually an amount not to exceed $9,000,000 from unobligated balances in the Department's discretionary grants accounts made available in Public Laws 115–245, 116–94, 116–260, for the acquisition of capital equipment and the improvement of financial management, information technology, infrastructure technology investment activities related to support systems and modernization, and other support systems: Provided further, That the Secretary of Labor may transfer to the Working Capital Fund, to remain available for obligation for five fiscal years after the fiscal year of such transfer, annually an amount not to exceed $18,000,000 from unobligated balances in the Department's salaries and expenses accounts made available in this Act and hereafter, and $18,000,000 from unobligated balances in the Department's discretionary grants accounts made available in this Act and hereafter for the acquisition of capital equipment and the improvement of financial management, information technology, infrastructure technology investment activities related to support systems and modernization, and other support systems:" for "That the Secretary of Labor may transfer to the Working Capital Fund, to remain available for obligation for five fiscal years after the fiscal year of such transfer, annually an amount not to exceed $9,000,000 from unobligated balances in the Department's salaries and expenses accounts made available in this Act and hereafter, and annually an amount not to exceed $9,000,000 from unobligated balances in the Department's discretionary grants accounts made available in this Act and hereafter, for the acquisition of capital equipment and the improvement of financial management, information technology, infrastructure technology investment activities related to support systems and modernization, and other support systems:".

2018—Pub. L. 115–245 substituted "a comprehensive program of centralized services which the Secretary of Labor may prescribe and deem appropriate and advantageous to provide on a reimbursable basis: Provided, That such Working Capital Fund may receive advances and reimbursements from funds available to bureaus, offices, and agencies for which such centralized services are performed at rates which will return in full all expenses of operation, including reserves for accrued annual leave, workers' compensation, depreciation of capitalized equipment and amortization of human resources software and systems (either acquired or donated): Provided further, That, through September 30, 2019, the Secretary of Labor may transfer an amount not to exceed $3,000,000 from unobligated balances in the Department's salaries and expenses accounts to the Working Capital Fund, to be merged with the Working Capital Fund and used for the acquisition of capital equipment and the improvement of financial management, information technology, infrastructure technology investment activities related to support systems and modernization, and other support systems, and to remain available until expended: Provided further, That the Secretary of Labor may transfer to the Working Capital Fund, to remain available for obligation for five fiscal years after the fiscal year of such transfer, annually an amount not to exceed $9,000,000 from unobligated balances in the Department's salaries and expenses accounts made available in this Act and hereafter, and annually an amount not to exceed $9,000,000 from unobligated balances in the Department's discretionary grants accounts made available in this Act and hereafter, for the acquisition of capital equipment and the improvement of financial management, information technology, infrastructure technology investment activities related to support systems and modernization, and other support systems: Provided further, That none of the funds transferred pursuant to the preceding proviso shall be available unless the Chief Information Officer of the Department of Labor has submitted a plan, approved by the Office of Management and Budget, describing the amounts to be transferred by account, the planned use of funds, including descriptions of projects, project status, including any scheduled delays and cost overruns, financial expenditures, planned activities, and expected benefits, to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate by July 31 of the calendar year prior to the fiscal year in which the transfer will occur: Provided further, That the Working Capital Fund may receive reimbursements from entities or persons for use of Departmental facilities, including associated utilities and security services, and such reimbursements shall be credited to and merged with the Working Capital Fund: Provided further, That pursuant to section 11319 of title 40, the Secretary shall ensure that the Department's Chief Information Officer shall, at a minimum, be a principal advisor to the Secretary and a member on any board or governance structure of the Department responsible for advising and setting Department-wide information technology budgets: Provided further, That none of the funds available for information technology modernization under this section or under the heading 'IT Modernization' shall be used for information technology modernization projects unless an experienced project manager, employed by the Department of Labor, is assigned oversight responsibility, including but not limited to, ensuring such projects are completed within established timeframes and budgets." for "(1) a central reproduction service; (2) a central visual exhibit service; (3) a central supply service for supplies and equipment for which adequate stocks may be maintained to meet in whole or in part the requirements of the Department; (4) a central tabulating service; (5) telephone, mail and messenger services; (6) a central accounting and payroll service; and (7) a central laborers' service: Provided, That any stocks of supplies and equipment on hand or on order shall be used to capitalize such fund: Provided further, That such fund shall be reimbursed in advance from funds available to bureaus, offices, and agencies for which such centralized services are performed at rates which will return in full all expenses of operation, including reserves for accrued annual leave and depreciation of equipment: Provided further, That the Secretary of Labor may transfer annually an amount not to exceed $3,000,000 from unobligated balances in the Department's salaries and expenses accounts, to the unobligated balance of the Working Capital Fund, to be merged with such Fund and used for the acquisition of capital equipment and the improvement of financial management, information technology and other support systems, and to remain available until expended: Provided further, That the unobligated balance of the Fund shall not exceed $20,000,000.."

2011—Pub. L. 112–10 struck out "Provided further, That within the Working Capital Fund, there is established an Investment in Reinvention Fund (IRF), which shall be available to invest in projects of the Department designed to produce measurable improvements in agency efficiency and significant taxpayer savings. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of Labor may retain up to $3,900,000 of the unobligated balances in the Department's annual Salaries and Expenses accounts as of September 30, 1995, and transfer those amounts to the IRF to provide the initial capital for the IRF, to remain available until expended, to make loans to agencies of the Department for projects designed to enhance productivity and generate cost savings. Such loans shall be repaid to the IRF no later than September 30 of the fiscal year following the fiscal year in which the project is completed. Such repayments shall be deposited in the IRF, to be available without further appropriation action:" after "depreciation of equipment:".

1997—Pub. L. 105–78 struck out period at end and inserted ": Provided further, That the Secretary of Labor may transfer annually an amount not to exceed $3,000,000 from unobligated balances in the Department's salaries and expenses accounts, to the unobligated balance of the Working Capital Fund, to be merged with such Fund and used for the acquisition of capital equipment and the improvement of financial management, information technology and other support systems, and to remain available until expended: Provided further, That the unobligated balance of the Fund shall not exceed $20,000,000." after "appropriation action".

1996—Pub. L. 104–134 inserted before period at end ": Provided further, That within the Working Capital Fund, there is established an Investment in Reinvention Fund (IRF), which shall be available to invest in projects of the Department designed to produce measurable improvements in agency efficiency and significant taxpayer savings. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of Labor may retain up to $3,900,000 of the unobligated balances in the Department's annual Salaries and Expenses accounts as of September 30, 1995, and transfer those amounts to the IRF to provide the initial capital for the IRF, to remain available until expended, to make loans to agencies of the Department for projects designed to enhance productivity and generate cost savings. Such loans shall be repaid to the IRF no later than September 30 of the fiscal year following the fiscal year in which the project is completed. Such repayments shall be deposited in the IRF, to be available without further appropriation action."

1960—Pub. L. 86–703 made fund available for maintenance and operation of a central tabulating service, a central accounting and payroll service, and a central laborers' service.

§563a. Repealed. Pub. L. 115–245, div. B, title I, §117(b)(2), Sept. 28, 2018, 132 Stat. 3067

Section, Pub. L. 103–112, title I, Oct. 21, 1993, 107 Stat. 1088, which was based on paragraph under headings "Departmental Management" and "working capital fund" of Department of Labor Appropriations Act, 1994, related to appropriation for the maintenance and operation of a comprehensive program of centralized services.

§564. Repealed. Pub. L. 115–245, div. B, title I, §117(b)(1), Sept. 28, 2018, 132 Stat. 3067

Section, Pub. L. 91–204, title I, §100, Mar. 5, 1970, 84 Stat. 26, made the Working Capital Fund available for expenses necessary for personnel functions in regional administrative offices.

§565. Repealed. Pub. L. 103–382, title III, §391(i), Oct. 20, 1994, 108 Stat. 4023

Section, Pub. L. 100–418, title VI, §6306(b), Aug. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 1541, related to study and report respecting failure to provide internationally recognized worker rights.

§566. Employee drug and alcohol abuse assistance programs

(a) Establishment

The Secretary of Labor shall establish a program through which the Secretary shall provide grants to, or enter into contracts with, employers to enable such employers to develop employee drug and alcohol abuse assistance programs.

(b) Applications

Employers desiring to receive a grant or contract under this section shall submit to the Secretary of Labor, an application, in such form and containing such information as the Secretary may require.

(c) Regulations

The Secretary of Labor shall promulgate regulations necessary to carry out this section.

(d) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section, $4,000,000 for fiscal year 1989, and $5,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1990 and 1991.

(Pub. L. 100–690, title II, §2101, Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4216.)

§567. Labor-management dispute settlement expenses

Appropriations in this Act or subsequent Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Acts available for salaries and expenses shall be available for supplies, services, and rental of conference space within the District of Columbia, as the Secretary of Labor shall deem necessary for settlement of labor-management disputes.

(Pub. L. 102–394, title I, §101, Oct. 6, 1992, 106 Stat. 1798.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in the following prior appropriation acts:

Pub. L. 102–170, title I, §101, Nov. 26, 1991, 105 Stat. 1114.

Pub. L. 101–517, title I, §101, Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 2196.

Pub. L. 101–166, title I, §101, Nov. 21, 1989, 103 Stat. 1165.

Pub. L. 100–202, §101(h) [title I, §101], Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1329–256, 1329-263.

Pub. L. 99–500, §101(i) [H.R. 5233, title I, §101], Oct. 18, 1986, 100 Stat. 1783–287, and Pub. L. 99–591, §101(i) [H.R. 5233, title I, §101], Oct. 30, 1986, 100 Stat. 3341–287.

Pub. L. 99–178, title I, §101, Dec. 12, 1985, 99 Stat. 1108.

Pub. L. 98–619, title I, §101, Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3311.

Pub. L. 98–139, title I, §101, Oct. 31, 1983, 97 Stat. 877.

Pub. L. 97–377, title I, §101(e)(1) [title I, §101], Dec. 21, 1982, 96 Stat. 1878, 1884.

§568. Acceptance of donations by Secretary

The Secretary of Labor is authorized to accept, in the name of the Department of Labor, and employ or dispose of in furtherance of authorized activities of the Department of Labor, during the fiscal year ending September 30, 1995, and each fiscal year thereafter, any money or property, real, personal, or mixed, tangible or intangible, received by gift, devise, bequest, or otherwise.

(Pub. L. 103–333, title I, §105, Sept. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 2548.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in the following prior appropriation acts:

Pub. L. 103–112, title I, §101, Oct. 21, 1993, 107 Stat. 1089.

Pub. L. 102–394, title I, §105, Oct. 6, 1992, 106 Stat. 1799.

CHAPTER 13—EXEMPLARY REHABILITATION CERTIFICATES

§§601 to 605. Repealed. Pub. L. 97–306, title III, §311, Oct. 14, 1982, 96 Stat. 1442

Section 601, Pub. L. 90–83, §6(a), Sept. 11, 1967, 81 Stat. 221, provided that Secretary of Labor act on any application for an Exemplary Rehabilitation Certificate received under this chapter from any person discharged or dismissed under conditions other than honorable, or who received a general discharge, at least three years before date of receipt of such application.

Section 602, Pub. L. 90–83, §6(b), Sept. 11, 1967, 81 Stat. 221, provided criteria for issuance of an Exemplary Rehabilitation Certificate and required notification of issuance of such certificate to Secretary of Defense and placement of certificate in military personnel file of person to whom it is issued.

Section 603, Pub. L. 90–83, §6(c), Sept. 11, 1967, 81 Stat. 221, specified certain types of notarized statements that might be used in support of an application for an Exemplary Rehabilitation Certificate, and provided for independent investigations by Secretary of Labor and personal appearances by applicant or appearance by counsel before Secretary.

Section 604, Pub. L. 90–83, §6(d), Sept. 11, 1967, 81 Stat. 221, provided that no benefits under any laws of United States (including but not limited to those relating to pensions, compensation, hospitalization, military pay and allowances, education, loan guarantees, retired pay, or other benefits based on military service) accrue to any person to whom an Exemplary Rehabilitation Certificate was issued under section 602 of this title unless he would have been entitled to those benefits under his original discharge or dismissal.

Section 605, Pub. L. 90–83, §6(e), Sept. 11, 1967, 81 Stat. 221, provided that Secretary of Labor require national system of public employment offices established under chapter 4B of this title to accord special counseling and job development assistance to any person who had been discharged or dismissed under conditions other than honorable but who had been issued an Exemplary Rehabilitation Certificate.

§606. Repealed. Pub. L. 97–306, title III, §311, Oct. 14, 1982, 96 Stat. 1442; Pub. L. 97–375, title I, §110(a), Dec. 21, 1982, 96 Stat. 1820

Section, Pub. L. 90–83, §6(f), Sept. 11, 1967, 81 Stat. 221, directed Secretary of Labor to report to Congress not later than Jan. 15 of each year the number of cases reviewed under this chapter and the number of certificates issued.

§607. Repealed. Pub. L. 97–306, title III, §311, Oct. 14, 1982, 96 Stat. 1442

Section, Pub. L. 90–83, §6(g), Sept. 11, 1967, 81 Stat. 221, provided that in carrying out provisions of this chapter Secretary of Labor was authorized to issued regulations, delegate authority, and utilize services of the Civil Service Commission for making such investigations as might have been mutually agreeable.

CHAPTER 14—AGE DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT

        

§621. Congressional statement of findings and purpose

(a) The Congress hereby finds and declares that—

(1) in the face of rising productivity and affluence, older workers find themselves disadvantaged in their efforts to retain employment, and especially to regain employment when displaced from jobs;

(2) the setting of arbitrary age limits regardless of potential for job performance has become a common practice, and certain otherwise desirable practices may work to the disadvantage of older persons;

(3) the incidence of unemployment, especially long-term unemployment with resultant deterioration of skill, morale, and employer acceptability is, relative to the younger ages, high among older workers; their numbers are great and growing; and their employment problems grave;

(4) the existence in industries affecting commerce, of arbitrary discrimination in employment because of age, burdens commerce and the free flow of goods in commerce.

(b) It is therefore the purpose of this chapter to promote employment of older persons based on their ability rather than age; to prohibit arbitrary age discrimination in employment; to help employers and workers find ways of meeting problems arising from the impact of age on employment.

(Pub. L. 90–202, §2, Dec. 15, 1967, 81 Stat. 602.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date; Rules and Regulations

Section 16, formerly §15, of Pub. L. 90–202, renumbered by Pub. L. 93–259, §28(b)(1), Apr. 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 74, provided that: "This Act [enacting this chapter] shall become effective one hundred and eighty days after enactment [Dec. 15, 1967], except (a) that the Secretary of Labor may extend the delay in effective date of any provision of this Act up to and additional ninety days thereafter if he finds that such time is necessary in permitting adjustments to the provisions hereof, and (b) that on or after the date of enactment [Dec. 15, 1967] the Secretary of Labor is authorized to issue such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out its provisions."

Short Title of 1996 Amendment

Pub. L. 104–208, div. A, title I, §101(a) [title I, §119], Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009, 3009-23, provided in part that: "This section [amending section 623 of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under section 623 of this title, and repealing provisions set out as a note under section 623 of this title] may be cited as the 'Age Discrimination in Employment Amendments of 1996'."

Short Title of 1990 Amendment

Pub. L. 101–433, §1, Oct. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 978, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 623, 626, and 630 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 623 and 626 of this title] may be cited as the 'Older Workers Benefit Protection Act'."

Short Title of 1986 Amendment

Pub. L. 99–592, §1, Oct. 31, 1986, 100 Stat. 3342, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 623, 630, and 631 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 622 to 624 and 631 of this title] may be cited as the 'Age Discrimination in Employment Amendments of 1986'."

Short Title of 1978 Amendment

Pub. L. 95–256, §1, Apr. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 189, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 623, 624, 626, 631, 633a, and 634 of this title and sections 8335 and 8339 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, repealing section 3322 of Title 5, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 623, 626, 631, and 633a of this title] may be cited as the 'Age Discrimination in Employment Act Amendments of 1978'."

Short Title

Pub. L. 90–202, §1, Dec. 15, 1967, 81 Stat. 602, provided: "That this Act [enacting this chapter] may be cited as the 'Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967'."

Severability

Pub. L. 101–433, title III, §301, Oct. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 984, provided that: "If any provision of this Act [see Short Title of 1990 Amendment note above], or an amendment made by this Act, or the application of such provision to any person or circumstances is held to be invalid, the remainder of this Act and the amendments made by this Act, and the application of such provision to other persons and circumstances, shall not be affected thereby."

Congressional Finding

Pub. L. 101–433, title I, §101, Oct. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 978, provided that: "The Congress finds that, as a result of the decision of the Supreme Court in Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio v. Betts, 109 S.Ct. 256 (1989), legislative action is necessary to restore the original congressional intent in passing and amending the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (29 U.S.C. 621 et seq.), which was to prohibit discrimination against older workers in all employee benefits except when age-based reductions in employee benefit plans are justified by significant cost considerations."

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

Functions vested by this section in Secretary of Labor or Civil Service Commission transferred to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission by Reorg. Plan No. 1 of 1978, §2, 43 F.R. 19807, 92 Stat. 3781, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, effective Jan. 1, 1979, as provided by section 1–101 of Ex. Ord. No. 12106, Dec. 28, 1978, 44 F.R. 1053.

§622. Education and research program; recommendation to Congress

(a) The Secretary of Labor shall undertake studies and provide information to labor unions, management, and the general public concerning the needs and abilities of older workers, and their potentials for continued employment and contribution to the economy. In order to achieve the purposes of this chapter, the Secretary of Labor shall carry on a continuing program of education and information, under which he may, among other measures—

(1) undertake research, and promote research, with a view to reducing barriers to the employment of older persons, and the promotion of measures for utilizing their skills;

(2) publish and otherwise make available to employers, professional societies, the various media of communication, and other interested persons the findings of studies and other materials for the promotion of employment;

(3) foster through the public employment service system and through cooperative effort the development of facilities of public and private agencies for expanding the opportunities and potentials of older persons;

(4) sponsor and assist State and community informational and educational programs.

(b) Not later than six months after the effective date of this chapter, the Secretary shall recommend to the Congress any measures he may deem desirable to change the lower or upper age limits set forth in section 631 of this title.

(Pub. L. 90–202, §3, Dec. 15, 1967, 81 Stat. 602.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The effective date of this chapter, referred to in subsec. (b), means the effective date of Pub. L. 90–202, which is one hundred and eighty days after the enactment of this chapter, except that the Secretary of Labor may extend the delay in effective date an additional ninety days thereafter for any provision to permit adjustments to such provisions. See section 16 of Pub. L. 90–202, set out as a note under section 621 of this title.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Study and Proposed Guidelines Relating to Police Officers and Firefighters

Pub. L. 99–592, §5, Oct. 31, 1986, 100 Stat. 3343, provided that:

"(a) Study.—Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 31, 1986], the Secretary of Labor and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, jointly, shall—

"(1) conduct a study—

"(A) to determine whether physical and mental fitness tests are valid measurements of the ability and competency of police officers and firefighters to perform the requirements of their jobs,

"(B) if such tests are found to be valid measurements of such ability and competency, to determine which particular types of tests most effectively measure such ability and competency, and

"(C) to develop recommendations with respect to specific standards that such tests, and the administration of such tests should satisfy, and

"(2) submit a report to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate that includes—

"(A) a description of the results of such study, and

"(B) a statement of the recommendations developed under paragraph (1)(C).

"(b) Consultation Requirement.—The Secretary of Labor and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission shall, during the conduct of the study required under subsection (a) and prior to the development of recommendations under paragraph (1)(C), consult with the United States Fire Administration, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, organizations representing law enforcement officers, firefighters, and their employers, and organizations representing older Americans.

"(c) Proposed Guidelines.—Not later than 5 years after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 31, 1986], the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission shall propose, in accordance with subchapter II of chapter 5 of title 5 of the United States Code, guidelines for the administration and use of physical and mental fitness tests to measure the ability and competency of police officers and firefighters to perform the requirements of their jobs."

§623. Prohibition of age discrimination

(a) Employer practices

It shall be unlawful for an employer—

(1) to fail or refuse to hire or to discharge any individual or otherwise discriminate against any individual with respect to his compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment, because of such individual's age;

(2) to limit, segregate, or classify his employees in any way which would deprive or tend to deprive any individual of employment opportunities or otherwise adversely affect his status as an employee, because of such individual's age; or

(3) to reduce the wage rate of any employee in order to comply with this chapter.

(b) Employment agency practices

It shall be unlawful for an employment agency to fail or refuse to refer for employment, or otherwise to discriminate against, any individual because of such individual's age, or to classify or refer for employment any individual on the basis of such individual's age.

(c) Labor organization practices

It shall be unlawful for a labor organization—

(1) to exclude or to expel from its membership, or otherwise to discriminate against, any individual because of his age;

(2) to limit, segregate, or classify its membership, or to classify or fail or refuse to refer for employment any individual, in any way which would deprive or tend to deprive any individual of employment opportunities, or would limit such employment opportunities or otherwise adversely affect his status as an employee or as an applicant for employment, because of such individual's age;

(3) to cause or attempt to cause an employer to discriminate against an individual in violation of this section.

(d) Opposition to unlawful practices; participation in investigations, proceedings, or litigation

It shall be unlawful for an employer to discriminate against any of his employees or applicants for employment, for an employment agency to discriminate against any individual, or for a labor organization to discriminate against any member thereof or applicant for membership, because such individual, member or applicant for membership has opposed any practice made unlawful by this section, or because such individual, member or applicant for membership has made a charge, testified, assisted, or participated in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or litigation under this chapter.

(e) Printing or publication of notice or advertisement indicating preference, limitation, etc.

It shall be unlawful for an employer, labor organization, or employment agency to print or publish, or cause to be printed or published, any notice or advertisement relating to employment by such an employer or membership in or any classification or referral for employment by such a labor organization, or relating to any classification or referral for employment by such an employment agency, indicating any preference, limitation, specification, or discrimination, based on age.

(f) Lawful practices; age an occupational qualification; other reasonable factors; laws of foreign workplace; seniority system; employee benefit plans; discharge or discipline for good cause

It shall not be unlawful for an employer, employment agency, or labor organization—

(1) to take any action otherwise prohibited under subsections (a), (b), (c), or (e) of this section where age is a bona fide occupational qualification reasonably necessary to the normal operation of the particular business, or where the differentiation is based on reasonable factors other than age, or where such practices involve an employee in a workplace in a foreign country, and compliance with such subsections would cause such employer, or a corporation controlled by such employer, to violate the laws of the country in which such workplace is located;

(2) to take any action otherwise prohibited under subsection (a), (b), (c), or (e) of this section—

(A) to observe the terms of a bona fide seniority system that is not intended to evade the purposes of this chapter, except that no such seniority system shall require or permit the involuntary retirement of any individual specified by section 631(a) of this title because of the age of such individual; or

(B) to observe the terms of a bona fide employee benefit plan—

(i) where, for each benefit or benefit package, the actual amount of payment made or cost incurred on behalf of an older worker is no less than that made or incurred on behalf of a younger worker, as permissible under section 1625.10, title 29, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on June 22, 1989); or

(ii) that is a voluntary early retirement incentive plan consistent with the relevant purpose or purposes of this chapter.

Notwithstanding clause (i) or (ii) of subparagraph (B), no such employee benefit plan or voluntary early retirement incentive plan shall excuse the failure to hire any individual, and no such employee benefit plan shall require or permit the involuntary retirement of any individual specified by section 631(a) of this title, because of the age of such individual. An employer, employment agency, or labor organization acting under subparagraph (A), or under clause (i) or (ii) of subparagraph (B), shall have the burden of proving that such actions are lawful in any civil enforcement proceeding brought under this chapter; or

(3) to discharge or otherwise discipline an individual for good cause.

(g) Repealed. Pub. L. 101–239, title VI, §6202(b)(3)(C)(i), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2233

(h) Practices of foreign corporations controlled by American employers; foreign employers not controlled by American employers; factors determining control

(1) If an employer controls a corporation whose place of incorporation is in a foreign country, any practice by such corporation prohibited under this section shall be presumed to be such practice by such employer.

(2) The prohibitions of this section shall not apply where the employer is a foreign person not controlled by an American employer.

(3) For the purpose of this subsection the determination of whether an employer controls a corporation shall be based upon the—

(A) interrelation of operations,

(B) common management,

(C) centralized control of labor relations, and

(D) common ownership or financial control,

of the employer and the corporation.

(i) Employee pension benefit plans; cessation or reduction of benefit accrual or of allocation to employee account; distribution of benefits after attainment of normal retirement age; compliance; highly compensated employees

(1) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, it shall be unlawful for an employer, an employment agency, a labor organization, or any combination thereof to establish or maintain an employee pension benefit plan which requires or permits—

(A) in the case of a defined benefit plan, the cessation of an employee's benefit accrual, or the reduction of the rate of an employee's benefit accrual, because of age, or

(B) in the case of a defined contribution plan, the cessation of allocations to an employee's account, or the reduction of the rate at which amounts are allocated to an employee's account, because of age.

(2) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit an employer, employment agency, or labor organization from observing any provision of an employee pension benefit plan to the extent that such provision imposes (without regard to age) a limitation on the amount of benefits that the plan provides or a limitation on the number of years of service or years of participation which are taken into account for purposes of determining benefit accrual under the plan.

(3) In the case of any employee who, as of the end of any plan year under a defined benefit plan, has attained normal retirement age under such plan—

(A) if distribution of benefits under such plan with respect to such employee has commenced as of the end of such plan year, then any requirement of this subsection for continued accrual of benefits under such plan with respect to such employee during such plan year shall be treated as satisfied to the extent of the actuarial equivalent of in-service distribution of benefits, and

(B) if distribution of benefits under such plan with respect to such employee has not commenced as of the end of such year in accordance with section 1056(a)(3) of this title and section 401(a)(14)(C) of title 26, and the payment of benefits under such plan with respect to such employee is not suspended during such plan year pursuant to section 1053(a)(3)(B) of this title or section 411(a)(3)(B) of title 26, then any requirement of this subsection for continued accrual of benefits under such plan with respect to such employee during such plan year shall be treated as satisfied to the extent of any adjustment in the benefit payable under the plan during such plan year attributable to the delay in the distribution of benefits after the attainment of normal retirement age.

The provisions of this paragraph shall apply in accordance with regulations of the Secretary of the Treasury. Such regulations shall provide for the application of the preceding provisions of this paragraph to all employee pension benefit plans subject to this subsection and may provide for the application of such provisions, in the case of any such employee, with respect to any period of time within a plan year.

(4) Compliance with the requirements of this subsection with respect to an employee pension benefit plan shall constitute compliance with the requirements of this section relating to benefit accrual under such plan.

(5) Paragraph (1) shall not apply with respect to any employee who is a highly compensated employee (within the meaning of section 414(q) of title 26) to the extent provided in regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury for purposes of precluding discrimination in favor of highly compensated employees within the meaning of subchapter D of chapter 1 of title 26.

(6) A plan shall not be treated as failing to meet the requirements of paragraph (1) solely because the subsidized portion of any early retirement benefit is disregarded in determining benefit accruals or it is a plan permitted by subsection (m)..¹

(7) Any regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury pursuant to clause (v) of section 411(b)(1)(H) of title 26 and subparagraphs (C) and (D) ² of section 411(b)(2) of title 26 shall apply with respect to the requirements of this subsection in the same manner and to the same extent as such regulations apply with respect to the requirements of such sections 411(b)(1)(H) and 411(b)(2).

(8) A plan shall not be treated as failing to meet the requirements of this section solely because such plan provides a normal retirement age described in section 1002(24)(B) of this title and section 411(a)(8)(B) of title 26.

(9) For purposes of this subsection—

(A) The terms "employee pension benefit plan", "defined benefit plan", "defined contribution plan", and "normal retirement age" have the meanings provided such terms in section 1002 of this title.

(B) The term "compensation" has the meaning provided by section 414(s) of title 26.

(10) Special rules relating to age.—

(A) Comparison to similarly situated younger individual.—

(i) In general.—A plan shall not be treated as failing to meet the requirements of paragraph (1) if a participant's accrued benefit, as determined as of any date under the terms of the plan, would be equal to or greater than that of any similarly situated, younger individual who is or could be a participant.

(ii) Similarly situated.—For purposes of this subparagraph, a participant is similarly situated to any other individual if such participant is identical to such other individual in every respect (including period of service, compensation, position, date of hire, work history, and any other respect) except for age.

(iii) Disregard of subsidized early retirement benefits.—In determining the accrued benefit as of any date for purposes of this clause, the subsidized portion of any early retirement benefit or retirement-type subsidy shall be disregarded.

(iv) Accrued benefit.—For purposes of this subparagraph, the accrued benefit may, under the terms of the plan, be expressed as an annuity payable at normal retirement age, the balance of a hypothetical account, or the current value of the accumulated percentage of the employee's final average compensation.

(B) Applicable defined benefit plans.—

(i) Interest credits.—

(I) In general.—An applicable defined benefit plan shall be treated as failing to meet the requirements of paragraph (1) unless the terms of the plan provide that any interest credit (or an equivalent amount) for any plan year shall be at a rate which is not greater than a market rate of return. A plan shall not be treated as failing to meet the requirements of this subclause merely because the plan provides for a reasonable minimum guaranteed rate of return or for a rate of return that is equal to the greater of a fixed or variable rate of return.

(II) Preservation of capital.—An interest credit (or an equivalent amount) of less than zero shall in no event result in the account balance or similar amount being less than the aggregate amount of contributions credited to the account.

(III) Market rate of return.—The Secretary of the Treasury may provide by regulation for rules governing the calculation of a market rate of return for purposes of subclause (I) and for permissible methods of crediting interest to the account (including fixed or variable interest rates) resulting in effective rates of return meeting the requirements of subclause (I). In the case of a governmental plan (as defined in the first sentence of section 414(d) of title 26), a rate of return or a method of crediting interest established pursuant to any provision of Federal, State, or local law (including any administrative rule or policy adopted in accordance with any such law) shall be treated as a market rate of return for purposes of subclause (I) and a permissible method of crediting interest for purposes of meeting the requirements of subclause (I), except that this sentence shall only apply to a rate of return or method of crediting interest if such rate or method does not violate any other requirement of this chapter.

(ii) Special rule for plan conversions.—If, after June 29, 2005, an applicable plan amendment is adopted, the plan shall be treated as failing to meet the requirements of paragraph (1)(H) unless the requirements of clause (iii) are met with respect to each individual who was a participant in the plan immediately before the adoption of the amendment.

(iii) Rate of benefit accrual.—Subject to clause (iv), the requirements of this clause are met with respect to any participant if the accrued benefit of the participant under the terms of the plan as in effect after the amendment is not less than the sum of—

(I) the participant's accrued benefit for years of service before the effective date of the amendment, determined under the terms of the plan as in effect before the amendment, plus

(II) the participant's accrued benefit for years of service after the effective date of the amendment, determined under the terms of the plan as in effect after the amendment.

(iv) Special rules for early retirement subsidies.—For purposes of clause (iii)(I), the plan shall credit the accumulation account or similar amount ³ with the amount of any early retirement benefit or retirement-type subsidy for the plan year in which the participant retires if, as of such time, the participant has met the age, years of service, and other requirements under the plan for entitlement to such benefit or subsidy.

(v) Applicable plan amendment.—For purposes of this subparagraph—

(I) In general.—The term "applicable plan amendment" means an amendment to a defined benefit plan which has the effect of converting the plan to an applicable defined benefit plan.

(II) Special rule for coordinated benefits.—If the benefits of 2 or more defined benefit plans established or maintained by an employer are coordinated in such a manner as to have the effect of the adoption of an amendment described in subclause (I), the sponsor of the defined benefit plan or plans providing for such coordination shall be treated as having adopted such a plan amendment as of the date such coordination begins.

(III) Multiple amendments.—The Secretary of the Treasury shall issue regulations to prevent the avoidance of the purposes of this subparagraph through the use of 2 or more plan amendments rather than a single amendment.

(IV) Applicable defined benefit plan.—For purposes of this subparagraph, the term "applicable defined benefit plan" has the meaning given such term by section 1053(f)(3) of this title.

(vi) Termination requirements.—An applicable defined benefit plan shall not be treated as meeting the requirements of clause (i) unless the plan provides that, upon the termination of the plan—

(I) if the interest credit rate (or an equivalent amount) under the plan is a variable rate, the rate of interest used to determine accrued benefits under the plan shall be equal to the average of the rates of interest used under the plan during the 5-year period ending on the termination date, and

(II) the interest rate and mortality table used to determine the amount of any benefit under the plan payable in the form of an annuity payable at normal retirement age shall be the rate and table specified under the plan for such purpose as of the termination date, except that if such interest rate is a variable rate, the interest rate shall be determined under the rules of subclause (I).

(C) Certain offsets permitted.—A plan shall not be treated as failing to meet the requirements of paragraph (1) solely because the plan provides offsets against benefits under the plan to the extent such offsets are allowable in applying the requirements of section 401(a) of title 26.

(D) Permitted disparities in plan contributions or benefits.—A plan shall not be treated as failing to meet the requirements of paragraph (1) solely because the plan provides a disparity in contributions or benefits with respect to which the requirements of section 401(l) of title 26 are met.

(E) Indexing permitted.—

(i) In general.—A plan shall not be treated as failing to meet the requirements of paragraph (1) solely because the plan provides for indexing of accrued benefits under the plan.

(ii) Protection against loss.—Except in the case of any benefit provided in the form of a variable annuity, clause (i) shall not apply with respect to any indexing which results in an accrued benefit less than the accrued benefit determined without regard to such indexing.

(iii) Indexing.—For purposes of this subparagraph, the term "indexing" means, in connection with an accrued benefit, the periodic adjustment of the accrued benefit by means of the application of a recognized investment index or methodology.

(F) Early retirement benefit or retirement-type subsidy.—For purposes of this paragraph, the terms "early retirement benefit" and "retirement-type subsidy" have the meaning given such terms in section 1054(g)(2)(A) of this title.²

(G) Benefit accrued to date.—For purposes of this paragraph, any reference to the accrued benefit shall be a reference to such benefit accrued to date.

(j) Employment as firefighter or law enforcement officer

It shall not be unlawful for an employer which is a State, a political subdivision of a State, an agency or instrumentality of a State or a political subdivision of a State, or an interstate agency to fail or refuse to hire or to discharge any individual because of such individual's age if such action is taken—

(1) with respect to the employment of an individual as a firefighter or as a law enforcement officer, the employer has complied with section 3(d)(2) of the Age Discrimination in Employment Amendments of 1996 ² if the individual was discharged after the date described in such section, and the individual has attained—

(A) the age of hiring or retirement, respectively, in effect under applicable State or local law on March 3, 1983; or

(B)(i) if the individual was not hired, the age of hiring in effect on the date of such failure or refusal to hire under applicable State or local law enacted after September 30, 1996; or

(ii) if applicable State or local law was enacted after September 30, 1996, and the individual was discharged, the higher of—

(I) the age of retirement in effect on the date of such discharge under such law; and

(II) age 55; and

(2) pursuant to a bona fide hiring or retirement plan that is not a subterfuge to evade the purposes of this chapter.

(k) Seniority system or employee benefit plan; compliance

A seniority system or employee benefit plan shall comply with this chapter regardless of the date of adoption of such system or plan.

(l) Lawful practices; minimum age as condition of eligibility for retirement benefits; deductions from severance pay; reduction of long-term disability benefits

Notwithstanding clause (i) or (ii) of subsection (f)(2)(B)—

(1)(A) It shall not be a violation of subsection (a), (b), (c), or (e) solely because—

(i) an employee pension benefit plan (as defined in section 1002(2) of this title) provides for the attainment of a minimum age as a condition of eligibility for normal or early retirement benefits; or

(ii) a defined benefit plan (as defined in section 1002(35) of this title) provides for—

(I) payments that constitute the subsidized portion of an early retirement benefit; or

(II) social security supplements for plan participants that commence before the age and terminate at the age (specified by the plan) when participants are eligible to receive reduced or unreduced old-age insurance benefits under title II of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.), and that do not exceed such old-age insurance benefits.

(B) A voluntary early retirement incentive plan that—

(i) is maintained by—

(I) a local educational agency (as defined in section 7801 of title 20), or

(II) an education association which principally represents employees of 1 or more agencies described in subclause (I) and which is described in section 501(c)(5) or (6) of title 26 and exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of title 26, and

(ii) makes payments or supplements described in subclauses (I) and (II) of subparagraph (A)(ii) in coordination with a defined benefit plan (as so defined) maintained by an eligible employer described in section 457(e)(1)(A) of title 26 or by an education association described in clause (i)(II),

shall be treated solely for purposes of subparagraph (A)(ii) as if it were a part of the defined benefit plan with respect to such payments or supplements. Payments or supplements under such a voluntary early retirement incentive plan shall not constitute severance pay for purposes of paragraph (2).

(2)(A) It shall not be a violation of subsection (a), (b), (c), or (e) solely because following a contingent event unrelated to age—

(i) the value of any retiree health benefits received by an individual eligible for an immediate pension;

(ii) the value of any additional pension benefits that are made available solely as a result of the contingent event unrelated to age and following which the individual is eligible for not less than an immediate and unreduced pension; or

(iii) the values described in both clauses (i) and (ii);

are deducted from severance pay made available as a result of the contingent event unrelated to age.

(B) For an individual who receives immediate pension benefits that are actuarially reduced under subparagraph (A)(i), the amount of the deduction available pursuant to subparagraph (A)(i) shall be reduced by the same percentage as the reduction in the pension benefits.

(C) For purposes of this paragraph, severance pay shall include that portion of supplemental unemployment compensation benefits (as described in section 501(c)(17) of title 26) that—

(i) constitutes additional benefits of up to 52 weeks;

(ii) has the primary purpose and effect of continuing benefits until an individual becomes eligible for an immediate and unreduced pension; and

(iii) is discontinued once the individual becomes eligible for an immediate and unreduced pension.

(D) For purposes of this paragraph and solely in order to make the deduction authorized under this paragraph, the term "retiree health benefits" means benefits provided pursuant to a group health plan covering retirees, for which (determined as of the contingent event unrelated to age)—

(i) the package of benefits provided by the employer for the retirees who are below age 65 is at least comparable to benefits provided under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.);

(ii) the package of benefits provided by the employer for the retirees who are age 65 and above is at least comparable to that offered under a plan that provides a benefit package with one-fourth the value of benefits provided under title XVIII of such Act; or

(iii) the package of benefits provided by the employer is as described in clauses (i) and (ii).

(E)(i) If the obligation of the employer to provide retiree health benefits is of limited duration, the value for each individual shall be calculated at a rate of $3,000 per year for benefit years before age 65, and $750 per year for benefit years beginning at age 65 and above.

(ii) If the obligation of the employer to provide retiree health benefits is of unlimited duration, the value for each individual shall be calculated at a rate of $48,000 for individuals below age 65, and $24,000 for individuals age 65 and above.

(iii) The values described in clauses (i) and (ii) shall be calculated based on the age of the individual as of the date of the contingent event unrelated to age. The values are effective on October 16, 1990, and shall be adjusted on an annual basis, with respect to a contingent event that occurs subsequent to the first year after October 16, 1990, based on the medical component of the Consumer Price Index for all-urban consumers published by the Department of Labor.

(iv) If an individual is required to pay a premium for retiree health benefits, the value calculated pursuant to this subparagraph shall be reduced by whatever percentage of the overall premium the individual is required to pay.

(F) If an employer that has implemented a deduction pursuant to subparagraph (A) fails to fulfill the obligation described in subparagraph (E), any aggrieved individual may bring an action for specific performance of the obligation described in subparagraph (E). The relief shall be in addition to any other remedies provided under Federal or State law.

(3) It shall not be a violation of subsection (a), (b), (c), or (e) solely because an employer provides a bona fide employee benefit plan or plans under which long-term disability benefits received by an individual are reduced by any pension benefits (other than those attributable to employee contributions)—

(A) paid to the individual that the individual voluntarily elects to receive; or

(B) for which an individual who has attained the later of age 62 or normal retirement age is eligible.

(m) Voluntary retirement incentive plans

Notwithstanding subsection (f)(2)(B), it shall not be a violation of subsection (a), (b), (c), or (e) solely because a plan of an institution of higher education (as defined in section 1001 of title 20) offers employees who are serving under a contract of unlimited tenure (or similar arrangement providing for unlimited tenure) supplemental benefits upon voluntary retirement that are reduced or eliminated on the basis of age, if—

(1) such institution does not implement with respect to such employees any age-based reduction or cessation of benefits that are not such supplemental benefits, except as permitted by other provisions of this chapter;

(2) such supplemental benefits are in addition to any retirement or severance benefits which have been offered generally to employees serving under a contract of unlimited tenure (or similar arrangement providing for unlimited tenure), independent of any early retirement or exit-incentive plan, within the preceding 365 days; and

(3) any employee who attains the minimum age and satisfies all non-age-based conditions for receiving a benefit under the plan has an opportunity lasting not less than 180 days to elect to retire and to receive the maximum benefit that could then be elected by a younger but otherwise similarly situated employee, and the plan does not require retirement to occur sooner than 180 days after such election.

(Pub. L. 90–202, §4, Dec. 15, 1967, 81 Stat. 603; Pub. L. 95–256, §2(a), Apr. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 189; Pub. L. 97–248, title I, §116(a), Sept. 3, 1982, 96 Stat. 353; Pub. L. 98–369, div. B, title III, §2301(b), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 1063; Pub. L. 98–459, title VIII, §802(b), Oct. 9, 1984, 98 Stat. 1792; Pub. L. 99–272, title IX, §9201(b)(1), (3), Apr. 7, 1986, 100 Stat. 171; Pub. L. 99–509, title IX, §9201, Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1973; Pub. L. 99–514, §2, Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2095; Pub. L. 99–592, §§2(a), (b), 3(a), Oct. 31, 1986, 100 Stat. 3342; Pub. L. 101–239, title VI, §6202(b)(3)(C)(i), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2233; Pub. L. 101–433, title I, §103, Oct. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 978; Pub. L. 101–521, Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 2287; Pub. L. 104–208, div. A, title I, §101(a) [title I, §119[1(b)]], Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009, 3009-23; Pub. L. 105–244, title IX, §941(a), (b), Oct. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1834, 1835; Pub. L. 109–280, title VII, §701(c), title XI, §1104(a)(2), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 988, 1058; Pub. L. 110–458, title I, §123(a), Dec. 23, 2008, 122 Stat. 5114; Pub. L. 114–95, title IX, §9215(e), Dec. 10, 2015, 129 Stat. 2166.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Subparagraphs (C) and (D) of section 411(b)(2) of title 26, referred to in subsec. (i)(7), were redesignated subpars. (B) and (C) of section 411(b)(2) of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code, by Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §7871(a)(1), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2435.

Section 1054(g)(2)(A) of this title, referred to in subsec. (i)(10)(F), was in the original "section 203(g)(2)(A) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974", and was translated as reading section 204(g)(2)(A) of that Act to reflect the probable intent of Congress, because section 203 does not contain a subsec. (g).

Section 3(d)(2) of the Age Discrimination in Employment Amendments of 1996, referred to in subsec. (j)(1), probably means Pub. L. 104–208, div. A, title I, §101(a) [title I, §119[2(d)(2)]], Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009, 3009-23, 3009-25, which is set out as a note under this section.

The Social Security Act, referred to in subsec. (l)(1)(A)(ii)(II), (2)(D)(i), (ii), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620. Titles II and XVIII of the Act are classified generally to subchapters II (§401 et seq.) and XVIII (§1395 et seq.), respectively, of chapter 7 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of Title 42 and Tables.

Amendments

2015—Subsec. (l)(1)(B)(i)(I). Pub. L. 114–95 substituted "section 7801 of title 20)" for "section 7801 of title 20".

2008—Subsec. (i)(10)(B)(i)(III). Pub. L. 110–458 inserted at end "In the case of a governmental plan (as defined in the first sentence of section 414(d) of title 26), a rate of return or a method of crediting interest established pursuant to any provision of Federal, State, or local law (including any administrative rule or policy adopted in accordance with any such law) shall be treated as a market rate of return for purposes of subclause (I) and a permissible method of crediting interest for purposes of meeting the requirements of subclause (I), except that this sentence shall only apply to a rate of return or method of crediting interest if such rate or method does not violate any other requirement of this chapter."

2006—Subsec. (i)(10). Pub. L. 109–280, §701(c), added par. (10).

Subsec. (l)(1). Pub. L. 109–280, §1104(a)(2), designated existing provisions as subpar. (A), redesignated former subpars. (A) and (B) as cls. (i) and (ii), respectively, and former cls. (i) and (ii) of former subpar. (B) as subcls. (I) and (II) of cl. (ii), respectively, and added subpar. (B).

1998—Subsec. (i)(6). Pub. L. 105–244, §941(b), inserted "or it is a plan permitted by subsection (m)." after "accruals".

Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 105–244, §941(a), added subsec. (m).

1996—Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 104–208, §101(a) [title I, §119[1(b)(1)]], reenacted subsec. (j) of this section, as in effect immediately before Dec. 31, 1993.

Subsec. (j)(1). Pub. L. 104–208, §101(a) [title I, §119[1(b)(2)]], substituted ", the employer has complied with section 3(d)(2) of the Age Discrimination in Employment Amendments of 1996 if the individual was discharged after the date described in such section, and the individual has attained—

"(A) the age of hiring or retirement, respectively, in effect under applicable State or local law on March 3, 1983; or

"(B)(i) if the individual was not hired, the age of hiring in effect on the date of such failure or refusal to hire under applicable State or local law enacted after September 30, 1996; or

"(ii) if applicable State or local law was enacted after September 30, 1996, and the individual was discharged, the higher of—

"(I) the age of retirement in effect on the date of such discharge under such law; and

"(II) age 55; and" for "and the individual has attained the age of hiring or retirement in effect under applicable State or local law on March 3, 1983, and".

1990—Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 101–433, §103(1), added par. (2) and struck out former par. (2) which read as follows: "to observe the terms of a bona fide seniority system or any bona fide employee benefit plan such as a retirement, pension, or insurance plan, which is not a subterfuge to evade the purposes of this chapter, except that no such employee benefit plan shall excuse the failure to hire any individual, and no such seniority system or employee benefit plan shall require or permit the involuntary retirement of any individual specified by section 631(a) of this title because of the age of such individual; or".

Subsecs. (i), (j). Pub. L. 101–433, §103(2), redesignated subsec. (i), relating to employment as firefighter or law enforcement officer, as (j).

Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 101–433, §103(3), added subsec. (k).

Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 101–521 added cl. (iii) in par. (2)(A), and in par. (2)(D) inserted "and solely in order to make the deduction authorized under this paragraph" after "For purposes of this paragraph" and added cl. (iii).

Pub. L. 101–433, §103(3), added subsec. (l).

1989—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 101–239 struck out subsec. (g) which read as follows:

"(1) For purposes of this section, any employer must provide that any employee aged 65 or older, and any employee's spouse aged 65 or older, shall be entitled to coverage under any group health plan offered to such employees under the same conditions as any employee, and the spouse of such employee, under age 65.

"(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), the term 'group health plan' has the meaning given to such term in section 162(i)(2) of title 26."

1986—Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 99–272, §9201(b)(1), and Pub. L. 99–592, §2(a), made identical amendments, substituting "or older" for "through 69" in two places.

Subsec. (g)(2). Pub. L. 99–514 substituted "Internal Revenue Code of 1986" for "Internal Revenue Code of 1954", which for purposes of codification was translated as "title 26" thus requiring no change in text.

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 99–272, §9201(b)(3), and Pub. L. 99–592, §2(b), made identical amendments, redesignating subsec. (g), relating to practices of foreign corporations controlled by American employers, as (h).

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 99–592, §3, temporarily added subsec. (i) which read as follows: "It shall not be unlawful for an employer which is a State, a political subdivision of a State, an agency or instrumentality of a State or a political subdivision of a State, or an interstate agency to fail or refuse to hire or to discharge any individual because of such individual's age if such action is taken—

"(1) with respect to the employment of an individual as a firefighter or as a law enforcement officer and the individual has attained the age of hiring or retirement in effect under applicable State or local law on March 3, 1983, and

"(2) pursuant to a bona fide hiring or retirement plan that is not a subterfuge to evade the purposes of this chapter."

See Effective and Termination Dates of 1986 Amendments note below.

Pub. L. 99–509 added subsec. (i) relating to employee pension benefit plans.

1984—Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 98–459, §802(b)(1), inserted ", or where such practices involve an employee in a workplace in a foreign country, and compliance with such subsections would cause such employer, or a corporation controlled by such employer, to violate the laws of the country in which such workplace is located".

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 98–459, §802(b)(2), added subsec. (g) relating to practices of foreign corporations controlled by American employers.

Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 98–369 inserted ", and any employee's spouse aged 65 through 69," after "aged 65 through 69" and ", and the spouse of such employee," after "as any employee", in subsec. (g) relating to entitlement to coverage under group health plan.

1982—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 97–248 added subsec. (g) relating to entitlement to coverage under group health plans.

1978—Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 95–256 provided that no seniority system or employee benefit plan require or permit the involuntary retirement of any individual specified by section 631(a) of this title because of the age of the individual.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2015 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–95 effective Dec. 10, 2015, except with respect to certain noncompetitive programs and competitive programs, see section 5 of Pub. L. 114–95, set out as a note under section 6301 of Title 20, Education.

Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Pub. L. 110–458, title I, §123(b), Dec. 23, 2008, 122 Stat. 5114, provided that: "The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall take effect as if included in the provisions of the Pension Protection Act of 2006 [Pub. L. 109–280] to which such amendment relates."

Effective Date of 2006 Amendment

Amendment by section 701(c) of Pub. L. 109–280 applicable to periods beginning on or after June 29, 2005, with provisions relating to vesting and interest credit requirements for plans in existence on June 29, 2005, special rule for collectively bargained plans, and provisions relating to conversions of plan amendments adopted after, and taking effect after, June 29, 2005, see section 701(e) of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as a note under section 411 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 1998 Amendment

Pub. L. 105–244, title IX, §941(d), Oct. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1835, provided that:

"(1) In general.—This section [amending this section and enacting provisions set out as a note below] shall take effect on the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 7, 1998].

"(2) Effect on causes of action existing before date of enactment.—The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall not apply with respect to any cause of action arising under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 [29 U.S.C. 621 et seq.] prior to the date of enactment of this Act."

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Section 101(a) [title I, §119[3]] of Pub. L. 104–208 provided that:

"(a) General Effective Date.—Except as provided in subsection (b), this title [probably means section 101(a) [title I, §119] of Pub. L. 104–208, amending this section and enacting and repealing provisions set out as notes under this section] and the amendments made by this title shall take effect on the date of enactment of this Act [Sept. 30, 1996].

"(b) Special Effective Date.—The repeal made by section 2(a) and the reenactment made by section 2(b)(1) [probably means section 101(a) [title I, §119[1(a), (b)(1)]] of Pub. L. 104–208, amending this section and repealing provisions set out as a note under this section] shall take effect on December 31, 1993."

Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Pub. L. 101–433, title I, §105, Oct. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 981, as amended by Pub. L. 102–236, §9, Dec. 12, 1991, 105 Stat. 1816, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Except as otherwise provided in this section, this title [amending this section and section 630 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and section 621 of this title] and the amendments made by this title shall apply only to—

"(1) any employee benefit established or modified on or after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 16, 1990]; and

"(2) other conduct occurring more than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act.

"(b) Collectively Bargained Agreements.—With respect to any employee benefits provided in accordance with a collective bargaining agreement—

"(1) that is in effect as of the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 16, 1990]; or that is a result of pattern collective bargaining in an industry where the agreement setting the pattern was ratified after September 20, 1990, but prior to the date of enactment, and the final agreement in the industry adhering to the pattern was ratified after the date of enactment, but not later than November 20, 1990;

"(2) that terminates after such date of enactment;

"(3) any provision of which was entered into by a labor organization (as defined by section 6(d)(4) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 206(d)(4))); and

"(4) that contains any provision that would be superseded (in whole or part) by this title [amending this section and section 630 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and section 621 of this title] and the amendments made by this title, but for the operation of this section,

this title and the amendments made by this title shall not apply until the termination of such collective bargaining agreement or June 1, 1992, whichever occurs first.

"(c) States and Political Subdivisions.—

"(1) In general.—With respect to any employee benefits provided by an employer—

"(A) that is a State or political subdivision of a State or any agency or instrumentality of a State or political subdivision of a State; and

"(B) that maintained an employee benefit plan at any time between June 23, 1989, and the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 16, 1990] that would be superseded (in whole or part) by this title [amending this section and section 630 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and section 621 of this title] and the amendments made by this title but for the operation of this subsection, and which plan may be modified only through a change in applicable State or local law,

this title and the amendments made by this title shall not apply until the date that is 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act.

"(2) Election of disability coverage for employees hired prior to effective date.—

"(A) In general.—An employer that maintains a plan described in paragraph (1)(B) may, with regard to disability benefits provided pursuant to such a plan—

"(i) following reasonable notice to all employees, implement new disability benefits that satisfy the requirements of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 [29 U.S.C. 621 et seq.] (as amended by this title); and

"(ii) then offer to each employee covered by a plan described in paragraph (1)(B) the option to elect such new disability benefits in lieu of the existing disability benefits, if—

     "(I) the offer is made and reasonable notice provided no later than the date that is 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 16, 1990]; and

     "(II) the employee is given up to 180 days after the offer in which to make the election.

"(B) Previous disability benefits.—If the employee does not elect to be covered by the new disability benefits, the employer may continue to cover the employee under the previous disability benefits even though such previous benefits do not otherwise satisfy the requirements of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (as amended by this title).

"(C) Abrogation of right to receive benefits.—An election of coverage under the new disability benefits shall abrogate any right the electing employee may have had to receive existing disability benefits. The employee shall maintain any years of service accumulated for purposes of determining eligibility for the new benefits.

"(3) State assistance.—The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Secretary of Labor, and the Secretary of the Treasury shall, on request, provide to States assistance in identifying and securing independent technical advice to assist in complying with this subsection.

"(4) Definitions.—For purposes of this subsection:

"(A) Employer and state.—The terms 'employer' and 'State' shall have the respective meanings provided such terms under subsections (b) and (i) of section 11 of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (29 U.S.C. 630).

"(B) Disability benefits.—The term 'disability benefits' means any program for employees of a State or political subdivision of a State that provides long-term disability benefits, whether on an insured basis in a separate employee benefit plan or as part of an employee pension benefit plan.

"(C) Reasonable notice.—The term 'reasonable notice' means, with respect to notice of new disability benefits described in paragraph (2)(A) that is given to each employee, notice that—

"(i) is sufficiently accurate and comprehensive to appraise the employee of the terms and conditions of the disability benefits, including whether the employee is immediately eligible for such benefits; and

"(ii) is written in a manner calculated to be understood by the average employee eligible to participate.

"(d) Discrimination in Employee Pension Benefit Plans.—Nothing in this title [amending this section and section 630 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and section 621 of this title], or the amendments made by this title, shall be construed as limiting the prohibitions against discrimination that are set forth in section 4(j) of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 [29 U.S.C. 623(j)] (as redesignated by section 103(2) of this Act).

"(e) Continued Benefit Payments.—Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, on and after the effective date of this title and the amendments made by this title (as determined in accordance with subsections (a), (b), and (c)), this title and the amendments made by this title shall not apply to a series of benefit payments made to an individual or the individual's representative that began prior to the effective date and that continue after the effective date pursuant to an arrangement that was in effect on the effective date, except that no substantial modification to such arrangement may be made after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 16, 1990] if the intent of the modification is to evade the purposes of this Act."

Effective Date of 1989 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 101–239 applicable to items and services furnished after Dec. 19, 1989, see section 6202(b)(5) of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 162 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective and Termination Dates of 1986 Amendments

Pub. L. 99–592, §7, Oct. 31, 1986, 100 Stat. 3344, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Except as provided in subsection (b), this Act and the amendments made by this Act [amending this section and sections 630 and 631 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 621, 622, 624, and 631 of this title] shall take effect on January 1, 1987, except that with respect to any employee who is subject to a collective-bargaining agreement—

"(1) which is in effect on June 30, 1986,

"(2) which terminates after January 1, 1987,

"(3) any provision of which was entered into by a labor organization (as defined by section 6(d)(4) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 206(d)(4)), and

"(4) which contains any provision that would be superseded by such amendments, but for the operation of this section,

such amendments shall not apply until the termination of such collective bargaining agreement or January 1, 1990, whichever occurs first.

"(b) Effect on Existing Causes of Action.—The amendments made by sections 3 and 4 of this Act [amending this section and section 630 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note below] shall not apply with respect to any cause of action arising under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 [29 U.S.C. 621 et seq.] as in effect before January 1, 1987."

Pub. L. 99–592, §3(b), Oct. 31, 1986, 100 Stat. 3342, which provided that the amendment made by section 3(a) of Pub. L. 99–592, which amended this section, was repealed Dec. 31, 1993, was itself repealed, effective Dec. 31, 1993, by Pub. L. 104–208, div. A, title I, §101(a) [title I, §119[1(a)]], Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009, 3009-23.

Pub. L. 99–509, title IX, §9204, Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1979, provided that:

"(a) Applicability to Employees with Service after 1988.—

"(1) In general.—The amendments made by sections 9201 and 9202 [amending this section, section 1054 of this title, and section 411 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code] shall apply only with respect to plan years beginning on or after January 1, 1988, and only to employees who have 1 hour of service in any plan year to which such amendments apply.

"(2) Special rule for collectively bargained plans.—In the case of a plan maintained pursuant to 1 or more collective bargaining agreements between employee representatives and 1 or more employers ratified before March 1, 1986, paragraph (1) shall be applied to benefits pursuant to, and individuals covered by, any such agreement by substituting for 'January 1, 1988' the date of the commencement of the first plan year beginning on or after the earlier of—

"(A) the later of—

"(i) January 1, 1988, or

"(ii) the date on which the last of such collective bargaining agreements terminate (determined without regard to any extension thereof after February 28, 1986), or

"(B) January 1, 1990.

"(b) Applicability of Amendments Relating to Normal Retirement Age.—The amendments made by section 9203 [amending sections 1002 and 1052 of this title and sections 410 and 411 of Title 26] shall apply only with respect to plan years beginning on or after January 1, 1988, and only with respect to service performed on or after such date.

"(c) Plan Amendments.—If any amendment made by this subtitle [subtitle C (§§9201–9204) of title IX of Pub. L. 99–509, amending this section, sections 1002, 1052, and 1054 of this title, and sections 410 and 411 of Title 26] requires an amendment to any plan, such plan amendment shall not be required to be made before the first plan year beginning on or after January 1, 1989, if—

"(1) during the period after such amendment takes effect and before such first plan year, the plan is operated in accordance with the requirements of such amendment, and

"(2) such plan amendment applies retroactively to the period after such amendment takes effect and such first plan year.

A pension plan shall not be treated as failing to provide definitely determinable benefits or contributions, or to be operated in accordance with the provisions of the plan, merely because it operates in accordance with this subsection.

"(d) Interagency Coordination.—The regulations and rulings issued by the Secretary of Labor, the regulations and rulings issued by the Secretary of the Treasury, and the regulations and rulings issued by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission pursuant to the amendments made by this subtitle shall each be consistent with the others. The Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission shall each consult with the others to the extent necessary to meet the requirements of the preceding sentence.

"(e) Final Regulations.—The Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission shall each issue before February 1, 1988, such final regulations as may be necessary to carry out the amendments made by this subtitle."

Amendment by Pub. L. 99–272 effective May 1, 1986, see section 9201(d)(2) of Pub. L. 99–272, set out as an Effective Date of 1986 Amendment note under section 1395p of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

Effective Date of 1984 Amendments

Pub. L. 98–369, div. B, title III, §2301(c)(2), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 1063, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (b) [amending this section] shall become effective on January 1, 1985."

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–459 effective Oct. 9, 1984, see section 803(a) of Pub. L. 98–459, set out as a note under section 3001 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

Effective Date of 1982 Amendment

Pub. L. 97–248, title I, §116(c), Sept. 3, 1982, 96 Stat. 354, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall become effective on January 1, 1983, and the amendment made by subsection (b) [enacting section 1395y(b)(3) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare] shall apply with respect to items and services furnished on or after such date."

Effective Date of 1978 Amendment

Pub. L. 95–256, §2(b), Apr. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 189, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) of this section [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of enactment of this Act [Apr. 6, 1978], except that, in the case of employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement which is in effect on September 1, 1977, which was entered into by a labor organization (as defined by section 6(d)(4) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 [section 206(d)(4) of this title]), and which would otherwise be prohibited by the amendment made by section 3(a) of this Act [amending section 631 of this title], the amendment made by subsection (a) of this section [amending this section] shall take effect upon the termination of such agreement or on January 1, 1980, whichever occurs first."

Regulations

Pub. L. 101–433, title I, §104, Oct. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 981, provided that: "Notwithstanding section 9 of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (29 U.S.C. 628), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission may issue such rules and regulations as the Commission may consider necessary or appropriate for carrying out this title [amending this section and section 630 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and section 621 of this title], and the amendments made by this title, only after consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of Labor."

Construction of 1998 Amendment

Pub. L. 105–244, title IX, §941(c), Oct. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1835, provided that: "Nothing in the amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall affect the application of section 4 of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (29 U.S.C. 623) with respect to—

"(1) any plan described in subsection (m) of section 4 of such Act (as added by subsection (a)), for any period prior to enactment of such Act [Dec. 15, 1967];

"(2) any plan not described in subsection (m) of section 4 of such Act (as added by subsection (a)); or

"(3) any employer other than an institution of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 [20 U.S.C. 1001])."

Construction of 1996 Amendment

Pub. L. 104–208, div. A, title I, §101(a) [title I, §119[1(c)]], Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–24, provided that: "Nothing in the repeal, reenactment, and amendment made by subsections (a) and (b) [section 101(a) [title I, §119[1(a), (b)]] of Pub. L. 104–208, amending this section and repealing provisions set out as a note under this section] shall be construed to make lawful the failure or refusal to hire, or the discharge of, an individual pursuant to a law that—

"(1) was enacted after March 3, 1983 and before the date of enactment of the Age Discrimination in Employment Amendments of 1996 [Sept. 30, 1996]; and

"(2) lowered the age of hiring or retirement, respectively, for firefighters or law enforcement officers that was in effect under applicable State or local law on March 3, 1983."

Study and Guidelines for Performance Tests

Pub. L. 104–208, div. A, title I, §101(a) [title I, §119[2]], Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009, 3009-24, required the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a study on tests assessing the abilities important for the completion of public safety tasks performed by law enforcement officers and firefighters no later than 3 years after Sept. 30, 1996, and to develop and issue advisory guidelines based on the results of the study no later than 4 years after Sept. 30, 1996, and authorized appropriations.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

Functions vested by this section in Secretary of Labor or Civil Service Commission transferred to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission by Reorg. Plan No. 1 of 1978, §2, 43 F.R. 19807, 92 Stat. 3781, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, effective Jan. 1, 1979, as provided by section 1–101 of Ex. Ord. No. 12106, Dec. 28, 1978, 44 F.R. 1053.

¹ So in original.

² See References in Text note below.

³ So in original. Probably should be "similar account".

§624. Study by Secretary of Labor; reports to President and Congress; scope of study; implementation of study; transmittal date of reports

(a)(1) The Secretary of Labor is directed to undertake an appropriate study of institutional and other arrangements giving rise to involuntary retirement, and report his findings and any appropriate legislative recommendations to the President and to the Congress. Such study shall include—

(A) an examination of the effect of the amendment made by section 3(a) of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act Amendments of 1978 in raising the upper age limitation established by section 631(a) of this title to 70 years of age;

(B) a determination of the feasibility of eliminating such limitation;

(C) a determination of the feasibility of raising such limitation above 70 years of age; and

(D) an examination of the effect of the exemption contained in section 631(c) of this title, relating to certain executive employees, and the exemption contained in section 631(d) of this title, relating to tenured teaching personnel.

(2) The Secretary may undertake the study required by paragraph (1) of this subsection directly or by contract or other arrangement.

(b) The report required by subsection (a) of this section shall be transmitted to the President and to the Congress as an interim report not later than January 1, 1981, and in final form not later than January 1, 1982.

(Pub. L. 90–202, §5, Dec. 15, 1967, 81 Stat. 604; Pub. L. 95–256, §6, Apr. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 192.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 3(a) of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act Amendments of 1978, referred to in subsec. (a)(1)(A), is section 3(a) of Pub. L. 95–256, Apr. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 189, which amended section 631 of this title.

Amendments

1978—Pub. L. 95–256 designated existing provisions as par. (1), added cls. (A) to (D), added par. (2), and added subsec. (b).

Study To Analyze Potential Consequences of Elimination of Mandatory Retirement on Institutions of Higher Education

Pub. L. 99–592, §6(c), Oct. 31, 1986, 100 Stat. 3344, required the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, not later than 12 months after Oct. 31, 1986, to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences for the conduct of a study to analyze the potential consequences of the elimination of mandatory retirement on institutions of higher education and to report the results of the study, with recommendations, to the President and to Congress not later than 5 years after Oct. 31, 1986.

§625. Administration

The Secretary shall have the power—

(a) Delegation of functions; appointment of personnel; technical assistance

to make delegations, to appoint such agents and employees, and to pay for technical assistance on a fee for service basis, as he deems necessary to assist him in the performance of his functions under this chapter;

(b) Cooperation with other agencies, employers, labor organizations, and employment agencies

to cooperate with regional, State, local, and other agencies, and to cooperate with and furnish technical assistance to employers, labor organizations, and employment agencies to aid in effectuating the purposes of this chapter.

(Pub. L. 90–202, §6, Dec. 15, 1967, 81 Stat. 604.)

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

Functions relating to age discrimination administration and enforcement vested by this section in Secretary of Labor or Civil Service Commission transferred to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission by Reorg. Plan No. 1 of 1978, §2, 43 F.R. 19807, 92 Stat. 3781, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, effective Jan. 1, 1979, as provided by section 1–101 of Ex. Ord. No. 12106, Dec. 28, 1978, 44 F.R. 1053.

§626. Recordkeeping, investigation, and enforcement

(a) Attendance of witnesses; investigations, inspections, records, and homework regulations

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission shall have the power to make investigations and require the keeping of records necessary or appropriate for the administration of this chapter in accordance with the powers and procedures provided in sections 209 and 211 of this title.

(b) Enforcement; prohibition of age discrimination under fair labor standards; unpaid minimum wages and unpaid overtime compensation; liquidated damages; judicial relief; conciliation, conference, and persuasion

The provisions of this chapter shall be enforced in accordance with the powers, remedies, and procedures provided in sections 211(b), 216 (except for subsection (a) thereof), and 217 of this title, and subsection (c) of this section. Any act prohibited under section 623 of this title shall be deemed to be a prohibited act under section 215 of this title. Amounts owing to a person as a result of a violation of this chapter shall be deemed to be unpaid minimum wages or unpaid overtime compensation for purposes of sections 216 and 217 of this title: Provided, That liquidated damages shall be payable only in cases of willful violations of this chapter. In any action brought to enforce this chapter the court shall have jurisdiction to grant such legal or equitable relief as may be appropriate to effectuate the purposes of this chapter, including without limitation judgments compelling employment, reinstatement or promotion, or enforcing the liability for amounts deemed to be unpaid minimum wages or unpaid overtime compensation under this section. Before instituting any action under this section, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission shall attempt to eliminate the discriminatory practice or practices alleged, and to effect voluntary compliance with the requirements of this chapter through informal methods of conciliation, conference, and persuasion.

(c) Civil actions; persons aggrieved; jurisdiction; judicial relief; termination of individual action upon commencement of action by Commission; jury trial

(1) Any person aggrieved may bring a civil action in any court of competent jurisdiction for such legal or equitable relief as will effectuate the purposes of this chapter: Provided, That the right of any person to bring such action shall terminate upon the commencement of an action by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to enforce the right of such employee under this chapter.

(2) In an action brought under paragraph (1), a person shall be entitled to a trial by jury of any issue of fact in any such action for recovery of amounts owing as a result of a violation of this chapter, regardless of whether equitable relief is sought by any party in such action.

(d) Filing of charge with Commission; timeliness; conciliation, conference, and persuasion; unlawful practice

(1) No civil action may be commenced by an individual under this section until 60 days after a charge alleging unlawful discrimination has been filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Such a charge shall be filed—

(A) within 180 days after the alleged unlawful practice occurred; or

(B) in a case to which section 633(b) of this title applies, within 300 days after the alleged unlawful practice occurred, or within 30 days after receipt by the individual of notice of termination of proceedings under State law, whichever is earlier.

(2) Upon receiving such a charge, the Commission shall promptly notify all persons named in such charge as prospective defendants in the action and shall promptly seek to eliminate any alleged unlawful practice by informal methods of conciliation, conference, and persuasion.

(3) For purposes of this section, an unlawful practice occurs, with respect to discrimination in compensation in violation of this chapter, when a discriminatory compensation decision or other practice is adopted, when a person becomes subject to a discriminatory compensation decision or other practice, or when a person is affected by application of a discriminatory compensation decision or other practice, including each time wages, benefits, or other compensation is paid, resulting in whole or in part from such a decision or other practice.

(e) Reliance on administrative rulings; notice of dismissal or termination; civil action after receipt of notice

Section 259 of this title shall apply to actions under this chapter. If a charge filed with the Commission under this chapter is dismissed or the proceedings of the Commission are otherwise terminated by the Commission, the Commission shall notify the person aggrieved. A civil action may be brought under this section by a person defined in section 630(a) of this title against the respondent named in the charge within 90 days after the date of the receipt of such notice.

(f) Waiver

(1) An individual may not waive any right or claim under this chapter unless the waiver is knowing and voluntary. Except as provided in paragraph (2), a waiver may not be considered knowing and voluntary unless at a minimum—

(A) the waiver is part of an agreement between the individual and the employer that is written in a manner calculated to be understood by such individual, or by the average individual eligible to participate;

(B) the waiver specifically refers to rights or claims arising under this chapter;

(C) the individual does not waive rights or claims that may arise after the date the waiver is executed;

(D) the individual waives rights or claims only in exchange for consideration in addition to anything of value to which the individual already is entitled;

(E) the individual is advised in writing to consult with an attorney prior to executing the agreement;

(F)(i) the individual is given a period of at least 21 days within which to consider the agreement; or

(ii) if a waiver is requested in connection with an exit incentive or other employment termination program offered to a group or class of employees, the individual is given a period of at least 45 days within which to consider the agreement;

(G) the agreement provides that for a period of at least 7 days following the execution of such agreement, the individual may revoke the agreement, and the agreement shall not become effective or enforceable until the revocation period has expired;

(H) if a waiver is requested in connection with an exit incentive or other employment termination program offered to a group or class of employees, the employer (at the commencement of the period specified in subparagraph (F)) informs the individual in writing in a manner calculated to be understood by the average individual eligible to participate, as to—

(i) any class, unit, or group of individuals covered by such program, any eligibility factors for such program, and any time limits applicable to such program; and

(ii) the job titles and ages of all individuals eligible or selected for the program, and the ages of all individuals in the same job classification or organizational unit who are not eligible or selected for the program.

(2) A waiver in settlement of a charge filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or an action filed in court by the individual or the individual's representative, alleging age discrimination of a kind prohibited under section 623 or 633a of this title may not be considered knowing and voluntary unless at a minimum—

(A) subparagraphs (A) through (E) of paragraph (1) have been met; and

(B) the individual is given a reasonable period of time within which to consider the settlement agreement.

(3) In any dispute that may arise over whether any of the requirements, conditions, and circumstances set forth in subparagraph (A), (B), (C), (D), (E), (F), (G), or (H) of paragraph (1), or subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (2), have been met, the party asserting the validity of a waiver shall have the burden of proving in a court of competent jurisdiction that a waiver was knowing and voluntary pursuant to paragraph (1) or (2).

(4) No waiver agreement may affect the Commission's rights and responsibilities to enforce this chapter. No waiver may be used to justify interfering with the protected right of an employee to file a charge or participate in an investigation or proceeding conducted by the Commission.

(Pub. L. 90–202, §7, Dec. 15, 1967, 81 Stat. 604; Pub. L. 95–256, §4(a), (b)(1), (c)(1), Apr. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 190, 191; 1978 Reorg. Plan No. 1, §2, eff. Jan. 1, 1979, 43 F.R. 19807, 92 Stat. 3781; Pub. L. 101–433, title II, §201, Oct. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 983; Pub. L. 102–166, title I, §115, Nov. 21, 1991, 105 Stat. 1079; Pub. L. 111–2, §4, Jan. 29, 2009, 123 Stat. 6.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2009—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 111–2, §4(1)(B)–(3), inserted "(1)" before "No civil" and "(2)" before "Upon receiving" and added par. (3).

Pub. L. 111–2, §4(1)(A), which directed amendment of first sentence by redesignating pars. (1) and (2) as subpars. (A) and (B), respectively, was executed by making the redesignation in the second sentence to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

1991—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 102–166 struck out par. (1) designation, substituted "Section" for "Sections 255 and", inserted at end "If a charge filed with the Commission under this chapter is dismissed or the proceedings of the Commission are otherwise terminated by the Commission, the Commission shall notify the person aggrieved. A civil action may be brought under this section by a person defined in section 630(a) of this title against the respondent named in the charge within 90 days after the date of the receipt of such notice.", and struck out par. (2) which read as follows: "For the period during which the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is attempting to effect voluntary compliance with requirements of this chapter through informal methods of conciliation, conference, and persuasion pursuant to subsection (b), the statute of limitations as provided in section 255 of this title shall be tolled, but in no event for a period in excess of one year."

1990—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 101–433 added subsec. (f).

1978—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 95–256, §4(a), designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 95–256, §4(b)(1), substituted references to the filing of a charge with the Secretary alleging unlawful discrimination for references to the filing with the Secretary of notice of intent to sue.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 95–256, §4(c)(1), designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2009 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 111–2 effective as if enacted May 28, 2007, and applicable to certain claims of discrimination in compensation pending on or after that date, see section 6 of Pub. L. 111–2, set out as a note under section 2000e–5 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

Effective Date of 1991 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 102–166 effective Nov. 21, 1991, except as otherwise provided, see section 402 of Pub. L. 102–166, set out as a note under section 1981 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Pub. L. 101–433, title II, §202(a), Oct. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 984, provided that: "The amendment made by section 201 [amending this section] shall not apply with respect to waivers that occur before the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 16, 1990]."

Effective Date of 1978 Amendment

Pub. L. 95–256, §4(b)(2), Apr. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 190, provided that: "The amendment made by paragraph (1) of this subsection [amending this section] shall take effect with respect to civil actions brought after the date of enactment of this Act [Apr. 6, 1978]."

Pub. L. 95–256, §4(c)(2), Apr. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 191, provided that: "The amendment made by paragraph (1) of this subsection [amending this section] shall take effect with respect to conciliations commenced by the Secretary of Labor after the date of enactment of this Act [Apr. 6, 1978]."

Rule on Waivers

Pub. L. 101–433, title II, §202(b), Oct. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 984, provided that: "Effective on the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 16, 1990], the rule on waivers issued by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and contained in section 1627.16(c) of title 29, Code of Federal Regulations, shall have no force and effect."

Age Discrimination Claims Assistance

Pub. L. 100–283, Apr. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 78, as amended by Pub. L. 101–504, §2, Nov. 3, 1990, 104 Stat. 1298, provided extension period for filing civil actions under this section, such period consisting of 450 days beginning on Apr. 7, 1988, in cases where a charge was timely filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission after Dec. 31, 1983, and 450 days beginning on Nov. 3, 1990, in cases where a charge was timely filed after Apr. 6, 1985, but the Commission did not, within the applicable period set forth in subsec. (e) of this section either eliminate the alleged unlawful practice or notify the complainant, in writing, of the disposition of the charge and of right of such person to bring civil action on such claim; required the Commission to provide notice regarding claims for which extension period was applicable; and required the Commission to submit reports to Congress containing, among other things, information as to number of persons eligible for extension period and number of persons who were provided notice regarding claims for which extension period was provided.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

"Equal Employment Opportunity Commission" and "Commission" substituted for "Secretary", meaning Secretary of Labor, pursuant to Reorg. Plan No. 1 of 1978, §2, 43 F.R. 19807, 92 Stat. 3781, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, which transferred all functions vested by this section in Secretary of Labor to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, effective Jan. 1, 1979, as provided by section 1–101 of Ex. Ord. No. 12106, Dec. 28, 1978, 44 F.R. 1053.

§627. Notices to be posted

Every employer, employment agency, and labor organization shall post and keep posted in conspicuous places upon its premises a notice to be prepared or approved by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission setting forth information as the Commission deems appropriate to effectuate the purposes of this chapter.

(Pub. L. 90–202, §8, Dec. 15, 1967, 81 Stat. 605; 1978 Reorg. Plan No. 1, §2, eff. Jan. 1, 1979, 43 F.R. 19807, 92 Stat. 3781.)

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

"Equal Employment Opportunity Commission" and "Commission" substituted in text for "Secretary", meaning Secretary of Labor, pursuant to Reorg. Plan No. 1 of 1978, §2, 43 F.R. 19807, 92 Stat. 3781, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, which transferred all functions vested by this section in Secretary of Labor to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, effective Jan. 1, 1979, as provided by section 1–101 of Ex. Ord. No. 12106, Dec. 28, 1978, 44 F.R. 1053.

§628. Rules and regulations; exemptions

In accordance with the provisions of subchapter II of chapter 5 of title 5, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission may issue such rules and regulations as it may consider necessary or appropriate for carrying out this chapter, and may establish such reasonable exemptions to and from any or all provisions of this chapter as it may find necessary and proper in the public interest.

(Pub. L. 90–202, §9, Dec. 15, 1967, 81 Stat. 605; 1978 Reorg. Plan No. 1, §2, eff. Jan. 1, 1979, 43 F.R. 19807, 92 Stat. 3781.)

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

"Equal Employment Opportunity Commission" and "it" substituted in text for "Secretary of Labor" and "he", respectively, pursuant to Reorg. Plan No. 1 of 1978, §2, 43 F.R. 19807, 92 Stat. 3781, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, which transferred all functions vested by this section in Secretary of Labor to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, effective Jan. 1, 1979, as provided by section 1–101 of Ex. Ord. No. 12106, Dec. 28, 1978, 44 F.R. 1053.

§629. Criminal penalties

Whoever shall forcibly resist, oppose, impede, intimidate or interfere with a duly authorized representative of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission while it is engaged in the performance of duties under this chapter shall be punished by a fine of not more than $500 or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or by both: Provided, however, That no person shall be imprisoned under this section except when there has been a prior conviction hereunder.

(Pub. L. 90–202, §10, Dec. 15, 1967, 81 Stat. 605; 1978 Reorg. Plan No. 1, §2, eff. Jan. 1, 1979, 43 F.R. 19807, 92 Stat. 3781.)

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

"Equal Employment Opportunity Commission" and "it" substituted in text for "Secretary", meaning Secretary of Labor, and "he", respectively, pursuant to Reorg. Plan No. 1 of 1978, §2, 43 F.R. 19807, 92 Stat. 3781, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, which transferred all functions vested by this section in Secretary of Labor to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, effective Jan. 1, 1979, as provided by section 1–101 of Ex. Ord. No. 12106, Dec. 28, 1978, 44 F.R. 1053.

§630. Definitions

For the purposes of this chapter—

(a) The term "person" means one or more individuals, partnerships, associations, labor organizations, corporations, business trusts, legal representatives, or any organized groups of persons.

(b) The term "employer" means a person engaged in an industry affecting commerce who has twenty or more employees for each working day in each of twenty or more calendar weeks in the current or preceding calendar year: Provided, That prior to June 30, 1968, employers having fewer than fifty employees shall not be considered employers. The term also means (1) any agent of such a person, and (2) a State or political subdivision of a State and any agency or instrumentality of a State or a political subdivision of a State, and any interstate agency, but such term does not include the United States, or a corporation wholly owned by the Government of the United States.

(c) The term "employment agency" means any person regularly undertaking with or without compensation to procure employees for an employer and includes an agent of such a person; but shall not include an agency of the United States.

(d) The term "labor organization" means a labor organization engaged in an industry affecting commerce, and any agent of such an organization, and includes any organization of any kind, any agency, or employee representation committee, group, association, or plan so engaged in which employees participate and which exists for the purpose, in whole or in part, of dealing with employers concerning grievances, labor disputes, wages, rates of pay, hours, or other terms or conditions of employment, and any conference, general committee, joint or system board, or joint council so engaged which is subordinate to a national or international labor organization.

(e) A labor organization shall be deemed to be engaged in an industry affecting commerce if (1) it maintains or operates a hiring hall or hiring office which procures employees for an employer or procures for employees opportunities to work for an employer, or (2) the number of its members (or, where it is a labor organization composed of other labor organizations or their representatives, if the aggregate number of the members of such other labor organization) is fifty or more prior to July 1, 1968, or twenty-five or more on or after July 1, 1968, and such labor organization—

(1) is the certified representative of employees under the provisions of the National Labor Relations Act, as amended [29 U.S.C. 151 et seq.], or the Railway Labor Act, as amended [45 U.S.C. 151 et seq.]; or

(2) although not certified, is a national or international labor organization or a local labor organization recognized or acting as the representative of employees of an employer or employers engaged in an industry affecting commerce; or

(3) has chartered a local labor organization or subsidiary body which is representing or actively seeking to represent employees of employers within the meaning of paragraph (1) or (2); or

(4) has been chartered by a labor organization representing or actively seeking to represent employees within the meaning of paragraph (1) or (2) as the local or subordinate body through which such employees may enjoy membership or become affiliated with such labor organization; or

(5) is a conference, general committee, joint or system board, or joint council subordinate to a national or international labor organization, which includes a labor organization engaged in an industry affecting commerce within the meaning of any of the preceding paragraphs of this subsection.

(f) The term "employee" means an individual employed by any employer except that the term "employee" shall not include any person elected to public office in any State or political subdivision of any State by the qualified voters thereof, or any person chosen by such officer to be on such officer's personal staff, or an appointee on the policymaking level or an immediate adviser with respect to the exercise of the constitutional or legal powers of the office. The exemption set forth in the preceding sentence shall not include employees subject to the civil service laws of a State government, governmental agency, or political subdivision. The term "employee" includes any individual who is a citizen of the United States employed by an employer in a workplace in a foreign country.

(g) The term "commerce" means trade, traffic, commerce, transportation, transmission, or communication among the several States; or between a State and any place outside thereof; or within the District of Columbia, or a possession of the United States; or between points in the same State but through a point outside thereof.

(h) The term "industry affecting commerce" means any activity, business, or industry in commerce or in which a labor dispute would hinder or obstruct commerce or the free flow of commerce and includes any activity or industry "affecting commerce" within the meaning of the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 [29 U.S.C. 401 et seq.].

(i) The term "State" includes a State of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, Wake Island, the Canal Zone, and Outer Continental Shelf lands defined in the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act [43 U.S.C. 1331 et seq.].

(j) The term "firefighter" means an employee, the duties of whose position are primarily to perform work directly connected with the control and extinguishment of fires or the maintenance and use of firefighting apparatus and equipment, including an employee engaged in this activity who is transferred to a supervisory or administrative position.

(k) The term "law enforcement officer" means an employee, the duties of whose position are primarily the investigation, apprehension, or detention of individuals suspected or convicted of offenses against the criminal laws of a State, including an employee engaged in this activity who is transferred to a supervisory or administrative position. For the purpose of this subsection, "detention" includes the duties of employees assigned to guard individuals incarcerated in any penal institution.

(l) The term "compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment" encompasses all employee benefits, including such benefits provided pursuant to a bona fide employee benefit plan.

(Pub. L. 90–202, §11, Dec. 15, 1967, 81 Stat. 605; Pub. L. 93–259, §28(a)(1)–(4), Apr. 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 74; Pub. L. 98–459, title VIII, §802(a), Oct. 9, 1984, 98 Stat. 1792; Pub. L. 99–592, §4, Oct. 31, 1986, 100 Stat. 3343; Pub. L. 101–433, title I, §102, Oct. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 978.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The National Labor Relations Act, referred to in subsec. (e)(1), is act July 5, 1935, ch. 372, 49 Stat. 452, which is classified generally to subchapter II (§151 et seq.) of chapter 7 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 167 of this title and Tables.

The Railway Labor Act, referred to in subsec. (e)(1), is act May 20, 1926, ch. 347, 44 Stat. 577, which is classified principally to chapter 8 (§151 et seq.) of Title 45, Railroads. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 151 of Title 45 and Tables.

The Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959, referred to in subsec. (h), is Pub. L. 86–257, Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 519, which is classified principally to chapter 11 (§401 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 401 of this title, and Tables.

For definition of Canal Zone, referred to in subsec. (i), see section 3602(b) of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse.

The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, referred to in subsec. (i), is act Aug. 7, 1953, ch. 345, 67 Stat. 462, which is classified generally to subchapter III (§1331 et seq.) of chapter 29 of Title 43, Public Lands. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1301 of Title 43 and Tables.

Amendments

1990—Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 101–433 added subsec. (l).

1986—Subsecs. (j), (k). Pub. L. 99–592 added subsecs. (j) and (k).

1984—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 98–459 inserted provision defining "employee" as including any individual who is a citizen of the United States employed by an employer in a workplace in a foreign country.

1974—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 93–259, §28(a)(1), (2), substituted in first sentence "twenty" for "twenty-five" and, in second sentence, defined term "employer" to include a State or political subdivision of a State and any agency or instrumentality of a State or a political subdivision of a State, and any interstate agency, and deleted text excluding from such term a State or political subdivision thereof.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 93–259, §28(a)(3), struck out text excluding from term "employment agency" an agency of a State or political subdivision of a State, but including the United States Employment Service and the system of State and local employment services receiving Federal assistance.

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 93–259, §28(a)(4), excepted from the term "employee" elected public officials, persons chosen by such officials for such officials' personal staff, appointees on policymaking level, and immediate advisers with respect to exercise of constitutional or legal powers of the public office but excluded from such exemption employees subject to civil laws of a State government, governmental agency, or political subdivision.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 101–433 applicable only to any employee benefit established or modified on or after Oct. 16, 1990, and other conduct occurring more than 180 days after Oct. 16, 1990, except as otherwise provided, see section 105 of Pub. L. 101–433, set out as a note under section 623 of this title.

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 99–592 effective Jan. 1, 1987, with certain exceptions, but not applicable with respect to any cause of action arising under this chapter as in effect before Jan. 1, 1987, see section 7 of Pub. L. 99–592, set out as an Effective and Termination Dates of 1986 Amendment note under section 623 of this title.

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–459 effective Oct. 9, 1984, see section 803(a) of Pub. L. 98–459, set out as a note under section 3001 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

Effective Date of 1974 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 93–259 effective May 1, 1974, see section 29(a) of Pub. L. 93–259, set out as a note under section 202 of this title.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

Functions vested by this section in Secretary of Labor or Civil Service Commission transferred to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission by Reorg. Plan No. 1 of 1978, §2, 43 F.R. 19807, 92 Stat. 3781, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, effective Jan. 1, 1979, as provided by section 1–101 of Ex. Ord. No. 12106, Dec. 28, 1978, 44 F.R. 1053.

§631. Age limits

(a) Individuals at least 40 years of age

The prohibitions in this chapter shall be limited to individuals who are at least 40 years of age.

(b) Employees or applicants for employment in Federal Government

In the case of any personnel action affecting employees or applicants for employment which is subject to the provisions of section 633a of this title, the prohibitions established in section 633a of this title shall be limited to individuals who are at least 40 years of age.

(c) Bona fide executives or high policymakers

(1) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit compulsory retirement of any employee who has attained 65 years of age and who, for the 2-year period immediately before retirement, is employed in a bona fide executive or a high policymaking position, if such employee is entitled to an immediate nonforfeitable annual retirement benefit from a pension, profit-sharing, savings, or deferred compensation plan, or any combination of such plans, of the employer of such employee, which equals, in the aggregate, at least $44,000.

(2) In applying the retirement benefit test of paragraph (1) of this subsection, if any such retirement benefit is in a form other than a straight life annuity (with no ancillary benefits), or if employees contribute to any such plan or make rollover contributions, such benefit shall be adjusted in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, after consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, so that the benefit is the equivalent of a straight life annuity (with no ancillary benefits) under a plan to which employees do not contribute and under which no rollover contributions are made.

(Pub. L. 90–202, §12, Dec. 15, 1967, 81 Stat. 607; Pub. L. 95–256, §3(a), (b)(3), Apr. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 189, 190; 1978 Reorg. Plan No. 1, §2, eff. Jan. 1, 1979, 43 F.R. 19807, 92 Stat. 3781; Pub. L. 98–459, title VIII, §802(c)(1), Oct. 9, 1984, 98 Stat. 1792; Pub. L. 99–272, title IX, §9201(b)(2), Apr. 7, 1986, 100 Stat. 171; Pub. L. 99–592, §§2(c), 6(a), Oct. 31, 1986, 100 Stat. 3342, 3344; Pub. L. 101–239, title VI, §6202(b)(3)(C)(ii), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2233.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1989—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–239 struck out "(except the provisions of section 623(g) of this title)" after "in this chapter".

1986—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 99–592, §2(c)(1), which directed that "but less than seventy years of age" be struck out was executed by striking out "but less than 70 years of age" after "40 years of age" as the probable intent of Congress.

Pub. L. 99–272 inserted "(except the provisions of section 623(g) of this title)" after "this chapter".

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 99–592, §2(c)(2), which directed that "but not seventy years of age," be struck out was executed by striking out "but not 70 years of age," after "65 years of age" as the probable intent of Congress.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 99–592, §6(a), (b), temporarily added subsec. (d) which read as follows: "Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit compulsory retirement of any employee who has attained 70 years of age, and who is serving under a contract of unlimited tenure (or similar arrangement providing for unlimited tenure) at an institution of higher education (as defined by section 1141(a) of title 20)." See Effective and Termination Dates of 1986 Amendments note below.

1984—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 98–459 substituted "$44,000" for "$27,000".

1978—Pub. L. 95–256, §3(a), designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), substituted "40 years of age but less than 70 years of age" for "forty years of age but less than sixty-five years of age", added subsecs. (b) and (c), and temporarily added subsec. (d). See Effective and Termination Dates of 1978 Amendment note below.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1989 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 101–239 applicable to items and services furnished after Dec. 19, 1989, see section 6202(b)(5) of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 162 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective and Termination Dates of 1986 Amendments

Amendment by Pub. L. 99–592 effective Jan. 1, 1987, with certain exceptions, see section 7(a) of Pub. L. 99–592 set out as a note under section 623 of this title.

Pub. L. 99–592, §6(b), Oct. 31, 1986, 100 Stat. 3344, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) of this section [amending this section] is repealed December 31, 1993."

Amendment by Pub. L. 99–272 effective May 1, 1986, see section 9201(d)(2) of Pub. L. 99–272, set out as an Effective Date of 1986 Amendment note under section 1395p of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Pub. L. 98–459, title VIII, §802(c)(2), Oct. 9, 1984, 98 Stat. 1792, provided that: "The amendment made by paragraph (1) of this subsection [amending this section] shall not apply with respect to any individual who retires, or is compelled to retire, before the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 9, 1984]."

Effective and Termination Dates of 1978 Amendment

Pub. L. 95–256, §3(b), Apr. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 190, provided that:

"(1) Sections 12(a), 12(c), and 12(d) of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended by subsection (a) of this section [subsecs. (a), (c), and (d) of this section] shall take effect on January 1, 1979.

"(2) Section 12(b) of such Act, as amended by subsection (a) of this section [subsec. (b) of this section], shall take effect on September 30, 1978.

"(3) Section 12(d) of such Act, as amended by subsection (a) of this section [enacting subsec. (d) of this section], is repealed on July 1, 1982."

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

"Equal Employment Opportunity Commission" substituted for "Secretary", meaning Secretary of Labor, in subsec. (c)(2) pursuant to Reorg. Plan No. 1 of 1978, §2, 43 F.R. 19807, 92 Stat. 3781, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, which transferred all functions vested by this section in Secretary of Labor to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, effective Jan. 1, 1979, as provided by section 1–101 of Ex. Ord. No. 12106, Dec. 28, 1978, 44 F.R. 1053.

§632. Omitted

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section, Pub. L. 90–202, §13, Dec. 15, 1967, 81 Stat. 607; 1978 Reorg. Plan No. 1, §2, eff. Jan. 1, 1979, 43 F.R. 19807, 92 Stat. 3781, which required the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to submit to Congress an annual report on the Commission's activities including an evaluation and appraisal of the effect of the minimum and maximum ages established by this chapter, terminated, effective May 15, 2000, pursuant to section 3003 of Pub. L. 104–66, as amended, set out as a note under section 1113 of Title 31, Money and Finance. See, also, page 123 of House Document No. 103–7.

§633. Federal-State relationship

(a) Federal action superseding State action

Nothing in this chapter shall affect the jurisdiction of any agency of any State performing like functions with regard to discriminatory employment practices on account of age except that upon commencement of action under this chapter such action shall supersede any State action.

(b) Limitation of Federal action upon commencement of State proceedings

In the case of an alleged unlawful practice occurring in a State which has a law prohibiting discrimination in employment because of age and establishing or authorizing a State authority to grant or seek relief from such discriminatory practice, no suit may be brought under section 626 of this title before the expiration of sixty days after proceedings have been commenced under the State law, unless such proceedings have been earlier terminated: Provided, That such sixty-day period shall be extended to one hundred and twenty days during the first year after the effective date of such State law. If any requirement for the commencement of such proceedings is imposed by a State authority other than a requirement of the filing of a written and signed statement of the facts upon which the proceeding is based, the proceeding shall be deemed to have been commenced for the purposes of this subsection at the time such statement is sent by registered mail to the appropriate State authority.

(Pub. L. 90–202, §14, Dec. 15, 1967, 81 Stat. 607.)

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

Functions vested by this section in Secretary of Labor or Civil Service Commission transferred to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission by Reorg. Plan No. 1 of 1978, §2, 43 F.R. 19807, 92 Stat. 3781, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, effective Jan. 1, 1979, as provided by section 1–101 of Ex. Ord. No. 12106, Dec. 28, 1978, 44 F.R. 1053.

§633a. Nondiscrimination on account of age in Federal Government employment

(a) Federal agencies affected

All personnel actions affecting employees or applicants for employment who are at least 40 years of age (except personnel actions with regard to aliens employed outside the limits of the United States) in military departments as defined in section 102 of title 5, in executive agencies as defined in section 105 of title 5 (including employees and applicants for employment who are paid from nonappropriated funds), in the United States Postal Service and the Postal Regulatory Commission, in those units in the government of the District of Columbia having positions in the competitive service, and in those units of the judicial branch of the Federal Government having positions in the competitive service, in the Smithsonian Institution, and in the Government Publishing Office, the Government Accountability Office, and the Library of Congress shall be made free from any discrimination based on age.

(b) Enforcement by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and by Librarian of Congress in the Library of Congress; remedies; rules, regulations, orders, and instructions of Commission: compliance by Federal agencies; powers and duties of Commission; notification of final action on complaint of discrimination; exemptions: bona fide occupational qualification

Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is authorized to enforce the provisions of subsection (a) through appropriate remedies, including reinstatement or hiring of employees with or without backpay, as will effectuate the policies of this section. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission shall issue such rules, regulations, orders, and instructions as it deems necessary and appropriate to carry out its responsibilities under this section. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission shall—

(1) be responsible for the review and evaluation of the operation of all agency programs designed to carry out the policy of this section, periodically obtaining and publishing (on at least a semiannual basis) progress reports from each department, agency, or unit referred to in subsection (a);

(2) consult with and solicit the recommendations of interested individuals, groups, and organizations relating to nondiscrimination in employment on account of age; and

(3) provide for the acceptance and processing of complaints of discrimination in Federal employment on account of age.

The head of each such department, agency, or unit shall comply with such rules, regulations, orders, and instructions of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission which shall include a provision that an employee or applicant for employment shall be notified of any final action taken on any complaint of discrimination filed by him thereunder. Reasonable exemptions to the provisions of this section may be established by the Commission but only when the Commission has established a maximum age requirement on the basis of a determination that age is a bona fide occupational qualification necessary to the performance of the duties of the position. With respect to employment in the Library of Congress, authorities granted in this subsection to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission shall be exercised by the Librarian of Congress.

(c) Civil actions; jurisdiction; relief

Any person aggrieved may bring a civil action in any Federal district court of competent jurisdiction for such legal or equitable relief as will effectuate the purposes of this chapter.

(d) Notice to Commission; time of notice; Commission notification of prospective defendants; Commission elimination of unlawful practices

When the individual has not filed a complaint concerning age discrimination with the Commission, no civil action may be commenced by any individual under this section until the individual has given the Commission not less than thirty days' notice of an intent to file such action. Such notice shall be filed within one hundred and eighty days after the alleged unlawful practice occurred. Upon receiving a notice of intent to sue, the Commission shall promptly notify all persons named therein as prospective defendants in the action and take any appropriate action to assure the elimination of any unlawful practice.

(e) Duty of Government agency or official

Nothing contained in this section shall relieve any Government agency or official of the responsibility to assure nondiscrimination on account of age in employment as required under any provision of Federal law.

(f) Applicability of statutory provisions to personnel action of Federal departments, etc.

Any personnel action of any department, agency, or other entity referred to in subsection (a) of this section shall not be subject to, or affected by, any provision of this chapter, other than the provisions of sections 626(d)(3) and 631(b) of this title and the provisions of this section.

(g) Study and report to President and Congress by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission; scope

(1) The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission shall undertake a study relating to the effects of the amendments made to this section by the Age Discrimination in Employment Act Amendments of 1978, and the effects of section 631(b) of this title.

(2) The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission shall transmit a report to the President and to the Congress containing the findings of the Commission resulting from the study of the Commission under paragraph (1) of this subsection. Such report shall be transmitted no later than January 1, 1980.

(Pub. L. 90–202, §15, as added Pub. L. 93–259, §28(b)(2), Apr. 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 74; amended Pub. L. 95–256, §5(a), (e), Apr. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 191; 1978 Reorg. Plan No. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1979, §2, 43 F.R. 19807, 92 Stat. 3781; Pub. L. 104–1, title II, §201(c)(2), Jan. 23, 1995, 109 Stat. 8; Pub. L. 105–220, title III, §341(b), Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1092; Pub. L. 108–271, §8(b), July 7, 2004, 118 Stat. 814; Pub. L. 109–435, title VI, §604(f), Dec. 20, 2006, 120 Stat. 3242; Pub. L. 111–2, §5(c)(3), Jan. 29, 2009, 123 Stat. 7; Pub. L. 113–235, div. H, title I, §1301(b), Dec. 16, 2014, 128 Stat. 2537.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The amendments made to this section by the Age Discrimination in Employment Act Amendments of 1978, referred to in subsec. (g)(1), are amendments by section 5(a) and (e) of Pub. L. 95–256, which amended subsecs. (a), (f), and (g) of this section.

Amendments

2009—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 111–2 substituted "of sections 626(d)(3) and" for "of section".

2006—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 109–435 substituted "Postal Regulatory Commission" for "Postal Rate Commission".

2004—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 108–271 substituted "Government Accountability Office" for "General Accounting Office".

1998—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 105–220 inserted "in the Smithsonian Institution," before "and in the Government Printing Office".

1995—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 104–1 substituted "units of the judicial branch" for "units of the legislative and judicial branches" and inserted "Government Printing Office, the General Accounting Office, and the" before "Library of Congress".

1978—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 95–256, §5(a), inserted age requirement of at least 40 years of age, and "personnel actions" after "except".

Subsecs. (f), (g). Pub. L. 95–256, §5(e), added subsecs. (f) and (g).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

"Government Publishing Office" substituted for "Government Printing Office" in subsec. (a) on authority of section 1301(b) of Pub. L. 113–235, set out as a note preceding section 301 of Title 44, Public Printing and Documents.

Effective Date of 2009 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 111–2 effective as if enacted May 28, 2007, and applicable to certain claims of discrimination in compensation pending on or after that date, see section 6 of Pub. L. 111–2, set out as a note under section 2000e–5 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

Effective Date of 1998 Amendment

Pub. L. 105–220, title III, §341(d), Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1092, which provided that amendments made by subsections (a), (b), and (c) (amending this section, section 791 of this title, and section 2000e–16 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare) would take effect on Aug. 7, 1998, and would be applicable to and may be raised in any administrative or judicial claim or action brought before Aug. 7, 1998, but pending on such date, and any administrative or judicial claim or action brought after Aug. 7, 1998, regardless of whether the claim or action arose prior to such date, if the claim or action was brought within the applicable statute of limitations, was repealed by Pub. L. 113–128, title V, §511(a), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1705.

Effective Date of 1995 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 104–1 effective 1 year after Jan. 23, 1995, see section 1311(e) of Title 2, The Congress.

Effective Date of 1978 Amendment

Pub. L. 95–256, §5(f), Apr. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 192, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 8335 and 8339 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, and repealing section 3322 of Title 5] shall take effect on September 30, 1978, except that section 15(g) of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended by subsection (e) of this section [subsec. (g) of this section], shall take effect on the date of enactment of this Act [Apr. 6, 1978]."

Effective Date

Section effective May 1, 1974, see section 29(a) of Pub. L. 93–259, set out as an Effective Date of 1974 Amendment note under section 202 of this title.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

"Equal Employment Opportunity Commission" substituted for "Civil Service Commission" in subsecs. (b) and (g) pursuant to Reorg. Plan No. 1 of 1978, §2, 43 F.R. 19807, 92 Stat. 3781, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, which transferred all functions vested by this section in Civil Service Commission to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, effective Jan. 1, 1979, as provided by section 1–101 of Ex. Ord. No. 12106, Dec. 28, 1978, 44 F.R. 1053.

§634. Authorization of appropriations

There are hereby authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this chapter.

(Pub. L. 90–202, §17, formerly §16, Dec. 15, 1967, 81 Stat. 608; renumbered and amended Pub. L. 93–259, §28(a)(5), (b)(1), Apr. 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 74; Pub. L. 95–256, §7, Apr. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 193.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1978—Pub. L. 95–256 struck out ", not in excess of $5,000,000 for any fiscal year," after "sums".

1974—Pub. L. 93–259, §28(a)(5), increased appropriations authorization to $5,000,000 from $3,000,000.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1974 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 93–259 effective May 1, 1974, see section 29(a) of Pub. L. 93–259, set out as a note under section 202 of this title.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

Functions relating to age discrimination administration and enforcement vested by this section in Secretary of Labor or Civil Service Commission transferred to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission by Reorg. Plan No. 1 of 1978, §2, 43 F.R. 19807, 92 Stat. 3781, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, effective Jan. 1, 1979, as provided by section 1–101 of Ex. Ord. No. 12106, Dec. 28, 1978, 44 F.R. 1053.

CHAPTER 15—OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH

        

§651. Congressional statement of findings and declaration of purpose and policy

(a) The Congress finds that personal injuries and illnesses arising out of work situations impose a substantial burden upon, and are a hindrance to, interstate commerce in terms of lost production, wage loss, medical expenses, and disability compensation payments.

(b) The Congress declares it to be its purpose and policy, through the exercise of its powers to regulate commerce among the several States and with foreign nations and to provide for the general welfare, to assure so far as possible every working man and woman in the Nation safe and healthful working conditions and to preserve our human resources—

(1) by encouraging employers and employees in their efforts to reduce the number of occupational safety and health hazards at their places of employment, and to stimulate employers and employees to institute new and to perfect existing programs for providing safe and healthful working conditions;

(2) by providing that employers and employees have separate but dependent responsibilities and rights with respect to achieving safe and healthful working conditions;

(3) by authorizing the Secretary of Labor to set mandatory occupational safety and health standards applicable to businesses affecting interstate commerce, and by creating an Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission for carrying out adjudicatory functions under this chapter;

(4) by building upon advances already made through employer and employee initiative for providing safe and healthful working conditions;

(5) by providing for research in the field of occupational safety and health, including the psychological factors involved, and by developing innovative methods, techniques, and approaches for dealing with occupational safety and health problems;

(6) by exploring ways to discover latent diseases, establishing causal connections between diseases and work in environmental conditions, and conducting other research relating to health problems, in recognition of the fact that occupational health standards present problems often different from those involved in occupational safety;

(7) by providing medical criteria which will assure insofar as practicable that no employee will suffer diminished health, functional capacity, or life expectancy as a result of his work experience;

(8) by providing for training programs to increase the number and competence of personnel engaged in the field of occupational safety and health;

(9) by providing for the development and promulgation of occupational safety and health standards;

(10) by providing an effective enforcement program which shall include a prohibition against giving advance notice of any inspection and sanctions for any individual violating this prohibition;

(11) by encouraging the States to assume the fullest responsibility for the administration and enforcement of their occupational safety and health laws by providing grants to the States to assist in identifying their needs and responsibilities in the area of occupational safety and health, to develop plans in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, to improve the administration and enforcement of State occupational safety and health laws, and to conduct experimental and demonstration projects in connection therewith;

(12) by providing for appropriate reporting procedures with respect to occupational safety and health which procedures will help achieve the objectives of this chapter and accurately describe the nature of the occupational safety and health problem;

(13) by encouraging joint labor-management efforts to reduce injuries and disease arising out of employment.

(Pub. L. 91–596, §2, Dec. 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 1590.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in subsec. (b)(3), (11), and (12), was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 91–596, Dec. 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 1590. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under this section and Tables.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Pub. L. 91–596, §34, Dec. 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 1620, provided that: "This Act [enacting this chapter and section 3142–1 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, amending section 553 of this title, sections 5108, 5314, 5315, and 7902 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, sections 633 and 636 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade, section 1114 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure, and section 1421 of former Title 49, Transportation, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and section 1114 of Title 18] shall take effect one hundred and twenty days after the date of its enactment [Dec. 29, 1970]."

Short Title of 1998 Amendment

Pub. L. 105–197, §1, July 16, 1998, 112 Stat. 638, provided that: "This Act [amending section 670 of this title] may be cited as the 'Occupational Safety and Health Administration Compliance Assistance Authorization Act of 1998'."

Short Title

Pub. L. 91–596, §1, Dec. 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 1590, provided: "That this Act [enacting this chapter and section 3142–1 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, amending section 553 of this title, sections 5108, 5314, 5315, and 7902 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, sections 633 and 636 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade, section 1114 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure, and section 1421 of former Title 49, Transportation, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and section 1114 of Title 18] may be cited as the 'Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970'."

§652. Definitions

For the purposes of this chapter—

(1) The term "Secretary" mean ¹ the Secretary of Labor.

(2) The term "Commission" means the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission established under this chapter.

(3) The term "commerce" means trade, traffic, commerce, transportation, or communication among the several States, or between a State and any place outside thereof, or within the District of Columbia, or a possession of the United States (other than the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands), or between points in the same State but through a point outside thereof.

(4) The term "person" means one or more individuals, partnerships, associations, corporations, business trusts, legal representatives, or any organized group of persons.

(5) The term "employer" means a person engaged in a business affecting commerce who has employees, but does not include the United States (not including the United States Postal Service) or any State or political subdivision of a State.

(6) The term "employee" means an employee of an employer who is employed in a business of his employer which affects commerce.

(7) The term "State" includes a State of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands.

(8) The term "occupational safety and health standard" means a standard which requires conditions, or the adoption or use of one or more practices, means, methods, operations, or processes, reasonably necessary or appropriate to provide safe or healthful employment and places of employment.

(9) The term "national consensus standard" means any occupational safety and health standard or modification thereof which (1),² has been adopted and promulgated by a nationally recognized standards-producing organization under procedures whereby it can be determined by the Secretary that persons interested and affected by the scope or provisions of the standard have reached substantial agreement on its adoption, (2) was formulated in a manner which afforded an opportunity for diverse views to be considered and (3) has been designated as such a standard by the Secretary, after consultation with other appropriate Federal agencies.

(10) The term "established Federal standard" means any operative occupational safety and health standard established by any agency of the United States and presently in effect, or contained in any Act of Congress in force on December 29, 1970.

(11) The term "Committee" means the National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health established under this chapter.

(12) The term "Director" means the Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

(13) The term "Institute" means the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health established under this chapter.

(14) The term "Workmen's Compensation Commission" means the National Commission on State Workmen's Compensation Laws established under this chapter.

(Pub. L. 91–596, §3, Dec. 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 1591; Pub. L. 105–241, §2(a), Sept. 28, 1998, 112 Stat. 1572.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1998—Par. (5). Pub. L. 105–241 inserted "(not including the United States Postal Service)" after "the United States".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Termination of Advisory Committees

Advisory committees in existence on January 5, 1973, to terminate not later than the expiration of the 2-year period following January 5, 1973, unless, in the case of a committee established by the President or an officer of the Federal Government, such committee is renewed by appropriate action prior to the expiration of such 2-year period, or in the case of a committee established by the Congress, its duration is otherwise provided by law. See section 1013 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Executive Documents

Termination of Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands

For termination of Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, see note set out preceding section 1681 of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions.

¹ So in original. Probably should be "means".

² So in original. The comma probably should not appear.

§653. Geographic applicability; judicial enforcement; applicability to existing standards; report to Congress on duplication and coordination of Federal laws; workmen's compensation law or common law or statutory rights, duties, or liabilities of employers and employees unaffected

(a) This chapter shall apply with respect to employment performed in a workplace in a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Wake Island, Outer Continental Shelf lands defined in the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act [43 U.S.C. 1331 et seq.], Johnston Island, and the Canal Zone. The Secretary of the Interior shall, by regulation, provide for judicial enforcement of this chapter by the courts established for areas in which there are no United States district courts having jurisdiction.

(b)(1) Nothing in this chapter shall apply to working conditions of employees with respect to which other Federal agencies, and State agencies acting under section 2021 of title 42, exercise statutory authority to prescribe or enforce standards or regulations affecting occupational safety or health.

(2) The safety and health standards promulgated under the Act of June 30, 1936, commonly known as the Walsh-Healey Act,¹ the Service Contract Act of 1965,¹ Public Law 91–54, Act of August 9, 1969, Public Law 85–742, Act of August 23, 1958, and the National Foundation on Arts and Humanities Act [20 U.S.C. 951 et seq.] are superseded on the effective date of corresponding standards, promulgated under this chapter, which are determined by the Secretary to be more effective. Standards issued under the laws listed in this paragraph and in effect on or after the effective date of this chapter shall be deemed to be occupational safety and health standards issued under this chapter, as well as under such other Acts.

(3) The Secretary shall, within three years after the effective date of this chapter, report to the Congress his recommendations for legislation to avoid unnecessary duplication and to achieve coordination between this chapter and other Federal laws.

(4) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to supersede or in any manner affect any workmen's compensation law or to enlarge or diminish or affect in any other manner the common law or statutory rights, duties, or liabilities of employers and employees under any law with respect to injuries, diseases, or death of employees arising out of, or in the course of, employment.

(Pub. L. 91–596, §4, Dec. 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 1592.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, referred to in subsec. (a), is act Aug. 7, 1953, ch. 345, 67 Stat. 462, which is classified generally to subchapter III (§1331 et seq.) of chapter 29 of Title 43, Public Lands. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1301 of Title 43 and Tables.

For definition of Canal Zone, referred to in subsec. (a), see section 3602(b) of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse.

Act of June 30, 1936, commonly known as the Walsh-Healey Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(2), is act June 30, 1936, ch. 881, 49 Stat. 2036, which was classified principally to sections 35 to 45 of former Title 41, Public Contracts, and was substantially repealed and restated as chapter 65 (§6501 et seq.) of Title 41, Public Contracts, by Pub. L. 111–350, §§3, 7(b), Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3677, 3855. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1936 Act note set out under section 101 of Title 41 and Tables. For disposition of sections of former Title 41, see Disposition Table preceding section 101 of Title 41.

The Service Contract Act of 1965, referred to in subsec. (b)(2), was Pub. L. 89–286, Oct. 22, 1965, 79 Stat. 1034, which was classified generally to chapter 6 (§351 et seq.) of former Title 41, Public Contracts, and was repealed and restated as chapter 67 (§6701 et seq.) of Title 41, Public Contracts, by Pub. L. 111–350, §§3, 7(b), Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3677, 3855. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables. For disposition of sections of former Title 41, see Disposition Table preceding section 101 of Title 41.

Public Law 91–54, Act of August 9, 1969, referred to in subsec. (b)(2), is Pub. L. 91–54, Aug. 9, 1969, 83 Stat. 96, which amended sections 1 and 2 and added section 107 of Pub. L. 87–581, Aug. 13, 1962, 76 Stat. 357. Sections 1 and 2 of Pub. L. 87–581 were set out as notes under section 327, and section 107 of Pub. L. 87–581 was classified to section 333, of former Title 40, Public Buildings, Property, and Works. Sections 1 and 2 of Pub. L. 87–581 were repealed, and section 107 of Pub. L. 87–581 was repealed and reenacted as sections 3704 and 3705 of Title 40, Public Buildings, Property, and Works, by Pub. L. 107–217, §§1, 6(b), Aug. 21, 2002, 116 Stat. 1062, 1304.

Public Law 85–742, Act of August 23, 1958, referred to in subsec. (b)(2), is Pub. L. 85–742, Aug. 23, 1958, 72 Stat. 835, which amended section 941 of Title 33, Navigation and Navigable Waters, and enacted provisions set out as a note under section 941 of Title 33. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

The National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(2), is Pub. L. 89–209, Sept. 29, 1965, 79 Stat. 845, known as the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act of 1965, which is classified principally to subchapter I (§951 et seq.) of chapter 26 of Title 20, Education. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 951 of Title 20 and Tables.

The effective date of this chapter, referred to in subsec. (b)(2), (3), is the effective date of Pub. L. 91–596, which is 120 days after Dec. 29, 1970, see section 34 of Pub. L. 91–596, set out as an Effective Date note under section 651 of this title.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

EPA Administrator Not Exercising "Statutory Authority" Under This Section in Exercising Any Authority Under Toxic Substances Control Act

In exercising any authority under the Toxic Substances Control Act (15 U.S.C. 2601 et seq.) in connection with amendment made by section 15(a) of Pub. L. 101–637, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency not, for purposes of subsection (b)(1) of this section, to be considered to be exercising statutory authority to prescribe or enforce standards or regulations affecting occupational safety and health, see section 15(b) of Pub. L. 101–637, set out as a note under section 2646 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade.

Executive Documents

Termination of Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands

For termination of Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, see note set out preceding section 1681 of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions.

¹ See References in Text note below.

§654. Duties of employers and employees

(a) Each employer—

(1) shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees;

(2) shall comply with occupational safety and health standards promulgated under this chapter.

(b) Each employee shall comply with occupational safety and health standards and all rules, regulations, and orders issued pursuant to this chapter which are applicable to his own actions and conduct.

(Pub. L. 91–596, §5, Dec. 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 1593.)

§655. Standards

(a) Promulgation by Secretary of national consensus standards and established Federal standards; time for promulgation; conflicting standards

Without regard to chapter 5 of title 5 or to the other subsections of this section, the Secretary shall, as soon as practicable during the period beginning with the effective date of this chapter and ending two years after such date, by rule promulgate as an occupational safety or health standard any national consensus standard, and any established Federal standard, unless he determines that the promulgation of such a standard would not result in improved safety or health for specifically designated employees. In the event of conflict among any such standards, the Secretary shall promulgate the standard which assures the greatest protection of the safety or health of the affected employees.

(b) Procedure for promulgation, modification, or revocation of standards

The Secretary may by rule promulgate, modify, or revoke any occupational safety or health standard in the following manner:

(1) Whenever the Secretary, upon the basis of information submitted to him in writing by an interested person, a representative of any organization of employers or employees, a nationally recognized standards-producing organization, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, or a State or political subdivision, or on the basis of information developed by the Secretary or otherwise available to him, determines that a rule should be promulgated in order to serve the objectives of this chapter, the Secretary may request the recommendations of an advisory committee appointed under section 656 of this title. The Secretary shall provide such an advisory committee with any proposals of his own or of the Secretary of Health and Human Services, together with all pertinent factual information developed by the Secretary or the Secretary of Health and Human Services, or otherwise available, including the results of research, demonstrations, and experiments. An advisory committee shall submit to the Secretary its recommendations regarding the rule to be promulgated within ninety days from the date of its appointment or within such longer or shorter period as may be prescribed by the Secretary, but in no event for a period which is longer than two hundred and seventy days.

(2) The Secretary shall publish a proposed rule promulgating, modifying, or revoking an occupational safety or health standard in the Federal Register and shall afford interested persons a period of thirty days after publication to submit written data or comments. Where an advisory committee is appointed and the Secretary determines that a rule should be issued, he shall publish the proposed rule within sixty days after the submission of the advisory committee's recommendations or the expiration of the period prescribed by the Secretary for such submission.

(3) On or before the last day of the period provided for the submission of written data or comments under paragraph (2), any interested person may file with the Secretary written objections to the proposed rule, stating the grounds therefor and requesting a public hearing on such objections. Within thirty days after the last day for filing such objections, the Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register a notice specifying the occupational safety or health standard to which objections have been filed and a hearing requested, and specifying a time and place for such hearing.

(4) Within sixty days after the expiration of the period provided for the submission of written data or comments under paragraph (2), or within sixty days after the completion of any hearing held under paragraph (3), the Secretary shall issue a rule promulgating, modifying, or revoking an occupational safety or health standard or make a determination that a rule should not be issued. Such a rule may contain a provision delaying its effective date for such period (not in excess of ninety days) as the Secretary determines may be necessary to insure that affected employers and employees will be informed of the existence of the standard and of its terms and that employers affected are given an opportunity to familiarize themselves and their employees with the existence of the requirements of the standard.

(5) The Secretary, in promulgating standards dealing with toxic materials or harmful physical agents under this subsection, shall set the standard which most adequately assures, to the extent feasible, on the basis of the best available evidence, that no employee will suffer material impairment of health or functional capacity even if such employee has regular exposure to the hazard dealt with by such standard for the period of his working life. Development of standards under this subsection shall be based upon research, demonstrations, experiments, and such other information as may be appropriate. In addition to the attainment of the highest degree of health and safety protection for the employee, other considerations shall be the latest available scientific data in the field, the feasibility of the standards, and experience gained under this and other health and safety laws. Whenever practicable, the standard promulgated shall be expressed in terms of objective criteria and of the performance desired.

(6)(A) Any employer may apply to the Secretary for a temporary order granting a variance from a standard or any provision thereof promulgated under this section. Such temporary order shall be granted only if the employer files an application which meets the requirements of clause (B) and establishes that (i) he is unable to comply with a standard by its effective date because of unavailability of professional or technical personnel or of materials and equipment needed to come into compliance with the standard or because necessary construction or alteration of facilities cannot be completed by the effective date, (ii) he is taking all available steps to safeguard his employees against the hazards covered by the standard, and (iii) he has an effective program for coming into compliance with the standard as quickly as practicable. Any temporary order issued under this paragraph shall prescribe the practices, means, methods, operations, and processes which the employer must adopt and use while the order is in effect and state in detail his program for coming into compliance with the standard. Such a temporary order may be granted only after notice to employees and an opportunity for a hearing: Provided, That the Secretary may issue one interim order to be effective until a decision is made on the basis of the hearing. No temporary order may be in effect for longer than the period needed by the employer to achieve compliance with the standard or one year, whichever is shorter, except that such an order may be renewed not more than twice (I) so long as the requirements of this paragraph are met and (II) if an application for renewal is filed at least 90 days prior to the expiration date of the order. No interim renewal of an order may remain in effect for longer than 180 days.

(B) An application for a temporary order under this paragraph (6) shall contain:

(i) a specification of the standard or portion thereof from which the employer seeks a variance,

(ii) a representation by the employer, supported by representations from qualified persons having firsthand knowledge of the facts represented, that he is unable to comply with the standard or portion thereof and a detailed statement of the reasons therefor,

(iii) a statement of the steps he has taken and will take (with specific dates) to protect employees against the hazard covered by the standard,

(iv) a statement of when he expects to be able to comply with the standard and what steps he has taken and what steps he will take (with dates specified) to come into compliance with the standard, and

(v) a certification that he has informed his employees of the application by giving a copy thereof to their authorized representative, posting a statement giving a summary of the application and specifying where a copy may be examined at the place or places where notices to employees are normally posted, and by other appropriate means.

A description of how employees have been informed shall be contained in the certification. The information to employees shall also inform them of their right to petition the Secretary for a hearing.

(C) The Secretary is authorized to grant a variance from any standard or portion thereof whenever he determines, or the Secretary of Health and Human Services certifies, that such variance is necessary to permit an employer to participate in an experiment approved by him or the Secretary of Health and Human Services designed to demonstrate or validate new and improved techniques to safeguard the health or safety of workers.

(7) Any standard promulgated under this subsection shall prescribe the use of labels or other appropriate forms of warning as are necessary to insure that employees are apprised of all hazards to which they are exposed, relevant symptoms and appropriate emergency treatment, and proper conditions and precautions of safe use or exposure. Where appropriate, such standard shall also prescribe suitable protective equipment and control or technological procedures to be used in connection with such hazards and shall provide for monitoring or measuring employee exposure at such locations and intervals, and in such manner as may be necessary for the protection of employees. In addition, where appropriate, any such standard shall prescribe the type and frequency of medical examinations or other tests which shall be made available, by the employer or at his cost, to employees exposed to such hazards in order to most effectively determine whether the health of such employees is adversely affected by such exposure. In the event such medical examinations are in the nature of research, as determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, such examinations may be furnished at the expense of the Secretary of Health and Human Services. The results of such examinations or tests shall be furnished only to the Secretary or the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and, at the request of the employee, to his physician. The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, may by rule promulgated pursuant to section 553 of title 5, make appropriate modifications in the foregoing requirements relating to the use of labels or other forms of warning, monitoring or measuring, and medical examinations, as may be warranted by experience, information, or medical or technological developments acquired subsequent to the promulgation of the relevant standard.

(8) Whenever a rule promulgated by the Secretary differs substantially from an existing national consensus standard, the Secretary shall, at the same time, publish in the Federal Register a statement of the reasons why the rule as adopted will better effectuate the purposes of this chapter than the national consensus standard.

(c) Emergency temporary standards

(1) The Secretary shall provide, without regard to the requirements of chapter 5 of title 5, for an emergency temporary standard to take immediate effect upon publication in the Federal Register if he determines (A) that employees are exposed to grave danger from exposure to substances or agents determined to be toxic or physically harmful or from new hazards, and (B) that such emergency standard is necessary to protect employees from such danger.

(2) Such standard shall be effective until superseded by a standard promulgated in accordance with the procedures prescribed in paragraph (3) of this subsection.

(3) Upon publication of such standard in the Federal Register the Secretary shall commence a proceeding in accordance with subsection (b), and the standard as published shall also serve as a proposed rule for the proceeding. The Secretary shall promulgate a standard under this paragraph no later than six months after publication of the emergency standard as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection.

(d) Variances from standards; procedure

Any affected employer may apply to the Secretary for a rule or order for a variance from a standard promulgated under this section. Affected employees shall be given notice of each such application and an opportunity to participate in a hearing. The Secretary shall issue such rule or order if he determines on the record, after opportunity for an inspection where appropriate and a hearing, that the proponent of the variance has demonstrated by a preponderance of the evidence that the conditions, practices, means, methods, operations, or processes used or proposed to be used by an employer will provide employment and places of employment to his employees which are as safe and healthful as those which would prevail if he complied with the standard. The rule or order so issued shall prescribe the conditions the employer must maintain, and the practices, means, methods, operations, and processes which he must adopt and utilize to the extent they differ from the standard in question. Such a rule or order may be modified or revoked upon application by an employer, employees, or by the Secretary on his own motion, in the manner prescribed for its issuance under this subsection at any time after six months from its issuance.

(e) Statement of reasons for Secretary's determinations; publication in Federal Register

Whenever the Secretary promulgates any standard, makes any rule, order, or decision, grants any exemption or extension of time, or compromises, mitigates, or settles any penalty assessed under this chapter, he shall include a statement of the reasons for such action, which shall be published in the Federal Register.

(f) Judicial review

Any person who may be adversely affected by a standard issued under this section may at any time prior to the sixtieth day after such standard is promulgated file a petition challenging the validity of such standard with the United States court of appeals for the circuit wherein such person resides or has his principal place of business, for a judicial review of such standard. A copy of the petition shall be forthwith transmitted by the clerk of the court to the Secretary. The filing of such petition shall not, unless otherwise ordered by the court, operate as a stay of the standard. The determinations of the Secretary shall be conclusive if supported by substantial evidence in the record considered as a whole.

(g) Priority for establishment of standards

In determining the priority for establishing standards under this section, the Secretary shall give due regard to the urgency of the need for mandatory safety and health standards for particular industries, trades, crafts, occupations, businesses, workplaces or work environments. The Secretary shall also give due regard to the recommendations of the Secretary of Health and Human Services regarding the need for mandatory standards in determining the priority for establishing such standards.

(Pub. L. 91–596, §6, Dec. 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 1593; Pub. L. 96–88, title V, §509(b), Oct. 17, 1979, 93 Stat. 695.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The effective date of this chapter, referred to in subsec. (a), is the effective date of Pub. L. 91–596, Dec. 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 1590, which is 120 days after Dec. 29, 1970, see section 34 of Pub. L. 91–596, set out as an Effective Date note under section 651 of this title.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

"Secretary of Health and Human Services" substituted for "Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare" in subsecs. (b)(1), (6)(C), (7), and (g) pursuant to section 509(b) of Pub. L. 96–88 which is classified to section 3508(b) of Title 20, Education.

Termination of Advisory Committees

Advisory committees in existence on January 5, 1973, to terminate not later than the expiration of the 2-year period following January 5, 1973, unless, in the case of a committee established by the President or an officer of the Federal Government, such committee is renewed by appropriate action prior to the expiration of such 2-year period, or in the case of a committee established by the Congress, its duration is otherwise provided by law. See section 1013 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Prohibition on Exposure of Workers to Chemical or Other Hazards for Purpose of Conducting Experiments

Pub. L. 102–394, title I, §102, Oct. 6, 1992, 106 Stat. 1799, provided that: "None of the funds appropriated under this Act or subsequent Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Acts shall be used to grant variances, interim orders or letters of clarification to employers which will allow exposure of workers to chemicals or other workplace hazards in excess of existing Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards for the purpose of conducting experiments on workers' health or safety."

Similar provisions were contained in the following prior appropriation acts:

Pub. L. 102–170, title I, §102, Nov. 26, 1991, 105 Stat. 1114.

Pub. L. 101–517, title I, §102, Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 2196.

Pub. L. 101–166, title I, §102, Nov. 21, 1989, 103 Stat. 1165.

Pub. L. 100–202, §101(h) [title I, §102], Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1329–256, 1329-263.

Pub. L. 99–500, §101(i) [H.R. 5233, title I, §102], Oct. 18, 1986, 100 Stat. 1783–287, and Pub. L. 99–591, §101(i) [H.R. 5233, title I, §102], Oct. 30, 1986, 100 Stat. 3341–287.

Pub. L. 99–178, title I, §102, Dec. 12, 1985, 99 Stat. 1109.

Pub. L. 98–619, title I, §102, Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3311.

Occupational Health Standard Concerning Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens

Pub. L. 102–170, title I, §100, Nov. 26, 1991, 105 Stat. 1113, provided that:

"(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, on or before December 1, 1991, the Secretary of Labor, acting under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 [29 U.S.C. 651 et seq.], shall promulgate a final occupational health standard concerning occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens. The final standard shall be based on the proposed standard as published in the Federal Register on May 30, 1989 (54 FR 23042), concerning occupational exposures to the hepatitis B virus, the human immunodeficiency virus and other bloodborne pathogens.

"(b) In the event that the final standard referred to in subsection (a) is not promulgated by the date required under such subsection, the proposed standard on occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens as published in the Federal Register on May 30, 1989 (54 FR 23042) shall become effective as if such proposed standard had been promulgated as a final standard by the Secretary of Labor, and remain in effect until the date on which such Secretary promulgates the final standard referred to in subsection (a).

"(c) Nothing in this Act [enacting section 962 of Title 30, Mineral Lands and Mining, amending section 290b of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, enacting provisions set out as notes under section 1070a of Title 20, Education and section 1383 of Title 42, and amending provisions set out as notes under section 1255a of Title 8, Aliens and Nationality, and section 1221–1 of Title 20] shall be construed to require the Secretary of Labor (acting through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration) to revise the employment accident reporting regulations published at 29 C.F.R. 1904.8."

Retention of Markings and Placards

Pub. L. 101–615, §29, Nov. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 3277, provided that: "Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 16, 1990], the Secretary of Labor, in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of the Treasury, shall issue under section 6(b) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 655(b)) standards requiring any employer who receives a package, container, motor vehicle, rail freight car, aircraft, or vessel which contains a hazardous material and which is required to be marked, placarded, or labeled in accordance with regulations issued under the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act [former 49 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.] to retain the markings, placards, and labels, and any other information as may be required by such regulations on the package, container, motor vehicle, rail freight car, aircraft, or vessel, until the hazardous materials have been removed therefrom."

Chemical Process Safety Management

Pub. L. 101–549, title III, §304, Nov. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 2576, provided that:

"(a) Chemical Process Safety Standard.—The Secretary of Labor shall act under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 653) [29 U.S.C. 651 et seq.] to prevent accidental releases of chemicals which could pose a threat to employees. Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 [Nov. 15, 1990], the Secretary of Labor, in coordination with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, shall promulgate, pursuant to the Occupational Safety and Health Act, a chemical process safety standard designed to protect employees from hazards associated with accidental releases of highly hazardous chemicals in the workplace.

"(b) List of Highly Hazardous Chemicals.—The Secretary shall include as part of such standard a list of highly hazardous chemicals, which include toxic, flammable, highly reactive and explosive substances. The list of such chemicals may include those chemicals listed by the Administrator under section 302 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act of 1986 [42 U.S.C. 11002]. The Secretary may make additions to such list when a substance is found to pose a threat of serious injury or fatality in the event of an accidental release in the workplace.

"(c) Elements of Safety Standard.—Such standard shall, at minimum, require employers to—

"(1) develop and maintain written safety information identifying workplace chemical and process hazards, equipment used in the processes, and technology used in the processes;

"(2) perform a workplace hazard assessment, including, as appropriate, identification of potential sources of accidental releases, an identification of any previous release within the facility which had a likely potential for catastrophic consequences in the workplace, estimation of workplace effects of a range of releases, estimation of the health and safety effects of such range on employees;

"(3) consult with employees and their representatives on the development and conduct of hazard assessments and the development of chemical accident prevention plans and provide access to these and other records required under the standard;

"(4) establish a system to respond to the workplace hazard assessment findings, which shall address prevention, mitigation, and emergency responses;

"(5) periodically review the workplace hazard assessment and response system;

"(6) develop and implement written operating procedures for the chemical process including procedures for each operating phase, operating limitations, and safety and health considerations;

"(7) provide written safety and operating information to employees and train employees in operating procedures, emphasizing hazards and safe practices;

"(8) ensure contractors and contract employees are provided appropriate information and training;

"(9) train and educate employees and contractors in emergency response in a manner as comprehensive and effective as that required by the regulation promulgated pursuant to section 126(d) of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act [of 1986] [Pub. L. 99–499, set out in a note below];

"(10) establish a quality assurance program to ensure that initial process related equipment, maintenance materials, and spare parts are fabricated and installed consistent with design specifications;

"(11) establish maintenance systems for critical process related equipment including written procedures, employee training, appropriate inspections, and testing of such equipment to ensure ongoing mechanical integrity;

"(12) conduct pre-start-up safety reviews of all newly installed or modified equipment;

"(13) establish and implement written procedures to manage change to process chemicals, technology, equipment and facilities; and

"(14) investigate every incident which results in or could have resulted in a major accident in the workplace, with any findings to be reviewed by operating personnel and modifications made if appropriate.

"(d) State Authority.—Nothing in this section may be construed to diminish the authority of the States and political subdivisions thereof as described in section 112(r)(11) of the Clean Air Act [42 U.S.C. 7412(r)(11)]."

Worker Protection Standards

Pub. L. 99–499, title I, §126(a)–(f), Oct. 17, 1986, 100 Stat. 1690–1692, as amended by Pub. L. 100–202, §101(f) [title II, §201], Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1329–187, 1329-198, provided:

"(a) Promulgation.—Within one year after the date of the enactment of this section [Oct. 17, 1986], the Secretary of Labor shall, pursuant to section 6 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 [29 U.S.C. 655], promulgate standards for the health and safety protection of employees engaged in hazardous waste operations.

"(b) Proposed Standards.—The Secretary of Labor shall issue proposed regulations on such standards which shall include, but need not be limited to, the following worker protection provisions:

"(1) Site analysis.—Requirements for a formal hazard analysis of the site and development of a site specific plan for worker protection.

"(2) Training.—Requirements for contractors to provide initial and routine training of workers before such workers are permitted to engage in hazardous waste operations which would expose them to toxic substances.

"(3) Medical surveillance.—A program of regular medical examination, monitoring, and surveillance of workers engaged in hazardous waste operations which would expose them to toxic substances.

"(4) Protective equipment.—Requirements for appropriate personal protective equipment, clothing, and respirators for work in hazardous waste operations.

"(5) Engineering controls.—Requirements for engineering controls concerning the use of equipment and exposure of workers engaged in hazardous waste operations.

"(6) Maximum exposure limits.—Requirements for maximum exposure limitations for workers engaged in hazardous waste operations, including necessary monitoring and assessment procedures.

"(7) Informational program.—A program to inform workers engaged in hazardous waste operations of the nature and degree of toxic exposure likely as a result of such hazardous waste operations.

"(8) Handling.—Requirements for the handling, transporting, labeling, and disposing of hazardous wastes.

"(9) New technology program.—A program for the introduction of new equipment or technologies that will maintain worker protections.

"(10) Decontamination procedures.—Procedures for decontamination.

"(11) Emergency response.—Requirements for emergency response and protection of workers engaged in hazardous waste operations.

"(c) Final Regulations.—Final regulations under subsection (a) shall take effect one year after the date they are promulgated. In promulgating final regulations on standards under subsection (a), the Secretary of Labor shall include each of the provisions listed in paragraphs (1) through (11) of subsection (b) unless the Secretary determines that the evidence in the public record considered as a whole does not support inclusion of any such provision.

"(d) Specific Training Standards.—

"(1) Offsite instruction; field experience.—Standards promulgated under subsection (a) shall include training standards requiring that general site workers (such as equipment operators, general laborers, and other supervised personnel) engaged in hazardous substance removal or other activities which expose or potentially expose such workers to hazardous substances receive a minimum of 40 hours of initial instruction off the site, and a minimum of three days of actual field experience under the direct supervision of a trained, experienced supervisor, at the time of assignment. The requirements of the preceding sentence shall not apply to any general site worker who has received the equivalent of such training. Workers who may be exposed to unique or special hazards shall be provided additional training.

"(2) Training of supervisors.—Standards promulgated under subsection (a) shall include training standards requiring that onsite managers and supervisors directly responsible for the hazardous waste operations (such as foremen) receive the same training as general site workers set forth in paragraph (1) of this subsection and at least eight additional hours of specialized training on managing hazardous waste operations. The requirements of the preceding sentence shall not apply to any person who has received the equivalent of such training.

"(3) Certification; enforcement.—Such training standards shall contain provisions for certifying that general site workers, onsite managers, and supervisors have received the specified training and shall prohibit any individual who has not received the specified training from engaging in hazardous waste operations covered by the standard. The certification procedures shall be no less comprehensive than those adopted by the Environmental Protection Agency in its Model Accreditation Plan for Asbestos Abatement Training as required under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of 1986 [Pub. L. 99–519, see Short Title of 1986 Amendment note, set out under section 2601 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade].

"(4) Training of emergency response personnel.—Such training standards shall set forth requirements for the training of workers who are responsible for responding to hazardous emergency situations who may be exposed to toxic substances in carrying out their responsibilities.

"(e) Interim Regulations.—The Secretary of Labor shall issue interim final regulations under this section within 60 days after the enactment of this section [Oct. 17, 1986] which shall provide no less protection under this section for workers employed by contractors and emergency response workers than the protections contained in the Environmental Protection Agency Manual (1981) 'Health and Safety Requirements for Employees Engaged in Field Activities' and existing standards under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 [29 U.S.C. 651 et seq.] found in subpart C of part 1926 of title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Such interim final regulations shall take effect upon issuance and shall apply until final regulations become effective under subsection (c).

"(f) Coverage of Certain State and Local Employees.—Not later than 90 days after the promulgation of final regulations under subsection (a), the Administrator shall promulgate standards identical to those promulgated by the Secretary of Labor under subsection (a). Standards promulgated under this subsection shall apply to employees of State and local governments in each State which does not have in effect an approved State plan under section 18 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 [29 U.S.C. 667] providing for standards for the health and safety protection of employees engaged in hazardous waste operations."

§656. Administration

(a) National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health; establishment; membership; appointment; Chairman; functions; meetings; compensation; secretarial and clerical personnel

(1) There is hereby established a National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health consisting of twelve members appointed by the Secretary, four of whom are to be designated by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, without regard to the provisions of title 5 governing appointments in the competitive service, and composed of representatives of management, labor, occupational safety and occupational health professions, and of the public. The Secretary shall designate one of the public members as Chairman. The members shall be selected upon the basis of their experience and competence in the field of occupational safety and health.

(2) The Committee shall advise, consult with, and make recommendations to the Secretary and the Secretary of Health and Human Services on matters relating to the administration of this chapter. The Committee shall hold no fewer than two meetings during each calendar year. All meetings of the Committee shall be open to the public and a transcript shall be kept and made available for public inspection.

(3) The members of the Committee shall be compensated in accordance with the provisions of section 3109 of title 5.

(4) The Secretary shall furnish to the Committee an executive secretary and such secretarial, clerical, and other services as are deemed necessary to the conduct of its business.

(b) Advisory committees; appointment; duties; membership; compensation; reimbursement to member's employer; meetings; availability of records; conflict of interest

An advisory committee may be appointed by the Secretary to assist him in his standard-setting functions under section 655 of this title. Each such committee shall consist of not more than fifteen members and shall include as a member one or more designees of the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and shall include among its members an equal number of persons qualified by experience and affiliation to present the viewpoint of the employers involved, and of persons similarly qualified to present the viewpoint of the workers involved, as well as one or more representatives of health and safety agencies of the States. An advisory committee may also include such other persons as the Secretary may appoint who are qualified by knowledge and experience to make a useful contribution to the work of such committee, including one or more representatives of professional organizations of technicians or professionals specializing in occupational safety or health, and one or more representatives of nationally recognized standards-producing organizations, but the number of persons so appointed to any such advisory committee shall not exceed the number appointed to such committee as representatives of Federal and State agencies. Persons appointed to advisory committees from private life shall be compensated in the same manner as consultants or experts under section 3109 of title 5. The Secretary shall pay to any State which is the employer of a member of such a committee who is a representative of the health or safety agency of that State, reimbursement sufficient to cover the actual cost to the State resulting from such representative's membership on such committee. Any meeting of such committee shall be open to the public and an accurate record shall be kept and made available to the public. No member of such committee (other than representatives of employers and employees) shall have an economic interest in any proposed rule.

(c) Use of services, facilities, and personnel of Federal, State, and local agencies; reimbursement; employment of experts and consultants or organizations; renewal of contracts; compensation; travel expenses

In carrying out his responsibilities under this chapter, the Secretary is authorized to—

(1) use, with the consent of any Federal agency, the services, facilities, and personnel of such agency, with or without reimbursement, and with the consent of any State or political subdivision thereof, accept and use the services, facilities, and personnel of any agency of such State or subdivision with reimbursement; and

(2) employ experts and consultants or organizations thereof as authorized by section 3109 of title 5, except that contracts for such employment may be renewed annually; compensate individuals so employed at rates not in excess of the rate specified at the time of service for grade GS–18 under section 5332 of title 5, including traveltime, and allow them while away from their homes or regular places of business, travel expenses (including per diem in lieu of subsistence) as authorized by section 5703 of title 5 for persons in the Government service employed intermittently, while so employed.

(d) Maritime Occupational Safety and Health Advisory Committee

There is established a Maritime Occupational Safety and Health Advisory Committee, which shall be a continuing body and shall provide advice to the Secretary in formulating maritime industry standards and regarding matters pertaining to the administration of this chapter related to the maritime industry. The composition of such advisory committee shall be consistent with the advisory committees established under subsection (b). A member of the advisory committee who is otherwise qualified may continue to serve until a successor is appointed. The Secretary may promulgate or amend regulations as necessary to implement this subsection.

(Pub. L. 91–596, §7, Dec. 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 1597; Pub. L. 96–88, title V, §509(b), Oct. 17, 1979, 93 Stat. 695; Pub. L. 116–92, div. C, title XXXV, §3510, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1977.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in subsec. (d), was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 91–596, Dec. 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 1590. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 651 of this title and Tables.

Amendments

2019—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 116–92 added subsec. (d).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

"Secretary of Health and Human Services" substituted for "Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare" in subsecs. (a)(1), (2) and (b) pursuant to section 509(b) of Pub. L. 96–88 which is classified to section 3508(b) of Title 20, Education.

Termination of Advisory Committees

Advisory committees in existence on January 5, 1973, to terminate not later than the expiration of the 2-year period following January 5, 1973, unless, in the case of a committee established by the President or an officer of the Federal Government, such committee is renewed by appropriate action prior to the expiration of such 2-year period, or in the case of a committee established by the Congress, its duration is otherwise provided by law. See section 1013 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

References in Other Laws to GS–16, 17, or 18 Pay Rates

References in laws to the rates of pay for GS–16, 17, or 18, or to maximum rates of pay under the General Schedule, to be considered references to rates payable under specified sections of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, see section 529 [title I, §101(c)(1)] of Pub. L. 101–509, set out in a note under section 5376 of Title 5.

§657. Inspections, investigations, and recordkeeping

(a) Authority of Secretary to enter, inspect, and investigate places of employment; time and manner

In order to carry out the purposes of this chapter, the Secretary, upon presenting appropriate credentials to the owner, operator, or agent in charge, is authorized—

(1) to enter without delay and at reasonable times any factory, plant, establishment, construction site, or other area, workplace or environment where work is performed by an employee of an employer; and

(2) to inspect and investigate during regular working hours and at other reasonable times, and within reasonable limits and in a reasonable manner, any such place of employment and all pertinent conditions, structures, machines, apparatus, devices, equipment, and materials therein, and to question privately any such employer, owner, operator, agent, or employee.

(b) Attendance and testimony of witnesses and production of evidence; enforcement of subpoena

In making his inspections and investigations under this chapter the Secretary may require the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of evidence under oath. Witnesses shall be paid the same fees and mileage that are paid witnesses in the courts of the United States. In case of a contumacy, failure, or refusal of any person to obey such an order, any district court of the United States or the United States courts of any territory or possession, within the jurisdiction of which such person is found, or resides or transacts business, upon the application by the Secretary, shall have jurisdiction to issue to such person an order requiring such person to appear to produce evidence if, as, and when so ordered, and to give testimony relating to the matter under investigation or in question, and any failure to obey such order of the court may be punished by said court as a contempt thereof.

(c) Maintenance, preservation, and availability of records; issuance of regulations; scope of records; periodic inspections by employer; posting of notices by employer; notification of employee of corrective action

(1) Each employer shall make, keep and preserve, and make available to the Secretary or the Secretary of Health and Human Services, such records regarding his activities relating to this chapter as the Secretary, in cooperation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, may prescribe by regulation as necessary or appropriate for the enforcement of this chapter or for developing information regarding the causes and prevention of occupational accidents and illnesses. In order to carry out the provisions of this paragraph such regulations may include provisions requiring employers to conduct periodic inspections. The Secretary shall also issue regulations requiring that employers, through posting of notices or other appropriate means, keep their employees informed of their protections and obligations under this chapter, including the provisions of applicable standards.

(2) The Secretary, in cooperation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, shall prescribe regulations requiring employers to maintain accurate records of, and to make periodic reports on, work-related deaths, injuries and illnesses other than minor injuries requiring only first aid treatment and which do not involve medical treatment, loss of consciousness, restriction of work or motion, or transfer to another job.

(3) The Secretary, in cooperation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, shall issue regulations requiring employers to maintain accurate records of employee exposures to potentially toxic materials or harmful physical agents which are required to be monitored or measured under section 655 of this title. Such regulations shall provide employees or their representatives with an opportunity to observe such monitoring or measuring, and to have access to the records thereof. Such regulations shall also make appropriate provision for each employee or former employee to have access to such records as will indicate his own exposure to toxic materials or harmful physical agents. Each employer shall promptly notify any employee who has been or is being exposed to toxic materials or harmful physical agents in concentrations or at levels which exceed those prescribed by an applicable occupational safety and health standard promulgated under section 655 of this title, and shall inform any employee who is being thus exposed of the corrective action being taken.

(d) Obtaining of information

Any information obtained by the Secretary, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, or a State agency under this chapter shall be obtained with a minimum burden upon employers, especially those operating small businesses. Unnecessary duplication of efforts in obtaining information shall be reduced to the maximum extent feasible.

(e) Employer and authorized employee representatives to accompany Secretary or his authorized representative on inspection of workplace; consultation with employees where no authorized employee representative is present

Subject to regulations issued by the Secretary, a representative of the employer and a representative authorized by his employees shall be given an opportunity to accompany the Secretary or his authorized representative during the physical inspection of any workplace under subsection (a) for the purpose of aiding such inspection. Where there is no authorized employee representative, the Secretary or his authorized representative shall consult with a reasonable number of employees concerning matters of health and safety in the workplace.

(f) Request for inspection by employees or representative of employees; grounds; procedure; determination of request; notification of Secretary or representative prior to or during any inspection of violations; procedure for review of refusal by representative of Secretary to issue citation for alleged violations

(1) Any employees or representative of employees who believe that a violation of a safety or health standard exists that threatens physical harm, or that an imminent danger exists, may request an inspection by giving notice to the Secretary or his authorized representative of such violation or danger. Any such notice shall be reduced to writing, shall set forth with reasonable particularity the grounds for the notice, and shall be signed by the employees or representative of employees, and a copy shall be provided the employer or his agent no later than at the time of inspection, except that, upon the request of the person giving such notice, his name and the names of individual employees referred to therein shall not appear in such copy or on any record published, released, or made available pursuant to subsection (g) of this section. If upon receipt of such notification the Secretary determines there are reasonable grounds to believe that such violation or danger exists, he shall make a special inspection in accordance with the provisions of this section as soon as practicable, to determine if such violation or danger exists. If the Secretary determines there are no reasonable grounds to believe that a violation or danger exists he shall notify the employees or representative of the employees in writing of such determination.

(2) Prior to or during any inspection of a workplace, any employees or representative of employees employed in such workplace may notify the Secretary or any representative of the Secretary responsible for conducting the inspection, in writing, of any violation of this chapter which they have reason to believe exists in such workplace. The Secretary shall, by regulation, establish procedures for informal review of any refusal by a representative of the Secretary to issue a citation with respect to any such alleged violation and shall furnish the employees or representative of employees requesting such review a written statement of the reasons for the Secretary's final disposition of the case.

(g) Compilation, analysis, and publication of reports and information; rules and regulations

(1) The Secretary and Secretary of Health and Human Services are authorized to compile, analyze, and publish, either in summary or detailed form, all reports or information obtained under this section.

(2) The Secretary and the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall each prescribe such rules and regulations as he may deem necessary to carry out their responsibilities under this chapter, including rules and regulations dealing with the inspection of an employer's establishment.

(h) Use of results of enforcement activities

The Secretary shall not use the results of enforcement activities, such as the number of citations issued or penalties assessed, to evaluate employees directly involved in enforcement activities under this chapter or to impose quotas or goals with regard to the results of such activities.

(Pub. L. 91–596, §8, Dec. 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 1598; Pub. L. 96–88, title V, §509(b), Oct. 17, 1979, 93 Stat. 695; Pub. L. 105–198, §1, July 16, 1998, 112 Stat. 640.)

Editorial Notes

Constitutionality

For information regarding the constitutionality of certain provisions of this section, see the Table of Laws Held Unconstitutional in Whole or in Part by the Supreme Court on the Constitution Annotated website, constitution.congress.gov.

Amendments

1998—Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 105–198 added subsec. (h).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

"Secretary of Health and Human Services" substituted for "Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare" in subsecs. (c), (d), and (g) pursuant to section 509(b) of Pub. L. 96–88 which is classified to section 3508(b) of Title 20, Education.

§658. Citations

(a) Authority to issue; grounds; contents; notice in lieu of citation for de minimis violations

If, upon inspection or investigation, the Secretary or his authorized representative believes that an employer has violated a requirement of section 654 of this title, of any standard, rule or order promulgated pursuant to section 655 of this title, or of any regulations prescribed pursuant to this chapter, he shall with reasonable promptness issue a citation to the employer. Each citation shall be in writing and shall describe with particularity the nature of the violation, including a reference to the provision of the chapter, standard, rule, regulation, or order alleged to have been violated. In addition, the citation shall fix a reasonable time for the abatement of the violation. The Secretary may prescribe procedures for the issuance of a notice in lieu of a citation with respect to de minimis violations which have no direct or immediate relationship to safety or health.

(b) Posting

Each citation issued under this section, or a copy or copies thereof, shall be prominently posted, as prescribed in regulations issued by the Secretary, at or near each place a violation referred to in the citation occurred.

(c) Time for issuance

No citation may be issued under this section after the expiration of six months following the occurrence of any violation.

(Pub. L. 91–596, §9, Dec. 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 1601.)

§659. Enforcement procedures

(a) Notification of employer of proposed assessment of penalty subsequent to issuance of citation; time for notification of Secretary by employer of contest by employer of citation or proposed assessment; citation and proposed assessment as final order upon failure of employer to notify of contest and failure of employees to file notice

If, after an inspection or investigation, the Secretary issues a citation under section 658(a) of this title, he shall, within a reasonable time after the termination of such inspection or investigation, notify the employer by certified mail of the penalty, if any, proposed to be assessed under section 666 of this title and that the employer has fifteen working days within which to notify the Secretary that he wishes to contest the citation or proposed assessment of penalty. If, within fifteen working days from the receipt of the notice issued by the Secretary the employer fails to notify the Secretary that he intends to contest the citation or proposed assessment of penalty, and no notice is filed by any employee or representative of employees under subsection (c) within such time, the citation and the assessment, as proposed, shall be deemed a final order of the Commission and not subject to review by any court or agency.

(b) Notification of employer of failure to correct in allotted time period violation for which citation was issued and proposed assessment of penalty for failure to correct; time for notification of Secretary by employer of contest by employer of notification of failure to correct or proposed assessment; notification or proposed assessment as final order upon failure of employer to notify of contest

If the Secretary has reason to believe that an employer has failed to correct a violation for which a citation has been issued within the period permitted for its correction (which period shall not begin to run until the entry of a final order by the Commission in the case of any review proceedings under this section initiated by the employer in good faith and not solely for delay or avoidance of penalties), the Secretary shall notify the employer by certified mail of such failure and of the penalty proposed to be assessed under section 666 of this title by reason of such failure, and that the employer has fifteen working days within which to notify the Secretary that he wishes to contest the Secretary's notification or the proposed assessment of penalty. If, within fifteen working days from the receipt of notification issued by the Secretary, the employer fails to notify the Secretary that he intends to contest the notification or proposed assessment of penalty, the notification and assessment, as proposed, shall be deemed a final order of the Commission and not subject to review by any court or agency.

(c) Advisement of Commission by Secretary of notification of contest by employer of citation or notification or of filing of notice by any employee or representative of employees; hearing by Commission; orders of Commission and Secretary; rules of procedure

If an employer notifies the Secretary that he intends to contest a citation issued under section 658(a) of this title or notification issued under subsection (a) or (b) of this section, or if, within fifteen working days of the issuance of a citation under section 658(a) of this title, any employee or representative of employees files a notice with the Secretary alleging that the period of time fixed in the citation for the abatement of the violation is unreasonable, the Secretary shall immediately advise the Commission of such notification, and the Commission shall afford an opportunity for a hearing (in accordance with section 554 of title 5 but without regard to subsection (a)(3) of such section). The Commission shall thereafter issue an order, based on findings of fact, affirming, modifying, or vacating the Secretary's citation or proposed penalty, or directing other appropriate relief, and such order shall become final thirty days after its issuance. Upon a showing by an employer of a good faith effort to comply with the abatement requirements of a citation, and that abatement has not been completed because of factors beyond his reasonable control, the Secretary, after an opportunity for a hearing as provided in this subsection, shall issue an order affirming or modifying the abatement requirements in such citation. The rules of procedure prescribed by the Commission shall provide affected employees or representatives of affected employees an opportunity to participate as parties to hearings under this subsection.

(Pub. L. 91–596, §10, Dec. 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 1601.)

§660. Judicial review

(a) Filing of petition by persons adversely affected or aggrieved; orders subject to review; jurisdiction; venue; procedure; conclusiveness of record and findings of Commission; appropriate relief; finality of judgment

Any person adversely affected or aggrieved by an order of the Commission issued under subsection (c) of section 659 of this title may obtain a review of such order in any United States court of appeals for the circuit in which the violation is alleged to have occurred or where the employer has its principal office, or in the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, by filing in such court within sixty days following the issuance of such order a written petition praying that the order be modified or set aside. A copy of such petition shall be forthwith transmitted by the clerk of the court to the Commission and to the other parties, and thereupon the Commission shall file in the court the record in the proceeding as provided in section 2112 of title 28. Upon such filing, the court shall have jurisdiction of the proceeding and of the question determined therein, and shall have power to grant such temporary relief or restraining order as it deems just and proper, and to make and enter upon the pleadings, testimony, and proceedings set forth in such record a decree affirming, modifying, or setting aside in whole or in part, the order of the Commission and enforcing the same to the extent that such order is affirmed or modified. The commencement of proceedings under this subsection shall not, unless ordered by the court, operate as a stay of the order of the Commission. No objection that has not been urged before the Commission shall be considered by the court, unless the failure or neglect to urge such objection shall be excused because of extraordinary circumstances. The findings of the Commission with respect to questions of fact, if supported by substantial evidence on the record considered as a whole, shall be conclusive. If any party shall apply to the court for leave to adduce additional evidence and shall show to the satisfaction of the court that such additional evidence is material and that there were reasonable grounds for the failure to adduce such evidence in the hearing before the Commission, the court may order such additional evidence to be taken before the Commission and to be made a part of the record. The Commission may modify its findings as to the facts, or make new findings, by reason of additional evidence so taken and filed, and it shall file such modified or new findings, which findings with respect to questions of fact, if supported by substantial evidence on the record considered as a whole, shall be conclusive, and its recommendations, if any, for the modification or setting aside of its original order. Upon the filing of the record with it, the jurisdiction of the court shall be exclusive and its judgment and decree shall be final, except that the same shall be subject to review by the Supreme Court of the United States, as provided in section 1254 of title 28.

(b) Filing of petition by Secretary; orders subject to review; jurisdiction; venue; procedure; conclusiveness of record and findings of Commission; enforcement of orders; contempt proceedings

The Secretary may also obtain review or enforcement of any final order of the Commission by filing a petition for such relief in the United States court of appeals for the circuit in which the alleged violation occurred or in which the employer has its principal office, and the provisions of subsection (a) shall govern such proceedings to the extent applicable. If no petition for review, as provided in subsection (a), is filed within sixty days after service of the Commission's order, the Commission's findings of fact and order shall be conclusive in connection with any petition for enforcement which is filed by the Secretary after the expiration of such sixty-day period. In any such case, as well as in the case of a noncontested citation or notification by the Secretary which has become a final order of the Commission under subsection (a) or (b) of section 659 of this title, the clerk of the court, unless otherwise ordered by the court, shall forthwith enter a decree enforcing the order and shall transmit a copy of such decree to the Secretary and the employer named in the petition. In any contempt proceeding brought to enforce a decree of a court of appeals entered pursuant to this subsection or subsection (a), the court of appeals may assess the penalties provided in section 666 of this title, in addition to invoking any other available remedies.

(c) Discharge or discrimination against employee for exercise of rights under this chapter; prohibition; procedure for relief

(1) No person shall discharge or in any manner discriminate against any employee because such employee has filed any complaint or instituted or caused to be instituted any proceeding under or related to this chapter or has testified or is about to testify in any such proceeding or because of the exercise by such employee on behalf of himself or others of any right afforded by this chapter.

(2) Any employee who believes that he has been discharged or otherwise discriminated against by any person in violation of this subsection may, within thirty days after such violation occurs, file a complaint with the Secretary alleging such discrimination. Upon receipt of such complaint, the Secretary shall cause such investigation to be made as he deems appropriate. If upon such investigation, the Secretary determines that the provisions of this subsection have been violated, he shall bring an action in any appropriate United States district court against such person. In any such action the United States district courts shall have jurisdiction, for cause shown to restrain violations of paragraph (1) of this subsection and order all appropriate relief including rehiring or reinstatement of the employee to his former position with back pay.

(3) Within 90 days of the receipt of a complaint filed under this subsection the Secretary shall notify the complainant of his determination under paragraph (2) of this subsection.

(Pub. L. 91–596, §11, Dec. 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 1602; Pub. L. 98–620, title IV, §402(32), Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3360.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1984—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 98–620 struck out provision requiring expeditious hearing of petitions filed under this subsection.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–620 not applicable to cases pending on Nov. 8, 1984, see section 403 of Pub. L. 98–620, set out as a note under section 1657 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure.

§661. Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission

(a) Establishment; membership; appointment; Chairman

The Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission is hereby established. The Commission shall be composed of three members who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, from among persons who by reason of training, education, or experience are qualified to carry out the functions of the Commission under this chapter. The President shall designate one of the members of the Commission to serve as Chairman.

(b) Terms of office; removal by President

The terms of members of the Commission shall be six years except that (1) the members of the Commission first taking office shall serve, as designated by the President at the time of appointment, one for a term of two years, one for a term of four years, and one for a term of six years, and (2) a vacancy caused by the death, resignation, or removal of a member prior to the expiration of the term for which he was appointed shall be filled only for the remainder of such unexpired term. A member of the Commission may be removed by the President for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office.

(c) Omitted

(d) Principal office; hearings or other proceedings at other places

The principal office of the Commission shall be in the District of Columbia. Whenever the Commission deems that the convenience of the public or of the parties may be promoted, or delay or expense may be minimized, it may hold hearings or conduct other proceedings at any other place.

(e) Functions and duties of Chairman; appointment and compensation of administrative law judges and other employees

The Chairman shall be responsible on behalf of the Commission for the administrative operations of the Commission and shall appoint such administrative law judges and other employees as he deems necessary to assist in the performance of the Commission's functions and to fix their compensation in accordance with the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5 relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates: Provided, That assignment, removal and compensation of administrative law judges shall be in accordance with sections 3105, 3344, 5372, and 7521 of title 5.

(f) Quorum; official action

For the purpose of carrying out its functions under this chapter, two members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum and official action can be taken only on the affirmative vote of at least two members.

(g) Hearings and records open to public; promulgation of rules; applicability of Federal Rules of Civil Procedure

Every official act of the Commission shall be entered of record, and its hearings and records shall be open to the public. The Commission is authorized to make such rules as are necessary for the orderly transaction of its proceedings. Unless the Commission has adopted a different rule, its proceedings shall be in accordance with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.

(h) Depositions and production of documentary evidence; fees

The Commission may order testimony to be taken by deposition in any proceeding pending before it at any state of such proceeding. Any person may be compelled to appear and depose, and to produce books, papers, or documents, in the same manner as witnesses may be compelled to appear and testify and produce like documentary evidence before the Commission. Witnesses whose depositions are taken under this subsection, and the persons taking such depositions, shall be entitled to the same fees as are paid for like services in the courts of the United States.

(i) Investigatory powers

For the purpose of any proceeding before the Commission, the provisions of section 161 of this title are hereby made applicable to the jurisdiction and powers of the Commission.

(j) Administrative law judges; determinations; report as final order of Commission

A¹ administrative law judge appointed by the Commission shall hear, and make a determination upon, any proceeding instituted before the Commission and any motion in connection therewith, assigned to such administrative law judge by the Chairman of the Commission, and shall make a report of any such determination which constitutes his final disposition of the proceedings. The report of the administrative law judge shall become the final order of the Commission within thirty days after such report by the administrative law judge, unless within such period any Commission member has directed that such report shall be reviewed by the Commission.

(k) Appointment and compensation of administrative law judges

Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the administrative law judges shall be subject to the laws governing employees in the classified civil service, except that appointments shall be made without regard to section 5108 of title 5. Each administrative law judge shall receive compensation at a rate not less than that prescribed for GS–16 under section 5332 of title 5.

(Pub. L. 91–596, §12, Dec. 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 1603; Pub. L. 95–251, §2(a)(7), Mar. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 183.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The General Schedule, referred to in subsec. (e), is set out under section 5332 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, referred to in subsec. (g), are set out in the Appendix to Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure.

Codification

Subsec. (c) of this section amended sections 5314 and 5315 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

In subsec. (e), reference to section 5372 of title 5 was substituted for section 5362 on authority of Pub. L. 95–454, §801(a)(3)(A)(ii), Oct. 13, 1978, 92 Stat. 1221, which redesignated sections 5361 through 5365 of title 5 as sections 5371 through 5375.

Amendments

1978—Subsecs. (e), (j), (k). Pub. L. 95–251 substituted "administrative law judge" and "administrative law judges" for "hearing examiner" and "hearing examiners", respectively, wherever appearing.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

References in Other Laws to GS–16, 17, or 18 Pay Rates

References in laws to the rates of pay for GS–16, 17, or 18, or to maximum rates of pay under the General Schedule, to be considered references to rates payable under specified sections of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, see section 529 [title I, §101(c)(1)] of Pub. L. 101–509, set out in a note under section 5376 of Title 5.

¹ So in original. Probably should be "An".

§662. Injunction proceedings

(a) Petition by Secretary to restrain imminent dangers; scope of order

The United States district courts shall have jurisdiction, upon petition of the Secretary, to restrain any conditions or practices in any place of employment which are such that a danger exists which could reasonably be expected to cause death or serious physical harm immediately or before the imminence of such danger can be eliminated through the enforcement procedures otherwise provided by this chapter. Any order issued under this section may require such steps to be taken as may be necessary to avoid, correct, or remove such imminent danger and prohibit the employment or presence of any individual in locations or under conditions where such imminent danger exists, except individuals whose presence is necessary to avoid, correct, or remove such imminent danger or to maintain the capacity of a continuous process operation to resume normal operations without a complete cessation of operations, or where a cessation of operations is necessary, to permit such to be accomplished in a safe and orderly manner.

(b) Appropriate injunctive relief or temporary restraining order pending outcome of enforcement proceeding; applicability of Rule 65 of Federal Rules of Civil Procedure

Upon the filing of any such petition the district court shall have jurisdiction to grant such injunctive relief or temporary restraining order pending the outcome of an enforcement proceeding pursuant to this chapter. The proceeding shall be as provided by Rule 65 of the Federal Rules, Civil Procedure, except that no temporary restraining order issued without notice shall be effective for a period longer than five days.

(c) Notification of affected employees and employers by inspector of danger and of recommendation to Secretary to seek relief

Whenever and as soon as an inspector concludes that conditions or practices described in subsection (a) exist in any place of employment, he shall inform the affected employees and employers of the danger and that he is recommending to the Secretary that relief be sought.

(d) Failure of Secretary to seek relief; writ of mandamus

If the Secretary arbitrarily or capriciously fails to seek relief under this section, any employee who may be injured by reason of such failure, or the representative of such employees, might bring an action against the Secretary in the United States district court for the district in which the imminent danger is alleged to exist or the employer has its principal office, or for the District of Columbia, for a writ of mandamus to compel the Secretary to seek such an order and for such further relief as may be appropriate.

(Pub. L. 91–596, §13, Dec. 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 1605.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Rule 65 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, referred to in subsec. (b), is set out in the Appendix to Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure.

§663. Representation in civil litigation

Except as provided in section 518(a) of title 28 relating to litigation before the Supreme Court, the Solicitor of Labor may appear for and represent the Secretary in any civil litigation brought under this chapter but all such litigations shall be subject to the direction and control of the Attorney General.

(Pub. L. 91–596, §14, Dec. 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 1606.)

§664. Disclosure of trade secrets; protective orders

All information reported to or otherwise obtained by the Secretary or his representative in connection with any inspection or proceeding under this chapter which contains or which might reveal a trade secret referred to in section 1905 of title 18 shall be considered confidential for the purpose of that section, except that such information may be disclosed to other officers or employees concerned with carrying out this chapter or when relevant in any proceeding under this chapter. In any such proceeding the Secretary, the Commission, or the court shall issue such orders as may be appropriate to protect the confidentiality of trade secrets.

(Pub. L. 91–596, §15, Dec. 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 1606.)

§665. Variations, tolerances, and exemptions from required provisions; procedure; duration

The Secretary, on the record, after notice and opportunity for a hearing may provide such reasonable limitations and may make such rules and regulations allowing reasonable variations, tolerances, and exemptions to and from any or all provisions of this chapter as he may find necessary and proper to avoid serious impairment of the national defense. Such action shall not be in effect for more than six months without notification to affected employees and an opportunity being afforded for a hearing.

(Pub. L. 91–596, §16, Dec. 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 1606.)

§666. Civil and criminal penalties

(a) Willful or repeated violation

Any employer who willfully or repeatedly violates the requirements of section 654 of this title, any standard, rule, or order promulgated pursuant to section 655 of this title, or regulations prescribed pursuant to this chapter may be assessed a civil penalty of not more than $70,000 for each violation, but not less than $5,000 for each willful violation.

(b) Citation for serious violation

Any employer who has received a citation for a serious violation of the requirements of section 654 of this title, of any standard, rule, or order promulgated pursuant to section 655 of this title, or of any regulations prescribed pursuant to this chapter, shall be assessed a civil penalty of up to $7,000 for each such violation.

(c) Citation for violation determined not serious

Any employer who has received a citation for a violation of the requirements of section 654 of this title, of any standard, rule, or order promulgated pursuant to section 655 of this title, or of regulations prescribed pursuant to this chapter, and such violation is specifically determined not to be of a serious nature, may be assessed a civil penalty of up to $7,000 for each such violation.

(d) Failure to correct violation

Any employer who fails to correct a violation for which a citation has been issued under section 658(a) of this title within the period permitted for its correction (which period shall not begin to run until the date of the final order of the Commission in the case of any review proceeding under section 659 of this title initiated by the employer in good faith and not solely for delay or avoidance of penalties), may be assessed a civil penalty of not more than $7,000 for each day during which such failure or violation continues.

(e) Willful violation causing death to employee

Any employer who willfully violates any standard, rule, or order promulgated pursuant to section 655 of this title, or of any regulations prescribed pursuant to this chapter, and that violation caused death to any employee, shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not more than $10,000 or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or by both; except that if the conviction is for a violation committed after a first conviction of such person, punishment shall be by a fine of not more than $20,000 or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or by both.

(f) Giving advance notice of inspection

Any person who gives advance notice of any inspection to be conducted under this chapter, without authority from the Secretary or his designees, shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not more than $1,000 or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or by both.

(g) False statements, representations or certification

Whoever knowingly makes any false statement, representation, or certification in any application, record, report, plan, or other document filed or required to be maintained pursuant to this chapter shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not more than $10,000, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or by both.

(h) Omitted

(i) Violation of posting requirements

Any employer who violates any of the posting requirements, as prescribed under the provisions of this chapter, shall be assessed a civil penalty of up to $7,000 for each violation.

(j) Authority of Commission to assess civil penalties

The Commission shall have authority to assess all civil penalties provided in this section, giving due consideration to the appropriateness of the penalty with respect to the size of the business of the employer being charged, the gravity of the violation, the good faith of the employer, and the history of previous violations.

(k) Determination of serious violation

For purposes of this section, a serious violation shall be deemed to exist in a place of employment if there is a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a condition which exists, or from one or more practices, means, methods, operations, or processes which have been adopted or are in use, in such place of employment unless the employer did not, and could not with the exercise of reasonable diligence, know of the presence of the violation.

(l) Procedure for payment of civil penalties

Civil penalties owed under this chapter shall be paid to the Secretary for deposit into the Treasury of the United States and shall accrue to the United States and may be recovered in a civil action in the name of the United States brought in the United States district court for the district where the violation is alleged to have occurred or where the employer has its principal office.

(Pub. L. 91–596, §17, Dec. 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 1606, 1607; Pub. L. 101–508, title III, §3101, Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–29.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Subsec. (h) of this section amended section 1114 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure, and enacted note set out thereunder.

Amendments

1990—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–508, §3101(1), substituted "$70,000 for each violation, but not less than $5,000 for each willful violation" for "$10,000 for each violation".

Subsecs. (b) to (d), (i). Pub. L. 101–508, §3101(2), substituted "$7,000" for "$1,000".

§667. State jurisdiction and plans

(a) Assertion of State standards in absence of applicable Federal standards

Nothing in this chapter shall prevent any State agency or court from asserting jurisdiction under State law over any occupational safety or health issue with respect to which no standard is in effect under section 655 of this title.

(b) Submission of State plan for development and enforcement of State standards to preempt applicable Federal standards

Any State which, at any time, desires to assume responsibility for development and enforcement therein of occupational safety and health standards relating to any occupational safety or health issue with respect to which a Federal standard has been promulgated under section 655 of this title shall submit a State plan for the development of such standards and their enforcement.

(c) Conditions for approval of plan

The Secretary shall approve the plan submitted by a State under subsection (b), or any modification thereof, if such plan in his judgment—

(1) designates a State agency or agencies as the agency or agencies responsible for administering the plan throughout the State,

(2) provides for the development and enforcement of safety and health standards relating to one or more safety or health issues, which standards (and the enforcement of which standards) are or will be at least as effective in providing safe and healthful employment and places of employment as the standards promulgated under section 655 of this title which relate to the same issues, and which standards, when applicable to products which are distributed or used in interstate commerce, are required by compelling local conditions and do not unduly burden interstate commerce,

(3) provides for a right of entry and inspection of all workplaces subject to this chapter which is at least as effective as that provided in section 657 of this title, and includes a prohibition on advance notice of inspections,

(4) contains satisfactory assurances that such agency or agencies have or will have the legal authority and qualified personnel necessary for the enforcement of such standards,

(5) gives satisfactory assurances that such State will devote adequate funds to the administration and enforcement of such standards,

(6) contains satisfactory assurances that such State will, to the extent permitted by its law, establish and maintain an effective and comprehensive occupational safety and health program applicable to all employees of public agencies of the State and its political subdivisions, which program is as effective as the standards contained in an approved plan,

(7) requires employers in the State to make reports to the Secretary in the same manner and to the same extent as if the plan were not in effect, and

(8) provides that the State agency will make such reports to the Secretary in such form and containing such information, as the Secretary shall from time to time require.

(d) Rejection of plan; notice and opportunity for hearing

If the Secretary rejects a plan submitted under subsection (b), he shall afford the State submitting the plan due notice and opportunity for a hearing before so doing.

(e) Discretion of Secretary to exercise authority over comparable standards subsequent to approval of State plan; duration; retention of jurisdiction by Secretary upon determination of enforcement of plan by State

After the Secretary approves a State plan submitted under subsection (b), he may, but shall not be required to, exercise his authority under sections 657, 658, 659, 662, and 666 of this title with respect to comparable standards promulgated under section 655 of this title, for the period specified in the next sentence. The Secretary may exercise the authority referred to above until he determines, on the basis of actual operations under the State plan, that the criteria set forth in subsection (c) are being applied, but he shall not make such determination for at least three years after the plan's approval under subsection (c). Upon making the determination referred to in the preceding sentence, the provisions of sections 654(a)(2), 657 (except for the purpose of carrying out subsection (f) of this section), 658, 659, 662, and 666 of this title, and standards promulgated under section 655 of this title, shall not apply with respect to any occupational safety or health issues covered under the plan, but the Secretary may retain jurisdiction under the above provisions in any proceeding commenced under section 658 or 659 of this title before the date of determination.

(f) Continuing evaluation by Secretary of State enforcement of approved plan; withdrawal of approval of plan by Secretary; grounds; procedure; conditions for retention of jurisdiction by State

The Secretary shall, on the basis of reports submitted by the State agency and his own inspections make a continuing evaluation of the manner in which each State having a plan approved under this section is carrying out such plan. Whenever the Secretary finds, after affording due notice and opportunity for a hearing, that in the administration of the State plan there is a failure to comply substantially with any provision of the State plan (or any assurance contained therein), he shall notify the State agency of his withdrawal of approval of such plan and upon receipt of such notice such plan shall cease to be in effect, but the State may retain jurisdiction in any case commenced before the withdrawal of the plan in order to enforce standards under the plan whenever the issues involved do not relate to the reasons for the withdrawal of the plan.

(g) Judicial review of Secretary's withdrawal of approval or rejection of plan; jurisdiction; venue; procedure; appropriate relief; finality of judgment

The State may obtain a review of a decision of the Secretary withdrawing approval of or rejecting its plan by the United States court of appeals for the circuit in which the State is located by filing in such court within thirty days following receipt of notice of such decision a petition to modify or set aside in whole or in part the action of the Secretary. A copy of such petition shall forthwith be served upon the Secretary, and thereupon the Secretary shall certify and file in the court the record upon which the decision complained of was issued as provided in section 2112 of title 28. Unless the court finds that the Secretary's decision in rejecting a proposed State plan or withdrawing his approval of such a plan is not supported by substantial evidence the court shall affirm the Secretary's decision. The judgment of the court shall be subject to review by the Supreme Court of the United States upon certiorari or certification as provided in section 1254 of title 28.

(h) Temporary enforcement of State standards

The Secretary may enter into an agreement with a State under which the State will be permitted to continue to enforce one or more occupational health and safety standards in effect in such State until final action is taken by the Secretary with respect to a plan submitted by a State under subsection (b) of this section, or two years from December 29, 1970, whichever is earlier.

(Pub. L. 91–596, §18, Dec. 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 1608.)

§668. Programs of Federal agencies

(a) Establishment, development, and maintenance by head of each Federal agency

It shall be the responsibility of the head of each Federal agency (not including the United States Postal Service) to establish and maintain an effective and comprehensive occupational safety and health program which is consistent with the standards promulgated under section 655 of this title. The head of each agency shall (after consultation with representatives of the employees thereof)—

(1) provide safe and healthful places and conditions of employment, consistent with the standards set under section 655 of this title;

(2) acquire, maintain, and require the use of safety equipment, personal protective equipment, and devices reasonably necessary to protect employees;

(3) keep adequate records of all occupational accidents and illnesses for proper evaluation and necessary corrective action;

(4) consult with the Secretary with regard to the adequacy as to form and content of records kept pursuant to subsection (a)(3) of this section; and

(5) make an annual report to the Secretary with respect to occupational accidents and injuries and the agency's program under this section. Such report shall include any report submitted under section 7902(e)(2) of title 5.

(b) Report by Secretary to President

The Secretary shall report to the President a summary or digest of reports submitted to him under subsection (a)(5) of this section, together with his evaluations of and recommendations derived from such reports.

(c) Omitted

(d) Access by Secretary to records and reports required of agencies

The Secretary shall have access to records and reports kept and filed by Federal agencies pursuant to subsections (a)(3) and (5) of this section unless those records and reports are specifically required by Executive order to be kept secret in the interest of the national defense or foreign policy, in which case the Secretary shall have access to such information as will not jeopardize national defense or foreign policy.

(Pub. L. 91–596, §19, Dec. 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 1609; Pub. L. 97–375, title I, §110(c), Dec. 21, 1982, 96 Stat. 1821; Pub. L. 105–241, §2(b)(1), Sept. 28, 1998, 112 Stat. 1572.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Subsec. (c) of this section amended section 7902 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Amendments

1998—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 105–241 inserted "(not including the United States Postal Service)" after "each Federal agency".

1982—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 97–375 struck out direction that the President transmit annually to the Senate and House a report of the activities of Federal agencies under this section.

Executive Documents

Occupational Safety and Health Programs for Federal Employees

Occupational safety and health programs for Federal employees and continuation of Federal Advisory Council on Occupational Safety and Health, see Ex. Ord. No. 12196, Feb. 26, 1980, 45 F.R. 12769, set out as a note under section 7902 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

§669. Research and related activities

(a) Authority of Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct research, experiments, and demonstrations, develop plans, establish criteria, promulgate regulations, authorize programs, and publish results and industrywide studies; consultations

(1) The Secretary of Health and Human Services, after consultation with the Secretary and with other appropriate Federal departments or agencies, shall conduct (directly or by grants or contracts) research, experiments, and demonstrations relating to occupational safety and health, including studies of psychological factors involved, and relating to innovative methods, techniques, and approaches for dealing with occupational safety and health problems.

(2) The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall from time to time consult with the Secretary in order to develop specific plans for such research, demonstrations, and experiments as are necessary to produce criteria, including criteria identifying toxic substances, enabling the Secretary to meet his responsibility for the formulation of safety and health standards under this chapter; and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, on the basis of such research, demonstrations, and experiments and any other information available to him, shall develop and publish at least annually such criteria as will effectuate the purposes of this chapter.

(3) The Secretary of Health and Human Services, on the basis of such research, demonstrations, and experiments, and any other information available to him, shall develop criteria dealing with toxic materials and harmful physical agents and substances which will describe exposure levels that are safe for various periods of employment, including but not limited to the exposure levels at which no employee will suffer impaired health or functional capacities or diminished life expectancy as a result of his work experience.

(4) The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall also conduct special research, experiments, and demonstrations relating to occupational safety and health as are necessary to explore new problems, including those created by new technology in occupational safety and health, which may require ameliorative action beyond that which is otherwise provided for in the operating provisions of this chapter. The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall also conduct research into the motivational and behavioral factors relating to the field of occupational safety and health.

(5) The Secretary of Health and Human Services, in order to comply with his responsibilities under paragraph (2), and in order to develop needed information regarding potentially toxic substances or harmful physical agents, may prescribe regulations requiring employers to measure, record, and make reports on the exposure of employees to substances or physical agents which the Secretary of Health and Human Services reasonably believes may endanger the health or safety of employees. The Secretary of Health and Human Services also is authorized to establish such programs of medical examinations and tests as may be necessary for determining the incidence of occupational illnesses and the susceptibility of employees to such illnesses. Nothing in this or any other provision of this chapter shall be deemed to authorize or require medical examination, immunization, or treatment for those who object thereto on religious grounds, except where such is necessary for the protection of the health or safety of others. Upon the request of any employer who is required to measure and record exposure of employees to substances or physical agents as provided under this subsection, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall furnish full financial or other assistance to such employer for the purpose of defraying any additional expense incurred by him in carrying out the measuring and recording as provided in this subsection.

(6) The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall publish within six months of December 29, 1970, and thereafter as needed but at least annually a list of all known toxic substances by generic family or other useful grouping, and the concentrations at which such toxicity is known to occur. He shall determine following a written request by any employer or authorized representative of employees, specifying with reasonable particularity the grounds on which the request is made, whether any substance normally found in the place of employment has potentially toxic effects in such concentrations as used or found; and shall submit such determination both to employers and affected employees as soon as possible. If the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines that any substance is potentially toxic at the concentrations in which it is used or found in a place of employment, and such substance is not covered by an occupational safety or health standard promulgated under section 655 of this title, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall immediately submit such determination to the Secretary, together with all pertinent criteria.

(7) Within two years of December 29, 1970, and annually thereafter the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall conduct and publish industrywide studies of the effect of chronic or low-level exposure to industrial materials, processes, and stresses on the potential for illness, disease, or loss of functional capacity in aging adults.

(b) Authority of Secretary of Health and Human Services to make inspections and question employers and employees

The Secretary of Health and Human Services is authorized to make inspections and question employers and employees as provided in section 657 of this title in order to carry out his functions and responsibilities under this section.

(c) Contracting authority of Secretary of Labor; cooperation between Secretary of Labor and Secretary of Health and Human Services

The Secretary is authorized to enter into contracts, agreements, or other arrangements with appropriate public agencies or private organizations for the purpose of conducting studies relating to his responsibilities under this chapter. In carrying out his responsibilities under this subsection, the Secretary shall cooperate with the Secretary of Health and Human Services in order to avoid any duplication of efforts under this section.

(d) Dissemination of information to interested parties

Information obtained by the Secretary and the Secretary of Health and Human Services under this section shall be disseminated by the Secretary to employers and employees and organizations thereof.

(e) Delegation of functions of Secretary of Health and Human Services to Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

The functions of the Secretary of Health and Human Services under this chapter shall, to the extent feasible, be delegated to the Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health established by section 671 of this title.

(Pub. L. 91–596, §20, Dec. 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 1610; Pub. L. 96–88, title V, §509(b), Oct. 17, 1979, 93 Stat. 695.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

"Secretary of Health and Human Services" substituted in text for "Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare" pursuant to section 509(b) of Pub. L. 96–88 which is classified to section 3508(b) of Title 20, Education.

§669a. Expanded research on worker health and safety

The Secretary of Health and Human Services (referred to in this section as the "Secretary"), acting through the Director of the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, shall enhance and expand research as deemed appropriate on the health and safety of workers who are at risk for bioterrorist threats or attacks in the workplace, including research on the health effects of measures taken to treat or protect such workers for diseases or disorders resulting from a bioterrorist threat or attack. Nothing in this section may be construed as establishing new regulatory authority for the Secretary or the Director to issue or modify any occupational safety and health rule or regulation.

(Pub. L. 107–188, title I, §153, June 12, 2002, 116 Stat. 631.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002, and not as part of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 which comprises this chapter.

§670. Training and employee education

(a) Authority of Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct education and informational programs; consultations

The Secretary of Health and Human Services, after consultation with the Secretary and with other appropriate Federal departments and agencies, shall conduct, directly or by grants or contracts (1) education programs to provide an adequate supply of qualified personnel to carry out the purposes of this chapter, and (2) informational programs on the importance of and proper use of adequate safety and health equipment.

(b) Authority of Secretary of Labor to conduct short-term training of personnel

The Secretary is also authorized to conduct, directly or by grants or contracts, short-term training of personnel engaged in work related to his responsibilities under this chapter.

(c) Authority of Secretary of Labor to establish and supervise education and training programs and consult and advise interested parties

The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, shall (1) provide for the establishment and supervision of programs for the education and training of employers and employees in the recognition, avoidance, and prevention of unsafe or unhealthful working conditions in employments covered by this chapter, and (2) consult with and advise employers and employees, and organizations representing employers and employees as to effective means of preventing occupational injuries and illnesses.

(d) Compliance assistance program

(1) The Secretary shall establish and support cooperative agreements with the States under which employers subject to this chapter may consult with State personnel with respect to—

(A) the application of occupational safety and health requirements under this chapter or under State plans approved under section 667 of this title; and

(B) voluntary efforts that employers may undertake to establish and maintain safe and healthful employment and places of employment.

Such agreements may provide, as a condition of receiving funds under such agreements, for contributions by States towards meeting the costs of such agreements.

(2) Pursuant to such agreements the State shall provide on-site consultation at the employer's worksite to employers who request such assistance. The State may also provide other education and training programs for employers and employees in the State. The State shall ensure that on-site consultations conducted pursuant to such agreements include provision for the participation by employees.

(3) Activities under this subsection shall be conducted independently of any enforcement activity. If an employer fails to take immediate action to eliminate employee exposure to an imminent danger identified in a consultation or fails to correct a serious hazard so identified within a reasonable time, a report shall be made to the appropriate enforcement authority for such action as is appropriate.

(4) The Secretary shall, by regulation after notice and opportunity for comment, establish rules under which an employer—

(A) which requests and undergoes an on-site consultative visit provided under this subsection;

(B) which corrects the hazards that have been identified during the visit within the time frames established by the State and agrees to request a subsequent consultative visit if major changes in working conditions or work processes occur which introduce new hazards in the workplace; and

(C) which is implementing procedures for regularly identifying and preventing hazards regulated under this chapter and maintains appropriate involvement of, and training for, management and non-management employees in achieving safe and healthful working conditions,

may be exempt from an inspection (except an inspection requested under section 657(f) of this title or an inspection to determine the cause of a workplace accident which resulted in the death of one or more employees or hospitalization for three or more employees) for a period of 1 year from the closing of the consultative visit.

(5) A State shall provide worksite consultations under paragraph (2) at the request of an employer. Priority in scheduling such consultations shall be assigned to requests from small businesses which are in higher hazard industries or have the most hazardous conditions at issue in the request.

(Pub. L. 91–596, §21, Dec. 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 1612; Pub. L. 96–88, title V, §509(b), Oct. 17, 1979, 93 Stat. 695; Pub. L. 105–197, §2, July 16, 1998, 112 Stat. 638.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1998—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 105–197 added subsec. (d).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

"Secretary of Health and Human Services" substituted for "Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare" in subsecs. (a) and (c) pursuant to section 509(b) of Pub. L. 96–88 which is classified to section 3508(b) of Title 20, Education.

Retention of Training Institute Course Tuition Fees by OSHA

Provisions stating that notwithstanding 31 U.S.C. 3302, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration could retain up to $750,000 per fiscal year of training institute course tuition fees, otherwise authorized by law to be collected, and could utilize such sums for occupational safety and health training and education grants, were contained in Department of Labor Appropriations Act, 2006, Pub. L. 109–149, title I, Dec. 30, 2005, 119 Stat. 2839, and were repeated in provisions of subsequent appropriations acts which are not set out in the Code. Similar provisions were also contained in the following prior appropriations acts:

Pub. L. 108–447, div. F, title I, Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 3118.

Pub. L. 108–199, div. E, title I, Jan. 23, 2004, 118 Stat. 232.

Pub. L. 108–7, div. G, title I, Feb. 20, 2003, 117 Stat. 303.

Pub. L. 107–116, title I, Jan. 10, 2002, 115 Stat. 2182.

Pub. L. 106–554, §1(a)(1) [title I], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A-8.

Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, §1000(a)(4) [title I], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1535, 1501A-222.

Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(f) [title I], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681-343.

Pub. L. 105–78, title I, Nov. 13, 1997, 111 Stat. 1474.

Pub. L. 104–208, div. A, title I, §101(e) [title I], Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–233, 3009-239.

Pub. L. 104–134, title I, §101(d) [title I], Apr. 26, 1996, 110 Stat. 1321–211, 1321-217; renumbered title I, Pub. L. 104–140, §1(a), May 2, 1996, 110 Stat. 1327.

Pub. L. 103–333, title I, Sept. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 2544.

§671. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

(a) Statement of purpose

It is the purpose of this section to establish a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health in the Department of Health and Human Services in order to carry out the policy set forth in section 651 of this title and to perform the functions of the Secretary of Health and Human Services under sections 669 and 670 of this title.

(b) Establishment; Director; appointment; term

There is hereby established in the Department of Health and Human Services a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. The Institute shall be headed by a Director who shall be appointed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and who shall serve for a term of six years unless previously removed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

(c) Development and establishment of standards; performance of functions of Secretary of Health and Human Services

The Institute is authorized to—

(1) develop and establish recommended occupational safety and health standards; and

(2) perform all functions of the Secretary of Health and Human Services under sections 669 and 670 of this title.

(d) Authority of Director

Upon his own initiative, or upon the request of the Secretary or the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Director is authorized (1) to conduct such research and experimental programs as he determines are necessary for the development of criteria for new and improved occupational safety and health standards, and (2) after consideration of the results of such research and experimental programs make recommendations concerning new or improved occupational safety and health standards. Any occupational safety and health standard recommended pursuant to this section shall immediately be forwarded to the Secretary of Labor, and to the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

(e) Additional authority of Director

In addition to any authority vested in the Institute by other provisions of this section, the Director, in carrying out the functions of the Institute, is authorized to—

(1) prescribe such regulations as he deems necessary governing the manner in which its functions shall be carried out;

(2) receive money and other property donated, bequeathed, or devised, without condition or restriction other than that it be used for the purposes of the Institute and to use, sell, or otherwise dispose of such property for the purpose of carrying out its functions;

(3) receive (and use, sell, or otherwise dispose of, in accordance with paragraph (2)), money and other property donated, bequeathed or devised to the Institute with a condition or restriction, including a condition that the Institute use other funds of the Institute for the purposes of the gift;

(4) in accordance with the civil service laws, appoint and fix the compensation of such personnel as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this section;

(5) obtain the services of experts and consultants in accordance with the provisions of section 3109 of title 5;

(6) accept and utilize the services of voluntary and noncompensated personnel and reimburse them for travel expenses, including per diem, as authorized by section 5703 of title 5;

(7) enter into contracts, grants or other arrangements, or modifications thereof to carry out the provisions of this section, and such contracts or modifications thereof may be entered into without performance or other bonds, and without regard to section 6101 of title 41 or any other provision of law relating to competitive bidding;

(8) make advance, progress, and other payments which the Director deems necessary under this title without regard to the provisions of section 3324(a) and (b) of title 31; and

(9) make other necessary expenditures.

(f) Annual reports

The Director shall submit to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to the President, and to the Congress an annual report of the operations of the Institute under this chapter, which shall include a detailed statement of all private and public funds received and expended by it, and such recommendations as he deems appropriate.

(g) Lead-based paint activities

(1) Training grant program

(A) The Institute, in conjunction with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, may make grants for the training and education of workers and supervisors who are or may be directly engaged in lead-based paint activities.

(B) Grants referred to in subparagraph (A) shall be awarded to nonprofit organizations (including colleges and universities, joint labor-management trust funds, States, and nonprofit government employee organizations)—

(i) which are engaged in the training and education of workers and supervisors who are or who may be directly engaged in lead-based paint activities (as defined in title IV of the Toxic Substances Control Act [15 U.S.C. 2681 et seq.]),

(ii) which have demonstrated experience in implementing and operating health and safety training and education programs, and

(iii) with a demonstrated ability to reach, and involve in lead-based paint training programs, target populations of individuals who are or will be engaged in lead-based paint activities.

Grants under this subsection shall be awarded only to those organizations that fund at least 30 percent of their lead-based paint activities training programs from non-Federal sources, excluding in-kind contributions. Grants may also be made to local governments to carry out such training and education for their employees.

(C) There are authorized to be appropriated, at a minimum, $10,000,000 to the Institute for each of the fiscal years 1994 through 1997 to make grants under this paragraph.

(2) Evaluation of programs

The Institute shall conduct periodic and comprehensive assessments of the efficacy of the worker and supervisor training programs developed and offered by those receiving grants under this section. The Director shall prepare reports on the results of these assessments addressed to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to include recommendations as may be appropriate for the revision of these programs. The sum of $500,000 is authorized to be appropriated to the Institute for each of the fiscal years 1994 through 1997 to carry out this paragraph.

(h) Office of Mine Safety and Health

(1) In general

There shall be permanently established within the Institute an Office of Mine Safety and Health which shall be administered by an Associate Director to be appointed by the Director.

(2) Purpose

The purpose of the Office is to enhance the development of new mine safety technology and technological applications and to expedite the commercial availability and implementation of such technology in mining environments.

(3) Functions

In addition to all purposes and authorities provided for under this section, the Office of Mine Safety and Health shall be responsible for research, development, and testing of new technologies and equipment designed to enhance mine safety and health. To carry out such functions the Director of the Institute, acting through the Office, shall have the authority to—

(A) award competitive grants to institutions and private entities to encourage the development and manufacture of mine safety equipment;

(B) award contracts to educational institutions or private laboratories for the performance of product testing or related work with respect to new mine technology and equipment; and

(C) establish an interagency working group as provided for in paragraph (5).

(4) Grant authority

To be eligible to receive a grant under the authority provided for under paragraph (3)(A), an entity or institution shall—

(A) submit to the Director of the Institute an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Director may require; and

(B) include in the application under subparagraph (A), a description of the mine safety equipment to be developed and manufactured under the grant and a description of the reasons that such equipment would otherwise not be developed or manufactured, including reasons relating to the limited potential commercial market for such equipment.

(5) Interagency working group

(A) Establishment

The Director of the Institute, in carrying out paragraph (3)(D) shall establish an interagency working group to share technology and technological research and developments that could be utilized to enhance mine safety and accident response.

(B) Membership

The working group under subparagraph (A) shall be chaired by the Associate Director of the Office who shall appoint the members of the working group, which may include representatives of other Federal agencies or departments as determined appropriate by the Associate Director.

(C) Duties

The working group under subparagraph (A) shall conduct an evaluation of research conducted by, and the technological developments of, agencies and departments who are represented on the working group that may have applicability to mine safety and accident response and make recommendations to the Director for the further development and eventual implementation of such technology.

(6) Annual report

Not later than 1 year after the establishment of the Office under this subsection, and annually thereafter, the Director of the Institute shall submit to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives a report that, with respect to the year involved, describes the new mine safety technologies and equipment that have been studied, tested, and certified for use, and with respect to those instances of technologies and equipment that have been considered but not yet certified for use, the reasons therefore.

(7) Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated, such sums as may be necessary to enable the Institute and the Office of Mine Safety and Health to carry out this subsection.

(Pub. L. 91–596, §22, Dec. 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 1612; Pub. L. 96–88, title V, §509(b), Oct. 17, 1979, 93 Stat. 695; Pub. L. 102–550, title X, §1033, Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 3924; Pub. L. 109–236, §6(a), June 15, 2006, 120 Stat. 498.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Toxic Substances Control Act, referred to in subsec. (g)(1)(B)(i), is Pub. L. 94–469, Oct. 11, 1976, 90 Stat. 2003. Title IV of the Act is classified generally to subchapter IV (§2681 et seq.) of chapter 53 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 2601 of Title 15 and Tables.

Codification

In subsec. (e)(7), "section 6101 of title 41" substituted for "section 3709 of the Revised Statutes, as amended (41 U.S.C. 5)," on authority of Pub. L. 111–350, §6(c), Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3854, which Act enacted Title 41, Public Contracts.

In subsec. (e)(8), "section 3324(a) and (b) of title 31" substituted for "section 3648 of the Revised Statutes, as amended (31 U.S.C. 529)" on authority of Pub. L. 97–258, §4(b), Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1067, the first section of which enacted Title 31, Money and Finance.

Amendments

2006—Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 109–236 added subsec. (h).

1992—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 102–550 added subsec. (g).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

"Secretary of Health and Human Services" substituted for "Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare" in subsecs. (a) to (d) and (f) pursuant to section 509(b) of Pub. L. 96–88 which is classified to section 3508(b) of Title 20, Education.

Termination of Reporting Requirements

For termination, effective May 15, 2000, of provisions in subsec. (f) of this section relating to submitting annual report to Congress, see section 3003 of Pub. L. 104–66, set out as a note under section 1113 of Title 31, Money and Finance, and page 97 of House Document No. 103–7.

§671a. Workers' family protection

(a) Short title

This section may be cited as the "Workers' Family Protection Act".

(b) Findings and purpose

(1) Findings

Congress finds that—

(A) hazardous chemicals and substances that can threaten the health and safety of workers are being transported out of industries on workers' clothing and persons;

(B) these chemicals and substances have the potential to pose an additional threat to the health and welfare of workers and their families;

(C) additional information is needed concerning issues related to employee transported contaminant releases; and

(D) additional regulations may be needed to prevent future releases of this type.

(2) Purpose

It is the purpose of this section to—

(A) increase understanding and awareness concerning the extent and possible health impacts of the problems and incidents described in paragraph (1);

(B) prevent or mitigate future incidents of home contamination that could adversely affect the health and safety of workers and their families;

(C) clarify regulatory authority for preventing and responding to such incidents; and

(D) assist workers in redressing and responding to such incidents when they occur.

(c) Evaluation of employee transported contaminant releases

(1) Study

(A) In general

Not later than 18 months after October 26, 1992, the Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (hereafter in this section referred to as the "Director"), in cooperation with the Secretary of Labor, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Administrator of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, and the heads of other Federal Government agencies as determined to be appropriate by the Director, shall conduct a study to evaluate the potential for, the prevalence of, and the issues related to the contamination of workers' homes with hazardous chemicals and substances, including infectious agents, transported from the workplaces of such workers.

(B) Matters to be evaluated

In conducting the study and evaluation under subparagraph (A), the Director shall—

(i) conduct a review of past incidents of home contamination through the utilization of literature and of records concerning past investigations and enforcement actions undertaken by—

(I) the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health;

(II) the Secretary of Labor to enforce the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 651 et seq.);

(III) States to enforce occupational safety and health standards in accordance with section 18 of such Act (29 U.S.C. 667); and

(IV) other government agencies (including the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency), as the Director may determine to be appropriate;

(ii) evaluate current statutory, regulatory, and voluntary industrial hygiene or other measures used by small, medium and large employers to prevent or remediate home contamination;

(iii) compile a summary of the existing research and case histories conducted on incidents of employee transported contaminant releases, including—

(I) the effectiveness of workplace housekeeping practices and personal protective equipment in preventing such incidents;

(II) the health effects, if any, of the resulting exposure on workers and their families;

(III) the effectiveness of normal house cleaning and laundry procedures for removing hazardous materials and agents from workers' homes and personal clothing;

(IV) indoor air quality, as the research concerning such pertains to the fate of chemicals transported from a workplace into the home environment; and

(V) methods for differentiating exposure health effects and relative risks associated with specific agents from other sources of exposure inside and outside the home;

(iv) identify the role of Federal and State agencies in responding to incidents of home contamination;

(v) prepare and submit to the Task Force established under paragraph (2) and to the appropriate committees of Congress, a report concerning the results of the matters studied or evaluated under clauses (i) through (iv); and

(vi) study home contamination incidents and issues and worker and family protection policies and practices related to the special circumstances of firefighters and prepare and submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report concerning the findings with respect to such study.

(2) Development of investigative strategy

(A) Task Force

Not later than 12 months after October 26, 1992, the Director shall establish a working group, to be known as the "Workers' Family Protection Task Force". The Task Force shall—

(i) be composed of not more than 15 individuals to be appointed by the Director from among individuals who are representative of workers, industry, scientists, industrial hygienists, the National Research Council, and government agencies, except that not more than one such individual shall be from each appropriate government agency and the number of individuals appointed to represent industry and workers shall be equal in number;

(ii) review the report submitted under paragraph (1)(B)(v);

(iii) determine, with respect to such report, the additional data needs, if any, and the need for additional evaluation of the scientific issues related to and the feasibility of developing such additional data; and

(iv) if additional data are determined by the Task Force to be needed, develop a recommended investigative strategy for use in obtaining such information.

(B) Investigative strategy

(i) Content

The investigative strategy developed under subparagraph (A)(iv) shall identify data gaps that can and cannot be filled, assumptions and uncertainties associated with various components of such strategy, a timetable for the implementation of such strategy, and methodologies used to gather any required data.

(ii) Peer review

The Director shall publish the proposed investigative strategy under subparagraph (A)(iv) for public comment and utilize other methods, including technical conferences or seminars, for the purpose of obtaining comments concerning the proposed strategy.

(iii) Final strategy

After the peer review and public comment is conducted under clause (ii), the Director, in consultation with the heads of other government agencies, shall propose a final strategy for investigating issues related to home contamination that shall be implemented by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and other Federal agencies for the period of time necessary to enable such agencies to obtain the information identified under subparagraph (A)(iii).

(C) Construction

Nothing in this section shall be construed as precluding any government agency from investigating issues related to home contamination using existing procedures until such time as a final strategy is developed or from taking actions in addition to those proposed in the strategy after its completion.

(3) Implementation of investigative strategy

Upon completion of the investigative strategy under subparagraph (B)(iii), each Federal agency or department shall fulfill the role assigned to it by the strategy.

(d) Regulations

(1) In general

Not later than 4 years after October 26, 1992, and periodically thereafter, the Secretary of Labor, based on the information developed under subsection (c) and on other information available to the Secretary, shall—

(A) determine if additional education about, emphasis on, or enforcement of existing regulations or standards is needed and will be sufficient, or if additional regulations or standards are needed with regard to employee transported releases of hazardous materials; and

(B) prepare and submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report concerning the result of such determination.

(2) Additional regulations or standards

If the Secretary of Labor determines that additional regulations or standards are needed under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall promulgate, pursuant to the Secretary's authority under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 651 et seq.), such regulations or standards as determined to be appropriate not later than 3 years after such determination.

(e) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated from sums otherwise authorized to be appropriated, for each fiscal year such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.

(Pub. L. 102–522, title II, §209, Oct. 26, 1992, 106 Stat. 3420.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, referred to in subsecs. (c)(1)(B)(i)(II) and (d)(2), is Pub. L. 91–596, Dec. 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 1590, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 651 of this title and Tables.

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Fire Administration Authorization Act of 1992, and not as part of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 which comprises this chapter.

§672. Grants to States

(a) Designation of State agency to assist State in identifying State needs and responsibilities and in developing State plans

The Secretary is authorized, during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1971, and the two succeeding fiscal years, to make grants to the States which have designated a State agency under section 667 of this title to assist them—

(1) in identifying their needs and responsibilities in the area of occupational safety and health,

(2) in developing State plans under section 667 of this title, or

(3) in developing plans for—

(A) establishing systems for the collection of information concerning the nature and frequency of occupational injuries and diseases;

(B) increasing the expertise and enforcement capabilities of their personnel engaged in occupational safety and health programs; or

(C) otherwise improving the administration and enforcement of State occupational safety and health laws, including standards thereunder, consistent with the objectives of this chapter.

(b) Experimental and demonstration projects

The Secretary is authorized, during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1971, and the two succeeding fiscal years, to make grants to the States for experimental and demonstration projects consistent with the objectives set forth in subsection (a) of this section.

(c) Designation by Governor of appropriate State agency for receipt of grant

The Governor of the State shall designate the appropriate State agency for receipt of any grant made by the Secretary under this section.

(d) Submission of application

Any State agency designated by the Governor of the State desiring a grant under this section shall submit an application therefor to the Secretary.

(e) Approval or rejection of application

The Secretary shall review the application, and shall, after consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, approve or reject such application.

(f) Federal share

The Federal share for each State grant under subsection (a) or (b) of this section may not exceed 90 per centum of the total cost of the application. In the event the Federal share for all States under either such subsection is not the same, the differences among the States shall be established on the basis of objective criteria.

(g) Administration and enforcement of programs contained in approved State plans; Federal share

The Secretary is authorized to make grants to the States to assist them in administering and enforcing programs for occupational safety and health contained in State plans approved by the Secretary pursuant to section 667 of this title. The Federal share for each State grant under this subsection may not exceed 50 per centum of the total cost to the State of such a program. The last sentence of subsection (f) shall be applicable in determining the Federal share under this subsection.

(h) Report to President and Congress

Prior to June 30, 1973, the Secretary shall, after consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, transmit a report to the President and to the Congress, describing the experience under the grant programs authorized by this section and making any recommendations he may deem appropriate.

(Pub. L. 91–596, §23, Dec. 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 1613; Pub. L. 96–88, title V, §509(b), Oct. 17, 1979, 93 Stat. 695.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

"Secretary of Health and Human Services" substituted for "Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare" in subsec. (c), pursuant to section 509(b) of Pub. L. 96–88 which is classified to section 3508(b) of Title 20, Education.

§673. Statistics

(a) Development and maintenance of program of collection, compilation, and analysis; employments subject to coverage; scope

In order to further the purposes of this chapter, the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, shall develop and maintain an effective program of collection, compilation, and analysis of occupational safety and health statistics. Such program may cover all employments whether or not subject to any other provisions of this chapter but shall not cover employments excluded by section 653 of this title. The Secretary shall compile accurate statistics on work injuries and illnesses which shall include all disabling, serious, or significant injuries and illnesses, whether or not involving loss of time from work, other than minor injuries requiring only first aid treatment and which do not involve medical treatment, loss of consciousness, restriction of work or motion, or transfer to another job.

(b) Authority of Secretary to promote, encourage, or engage in programs, make grants, and grant or contract for research and investigations

To carry out his duties under subsection (a) of this section, the Secretary may—

(1) promote, encourage, or directly engage in programs of studies, information and communication concerning occupational safety and health statistics;

(2) make grants to States or political subdivisions thereof in order to assist them in developing and administering programs dealing with occupational safety and health statistics; and

(3) arrange, through grants or contracts, for the conduct of such research and investigations as give promise of furthering the objectives of this section.

(c) Federal share for grants

The Federal share for each grant under subsection (b) of this section may be up to 50 per centum of the State's total cost.

(d) Utilization by Secretary of State or local services, facilities, and employees; consent; reimbursement

The Secretary may, with the consent of any State or political subdivision thereof, accept and use the services, facilities, and employees of the agencies of such State or political subdivision, with or without reimbursement, in order to assist him in carrying out his functions under this section.

(e) Reports by employers

On the basis of the records made and kept pursuant to section 657(c) of this title, employers shall file such reports with the Secretary as he shall prescribe by regulation, as necessary to carry out his functions under this chapter.

(f) Supersedure of agreements between Department of Labor and States for collection of statistics

Agreements between the Department of Labor and States pertaining to the collection of occupational safety and health statistics already in effect on the effective date of this chapter shall remain in effect until superseded by grants or contracts made under this chapter.

(Pub. L. 91–596, §24, Dec. 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 1614; Pub. L. 96–88, title V, §509(b), Oct. 17, 1979, 93 Stat. 695.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The effective date of this chapter, referred to in subsec. (f), means the effective date of Pub. L. 91–596, Dec. 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 1590, which is 120 days after Dec. 29, 1970, see section 34 of Pub. L. 91–596, set out as an Effective Date note under section 651 of this title.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

"Secretary of Health and Human Services" substituted for "Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare" in subsec. (a) pursuant to section 509(b) of Pub. L. 96–88 which is classified to section 3508(b) of Title 20, Education.

§674. Audit of grant recipient; maintenance of records; contents of records; access to books, etc.

(a) Each recipient of a grant under this chapter shall keep such records as the Secretary or the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall prescribe, including records which fully disclose the amount and disposition by such recipient of the proceeds of such grant, the total cost of the project or undertaking in connection with which such grant is made or used, and the amount of that portion of the cost of the project or undertaking supplied by other sources, and such other records as will facilitate an effective audit.

(b) The Secretary or the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and the Comptroller General of the United States, or any of their duly authorized representatives, shall have access for the purpose of audit and examination to any books, documents, papers, and records of the recipients of any grant under this chapter that are pertinent to any such grant.

(Pub. L. 91–596, §25, Dec. 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 1615; Pub. L. 96–88, title V, §509(b), Oct. 17, 1979, 93 Stat. 695.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

"Secretary of Health and Human Services" substituted in text for "Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare" pursuant to section 509(b) of Pub. L. 96–88 which is classified to section 3508(b) of Title 20, Education.

§675. Annual reports by Secretary of Labor and Secretary of Health and Human Services; contents

Within one hundred and twenty days following the convening of each regular session of each Congress, the Secretary and the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall each prepare and submit to the President for transmittal to the Congress a report upon the subject matter of this chapter, the progress toward achievement of the purpose of this chapter, the needs and requirements in the field of occupational safety and health, and any other relevant information. Such reports shall include information regarding occupational safety and health standards, and criteria for such standards, developed during the preceding year; evaluation of standards and criteria previously developed under this chapter, defining areas of emphasis for new criteria and standards; an evaluation of the degree of observance of applicable occupational safety and health standards, and a summary of inspection and enforcement activity undertaken; analysis and evaluation of research activities for which results have been obtained under governmental and nongovernmental sponsorship; an analysis of major occupational diseases; evaluation of available control and measurement technology for hazards for which standards or criteria have been developed during the preceding year; description of cooperative efforts undertaken between Government agencies and other interested parties in the implementation of this chapter during the preceding year; a progress report on the development of an adequate supply of trained manpower in the field of occupational safety and health, including estimates of future needs and the efforts being made by Government and others to meet those needs; listing of all toxic substances in industrial usage for which labeling requirements, criteria, or standards have not yet been established; and such recommendations for additional legislation as are deemed necessary to protect the safety and health of the worker and improve the administration of this chapter.

(Pub. L. 91–596, §26, Dec. 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 1615; Pub. L. 96–88, title V, §509(b), Oct. 17, 1979, 93 Stat. 695.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

"Secretary of Health and Human Services" substituted in text for "Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare" in text pursuant to section 509(b) of Pub. L. 96–88 which is classified to section 3508(b) of Title 20, Education.

Termination of Reporting Requirements

For termination, effective May 15, 2000, of provisions in this section relating to the transmittal to Congress of reports prepared by the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, see section 3003 of Pub. L. 104–66, as amended, set out as a note under section 1113 of Title 31, Money and Finance, and pages 98 and 124 of House Document No. 103–7.

Study of Occupationally Related Pulmonary and Respiratory Diseases; Study To Be Completed and Report Submitted by September 1, 1979

Pub. L. 95–239, §17, Mar. 1, 1978, 92 Stat. 105, authorized Secretary of Labor, in cooperation with Director of National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, to conduct a study of occupationally related pulmonary and respiratory diseases and to complete such study and report findings to President and Congress not later than 18 months after Mar. 1, 1978.

§676. Omitted

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section, Pub. L. 91–596, §27, Dec. 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 1616, provided for establishment of a National Commission on State Workmen's Compensation Laws to make an effective study and evaluation of State workmen's compensation laws to determine whether such laws provide an adequate, prompt, and equitable system of compensation for injury or death, with a final report to be transmitted to President and Congress not later than July 31, 1972, ninety days after which the Commission ceased to exist.

§677. Separability

If any provision of this chapter, or the application of such provision to any person or circumstance, shall be held invalid, the remainder of this chapter, or the application of such provision to persons or circumstances other than those as to which it is held invalid, shall not be affected thereby.

(Pub. L. 91–596, §32, Dec. 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 1619.)

§678. Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this chapter for each fiscal year such sums as the Congress shall deem necessary.

(Pub. L. 91–596, §33, Dec. 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 1620.)

 

CHAPTER 16—VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION AND OTHER REHABILITATION SERVICES

GENERAL PROVISIONS

        

SUBCHAPTER I—VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SERVICES

Part A—General Provisions

        

Part B—Basic Vocational Rehabilitation Services

        

Part C—American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services

        

Part D—Vocational Rehabilitation Services Client Information

        

SUBCHAPTER II—RESEARCH AND TRAINING

        

SUBCHAPTER III—PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND SPECIAL PROJECTS AND DEMONSTRATIONS

        

SUBCHAPTER IV—NATIONAL COUNCIL ON DISABILITY

        

SUBCHAPTER V—RIGHTS AND ADVOCACY

        

SUBCHAPTER VI—EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

        

SUBCHAPTER VII—INDEPENDENT LIVING SERVICES AND CENTERS FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING

Part A—Individuals With Significant Disabilities

subpart 1—general provisions

        

subpart 2—independent living services

        

subpart 3—centers for independent living

        

Part B—Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who Are Blind

        

SUBCHAPTER VIII—SPECIAL DEMONSTRATIONS AND TRAINING PROJECTS

        

GENERAL PROVISIONS

§701. Findings; purpose; policy

(a) Findings

Congress finds that—

(1) millions of Americans have one or more physical or mental disabilities and the number of Americans with such disabilities is increasing;

(2) individuals with disabilities constitute one of the most disadvantaged groups in society;

(3) disability is a natural part of the human experience and in no way diminishes the right of individuals to—

(A) live independently;

(B) enjoy self-determination;

(C) make choices;

(D) contribute to society;

(E) pursue meaningful careers; and

(F) enjoy full inclusion and integration in the economic, political, social, cultural, and educational mainstream of American society;

(4) increased employment of individuals with disabilities can be achieved through implementation of statewide workforce development systems defined in section 3102 of this title that provide meaningful and effective participation for individuals with disabilities in workforce investment activities and activities carried out under the vocational rehabilitation program established under subchapter I, and through the provision of independent living services, support services, and meaningful opportunities for employment in integrated work settings through the provision of reasonable accommodations;

(5) individuals with disabilities continually encounter various forms of discrimination in such critical areas as employment, housing, public accommodations, education, transportation, communication, recreation, institutionalization, health services, voting, and public services;

(6) the goals of the Nation properly include the goal of providing individuals with disabilities with the tools necessary to—

(A) make informed choices and decisions; and

(B) achieve equality of opportunity, full inclusion and integration in society, employment, independent living, and economic and social self-sufficiency, for such individuals; and

(7)(A) a high proportion of students with disabilities is leaving secondary education without being employed in competitive integrated employment, or being enrolled in postsecondary education; and

(B) there is a substantial need to support such students as they transition from school to postsecondary life.

(b) Purpose

The purposes of this chapter are—

(1) to empower individuals with disabilities to maximize employment, economic self-sufficiency, independence, and inclusion and integration into society, through—

(A) statewide workforce development systems defined in section 3102 of this title that include, as integral components, comprehensive and coordinated state-of-the-art programs of vocational rehabilitation;

(B) independent living centers and services;

(C) research;

(D) training;

(E) demonstration projects; and

(F) the guarantee of equal opportunity;

(2) to maximize opportunities for individuals with disabilities, including individuals with significant disabilities, for competitive integrated employment;

(3) to ensure that the Federal Government plays a leadership role in promoting the employment of individuals with disabilities, especially individuals with significant disabilities, and in assisting States and providers of services in fulfilling the aspirations of such individuals with disabilities for meaningful and gainful employment and independent living;

(4) to increase employment opportunities and employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities, including through encouraging meaningful input by employers and vocational rehabilitation service providers on successful and prospective employment and placement strategies; and

(5) to ensure, to the greatest extent possible, that youth with disabilities and students with disabilities who are transitioning from receipt of special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.) and receipt of services under section 794 of this title have opportunities for postsecondary success.

(c) Policy

It is the policy of the United States that all programs, projects, and activities receiving assistance under this chapter shall be carried out in a manner consistent with the principles of—

(1) respect for individual dignity, personal responsibility, self-determination, and pursuit of meaningful careers, based on informed choice, of individuals with disabilities;

(2) respect for the privacy, rights, and equal access (including the use of accessible formats), of the individuals;

(3) inclusion, integration, and full participation of the individuals;

(4) support for the involvement of an individual's representative if an individual with a disability requests, desires, or needs such support; and

(5) support for individual and systemic advocacy and community involvement.

(Pub. L. 93–112, §2, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §403, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1095; amended Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(b)(2)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681-413; Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §402, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1631.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(5), is title VI of Pub. L. 91–230, Apr. 13, 1970, 84 Stat. 175, which is classified generally to chapter 33 (§1400 et seq.) of Title 20, Education. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1400 of Title 20 and Tables.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 701, Pub. L. 93–112, §2, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 357; Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §122(a)(1), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2984; Pub. L. 99–506, title I, §101, Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1808; Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §101, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4346, related to findings, purpose, and policy, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §403, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1093.

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 113–128, §402(a)(1), substituted "workforce development systems defined in section 3102 of this title" for "workforce investment systems under title I of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998".

Subsec. (a)(7). Pub. L. 113–128, §402(a)(2)–(4), added par. (7).

Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 113–128, §402(b)(1)(A), substituted "workforce development systems defined in section 3102 of this title" for "workforce investment systems implemented in accordance with title I of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998".

Subsec. (b)(2) to (5). Pub. L. 113–128, §402(b)(1)(B), (2)–(5), added par. (2), redesignated former par. (2) as (3), and added pars. (4) and (5).

1998—Pub. L. 105–277 made technical amendment in original to section designation and catchline.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Short Title of 2010 Amendment

Pub. L. 111–213, §1, July 29, 2010, 124 Stat. 2343, provided that: "This Act [enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 796f–1 and 796f–2 of this title] may be cited as the 'Independent Living Centers Technical Adjustment Act'."

Short Title of 1998 Amendment

Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §401, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1092, provided that title IV of Pub. L. 105–220 could be cited as the "Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998", prior to repeal by Pub. L. 113–128, title V, §511(a), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1705.

Short Title of 1993 Amendment

Pub. L. 103–73, §1, Aug. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 718, provided that: "This Act [enacting sections 753 and 753a of this title, amending sections 706, 718 to 718b, 721 to 723, 725, 730 to 732, 744, 761a, 762, 771a, 777, 777a, 777f, 783, 791, 792, 794e, 795l, 796, 796c, 796d to 796e–2, 796f to 796f–4, and 796k of this title, sections 1431, 4301 to 4305, 4331, 4332, 4351, 4353 to 4357, 4359, 4359a, and 4360 of Title 20, Education, and section 46 of Title 41, Public Contracts, enacting provisions set out as notes under section 725 of this title and section 4301 of Title 20, and amending provisions set out as a note under this section] may be cited as the 'Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1993'."

Short Title of 1992 Amendment

Pub. L. 102–569, §1(a), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4344, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1992'."

Short Title of 1991 Amendment

Pub. L. 102–52, §1, June 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 260, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 720, 732, 741, 761, 771, 772, 774, 775, 777, 777a, 777f, 785, 792, 795f, 795i, 795q, 796i, and 1904 of this title and section 1475 of Title 20, Education] may be cited as the 'Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1991'."

Short Title of 1986 Amendment

Pub. L. 99–506, §1(a), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1807, provided that: "This Act [enacting sections 716, 717, 752, 794d, 795j to 795q, and 796d–1 of this title and section 2000d–7 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, amending this section and sections 702, 705, 706, 711 to 715, 720 to 724, 730 to 732, 740, 741, 750, 751, 760 to 761b, 762, 762a, 770 to 777b, 777f, 780, 781, 783, 785, 791 to 794, 794c, 795, 795d to 795i, 796a, 796b, 796d to 796i, and 1904 of this title, and section 155a of former Title 36, Patriotic Societies and Observances, repealing section 751 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 706, 730, 761a, and 795m of this title and section 1414 of Title 20, Education] may be cited as the 'Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1986'."

Short Title of 1984 Amendment

Pub. L. 98–221, §1, Feb. 22, 1984, 98 Stat. 17, provided: "That this Act [enacting sections 780a and 1901 to 1906 of this title, amending sections 706, 712 to 714, 720 to 722, 730, 732, 741, 761 to 762a, 771, 772, 774, 775, 777, 777a, 777f, 780, 781, 783, 791, 792, 794c, 795a, 795c, 795f, 795g, 795i, 796e, and 796i of this title and sections 6001, 6012, 6033, 6061, and 6081 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, repealing section 777c of this title, enacting provisions set out as a note under section 1901 of this title and amending provisions set out as a note under section 713 of this title] may be cited as the 'Rehabilitation Amendments of 1984'."

Short Title of 1978 Amendment

Pub. L. 95–602, §1, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2955, provided that: "This Act [enacting sections 710 to 715, 751, 761a, 761b, 762a, 775, 777 to 777f, 780 to 785, 794a to 794c, 795 to 795i, and 796 to 796i of this title and section 6000 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, amending this section, sections 702, 706, 709, 720 to 724, 730 to 732, 740, 741, 750, 760 to 762, 770 to 774, 776, and 792 to 794 of this title, section 1904 [now 3904] of Title 38, Veterans' Benefits, and sections 6001, 6008 to 6012, 6031 to 6033, 6061 to 6065, 6067, 6081, and 6862 of Title 42, repealing sections 764, 786, and 787 of this title and section 6007 of Title 42, omitting sections 6041 to 6043 of Title 42, enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 713 and 795 of this title and sections 6000 and 6001 of Title 42, and repealing a provision set out as a note under section 6001 of Title 42] may be cited as the 'Rehabilitation, Comprehensive Services, and Developmental Disabilities Amendments of 1978'."

Short Title of 1976 Amendment

Pub. L. 94–230, §1, Mar. 15, 1976, 90 Stat. 211, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 720, 732, 741, 761, 771, 772, 774, 775, 783, 785, and 792 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 720 of this title] may be cited as the 'Rehabilitation Act Extension of 1976'."

Short Title of 1974 Amendment

Pub. L. 93–516, title I, §100, Dec. 7, 1974, 88 Stat. 1617, provided that: "This title [amending sections 702, 706, 720 to 722, 732, 741, 750, 761, 762, 771, 772, 774 to 776, 783, 785, and 792 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 702 of this title] shall be known as the 'Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1974'."

An identical provision is contained in Pub. L. 93–651, title I, §100, Nov. 21, 1974, 89 Stat. 2–3.

Short Title

Pub. L. 93–112, §1(a), as added by Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §403, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1093, and amended by Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(b)(1)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681-412, provided that: "This Act [enacting this chapter] may be cited as the 'Rehabilitation Act of 1973'."

Pub. L. 93–112, title VI, §601, as added by Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §409, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1210, provided that: "This title [enacting subchapter VI of this chapter] may be cited as the 'Employment Opportunities for Individuals With Disabilities Act'."

Pub. L. 93–112, §1, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 355, provided in part that Pub. L. 93–112, which enacted this chapter and repealed sections 31 to 41c and 42–1 to 42b of this title, could be cited as the "Rehabilitation Act of 1973", prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §403, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1093.

Pub. L. 93–112, title VI, §601, as added by Pub. L. 95–602, title II, §201, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2989, and amended by Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §102(p)(34), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4360, provided that title VI of Pub. L. 93–112, enacting former subchapter VI of this chapter, could be cited as the "Employment Opportunities for Handicapped Individuals Act", prior to the general amendment of title VI of Pub. L. 93–112 by Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §409, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1210.

Executive Documents

Ex. Ord. No. 11758. Delegation of Authority of the President

Ex. Ord. No. 11758, Jan. 15, 1974, 39 F.R. 2075, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 11784, May 30, 1974, 39 F.R. 19443; Ex. Ord. No. 11867, June 19, 1975, 40 F.R. 26253; Ex. Ord. No. 12608, Sept. 9, 1987, 52 F.R. 34617, provided:

By virtue of the authority vested in me by section 301 of title 3 of the United States Code and as President of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. The Director of the Office of Management and Budget is hereby designated and empowered to exercise, without approval, ratification, or other action of the President, the authority of the President under section 500(a) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (87 Stat. 390, 29 U.S.C. 790) with respect to the transfer of unexpended appropriations.

Sec. 2. The Secretary of Labor is hereby designated and empowered to exercise, without approval, ratification, or other action of the President, the authority of the President (1) under section 503(a) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 [29 U.S.C. 793(a)] to prescribe regulations, after consultation with the Secretary of Defense and the Administrator of General Services, with respect to the employment of qualified handicapped individuals under Federal procurement contracts, and (2) under section 503(c) of that act [29 U.S.C. 793(c)] with respect to prescribing, by regulation, guidelines for waiving the requirements of section 503 of the act [29 U.S.C. 793]. Changes in any regulations prescribed by the Secretary pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be made only after consultation with the Secretary of Defense and the Administrator of General Services.

Sec. 3. The head of a Federal agency may, in conformity with the provisions of section 503(c) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 [29 U.S.C. 793(c)], and regulations issued by the Secretary of Labor pursuant to section 2 of this order, exempt any contract and, following consultation with the Secretary of Labor, any class of contracts, from the requirements of section 503 of the act [29 U.S.C. 793].

Sec. 4. The Federal Acquisition Regulations and, to the extent necessary, any supplemental or comparable regulation issued by any agency of the executive branch shall, following consultation with the Secretary of Labor, be amended to require, as a condition of entering into, renewing or extending any contract subject to the provisions of section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 [29 U.S.C. 793], inclusion of a provision requiring compliance with that section and regulations issued by the Secretary pursuant to section 2 of this order.

Ex. Ord. No. 13078. Increasing Employment of Adults With Disabilities

Ex. Ord. No. 13078, Mar. 13, 1998, 63 F.R. 13111, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 13172, Oct. 25, 2000, 65 F.R. 64577; Ex. Ord. No. 13187, §4(b), Jan. 10, 2001, 66 F.R. 3858, provided:

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and in order to increase the employment of adults with disabilities to a rate that is as close as possible to the employment rate of the general adult population and to support the goals articulated in the findings and purpose section of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 [42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.], it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Establishment of National Task Force on Employment of Adults with Disabilities.

(a) There is established the "National Task Force on Employment of Adults with Disabilities" ("Task Force"). The Task Force shall comprise the Secretary of Labor, Secretary of Education, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Secretary of Health and Human Services, Commissioner of Social Security, Secretary of the Treasury, Secretary of Commerce, Secretary of Transportation, Director of the Office of Personnel Management, Administrator of the Small Business Administration, the Chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Chairperson of the National Council on Disability, the Chairperson of the President's Disability Employment Partnership Board., [sic] and such other senior executive branch officials as may be determined by the Chair of the Task Force.

(b) The Secretary of Labor shall be the Chair of the Task Force; the Chairperson of the President's Disability Employment Partnership Board. [sic] shall be the Vice Chair of the Task Force.

(c) The purpose of the Task Force is to create a coordinated and aggressive national policy to bring adults with disabilities into gainful employment at a rate that is as close as possible to that of the general adult population. The Task Force shall develop and recommend to the President, through the Chair of the Task Force, a coordinated Federal policy to reduce employment barriers for persons with disabilities. Policy recommendations may cover such areas as discrimination, reasonable accommodations, inadequate access to health care, lack of consumer-driven, long-term supports and services, transportation, accessible and integrated housing, telecommunications, assistive technology, community services, child care, education, vocational rehabilitation, training services, job retention, on-the-job supports, and economic incentives to work. Specifically, the Task Force shall:

(1) analyze the existing programs and policies of Task Force member agencies to determine what changes, modifications, and innovations may be necessary to remove barriers to work faced by people with disabilities;

(2) develop and recommend options to address health insurance coverage as a barrier to employment for people with disabilities;

(3) subject to the availability of appropriations, analyze State and private disability systems (e.g., workers' compensation, unemployment insurance, private insurance, and State mental health and mental retardation systems) and their effect on Federal programs and employment of adults with disabilities;

(4) consider statistical and data analysis, cost data, research, and policy studies on public subsidies, employment, employment discrimination, and rates of return-to-work for individuals with disabilities;

(5) evaluate and, where appropriate, coordinate and collaborate on, research and demonstration priorities of Task Force member agencies related to employment of adults with disabilities;

(6) evaluate whether Federal studies related to employment and training can, and should, include a statistically significant sample of adults with disabilities;

(7) subject to the availability of appropriations, analyze youth programs related to employment (e.g., Employment and Training Administration programs, special education, vocational rehabilitation, school-to-work transition, vocational education, and Social Security Administration work incentives and other programs, as may be determined by the Chair and Vice Chair of the Task Force) and the outcomes of those programs for young people with disabilities;

(8) evaluate whether a single governmental entity or program should be established to provide computer and electronic accommodations for Federal employees with disabilities;

(9) consult with the President's Committee on Mental Retardation on policies to increase the employment of people with mental retardation and cognitive disabilities; and

(10) recommend to the President any additional steps that can be taken to advance the employment of adults with disabilities, including legislative proposals, regulatory changes, and program and budget initiatives.

(d)(1) The members of the Task Force shall make the activities and initiatives set forth in this order a high priority within their respective agencies within the levels provided in the President's budget.

(2) The Task Force shall issue its first report to the President by November 15, 1998. The Task Force shall issue a report to the President on November 15, 1999, November 15, 2000, and a final report on July 26, 2002, the 10th anniversary of the initial implementation of the employment provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 [42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.]. The reports shall describe the actions taken by, and progress of, each member of the Task Force in carrying out this order. The Task Force shall terminate 30 days after submitting its final report.

(e) As used herein, an adult with a disability is a person with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits at least one major life activity.

Sec. 2. Specific activities by Task Force members and other agencies.

(a) To ensure that the Federal Government is a model employer of adults with disabilities, by November 15, 1998, the Office of Personnel Management, the Department of Labor, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission shall submit to the Task Force a review of Federal Government personnel laws, regulations, and policies and, as appropriate, shall recommend or implement changes necessary to improve Federal employment policy for adults with disabilities. This review shall include personnel practices and actions such as: hiring, promotion, benefits, retirement, workers' compensation, retention, accessible facilities, job accommodations, layoffs, and reductions in force.

(b) The Departments of Justice, Labor, Education, and Health and Human Services shall report to the Task Force by November 15, 1998, on their work with the States and others to ensure that the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act [probably means the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, Pub. L. 104–193, see Tables for classification] is carried out in accordance with section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 [29 U.S.C. 794], as amended, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 [42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.], so that individuals with disabilities and their families can realize the full promise of welfare reform by having an equal opportunity for employment.

(c) The Departments of Education, Labor, Commerce, and Health and Human Services, the Small Business Administration, and the President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities shall work together and report to the Task Force by November 15, 1998, on their work to develop small business and entrepreneurial opportunities for adults with disabilities and strategies for assisting low-income adults, including those with disabilities[,] to create small businesses and micro-enterprises. These same agencies, in consultation with the Committee for Purchase from People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled, shall assess the impact of the Randolph-Sheppard Act [20 U.S.C. 107 et seq.] vending program and the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act [now 41 U.S.C. 8501 et seq.] on employment and small business opportunities for people with disabilities.

(d) The Departments of Transportation and Housing and Urban Development shall report to the Task Force by November 15, 1998, on their examination of their programs to see if they can be used to create new work incentives and to remove barriers to work for adults with disabilities.

(e) The Departments of Justice, Education, and Labor, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the Social Security Administration shall work together and report to the Task Force by November 15, 1998, on their work to propose remedies to the prevention of people with disabilities from successfully exercising their employment rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 [42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.] because of the receipt of monetary benefits based on their disability and lack of gainful employment.

(f) The Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor and the Census Bureau of the Department of Commerce, in cooperation with the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services, the National Council on Disability, and the President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities shall design and implement a statistically reliable and accurate method to measure the employment rate of adults with disabilities as soon as possible, but no later than the date of termination of the Task Force. Data derived from this methodology shall be published on as frequent a basis as possible.

(g) All executive agencies that are not members of the Task Force shall: (1) coordinate and cooperate with the Task Force; and (2) review their programs and policies to ensure that they are being conducted and delivered in a manner that facilitates and promotes the employment of adults with disabilities. Each agency shall file a report with the Task Force on the results of its review on November 15, 1998.

(h) To improve employment outcomes for persons with disabilities by addressing, among other things, the education, transition, employment, health and rehabilitation, and independent living issues affecting young people with disabilities, executive departments and agencies shall coordinate and cooperate with the Task Force to: (1) strengthen interagency research, demonstration, and training activities relating to young people with disabilities; (2) create a public awareness campaign focused on access to equal opportunity for young people with disabilities; (3) promote the views of young people with disabilities through collaboration with the Youth Councils authorized under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 [Pub. L. 105–220, repealed by Pub. L. 113–128, title V, §§506, 511(a), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1703, 1705, effective July 1, 2015]; (4) increase access to and utilization of health insurance and health care for young people with disabilities through the formalization of the Federal Healthy and Ready to Work Interagency Council; (5) increase participation by young people with disabilities in postsecondary education and training programs; and (6) create a nationally representative Youth Advisory Council, to be funded and chaired by the Department of Labor, to advise the Task Force in conducting these and other appropriate activities.

Sec. 3. Cooperation. All efforts taken by executive departments and agencies under sections 1 and 2 of this order shall, as appropriate, further partnerships and cooperation with public and private sector employers, organizations that represent people with disabilities, organized labor, veteran service organizations, and State and local governments whenever such partnerships and cooperation are possible and would promote the employment and gainful economic activities of individuals with disabilities.

Sec. 4. Judicial Review. This order does not create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law by a party against the United States, its agencies, its officers, or any person.

William J. Clinton.      

Ex. Ord. No. 13187. The President's Disability Employment Partnership Board

Ex. Ord. No. 13187, Jan. 10, 2001, 66 F.R. 3857, provided:

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended ([former] 5 U.S.C. App.) [see 5 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.], and in order to promote the employment of people with disabilities, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Establishment and Composition of the Board. (a) There is hereby established the President's Disability Employment Partnership Board (Board).

(b) The Board shall be composed of not more than 15 members who shall be appointed by the President for terms of 2 years. The membership shall include individuals who are representatives of business (including small business), labor organizations, State or local government, disabled veterans, people with disabilities, organizations serving people with disabilities, and researchers or academicians focusing on issues relating to the employment of people with disabilities, and may include other individuals representing entities involved in issues relating to the employment of people with disabilities as the President finds appropriate.

(c) The President shall designate a Chairperson from among the members of the Board to serve a term of two years.

(d) Members and the Chairperson may be reappointed for subsequent terms and may continue to serve until their successors have been appointed.

Sec. 2. Functions. (a) The Board shall provide advice and information to the President, the Vice President, the Secretary of Labor, and other appropriate Federal officials with respect to facilitating the employment of people with disabilities, and shall assist in other activities that promote the formation of public-private partnerships, the use of economic incentives, the provision of technical assistance regarding entrepreneurship, and other actions that may enhance employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

(b) In carrying out paragraph (a) of this section, the Board shall:

(i) develop and submit to the Office of Disability Employment Policy in the Department of Labor a comprehensive written plan for joint public-private efforts to promote employment opportunities for people with disabilities and improve their access to financial institutions and commercial and business enterprises;

(ii) identify strategies that may be used by employers, labor unions, national and international organizations, and Federal, State, and local officials to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities; and

(iii) coordinate with the Office of Disability Employment Policy in the Department of Labor in promoting the collaborative use of public and private resources to assist people with disabilities in forming and expanding small business concerns and in enhancing their access to Federal procurement and other relevant business opportunities. Public resources include those of the Department of Labor, the Small Business Administration, the Department of Commerce, the Department of Education, the Department of Defense, the Department of Treasury, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Federal Communications Commission, and of executive departments and agency offices responsible for small, disadvantaged businesses utilization.

(c) The Board shall submit annual written reports to the President, who may apprise the Congress and other interested organizations and individuals on its activities, progress, and problems relating to maximizing employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

(d) The Chairperson of the Board shall serve as a member and Vice Chair of the National Task Force on Employment of Adults with Disabilities established under Executive Order 13078 of March 13, 1998 [set out above].

Sec. 3. Administration. (a) The Board shall meet when called by the Chairperson, at a time and place designated by the Chairperson. The Chairperson shall call at least two meetings per calendar year. The Chairperson may form subcommittees or working groups within the Board to address particular matters.

(b) The Chairperson may from time to time prescribe such rules, procedures, and policies relating to the activities of the Board as are not inconsistent with law or with the provisions of this order.

(c) Members of the Board shall serve without compensation but shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, as authorized by law for persons serving intermittently in Federal service (5 U.S.C. 5701–5707).

(d) The Department of Labor shall provide funding and appropriate support to assist the Board in carrying out the activities described in section 2 of this order, including necessary office space, equipment, supplies, services, and staff. The functions of the President under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, except that of reporting to the Congress, that are applicable to the Commission, shall be performed by the Department of Labor in accordance with guidelines that have been issued by the Administrator of General Services.

(e) The heads of executive departments and agencies shall, to the extent permitted by law, provide the Board such information as it may need for purposes of carrying out the functions described in section 2 of this order.

Sec. 4. Prior Orders and Transition. (a) Executive Order 12640 of May 10, 1988, as amended, relating to the establishment of the President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, is hereby revoked. The employees, records, property, and funds of the Committee shall become the employees, records, property, and funds of the Department of Labor.

(b) Executive Order 13078 of March 13, 1998 [set out above], is amended in sections 1(a) and (b) by striking "Chair of the President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities" and inserting "Chairperson of the President's Disability Employment Partnership Board."

William J. Clinton.      

§702. Rehabilitation Services Administration

(a) There is established in the Office of the Secretary in the Department of Education a Rehabilitation Services Administration which shall be headed by a Commissioner (hereinafter in this chapter referred to as the "Commissioner") appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Such Administration shall be the principal agency, and the Commissioner shall be the principal officer, of the Department for purposes of carrying out subchapters I, III, VI, and part B of subchapter VII. The Commissioner shall be an individual with substantial experience in rehabilitation and in rehabilitation program management. In the performance of the functions of the office, the Commissioner shall be directly responsible to the Secretary of Education or to the Under Secretary or an appropriate Assistant Secretary of such Department, as designated by the Secretary. The functions of the Commissioner shall not be delegated to any officer not directly responsible, both with respect to program operation and administration, to the Commissioner. Any reference in this chapter to duties to be carried out by the Commissioner shall be considered to be a reference to duties to be carried out by the Secretary of Education acting through the Commissioner. In carrying out any of the functions of the office under this chapter, the Commissioner shall be guided by general policies of the National Council on Disability established under subchapter IV of this chapter.

(b) The Secretary of Education shall take whatever action is necessary to ensure that funds appropriated pursuant to this chapter are expended only for the programs, personnel, and administration of programs carried out under this chapter.

(Pub. L. 93–112, §3, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §403, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1096; amended Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §403, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1632.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 702, Pub. L. 93–112, §3, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 357; Pub. L. 93–516, title I, §101(a), Dec. 7, 1974, 88 Stat. 1617; Pub. L. 93–651, title I, §101(a), Nov. 21, 1974, 89 Stat. 2–3; Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §122(a)(2), (3), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2984; Pub. L. 99–506, title I, §102, title X, §1001(a)(1), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1808, 1841; Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §201(a), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3303, related to the Rehabilitation Services Administration, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §403, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1093.

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 113–128, §403(1), inserted "in the Department of Education" after "Secretary" in first sentence, substituted "Such Administration shall be the principal agency, and the Commissioner shall be the principal officer, of the Department for purposes of carrying out subchapters I, III, VI, and part B of subchapter VII." for "Except for subchapters IV and V and as otherwise specifically provided in this chapter, such Administration shall be the principal agency, and the Commissioner shall be the principal officer, of such Department for carrying out this chapter." in second sentence, and inserted "of Education" after "to the Secretary" in fourth sentence and after "by the Secretary" in sixth sentence.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 113–128, §403(2), inserted "of Education" after "Secretary".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Additional Personnel for Office for the Blind and Visually Handicapped

Pub. L. 93–516, title II, §208(a), Dec. 7, 1974, 88 Stat. 1629, provided that: "The Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare [now Secretary of Education] is directed to assign to the Office for the Blind and Visually Handicapped of the Rehabilitation Services Administration of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare [now Department of Education] ten additional full-time personnel (or their equivalent), five of whom shall be supportive personnel, to carry out duties related to the administration of the Randolph-Sheppard Act [section 107 et seq. of Title 20, Education]."

An identical provision is contained in Pub. L. 93–651, title II, §208(a), Nov. 21, 1974, 89 Stat. 2–14.

Preference to Blind in Selecting Personnel

Pub. L. 93–516, title II, §208(c), Dec. 7, 1974, 88 Stat. 1629, provided that: "In selecting personnel to fill any position under this section [authorizing assignment of 11 additional full-time personnel to the Office for the Blind and Visually Handicapped of the Rehabilitation Service Administration of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare under subsecs. (a) and (b) of Pub. L. 93–516], the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare [now Secretary of Education] shall give preference to blind individuals."

An identical provision is contained in Pub. L. 93–651, title II, §208(c), Nov. 21, 1974, 89 Stat. 2–14.

§703. Advance funding

(a) For the purpose of affording adequate notice of funding available under this chapter, appropriations under this chapter are authorized to be included in the appropriation Act for the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which they are available for obligation.

(b) In order to effect a transition to the advance funding method of timing appropriation action, the authority provided by subsection (a) of this section shall apply notwithstanding that its initial application will result in the enactment in the same year (whether in the same appropriation Act or otherwise) of two separate appropriations, one for the then current fiscal year and one for the succeeding fiscal year.

(Pub. L. 93–112, §4, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §403, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1097.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 703, Pub. L. 93–112, §4, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 358, related to advance funding, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §403, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1093.

§704. Joint funding

Pursuant to regulations prescribed by the President, and to the extent consistent with the other provisions of this chapter, where funds are provided for a single project by more than one Federal agency to an agency or organization assisted under this chapter, the Federal agency principally involved may be designated to act for all in administering the funds provided, and, in such cases, a single non-Federal share requirement may be established according to the proportion of funds advanced by each agency. When the principal agency involved is the Rehabilitation Services Administration, it may waive any grant or contract requirement (as defined by such regulations) under or pursuant to any law other than this chapter, which requirement is inconsistent with the similar requirements of the administering agency under or pursuant to this chapter.

(Pub. L. 93–112, §5, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §403, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1097.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 704, Pub. L. 93–112, §5, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 359, related to joint funding, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §403, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1093.

Executive Documents

Delegation of Functions

Authority of the President under this section delegated to Director of Office of Management and Budget by section 1 of Ex. Ord. No. 11893, Dec. 31, 1975, 41 F.R. 1040, set out as a note under section 7103 of Title 31, Money and Finance.

§705. Definitions

For the purposes of this chapter:

(1) Administrative costs

The term "administrative costs" means expenditures incurred in the performance of administrative functions under the vocational rehabilitation program carried out under subchapter I, including expenses related to program planning, development, monitoring, and evaluation, including expenses for—

(A) quality assurance;

(B) budgeting, accounting, financial management, information systems, and related data processing;

(C) providing information about the program to the public;

(D) technical assistance and support services to other State agencies, private nonprofit organizations, and businesses and industries, except for technical assistance and support services described in section 723(b)(5) of this title;

(E) the State Rehabilitation Council and other advisory committees;

(F) professional organization membership dues for designated State unit employees;

(G) the removal of architectural barriers in State vocational rehabilitation agency offices and State operated rehabilitation facilities;

(H) operating and maintaining designated State unit facilities, equipment, and grounds;

(I) supplies;

(J) administration of the comprehensive system of personnel development described in section 721(a)(7) of this title, including personnel administration, administration of affirmative action plans, and training and staff development;

(K) administrative salaries, including clerical and other support staff salaries, in support of these administrative functions;

(L) travel costs related to carrying out the program, other than travel costs related to the provision of services;

(M) costs incurred in conducting reviews of rehabilitation counselor or coordinator determinations under section 722(c) of this title; and

(N) legal expenses required in the administration of the program.

(2) Assessment for determining eligibility and vocational rehabilitation needs

The term "assessment for determining eligibility and vocational rehabilitation needs" means, as appropriate in each case—

(A)(i) a review of existing data—

(I) to determine whether an individual is eligible for vocational rehabilitation services; and

(II) to assign priority for an order of selection described in section 721(a)(5)(A) of this title in the States that use an order of selection pursuant to section 721(a)(5)(A) of this title; and

(ii) to the extent necessary, the provision of appropriate assessment activities to obtain necessary additional data to make such determination and assignment;

(B) to the extent additional data is necessary to make a determination of the employment outcomes, and the nature and scope of vocational rehabilitation services, to be included in the individualized plan for employment of an eligible individual, a comprehensive assessment to determine the unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice, including the need for supported employment, of the eligible individual, which comprehensive assessment—

(i) is limited to information that is necessary to identify the rehabilitation needs of the individual and to develop the individualized plan for employment of the eligible individual;

(ii) uses, as a primary source of such information, to the maximum extent possible and appropriate and in accordance with confidentiality requirements—

(I) existing information obtained for the purposes of determining the eligibility of the individual and assigning priority for an order of selection described in section 721(a)(5)(A) of this title for the individual; and

(II) such information as can be provided by the individual and, where appropriate, by the family of the individual;

(iii) may include, to the degree needed to make such a determination, an assessment of the personality, interests, interpersonal skills, intelligence and related functional capacities, educational achievements, work experience, vocational aptitudes, personal and social adjustments, and employment opportunities of the individual, and the medical, psychiatric, psychological, and other pertinent vocational, educational, cultural, social, recreational, and environmental factors, that affect the employment and rehabilitation needs of the individual;

(iv) may include, to the degree needed, an appraisal of the patterns of work behavior of the individual and services needed for the individual to acquire occupational skills, and to develop work attitudes, work habits, work tolerance, and social and behavior patterns necessary for successful job performance, including the utilization of work in real job situations to assess and develop the capacities of the individual to perform adequately in a work environment; and

(v) to the maximum extent possible, relies on information obtained from experiences in integrated employment settings in the community, and other integrated community settings;

(C) referral, for the provision of rehabilitation technology services to the individual, to assess and develop the capacities of the individual to perform in a work environment; and

(D) an exploration of the individual's abilities, capabilities, and capacity to perform in work situations, which shall be assessed periodically during trial work experiences, including experiences in which the individual is provided appropriate supports and training.

(3) Assistive technology terms

(A) Assistive technology

The term "assistive technology" has the meaning given such term in section 3002 of this title.

(B) Assistive technology device

The term "assistive technology device" has the meaning given such term in section 3002 of this title, except that the reference in such section to the term "individuals with disabilities" shall be deemed to mean more than 1 individual with a disability as defined in paragraph (20)(A)).¹

(C) Assistive technology service

The term "assistive technology service" has the meaning given such term in section 3002 of this title, except that the reference in such section—

(i) to the term "individual with a disability" shall be deemed to mean an individual with a disability, as defined in paragraph (20)(A); and

(ii) to the term "individuals with disabilities" shall be deemed to mean more than 1 such individual.

(4) Community rehabilitation program

The term "community rehabilitation program" means a program that provides directly or facilitates the provision of vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities, and that provides, singly or in combination, for an individual with a disability to enable the individual to maximize opportunities for employment, including career advancement—

(A) medical, psychiatric, psychological, social, and vocational services that are provided under one management;

(B) testing, fitting, or training in the use of prosthetic and orthotic devices;

(C) recreational therapy;

(D) physical and occupational therapy;

(E) speech, language, and hearing therapy;

(F) psychiatric, psychological, and social services, including positive behavior management;

(G) assessment for determining eligibility and vocational rehabilitation needs;

(H) rehabilitation technology;

(I) job development, placement, and retention services;

(J) evaluation or control of specific disabilities;

(K) orientation and mobility services for individuals who are blind;

(L) extended employment;

(M) psychosocial rehabilitation services;

(N) supported employment services and extended services;

(O) customized employment;

(P) services to family members when necessary to the vocational rehabilitation of the individual;

(Q) personal assistance services; or

(R) services similar to the services described in one of subparagraphs (A) through (Q).

(5) Competitive integrated employment

The term "competitive integrated employment" means work that is performed on a full-time or part-time basis (including self-employment)—

(A) for which an individual—

(i) is compensated at a rate that—

(I)(aa) shall be not less than the higher of the rate specified in section 206(a)(1) of this title or the rate specified in the applicable State or local minimum wage law; and

(bb) is not less than the customary rate paid by the employer for the same or similar work performed by other employees who are not individuals with disabilities, and who are similarly situated in similar occupations by the same employer and who have similar training, experience, and skills; or

(II) in the case of an individual who is self-employed, yields an income that is comparable to the income received by other individuals who are not individuals with disabilities, and who are self-employed in similar occupations or on similar tasks and who have similar training, experience, and skills; and

(ii) is eligible for the level of benefits provided to other employees;

(B) that is at a location where the employee interacts with other persons who are not individuals with disabilities (not including supervisory personnel or individuals who are providing services to such employee) to the same extent that individuals who are not individuals with disabilities and who are in comparable positions interact with other persons; and

(C) that, as appropriate, presents opportunities for advancement that are similar to those for other employees who are not individuals with disabilities and who have similar positions.

(6) Construction; cost of construction

(A) Construction

The term "construction" means—

(i) the construction of new buildings;

(ii) the acquisition, expansion, remodeling, alteration, and renovation of existing buildings; and

(iii) initial equipment of buildings described in clauses (i) and (ii).

(B) Cost of construction

The term "cost of construction" includes architects' fees and the cost of acquisition of land in connection with construction but does not include the cost of offsite improvements.

(7) Customized employment

The term "customized employment" means competitive integrated employment, for an individual with a significant disability, that is based on an individualized determination of the strengths, needs, and interests of the individual with a significant disability, is designed to meet the specific abilities of the individual with a significant disability and the business needs of the employer, and is carried out through flexible strategies, such as—

(A) job exploration by the individual;

(B) working with an employer to facilitate placement, including—

(i) customizing a job description based on current employer needs or on previously unidentified and unmet employer needs;

(ii) developing a set of job duties, a work schedule and job arrangement, and specifics of supervision (including performance evaluation and review), and determining a job location;

(iii) representation by a professional chosen by the individual, or self-representation of the individual, in working with an employer to facilitate placement; and

(iv) providing services and supports at the job location.

(8) Designated State agency; designated State unit

(A) Designated State agency

The term "designated State agency" means an agency designated under section 721(a)(2)(A) of this title.

(B) Designated State unit

The term "designated State unit" means—

(i) any State agency unit required under section 721(a)(2)(B)(ii) of this title; or

(ii) in cases in which no such unit is so required, the State agency described in section 721(a)(2)(B)(i) of this title.

(9) Disability

The term "disability" means—

(A) except as otherwise provided in subparagraph (B), a physical or mental impairment that constitutes or results in a substantial impediment to employment; or

(B) for purposes of sections 701, 711, and 712 of this title, and subchapters II, IV, V, and VII, the meaning given it in section 12102 of title 42.

(10) Drug and illegal use of drugs

(A) Drug

The term "drug" means a controlled substance, as defined in schedules I through V of section 202 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 812).

(B) Illegal use of drugs

The term "illegal use of drugs" means the use of drugs, the possession or distribution of which is unlawful under the Controlled Substances Act [21 U.S.C. 801 et seq.]. Such term does not include the use of a drug taken under supervision by a licensed health care professional, or other uses authorized by the Controlled Substances Act or other provisions of Federal law.

(11) Employment outcome

The term "employment outcome" means, with respect to an individual—

(A) entering or retaining full-time or, if appropriate, part-time competitive employment in the integrated labor market;

(B) satisfying the vocational outcome of supported employment; or

(C) satisfying any other vocational outcome the Secretary of Education may determine to be appropriate (including satisfying the vocational outcome of customized employment, self-employment, telecommuting, or business ownership),

in a manner consistent with this chapter.

(12) Establishment of a community rehabilitation program

The term "establishment of a community rehabilitation program" includes the acquisition, expansion, remodeling, or alteration of existing buildings necessary to adapt them to community rehabilitation program purposes or to increase their effectiveness for such purposes (subject, however, to such limitations as the Secretary of Education may determine, in accordance with regulations the Secretary of Education shall prescribe, in order to prevent impairment of the objectives of, or duplication of, other Federal laws providing Federal assistance in the construction of facilities for community rehabilitation programs), and may include such additional equipment and staffing as the Commissioner considers appropriate.

(13) Extended services

The term "extended services" means ongoing support services and other appropriate services, needed to support and maintain an individual with a most significant disability in supported employment, that—

(A) are provided singly or in combination and are organized and made available in such a way as to assist an eligible individual in maintaining supported employment;

(B) are based on a determination of the needs of an eligible individual, as specified in an individualized plan for employment; and

(C) are provided by a State agency, a nonprofit private organization, employer, or any other appropriate resource, after an individual has made the transition from support provided by the designated State unit.

(14) Federal share

(A) In general

Subject to subparagraph (B), the term "Federal share" means 78.7 percent.

(B) Exception

The term "Federal share" means the share specifically set forth in section 731(a)(3) of this title, except that with respect to payments pursuant to part B of subchapter I to any State that are used to meet the costs of construction of those rehabilitation facilities identified in section 723(b)(2) of this title in such State, the Federal share shall be the percentages determined in accordance with the provisions of section 731(a)(3) of this title applicable with respect to the State.

(C) Relationship to expenditures by a political subdivision

For the purpose of determining the non-Federal share with respect to a State, expenditures by a political subdivision thereof or by a local agency shall be regarded as expenditures by such State, subject to such limitations and conditions as the Secretary of Education shall by regulation prescribe.

(15) Governor

The term "Governor" means a chief executive officer of a State.

(16) Impartial hearing officer

(A) In general

The term "impartial hearing officer" means an individual—

(i) who is not an employee of a public agency (other than an administrative law judge, hearing examiner, or employee of an institution of higher education);

(ii) who is not a member of the State Rehabilitation Council described in section 725 of this title;

(iii) who has not been involved previously in the vocational rehabilitation of the applicant or eligible individual;

(iv) who has knowledge of the delivery of vocational rehabilitation services, the State plan under section 721 of this title, and the Federal and State rules governing the provision of such services and training with respect to the performance of official duties; and

(v) who has no personal or financial interest that would be in conflict with the objectivity of the individual.

(B) Construction

An individual shall not be considered to be an employee of a public agency for purposes of subparagraph (A)(i) solely because the individual is paid by the agency to serve as a hearing officer.

(17) Independent living core services

The term "independent living core services" means—

(A) information and referral services;

(B) independent living skills training;

(C) peer counseling (including cross-disability peer counseling);

(D) individual and systems advocacy; and

(E) services that—

(i) facilitate the transition of individuals with significant disabilities from nursing homes and other institutions to home and community-based residences, with the requisite supports and services;

(ii) provide assistance to individuals with significant disabilities who are at risk of entering institutions so that the individuals may remain in the community; and

(iii) facilitate the transition of youth who are individuals with significant disabilities, who were eligible for individualized education programs under section 614(d) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1414(d)), and who have completed their secondary education or otherwise left school, to postsecondary life.

(18) Independent living services

The term "independent living services" includes—

(A) independent living core services; and

(B)(i) counseling services, including psychological, psychotherapeutic, and related services;

(ii) services related to securing housing or shelter, including services related to community group living, and supportive of the purposes of this chapter and of the subchapters of this chapter, and adaptive housing services (including appropriate accommodations to and modifications of any space used to serve, or occupied by, individuals with disabilities);

(iii) rehabilitation technology;

(iv) mobility training;

(v) services and training for individuals with cognitive and sensory disabilities, including life skills training, and interpreter and reader services;

(vi) personal assistance services, including attendant care and the training of personnel providing such services;

(vii) surveys, directories, and other activities to identify appropriate housing, recreation opportunities, and accessible transportation, and other support services;

(viii) consumer information programs on rehabilitation and independent living services available under this chapter, especially for minorities and other individuals with disabilities who have traditionally been unserved or underserved by programs under this chapter;

(ix) education and training necessary for living in a community and participating in community activities;

(x) supported living;

(xi) transportation, including referral and assistance for such transportation and training in the use of public transportation vehicles and systems;

(xii) physical rehabilitation;

(xiii) therapeutic treatment;

(xiv) provision of needed prostheses and other appliances and devices;

(xv) individual and group social and recreational services;

(xvi) training to develop skills specifically designed for youths who are individuals with disabilities to promote self-awareness and esteem, develop advocacy and self-empowerment skills, and explore career options;

(xvii) services for children;

(xviii) services under other Federal, State, or local programs designed to provide resources, training, counseling, or other assistance, of substantial benefit in enhancing the independence, productivity, and quality of life of individuals with disabilities;

(xix) appropriate preventive services to decrease the need of individuals assisted under this chapter for similar services in the future;

(xx) community awareness programs to enhance the understanding and integration into society of individuals with disabilities; and

(xxi) such other services as may be necessary and not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter.

(19) Indian; American Indian; Indian American; Indian tribe

(A) In general

The terms "Indian", "American Indian", and "Indian American" mean an individual who is a member of an Indian tribe and includes a Native and a descendant of a Native, as such terms are defined in subsections (b) and (r) of section 3 of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1602).

(B) Indian tribe

The term "Indian tribe" means any Federal or State Indian tribe, band, rancheria, pueblo, colony, or community, including any Alaskan native village or regional village corporation (as defined in or established pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act [43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.]) and a tribal organization (as defined in section 5304(l) of title 25).

(20) Individual with a disability

(A) In general

Except as otherwise provided in subparagraph (B), the term "individual with a disability" means any individual who—

(i) has a physical or mental impairment which for such individual constitutes or results in a substantial impediment to employment; and

(ii) can benefit in terms of an employment outcome from vocational rehabilitation services provided pursuant to subchapter I, III, or VI.

(B) Certain programs; limitations on major life activities

Subject to subparagraphs (C), (D), (E), and (F), the term "individual with a disability" means, for purposes of sections 701, 711, and 712 of this title, and subchapters II, IV, V, and VII of this chapter, any person who has a disability as defined in section 12102 of title 42.

(C) Rights and advocacy provisions

(i) In general; exclusion of individuals engaging in drug use

For purposes of subchapter V, the term "individual with a disability" does not include an individual who is currently engaging in the illegal use of drugs, when a covered entity acts on the basis of such use.

(ii) Exception for individuals no longer engaging in drug use

Nothing in clause (i) shall be construed to exclude as an individual with a disability an individual who—

(I) has successfully completed a supervised drug rehabilitation program and is no longer engaging in the illegal use of drugs, or has otherwise been rehabilitated successfully and is no longer engaging in such use;

(II) is participating in a supervised rehabilitation program and is no longer engaging in such use; or

(III) is erroneously regarded as engaging in such use, but is not engaging in such use;

 except that it shall not be a violation of this chapter for a covered entity to adopt or administer reasonable policies or procedures, including but not limited to drug testing, designed to ensure that an individual described in subclause (I) or (II) is no longer engaging in the illegal use of drugs.

(iii) Exclusion for certain services

Notwithstanding clause (i), for purposes of programs and activities providing health services and services provided under subchapters I, II, and III, an individual shall not be excluded from the benefits of such programs or activities on the basis of his or her current illegal use of drugs if he or she is otherwise entitled to such services.

(iv) Disciplinary action

For purposes of programs and activities providing educational services, local educational agencies may take disciplinary action pertaining to the use or possession of illegal drugs or alcohol against any student who is an individual with a disability and who currently is engaging in the illegal use of drugs or in the use of alcohol to the same extent that such disciplinary action is taken against students who are not individuals with disabilities. Furthermore, the due process procedures at section 104.36 of title 34, Code of Federal Regulations (or any corresponding similar regulation or ruling) shall not apply to such disciplinary actions.

(v) Employment; exclusion of alcoholics

For purposes of sections 793 and 794 of this title as such sections relate to employment, the term "individual with a disability" does not include any individual who is an alcoholic whose current use of alcohol prevents such individual from performing the duties of the job in question or whose employment, by reason of such current alcohol abuse, would constitute a direct threat to property or the safety of others.

(D) Employment; exclusion of individuals with certain diseases or infections

For the purposes of sections 793 and 794 of this title, as such sections relate to employment, such term does not include an individual who has a currently contagious disease or infection and who, by reason of such disease or infection, would constitute a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals or who, by reason of the currently contagious disease or infection, is unable to perform the duties of the job.

(E) Rights provisions; exclusion of individuals on basis of homosexuality or bisexuality

For the purposes of sections 791, 793, and 794 of this title—

(i) for purposes of the application of subparagraph (B) to such sections, the term "impairment" does not include homosexuality or bisexuality; and

(ii) therefore the term "individual with a disability" does not include an individual on the basis of homosexuality or bisexuality.

(F) Rights provisions; exclusion of individuals on basis of certain disorders

For the purposes of sections 791, 793, and 794 of this title, the term "individual with a disability" does not include an individual on the basis of—

(i) transvestism, transsexualism, pedophilia, exhibitionism, voyeurism, gender identity disorders not resulting from physical impairments, or other sexual behavior disorders;

(ii) compulsive gambling, kleptomania, or pyromania; or

(iii) psychoactive substance use disorders resulting from current illegal use of drugs.

(G) Individuals with disabilities

The term "individuals with disabilities" means more than one individual with a disability.

(21) Individual with a significant disability

(A) In general

Except as provided in subparagraph (B) or (C), the term "individual with a significant disability" means an individual with a disability—

(i) who has a severe physical or mental impairment which seriously limits one or more functional capacities (such as mobility, communication, self-care, self-direction, interpersonal skills, work tolerance, or work skills) in terms of an employment outcome;

(ii) whose vocational rehabilitation can be expected to require multiple vocational rehabilitation services over an extended period of time; and

(iii) who has one or more physical or mental disabilities resulting from amputation, arthritis, autism, blindness, burn injury, cancer, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, deafness, head injury, heart disease, hemiplegia, hemophilia, respiratory or pulmonary dysfunction, intellectual disability, mental illness, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, musculo-skeletal disorders, neurological disorders (including stroke and epilepsy), paraplegia, quadriplegia, and other spinal cord conditions, sickle cell anemia, specific learning disability, end-stage renal disease, or another disability or combination of disabilities determined on the basis of an assessment for determining eligibility and vocational rehabilitation needs described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (2) to cause comparable substantial functional limitation.

(B) Independent living services and centers for independent living

For purposes of subchapter VII, the term "individual with a significant disability" means an individual with a severe physical or mental impairment whose ability to function independently in the family or community or whose ability to obtain, maintain, or advance in employment is substantially limited and for whom the delivery of independent living services will improve the ability to function, continue functioning, or move toward functioning independently in the family or community or to continue in employment, respectively.

(C) Research and training

For purposes of subchapter II, the term "individual with a significant disability" includes an individual described in subparagraph (A) or (B).

(D) Individuals with significant disabilities

The term "individuals with significant disabilities" means more than one individual with a significant disability.

(E) Individual with a most significant disability

(i) In general

The term "individual with a most significant disability", used with respect to an individual in a State, means an individual with a significant disability who meets criteria established by the State under section 721(a)(5)(C) of this title.

(ii) Individuals with the most significant disabilities

The term "individuals with the most significant disabilities" means more than one individual with a most significant disability.

(22) Individual's representative; applicant's representative

The terms "individual's representative" and "applicant's representative" mean a parent, a family member, a guardian, an advocate, or an authorized representative of an individual or applicant, respectively.

(23) Institution of higher education

The term "institution of higher education" has the meaning given the term in section 1002 of title 20.

(24) Local agency

The term "local agency" means an agency of a unit of general local government or of an Indian tribe (or combination of such units or tribes) which has an agreement with the designated State agency to conduct a vocational rehabilitation program under the supervision of such State agency in accordance with the State plan approved under section 721 of this title. Nothing in the preceding sentence of this paragraph or in section 721 of this title shall be construed to prevent the local agency from arranging to utilize another local public or nonprofit agency to provide vocational rehabilitation services if such an arrangement is made part of the agreement specified in this paragraph.

(25) Local workforce development board

The term "local workforce development board" means a local board, as defined in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act [29 U.S.C. 3102].

(26) Nonprofit

The term "nonprofit", when used with respect to a community rehabilitation program, means a community rehabilitation program carried out by a corporation or association, no part of the net earnings of which inures, or may lawfully inure, to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual and the income of which is exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(3) of title 26.

(27) Ongoing support services

The term "ongoing support services" means services—

(A) provided to individuals with the most significant disabilities;

(B) provided, at a minimum, twice monthly—

(i) to make an assessment, regarding the employment situation, at the worksite of each such individual in supported employment, or, under special circumstances, especially at the request of the client, off site; and

(ii) based on the assessment, to provide for the coordination or provision of specific intensive services, at or away from the worksite, that are needed to maintain employment stability; and

(C) consisting of—

(i) a particularized assessment supplementary to the comprehensive assessment described in paragraph (2)(B);

(ii) the provision of skilled job trainers who accompany the individual for intensive job skill training at the worksite;

(iii) job development, job retention, and placement services;

(iv) social skills training;

(v) regular observation or supervision of the individual;

(vi) followup services such as regular contact with the employers, the individuals, the individuals' representatives, and other appropriate individuals, in order to reinforce and stabilize the job placement;

(vii) facilitation of natural supports at the worksite;

(viii) any other service identified in section 723 of this title; or

(ix) a service similar to another service described in this subparagraph.

(28) Personal assistance services

The term "personal assistance services" means a range of services, provided by one or more persons, designed to assist an individual with a disability to perform daily living activities on or off the job that the individual would typically perform if the individual did not have a disability. Such services shall be designed to increase the individual's control in life and ability to perform everyday activities on or off the job.

(30) ² Pre-employment transition services

The term "pre-employment transition services" means services provided in accordance with section 733 of this title.

(31) Public or nonprofit

The term "public or nonprofit", used with respect to an agency or organization, includes an Indian tribe.

(32) Rehabilitation technology

The term "rehabilitation technology" means the systematic application of technologies, engineering methodologies, or scientific principles to meet the needs of and address the barriers confronted by individuals with disabilities in areas which include education, rehabilitation, employment, transportation, independent living, and recreation. The term includes rehabilitation engineering, assistive technology devices, and assistive technology services.

(33) Secretary

Unless where the context otherwise requires, the term "Secretary"—

(A) used in subchapter I, III, IV, V, VI, or part B of subchapter VII, means the Secretary of Education; and

(B) used in subchapter II or part A of subchapter VII, means the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

(34) State

The term "State" includes, in addition to each of the several States of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

(35) State workforce development board

The term "State workforce development board" means a State board, as defined in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act [29 U.S.C. 3102].

(36) Statewide workforce development system

The term "statewide workforce development system" means a workforce development system, as defined in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act [29 U.S.C. 3102].

(37) Student with a disability

(A) In general

The term "student with a disability" means an individual with a disability who—

(i)(I)(aa) is not younger than the earliest age for the provision of transition services under section 614(d)(1)(A)(i)(VIII) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1414(d)(1)(A)(i)(VIII)); or

(bb) if the State involved elects to use a lower minimum age for receipt of pre-employment transition services under this chapter, is not younger than that minimum age; and

(II)(aa) is not older than 21 years of age; or

(bb) if the State law for the State provides for a higher maximum age for receipt of services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.), is not older than that maximum age; and

(ii)(I) is eligible for, and receiving, special education or related services under part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1411 et seq.); or

(II) is an individual with a disability, for purposes of section 794 of this title.

(B) Students with disabilities

The term "students with disabilities" means more than 1 student with a disability.

(38) Supported employment

The term "supported employment" means competitive integrated employment, including customized employment, or employment in an integrated work setting in which individuals are working on a short-term basis toward competitive integrated employment, that is individualized and customized consistent with the strengths, abilities, interests, and informed choice of the individuals involved, for individuals with the most significant disabilities—

(A)(i) for whom competitive integrated employment has not historically occurred; or

(ii) for whom competitive integrated employment has been interrupted or intermittent as a result of a significant disability; and

(B) who, because of the nature and severity of their disability, need intensive supported employment services and extended services after the transition described in paragraph (13)(C), in order to perform the work involved.

(39) Supported employment services

The term "supported employment services" means ongoing support services, including customized employment, needed to support and maintain an individual with a most significant disability in supported employment, that—

(A) are provided singly or in combination and are organized and made available in such a way as to assist an eligible individual to achieve competitive integrated employment;

(B) are based on a determination of the needs of an eligible individual, as specified in an individualized plan for employment; and

(C) are provided by the designated State unit for a period of not more than 24 months, except that period may be extended, if necessary, in order to achieve the employment outcome identified in the individualized plan for employment.

(40) Vocational rehabilitation services

The term "vocational rehabilitation services" means those services identified in section 723 of this title which are provided to individuals with disabilities under this chapter.

(41) Workforce investment activities

The term "workforce investment activities" means workforce investment activities, as defined in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act [29 U.S.C. 3102], that are carried out under that Act.

(42) Youth with a disability

(A) In general

The term "youth with a disability" means an individual with a disability who—

(i) is not younger than 14 years of age; and

(ii) is not older than 24 years of age.

(B) Youth with disabilities

The term "youth with disabilities" means more than 1 youth with a disability.

(Pub. L. 93–112, §7, formerly §6, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §403, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1097; amended Pub. L. 105–244, title I, §102(a)(9)(A), Oct. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1619; renumbered §7 and amended Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(a)(1), (b)(3), (c)(1)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681-412, 2681-413, 2681-415; Pub. L. 105–394, title IV, §402(a), Nov. 13, 1998, 112 Stat. 3661; Pub. L. 110–325, §7, Sept. 25, 2008, 122 Stat. 3558; Pub. L. 111–256, §2(d)(1), Oct. 5, 2010, 124 Stat. 2643; Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §404, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1632.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Controlled Substances Act, referred to in par. (10)(B), is title II of Pub. L. 91–513, Oct. 27, 1970, 84 Stat. 1242, which is classified principally to subchapter I (§801 et seq.) of chapter 13 of Title 21, Food and Drugs. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 801 of Title 21 and Tables.

The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, referred to in par. (19)(B), is Pub. L. 92–203, Dec. 18, 1971, 85 Stat. 688, which is classified generally to chapter 33 (§1601 et seq.) of Title 43, Public Lands. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1601 of Title 43 and Tables.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, referred to in par. (37)(A)(i)(II)(bb), (ii)(I), is title VI of Pub. L. 91–230, Apr. 13, 1970, 84 Stat. 175, which is classified generally to chapter 33 (§1400 et seq.) of Title 20, Education. Part B of the Act is classified generally to subchapter II (§1411 et seq.) of chapter 33 of Title 20. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1400 of Title 20 and Tables.

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, referred to in par. (41), is Pub. L. 113–128, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1425, which enacted chapter 32 (§3101 et seq.) of this title, repealed chapter 30 (§2801 et seq.) of this title and chapter 73 (§9201 et seq.) of Title 20, Education, and made amendments to numerous other sections and notes in the Code. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of this title and Tables.

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to this section were contained in section 706 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105–220.

A prior section 705, Pub. L. 93–112, §6, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 359; Pub. L. 99–506, title X, §1001(a)(2), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1841; Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §201(b), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3303; Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §128(b)(1), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4388, related to consolidated rehabilitation plan, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §403, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1093.

A prior section 7 of Pub. L. 93–112 was renumbered section 8 and is classified to section 706 of this title.

Another prior section 7 of Pub. L. 93–112 was classified to section 706 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105–220.

Amendments

2014—Par. (2)(B)(v). Pub. L. 113–128, §404(1), added cl. (v).

Par. (3). Pub. L. 113–128, §404(2), added par. (3) and struck out former par. (3) which defined "assistive technology device".

Par. (4). Pub. L. 113–128, §404(3), redesignated par. (5) as (4).

Pub. L. 113–128, §404(2), struck out par. (4) which defined "assistive technology service".

Par. (4)(O). Pub. L. 113–128, §404(4)(B), added subpar. (O). Former subpar. (O) redesignated (P).

Par. (4)(P), (Q). Pub. L. 113–128, §404(4)(A), redesignated subpars. (O) and (P) as (P) and (Q), respectively. Former subpar. (Q) redesignated (R).

Par. (4)(R). Pub. L. 113–128, §404(4)(C), substituted "(Q)" for "(P)".

Pub. L. 113–128, §404(4)(A), redesignated subpar. (Q) as (R).

Par. (5). Pub. L. 113–128, §404(5), added par. (5). Former par. (5) redesignated (4).

Par. (6)(B). Pub. L. 113–128, §404(6), substituted "includes architects' fees" for "includes architects' fees".

Par. (7). Pub. L. 113–128, §404(7), added par. (7).

Par. (11)(C). Pub. L. 113–128, §404(8), inserted "of Education" after "Secretary" and "customized employment," after "vocational outcome of".

Par. (12). Pub. L. 113–128, §404(9), inserted "of Education" after "Secretary" in two places.

Par. (14)(C). Pub. L. 113–128, §404(10), inserted "of Education" after "Secretary".

Par. (17)(E). Pub. L. 113–128, §404(11), added subpar. (E).

Par. (18). Pub. L. 113–128, §404(12), substituted "term 'independent living services' includes—" for "term 'independent living services' includes—" in introductory provisions.

Par. (19)(A). Pub. L. 113–128, §404(13)(A), inserted "and includes a Native and a descendant of a Native, as such terms are defined in subsections (b) and (r) of section 3 of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1602)" before period at end.

Par. (19)(B). Pub. L. 113–128, §404(13)(B), inserted "and a tribal organization (as defined in section 5304(l) of title 25)" before period at end.

Par. (23). Pub. L. 113–128, §404(14), substituted "section 1002" for "section 1001".

Par. (25). Pub. L. 113–128, §404(15), added par. (25) and struck out former par. (25) which defined "local workforce investment board".

Par. (29). Pub. L. 113–128, §404(17), redesignated par. (29) as (31).

Par. (30). Pub. L. 113–128, §404(18), added par. (30). Former par. (30) redesignated (32).

Pars. (31), (32). Pub. L. 113–128, §404(17), redesignated pars. (29) and (30) as (31) and (32), respectively. Former pars. (31) and (32) redesignated (33) and (34), respectively.

Par. (33). Pub. L. 113–128, §404(19), added par. (33) and struck out former par. (33) which defined "Secretary".

Pub. L. 113–128, §404(17), redesignated par. (31) as (33). Former par. (33) redesignated (35).

Par. (34). Pub. L. 113–128, §404(17), redesignated par. (32) as (34). Former par. (34) redesignated (36).

Pars. (35), (36). Pub. L. 113–128, §404(20), added pars. (35) and (36) and struck out former pars. (35) and (36), which defined "State workforce investment board" and "statewide workforce investment system", respectively.

Pub. L. 113–128, §404(17), redesignated pars. (33) and (34) as (35) and (36), respectively. Former pars. (35) and (36) redesignated (38) and (39), respectively.

Par. (37). Pub. L. 113–128, §404(16), (21), added par. (37) and struck out former par. (37) which defined "transition services".

Pars. (38), (39). Pub. L. 113–128, §404(22), added pars. (38) and (39) and struck out former pars. (38) and (39) which defined "supported employment" and "supported employment services", respectively.

Pub. L. 113–128, §404(17), redesignated pars. (35) and (36) as (38) and (39), respectively. Former pars. (38) and (39) redesignated (40) and (41), respectively.

Par. (40). Pub. L. 113–128, §404(17), redesignated par. (38) as (40).

Par. (41). Pub. L. 113–128, §404(23), substituted "as defined in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act" for "as defined in section 101 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998".

Pub. L. 113–128, §404(17), redesignated par. (39) as (41).

Par. (42). Pub. L. 113–128, §404(24), added par. (42).

2010—Par. (21)(A)(iii). Pub. L. 111–256 substituted "intellectual disability," for "mental retardation,".

2008—Par. (9)(B). Pub. L. 110–325, §7(1), substituted "the meaning given it in section 12102 of title 42" for "a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities".

Par. (20)(B). Pub. L. 110–325, §7(2), substituted "any person who has a disability as defined in section 12102 of title 42." for "any person who—

"(i) has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more of such person's major life activities;

"(ii) has a record of such an impairment; or

"(iii) is regarded as having such an impairment."

1998—Pub. L. 105–277, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(b)(3)], made technical amendment to section designation and catchline in the original and inserted par. (1) heading.

Par. (2)(B). Pub. L. 105–277, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(c)(1)(A)], substituted "nature" for "objectives, nature,".

Par. (3). Pub. L. 105–394, §402(a)(1), which directed the amendment of section 6 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 by substituting "3002" for "2202(2)", was executed to this section, which is section 7 of that act, to reflect the probable intent of Congress and the renumbering of section 6 as 7 by Pub. L. 105–277, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(a)(1)].

Par. (4). Pub. L. 105–394, §402(a)(2), which directed the amendment of section 6 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 by substituting "3002" for "2202(3)", was executed to this section, which is section 7 of that act, to reflect the probable intent of Congress and the renumbering of section 6 as 7 by Pub. L. 105–277, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(a)(1)].

Par. (7). Pub. L. 105–277, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(c)(1)(B)], struck out heading and text of par. (7). Text read as follows: "The term 'criminal act' means any crime, including an act, omission, or possession under the laws of the United States or a State or unit of general local government, which poses a substantial threat of personal injury, notwithstanding that by reason of age, insanity, or intoxication or otherwise the person engaging in the act, omission, or possession was legally incapable of committing a crime."

Par. (16)(A)(iii). Pub. L. 105–277, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(c)(1)(C)], substituted "eligible individual" for "client".

Par. (23). Pub. L. 105–244 substituted "section 1001 of title 20" for "section 1141(a) of title 20".

Par. (36)(C). Pub. L. 105–277, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(c)(1)(D)], substituted "employment outcome" for "rehabilitation objectives".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Pub. L. 110–325, §8, Sept. 25, 2008, 122 Stat. 3559, provided that: "This Act [enacting sections 12103 and 12205a of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, amending this section, former section 706 of this title, and sections 12101, 12102, 12111 to 12114, 12201, and 12206 to 12213 of Title 42, and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 12101 of Title 42] and the amendments made by this Act shall become effective on January 1, 2009."

Effective Date of 1998 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 105–244 effective Oct. 1, 1998, except as otherwise provided in Pub. L. 105–244, see section 3 of Pub. L. 105–244, set out as a note under section 1001 of Title 20, Education.

Definitions

For meaning of references to an intellectual disability and to individuals with intellectual disabilities in provisions amended by section 2 of Pub. L. 111–256, see section 2(k) of Pub. L. 111–256, set out as a note under section 1400 of Title 20, Education.

¹ So in original. The second closing parenthesis probably should not appear.

² So in original. There is no par. (29).

§706. Allotment percentage

(a)(1) For purposes of section 730 of this title, the allotment percentage for any State shall be 100 per centum less that percentage which bears the same ratio to 50 per centum as the per capita income of such State bears to the per capita income of the United States, except that—

(A) the allotment percentage shall in no case be more than 75 per centum or less than 331/3 per centum; and

(B) the allotment percentage for the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands shall be 75 per centum.

(2) The allotment percentages shall be promulgated by the Secretary of Education between October 1 and December 31 of each even-numbered year, on the basis of the average of the per capita incomes of the States and of the United States for the three most recent consecutive years for which satisfactory data are available from the Department of Commerce. Such promulgation shall be conclusive for each of the 2 fiscal years in the period beginning on the October 1 next succeeding such promulgation.

(3) The term "United States" means (but only for purposes of this subsection) the 50 States and the District of Columbia.

(b) The population of the several States and of the United States shall be determined on the basis of the most recent data available, to be furnished by the Department of Commerce by October 1 of the year preceding the fiscal year for which funds are appropriated pursuant to statutory authorizations.

(Pub. L. 93–112, §8, formerly §7, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §403, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1110; renumbered §8, Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(a)(1)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681-412; amended Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §405(a), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1637.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to this section were contained in section 707 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105–220.

A prior section 706, Pub. L. 93–112, §7, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 359; Pub. L. 93–516, title I, §111(a), Dec. 7, 1974, 88 Stat. 1619; Pub. L. 93–651, title I, §111(a), Nov. 21, 1974, 89 Stat. 2–5; Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §122(a)(4)–(8), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2984, 2985; Pub. L. 98–221, title I, §101, Feb. 22, 1984, 98 Stat. 17; Pub. L. 99–506, title I, §103(a), (b), (c)(1), (d)(1), (2)(A), (C), (e)–(h)(1), (i), (j), title X, §§1001(a)(3), 1002(a), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1809–1811, 1841, 1844; Pub. L. 99–514, §2, Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2095; Pub. L. 100–259, §9, Mar. 22, 1988, 102 Stat. 31; Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §201(c), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3303; Pub. L. 101–336, title V, §513, formerly §512, July 26, 1990, 104 Stat. 376, renumbered §513, Pub. L. 110–325, §6(a)(2), Sept. 25, 2008, 122 Stat. 3558; Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §102(a)–(n), (p)(3), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4347–4350, 4356; Pub. L. 103–73, title I, §§102(1), 103, Aug. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 718; Pub. L. 103–218, title IV, §404, Mar. 9, 1994, 108 Stat. 97, defined terms for purposes of this chapter, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §403, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1093. See section 705 of this title.

A prior section 8 of Pub. L. 93–112 was renumbered section 10 and is classified to section 707 of this title.

Another prior section 8 of Pub. L. 93–112 was classified to section 707 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105–220.

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 113–128 inserted "of Education" after "Secretary".

§707. Nonduplication

In determining the amount of any State's Federal share of expenditures for planning, administration, and services incurred by it under a State plan approved in accordance with section 721 of this title, there shall be disregarded—

(1) any portion of such expenditures which are financed by Federal funds provided under any other provision of law; and

(2) the amount of any non-Federal funds required to be expended as a condition of receipt of such Federal funds.

No payment may be made from funds provided under one provision of this chapter relating to any cost with respect to which any payment is made under any other provision of this chapter, except that this section shall not be construed to limit or reduce fees for services rendered by community rehabilitation programs.

(Pub. L. 93–112, §10, formerly §8, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §403, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1110; renumbered §10 and amended Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(a)(1), (c)(2)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681-412, 2681-415.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to this section were contained in section 709 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105–220.

A prior section 707, Pub. L. 93–112, §8, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 362; Pub. L. 94–273, §10, Apr. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 378; Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §103, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4361, related to allotment percentage, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §403, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1093. See section 706 of this title.

A prior section 10 of Pub. L. 93–112 was renumbered section 12 and is classified to section 709 of this title.

Another prior section 10 of Pub. L. 93–112 was classified to section 709 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105–220.

Amendments

1998—Pub. L. 105–277, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(c)(2)], substituted a dash for a colon after "disregarded" and amended text to set out cls. (1) and (2) as indented pars. and last sentence as flush provision.

§708. Application of other laws

(a) The provisions of chapter 71 of title 31 and of title V of the Act of October 15, 1977 (Public Law 95–134) shall not apply to the administration of the provisions of this chapter or to the administration of any program or activity under this chapter.

(b) Section 501 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act [29 U.S.C. 3341] shall apply, as specified in that section, to amendments to this chapter that were made by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

(Pub. L. 93–112, §11, formerly §9, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §403, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1110; renumbered §11, Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(a)(1)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681-412; amended Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §405(b), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1637.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Act of October 15, 1977, referred to in subsec. (a), is Pub. L. 95–134, Oct. 15, 1977, 91 Stat. 1159, popularly known as the Omnibus Territories Act of 1977. Title V of the Act enacted section 4368b of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, and section 1469a of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, referred to in subsec. (b), is Pub. L. 113–128, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1425, which enacted chapter 32 (§3101 et seq.) of this title, repealed chapter 30 (§2801 et seq.) of this title and chapter 73 (§9201 et seq.) of Title 20, Education, and made amendments to numerous other sections and notes in the Code. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of this title and Tables.

Codification

"Chapter 71 of title 31" substituted in text for "the Act of December 5, 1974 (Public Law 93–510) on authority of Pub. L. 97–258, §4(b), Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1067, the first section of which enacted Title 31, Money and Finance.

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to this section were contained in section 710 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105–220.

A prior section 708, Pub. L. 93–112, §9, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 362, related to audit and examination of records, scope of disclosure, and access to representatives, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 103–382, title II, §272, Oct. 20, 1994, 108 Stat. 3931.

A prior section 11 of Pub. L. 93–112 was renumbered section 13 and is classified to section 710 of this title.

Another prior section 11 of Pub. L. 93–112 was classified to section 710 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105–220.

Amendments

2014—Pub. L. 113–128 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a) and added subsec. (b).

§709. Administration

(a) Technical assistance; short-term traineeships; special projects; dissemination of information; monitoring and evaluations

In carrying out the purposes of this chapter, the Commissioner may—

(1)(A) provide consultative services and technical assistance to public or nonprofit private agencies and organizations, including assistance to enable such agencies and organizations to facilitate meaningful and effective participation by individuals with disabilities in workforce investment activities;

(B) provide technical assistance to the designated State units on developing successful partnerships with local and multi-State businesses in an effort to increase the employment of individuals with disabilities;

(C) provide technical assistance to providers and organizations on developing self-employment opportunities and outcomes for individuals with disabilities; and

(D) provide technical assistance to entities carrying out community rehabilitation programs to build their internal capacity to provide individualized services and supports leading to competitive integrated employment, and to transition individuals with disabilities away from nonintegrated settings;

(2) provide short-term training and technical instruction, including training for the personnel of community rehabilitation programs and other providers of services (including job coaches);

(3) conduct special projects and demonstrations;

(4) collect, prepare, publish, and disseminate special educational or informational materials, including reports of the projects for which funds are provided under this chapter; and

(5) provide monitoring and conduct evaluations.

(b) Utilization of services and facilities; information task forces

(1) In carrying out the duties under this chapter, the Commissioner may utilize the services and facilities of any agency of the Federal Government and of any other public or nonprofit agency or organization, in accordance with agreements between the Commissioner and the head thereof, and may pay therefor, in advance or by way of reimbursement, as may be provided in the agreement.

(2) In carrying out the provisions of this chapter, the Commissioner shall appoint such task forces as may be necessary to collect and disseminate information in order to improve the ability of the Commissioner to carry out the provisions of this chapter.

(c) Regulations to carry out this chapter

(1) The Secretary of Education may promulgate such regulations as are considered appropriate to carry out the Commissioner's duties under this chapter.

(2) In promulgating regulations to carry out this chapter, the Secretary of Education shall promulgate only regulations that are necessary to administer and ensure compliance with the specific requirements of this chapter.

(d) Regulations for implementation

(1) The Secretary of Education shall promulgate regulations regarding the requirements for the implementation of an order of selection for vocational rehabilitation services under section 721(a)(5)(A) of this title if such services cannot be provided to all eligible individuals with disabilities who apply for such services.

(2) Not later than 180 days after July 22, 2014, the Secretary of Education shall receive public comment and promulgate regulations to implement the amendments made by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

(e) Authorities and responsibilities of Commissioner and Secretary of Education

(1) The Administrator of the Administration for Community Living (referred to in this subsection as the "Administrator") may carry out the authorities and shall carry out the responsibilities of the Commissioner described in paragraphs (1)(A) and (2) through (4) of subsection (a), and subsection (b), except that, for purposes of applying subsections (a) and (b), a reference in those subsections—

(A) to facilitating meaningful and effective participation shall be considered to be a reference to facilitating meaningful and effective collaboration with independent living programs, and promoting a philosophy of independent living for individuals with disabilities in community activities; and

(B) to training for personnel shall be considered to be a reference to training for the personnel of centers for independent living and Statewide Independent Living Councils.

(2) The Secretary of Health and Human Services may carry out the authorities and shall carry out the responsibilities of the Secretary of Education described in subsections (c) and (d).

(f) References to "this chapter"

(1) In subsections (a) through (d), a reference to "this chapter" means a provision of this chapter that the Secretary of Education has authority to carry out; and

(2) In subsection (e), for purposes of applying subsections (a) through (d), a reference in those subsections to "this chapter" means a provision of this chapter that the Secretary of Health and Human Services has authority to carry out.

(g) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary.

(Pub. L. 93–112, §12, formerly §10, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §403, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1111; renumbered §12, Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(a)(1)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681-412; amended Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §405(c), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1637.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, referred to in subsec. (d)(2), is Pub. L. 113–128, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1425, which enacted chapter 32 (§3101 et seq.) of this title, repealed chapter 30 (§2801 et seq.) of this title and chapter 73 (§9201 et seq.) of Title 20, Education, and made amendments to numerous other sections and notes in the Code. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of this title and Tables.

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to this section were contained in section 711 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105–220.

A prior section 709, Pub. L. 93–112, §10, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 363; Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §122(a)(9), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2985; Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §201(d), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3304; Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §104, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4361, related to nonduplication prohibition, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §403, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1093. See section 707 of this title.

A prior section 12 of Pub. L. 93–112 was renumbered section 14 and is classified to section 711 of this title.

Another prior section 12 of Pub. L. 93–112 was classified to section 711 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105–220.

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 113–128, §405(c)(1)(A), designated existing provisions as subpar. (A) and added subpars. (B) to (D).

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 113–128, §405(c)(1)(B), struck out ", centers for independent living," after "community rehabilitation programs".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 113–128, §405(c)(6)(A), (D), (E), designated existing provisions as par. (1) and redesignated subsec. (f) as par. (2).

Pub. L. 113–128, §405(c)(2), substituted "Secretary of Education" for "Commissioner".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 113–128, §405(c)(6)(B), (C), designated existing provisions as par. (1) and redesignated subsec. (e) as par. (2).

Pub. L. 113–128, §405(c)(3), inserted "of Education" after "Secretary".

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 113–128, §405(c)(7), added subsec. (e). Former subsec. (e) redesignated par. (2) of subsec. (d).

Pub. L. 113–128, §405(c)(4), amended reference in original act which resulted in substitution of "July 22, 2014" for "August 7, 1998" in text, inserted "of Education" after "Secretary", and substituted "Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act" for "Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998".

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 113–128, §405(c)(7), added subsec. (f). Former subsec. (f) redesignated par. (2) of subsec. (c).

Pub. L. 113–128, §405(c)(5), inserted "of Education" after "Secretary".

§710. Reports

(a) Annual reports required

Not later than one hundred and eighty days after the close of each fiscal year, the Commissioner shall prepare and submit to the President and to the Congress a full and complete report on the activities carried out under this chapter, including the activities and staffing of the information clearinghouse under section 712 of this title.

(b) Collection of information

The Commissioner shall collect information to determine whether the purposes of this chapter are being met and to assess the performance of programs carried out under this chapter. The Commissioner shall take whatever action is necessary to assure that the identity of each individual for which information is supplied under this section is kept confidential, except as otherwise required by law (including regulation).

(c) Information to be included in reports

(1) ¹ In preparing the report, the Commissioner shall annually collect and include in the report information based on the information submitted by States in accordance with section 721(a)(10) of this title, including information on administrative costs as required by section 721(a)(10)(D) of this title. The Commissioner shall, to the maximum extent appropriate, include in the report all information that is required to be submitted in the reports described in section 3141(d)(2) of this title and that pertains to the employment of individuals with disabilities.

(d) Availability to public

The Commissioner shall ensure that the report described in this section is made publicly available in a timely manner, including through electronic means, in order to inform the public about the administration and performance of programs under this chapter.

(Pub. L. 93–112, §13, formerly §11, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §403, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1111; renumbered §13, Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(a)(1)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681-412; amended Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §406, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1638.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to this section were contained in section 712 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105–220.

A prior section 710, Pub. L. 93–112, §11, as added Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §121, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2984, related to application of other laws, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §403, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1093. See section 708 of this title.

A prior section 13 of Pub. L. 93–112 was renumbered section 15 and is classified to section 712 of this title.

Another prior section 13 of Pub. L. 93–112 was classified to section 712 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105–220.

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 113–128, §406(1), designated existing provisions as par. (1) and substituted "section 3141(d)(2) of this title" for "section 2871(d) of this title".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 113–128, §406(2), added subsec. (d).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Exchange of Data

Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §137, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4397, provided that: "The Secretary of Education and the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall enter into a memorandum of understanding for the purpose of exchanging data of mutual importance, regarding clients of State vocational rehabilitation agencies, that are contained in databases maintained by the Rehabilitation Services Administration, as required under section 13 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ([former] 29 U.S.C. 712), and the Social Security Administration, from its Summary Earnings and Records and Master Beneficiary Records. For purposes of the exchange, the Social Security data shall not be considered tax information and, as appropriate, the confidentiality of all client information shall be maintained by both agencies."

¹ So in original. There is no par. (2).

§711. Evaluation

(a) Statement of purpose; standards; persons eligible to conduct evaluations

For the purpose of improving program management and effectiveness, the Secretary of Education, in consultation with the Commissioner, shall evaluate all the programs authorized by this chapter, their general effectiveness in relation to their cost, their impact on related programs, and their structure and mechanisms for delivery of services, using appropriate methodology and evaluative research designs. The Secretary of Education shall establish and use standards for the evaluations required by this subsection. Such an evaluation shall be conducted by a person not immediately involved in the administration of the program evaluated.

(b) Opinions of participants; data as property of United States; availability of information

(1) In carrying out evaluations under this section, the Secretary of Education shall obtain the opinions of program and project participants about the strengths and weaknesses of the programs and projects.

(2) The Secretary of Education shall take the necessary action to assure that all studies, evaluations, proposals, and data produced or developed with Federal funds under this chapter shall become the property of the United States.

(3) Such information as the Secretary of Education may determine to be necessary for purposes of the evaluations conducted under this section shall be made available upon request of the Secretary of Education, by the departments and agencies of the executive branch.

(c) Longitudinal study

(1) To assess the linkages between vocational rehabilitation services and economic and noneconomic outcomes, the Secretary of Education shall continue to conduct a longitudinal study of a national sample of applicants for the services.

(2) The study shall address factors related to attrition and completion of the program through which the services are provided and factors within and outside the program affecting results. Appropriate comparisons shall be used to contrast the experiences of similar persons who do not obtain the services.

(3) The study shall be planned to cover the period beginning on the application of individuals with disabilities for the services, through the eligibility determination and provision of services for the individuals, and a further period of not less than 2 years after the termination of services.

(d) Information on exemplary practices

(1) The Commissioner shall identify and disseminate information on exemplary practices concerning vocational rehabilitation.

(2) To facilitate compliance with paragraph (1), the Commissioner shall conduct studies and analyses that identify exemplary practices concerning vocational rehabilitation, including studies in areas relating to providing informed choice in the rehabilitation process, promoting consumer satisfaction, promoting job placement and retention, providing supported employment, providing services to particular disability populations, financing personal assistance services, providing assistive technology devices and assistive technology services, entering into cooperative agreements, establishing standards and certification for community rehabilitation programs, converting from nonintegrated to competitive integrated employment, and providing caseload management.

(e) Authorities and responsibilities of Secretary of Education and Commissioner

(1) The Secretary of Health and Human Services may carry out the authorities and shall carry out the responsibilities of the Secretary of Education described in subsections (a) and (b).

(2) The Administrator of the Administration for Community Living may carry out the authorities and shall carry out the responsibilities of the Commissioner described in subsections (a) and (d)(1), except that, for purposes of applying those subsections, a reference in those subsections to exemplary practices shall be considered to be a reference to exemplary practices concerning independent living services and centers for independent living.

(f) References to "this chapter"

(1) In subsections (a) through (d), a reference to "this chapter" means a provision of this chapter that the Secretary of Education has authority to carry out; and

(2) In subsection (e), for purposes of applying subsections (a), (b), and (d), a reference in those subsections to "this chapter" means a provision of this chapter that the Secretary of Health and Human Services has authority to carry out.

(g) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary.

(Pub. L. 93–112, §14, formerly §12, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §403, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1110; renumbered §14, Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(a)(1)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681-412; amended Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §407(a), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1638.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to this section were contained in section 713 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105–220.

A prior section 711, Pub. L. 93–112, §12, as added Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §122(a)(10), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2985; amended Pub. L. 99–506, title I, §104, title X, §1001(a)(4), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1811, 1841; Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §201(e), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3304; Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §105, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4361, related to administration of this chapter, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §403, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1093. See section 709 of this title.

A prior section 14 of Pub. L. 93–112 was renumbered section 16 and is classified to section 713 of this title.

Another prior section 14 of Pub. L. 93–112 was classified to section 713 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105–220.

Amendments

2014—Pub. L. 113–128, §407(a)(1), inserted "of Education" after "Secretary" wherever appearing.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 113–128, §407(a)(3)(A)–(C), designated existing provisions as par. (1), redesignated subsec. (c) as par. (2), and redesignated subsec. (d) as par. (3).

Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 113–128, §407(a)(3)(D), redesignated subsecs. (e) and (f) as (c) and (d), respectively. Former subsecs. (c) and (d) redesignated pars. (2) and (3), respectively, of subsec. (b).

Subsecs. (e), (f). Pub. L. 113–128, §407(a)(4), added subsecs. (e) and (f). Former subsecs. (e) and (f) redesignated (c) and (d), respectively.

Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 113–128, §407(a)(2), inserted "competitive" after "nonintegrated to".

§712. Information clearinghouse

(a) Establishment; information and resources for individuals with disabilities

The Secretary of Education shall establish a central clearinghouse for information and resource availability for individuals with disabilities which shall provide information and data regarding—

(1) the location, provision, and availability of services and programs for individuals with disabilities, including such information and data provided by State workforce development boards regarding such services and programs authorized under title I of such Act; ¹

(2) research and recent medical and scientific developments bearing on disabilities (and their prevention, amelioration, causes, and cures); and

(3) the current numbers of individuals with disabilities and their needs.

The clearinghouse shall also provide any other relevant information and data which the Secretary of Education considers appropriate.

(b) Information and data retrieval system

The Commissioner may assist the Secretary of Education to develop within the Department of Education a coordinated system of information and data retrieval, which will have the capacity and responsibility to provide information regarding the information and data referred to in subsection (a) of this section to the Congress, public and private agencies and organizations, individuals with disabilities and their families, professionals in fields serving such individuals, and the general public.

(c) Office of Information and Resources for Individuals with Disabilities

The office established to carry out the provisions of this section shall be known as the "Office of Information and Resources for Individuals with Disabilities".

(d) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary.

(Pub. L. 93–112, §15, formerly §13, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §403, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1113; renumbered §15, Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(a)(1)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681-412; amended Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §407(b), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1639.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Such Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(1), probably means the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, which is Pub. L. 105–220, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 936, and was repealed by Pub. L. 113–128, title V, §§506, 511(a), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1703, 1705, effective July 1, 2015. Title I of the Act was classified principally to former chapter 30 (former §2801 et seq.) of this title. Pursuant to section 3361(a) of this title, references to a provision of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 are deemed to refer to the corresponding provision of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, Pub. L. 113–128, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1425. For complete classification of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to the Code, see Tables. For complete classification of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of this title and Tables.

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to this section were contained in section 714 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105–220.

A prior section 712, Pub. L. 93–112, §13, as added Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §122(a)(10), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2985; amended Pub. L. 98–221, title I, §102, Feb. 22, 1984, 98 Stat. 17; Pub. L. 99–506, title I, §105, Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1812; Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §§102(p)(4), 106, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4356, 4362; Pub. L. 104–66, title I, §1042(c), Dec. 21, 1995, 109 Stat. 715, related to reports to President and Congress, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §403, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1093. See section 710 of this title.

A prior section 15 of Pub. L. 93–112 was renumbered section 17 and is classified to section 714 of this title.

Another prior section 15 of Pub. L. 93–112 was classified to section 714 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105–220.

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 113–128, §407(b)(1)(A), inserted "of Education" after "Secretary" in introductory and concluding provisions.

Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 113–128, §407(b)(1)(B), substituted "State workforce development boards" for "State workforce investment boards".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 113–128, §407(b)(2), substituted "Secretary of Education" for "Secretary".

¹ See References in Text note below.

§713. Transfer of funds

(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, no funds appropriated under this chapter for any program or activity may be used for any purpose other than that for which the funds were specifically authorized.

(b) No more than 1 percent of funds appropriated for discretionary grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements authorized by this chapter may be used for the purpose of providing non-Federal panels of experts to review applications for such grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements.

(Pub. L. 93–112, §16, formerly §14, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §403, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1113; renumbered §16, Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(a)(1)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681-412.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to this section were contained in section 715 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105–220.

A prior section 713, Pub. L. 93–112, §14, as added Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §122(a)(10), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2986; amended Pub. L. 98–221, title I, §103, Feb. 22, 1984, 98 Stat. 17; Pub. L. 99–506, title I, §§103(d)(2)(C), 106, title X, §1001(a)(5), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1810, 1812, 1841; Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §201(f), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3304; Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §§102(p)(5), 107, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4356, 4362, related to program and project evaluation, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §403, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1093. See section 711 of this title.

A prior section 16 of Pub. L. 93–112 was renumbered section 18 and is classified to section 715 of this title.

Another prior section 16 of Pub. L. 93–112 was classified to section 715 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105–220.

§714. State administration

The application of any State rule or policy relating to the administration or operation of programs funded by this chapter (including any rule or policy based on State interpretation of any Federal law, regulation, or guideline) shall be identified as a State imposed requirement.

(Pub. L. 93–112, §17, formerly §15, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §403, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1114; renumbered §17, Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(a)(1)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681-412.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to this section were contained in section 716 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105–220.

A prior section 714, Pub. L. 93–112, §15, as added Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §122(a)(10), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2986; amended Pub. L. 96–374, title XIII, §1322, Oct. 3, 1980, 94 Stat. 1499; Pub. L. 98–221, title I, §104(a)(1), Feb. 22, 1984, 98 Stat. 18; Pub. L. 99–506, title I, §103(d)(2)(C), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1810; Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §102(p)(6), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4356, related to information clearinghouse, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §403, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1093. See section 712 of this title.

A prior section 17 of Pub. L. 93–112 was renumbered section 19 and is classified to section 716 of this title.

Another prior section 17 of Pub. L. 93–112 was classified to section 716 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105–220.

§715. Review of applications

Applications for grants in excess of $100,000 in the aggregate authorized to be funded under this chapter, other than grants primarily for the purpose of conducting dissemination or conferences, shall be reviewed by panels of experts which shall include a majority of non-Federal members. Non-Federal members may be provided travel, per diem, and consultant fees not to exceed the daily equivalent of the rate of pay for level 4 of the Senior Executive Service Schedule under section 5382 of title 5.

(Pub. L. 93–112, §18, formerly §16, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §403, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1114; renumbered §18, Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(a)(1)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681-412.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to this section were contained in section 717 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105–220.

A prior section 715, Pub. L. 93–112, §16, as added Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §122(a)(10), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2987; amended Pub. L. 99–506, title I, §107, Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1812; Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §108(a), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4363, related to transfer of funds, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §403, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1093. See section 713 of this title.

A prior section 18 of Pub. L. 93–112 was renumbered section 20 and is classified to section 717 of this title.

Another prior section 18 of Pub. L. 93–112 was classified to section 717 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105–220.

§716. Carryover

(a) In general

Except as provided in subsection (b), and notwithstanding any other provision of law—

(1) any funds appropriated for a fiscal year to carry out any grant program under part B of subchapter I, section 794e of this title (except as provided in section 794e(b) of this title), subchapter VI, subpart 2 or 3 of part A of subchapter VII, or part B of subchapter VII (except as provided in section 796k(b) of this title), including any funds reallotted under any such grant program, that are not obligated and expended by recipients prior to the beginning of the succeeding fiscal year; or

(2) any amounts of program income, including reimbursement payments under the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 301 et seq.), received by recipients under any grant program specified in paragraph (1) that are not obligated and expended by recipients prior to the beginning of the fiscal year succeeding the fiscal year in which such amounts were received,

shall remain available for obligation and expenditure by such recipients during such succeeding fiscal year.

(b) Non-Federal share

Such funds shall remain available for obligation and expenditure by a recipient as provided in subsection (a) only to the extent that the recipient complied with any Federal share requirements applicable to the program for the fiscal year for which the funds were appropriated.

(Pub. L. 93–112, §19, formerly §17, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §403, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1114; renumbered §19 and amended Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(a)(1), (b)(4)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681-412, 2681-413; Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §408, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1639.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Social Security Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(2), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620, which is classified generally to chapter 7 (§301 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of Title 42 and Tables.

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to this section were contained in section 718 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105–220.

A prior section 716, Pub. L. 93–112, §17, as added Pub. L. 99–506, title I, §108(a), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1812, related to State administration, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §403, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1093. See section 714 of this title.

A prior section 19 of Pub. L. 93–112 was renumbered section 21 and is classified to section 718 of this title.

Another prior section 19 of Pub. L. 93–112 was classified to section 718 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105–220.

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 113–128 substituted "subchapter VI" for "part B of subchapter VI".

1998—Pub. L. 105–277, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(b)(4)], made technical amendment in the original to section designation and catchline.

§717. Client assistance information

All programs, including community rehabilitation programs, and projects, that provide services to individuals with disabilities under this chapter shall advise such individuals who are applicants for or recipients of the services, or the applicants' representatives or individuals' representatives, of the availability and purposes of the client assistance program under section 732 of this title, including information on means of seeking assistance under such program.

(Pub. L. 93–112, §20, formerly §18, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §403, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1114; renumbered §20 and amended Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(a)(1), (b)(5)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681-412, 2681-413.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to this section were contained in section 718a of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105–220.

A prior section 717, Pub. L. 93–112, §18, as added Pub. L. 99–506, title I, §109(a), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1813; amended Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §201(g), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3304; Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §108(b), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4363, related to review of applications, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §403, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1093. See section 715 of this title.

A prior section 20 of Pub. L. 93–112 was classified to section 718a of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105–220.

Amendments

1998—Pub. L. 105–277, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(b)(5)], made technical amendment to section designation and catchline in the original.

§718. Traditionally underserved populations

(a) Findings

With respect to the programs authorized in subchapters II through VII, the Congress finds as follows:

(1) Racial profile

The demographic profile of America is rapidly changing. While the percentage increase from 2000 to 2010 for white Americans was 9.7 percent, the percentage increase for racial and ethnic minorities was much higher: 43.0 percent for Latinos, 12.3 percent for African-Americans, and 43.2 percent for Asian-Americans.

(2) Rate of disability

Ethnic and racial minorities tend to have disabling conditions at a disproportionately high rate. In 2011—

(A) among Americans ages 16 through 64, the rate of disability was 12.1 percent;

(B) among African-Americans in that age range, the disability rate was more than twice as high, at 27.1 percent; and

(C) for American Indians and Alaska Natives in the same age range, the disability rate was also more than twice as high, at 27.0 percent.

(3) Inequitable treatment

Patterns of inequitable treatment of minorities have been documented in all major junctures of the vocational rehabilitation process. As compared to white Americans, a larger percentage of African-American applicants to the vocational rehabilitation system is denied acceptance. Of applicants accepted for service, a larger percentage of African-American cases is closed without being rehabilitated. Minorities are provided less training than their white counterparts. Consistently, less money is spent on minorities than on their white counterparts.

(4) Recruitment

Recruitment efforts within vocational rehabilitation at the level of preservice training, continuing education, and in-service training must focus on bringing larger numbers of minorities into the profession in order to provide appropriate practitioner knowledge, role models, and sufficient manpower to address the clearly changing demography of vocational rehabilitation.

(b) Outreach to minorities

(1) In general

For each fiscal year, the Commissioner and the Director of the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (referred to in this subsection as the "Director") shall reserve 1 percent of the funds appropriated for the fiscal year for programs authorized under subchapters II, III, VI, and VII to carry out this subsection. The Commissioner and the Director shall use the reserved funds to carry out one or more of the activities described in paragraph (2) through a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement.

(2) Activities

The activities carried out by the Commissioner and the Director shall include one or more of the following:

(A) Making awards to minority entities and Indian tribes to carry out activities under the programs authorized under subchapters II, III, VI, and VII.

(B) Making awards to minority entities and Indian tribes to conduct research, training, technical assistance, or a related activity, to improve services provided under this chapter, especially services provided to individuals from minority backgrounds.

(C) Making awards to entities described in paragraph (3) to provide outreach and technical assistance to minority entities and Indian tribes to promote their participation in activities funded under this chapter, including assistance to enhance their capacity to carry out such activities.

(3) Eligibility

To be eligible to receive an award under paragraph (2)(C), an entity shall be a State or a public or private nonprofit agency or organization, such as an institution of higher education or an Indian tribe.

(4) Report

In each fiscal year, the Commissioner and the Director shall prepare and submit to Congress a report that describes the activities funded under this subsection for the preceding fiscal year.

(5) Definitions

In this subsection:

(A) Historically Black college or university

The term "historically Black college or university" means a part B institution, as defined in section 1061(2) of title 20.

(B) Minority entity

The term "minority entity" means an entity that is a historically Black college or university, a Hispanic-serving institution of higher education, an American Indian tribal college or university, or another institution of higher education whose minority student enrollment is at least 50 percent.

(c) Demonstration

In awarding grants, or entering into contracts or cooperative agreements under subchapters I, II, III, VI, and VII of this chapter, and section 794e of this title, the Commissioner and the Director of the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research, in appropriate cases, shall require applicants to demonstrate how the applicants will address, in whole or in part, the needs of individuals with disabilities from minority backgrounds.

(Pub. L. 93–112, §21, formerly §19, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §403, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1115; renumbered §21 and amended Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(a)(1), (b)(6), (c)(3)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681-412, 2681-413, 2681-415; Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §409, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1639.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to this section were contained in section 718b of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105–220.

Prior sections 718 to 718b were repealed by Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §403, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1093.

Section 718, Pub. L. 93–112, §19, as added Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §109(a), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4363; amended Pub. L. 103–73, title I, §104, Aug. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 719, related to carryover of funds. See section 716 of this title.

Section 718a, Pub. L. 93–112, §20, as added Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §110(a), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4363; amended Pub. L. 103–73, title I, §105, Aug. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 719, related to client assistance information. See section 717 of this title.

Section 718b, Pub. L. 93–112, §21, as added Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §111(a), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4363; amended Pub. L. 103–73, title I, §106, Aug. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 719, related to traditionally underserved populations.

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 113–128, §409(1)(A), in first sentence, substituted "demographic" for "racial"; in second sentence, substituted "While the percentage increase from 2000 to 2010" for "While the rate of increase", "was 9.7" for "is 3.2", "percentage increase for racial" for "rate of increase for racial", "was much" for "is much", "43.0" for "38.6", "12.3" for "14.6", and "43.2" for "40.1" and struck out "and other ethnic groups" before period at end; and struck out last sentence which read as follows: "By the year 2000, the Nation will have 260,000,000 people, one of every three of whom will be either African-American, Latino, or Asian-American."

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 113–128, §409(1)(B), substituted "In 2011—" and subpars. (A) to (C) for second and third sentences which read as follows: "The rate of work-related disability for American Indians is about one and one-half times that of the general population. African-Americans are also one and one-half times more likely to be disabled than whites and twice as likely to be significantly disabled."

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 113–128, §409(2), substituted "National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research" for "National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 113–128, §409(3), substituted "Director of the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research" for "Director".

1998—Pub. L. 105–277, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(b)(6)], made technical amendment in original to section designation and catchline.

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 105–277, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(c)(3)], substituted "is denied" for "are denied" and "is closed" for "are closed".

SUBCHAPTER I—VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SERVICES

Editorial Notes

Codification

Title I of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, comprising this subchapter, was originally enacted by Pub. L. 93–112, title I, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 363, and amended by Pub. L. 93–516, Dec. 7, 1974, 88 Stat. 1617; Pub. L. 93–651, Nov. 21, 1974, 89 Stat. 2–3; Pub. L. 94–230, Mar. 15, 1976, 90 Stat. 211; Pub. L. 95–602, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2955; Pub. L. 97–375, Dec. 21, 1982, 96 Stat. 1819; Pub. L. 98–221, Feb. 22, 1984, 98 Stat. 17; Pub. L. 98–524, Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2435; Pub. L. 99–506, Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1807; Pub. L. 100–630, Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3289; Pub. L. 102–52, June 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 260; Pub. L. 102–54, June 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 267; Pub. L. 102–119, Oct. 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 587; Pub. L. 102–569, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4344; Pub. L. 103–73, Aug. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 718; Pub. L. 104–66, Dec. 21, 1995, 109 Stat. 707; Pub. L. 104–106, Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 186. Title I is shown herein, however, as having been added by Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §404, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1116, without reference to those intervening amendments because of the extensive revision of title I by Pub. L. 105–220.

Part A—General Provisions

§720. Declaration of policy; authorization of appropriations

(a) Findings; purpose; policy

(1) Findings

Congress finds that—

(A) work—

(i) is a valued activity, both for individuals and society; and

(ii) fulfills the need of an individual to be productive, promotes independence, enhances self-esteem, and allows for participation in the mainstream of life in the United States;

(B) as a group, individuals with disabilities experience staggering levels of unemployment and poverty;

(C) individuals with disabilities, including individuals with the most significant disabilities, have demonstrated their ability to achieve gainful employment in competitive integrated employment settings if appropriate services and supports are provided;

(D) reasons for significant numbers of individuals with disabilities not working, or working at levels not commensurate with their abilities and capabilities, include—

(i) discrimination;

(ii) lack of accessible and available transportation;

(iii) fear of losing health coverage under the Medicare and Medicaid programs carried out under titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq. and 1396 et seq.) or fear of losing private health insurance; and

(iv) lack of education, training, and supports to meet job qualification standards necessary to secure, retain, regain, or advance in employment;

(E) enforcement of subchapter V and of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.) holds the promise of ending discrimination for individuals with disabilities;

(F) the provision of workforce development activities and vocational rehabilitation services can enable individuals with disabilities, including individuals with the most significant disabilities, to pursue meaningful careers by securing gainful employment commensurate with their abilities and capabilities; and

(G) linkages between the vocational rehabilitation programs established under this subchapter and other components of the statewide workforce development systems are critical to ensure effective and meaningful participation by individuals with disabilities in workforce development activities.

(2) Purpose

The purpose of this subchapter is to assist States in operating statewide comprehensive, coordinated, effective, efficient, and accountable programs of vocational rehabilitation, each of which is—

(A) an integral part of a statewide workforce development system; and

(B) designed to assess, plan, develop, and provide vocational rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities, consistent with their strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, informed choice, and economic self-sufficiency, so that such individuals may prepare for and engage in gainful employment.

(3) Policy

It is the policy of the United States that such a program shall be carried out in a manner consistent with the following principles:

(A) Individuals with disabilities, including individuals with the most significant disabilities, are generally presumed to be capable of engaging in gainful employment and the provision of individualized vocational rehabilitation services can improve their ability to become gainfully employed.

(B) Individuals with disabilities must be provided the opportunities to obtain competitive integrated employment.

(C) Individuals who are applicants for such programs or eligible to participate in such programs must be active and full partners in the vocational rehabilitation process, making meaningful and informed choices—

(i) during assessments for determining eligibility and vocational rehabilitation needs; and

(ii) in the selection of employment outcomes for the individuals, services needed to achieve the outcomes, entities providing such services, and the methods used to secure such services.

(D) Families and other natural supports can play important roles in the success of a vocational rehabilitation program, if the individual with a disability involved requests, desires, or needs such supports.

(E) Vocational rehabilitation counselors that are trained and prepared in accordance with State policies and procedures as described in section 721(a)(7)(B) of this title (referred to individually in this subchapter as a "qualified vocational rehabilitation counselor"), other qualified rehabilitation personnel, and other qualified personnel should facilitate the accomplishment of the employment outcomes and objectives of an individual.

(F) Individuals with disabilities and the individuals' representatives are full partners in a vocational rehabilitation program and must be involved on a regular basis and in a meaningful manner with respect to policy development and implementation.

(G) Accountability measures must facilitate the accomplishment of the goals and objectives of the program, including providing vocational rehabilitation services to, among others, individuals with the most significant disabilities.

(b) Authorization of appropriations

(1) In general

For the purpose of making grants to States under part B to assist States in meeting the costs of vocational rehabilitation services provided in accordance with State plans under section 721 of this title, there are authorized to be appropriated $3,302,053,000 for each of the fiscal years 2015 through 2020, except that the amount to be appropriated for a fiscal year shall not be less than the amount of the appropriation under this paragraph for the immediately preceding fiscal year, increased by the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index determined under subsection (c) for the immediately preceding fiscal year.

(2) Reference

The reference in paragraph (1) to grants to States under part B shall not be considered to refer to grants under section 732 of this title.

(c) Consumer Price Index

(1) Percentage change

No later than November 15 of each fiscal year (beginning with fiscal year 1979), the Secretary of Labor shall publish in the Federal Register the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index published for October of the preceding fiscal year and October of the fiscal year in which such publication is made.

(2) Application

(A) Increase

If in any fiscal year the percentage change published under paragraph (1) indicates an increase in the Consumer Price Index, then the amount to be appropriated under subsection (b)(1) for the subsequent fiscal year shall be at least the amount appropriated under subsection (b)(1) for the fiscal year in which the publication is made under paragraph (1) increased by such percentage change.

(B) No increase or decrease

If in any fiscal year the percentage change published under paragraph (1) does not indicate an increase in the Consumer Price Index, then the amount to be appropriated under subsection (b)(1) for the subsequent fiscal year shall be at least the amount appropriated under subsection (b)(1) for the fiscal year in which the publication is made under paragraph (1).

(3) Definition

For purposes of this section, the term "Consumer Price Index" means the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, published monthly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

(d) Extension

(1) In general

(A) Authorization or duration of program

Unless the Congress in the regular session which ends prior to the beginning of the terminal fiscal year—

(i) of the authorization of appropriations for the program authorized by the State grant program under part B of this subchapter; or

(ii) of the duration of the program authorized by the State grant program under part B of this subchapter;

has passed legislation which would have the effect of extending the authorization or duration (as the case may be) of such program, such authorization or duration is automatically extended for 1 additional year for the program authorized by this subchapter.

(B) Calculation

The amount authorized to be appropriated for the additional fiscal year described in subparagraph (A) shall be an amount equal to the amount appropriated for such program for fiscal year 2003, increased by the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index determined under subsection (c) for the immediately preceding fiscal year, if the percentage change indicates an increase.

(2) Construction

(A) Passage of legislation

For the purposes of paragraph (1)(A), Congress shall not be deemed to have passed legislation unless such legislation becomes law.

(B) Acts or determinations of Commissioner

In any case where the Commissioner is required under an applicable statute to carry out certain acts or make certain determinations which are necessary for the continuation of the program authorized by this subchapter, if such acts or determinations are required during the terminal year of such program, such acts and determinations shall be required during any fiscal year in which the extension described in that part of paragraph (1) that follows clause (ii) of paragraph (1)(A) is in effect.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title I, §100, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §404, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1116; amended Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §411, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1640.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Social Security Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(1)(D)(iii), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620. Titles XVIII and XIX of the Act are classified generally to subchapters XVIII (§1395 et seq.) and XIX (§1396 et seq.), respectively, of chapter 7 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of Title 42 and Tables.

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, referred to in subsec. (a)(1)(E), is Pub. L. 101–336, July 26, 1990, 104 Stat. 327, which is classified principally to chapter 126 (§12101 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 12101 of Title 42 and Tables.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 720, Pub. L. 93–112, title I, §100, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 363; Pub. L. 93–516, title I, §102(a), Dec. 7, 1974, 88 Stat. 1618; Pub. L. 93–651, title I, §102(a), Nov. 21, 1974, 89 Stat. 2–3; Pub. L. 94–230, §§2(a), 11(b)(2), (3), Mar. 15, 1976, 90 Stat. 211, 213; Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §101(a), (b), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2955; Pub. L. 98–221, title I, §111(a)–(d), Feb. 22, 1984, 98 Stat. 19; Pub. L. 99–506, title I, §103(d)(2)(C), title II, §201, Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1810, 1813; Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §202(a), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3304; Pub. L. 102–52, §2(a), (b)(1), June 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 260; Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §121(a), (b), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4365, 4367, related to congressional findings, purpose, policy, authorization of appropriations, change in Consumer Price Index, and extension of program, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (a)(1)(C). Pub. L. 113–128, §411(a)(1)(A), substituted "competitive integrated employment" for "integrated".

Subsec. (a)(1)(D)(iii). Pub. L. 113–128, §411(a)(1)(B), substituted "Medicare and Medicaid" for "medicare and medicaid".

Subsec. (a)(1)(F). Pub. L. 113–128, §411(a)(1)(C), substituted "development" for "investment".

Subsec. (a)(1)(G). Pub. L. 113–128, §411(a)(1)(D), substituted "workforce development systems" for "workforce investment systems" and "workforce development activities" for "workforce investment activities".

Subsec. (a)(2)(A). Pub. L. 113–128, §411(a)(2)(A), substituted "workforce development system" for "workforce investment system".

Subsec. (a)(2)(B). Pub. L. 113–128, §411(a)(2)(B), substituted "informed choice, and economic self-sufficiency," for "and informed choice,".

Subsec. (a)(3)(B). Pub. L. 113–128, §411(a)(3)(A), substituted "competitive integrated employment" for "gainful employment in integrated settings".

Subsec. (a)(3)(E). Pub. L. 113–128, §411(a)(3)(B), inserted "should" before "facilitate the accomplishment".

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 113–128, §411(b), substituted "$3,302,053,000 for each of the fiscal years 2015 through 2020" for "such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 1999 through 2003".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Definitions of Terms in Pub. L. 113–128

Except as otherwise provided, definitions in section 3 of Pub. L. 113–128, which is classified to section 3102 of this title, apply to this section.

§721. State plans

(a) Plan requirements

(1) In general

(A) Submission

To be eligible to receive funds under this subchapter for a fiscal year, a State shall submit, and have approved by the Secretary and the Secretary of Labor, a unified State plan in accordance with section 102, or a combined State plan in accordance with section 103, of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act [29 U.S.C. 3112, 3113]. The unified or combined State plan shall include, in the portion of the plan described in section 102(b)(2)(D) of such Act [29 U.S.C. 3112(b)(2)(D)] (referred to in this subsection as the "vocational rehabilitation services portion"), the provisions of a State plan for vocational rehabilitation services, described in this subsection.

(B) Nonduplication

The State shall not be required to submit, as part of the vocational rehabilitation services portion of the unified or combined State plan submitted in accordance with subparagraph (A), policies, procedures, or descriptions required under this subchapter that have been previously submitted to the Commissioner and that demonstrate that such State meets the requirements of this subchapter, including any policies, procedures, or descriptions submitted under this subchapter as in effect on the day before the effective date of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

(C) Duration

The vocational rehabilitation services portion of the unified or combined State plan submitted in accordance with subparagraph (A) shall remain in effect until the State submits and receives approval of a new State plan in accordance with subparagraph (A), or until the submission of such modifications as the State determines to be necessary or as the Commissioner may require based on a change in State policy, a change in Federal law (including regulations), an interpretation of this chapter by a Federal court or the highest court of the State, or a finding by the Commissioner of State noncompliance with the requirements of this chapter.

(2) Designated State agency; designated State unit

(A) Designated State agency

The State plan for vocational rehabilitation services shall designate a State agency as the sole State agency to administer the plan, or to supervise the administration of the plan by a local agency, except that—

(i) where, under State law, the State agency for individuals who are blind or another agency that provides assistance or services to adults who are blind is authorized to provide vocational rehabilitation services to individuals who are blind, that agency may be designated as the sole State agency to administer the part of the plan under which vocational rehabilitation services are provided for individuals who are blind (or to supervise the administration of such part by a local agency) and a separate State agency may be designated as the sole State agency to administer or supervise the administration of the rest of the State plan;

(ii) the Commissioner, on the request of a State, may authorize the designated State agency to share funding and administrative responsibility with another agency of the State or with a local agency in order to permit the agencies to carry out a joint program to provide services to individuals with disabilities, and may waive compliance, with respect to vocational rehabilitation services furnished under the joint program, with the requirement of paragraph (4) that the plan be in effect in all political subdivisions of the State; and

(iii) in the case of American Samoa, the appropriate State agency shall be the Governor of American Samoa.

(B) Designated State unit

The State agency designated under subparagraph (A) shall be—

(i) a State agency primarily concerned with vocational rehabilitation, or vocational and other rehabilitation, of individuals with disabilities; or

(ii) if not such an agency, the State agency (or each State agency if 2 are so designated) shall include a vocational rehabilitation bureau, division, or other organizational unit that—

(I) is primarily concerned with vocational rehabilitation, or vocational and other rehabilitation, of individuals with disabilities, and is responsible for the vocational rehabilitation program of the designated State agency;

(II) has a full-time director who is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the vocational rehabilitation program;

(III) has a staff employed on the rehabilitation work of the organizational unit all or substantially all of whom are employed full time on such work;

(IV) is located at an organizational level and has an organizational status within the designated State agency comparable to that of other major organizational units of the designated State agency; and

(V) has the sole authority and responsibility within the designated State agency described in subparagraph (A) to expend funds made available under this subchapter in a manner that is consistent with the purposes of this subchapter.

(C) Responsibility for services for the blind

If the State has designated only 1 State agency pursuant to subparagraph (A), the State may assign responsibility for the part of the plan under which vocational rehabilitation services are provided for individuals who are blind to an organizational unit of the designated State agency and assign responsibility for the rest of the plan to another organizational unit of the designated State agency, with the provisions of subparagraph (B) applying separately to each of the designated State units.

(3) Non-Federal share

The State plan shall provide for financial participation by the State, or if the State so elects, by the State and local agencies, to provide the amount of the non-Federal share of the cost of carrying out part B.

(4) Statewideness

The State plan shall provide that the plan shall be in effect in all political subdivisions of the State, except that—

(A) in the case of any activity that, in the judgment of the Commissioner, is likely to assist in promoting the vocational rehabilitation of substantially larger numbers of individuals with disabilities or groups of individuals with disabilities, the Commissioner may waive compliance with the requirement that the plan be in effect in all political subdivisions of the State to the extent and for such period as may be provided in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Commissioner, but only if the non-Federal share of the cost of the vocational rehabilitation services involved is met from funds made available by a local agency (including funds contributed to such agency by a private agency, organization, or individual); and

(B) in a case in which earmarked funds are used toward the non-Federal share and such funds are earmarked for particular geographic areas within the State, the earmarked funds may be used in such areas if the State notifies the Commissioner that the State cannot provide the full non-Federal share without such funds.

(5) Order of selection for vocational rehabilitation services

In the event that vocational rehabilitation services cannot be provided to all eligible individuals with disabilities in the State who apply for the services, the State plan shall—

(A) show the order to be followed in selecting eligible individuals to be provided vocational rehabilitation services;

(B) provide the justification for the order of selection;

(C) include an assurance that, in accordance with criteria established by the State for the order of selection, individuals with the most significant disabilities will be selected first for the provision of vocational rehabilitation services;

(D) notwithstanding subparagraph (C), permit the State, in its discretion, to elect to serve eligible individuals (whether or not receiving vocational rehabilitation services) who require specific services or equipment to maintain employment; and

(E) provide that eligible individuals, who do not meet the order of selection criteria, shall have access to services provided through the information and referral system implemented under paragraph (20).

(6) Methods for administration

(A) In general

The State plan shall provide for such methods of administration as are found by the Commissioner to be necessary for the proper and efficient administration of the plan.

(B) Employment of individuals with disabilities

The State plan shall provide that the designated State agency, and entities carrying out community rehabilitation programs in the State, who are in receipt of assistance under this subchapter shall take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities covered under, and on the same terms and conditions as set forth in, section 793 of this title.

(C) Facilities

The State plan shall provide that facilities used in connection with the delivery of services assisted under the State plan shall comply with the Act entitled "An Act to insure that certain buildings financed with Federal funds are so designed and constructed as to be accessible to the physically handicapped", approved on August 12, 1968 (commonly known as the "Architectural Barriers Act of 1968") [42 U.S.C. 4151 et seq.], with section 794 of this title, and with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 [42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.].

(7) Comprehensive system of personnel development

The State plan shall—

(A) include a description (consistent with the purposes of this chapter) of a comprehensive system of personnel development, which shall include—

(i) a description of the procedures and activities the designated State agency will undertake to ensure an adequate supply of qualified State rehabilitation professionals and paraprofessionals for the designated State unit, including the development and maintenance of a system for determining, on an annual basis—

(I) the number and type of personnel that are employed by the designated State unit in the provision of vocational rehabilitation services, including ratios of qualified vocational rehabilitation counselors to clients; and

(II) the number and type of personnel needed by the State, and a projection of the numbers of such personnel that will be needed in 5 years, based on projections of the number of individuals to be served, the number of such personnel who are expected to retire or leave the vocational rehabilitation field, and other relevant factors;

(ii) where appropriate, a description of the manner in which activities will be undertaken under this section to coordinate the system of personnel development with personnel development activities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.);

(iii) a description of the development and maintenance of a system of determining, on an annual basis, information on the programs of institutions of higher education within the State that are preparing rehabilitation professionals, including—

(I) the numbers of students enrolled in such programs; and

(II) the number of such students who graduated with certification or licensure, or with credentials to qualify for certification or licensure, as a rehabilitation professional during the past year;

(iv) a description of the development, updating, and implementation of a plan that—

(I) will address the current and projected vocational rehabilitation services personnel training needs for the designated State unit; and

(II) provides for the coordination and facilitation of efforts between the designated State unit, institutions of higher education, and professional associations to recruit, prepare, and retain qualified personnel, including personnel from minority backgrounds, and personnel who are individuals with disabilities; and

(v) a description of the procedures and activities the designated State agency will undertake to ensure that all personnel employed by the designated State unit are appropriately and adequately trained and prepared, including—

(I) a system for the continuing education of rehabilitation professionals and paraprofessionals within the designated State unit, particularly with respect to rehabilitation technology, including training implemented in coordination with entities carrying out State programs under section 3003 of this title; and

(II) procedures for acquiring and disseminating to rehabilitation professionals and paraprofessionals within the designated State unit significant knowledge from research and other sources, including procedures for providing training regarding the amendments to this chapter made by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act;

(B) set forth policies and procedures relating to the establishment and maintenance of standards to ensure that personnel, including rehabilitation professionals and paraprofessionals, needed within the designated State unit to carry out this part are appropriately and adequately prepared and trained, including—

(i) the establishment and maintenance of standards that are consistent with any national or State approved or recognized certification, licensing, registration, or other comparable requirements that apply to the area in which such personnel are providing vocational rehabilitation services; and

(ii) the establishment and maintenance of education and experience requirements, to ensure that the personnel have a 21st century understanding of the evolving labor force and the needs of individuals with disabilities, including requirements for—

(I)(aa) attainment of a baccalaureate degree in a field of study reasonably related to vocational rehabilitation, to indicate a level of competency and skill demonstrating basic preparation in a field of study such as vocational rehabilitation counseling, social work, psychology, disability studies, business administration, human resources, special education, supported employment, customized employment, economics, or another field that reasonably prepares individuals to work with consumers and employers; and

(bb) demonstrated paid or unpaid experience, for not less than 1 year, consisting of—

(AA) direct work with individuals with disabilities in a setting such as an independent living center;

(BB) direct service or advocacy activities that provide such individual with experience and skills in working with individuals with disabilities; or

(CC) direct experience as an employer, as a small business owner or operator, or in self-employment, or other experience in human resources, recruitment, or experience in supervising employees, training, or other activities that provide experience in competitive integrated employment environments; or

(II) attainment of a master's or doctoral degree in a field of study such as vocational rehabilitation counseling, law, social work, psychology, disability studies, business administration, human resources, special education, management, public administration, or another field that reasonably provides competence in the employment sector, in a disability field, or in both business-related and rehabilitation-related fields; and

(C) contain provisions relating to the establishment and maintenance of minimum standards to ensure the availability of personnel within the designated State unit, to the maximum extent feasible, trained to communicate in the native language or mode of communication of an applicant or eligible individual.

(8) Comparable services and benefits

(A) Determination of availability

(i) In general

The State plan shall include an assurance that, prior to providing an accommodation or auxiliary aid or service or any vocational rehabilitation service to an eligible individual, except those services specified in paragraph (5)(E) and in paragraphs (1) through (4) and (14) of section 723(a) of this title, the designated State unit will determine whether comparable services and benefits are available under any other program (other than a program carried out under this subchapter) unless such a determination would interrupt or delay—

(I) the progress of the individual toward achieving the employment outcome identified in the individualized plan for employment of the individual in accordance with section 722(b) of this title;

(II) an immediate job placement; or

(III) the provision of such service to any individual at extreme medical risk.

(ii) Awards and scholarships

For purposes of clause (i), comparable benefits do not include awards and scholarships based on merit.

(B) Interagency agreement

The State plan shall include an assurance that the Governor of the State, in consultation with the entity in the State responsible for the vocational rehabilitation program and other appropriate agencies, will ensure that an interagency agreement or other mechanism for interagency coordination takes effect between any appropriate public entity, including the State entity responsible for administering the State Medicaid program, a public institution of higher education, and a component of the statewide workforce development system, and the designated State unit, in order to ensure the provision of vocational rehabilitation services described in subparagraph (A) (other than those services specified in paragraph (5)(E), and in paragraphs (1) through (4) and (14) of section 723(a) of this title), and, if appropriate, accommodations or auxiliary aids and services, that are included in the individualized plan for employment of an eligible individual, including the provision of such vocational rehabilitation services (including, if appropriate, accommodations or auxiliary aids and services) during the pendency of any dispute described in clause (iii). Such agreement or mechanism shall include the following:

(i) Agency financial responsibility

An identification of, or a description of a method for defining, the financial responsibility of such public entity for providing such services, and a provision stating the financial responsibility of such public entity for providing such services.

(ii) Conditions, terms, and procedures of reimbursement

Information specifying the conditions, terms, and procedures under which a designated State unit shall be reimbursed by other public entities for providing such services, based on the provisions of such agreement or mechanism.

(iii) Interagency disputes

Information specifying procedures for resolving interagency disputes under the agreement or other mechanism (including procedures under which the designated State unit may initiate proceedings to secure reimbursement from other public entities or otherwise implement the provisions of the agreement or mechanism).

(iv) Coordination of services procedures

Information specifying policies and procedures for public entities to determine and identify the interagency coordination responsibilities of each public entity to promote the coordination and timely delivery of vocational rehabilitation services (except those services specified in paragraph (5)(E) and in paragraphs (1) through (4) and (14) of section 723(a) of this title), and accommodations or auxiliary aids and services.

(C) Responsibilities of other public entities

(i) Responsibilities under other law

Notwithstanding subparagraph (B), if any public entity other than a designated State unit is obligated under Federal or State law, or assigned responsibility under State policy or under this paragraph, to provide or pay for any services that are also considered to be vocational rehabilitation services (other than those specified in paragraph (5)(E) and in paragraphs (1) through (4) and (14) of section 723(a) of this title), such public entity shall fulfill that obligation or responsibility, either directly or by contract or other arrangement.

(ii) Reimbursement

If a public entity other than the designated State unit fails to provide or pay for the services described in clause (i) for an eligible individual, the designated State unit shall provide or pay for such services to the individual. Such designated State unit may claim reimbursement for the services from the public entity that failed to provide or pay for such services. Such public entity shall reimburse the designated State unit pursuant to the terms of the interagency agreement or other mechanism described in this paragraph according to the procedures established in such agreement or mechanism pursuant to subparagraph (B)(ii).

(D) Methods

The Governor of a State may meet the requirements of subparagraph (B) through—

(i) a State statute or regulation;

(ii) a signed agreement between the respective officials of the public entities that clearly identifies the responsibilities of each public entity relating to the provision of services; or

(iii) another appropriate method, as determined by the designated State unit.

(9) Individualized plan for employment

(A) Development and implementation

The State plan shall include an assurance that an individualized plan for employment meeting the requirements of section 722(b) of this title will be developed and implemented in a timely manner for an individual subsequent to the determination of the eligibility of the individual for services under this subchapter, except that in a State operating under an order of selection described in paragraph (5), the plan will be developed and implemented only for individuals meeting the order of selection criteria of the State.

(B) Provision of services

The State plan shall include an assurance that such services will be provided in accordance with the provisions of the individualized plan for employment.

(10) Reporting requirements

(A) In general

The State plan shall include an assurance that the designated State agency will submit reports in the form and level of detail and at the time required by the Commissioner regarding applicants for, and eligible individuals receiving, services under this subchapter.

(B) Annual reporting

In specifying the information to be submitted in the reports, the Commissioner shall require annual reporting of information, on eligible individuals receiving the services, that is necessary to assess the State's performance on the standards and indicators described in section 726(a) of this title that are determined by the Secretary to be relevant in assessing the performance of designated State units in carrying out the vocational rehabilitation program established under this subchapter.

(C) Additional data

In specifying the information required to be submitted in the reports, the Commissioner shall require additional data, from each State, with regard to applicants and eligible individuals related to—

(i) the number of applicants and the number of individuals determined to be eligible or ineligible for the program carried out under this subchapter, including the number of individuals determined to be ineligible (disaggregated by type of disability and age);

(ii) the number of individuals who received vocational rehabilitation services through the program, including—

(I) the number who received services under paragraph (5)(E), but not assistance under an individualized plan for employment;

(II) of those recipients who are individuals with significant disabilities, the number who received assistance under an individualized plan for employment consistent with section 722(b) of this title;

(III) of those recipients who are not individuals with significant disabilities, the number who received assistance under an individualized plan for employment consistent with section 722(b) of this title;

(IV) the number of individuals with open cases (disaggregated by those who are receiving training and those who are in postsecondary education), and the type of services the individuals are receiving (including supported employment);

(V) the number of students with disabilities who are receiving pre-employment transition services under this subchapter: ¹ and

(VI) the number of individuals referred to State vocational rehabilitation programs by one-stop operators (as defined in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act [29 U.S.C. 3102]), and the number of individuals referred to such one-stop operators by State vocational rehabilitation programs;

(iii) of those applicants and eligible recipients who are individuals with significant disabilities—

(I) the number who ended their participation in the program carried out under this subchapter and the number who achieved employment outcomes after receiving vocational rehabilitation services; and

(II) the number who ended their participation in the program and who were employed 6 months and 12 months after securing or regaining employment, or, in the case of individuals whose employment outcome was to retain or advance in employment, who were employed 6 months and 12 months after achieving their employment outcome, including—

(aa) the number who earned the minimum wage rate specified in section 6(a)(1) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 206(a)(1)) or another wage level set by the Commissioner, during such employment; and

(bb) the number who received employment benefits from an employer during such employment; and

(iv) of those applicants and eligible recipients who are not individuals with significant disabilities—

(I) the number who ended their participation in the program carried out under this subchapter and the number who achieved employment outcomes after receiving vocational rehabilitation services and, for those who achieved employment outcomes, the average length of time to obtain employment; and

(II) the number who ended their participation in the program and who were employed 6 months and 12 months after securing or regaining employment, or, in the case of individuals whose employment outcome was to retain or advance in employment, who were employed 6 months and 12 months after achieving their employment outcome, including—

(aa) the number who earned the minimum wage rate specified in section 6(a)(1) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 206(a)(1)) or another wage level set by the Commissioner, during such employment; and

(bb) the number who received employment benefits from an employer during such employment.

(D) Costs and results

The Commissioner shall also require that the designated State agency include in the reports information on—

(i) the costs under this subchapter of conducting administration, providing assessment services, counseling and guidance, and other direct services provided by designated State agency staff, providing services purchased under individualized plans for employment, supporting small business enterprises, establishing, developing, and improving community rehabilitation programs, providing other services to groups, and facilitating use of other programs under this chapter and title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act [29 U.S.C. 3111 et seq.] by eligible individuals; and

(ii) the results of annual evaluation by the State of program effectiveness under paragraph (15)(E).

(E) Additional information

The Commissioner shall require that each designated State unit include in the reports additional information related to the applicants and eligible individuals, obtained either through a complete count or sampling, including—

(i) information on—

(I) age, gender, race, ethnicity, education, category of impairment, severity of disability, and whether the individuals are students with disabilities;

(II) dates of application, determination of eligibility or ineligibility, initiation of the individualized plan for employment, and termination of participation in the program;

(III) earnings at the time of application for the program and termination of participation in the program;

(IV) work status and occupation;

(V) types of services, including assistive technology services and assistive technology devices, provided under the program;

(VI) types of public or private programs or agencies that furnished services under the program; and

(VII) the reasons for individuals terminating participation in the program without achieving an employment outcome; and

(ii) information necessary to determine the success of the State in meeting the standards and indicators established pursuant to section 726 of this title.

(F) Completeness and confidentiality

The State plan shall include an assurance that the information submitted in the reports will include a complete count, except as provided in subparagraph (E), of the applicants and eligible individuals, in a manner permitting the greatest possible cross-classification of data and that the identity of each individual for which information is supplied under this paragraph will be kept confidential.

(G) Rules for reporting of data

The disaggregation of data under this chapter shall not be required within a category if the number of individuals in a category is insufficient to yield statistically reliable information, or if the results would reveal personally identifiable information about an individual.

(H) Comprehensive report

The State plan shall specify that the Commissioner will provide an annual comprehensive report that includes the reports and data required under this section, as well as a summary of the reports and data, for each fiscal year. The Commissioner shall submit the report to the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, not later than 90 days after the end of the fiscal year involved.

(11) Cooperation, collaboration, and coordination

(A) Cooperative agreements with other components of statewide workforce development systems

The State plan shall provide that the designated State unit or designated State agency shall enter into a cooperative agreement with other entities that are components of the statewide workforce development system of the State, regarding the system, which agreement may provide for—

(i) provision of intercomponent staff training and technical assistance with regard to—

(I) the availability and benefits of, and information on eligibility standards for, vocational rehabilitation services; and

(II) the promotion of equal, effective, and meaningful participation by individuals with disabilities in workforce development activities in the State through the promotion of program accessibility (including programmatic accessibility and physical accessibility), the use of nondiscriminatory policies and procedures, and the provision of reasonable accommodations, auxiliary aids and services, and rehabilitation technology, for individuals with disabilities;

(ii) use of information and financial management systems that link all components of the statewide workforce development system, that link the components to other electronic networks, including nonvisual electronic networks, and that relate to such subjects as employment statistics, and information on job vacancies, career planning, and workforce investment activities;

(iii) use of customer service features such as common intake and referral procedures, customer databases, resource information, and human services hotlines;

(iv) establishment of cooperative efforts with employers to—

(I) facilitate job placement; and

(II) carry out any other activities that the designated State unit and the employers determine to be appropriate;

(v) identification of staff roles, responsibilities, and available resources, and specification of the financial responsibility of each component of the statewide workforce development system with regard to paying for necessary services (consistent with State law and Federal requirements); and

(vi) specification of procedures for resolving disputes among such components.

(B) Replication of cooperative agreements

The State plan shall provide for the replication of such cooperative agreements at the local level between individual offices of the designated State unit and local entities carrying out activities through the statewide workforce development system.

(C) Interagency cooperation with other agencies

The State plan shall include descriptions of interagency cooperation with, and utilization of the services and facilities of, Federal, State, and local agencies and programs, including the State programs carried out under section 3003 of this title, programs carried out by the Under Secretary for Rural Development of the Department of Agriculture, noneducational agencies serving out-of-school youth, and State use contracting programs, to the extent that such Federal, State, and local agencies and programs are not carrying out activities through the statewide workforce development system.

(D) Coordination with education officials

The State plan shall contain plans, policies, and procedures for coordination between the designated State agency and education officials responsible for the public education of students with disabilities, that are designed to facilitate the transition of the students with disabilities from the receipt of educational services in school to the receipt of vocational rehabilitation services, including pre-employment transition services, under this subchapter, including information on a formal interagency agreement with the State educational agency that, at a minimum, provides for—

(i) consultation and technical assistance, which may be provided using alternative means for meeting participation (such as video conferences and conference calls), to assist educational agencies in planning for the transition of students with disabilities from school to post-school activities, including vocational rehabilitation services;

(ii) transition planning by personnel of the designated State agency and educational agency personnel for students with disabilities that facilitates the development and implementation of their individualized education programs under section 614(d) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act [20 U.S.C. 1414(d)];

(iii) the roles and responsibilities, including financial responsibilities, of each agency, including provisions for determining State lead agencies and qualified personnel responsible for transition services; and

(iv) procedures for outreach to and identification of students with disabilities who need the transition services.

(E) Coordination with employers

The State plan shall describe how the designated State unit will work with employers to identify competitive integrated employment opportunities and career exploration opportunities, in order to facilitate the provision of—

(i) vocational rehabilitation services; and

(ii) transition services for youth with disabilities and students with disabilities, such as pre-employment transition services.

(F) Coordination with Statewide Independent Living Councils and independent living centers

The State plan shall include an assurance that the designated State unit, the Statewide Independent Living Council established under section 796d of this title, and the independent living centers described in subpart 3 of part A of subchapter VII within the State have developed working relationships and coordinate their activities, as appropriate.

(G) Cooperative agreement regarding individuals eligible for home and community-based waiver programs

The State plan shall include an assurance that the designated State unit has entered into a formal cooperative agreement with the State agency responsible for administering the State Medicaid plan under title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.) and the State agency with primary responsibility for providing services and supports for individuals with intellectual disabilities and individuals with developmental disabilities, with respect to the delivery of vocational rehabilitation services, including extended services, for individuals with the most significant disabilities who have been determined to be eligible for home and community-based services under a Medicaid waiver, Medicaid State plan amendment, or other authority related to a State Medicaid program.

(H) Cooperative agreement with recipients of grants for services to American Indians

In applicable cases, the State plan shall include an assurance that the State has entered into a formal cooperative agreement with each grant recipient in the State that receives funds under part C. The agreement shall describe strategies for collaboration and coordination in providing vocational rehabilitation services to American Indians who are individuals with disabilities, including—

(i) strategies for interagency referral and information sharing that will assist in eligibility determinations and the development of individualized plans for employment;

(ii) procedures for ensuring that American Indians who are individuals with disabilities and are living on or near a reservation or tribal service area are provided vocational rehabilitation services;

(iii) strategies for the provision of transition planning, by personnel of the designated State unit, the State educational agency, and the recipient of funds under part C, that will facilitate the development and approval of the individualized plans for employment under section 722 of this title; and

(iv) provisions for sharing resources in cooperative studies and assessments, joint training activities, and other collaborative activities designed to improve the provision of services to American Indians who are individuals with disabilities.

(I) Coordination with assistive technology programs

The State plan shall include an assurance that the designated State unit, and the lead agency and implementing entity (if any) designated by the Governor of the State under section 3003 of this title, have developed working relationships and will enter into agreements for the coordination of their activities, including the referral of individuals with disabilities to programs and activities described in that section.

(J) Coordination with ticket to work and self-sufficiency program

The State plan shall include an assurance that the designated State unit will coordinate activities with any other State agency that is functioning as an employment network under the Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program established under section 1148 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320b–19).

(K) Interagency cooperation

The State plan shall describe how the designated State agency or agencies (if more than 1 agency is designated under paragraph (2)(A)) will collaborate with the State agency responsible for administering the State Medicaid plan under title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.), the State agency responsible for providing services for individuals with developmental disabilities, and the State agency responsible for providing mental health services, to develop opportunities for community-based employment in integrated settings, to the greatest extent practicable.

(12) Residency

The State plan shall include an assurance that the State will not impose a residence requirement that excludes from services provided under the plan any individual who is present in the State.

(13) Services to American Indians

The State plan shall include an assurance that, except as otherwise provided in part C, the designated State agency will provide vocational rehabilitation services to American Indians who are individuals with disabilities residing in the State to the same extent as the designated State agency provides such services to other significant populations of individuals with disabilities residing in the State.

(14) Semiannual review of individuals in extended employment or other employment under special certificate provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938

The State plan shall provide for—

(A) a semiannual review and reevaluation of the status of each individual with a disability served under this subchapter who is employed either in an extended employment setting in a community rehabilitation program or any other employment under section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act (29 U.S.C. 214(c)) for 2 years after the beginning of such employment, and annually thereafter, to determine the interests, priorities, and needs of the individual with respect to competitive integrated employment or training for competitive integrated employment;

(B) input into the review and reevaluation, and a signed acknowledgment that such review and reevaluation have been conducted, by the individual with a disability, or, if appropriate, the individual's representative;

(C) maximum efforts, including the identification and provision of vocational rehabilitation services, reasonable accommodations, and other necessary support services, to assist individuals described in subparagraph (A) in attaining competitive integrated employment; and

(D) an assurance that the State will report the information generated under subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C), for each of the individuals, to the Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division of the Department of Labor for each fiscal year, not later than 60 days after the end of the fiscal year.

(15) Annual State goals and reports of progress

(A) Assessments and estimates

The State plan shall—

(i) include the results of a comprehensive, statewide assessment, jointly conducted by the designated State unit and the State Rehabilitation Council (if the State has such a Council) every 3 years, describing the rehabilitation needs of individuals with disabilities residing within the State, particularly the vocational rehabilitation services needs of—

(I) individuals with the most significant disabilities, including their need for supported employment services;

(II) individuals with disabilities who are minorities and individuals with disabilities who have been unserved or underserved by the vocational rehabilitation program carried out under this subchapter;

(III) individuals with disabilities served through other components of the statewide workforce development system (other than the vocational rehabilitation program), as identified by such individuals and personnel assisting such individuals through the components; and

(IV) youth with disabilities, and students with disabilities, including their need for pre-employment transition services or other transition services;

(ii) include an assessment of the needs of individuals with disabilities for transition services and pre-employment transition services, and the extent to which such services provided under this chapter are coordinated with transition services provided under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.) in order to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities.

(iii) include an assessment of the need to establish, develop, or improve community rehabilitation programs within the State; and

(iv) provide that the State shall submit to the Commissioner a report containing information regarding updates to the assessments, for any year in which the State updates the assessments.

(B) Annual estimates

The State plan shall include, and shall provide that the State shall annually submit a report to the Commissioner that includes, State estimates of—

(i) the number of individuals in the State who are eligible for services under this subchapter;

(ii) the number of such individuals who will receive services provided with funds provided under part B and under subchapter VI, including, if the designated State agency uses an order of selection in accordance with paragraph (5), estimates of the number of individuals to be served under each priority category within the order;

(iii) the number of individuals who are eligible for services under this subchapter, but are not receiving such services due to an order of selection; and

(iv) the costs of the services described in clause (i), including, if the designated State agency uses an order of selection in accordance with paragraph (5), the service costs for each priority category within the order.

(C) Goals and priorities

(i) In general

The State plan shall identify the goals and priorities of the State in carrying out the program. The goals and priorities shall be jointly developed, agreed to, and reviewed annually by the designated State unit and the State Rehabilitation Council, if the State has such a Council. Any revisions to the goals and priorities shall be jointly agreed to by the designated State unit and the State Rehabilitation Council, if the State has such a Council. The State plan shall provide that the State shall submit to the Commissioner a report containing information regarding revisions in the goals and priorities, for any year in which the State revises the goals and priorities.

(ii) Basis

The State goals and priorities shall be based on an analysis of—

(I) the comprehensive assessment described in subparagraph (A), including any updates to the assessment;

(II) the performance of the State on the standards and indicators established under section 726 of this title; and

(III) other available information on the operation and the effectiveness of the vocational rehabilitation program carried out in the State, including any reports received from the State Rehabilitation Council, under section 725(c) of this title and the findings and recommendations from monitoring activities conducted under section 727 of this title.

(iii) Service and outcome goals for categories in order of selection

If the designated State agency uses an order of selection in accordance with paragraph (5), the State shall also identify in the State plan service and outcome goals and the time within which these goals may be achieved for individuals in each priority category within the order.

(D) Strategies

The State plan shall contain a description of the strategies the State will use to address the needs identified in the assessment conducted under subparagraph (A) and achieve the goals and priorities identified in subparagraph (C), including—

(i) the methods to be used to expand and improve services to individuals with disabilities, including how a broad range of assistive technology services and assistive technology devices will be provided to such individuals at each stage of the rehabilitation process and how such services and devices will be provided to such individuals on a statewide basis;

(ii) outreach procedures to identify and serve individuals with disabilities who are minorities and individuals with disabilities who have been unserved or underserved by the vocational rehabilitation program;

(iii) the methods to be used to improve and expand vocational rehabilitation services for students with disabilities, including the coordination of services designed to facilitate the transition of such students from the receipt of educational services in school to postsecondary life (including the receipt of vocational rehabilitation services under this subchapter, postsecondary education, employment, and pre-employment transition services);

(iv) where necessary, the plan of the State for establishing, developing, or improving community rehabilitation programs;

(v) strategies to improve the performance of the State with respect to the evaluation standards and performance indicators established pursuant to section 726 of this title; and

(vi) strategies for assisting entities carrying out other components of the statewide workforce development system (other than the vocational rehabilitation program) in assisting individuals with disabilities.

(E) Evaluation and reports of progress

The State plan shall—

(i) include the results of an evaluation of the effectiveness of the vocational rehabilitation program, and a joint report by the designated State unit and the State Rehabilitation Council, if the State has such a Council, to the Commissioner on the progress made in improving the effectiveness from the previous year, which evaluation and report shall include—

(I) an evaluation of the extent to which the goals identified in subparagraph (C) were achieved;

(II) a description of strategies that contributed to achieving the goals;

(III) to the extent to which the goals were not achieved, a description of the factors that impeded that achievement; and

(IV) an assessment of the performance of the State on the standards and indicators established pursuant to section 726 of this title; and

(ii) provide that the designated State unit and the State Rehabilitation Council, if the State has such a Council, shall jointly submit to the Commissioner an annual report that contains the information described in clause (i).

(16) Public comment

The State plan shall—

(A) provide that the designated State agency, prior to the adoption of any policies or procedures governing the provision of vocational rehabilitation services under the State plan (including making any amendment to such policies and procedures), shall conduct public meetings throughout the State, after providing adequate notice of the meetings, to provide the public, including individuals with disabilities, an opportunity to comment on the policies or procedures, and actively consult with the Director of the client assistance program carried out under section 732 of this title, and, as appropriate, Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations on the policies or procedures; and

(B) provide that the designated State agency (or each designated State agency if two agencies are designated) and any sole agency administering the plan in a political subdivision of the State, shall take into account, in connection with matters of general policy arising in the administration of the plan, the views of—

(i) individuals and groups of individuals who are recipients of vocational rehabilitation services, or in appropriate cases, the individuals' representatives;

(ii) personnel working in programs that provide vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities;

(iii) providers of vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities;

(iv) the director of the client assistance program; and

(v) the State Rehabilitation Council, if the State has such a Council.

(17) Use of funds for construction of facilities

The State plan shall provide that if, under special circumstances, the State plan includes provisions for the construction of facilities for community rehabilitation programs—

(A) the Federal share of the cost of construction for the facilities for a fiscal year will not exceed an amount equal to 10 percent of the State's allotment under section 730 of this title for such year;

(B) the provisions of section 776 ² of this title (as in effect on the day before August 7, 1998) shall be applicable to such construction and such provisions shall be deemed to apply to such construction; and

(C) there shall be compliance with regulations the Commissioner shall prescribe designed to assure that no State will reduce its efforts in providing other vocational rehabilitation services (other than for the establishment of facilities for community rehabilitation programs) because the plan includes such provisions for construction.

(18) Innovation and expansion activities

The State plan shall—

(A) include an assurance that the State will reserve and use a portion of the funds allotted to the State under section 730 of this title—

(i) for the development and implementation of innovative approaches to expand and improve the provision of vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities under this subchapter, particularly individuals with the most significant disabilities, consistent with the findings of the statewide assessment and goals and priorities of the State as described in paragraph (15); and

(ii) to support the funding of—

(I) the State Rehabilitation Council, if the State has such a Council, consistent with the plan prepared under section 725(d)(1) of this title; and

(II) the Statewide Independent Living Council, consistent with the plan prepared under section 796d(e)(1) of this title;

(B) include a description of how the reserved funds will be utilized; and

(C) provide that the State shall submit to the Commissioner an annual report containing a description of how the reserved funds were utilized during the preceding year.

(19) Choice

The State plan shall include an assurance that applicants and eligible individuals or, as appropriate, the applicants' representatives or individuals' representatives, will be provided information and support services to assist the applicants and individuals in exercising informed choice throughout the rehabilitation process, consistent with the provisions of section 722(d) of this title.

(20) Information and referral services

(A) In general

The State plan shall include an assurance that the designated State agency will implement an information and referral system adequate to ensure that individuals with disabilities will be provided accurate vocational rehabilitation information and guidance, using appropriate modes of communication, to assist such individuals in preparing for, securing, retaining, or regaining employment, and will be appropriately referred to Federal and State programs (other than the vocational rehabilitation program carried out under this subchapter), including other components of the statewide workforce development system in the State.

(B) Referrals

An appropriate referral made through the system shall—

(i) be to the Federal or State programs, including programs carried out by other components of the statewide workforce development system in the State, best suited to address the specific employment needs of an individual with a disability; and

(ii) include, for each of these programs, provision to the individual of—

(I) a notice of the referral by the designated State agency to the agency carrying out the program;

(II) information identifying a specific point of contact within the agency carrying out the program; and

(III) information and advice regarding the most suitable services to assist the individual to prepare for, secure, retain, or regain employment.

(21) State independent consumer-controlled commission; State Rehabilitation Council

(A) Commission or Council

The State plan shall provide that either—

(i) the designated State agency is an independent commission that—

(I) is responsible under State law for operating, or overseeing the operation of, the vocational rehabilitation program in the State;

(II) is consumer-controlled by persons who—

(aa) are individuals with physical or mental impairments that substantially limit major life activities; and

(bb) represent individuals with a broad range of disabilities, unless the designated State unit under the direction of the commission is the State agency for individuals who are blind;

(III) includes family members, advocates, or other representatives, of individuals with mental impairments; and

(IV) undertakes the functions set forth in section 725(c)(4) of this title; or

(ii) the State has established a State Rehabilitation Council that meets the criteria set forth in section 725 of this title and the designated State unit—

(I) in accordance with paragraph (15), jointly develops, agrees to, and reviews annually State goals and priorities, and jointly submits annual reports of progress with the Council;

(II) regularly consults with the Council regarding the development, implementation, and revision of State policies and procedures of general applicability pertaining to the provision of vocational rehabilitation services;

(III) includes in the State plan and in any revision to the State plan, a summary of input provided by the Council, including recommendations from the annual report of the Council described in section 725(c)(5) of this title, the review and analysis of consumer satisfaction described in section 725(c)(4) of this title, and other reports prepared by the Council, and the response of the designated State unit to such input and recommendations, including explanations for rejecting any input or recommendation; and

(IV) transmits to the Council—

(aa) all plans, reports, and other information required under this subchapter to be submitted to the Secretary;

(bb) all policies, and information on all practices and procedures, of general applicability provided to or used by rehabilitation personnel in carrying out this subchapter; and

(cc) copies of due process hearing decisions issued under this subchapter, which shall be transmitted in such a manner as to ensure that the identity of the participants in the hearings is kept confidential.

(B) More than one designated State agency

In the case of a State that, under subsection (a)(2), designates a State agency to administer the part of the State plan under which vocational rehabilitation services are provided for individuals who are blind (or to supervise the administration of such part by a local agency) and designates a separate State agency to administer the rest of the State plan, the State shall either establish a State Rehabilitation Council for each of the two agencies that does not meet the requirements in subparagraph (A)(i), or establish one State Rehabilitation Council for both agencies if neither agency meets the requirements of subparagraph (A)(i).

(22) Supported employment State plan supplement

The State plan shall include an assurance that the State has an acceptable plan for carrying out subchapter VI, including the use of funds under that part to supplement funds made available under part B of this subchapter to pay for the cost of services leading to supported employment.

(23) Annual updates

The plan shall include an assurance that the State will submit to the Commissioner reports containing annual updates of the information required under paragraph (7) (relating to a comprehensive system of personnel development) and any other updates of the information required under this section that are requested by the Commissioner, and annual reports as provided in paragraphs (15) (relating to assessments, estimates, goals and priorities, and reports of progress) and (18) (relating to innovation and expansion), at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may determine to be appropriate.

(24) Certain contracts and cooperative agreements

(A) Contracts with for-profit organizations

The State plan shall provide that the designated State agency has the authority to enter into contracts with for-profit organizations for the purpose of providing, as vocational rehabilitation services, on-the-job training and related programs for individuals with disabilities under part A of subchapter VI, upon a determination by such agency that such for-profit organizations are better qualified to provide such rehabilitation services than nonprofit agencies and organizations.

(B) Cooperative agreements with private nonprofit organizations

The State plan shall describe the manner in which cooperative agreements with private nonprofit vocational rehabilitation service providers will be established.

(25) Services for students with disabilities

The State plan shall provide an assurance that, with respect to students with disabilities, the State—

(A) has developed and will implement—

(i) strategies to address the needs identified in the assessments described in paragraph (15); and

(ii) strategies to achieve the goals and priorities identified by the State, in accordance with paragraph (15), to improve and expand vocational rehabilitation services for students with disabilities on a statewide basis; and

(B) has developed and will implement strategies to provide pre-employment transition services.

(26) Job growth and development

The State plan shall provide an assurance describing how the State will utilize initiatives involving in-demand industry sectors or occupations under sections 106(c) and 108 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act [29 U.S.C. 3121(c), 3123] to increase competitive integrated employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

(b) Submission; approval; modification

The State plan for vocational rehabilitation services shall be subject to—

(1) subsection (c) of section 102 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act [29 U.S.C. 3112], in a case in which that plan is a portion of the unified State plan described in that section 102; and

(2) subsection (b), and paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of subsection (c), of section 103 of such Act [29 U.S.C. 3113] in a case in which that State plan for vocational rehabilitation services is a portion of the combined State plan described in that section 103.

(c) Construction

Nothing in this part shall be construed to reduce the obligation under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.) of a local educational agency or any other agency to provide or pay for any transition services that are also considered special education or related services and that are necessary for ensuring a free appropriate public education to children with disabilities within the State involved.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title I, §101, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §404, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1119; amended Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(c)(4)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681-415; Pub. L. 108–446, title III, §305(h)(1), Dec. 3, 2004, 118 Stat. 2805; Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §412, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1641.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

For the effective date of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(1)(B), see section 506 of Pub. L. 113–128, set out as a note under section 3101 of this title.

The Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, referred to in subsec. (a)(6)(C), is Pub. L. 90–480, Aug. 12, 1968, 82 Stat. 718, which is classified generally to chapter 51 (§4151 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 4151 of Title 42 and Tables.

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, referred to in subsec. (a)(6)(C), is Pub. L. 101–336, July 26, 1990, 104 Stat. 327, which is classified principally to chapter 126 (§12101 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 12101 of Title 42 and Tables.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, referred to in subsecs. (a)(7)(A)(ii), (15)(A)(ii) and (c), is title VI of Pub. L. 91–230, Apr. 13, 1970, 84 Stat. 175, which is classified generally to chapter 33 (§1400 et seq.) of Title 20, Education. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1400 of Title 20 and Tables.

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(7)(A)(v)(II), (10)(D)(i), is Pub. L. 113–128, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1425, which enacted chapter 32 (§3101 et seq.) of this title, repealed chapter 30 (§2801 et seq.) of this title and chapter 73 (§9201 et seq.) of Title 20, Education, and made amendments to numerous other sections and notes in the Code. Title I of the Act is classified generally to subchapter I (§3111 et seq.) of chapter 32 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of this title and Tables.

The Social Security Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(11)(G), (K), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620. Title XIX of the Act is classified generally to subchapter XIX (§1396 et seq.) of chapter 7 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of Title 42 and Tables.

Section 776 of this title, referred to in subsec. (a)(17)(B), was in the original a reference to section 306 which was renumbered section 304 of Pub. L. 93–112 by Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §443(2), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1674.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 721, Pub. L. 93–112, title I, §101, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 363; Pub. L. 93–516, title I, §111(b)–(d), Dec. 7, 1974, 88 Stat. 1619, 1620; Pub. L. 93–651, title I, §111(b)–(d), Nov. 21, 1974, 89 Stat. 2–5; Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §§102, 122(b)(1), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2957, 2987; Pub. L. 98–221, title I, §104(a)(2), Feb. 22, 1984, 98 Stat. 18; Pub. L. 98–524, §4(f), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2489; Pub. L. 99–506, title I, §103(d)(2), title II, §202, title X, §1001(b)(1)–(4), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1810, 1814, 1841, 1842; Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §202(b), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3304; Pub. L. 102–54, §13(k)(1)(A), June 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 276; Pub. L. 102–119, §26(e), Oct. 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 607; Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §§102(o), (p)(7), 122, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4355, 4356, 4367; Pub. L. 103–73, title I, §§102(2), 107(a), Aug. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 718, 719; Pub. L. 104–106, div. D, title XLIII, §4321(i)(7), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 676, related to State plans, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (a)(1)(A). Pub. L. 113–128, §412(a)(1)(A), substituted "to receive funds under this subchapter for a fiscal year, a State shall submit, and have approved by the Secretary and the Secretary of Labor, a unified State plan in accordance with section 102, or a combined State plan in accordance with section 103, of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. The unified or combined State plan shall include, in the portion of the plan described in section 102(b)(2)(D) of such Act (referred to in this subsection as the 'vocational rehabilitation services portion'), the provisions of a State plan for vocational rehabilitation services, described in this subsection." for "to participate in programs under this subchapter, a State shall submit to the Commissioner a State plan for vocational rehabilitation services that meets the requirements of this section, on the same date that the State submits a State plan under section 112 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998."

Subsec. (a)(1)(B). Pub. L. 113–128, §412(a)(1)(B), substituted "as part of the vocational rehabilitation services portion of the unified or combined State plan submitted in accordance with subparagraph (A)," for "in the State plan for vocational rehabilitation services," and "the effective date of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act" for "the effective date of the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998", which had been translated as "August 7, 1998".

Subsec. (a)(1)(C). Pub. L. 113–128, §412(a)(1)(C), substituted "The vocational rehabilitation services portion of the unified or combined State plan submitted in accordance with subparagraph (A) shall remain in effect until the State submits and receives approval of a new State plan in accordance with subparagraph (A), or until the submission of such modifications" for "The State plan shall remain in effect subject to the submission of such modifications" and struck out ", until the State submits and receives approval of a new State plan" before period at end.

Subsec. (a)(2)(A). Pub. L. 113–128, §412(a)(2)(A), substituted "The State plan for vocational rehabilitation services" for "The State plan" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (a)(2)(B)(ii)(II). Pub. L. 113–128, §412(a)(2)(B)(i), inserted "who is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the vocational rehabilitation program" before semicolon at end.

Subsec. (a)(2)(B)(ii)(V). Pub. L. 113–128, §412(a)(2)(B)(ii)–(iv), added subcl. (V).

Subsec. (a)(5)(D), (E). Pub. L. 113–128, §412(a)(3), added subpar. (D) and redesignated former subpar. (D) as (E).

Subsec. (a)(7)(A)(v)(I). Pub. L. 113–128, §412(a)(4)(A)(i), inserted ", including training implemented in coordination with entities carrying out State programs under section 3003 of this title" after "rehabilitation technology".

Subsec. (a)(7)(A)(v)(II). Pub. L. 113–128, §412(a)(4)(A)(ii), substituted "Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act" for "Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998".

Subsec. (a)(7)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 113–128, §412(a)(4)(B), added cl. (ii) and struck out former cl. (ii) which read as follows: "to the extent that such standards are not based on the highest requirements in the State applicable to a specific profession or discipline, the steps the State is taking to require the retraining or hiring of personnel within the designated State unit that meet appropriate professional requirements in the State; and".

Subsec. (a)(8)(A)(i). Pub. L. 113–128, §412(a)(5)(A), in introductory provisions, inserted "an accommodation or auxiliary aid or service or" after "prior to providing" and substituted "(5)(E)" for "(5)(D)".

Subsec. (a)(8)(B). Pub. L. 113–128, §412(a)(5)(B)(i), in introductory provisions, substituted "Medicaid" for "medicaid", "workforce development system" for "workforce investment system", and "(5)(E)" for "(5)(D)", inserted "and, if appropriate, accommodations or auxiliary aids and services," before "that are included", and substituted "provision of such vocational rehabilitation services (including, if appropriate, accommodations or auxiliary aids and services)" for "provision of such vocational rehabilitation services".

Subsec. (a)(8)(B)(iv). Pub. L. 113–128, §412(a)(5)(B)(ii), substituted "(5)(E)" for "(5)(D)" and inserted ", and accommodations or auxiliary aids and services" before period at end.

Subsec. (a)(8)(C)(i). Pub. L. 113–128, §412(a)(5)(C), substituted "(5)(E)" for "(5)(D)".

Subsec. (a)(10)(B). Pub. L. 113–128, §412(a)(6)(A), substituted "annual reporting of information, on eligible individuals receiving the services, that is necessary to assess the State's performance on the standards and indicators described in section 726(a) of this title" for "annual reporting on the eligible individuals receiving the services, on those specific data elements described in section 136(d)(2) of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998".

Subsec. (a)(10)(C). Pub. L. 113–128, §412(a)(6)(B)(i), inserted ", from each State," after "additional data" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (a)(10)(C)(i). Pub. L. 113–128, §412(a)(6)(B)(ii), added cl. (i) and struck out former cl. (i) which read as follows: "the number of applicants and the number of individuals determined to be eligible or ineligible for the program carried out under this subchapter, including—

"(I) the number of individuals determined to be ineligible because they did not require vocational rehabilitation services, as provided in section 722(a) of this title; and

"(II) the number of individuals determined, on the basis of clear and convincing evidence, to be too severely disabled to benefit in terms of an employment outcome from vocational rehabilitation services;".

Subsec. (a)(10)(C)(ii)(I). Pub. L. 113–128, §412(a)(6)(B)(iii)(I), substituted "(5)(E)" for "(5)(D)".

Subsec. (a)(10)(C)(ii)(IV) to (VI). Pub. L. 113–128, §412(a)(6)(B)(iii)(II), (III), added subcls. (IV) to (VI).

Subsec. (a)(10)(C)(iv)(I). Pub. L. 113–128, §412(a)(6)(B)(iv), inserted "and, for those who achieved employment outcomes, the average length of time to obtain employment" before semicolon.

Subsec. (a)(10)(D)(i). Pub. L. 113–128, §412(a)(6)(C), substituted "title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act" for "title I of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998".

Subsec. (a)(10)(E)(ii). Pub. L. 113–128, §412(a)(6)(D), substituted "of the State in meeting the standards and indicators established pursuant to section 726 of this title." for "of the State in meeting—

"(I) the State performance measures established under section 136(b) of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, to the extent the measures are applicable to individuals with disabilities; and

"(II) the standards and indicators established pursuant to section 726 of this title."

Subsec. (a)(10)(G), (H). Pub. L. 113–128, §412(a)(6)(E), added subpars. (G) and (H).

Subsec. (a)(11)(A). Pub. L. 113–128, §412(a)(7)(A)(i), (ii), substituted "workforce development systems" for "workforce investment systems" in heading and "workforce development system" for "workforce investment system" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (a)(11)(A)(i)(II). Pub. L. 113–128, §412(a)(7)(A)(iii), substituted "development" for "investment" and inserted "(including programmatic accessibility and physical accessibility)" after "program accessibility".

Subsec. (a)(11)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 113–128, §412(a)(7)(A)(iv), substituted "workforce development system" for "workforce investment system".

Subsec. (a)(11)(A)(v). Pub. L. 113–128, §412(a)(7)(A)(v), substituted "workforce development system" for "workforce investment system".

Subsec. (a)(11)(B). Pub. L. 113–128, §412(a)(7)(B), substituted "workforce development system" for "workforce investment system".

Subsec. (a)(11)(C). Pub. L. 113–128, §412(a)(7)(C), inserted "the State programs carried out under section 3003 of this title," after "including" and ", noneducational agencies serving out-of-school youth," after "Agriculture" and substituted "such Federal, State, and local agencies and programs" for "such agencies and programs" and "workforce development system" for "workforce investment system".

Subsec. (a)(11)(D). Pub. L. 113–128, §412(a)(7)(D), inserted ", including pre-employment transition services," after "vocational rehabilitation services" in introductory provisions and ", which may be provided using alternative means for meeting participation (such as video conferences and conference calls)," after "consultation and technical assistance" in cl. (i) and substituted "implementation" for "completion" in cl. (ii).

Subsec. (a)(11)(E). Pub. L. 113–128, §412(a)(7)(F), added subpar. (E). Former subpar. (E) redesignated (F).

Subsec. (a)(11)(F). Pub. L. 113–128, §412(a)(7)(G), made technical amendment to reference in original act which appears in text as reference to subpart 3 of part A of subchapter VII and inserted ", as appropriate" before period at end.

Pub. L. 113–128, §412(a)(7)(E), redesignated subpar. (E) as (F). Former subpar. (F) redesignated (H).

Subsec. (a)(11)(G). Pub. L. 113–128, §412(a)(7)(H), added subpar. (G).

Subsec. (a)(11)(H). Pub. L. 113–128, §412(a)(7)(E), redesignated subpar. (F) as (H).

Subsec. (a)(11)(H)(ii) to (iv). Pub. L. 113–128, §412(a)(7)(I), inserted "on or" before "near" and struck out "and" after semicolon in cl. (ii), added cl. (iii), and redesignated former cl. (iii) as (iv).

Subsec. (a)(11)(I) to (K). Pub. L. 113–128, §412(a)(7)(J), added subpars. (I) to (K).

Subsec. (a)(14). Pub. L. 113–128, §412(a)(8)(A), substituted "Semiannual" for "Annual" in heading.

Subsec. (a)(14)(A). Pub. L. 113–128, §412(a)(8)(B), substituted "a semiannual" for "an annual", "is employed" for "has achieved an employment outcome", "beginning of such employment, and annually thereafter" for "achievement of the outcome (and thereafter if requested by the individual or, if appropriate, the individual's representative)", and "to competitive integrated employment or training for competitive integrated employment;" for "to competitive employment or training for competitive employment;".

Subsec. (a)(14)(C), (D). Pub. L. 113–128, §412(a)(8)(C)–(E), substituted "individuals described in subparagraph (A) in attaining competitive integrated employment; and" for "the individuals described in subparagraph (A) in engaging in competitive employment." in subpar. (C) and added subpar. (D).

Subsec. (a)(15)(A)(i)(III). Pub. L. 113–128, §412(a)(9)(A)(i)(II)(aa), substituted "workforce development system" for "workforce investment system".

Subsec. (a)(15)(A)(i)(IV). Pub. L. 113–128, §412(a)(9)(A)(i)(I), (II)(bb), (III), added subcl. (IV).

Subsec. (a)(15)(A)(ii) to (iv). Pub. L. 113–128, §412(a)(9)(A)(ii), (iii), added cl. (ii) and redesignated former cls. (ii) and (iii) as (iii) and (iv), respectively.

Subsec. (a)(15)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 113–128, §412(a)(9)(B)(i), substituted "subchapter VI" for "part B of subchapter VI".

Subsec. (a)(15)(B)(iii), (iv). Pub. L. 113–128, §412(a)(9)(B)(ii), (iii), added cl. (iii) and redesignated former cl. (iii) as (iv).

Subsec. (a)(15)(D)(iii) to (vi). Pub. L. 113–128, §412(a)(9)(C), added cl. (iii), redesignated former cls. (iii) to (v) as (iv) to (vi), respectively, and, in cl. (vi), substituted "workforce development system" for "workforce investment system".

Subsec. (a)(20)(A), (B)(i). Pub. L. 113–128, §412(a)(10), substituted "workforce development system" for "workforce investment system".

Subsec. (a)(22). Pub. L. 113–128, §412(a)(11), substituted "subchapter VI" for "part B of subchapter VI".

Subsec. (a)(25), (26). Pub. L. 113–128, §412(a)(12), added pars. (25) and (26).

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 113–128, §412(b), amended subsec. (b) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (b) related to approval and disapproval of State plans.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 113–128, §412(c), added subsec. (c).

2004—Subsec. (a)(11)(D)(ii). Pub. L. 108–446 struck out "(as added by section 101 of Public Law 105–17)" before semicolon at end.

1998—Subsec. (a)(18)(C). Pub. L. 105–277, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(c)(4)(A)], substituted "were utilized during the preceding year" for "will be utilized".

Subsec. (a)(21)(A)(i)(II)(bb). Pub. L. 105–277, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(c)(4)(B)], substituted "commission" for "Commission".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Definitions of Terms in Pub. L. 113–128

Except as otherwise provided, definitions in section 3 of Pub. L. 113–128, which is classified to section 3102 of this title, apply to this section.

¹ So in original. The colon probably should be a semicolon.

² See References in Text note below.

§722. Eligibility and individualized plan for employment

(a) Eligibility

(1) Criterion for eligibility

An individual is eligible for assistance under this subchapter if the individual—

(A) has undergone an assessment for determining eligibility and vocational rehabilitation needs and as a result has been determined to be an individual with a disability under section 705(20)(A) of this title; and

(B) requires vocational rehabilitation services to prepare for, secure, retain, advance in, or regain employment that is consistent with the individual's strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice.

For purposes of an assessment for determining eligibility and vocational rehabilitation needs under this chapter, an individual shall be presumed to have a goal of an employment outcome.

(2) Presumption of benefit

(A) Applicants

For purposes of this section, an individual shall be presumed to be an individual that can benefit in terms of an employment outcome from vocational rehabilitation services under section 705(20)(A) of this title.

(B) Responsibilities

Prior to determining under this subsection that an applicant described in subparagraph (A) is unable to benefit due to the severity of the individual's disability or that the individual is ineligible for vocational rehabilitation services, the designated State unit shall explore the individual's abilities, capabilities, and capacity to perform in work situations, through the use of trial work experiences, as described in section 705(2)(D) of this title, with appropriate supports provided through the designated State unit. Such experiences shall be of sufficient variety and over a sufficient period of time to determine the eligibility of the individual. In providing the trial experiences, the designated State unit shall provide the individual with the opportunity to try different employment experiences, including supported employment, and the opportunity to become employed in competitive integrated employment.

(3) Presumption of eligibility

(A) In general

For purposes of this section, an individual who has a disability or is blind as determined pursuant to title II or title XVI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401 et seq. and 1381 et seq.) shall be—

(i) considered to be an individual with a significant disability under section 705(21)(A) of this title; and

(ii) presumed to be eligible for vocational rehabilitation services under this subchapter (provided that the individual intends to achieve an employment outcome consistent with the unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice of the individual) unless the designated State unit involved can demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that such individual is incapable of benefiting in terms of an employment outcome due to the severity of the individual's disability (as of the date of the determination).

(B) Construction

Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to create an entitlement to any vocational rehabilitation service.

(4) Use of existing information

(A) In general

To the maximum extent appropriate and consistent with the requirements of this part, for purposes of determining the eligibility of an individual for vocational rehabilitation services under this subchapter and developing the individualized plan for employment described in subsection (b) for the individual, the designated State unit shall use information that is existing and current (as of the date of the determination of eligibility or of the development of the individualized plan for employment), including information available from other programs and providers, particularly information used by education officials and the Social Security Administration, information provided by the individual and the family of the individual, and information obtained under the assessment for determining eligibility and vocational rehabilitation needs.

(B) Determinations by officials of other agencies

Determinations made by officials of other agencies, particularly education officials described in section 721(a)(11)(D) of this title, regarding whether an individual satisfies one or more factors relating to whether an individual is an individual with a disability under section 705(20)(A) of this title or an individual with a significant disability under section 705(21)(A) of this title shall be used, to the extent appropriate and consistent with the requirements of this part, in assisting the designated State unit in making such determinations.

(C) Basis

The determination of eligibility for vocational rehabilitation services shall be based on—

(i) the review of existing data described in section 705(2)(A)(i) of this title; and

(ii) to the extent that such data is unavailable or insufficient for determining eligibility, the provision of assessment activities described in section 705(2)(A)(ii) of this title.

(5) Determination of ineligibility

If, after the designated State unit carries out the activities described in paragraph (2)(B), a review of existing data, and, to the extent necessary, the assessment activities described in section 705(2)(A)(ii) of this title, an individual who applies for services under this subchapter is determined not to be eligible for the services, or if an eligible individual receiving services under an individualized plan for employment is determined to be no longer eligible for the services—

(A) the ineligibility determination shall be an individualized one, based on the available data, and shall not be based on assumptions about broad categories of disabilities;

(B) the ineligibility determination involved shall be made only after providing an opportunity for full consultation with the individual or, as appropriate, the individual's representative;

(C) the individual or, as appropriate, the individual's representative, shall be informed in writing (supplemented as necessary by other appropriate modes of communication consistent with the informed choice of the individual) of the ineligibility determination, including—

(i) the reasons for the determination, including the clear and convincing evidence that forms the basis for the determination of ineligibility; and

(ii) a description of the means by which the individual may express, and seek a remedy for, any dissatisfaction with the determination, including the procedures for review by an impartial hearing officer under subsection (c);

(D) the individual shall be provided with a description of services available from the client assistance program under section 732 of this title and information on how to contact that program; and

(E) any ineligibility determination that is based on a finding that the individual is incapable of benefiting in terms of an employment outcome shall be reviewed—

(i) within 12 months; and

(ii) thereafter, if such a review is requested by the individual or, if appropriate, by the individual's representative.

(6) Timeframe for making an eligibility determination

The designated State unit shall determine whether an individual is eligible for vocational rehabilitation services under this subchapter within a reasonable period of time, not to exceed 60 days, after the individual has submitted an application for the services unless—

(A) exceptional and unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of the designated State unit preclude making an eligibility determination within 60 days and the designated State unit and the individual agree to a specific extension of time; or

(B) the designated State unit is exploring an individual's abilities, capabilities, and capacity to perform in work situations under paragraph (2)(B).

(b) Development of an individualized plan for employment

(1) Options for developing an individualized plan for employment

If an individual is determined to be eligible for vocational rehabilitation services as described in subsection (a), the designated State unit shall complete the assessment for determining eligibility and vocational rehabilitation needs, as appropriate, and shall provide the eligible individual or the individual's representative, in writing and in an appropriate mode of communication, with information on the individual's options for developing an individualized plan for employment, including—

(A) information on the availability of assistance from a qualified vocational rehabilitation counselor or, as appropriate, a disability advocacy organization in developing all or part of the individualized plan for employment for the individual, and the availability of technical assistance in developing all or part of the individualized plan for employment for the individual;

(B) a description of the full range of components that shall be included in an individualized plan for employment;

(C) as appropriate—

(i) an explanation of agency guidelines and criteria associated with financial commitments concerning an individualized plan for employment;

(ii) additional information the eligible individual requests or the designated State unit determines to be necessary; and

(iii) information on the availability of assistance in completing designated State agency forms required in developing an individualized plan for employment; and

(D)(i) a description of the rights and remedies available to such an individual including, if appropriate, recourse to the processes set forth in subsection (c); and

(ii) a description of the availability of a client assistance program established pursuant to section 732 of this title and information about how to contact the client assistance program.

(2) Individuals desiring to enter the workforce

For an individual entitled to benefits under title II or XVI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401 et seq., 1381 et seq.) on the basis of a disability or blindness, the designated State unit shall provide to the individual general information on additional supports and assistance for individuals with disabilities desiring to enter the workforce, including assistance with benefits planning.

(3) Mandatory procedures

(A) Written document

An individualized plan for employment shall be a written document prepared on forms provided by the designated State unit.

(B) Informed choice

An individualized plan for employment shall be developed and implemented in a manner that affords eligible individuals the opportunity to exercise informed choice in selecting an employment outcome, the specific vocational rehabilitation services to be provided under the plan, the entity that will provide the vocational rehabilitation services, and the methods used to procure the services, consistent with subsection (d).

(C) Signatories

An individualized plan for employment shall be—

(i) agreed to, and signed by, such eligible individual or, as appropriate, the individual's representative; and

(ii) approved and signed by a qualified vocational rehabilitation counselor employed by the designated State unit.

(D) Copy

A copy of the individualized plan for employment for an eligible individual shall be provided to the individual or, as appropriate, to the individual's representative, in writing and, if appropriate, in the native language or mode of communication of the individual or, as appropriate, of the individual's representative.

(E) Review and amendment

The individualized plan for employment shall be—

(i) reviewed at least annually by—

(I) a qualified vocational rehabilitation counselor; and

(II) the eligible individual or, as appropriate, the individual's representative;

(ii) amended, as necessary, by the individual or, as appropriate, the individual's representative, in collaboration with a representative of the designated State agency or a qualified vocational rehabilitation counselor (to the extent determined to be appropriate by the individual), if there are substantive changes in the employment outcome, the vocational rehabilitation services to be provided, or the service providers of the services (which amendments shall not take effect until agreed to and signed by the eligible individual or, as appropriate, the individual's representative, and by a qualified vocational rehabilitation counselor employed by the designated State unit); and

(iii) amended, as necessary, to include the postemployment services and service providers that are necessary for the individual to maintain or regain employment, consistent with the individual's strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice.

(F) Timeframe for completing the individualized plan for employment

The individualized plan for employment shall be developed as soon as possible, but not later than a deadline of 90 days after the date of the determination of eligibility described in paragraph (1), unless the designated State unit and the eligible individual agree to an extension of that deadline to a specific date by which the individualized plan for employment shall be completed.

(4) Mandatory components of an individualized plan for employment

Regardless of the approach selected by an eligible individual to develop an individualized plan for employment, an individualized plan for employment shall, at a minimum, contain mandatory components consisting of—

(A) a description of the specific employment outcome that is chosen by the eligible individual, consistent with the unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice of the eligible individual, consistent with the general goal of competitive integrated employment (except that in the case of an eligible individual who is a student, the description may be a description of the student's projected postschool employment outcome);

(B)(i) a description of the specific vocational rehabilitation services that are—

(I) needed to achieve the employment outcome, including, as appropriate—

(aa) the provision of assistive technology devices and assistive technology services (including referrals described in section 723(a)(3) of this title to the device reutilization programs and demonstrations described in subparagraphs (B) and (D) of section 3003(e)(2) of this title through agreements developed under section 721(a)(11)(I) of this title; and

(bb) personal assistance services (including training in the management of such services);

(II) in the case of a plan for an eligible individual that is a student, the specific transition services and supports needed to achieve the student's employment outcome or projected postschool employment outcome; and

(III) provided in the most integrated setting that is appropriate for the service involved and is consistent with the informed choice of the eligible individual; and

(ii) timelines for the achievement of the employment outcome and for the initiation of the services;

(C) a description of the entity chosen by the eligible individual or, as appropriate, the individual's representative, that will provide the vocational rehabilitation services, and the methods used to procure such services;

(D) a description of criteria to evaluate progress toward achievement of the employment outcome;

(E) the terms and conditions of the individualized plan for employment, including, as appropriate, information describing—

(i) the responsibilities of the designated State unit;

(ii) the responsibilities of the eligible individual, including—

(I) the responsibilities the eligible individual will assume in relation to the employment outcome of the individual;

(II) if applicable, the participation of the eligible individual in paying for the costs of the plan; and

(III) the responsibility of the eligible individual with regard to applying for and securing comparable benefits as described in section 721(a)(8) of this title; and

(iii) the responsibilities of other entities as the result of arrangements made pursuant to comparable services or benefits requirements as described in section 721(a)(8) of this title;

(F) for an eligible individual with the most significant disabilities for whom an employment outcome in a supported employment setting has been determined to be appropriate, information identifying—

(i) the extended services needed by the eligible individual; and

(ii) the source of extended services or, to the extent that the source of the extended services cannot be identified at the time of the development of the individualized plan for employment, a description of the basis for concluding that there is a reasonable expectation that such source will become available;

(G) as determined to be necessary, a statement of projected need for post-employment services; and

(H) for an individual who also is receiving assistance from an employment network under the Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program established under section 1148 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320b–19), a description of how responsibility for service delivery will be divided between the employment network and the designated State unit.

(c) Procedures

(1) In general

Each State shall establish procedures for mediation of, and procedures for review through an impartial due process hearing of, determinations made by personnel of the designated State unit that affect the provision of vocational rehabilitation services to applicants or eligible individuals. The procedures shall allow an applicant or an eligible individual the opportunity to request mediation, an impartial due process hearing, or both procedures.

(2) Notification

(A) Rights and assistance

The procedures shall provide that an applicant or an eligible individual or, as appropriate, the applicant's representative or individual's representative shall be notified of—

(i) the right to obtain review of determinations described in paragraph (1) in an impartial due process hearing under paragraph (5);

(ii) the right to pursue mediation with respect to the determinations under paragraph (4);

(iii) the availability of assistance from the client assistance program under section 732 of this title; and

(iv) any applicable State limit on the time by which a request for mediation under paragraph (4) or a hearing under paragraph (5) shall be made, and any required procedure by which the request shall be made.

(B) Timing

Such notification shall be provided in writing—

(i) at the time an individual applies for vocational rehabilitation services provided under this subchapter;

(ii) at the time the individualized plan for employment for the individual is developed; and

(iii) upon reduction, suspension, or cessation of vocational rehabilitation services for the individual.

(3) Evidence and representation

The procedures required under this subsection shall, at a minimum—

(A) provide an opportunity for an applicant or an eligible individual, or, as appropriate, the applicant's representative or individual's representative, to submit at the mediation session or hearing evidence and information to support the position of the applicant or eligible individual; and

(B) include provisions to allow an applicant or an eligible individual to be represented in the mediation session or hearing by a person selected by the applicant or eligible individual.

(4) Mediation

(A) Procedures

Each State shall ensure that procedures are established and implemented under this subsection to allow parties described in paragraph (1) to disputes involving any determination described in paragraph (1) to resolve such disputes through a mediation process that, at a minimum, shall be available whenever a hearing is requested under this subsection.

(B) Requirements

Such procedures shall ensure that the mediation process—

(i) is voluntary on the part of the parties;

(ii) is not used to deny or delay the right of an individual to a hearing under this subsection, or to deny any other right afforded under this subchapter; and

(iii) is conducted by a qualified and impartial mediator who is trained in effective mediation techniques.

(C) List of mediators

The State shall maintain a list of individuals who are qualified mediators and knowledgeable in laws (including regulations) relating to the provision of vocational rehabilitation services under this subchapter, from which the mediators described in subparagraph (B) shall be selected.

(D) Cost

The State shall bear the cost of the mediation process.

(E) Scheduling

Each session in the mediation process shall be scheduled in a timely manner and shall be held in a location that is convenient to the parties to the dispute.

(F) Agreement

An agreement reached by the parties to the dispute in the mediation process shall be set forth in a written mediation agreement.

(G) Confidentiality

Discussions that occur during the mediation process shall be confidential and may not be used as evidence in any subsequent due process hearing or civil proceeding. The parties to the mediation process may be required to sign a confidentiality pledge prior to the commencement of such process.

(H) Construction

Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to preclude the parties to such a dispute from informally resolving the dispute prior to proceedings under this paragraph or paragraph (5), if the informal process used is not used to deny or delay the right of the applicant or eligible individual to a hearing under this subsection or to deny any other right afforded under this subchapter.

(5) Hearings

(A) Officer

A due process hearing described in paragraph (2) shall be conducted by an impartial hearing officer who, on reviewing the evidence presented, shall issue a written decision based on the provisions of the approved State plan, requirements specified in this chapter (including regulations implementing this chapter), and State regulations and policies that are consistent with the Federal requirements specified in this subchapter. The officer shall provide the written decision to the applicant or eligible individual, or, as appropriate, the applicant's representative or individual's representative, and to the designated State unit. The impartial hearing officer shall have the authority to render a decision and require actions regarding the applicant's or eligible individual's vocational rehabilitation services under this subchapter.

(B) List

The designated State unit shall maintain a list of qualified impartial hearing officers who are knowledgeable about Federal laws (including regulations) relating to the provision of vocational rehabilitation services under this subchapter from which the officer described in subparagraph (A) shall be selected. For the purposes of maintaining such list, impartial hearing officers shall be identified jointly by—

(i) the designated State unit; and

(ii) members of the Council or commission, as appropriate, described in section 721(a)(21) of this title.

(C) Selection

Such an impartial hearing officer shall be selected to hear a particular case relating to a determination—

(i) on a random basis; or

(ii) by agreement between—

(I) the Director of the designated State unit and the individual with a disability; or

(II) in appropriate cases, the Director and the individual's representative.

(D) Procedures for seeking review

A State may establish procedures to enable a party involved in a hearing under this paragraph to seek an impartial review of the decision of the hearing officer under subparagraph (A) by—

(i) the chief official of the designated State agency if the State has established both a designated State agency and a designated State unit under section 721(a)(2) of this title; or

(ii) an official from the office of the Governor.

(E) Review request

If the State establishes impartial review procedures under subparagraph (D), either party may request the review of the decision of the hearing officer within 20 days after the decision.

(F) Reviewing official

The reviewing official described in subparagraph (D) shall—

(i) in conducting the review, provide an opportunity for the submission of additional evidence and information relevant to a final decision concerning the matter under review;

(ii) not overturn or modify the decision of the hearing officer, or part of the decision, that supports the position of the applicant or eligible individual unless the reviewing official concludes, based on clear and convincing evidence, that the decision of the impartial hearing officer is clearly erroneous on the basis of being contrary to the approved State plan, this chapter (including regulations implementing this chapter) or any State regulation or policy that is consistent with the Federal requirements specified in this subchapter;

(iii) make a final decision with respect to the matter in a timely manner and provide such decision in writing to the applicant or eligible individual, or, as appropriate, the applicant's representative or individual's representative, and to the designated State unit, including a full report of the findings and the grounds for such decision; and

(iv) not delegate the responsibility for making the final decision to any officer or employee of the designated State unit.

(G) Finality of hearing decision

A decision made after a hearing under subparagraph (A) shall be final, except that a party may request an impartial review if the State has established procedures for such review under subparagraph (D) and a party involved in a hearing may bring a civil action under subparagraph (J).

(H) Finality of review

A decision made under subparagraph (F) shall be final unless such a party brings a civil action under subparagraph (J).

(I) Implementation

If a party brings a civil action under subparagraph (J) to challenge a final decision of a hearing officer under subparagraph (A) or to challenge a final decision of a State reviewing official under subparagraph (F), the final decision involved shall be implemented pending review by the court.

(J) Civil action

(i) In general

Any party aggrieved by a final decision described in subparagraph (I), may bring a civil action for review of such decision. The action may be brought in any State court of competent jurisdiction or in a district court of the United States of competent jurisdiction without regard to the amount in controversy.

(ii) Procedure

In any action brought under this subparagraph, the court—

(I) shall receive the records relating to the hearing under subparagraph (A) and the records relating to the State review under subparagraphs (D) through (F), if applicable;

(II) shall hear additional evidence at the request of a party to the action; and

(III) basing the decision of the court on the preponderance of the evidence, shall grant such relief as the court determines to be appropriate.

(6) Hearing board

(A) In general

A fair hearing board, established by a State before January 1, 1985, and authorized under State law to review determinations or decisions under this chapter, is authorized to carry out the responsibilities of the impartial hearing officer under this subsection.

(B) Application

The provisions of paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) that relate to due process hearings do not apply, and paragraph (5) (other than subparagraph (J)) does not apply, to any State to which subparagraph (A) applies.

(7) Impact on provision of services

Unless the individual with a disability so requests, or, in an appropriate case, the individual's representative, so requests, pending a decision by a mediator, hearing officer, or reviewing officer under this subsection, the designated State unit shall not institute a suspension, reduction, or termination of services being provided for the individual, including evaluation and assessment services and plan development, unless such services have been obtained through misrepresentation, fraud, collusion, or criminal conduct on the part of the individual, or the individual's representative.

(8) Information collection and report

(A) In general

The Director of the designated State unit shall collect information described in subparagraph (B) and prepare and submit to the Commissioner a report containing such information. The Commissioner shall prepare a summary of the information furnished under this paragraph and include the summary in the annual report submitted under section 710 of this title. The Commissioner shall also collect copies of the final decisions of impartial hearing officers conducting hearings under this subsection and State officials conducting reviews under this subsection.

(B) Information

The information required to be collected under this subsection includes—

(i) a copy of the standards used by State reviewing officials for reviewing decisions made by impartial hearing officers under this subsection;

(ii) information on the number of hearings and reviews sought from the impartial hearing officers and the State reviewing officials, including the type of complaints and the issues involved;

(iii) information on the number of hearing decisions made under this subsection that were not reviewed by the State reviewing officials; and

(iv) information on the number of the hearing decisions that were reviewed by the State reviewing officials, and, based on such reviews, the number of hearing decisions that were—

(I) sustained in favor of an applicant or eligible individual;

(II) sustained in favor of the designated State unit;

(III) reversed in whole or in part in favor of the applicant or eligible individual; and

(IV) reversed in whole or in part in favor of the designated State unit.

(C) Confidentiality

The confidentiality of records of applicants and eligible individuals maintained by the designated State unit shall not preclude the access of the Commissioner to those records for the purposes described in subparagraph (A).

(d) Policies and procedures

Each designated State agency, in consultation with the State Rehabilitation Council, if the State has such a council, shall, consistent with section 720(a)(3)(C) of this title, develop and implement written policies and procedures that enable each individual who is an applicant for or eligible to receive vocational rehabilitation services under this subchapter to exercise informed choice throughout the vocational rehabilitation process carried out under this subchapter, including policies and procedures that require the designated State agency—

(1) to inform each such applicant and eligible individual (including students with disabilities who are making the transition from programs under the responsibility of an educational agency to programs under the responsibility of the designated State unit), through appropriate modes of communication, about the availability of, and opportunities to exercise, informed choice, including the availability of support services for individuals with cognitive or other disabilities who require assistance in exercising informed choice, throughout the vocational rehabilitation process;

(2) to assist applicants and eligible individuals in exercising informed choice in decisions related to the provision of assessment services under this subchapter;

(3) to develop and implement flexible procurement policies and methods that facilitate the provision of services, and that afford eligible individuals meaningful choices among the methods used to procure services, under this subchapter;

(4) to provide or assist eligible individuals in acquiring information that enables those individuals to exercise informed choice under this subchapter in the selection of—

(A) the employment outcome;

(B) the specific vocational rehabilitation services needed to achieve the employment outcome;

(C) the entity that will provide the services;

(D) the employment setting and the settings in which the services will be provided; and

(E) the methods available for procuring the services; and

(5) to ensure that the availability and scope of informed choice provided under this section is consistent with the obligations of the designated State agency under this subchapter.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title I, §102, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §404, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1138; amended Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(c)(5)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681-415; Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §413, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1649.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Social Security Act, referred to in subsecs. (a)(3)(A) and (b)(2), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620. Titles II and XVI of the Act are classified generally to subchapters II (§401 et seq.) and XVI (§1381 et seq.), respectively, of chapter 7 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of Title 42 and Tables.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 722, Pub. L. 93–112, title I, §102, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 368; Pub. L. 93–516, title I, §111(e), Dec. 7, 1974, 88 Stat. 1620; Pub. L. 93–651, title I, §111(e), Nov. 21, 1974, 89 Stat. 2–5; Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §§103, 122(b)(1), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2959, 2987; Pub. L. 98–221, title I, §§104(a)(3), 112, Feb. 22, 1984, 98 Stat. 18, 20; Pub. L. 99–506, title I, §103(d)(2)(A), (B), title II, §203, title X, §1001(b)(5), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1810, 1815, 1842; Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §202(c), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3305; Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §§102(p)(8), 123, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4357, 4375; Pub. L. 103–73, title I, §107(b), Aug. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 720, related to individualized written rehabilitation program, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 113–128, §413(a)(1)(C), which directed the insertion "at the end" of "For purposes of an assessment for determining eligibility and vocational rehabilitation needs under this chapter, an individual shall be presumed to have a goal of an employment outcome.", was executed by inserting text as concluding provisions of par. (1) to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Subsec. (a)(1)(A). Pub. L. 113–128, §413(a)(1)(A), substituted "has undergone an assessment for determining eligibility and vocational rehabilitation needs and as a result has been determined to be an" for "is an".

Subsec. (a)(1)(B). Pub. L. 113–128, §413(a)(1)(B), substituted "advance in, or regain employment that is consistent with the individual's strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice." for "or regain employment."

Subsec. (a)(2)(A). Pub. L. 113–128, §413(a)(2)(A), substituted "Applicants" for "Demonstration" in heading and struck out ", unless the designated State unit involved can demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that such individual is incapable of benefiting in terms of an employment outcome from vocational rehabilitation services due to the severity of the disability of the individual" before period at end.

Subsec. (a)(2)(B). Pub. L. 113–128, §413(a)(2)(B), in heading, substituted "Responsibilities" for "Methods" and, in text, substituted "Prior to determining under this subsection that an applicant described in subparagraph (A) is unable to benefit due to the severity of the individual's disability or that the individual is ineligible for vocational rehabilitation services," for "In making the demonstration required under subparagraph (A),", "through the designated State unit." for "through the designated State unit, except under limited circumstances when an individual cannot take advantage of such experiences.", and "individual. In providing the trial experiences, the designated State unit shall provide the individual with the opportunity to try different employment experiences, including supported employment, and the opportunity to become employed in competitive integrated employment." for "individual or to determine the existence of clear and convincing evidence that the individual is incapable of benefiting in terms of an employment outcome from vocational rehabilitation services due to the severity of the disability of the individual."

Subsec. (a)(3)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 113–128, §413(a)(3), substituted "outcome due to the severity of the individual's disability (as of the date of the determination)." for "outcome from vocational rehabilitation services due to the severity of the disability of the individual in accordance with paragraph (2)."

Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 113–128, §413(a)(4)(B), (C), added subpar. (A) and redesignated former subpars. (A) to (D) as (B) to (E), respectively.

Pub. L. 113–128, §413(a)(4)(A), in introductory provisions, substituted "If, after the designated State unit carries out the activities described in paragraph (2)(B), a review of existing data, and, to the extent necessary, the assessment activities described in section 705(2)(A)(ii) of this title, an individual" for "If an individual" and "subchapter is determined not to be" for "subchapter is determined, based on the review of existing data and, to the extent necessary, the assessment activities described in section 705(2)(A)(ii) of this title, not to be".

Subsec. (a)(5)(C)(i). Pub. L. 113–128, §413(a)(4)(D), inserted ", including the clear and convincing evidence that forms the basis for the determination of ineligibility" after "determination".

Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 113–128, §413(b)(1), struck out ", to the extent determined to be appropriate by the eligible individual," after "availability of assistance" and inserted "or, as appropriate, a disability advocacy organization" after "counselor".

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 113–128, §413(b)(3), added par. (2). Former par. (2) redesignated (3).

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 113–128, §413(b)(2), redesignated par. (2) as (3). Former par. (3) redesignated (4).

Subsec. (b)(3)(E)(iii). Pub. L. 113–128, §413(b)(4)(A), added cl. (iii).

Subsec. (b)(3)(F). Pub. L. 113–128, §413(b)(4)(B), added subpar. (F).

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 113–128, §413(b)(2), redesignated par. (3) as (4).

Subsec. (b)(4)(A). Pub. L. 113–128, §413(b)(5)(A), substituted "choice of the eligible individual, consistent with the general goal of competitive integrated employment (except that in the case of an eligible individual who is a student, the description may be a description of the student's projected postschool employment outcome);" for "choice of the eligible individual, and, to the maximum extent appropriate, results in employment in an integrated setting;".

Subsec. (b)(4)(B)(i). Pub. L. 113–128, §413(b)(5)(B), added subcls. (I) and (II), redesignated former subcl. (II) as (III), and struck out former subcl. (I) which read as follows: "needed to achieve the employment outcome, including, as appropriate, the provision of assistive technology devices and assistive technology services, and personal assistance services, including training in the management of such services; and".

Subsec. (b)(4)(H). Pub. L. 113–128, §413(b)(5)(C)–(E), added subpar. (H).

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 113–128, §413(c)(1), inserted at end "The procedures shall allow an applicant or an eligible individual the opportunity to request mediation, an impartial due process hearing, or both procedures."

Subsec. (c)(2)(A)(iv). Pub. L. 113–128, §413(c)(2), added cl. (iv).

Subsec. (c)(5)(A). Pub. L. 113–128, §413(c)(3)(A), added subpar. (A) and struck out former subpar. (A). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "A due process hearing described in paragraph (2) shall be conducted by an impartial hearing officer who shall issue a decision based on the provisions of the approved State plan, this chapter (including regulations implementing this chapter), and State regulations and policies that are consistent with the Federal requirements specified in this subchapter. The officer shall provide the decision in writing to the applicant or eligible individual, or, as appropriate, the applicant's representative or individual's representative, and to the designated State unit."

Subsec. (c)(5)(B). Pub. L. 113–128, §413(c)(3)(B), substituted "about Federal laws" for "in laws" in introductory provisions.

1998—Subsec. (c)(5)(F)(iv). Pub. L. 105–277 added cl. (iv).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Definitions of Terms in Pub. L. 113–128

Except as otherwise provided, definitions in section 3 of Pub. L. 113–128, which is classified to section 3102 of this title, apply to this section.

§723. Vocational rehabilitation services

(a) Vocational rehabilitation services for individuals

Vocational rehabilitation services provided under this subchapter are any services described in an individualized plan for employment necessary to assist an individual with a disability in preparing for, securing, retaining, or regaining an employment outcome that is consistent with the strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice of the individual, including—

(1) an assessment for determining eligibility and vocational rehabilitation needs by qualified personnel, including, if appropriate, an assessment by personnel skilled in rehabilitation technology;

(2) counseling and guidance, including information and support services to assist an individual in exercising informed choice consistent with the provisions of section 722(d) of this title;

(3) referral and other services to secure needed services from other agencies through agreements developed under section 721(a)(11) of this title, if such services are not available under this subchapter;

(4) job-related services, including job search and placement assistance, job retention services, followup services, and follow-along services;

(5) vocational and other training services, including the provision of personal and vocational adjustment services, books, tools, and other training materials, except that no training services provided at an institution of higher education shall be paid for with funds under this subchapter unless maximum efforts have been made by the designated State unit and the individual to secure grant assistance, in whole or in part, from other sources to pay for such training;

(6) to the extent that financial support is not readily available from a source (such as through health insurance of the individual or through comparable services and benefits consistent with section 721(a)(8)(A) of this title), other than the designated State unit, diagnosis and treatment of physical and mental impairments, including—

(A) corrective surgery or therapeutic treatment necessary to correct or substantially modify a physical or mental condition that constitutes a substantial impediment to employment, but is of such a nature that such correction or modification may reasonably be expected to eliminate or reduce such impediment to employment within a reasonable length of time;

(B) necessary hospitalization in connection with surgery or treatment;

(C) prosthetic and orthotic devices;

(D) eyeglasses and visual services as prescribed by qualified personnel who meet State licensure laws and who are selected by the individual;

(E) special services (including transplantation and dialysis), artificial kidneys, and supplies necessary for the treatment of individuals with end-stage renal disease; and

(F) diagnosis and treatment for mental and emotional disorders by qualified personnel who meet State licensure laws;

(7) maintenance for additional costs incurred while participating in an assessment for determining eligibility and vocational rehabilitation needs or while receiving services under an individualized plan for employment;

(8) transportation, including adequate training in the use of public transportation vehicles and systems, that is provided in connection with the provision of any other service described in this section and needed by the individual to achieve an employment outcome;

(9) on-the-job or other related personal assistance services provided while an individual is receiving other services described in this section;

(10) interpreter services provided by qualified personnel for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, and reader services for individuals who are determined to be blind, after an examination by qualified personnel who meet State licensure laws;

(11) rehabilitation teaching services, and orientation and mobility services, for individuals who are blind;

(12) occupational licenses, tools, equipment, and initial stocks and supplies;

(13) technical assistance and other consultation services to conduct market analyses, develop business plans, and otherwise provide resources, to the extent such resources are authorized to be provided through the statewide workforce development system, to eligible individuals who are pursuing self-employment or telecommuting or establishing a small business operation as an employment outcome;

(14) rehabilitation technology, including telecommunications, sensory, and other technological aids and devices;

(15) transition services for students with disabilities, that facilitate the transition from school to postsecondary life, such as achievement of an employment outcome in competitive integrated employment, or pre-employment transition services;

(16) supported employment services;

(17) customized employment;

(18) encouraging qualified individuals who are eligible to receive services under this subchapter to pursue advanced training in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (including computer science) field, medicine, law, or business;

(19) services to the family of an individual with a disability necessary to assist the individual to achieve an employment outcome; and

(20) specific post-employment services necessary to assist an individual with a disability to, retain, regain, or advance in employment.

(b) Vocational rehabilitation services for groups of individuals

Vocational rehabilitation services provided for the benefit of groups of individuals with disabilities may also include the following:

(1) In the case of any type of small business operated by individuals with significant disabilities the operation of which can be improved by management services and supervision provided by the designated State agency, the provision of such services and supervision, along or together with the acquisition by the designated State agency of vending facilities or other equipment and initial stocks and supplies.

(2) The establishment, development, or improvement of community rehabilitation programs, including, under special circumstances, the construction of a facility. Such programs shall be used to provide services described in this section that promote integration into the community and that prepare individuals with disabilities for competitive integrated employment, including supported employment and customized employment.

(3) The use of telecommunications systems (including telephone, television, satellite, radio, and other similar systems) that have the potential for substantially improving delivery methods of activities described in this section and developing appropriate programming to meet the particular needs of individuals with disabilities.

(4)(A) Special services to provide nonvisual access to information for individuals who are blind, including the use of telecommunications, Braille, sound recordings, or other appropriate media.

(B) Captioned television, films, or video cassettes for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

(C) Tactile materials for individuals who are deaf-blind.

(D) Other special services that provide information through tactile, vibratory, auditory, and visual media.

(5) Technical assistance to businesses that are seeking to employ individuals with disabilities.

(6) Consultation and technical assistance services to assist State educational agencies and local educational agencies in planning for the transition of students with disabilities from school to postsecondary life, including employment.

(7) Transition services to youth with disabilities and students with disabilities, for which a vocational rehabilitation counselor works in concert with educational agencies, providers of job training programs, providers of services under the Medicaid program under title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.), entities designated by the State to provide services for individuals with developmental disabilities, centers for independent living (as defined in section 796a of this title), housing and transportation authorities, workforce development systems, and businesses and employers.

(8) The establishment, development, or improvement of assistive technology demonstration, loan, reutilization, or financing programs in coordination with activities authorized under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.) to promote access to assistive technology for individuals with disabilities and employers.

(9) Support (including, as appropriate, tuition) for advanced training in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (including computer science) field, medicine, law, or business, provided after an individual eligible to receive services under this subchapter, demonstrates—

(A) such eligibility;

(B) previous completion of a bachelor's degree program at an institution of higher education or scheduled completion of such degree program prior to matriculating in the program for which the individual proposes to use the support; and

(C) acceptance by a program at an institution of higher education in the United States that confers a master's degree in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (including computer science) field, a juris doctor degree, a master of business administration degree, or a doctor of medicine degree,

except that the limitations of subsection (a)(5) that apply to training services shall apply to support described in this paragraph, and nothing in this paragraph shall prevent any designated State unit from providing similar support to individuals with disabilities within the State who are eligible to receive support under this subchapter and who are not served under this paragraph.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title I, §103, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §404, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1148; amended Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §414, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1652.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Social Security Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(7), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620. Title XIX of the Act is classified generally to subchapter XIX (§1396 et seq.) of chapter 7 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of Title 42 and Tables.

The Assistive Technology Act of 1998, referred to in subsec. (b)(8), is Pub. L. 105–394, Nov. 13, 1998, 112 Stat. 3627, which is classified principally to chapter 31 (§3001 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3001 of this title and Tables.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 723, Pub. L. 93–112, title I, §103, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 368; Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §104, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2960; Pub. L. 99–506, title I, §103(d)(2), title II, §204, Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1810, 1817; Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §202(d), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3305; Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §§102(p)(9), 124, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4357, 4379; Pub. L. 103–73, title I, §107(c), Aug. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 721, related to scope of vocational rehabilitation services, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (a)(13). Pub. L. 113–128, §414(1)(A), substituted "workforce development system" for "workforce investment system".

Subsec. (a)(15). Pub. L. 113–128, §414(1)(B), added par. (15) and struck out former par. (15) which read as follows: "transition services for students with disabilities, that facilitate the achievement of the employment outcome identified in the individualized plan for employment;".

Subsec. (a)(17) to (20). Pub. L. 113–128, §414(1)(C), (D), added pars. (17) and (18) and redesignated former pars. (17) and (18) as (19) and (20), respectively.

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 113–128, §414(2)(A), struck out subpar. (A) designation, substituted "Such programs shall be used to provide services described in this section that promote integration into the community and that prepare individuals with disabilities for competitive integrated employment, including supported employment and customized employment." for "Such programs shall be used to provide services that promote integration and competitive employment.", and struck out subpar. (B) which read as follows: "The provision of other services, that promise to contribute substantially to the rehabilitation of a group of individuals but that are not related directly to the individualized plan for employment of any 1 individual with a disability."

Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 113–128, §414(2)(B), added par. (5) and struck out former par. (5) which read as follows: "Technical assistance and support services to businesses that are not subject to title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12111 et seq.) and that are seeking to employ individuals with disabilities."

Subsec. (b)(6) to (9). Pub. L. 113–128, §414(2)(C), added pars. (6) to (9) and struck out former par. (6) which read as follows: "Consultative and technical assistance services to assist educational agencies in planning for the transition of students with disabilities from school to post-school activities, including employment."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Definitions of Terms in Pub. L. 113–128

Except as otherwise provided, definitions in section 3 of Pub. L. 113–128, which is classified to section 3102 of this title, apply to this section.

§724. Non-Federal share for establishment of program or construction

For the purpose of determining the amount of payments to States for carrying out part B (or to an Indian tribe under part C), the non-Federal share, subject to such limitations and conditions as may be prescribed in regulations by the Commissioner, shall include contributions of funds made by any private agency, organization, or individual to a State or local agency to assist in meeting the costs of establishment of a community rehabilitation program or construction, under special circumstances, of a facility for such a program, which would be regarded as State or local funds except for the condition, imposed by the contributor, limiting use of such funds to establishment of such a program or construction of such a facility.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title I, §104, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §404, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1151.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 724, Pub. L. 93–112, title I, §104, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 370; Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §122(b)(1), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2987; Pub. L. 99–506, title II, §205, Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1817; Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §125, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4381, related to non-Federal share for construction, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

§725. State Rehabilitation Council

(a) Establishment

(1) In general

Except as provided in section 721(a)(21)(A)(i) of this title, to be eligible to receive financial assistance under this subchapter a State shall establish a State Rehabilitation Council (referred to in this section as the "Council") in accordance with this section.

(2) Separate agency for individuals who are blind

A State that designates a State agency to administer the part of the State plan under which vocational rehabilitation services are provided for individuals who are blind under section 721(a)(2)(A)(i) of this title may establish a separate Council in accordance with this section to perform the duties of such a Council with respect to such State agency.

(b) Composition and appointment

(1) Composition

(A) In general

Except in the case of a separate Council established under subsection (a)(2), the Council shall be composed of—

(i) at least one representative of the Statewide Independent Living Council established under section 796d of this title, which representative may be the chairperson or other designee of the Council;

(ii) at least one representative of a parent training and information center established pursuant to section 671 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act [20 U.S.C. 1471];

(iii) at least one representative of the client assistance program established under section 732 of this title;

(iv) at least one qualified vocational rehabilitation counselor, with knowledge of and experience with vocational rehabilitation programs, who shall serve as an ex officio, nonvoting member of the Council if the counselor is an employee of the designated State agency;

(v) at least one representative of community rehabilitation program service providers;

(vi) four representatives of business, industry, and labor;

(vii) representatives of disability advocacy groups representing a cross section of—

(I) individuals with physical, cognitive, sensory, and mental disabilities; and

(II) individuals' representatives of individuals with disabilities who have difficulty in representing themselves or are unable due to their disabilities to represent themselves;

(viii) current or former applicants for, or recipients of, vocational rehabilitation services;

(ix) in a State in which one or more projects are funded under section 741 of this title, at least one representative of the directors of the projects located in such State;

(x) at least one representative of the State educational agency responsible for the public education of students with disabilities who are eligible to receive services under this subchapter and part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act [20 U.S.C. 1411 et seq.]; and

(xi) at least one representative of the State workforce development board.

(B) Separate Council

In the case of a separate Council established under subsection (a)(2), the Council shall be composed of—

(i) at least one representative described in subparagraph (A)(i);

(ii) at least one representative described in subparagraph (A)(ii);

(iii) at least one representative described in subparagraph (A)(iii);

(iv) at least one vocational rehabilitation counselor described in subparagraph (A)(iv), who shall serve as described in such subparagraph;

(v) at least one representative described in subparagraph (A)(v);

(vi) four representatives described in subparagraph (A)(vi);

(vii) at least one representative of a disability advocacy group representing individuals who are blind;

(viii) at least one individual's representative, of an individual who—

(I) is an individual who is blind and has multiple disabilities; and

(II) has difficulty in representing himself or herself or is unable due to disabilities to represent himself or herself;

(ix) applicants or recipients described in subparagraph (A)(viii);

(x) in a State described in subparagraph (A)(ix), at least one representative described in such subparagraph;

(xi) at least one representative described in subparagraph (A)(x); and

(xii) at least one representative described in subparagraph (A)(xi).

(C) Exception

In the case of a separate Council established under subsection (a)(2), any Council that is required by State law, as in effect on October 29, 1992, to have fewer than 15 members shall be deemed to be in compliance with subparagraph (B) if the Council—

(i) meets the requirements of subparagraph (B), other than the requirements of clauses (vi) and (ix) of such subparagraph; and

(ii) includes at least—

(I) one representative described in subparagraph (B)(vi); and

(II) one applicant or recipient described in subparagraph (B)(ix).

(2) Ex officio member

The Director of the designated State unit shall be an ex officio, nonvoting member of the Council.

(3) Appointment

Members of the Council shall be appointed by the Governor or, in the case of a State that, under State law, vests authority for the administration of the activities carried out under this chapter in an entity other than the Governor (such as one or more houses of the State legislature or an independent board), the chief officer of that entity. The appointing authority shall select members after soliciting recommendations from representatives of organizations representing a broad range of individuals with disabilities and organizations interested in individuals with disabilities. In selecting members, the appointing authority shall consider, to the greatest extent practicable, the extent to which minority populations are represented on the Council.

(4) Qualifications

(A) In general

A majority of Council members shall be persons who are—

(i) individuals with disabilities described in section 705(20)(B) of this title; and

(ii) not employed by the designated State unit.

(B) Separate Council

In the case of a separate Council established under subsection (a)(2), a majority of Council members shall be persons who are—

(i) blind; and

(ii) not employed by the designated State unit.

(5) Chairperson

(A) In general

Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the Council shall select a chairperson from among the membership of the Council.

(B) Designation by chief executive officer

In States in which the chief executive officer does not have veto power pursuant to State law, the appointing authority described in paragraph (3) shall designate a member of the Council to serve as the chairperson of the Council or shall require the Council to so designate such a member.

(6) Terms of appointment

(A) Length of term

Each member of the Council shall serve for a term of not more than 3 years, except that—

(i) a member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which a predecessor was appointed, shall be appointed for the remainder of such term; and

(ii) the terms of service of the members initially appointed shall be (as specified by the appointing authority described in paragraph (3)) for such fewer number of years as will provide for the expiration of terms on a staggered basis.

(B) Number of terms

No member of the Council, other than a representative described in clause (iii) or (ix) of paragraph (1)(A), or clause (iii) or (x) of paragraph (1)(B), may serve more than two consecutive full terms.

(7) Vacancies

(A) In general

Except as provided in subparagraph (B), any vacancy occurring in the membership of the Council shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment. The vacancy shall not affect the power of the remaining members to execute the duties of the Council.

(B) Delegation

The appointing authority described in paragraph (3) may delegate the authority to fill such a vacancy to the remaining members of the Council after making the original appointment.

(c) Functions of Council

The Council shall, after consulting with the State workforce development board—

(1) review, analyze, and advise the designated State unit regarding the performance of the responsibilities of the unit under this subchapter, particularly responsibilities relating to—

(A) eligibility (including order of selection);

(B) the extent, scope, and effectiveness of services provided; and

(C) functions performed by State agencies that affect or that potentially affect the ability of individuals with disabilities in achieving employment outcomes under this subchapter;

(2) in partnership with the designated State unit—

(A) develop, agree to, and review State goals and priorities in accordance with section 721(a)(15)(C) of this title; and

(B) evaluate the effectiveness of the vocational rehabilitation program and submit reports of progress to the Commissioner in accordance with section 721(a)(15)(E) of this title;

(3) advise the designated State agency and the designated State unit regarding activities authorized to be carried out under this subchapter, and assist in the preparation of the State plan and amendments to the plan, applications, reports, needs assessments, and evaluations required by this subchapter;

(4) to the extent feasible, conduct a review and analysis of the effectiveness of, and consumer satisfaction with—

(A) the functions performed by the designated State agency;

(B) vocational rehabilitation services provided by State agencies and other public and private entities responsible for providing vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities under this chapter; and

(C) employment outcomes achieved by eligible individuals receiving services under this subchapter, including the availability of health and other employment benefits in connection with such employment outcomes;

(5) prepare and submit an annual report to the Governor and the Commissioner on the status of vocational rehabilitation programs operated within the State, and make the report available to the public;

(6) to avoid duplication of efforts and enhance the number of individuals served, coordinate activities with the activities of other councils within the State, including the Statewide Independent Living Council established under section 796d of this title, the advisory panel established under section 612(a)(20) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act [20 U.S.C. 1412(a)(20)], the State Council on Developmental Disabilities established under section 15025 of title 42, the State mental health planning council established under section 300x–3(a) of title 42 and the State workforce development board, and with the activities of entities carrying out programs under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.);

(7) provide for coordination and the establishment of working relationships between the designated State agency and the Statewide Independent Living Council and centers for independent living within the State; and

(8) perform such other functions, consistent with the purpose of this subchapter, as the State Rehabilitation Council determines to be appropriate, that are comparable to the other functions performed by the Council.

(d) Resources

(1) Plan

The Council shall prepare, in conjunction with the designated State unit, a plan for the provision of such resources, including such staff and other personnel, as may be necessary and sufficient to carry out the functions of the Council under this section. The resource plan shall, to the maximum extent possible, rely on the use of resources in existence during the period of implementation of the plan.

(2) Resolution of disagreements

To the extent that there is a disagreement between the Council and the designated State unit in regard to the resources necessary to carry out the functions of the Council as set forth in this section, the disagreement shall be resolved by the Governor consistent with paragraph (1).

(3) Supervision and evaluation

Each Council shall, consistent with State law, supervise and evaluate such staff and other personnel as may be necessary to carry out its functions under this section.

(4) Personnel conflict of interest

While assisting the Council in carrying out its duties, staff and other personnel shall not be assigned duties by the designated State unit or any other agency or office of the State, that would create a conflict of interest.

(e) Conflict of interest

No member of the Council shall cast a vote on any matter that would provide direct financial benefit to the member or otherwise give the appearance of a conflict of interest under State law.

(f) Meetings

The Council shall convene at least four meetings a year in such places as it determines to be necessary to conduct Council business and conduct such forums or hearings as the Council considers appropriate. The meetings, hearings, and forums shall be publicly announced. The meetings shall be open and accessible to the general public unless there is a valid reason for an executive session.

(g) Compensation and expenses

The Council may use funds allocated to the Council by the designated State unit under this subchapter (except for funds appropriated to carry out the client assistance program under section 732 of this title and funds reserved pursuant to section 730(c) of this title to carry out part C) to reimburse members of the Council for reasonable and necessary expenses of attending Council meetings and performing Council duties (including child care and personal assistance services), and to pay compensation to a member of the Council, if such member is not employed or must forfeit wages from other employment, for each day the member is engaged in performing the duties of the Council.

(h) Hearings and forums

The Council is authorized to hold such hearings and forums as the Council may determine to be necessary to carry out the duties of the Council.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title I, §105, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §404, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1151; amended Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(c)(6)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681-415; Pub. L. 106–402, title IV, §401(b)(3)(A), Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1737; Pub. L. 108–446, title III, §305(h)(2), (3), Dec. 3, 2004, 118 Stat. 2805; Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §415, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1654.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(1)(A)(x), is title VI of Pub. L. 91–230, Apr. 13, 1970, 84 Stat. 175. Part B of the Act is classified generally to subchapter II (§1411 et seq.) of chapter 33 of Title 20, Education. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1400 of Title 20 and Tables.

The Assistive Technology Act of 1998, referred to in subsec. (c)(6), is Pub. L. 105–394, Nov. 13, 1998, 112 Stat. 3627, which is classified principally to chapter 31 (§3001 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3001 of this title and Tables.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 725, Pub. L. 93–112, title I, §105, as added Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §126(a), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4381; amended Pub. L. 103–73, title I, §107(d)(1), Aug. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 721, related to State Rehabilitation Advisory Council, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (b)(1)(A)(ix). Pub. L. 113–128, §415(1)(A), added cl. (ix) and struck out former cl. (ix) which read as follows: "in a State in which one or more projects are carried out under section 741 of this title, at least one representative of the directors of the projects;".

Subsec. (b)(1)(A)(xi). Pub. L. 113–128, §415(1)(B), substituted "State workforce development board" for "State workforce investment board".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 113–128, §415(2)(A), substituted "State workforce development board" for "State workforce investment board" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (c)(6). Pub. L. 113–128, §415(2)(B), substituted "section 300x–3(a) of title 42 and the State workforce development board, and with the activities of entities carrying out programs under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.);" for "section 300x–3(a) of title 42, and the State workforce investment board;".

2004—Subsec. (b)(1)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 108–446, §305(h)(2), substituted "671 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act" for "682(a) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (as added by section 101 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997; Public Law 105–17)".

Subsec. (c)(6). Pub. L. 108–446, §305(h)(3), substituted "section 612(a)(20)" for "section 612(a)(21)" and "Individuals with" for "Individual with" and struck out "(as amended by section 101 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997; Public Law 105–17)" before ", the State Council".

2000—Subsec. (c)(6). Pub. L. 106–402 substituted "the State Council on Developmental Disabilities established under section 15025 of title 42" for "the State Developmental Disabilities Council described in section 6024 of title 42".

1998—Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 105–277, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(c)(6)(A)], substituted "Governor or, in the case of a State that, under State law, vests authority for the administration of the activities carried out under this chapter in an entity other than the Governor (such as one or more houses of the State legislature or an independent board), the chief officer of that entity" for "Governor" in first sentence and "appointing authority" for "Governor" in second and third sentences.

Subsec. (b)(4)(A)(i). Pub. L. 105–277, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(c)(6)(B)], substituted "section 705(20)(B)" for "section 705(20)(A)".

Subsec. (b)(5)(B). Pub. L. 105–277, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(c)(6)(C)], substituted "chief executive officer" for "Governor" in heading and "appointing authority described in paragraph (3) shall" for "Governor shall" in text.

Subsec. (b)(6)(A)(ii), (7)(B). Pub. L. 105–277, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(c)(6)(D)], substituted "appointing authority described in paragraph (3)" for "Governor".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Definitions of Terms in Pub. L. 113–128

Except as otherwise provided, definitions in section 3 of Pub. L. 113–128, which is classified to section 3102 of this title, apply to this section.

§726. Evaluation standards and performance indicators

(a) In general

(1) Standards and indicators

The evaluation standards and performance indicators for the vocational rehabilitation program carried out under this subchapter shall be subject to the performance accountability provisions described in section 3141(b) of this title.

(2) Additional performance accountability indicators

A State may establish and provide information on additional performance accountability indicators, which shall be identified in the State plan submitted under section 721 of this title.

(b) Compliance

(1) State reports

In accordance with regulations established by the Secretary, each State shall report to the Commissioner after the end of each fiscal year the extent to which the State is in compliance with the standards and indicators.

(2) Program improvement

(A) Plan

If the Commissioner determines that the performance of any State is below established standards, the Commissioner shall provide technical assistance to the State, and the State and the Commissioner shall jointly develop a program improvement plan outlining the specific actions to be taken by the State to improve program performance.

(B) Review

The Commissioner shall—

(i) on a biannual basis, review the program improvement efforts of the State and, if the State has not improved its performance to acceptable levels, as determined by the Commissioner, direct the State to make further revisions to the plan to improve performance; and

(ii) continue to conduct such reviews and request such revisions until the State sustains satisfactory performance over a period of more than 1 year.

(c) Withholding

If the Commissioner determines that a State whose performance falls below the established standards has failed to enter into a program improvement plan, or is not complying substantially with the terms and conditions of such a program improvement plan, the Commissioner shall, consistent with subsections (c) and (d) of section 727 of this title, reduce or make no further payments to the State under this program, until the State has entered into an approved program improvement plan, or satisfies the Commissioner that the State is complying substantially with the terms and conditions of such a program improvement plan, as appropriate.

(d) Report to Congress

Beginning in fiscal year 1999, the Commissioner shall include in each annual report to the Congress under section 710 of this title an analysis of program performance, including relative State performance, based on the standards and indicators.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title I, §106, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §404, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1156; amended Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §416, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1654.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 726, Pub. L. 93–112, title I, §106, as added Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §127(a), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4385, related to evaluation standards and performance indicators, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 113–128, §416(1), added subsec. (a) and struck out former subsec. (a) which provided for the establishment, review, and revision of evaluation standards and performance indicators.

Subsec. (b)(2)(B)(i). Pub. L. 113–128, §416(2), substituted "on a biannual basis, review the program improvement efforts of the State and, if the State has not improved its performance to acceptable levels, as determined by the Commissioner, direct the State" for "review the program improvement efforts of the State on a biannual basis and, if necessary, request the State".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Definitions of Terms in Pub. L. 113–128

Except as otherwise provided, definitions in section 3 of Pub. L. 113–128, which is classified to section 3102 of this title, apply to this section.

§727. Monitoring and review

(a) In general

(1) Duties

In carrying out the duties of the Commissioner under this subchapter, the Commissioner shall—

(A) provide for the annual review and periodic onsite monitoring of programs under this subchapter; and

(B) determine whether, in the administration of the State plan, a State is complying substantially with the provisions of such plan and with evaluation standards and performance indicators established under section 726 of this title.

(2) Procedures for reviews

In conducting reviews under this section the Commissioner shall consider, at a minimum—

(A) State policies and procedures;

(B) guidance materials;

(C) decisions resulting from hearings conducted in accordance with due process;

(D) State goals established under section 721(a)(15) of this title and the extent to which the State has achieved such goals;

(E) plans and reports prepared under section 726(b) of this title;

(F) consumer satisfaction reviews and analyses described in section 725(c)(4) of this title;

(G) information provided by the State Rehabilitation Council established under section 725 of this title, if the State has such a Council, or by the commission described in section 721(a)(21)(A)(i) of this title, if the State has such a commission;

(H) reports; and

(I) budget and financial management data.

(3) Procedures for monitoring

In conducting monitoring under this section the Commissioner shall conduct—

(A) onsite visits, including onsite reviews of records to verify that the State is following requirements regarding the order of selection set forth in section 721(a)(5)(A) of this title;

(B) public hearings and other strategies for collecting information from the public;

(C) meetings with the State Rehabilitation Council, if the State has such a Council or with the commission described in section 721(a)(21)(A)(i) of this title, if the State has such a commission;

(D) reviews of individual case files, including individualized plans for employment and ineligibility determinations; and

(E) meetings with qualified vocational rehabilitation counselors and other personnel, including personnel of a client assistance program under section 732 of this title, and past or current recipients of vocational rehabilitation services.

(4) Areas of inquiry

In conducting the review and monitoring, the Commissioner shall examine—

(A) the eligibility process, including the process related to the determination of ineligibility under section 722(a)(5) of this title;

(B) the provision of services, including supported employment services and pre-employment transition services, and, if applicable, the order of selection;

(C) such other areas as may be identified by the public or through meetings with the State Rehabilitation Council, if the State has such a Council or with the commission described in section 721(a)(21)(A)(i) of this title, if the State has such a commission;

(D) data reported under section 721(a)(10)(C)(i) of this title; and

(E) such other areas of inquiry as the Commissioner may consider appropriate.

(5) Reports

If the Commissioner issues a report detailing the findings of an annual review or onsite monitoring conducted under this section, the report shall be made available to the State Rehabilitation Council, if the State has such a Council, for use in the development and modification of the State plan described in section 721 of this title.

(b) Technical assistance

The Commissioner shall—

(1) provide technical assistance to programs under this subchapter regarding improving the quality of vocational rehabilitation services provided;

(2) provide technical assistance and establish a corrective action plan for a program under this subchapter if the Commissioner finds that the program fails to comply substantially with the provisions of the State plan, or with evaluation standards or performance indicators established under section 726 of this title, in order to ensure that such failure is corrected as soon as practicable; and

(3) provide technical assistance to programs under this subchapter to—

(A) promote high-quality employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities;

(B) integrate veterans who are individuals with disabilities into their communities and to support the veterans to obtain and retain competitive integrated employment;

(C) develop, improve, and disseminate information on procedures, practices, and strategies, including for the preparation of personnel, to better enable individuals with intellectual disabilities and other individuals with disabilities to participate in postsecondary educational experiences and to obtain and retain competitive integrated employment; and

(D) apply evidence-based findings to facilitate systemic improvements in the transition of youth with disabilities to postsecondary life.

(c) Failure to comply with plan

(1) Withholding payments

Whenever the Commissioner, after providing reasonable notice and an opportunity for a hearing to the State agency administering or supervising the administration of the State plan approved under section 721 of this title, finds that—

(A) the plan has been so changed that it no longer complies with the requirements of section 721(a) of this title; or

(B) in the administration of the plan there is a failure to comply substantially with any provision of such plan or with an evaluation standard or performance indicator established under section 726 of this title,

the Commissioner shall notify such State agency that no further payments will be made to the State under this subchapter (or, in the discretion of the Commissioner, that such further payments will be reduced, in accordance with regulations the Commissioner shall prescribe, or that further payments will not be made to the State only for the projects under the parts of the State plan affected by such failure), until the Commissioner is satisfied there is no longer any such failure.

(2) Period

Until the Commissioner is so satisfied, the Commissioner shall make no further payments to such State under this subchapter (or shall reduce payments or limit payments to projects under those parts of the State plan in which there is no such failure).

(3) Disbursal of withheld funds

The Commissioner may, in accordance with regulations the Secretary shall prescribe, disburse any funds withheld from a State under paragraph (1) to any public or nonprofit private organization or agency within such State or to any political subdivision of such State submitting a plan meeting the requirements of section 721(a) of this title. The Commissioner may not make any payment under this paragraph unless the entity to which such payment is made has provided assurances to the Commissioner that such entity will contribute, for purposes of carrying out such plan, the same amount as the State would have been obligated to contribute if the State received such payment.

(d) Review

(1) Petition

Any State that is dissatisfied with a final determination of the Commissioner under section 721(b) of this title or subsection (c) may file a petition for judicial review of such determination in the United States Court of Appeals for the circuit in which the State is located. Such a petition may be filed only within the 30-day period beginning on the date that notice of such final determination was received by the State. The clerk of the court shall transmit a copy of the petition to the Commissioner or to any officer designated by the Commissioner for that purpose. In accordance with section 2112 of title 28, the Commissioner shall file with the court a record of the proceeding on which the Commissioner based the determination being appealed by the State. Until a record is so filed, the Commissioner may modify or set aside any determination made under such proceedings.

(2) Submissions and determinations

If, in an action under this subsection to review a final determination of the Commissioner under section 721(b) of this title or subsection (c), the petitioner or the Commissioner applies to the court for leave to have additional oral submissions or written presentations made respecting such determination, the court may, for good cause shown, order the Commissioner to provide within 30 days an additional opportunity to make such submissions and presentations. Within such period, the Commissioner may revise any findings of fact, modify or set aside the determination being reviewed, or make a new determination by reason of the additional submissions and presentations, and shall file such modified or new determination, and any revised findings of fact, with the return of such submissions and presentations. The court shall thereafter review such new or modified determination.

(3) Standards of review

(A) In general

Upon the filing of a petition under paragraph (1) for judicial review of a determination, the court shall have jurisdiction—

(i) to grant appropriate relief as provided in chapter 7 of title 5, except for interim relief with respect to a determination under subsection (c); and

(ii) except as otherwise provided in subparagraph (B), to review such determination in accordance with chapter 7 of title 5.

(B) Substantial evidence

Section 706 of title 5 shall apply to the review of any determination under this subsection, except that the standard for review prescribed by paragraph (2)(E) of such section 706 shall not apply and the court shall hold unlawful and set aside such determination if the court finds that the determination is not supported by substantial evidence in the record of the proceeding submitted pursuant to paragraph (1), as supplemented by any additional submissions and presentations filed under paragraph (2).

(Pub. L. 93–112, title I, §107, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §404, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1157; amended Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §417(a), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1654.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 727, Pub. L. 93–112, title I, §107, as added Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §128(a), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4386, related to monitoring and review, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (a)(3)(E). Pub. L. 113–128, §417(a)(1)(A), inserted ", including personnel of a client assistance program under section 732 of this title, and past or current recipients of vocational rehabilitation services" before period at end.

Subsec. (a)(4)(A), (B). Pub. L. 113–128, §417(a)(1)(B)(i), added subpars. (A) and (B) and struck out former subpars. (A) and (B) which read as follows:

"(A) the eligibility process;

"(B) the provision of services, including, if applicable, the order of selection;".

Subsec. (a)(4)(D), (E). Pub. L. 113–128, §417(a)(1)(B)(ii)–(iv), added subpar. (D) and redesignated former subpar. (D) as (E).

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 113–128, §417(a)(2), added par. (3).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Definitions of Terms in Pub. L. 113–128

Except as otherwise provided, definitions in section 3 of Pub. L. 113–128, which is classified to section 3102 of this title, apply to this section.

§728. Expenditure of certain amounts

(a) Expenditure

Amounts described in subsection (b) may not be expended by a State for any purpose other than carrying out programs for which the State receives financial assistance under this subchapter, under subchapter VI, or under subchapter VII.

(b) Amounts

The amounts referred to in subsection (a) are amounts provided to a State under the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 301 et seq.) as reimbursement for the expenditure of payments received by the State from allotments under section 730 of this title.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title I, §108, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §404, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1160; amended Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §417(b), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1655.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Social Security Act, referred to in subsec. (b), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620, which is classified generally to chapter 7 (§301 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of Title 42 and Tables.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 728, Pub. L. 93–112, title I, §108, as added Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §129(a), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4389, related to expenditure of certain amounts, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 113–128 substituted "under subchapter VI" for "under part B of subchapter VI".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Definitions of Terms in Pub. L. 113–128

Except as otherwise provided, definitions in section 3 of Pub. L. 113–128, which is classified to section 3102 of this title, apply to this section.

§728a. Training and services for employers

A State may expend payments received under section 731 of this title to educate and provide services to employers who have hired or are interested in hiring individuals with disabilities under programs carried out under this subchapter, including—

(1) providing training and technical assistance to employers regarding the employment of individuals with disabilities, including disability awareness, and the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.) and other employment-related laws;

(2) working with employers to—

(A) provide opportunities for work-based learning experiences (including internships, short-term employment, apprenticeships, and fellowships), and opportunities for pre-employment transition services;

(B) recruit qualified applicants who are individuals with disabilities;

(C) train employees who are individuals with disabilities; and

(D) promote awareness of disability-related obstacles to continued employment;

(3) providing consultation, technical assistance, and support to employers on workplace accommodations, assistive technology, and facilities and workplace access through collaboration with community partners and employers, across States and nationally, to enable the employers to recruit, job match, hire, and retain qualified individuals with disabilities who are recipients of vocational rehabilitation services under this subchapter, or who are applicants for such services; and

(4) assisting employers with utilizing available financial support for hiring or accommodating individuals with disabilities.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title I, §109, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §404, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1160; amended Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §418, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1655.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, referred to in par. (1), is Pub. L. 101–336, July 26, 1990, 104 Stat. 327, which is classified principally to chapter 126 (§12101 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 12101 of Title 42 and Tables.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 728a, Pub. L. 93–112, title I, §109, as added Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §130(a), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4389, related to training of employers with respect to Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Amendments

2014—Pub. L. 113–128 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "A State may expend payments received under section 731 of this title—

"(1) to carry out a program to train employers with respect to compliance with the requirements of title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12111 et seq.); and

"(2) to inform employers of the existence of the program and the availability of the services of the program."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Definitions of Terms in Pub. L. 113–128

Except as otherwise provided, definitions in section 3 of Pub. L. 113–128, which is classified to section 3102 of this title, apply to this section.

Part B—Basic Vocational Rehabilitation Services

§730. State allotments

(a) Computation; additional amount; minimum amount; adjustments

(1) Subject to the provisions of subsections (c) and (d),,¹ for each fiscal year beginning before October 1, 1978, each State shall be entitled to an allotment of an amount bearing the same ratio to the amount authorized to be appropriated under section 720(b)(1) of this title for allotment under this section as the product of—

(A) the population of the State; and

(B) the square of its allotment percentage,

bears to the sum of the corresponding products for all the States.

(2)(A) For each fiscal year beginning on or after October 1, 1978, each State shall be entitled to an allotment in an amount equal to the amount such State received under paragraph (1) for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1978, and an additional amount determined pursuant to subparagraph (B) of this paragraph.

(B) For each fiscal year beginning on or after October 1, 1978, each State shall be entitled to an allotment, from any amount authorized to be appropriated for such fiscal year under section 720(b)(1) of this title for allotment under this section in excess of the amount appropriated under section 720(b)(1)(A) ² of this title for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1978, in an amount equal to the sum of—

(i) an amount bearing the same ratio to 50 percent of such excess amount as the product of the population of the State and the square of its allotment percentage bears to the sum of the corresponding products for all the States; and

(ii) an amount bearing the same ratio to 50 percent of such excess amount as the product of the population of the State and its allotment percentage bears to the sum of the corresponding products for all the States.

(3) The sum of the payment to any State (other than Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands) under this subsection for any fiscal year which is less than 1/3 of 1 percent of the amount appropriated under section 720(b)(1) of this title, or $3,000,000, whichever is greater, shall be increased to that amount, the total of the increases thereby required being derived by proportionately reducing the allotment to each of the remaining such States under this subsection, but with such adjustments as may be necessary to prevent the sum of the allotments made under this subsection to any such remaining State from being thereby reduced to less than that amount.

(b) Unused funds; redistribution; increase in amount

(1) Not later than 45 days prior to the end of the fiscal year, the Commissioner shall determine, after reasonable opportunity for the submission to the Commissioner of comments by the State agency administering or supervising the program established under this subchapter, that any payment of an allotment to a State under section 731(a) of this title for any fiscal year will not be utilized by such State in carrying out the purposes of this subchapter.

(2) As soon as practicable but not later than the end of the fiscal year, the Commissioner shall make such amount available for carrying out the purposes of this subchapter to one or more other States to the extent the Commissioner determines such other State will be able to use such additional amount during that fiscal year or the subsequent fiscal year for carrying out such purposes. The Commissioner shall make such amount available only if such other State will be able to make sufficient payments from non-Federal sources to pay for the non-Federal share of the cost of vocational rehabilitation services under the State plan for the fiscal year for which the amount was appropriated.

(3) For the purposes of this part, any amount made available to a State for any fiscal year pursuant to this subsection shall be regarded as an increase of such State's allotment (as determined under the preceding provisions of this section) for such year.

(c) Funds for American Indian vocational rehabilitation services

(1) For fiscal year 2015 and for each subsequent fiscal year, the Commissioner shall reserve from the amount appropriated under section 720(b)(1) of this title for allotment under this section a sum, determined under paragraph (2), to carry out the purposes of part C.

(2) The sum referred to in paragraph (1) shall be, as determined by the Secretary, not less than 1 percent and not more than 1.5 percent of the amount referred to in paragraph (1), for each of fiscal years 2015 through 2020.

(d) Funds for pre-employment transition services

(1) From any State allotment under subsection (a) for a fiscal year, the State shall reserve not less than 15 percent of the allotted funds for the provision of pre-employment transition services.

(2) Such reserved funds shall not be used to pay for the administrative costs of providing pre-employment transition services.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title I, §110, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §404, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1160; amended Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(b)(7)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681-413; Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §419, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1656.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 720(b)(1)(A) of this title, referred to in subsec. (a)(2)(B), means section 720(b)(1)(A) prior to the general amendment of section 720(b) by Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §121(b)(1), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4367, which restated subsec. (b)(1) without a subpar. (A). Section 720 was subsequently omitted, and a new section 720 added, in the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §404, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1116.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 730, Pub. L. 93–112, title I, §110, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 370; Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §§101(c), (d), 122(b)(1), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2956, 2957, 2987; Pub. L. 98–221, title I, §111(e), Feb. 22, 1984, 98 Stat. 20; Pub. L. 99–506, title I, §103(c)(2), title II, §§206, 207, Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1810, 1817, 1818; Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §131, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4389; Pub. L. 103–73, title I, §107(e), Aug. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 723, related to State allotments, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 113–128, §419(1), substituted "Subject to the provisions of subsections (c) and (d)," for "Subject to the provisions of subsection (c)" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 113–128, §419(2)(A), substituted "2015" for "1987".

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 113–128, §419(2)(B), substituted "Secretary," for "Secretary—" and "2015 through 2020" for "2000 through 2003", struck out subpar. (B) designation before "not less than 1 percent", and struck out subpar. (A) which read as follows: "not less than three-quarters of 1 percent and not more than 1.5 percent of the amount referred to in paragraph (1), for fiscal year 1999; and".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 113–128, §419(3), added subsec. (d).

1998—Pub. L. 105–277 made technical amendment to section designation and catchline in original.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Definitions of Terms in Pub. L. 113–128

Except as otherwise provided, definitions in section 3 of Pub. L. 113–128, which is classified to section 3102 of this title, apply to this section.

¹ So in original.

² See References in Text note below.

§731. Payments to States

(a) Amount

(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), from each State's allotment under this part for any fiscal year, the Commissioner shall pay to a State an amount equal to the Federal share of the cost of vocational rehabilitation services under the plan for that State approved under section 721 of this title, including expenditures for the administration of the State plan.

(2)(A) The total of payments under paragraph (1) to a State for a fiscal year may not exceed its allotment under subsection (a) of section 730 of this title for such year.

(B) The amount otherwise payable to a State for a fiscal year under this section shall be reduced by the amount by which expenditures from non-Federal sources under the State plan under this subchapter for any previous fiscal year are less than the total of such expenditures for the second fiscal year preceding that previous fiscal year.

(C) The Commissioner may waive or modify any requirement or limitation under subparagraph (B) or section 721(a)(17) of this title if the Commissioner determines that a waiver or modification is an equitable response to exceptional or uncontrollable circumstances affecting the State.

(3)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the amount of a payment under this section with respect to any construction project in any State shall be equal to the same percentage of the cost of such project as the Federal share that is applicable in the case of rehabilitation facilities (as defined in section 291o(g) of title 42), in such State.

(B) If the Federal share with respect to rehabilitation facilities in such State is determined pursuant to section 291o(b)(2) of title 42, the percentage of the cost for purposes of this section shall be determined in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Commissioner designed to achieve as nearly as practicable results comparable to the results obtained under such section.

(b) Method of computation and payment

The method of computing and paying amounts pursuant to subsection (a) shall be as follows:

(1) The Commissioner shall, prior to the beginning of each calendar quarter or other period prescribed by the Commissioner, estimate the amount to be paid to each State under the provisions of such subsection for such period, such estimate to be based on such records of the State and information furnished by it, and such other investigation as the Commissioner may find necessary.

(2) The Commissioner shall pay, from the allotment available therefor, the amount so estimated by the Commissioner for such period, reduced or increased, as the case may be, by any sum (not previously adjusted under this paragraph) by which the Commissioner finds that the estimate of the amount to be paid the State for any prior period under such subsection was greater or less than the amount which should have been paid to the State for such prior period under such subsection. Such payment shall be made prior to audit or settlement by the Government Accountability Office, shall be made through the disbursing facilities of the Treasury Department, and shall be made in such installments as the Commissioner may determine.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title I, §111, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §404, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1162; amended Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(b)(8)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681-413; Pub. L. 108–271, §8(b), July 7, 2004, 118 Stat. 814; Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §420, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1656.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 731, Pub. L. 93–112, title I, §111, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 371; Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §122(b)(1), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2987; Pub. L. 99–506, title II, §208, title X, §1001(b)(6), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1818, 1842; Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §202(e)(1), (2)(A), (3), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3306; Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §132, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4390; Pub. L. 103–73, title I, §107(f), Aug. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 723, related to payments to States, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (a)(2)(B). Pub. L. 113–128 substituted "The" for "For fiscal year 1994 and each fiscal year thereafter, the", "this subchapter for any previous" for "this subchapter for the previous", and "year preceding that previous" for "year preceding the previous".

2004—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 108–271 substituted "Government Accountability Office" for "General Accounting Office".

1998—Pub. L. 105–277 made technical amendment to section designation and catchline in original.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Definitions of Terms in Pub. L. 113–128

Except as otherwise provided, definitions in section 3 of Pub. L. 113–128, which is classified to section 3102 of this title, apply to this section.

§732. Client assistance program

(a) Establishment of grant program

From funds appropriated under subsection (h), the Secretary shall, in accordance with this section, make grants to States to establish and carry out client assistance programs to provide assistance in informing and advising all clients and client applicants of all available benefits under this chapter, including under sections 733 and 794g of this title, and, upon request of such clients or client applicants, to assist and advocate for such clients or applicants in their relationships with projects, programs, and services provided under this chapter, including assistance and advocacy in pursuing legal, administrative, or other appropriate remedies to ensure the protection of the rights of such individuals under this chapter and to facilitate access to the services funded under this chapter through individual and systemic advocacy. The client assistance program shall provide information on the available services and benefits under this chapter and title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12111 et seq.) to individuals with disabilities in the State, especially with regard to individuals with disabilities who have traditionally been unserved or underserved by vocational rehabilitation programs. In providing assistance and advocacy under this subsection with respect to services under this subchapter, a client assistance program may provide the assistance and advocacy with respect to services that are directly related to facilitating the employment of the individual.

(b) Existence of State program as requisite to receiving payments

No State may receive payments from its allotment under this chapter in any fiscal year unless the State has in effect a client assistance program which—

(1) has the authority to pursue legal, administrative, and other appropriate remedies to ensure the protection of rights of individuals with disabilities who are receiving treatments, services, or rehabilitation under this chapter within the State; and

(2) meets the requirements of designation under subsection (c).

(c) Designation of agency to conduct program

(1)(A) The Governor shall designate a public or private agency to conduct the client assistance program under this section. Except as provided in the last sentence of this subparagraph, the Governor shall designate an agency which is independent of any agency which provides treatment, services, or rehabilitation to individuals under this chapter. If there is an agency in the State which has, or had, prior to February 22, 1984, served as a client assistance agency under this section and which received Federal financial assistance under this chapter, the Governor may, in the initial designation, designate an agency which provides treatment, services, or rehabilitation to individuals with disabilities under this chapter.

(B)(i) The Governor may not redesignate the agency designated under subparagraph (A) without good cause and unless—

(I) the Governor has given the agency 30 days notice of the intention to make such redesignation, including specification of the good cause for such redesignation and an opportunity to respond to the assertion that good cause has been shown;

(II) individuals with disabilities or the individuals' representatives have timely notice of the redesignation and opportunity for public comment; and

(III) the agency has the opportunity to appeal to the Commissioner on the basis that the redesignation was not for good cause.

(ii) If, after August 7, 1998—

(I) a designated State agency undergoes any change in the organizational structure of the agency that results in the creation of one or more new State agencies or departments or results in the merger of the designated State agency with one or more other State agencies or departments; and

(II) an agency (including an office or other unit) within the designated State agency was conducting a client assistance program before the change under the last sentence of subparagraph (A),

the Governor shall redesignate the agency conducting the program. In conducting the redesignation, the Governor shall designate to conduct the program an agency that is independent of any agency that provides treatment, services, or rehabilitation to individuals with disabilities under this chapter.

(2) In carrying out the provisions of this section, the Governor shall consult with the director of the State vocational rehabilitation agency, the head of the developmental disability protection and advocacy agency, and with representatives of professional and consumer organizations serving individuals with disabilities in the State.

(3) The agency designated under this subsection shall be accountable for the proper use of funds made available to the agency.

(d) Class action by designated agency prohibited

The agency designated under subsection (c) of this section may not bring any class action in carrying out its responsibilities under this section.

(e) Allotment and reallotment of funds

(1)(A) After reserving funds under subparagraphs (E) and (F), the Secretary shall allot the remainder of the sums appropriated for each fiscal year under this section among the States on the basis of relative population of each State, except that no State shall receive less than $50,000.

(B) The Secretary shall allot $30,000 each to American Samoa, Guam, the Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

(C) For the purpose of this paragraph, the term "State" does not include American Samoa, Guam, the Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

(D)(i) In any fiscal year that the funds appropriated for such fiscal year exceed $7,500,000, the minimum allotment shall be $100,000 for States and $45,000 for territories.

(ii) For any fiscal year in which the total amount appropriated under subsection (h) exceeds the total amount appropriated under such subsection for the preceding fiscal year, the Secretary shall increase each of the minimum allotments under clause (i) by a percentage that shall not exceed the percentage increase in the total amount appropriated under such subsection between the preceding fiscal year and the fiscal year involved.

(E)(i) The Secretary shall reserve funds appropriated under subsection (h) to make a grant to the protection and advocacy system serving the American Indian Consortium to provide services in accordance with this section. The amount of such a grant shall be the same amount as is provided to a territory under this subsection.

(ii) In this subparagraph:

(I) The term "American Indian Consortium" has the meaning given the term in section 102 of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 15002).

(II) The term "protection and advocacy system" means a protection and advocacy system established under subtitle C of title I of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 15041 et seq.).

(F) For any fiscal year for which the amount appropriated under subsection (h) equals or exceeds $14,000,000, the Secretary may reserve not less than 1.8 percent and not more than 2.2 percent of such amount to provide a grant for training and technical assistance for the programs established under this section. Such training and technical assistance shall be coordinated with activities provided under section 794e(c)(1)(A) of this title.

(2) The amount of an allotment to a State for a fiscal year which the Secretary determines will not be required by the State during the period for which it is available for the purpose for which allotted shall be available for reallotment by the Secretary at appropriate times to other States with respect to which such a determination has not been made, in proportion to the original allotments of such States for such fiscal year, but with such proportionate amount for any of such other States being reduced to the extent it exceeds the sum the Secretary estimates such State needs and will be able to use during such period, and the total of such reduction shall be similarly reallotted among the States whose proportionate amounts were not so reduced. Any such amount so reallotted to a State for a fiscal year shall be deemed to be a part of its allotment for such fiscal year.

(3) Except as specifically prohibited by or as otherwise provided in State law, the Secretary shall pay to the agency designated under subsection (c) the amount specified in the application approved under subsection (f).

(f) Application by State for grant funds

No grant may be made under this section unless the State submits an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing or accompanied by such information as the Secretary deems necessary to meet the requirements of this section.

(g) Regulations; minimum requirements

The Secretary shall prescribe regulations applicable to the client assistance program which shall include the following requirements:

(1) No employees of such programs shall, while so employed, serve as staff or consultants of any rehabilitation project, program, or facility receiving assistance under this chapter in the State.

(2) Each program shall be afforded reasonable access to policymaking and administrative personnel in the State and local rehabilitation programs, projects, or facilities.

(3)(A) Each program shall contain provisions designed to assure that to the maximum extent possible alternative means of dispute resolution are available for use at the discretion of an applicant or client of the program prior to resorting to litigation or formal adjudication to resolve a dispute arising under this section.

(B) In subparagraph (A), the term "alternative means of dispute resolution" means any procedure, including good faith negotiation, conciliation, facilitation, mediation, factfinding, and arbitration, and any combination of procedures, that is used in lieu of litigation in a court or formal adjudication in an administrative forum, to resolve a dispute arising under this section.

(4) For purposes of any periodic audit, report, or evaluation of the performance of a client assistance program under this section, the Secretary shall not require such a program to disclose the identity of, or any other personally identifiable information related to, any individual requesting assistance under such program.

(h) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the provisions of this section—

(1) $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2015;

(2) $12,927,000 for fiscal year 2016;

(3) $13,195,000 for fiscal year 2017;

(4) $13,488,000 for fiscal year 2018;

(5) $13,805,000 for fiscal year 2019; and

(6) $14,098,000 for fiscal year 2020.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title I, §112, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §404, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1163; amended Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(b)(9)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681-413; Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §421, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1656.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, referred to in subsec. (a), is Pub. L. 101–336, July 26, 1990, 104 Stat. 327. Title I of the Act is classified generally to subchapter I (§12111 et seq.) of chapter 126 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 12101 of Title 42 and Tables.

The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000, referred to in subsec. (e)(1)(E)(ii)(II), is Pub. L. 106–402, Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1677. Subtitle C of title I of the Act is classified generally to part C (§15041 et seq.) of subchapter I of chapter 144 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 15001 of Title 42 and Tables.

Prior Provisions

Prior sections 732 and 740 were omitted in the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Section 732, Pub. L. 93–112, title I, §112, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 371; Pub. L. 93–516, title I, §§102(b), 111(f), Dec. 7, 1974, 88 Stat. 1618, 1620; Pub. L. 93–651, title I, §§102(b), 111(f), Nov. 21, 1974, 89 Stat. 2–3, 2-5; Pub. L. 94–230, §§2(b), 11(b)(4), Mar. 15, 1976, 90 Stat. 211, 213; Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §§105, 122(b)(1), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2960, 2987; Pub. L. 97–375, title I, §105, Dec. 21, 1982, 96 Stat. 1820; Pub. L. 98–221, title I, §113(a), Feb. 22, 1984, 98 Stat. 20; Pub. L. 99–506, title I, §103(d)(2)(C), title II, §209, title X, §1001(b)(7), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1810, 1818, 1842; Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §202(f), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3306; Pub. L. 102–52, §2(c), June 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 260; Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §§102(p)(10), 133, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4357, 4391; Pub. L. 103–73, title I, §107(g), Aug. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 723; Pub. L. 104–66, title I, §1041(c), Dec. 21, 1995, 109 Stat. 714, related to client assistance program.

Section 740, Pub. L. 93–112, title I, §120, as added Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §134(a), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4392, related to State eligibility for grants.

Another prior section 740, Pub. L. 93–112, title I, §120, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 372; Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §§101(e)(1), 122(b)(1), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2957, 2987; Pub. L. 99–506, title X, §1001(b)(8), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1842; Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §202(g), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3306, provided for State allotments to assist in meeting the cost of vocational rehabilitation services, prior to the general amendment of part C of former subchapter I of this chapter by Pub. L. 102–569.

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 113–128, §421(1), inserted "including under sections 733 and 794g of this title," after "all available benefits under this chapter,".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 113–128, §421(2), struck out "not later than October 1, 1984," after "has in effect" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (e)(1)(A). Pub. L. 113–128, §421(3)(A), substituted "After reserving funds under subparagraphs (E) and (F), the Secretary shall allot the remainder of" for "The Secretary shall allot".

Subsec. (e)(1)(E), (F). Pub. L. 113–128, §421(3)(B), added subpars. (E) and (F).

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 113–128, §421(4), added subsec. (h) and struck out former subsec. (h) which authorized appropriations for fiscal years 1999 through 2003.

1998—Pub. L. 105–277 made technical amendment to section designation and catchline in original.

§733. Provision of pre-employment transition services

(a) In general

From the funds reserved under section 730(d) of this title, and any funds made available from State, local, or private funding sources, each State shall ensure that the designated State unit, in collaboration with the local educational agencies involved, shall provide, or arrange for the provision of, pre-employment transition services for all students with disabilities in need of such services who are eligible or potentially eligible for services under this subchapter.

(b) Required activities

Funds available under subsection (a) shall be used to make available to students with disabilities described in subsection (a)—

(1) job exploration counseling;

(2) work-based learning experiences, which may include in-school or after school opportunities, or experience outside the traditional school setting (including internships), that is provided in an integrated environment to the maximum extent possible;

(3) counseling on opportunities for enrollment in comprehensive transition or postsecondary educational programs at institutions of higher education;

(4) workplace readiness training to develop social skills and independent living; and

(5) instruction in self-advocacy, which may include peer mentoring.

(c) Authorized activities

Funds available under subsection (a) and remaining after the provision of the required activities described in subsection (b) may be used to improve the transition of students with disabilities described in subsection (a) from school to postsecondary education or an employment outcome by—

(1) implementing effective strategies to increase the likelihood of independent living and inclusion in communities and competitive integrated workplaces;

(2) developing and improving strategies for individuals with intellectual disabilities and individuals with significant disabilities to live independently, participate in postsecondary education experiences, and obtain and retain competitive integrated employment;

(3) providing instruction to vocational rehabilitation counselors, school transition personnel, and other persons supporting students with disabilities;

(4) disseminating information about innovative, effective, and efficient approaches to achieve the goals of this section;

(5) coordinating activities with transition services provided by local educational agencies under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.);

(6) applying evidence-based findings to improve policy, procedure, practice, and the preparation of personnel, in order to better achieve the goals of this section;

(7) developing model transition demonstration projects;

(8) establishing or supporting multistate or regional partnerships involving States, local educational agencies, designated State units, developmental disability agencies, private businesses, or other participants to achieve the goals of this section; and

(9) disseminating information and strategies to improve the transition to postsecondary activities of individuals who are members of traditionally unserved populations.

(d) Pre-employment transition coordination

Each local office of a designated State unit shall carry out responsibilities consisting of—

(1) attending individualized education program meetings for students with disabilities, when invited;

(2) working with the local workforce development boards, one-stop centers, and employers to develop work opportunities for students with disabilities, including internships, summer employment and other employment opportunities available throughout the school year, and apprenticeships;

(3) work with schools, including those carrying out activities under section 614(d)(1)(A)(i)(VIII) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1414(d)(1)(A)(i)(VIII)), to coordinate and ensure the provision of pre-employment transition services under this section; and

(4) when invited, attend person-centered planning meetings for individuals receiving services under title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.).

(e) National pre-employment transition coordination

The Secretary shall support designated State agencies providing services under this section, highlight best State practices, and consult with other Federal agencies to advance the goals of this section.

(f) Support

In carrying out this section, States shall address the transition needs of all students with disabilities, including such students with physical, sensory, intellectual, and mental health disabilities.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title I, §113, as added Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §422, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1657.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, referred to in subsec. (c)(5), is title VI of Pub. L. 91–230, Apr. 13, 1970, 84 Stat. 175, which is classified generally to chapter 33 (§1400 et seq.) of Title 20, Education. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1400 of Title 20 and Tables.

The Social Security Act, referred to in subsec. (d)(4), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620. Title XIX of the Act is classified generally to subchapter XIX (§1396 et seq.) of chapter 7 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of Title 42 and Tables.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Definitions of Terms in Pub. L. 113–128

Except as otherwise provided, definitions in section 3 of Pub. L. 113–128, which is classified to section 3102 of this title, apply to this section.

Part C—American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services

§741. Vocational rehabilitation services grants

(a) Governing bodies of Indian tribes; amount; non-Federal share

The Commissioner, in accordance with the provisions of this part, may make grants to the governing bodies of Indian tribes located on Federal and State reservations (and consortia of such governing bodies) to pay 90 percent of the costs of vocational rehabilitation services for American Indians who are individuals with disabilities residing on or near such reservations (referred to in this section as "eligible individuals"), consistent with such eligible individuals' strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice, so that such individuals may prepare for, and engage in, high-quality employment that will increase opportunities for economic self-sufficiency. The non-Federal share of such costs may be in cash or in kind, fairly valued, and the Commissioner may waive such non-Federal share requirement in order to carry out the purposes of this chapter.

(b) Application; effective period; continuation of programs and services; separate service delivery systems

(1) No grant may be made under this part for any fiscal year unless an application therefor has been submitted to and approved by the Commissioner. The Commissioner may not approve an application unless the application—

(A) is made at such time, in such manner, and contains such information as the Commissioner may require;

(B) contains assurances that the rehabilitation services provided under this part to American Indians who are individuals with disabilities residing on or near a reservation in a State shall be, to the maximum extent feasible, comparable to rehabilitation services provided under this subchapter to other individuals with disabilities residing in the State and that, where appropriate, may include services traditionally used by Indian tribes;

(C) contains assurances that the application was developed in consultation with the designated State unit of the State; and

(D) contains assurances that—

(i) all decisions affecting eligibility for vocational rehabilitation services, the nature and scope of available vocational rehabilitation services and the provision of such services will, consistent with this subchapter, be made by a representative of the tribal vocational rehabilitation program funded through the grant; and

(ii) such decisions will not be delegated to another agency or individual.

(2) The provisions of sections 5305, 5306, 5307, and 5321(a) of title 25 shall be applicable to any application submitted under this part. For purposes of this paragraph, any reference in any such provision to the Secretary of Education or to the Secretary of the Interior shall be considered to be a reference to the Commissioner.

(3) Any application approved under this part shall be effective for not more than 60 months, except as determined otherwise by the Commissioner pursuant to prescribed regulations. The State shall continue to provide vocational rehabilitation services under its State plan to American Indians residing on or near a reservation whenever such State includes any such American Indians in its State population under section 730(a)(1) of this title.

(4) In making grants under this part, the Secretary shall give priority consideration to applications for the continuation of programs which have been funded under this part.

(5) Nothing in this section may be construed to authorize a separate service delivery system for Indian residents of a State who reside in non-reservation areas.

(c) Funds reserved for training and technical assistance

(1) From the funds appropriated and made available to carry out this part for any fiscal year, beginning with fiscal year 2015, the Commissioner shall first reserve not less than 1.8 percent and not more than 2 percent of the funds to provide training and technical assistance to governing bodies described in subsection (a) for such fiscal year.

(2) From the funds reserved under paragraph (1), the Commissioner shall make grants to, or enter into contracts or other cooperative agreements with, entities that have experience in the operation of vocational rehabilitation services programs under this section to provide such training and technical assistance with respect to developing, conducting, administering, and evaluating such programs.

(3) The Commissioner shall conduct a survey of the governing bodies regarding training and technical assistance needs in order to determine funding priorities for such grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements.

(4) To be eligible to receive a grant or enter into a contract or cooperative agreement under this section, such an entity shall submit an application to the Commissioner at such time, in such manner, and containing a proposal to provide such training and technical assistance, and containing such additional information as the Commissioner may require. The Commissioner shall provide for peer review of applications by panels that include persons who are not government employees and who have experience in the operation of vocational rehabilitation services programs under this section.

(d) "Reservation" defined

The term "reservation" includes Indian reservations, public domain Indian allotments, former Indian reservations in Oklahoma, and land held by incorporated Native groups, regional corporations, and village corporations under the provisions of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act [43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.].

(Pub. L. 93–112, title I, §121, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §404, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1166; amended Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(b)(10)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681-413; Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §423, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1659.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, referred to in subsec. (d), is Pub. L. 92–203, Dec. 18, 1971, 85 Stat. 688, which is classified generally to chapter 33 (§1601 et seq.) of Title 43, Public Lands. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1601 of Title 43 and Tables.

Prior Provisions

Prior sections 741 to 744 and 750 were omitted in the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Section 741, Pub. L. 93–112, title I, §121, as added Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §134(a), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4392, related to contents of strategic plans.

Another prior section 741, Pub. L. 93–112, title I, §121, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 373; Pub. L. 93–516, title I, §102(c), Dec. 7, 1974, 88 Stat. 1618; Pub. L. 93–651, title I, §102(c), Nov. 21, 1974, 89 Stat. 2–3; Pub. L. 94–230, §2(c), Mar. 15, 1976, 90 Stat. 211; Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §§101(e)(2), 122(b), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2957, 2987; Pub. L. 98–221, title I, §114, Feb. 22, 1984, 98 Stat. 23; Pub. L. 99–506, title I, §103(d)(2)(C), title II, §210, Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1810, 1819; Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §202(h), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3306; Pub. L. 102–52, §2(b)(2), June 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 260, related to payments to States for planning, preparing, and initiating special programs under approved State plans and payments for the costs of constructing facilities to be used in providing services under such State plans, prior to the general amendment of part C of former subchapter I of this chapter by Pub. L. 102–569.

Section 742, Pub. L. 93–112, title I, §122, as added Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §134(a), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4393, related to process for developing strategic plans.

Section 743, Pub. L. 93–112, title I, §123, as added Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §134(a), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4393, related to use of funds.

Section 744, Pub. L. 93–112, title I, §124, as added Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §134(a), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4395; amended Pub. L. 103–73, title I, §107(h), Aug. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 723, related to allotments among States.

Section 750, Pub. L. 93–112, title I, §130, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 374; Pub. L. 93–516, title I, §111(g), Dec. 7, 1974, 88 Stat. 1621; Pub. L. 93–651, title I, §111(g), Nov. 21, 1974, 89 Stat. 2–6; Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §106, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2960; Pub. L. 99–506, title I, §103(d)(2)(C), title II, §211, title X, §1002(b)(1), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1810, 1819, 1844; Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §202(i), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3306; Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §102(p)(11), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4357, related to American Indian vocational rehabilitation services grants.

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 113–128, §423(1), inserted "(referred to in this section as 'eligible individuals'), consistent with such eligible individuals' strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice, so that such individuals may prepare for, and engage in, high-quality employment that will increase opportunities for economic self-sufficiency" after "on or near such reservations".

Subsec. (b)(1)(D). Pub. L. 113–128, §423(2), added subpar. (D).

Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 113–128, §423(3), (4), added subsec. (c) and redesignated former subsec. (c) as (d).

1998—Pub. L. 105–277 made technical amendment to section designation and catchline in original.

Part D—Vocational Rehabilitation Services Client Information

§751. Data sharing

(a) In general

(1) Memorandum of understanding

The Secretary of Education and the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall enter into a memorandum of understanding for the purposes of exchanging data of mutual importance—

(A) that concern clients of designated State agencies; and

(B) that are data maintained either by—

(i) the Rehabilitation Services Administration, as required by section 710 of this title; or

(ii) the Social Security Administration, from its Summary Earnings and Records and Master Beneficiary Records.

(2) Employment statistics

The Secretary of Labor shall provide the Commissioner with employment statistics specified in section 49l–2 of this title, that facilitate evaluation by the Commissioner of the program carried out under part B, and allow the Commissioner to compare the progress of individuals with disabilities who are assisted under the program in securing, retaining, regaining, and advancing in employment with the progress made by individuals who are assisted under title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act [29 U.S.C. 3111 et seq.].

(b) Treatment of information

For purposes of the exchange described in subsection (a)(1), the data described in subsection (a)(1)(B)(ii) shall not be considered return information (as defined in section 6103(b)(2) of title 26) and, as appropriate, the confidentiality of all client information shall be maintained by the Rehabilitation Services Administration and the Social Security Administration.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title I, §131, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §404, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1167; amended Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §424, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1660.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(2), is Pub. L. 113–128, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1425. Title I of the Act is classified generally to subchapter I (§3111 et seq.) of chapter 32 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of this title and Tables.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 751, Pub. L. 93–112, title I, §131, as added Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §106, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2961, and amended Pub. L. 99–506, title I, §103(d)(2)(C), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1810, directed Secretary to submit to Congress, not less than thirty months after Nov. 6, 1978, an evaluation of programs conducted under part D of former subchapter I of this chapter, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 99–506, title X, §1002(b)(2)(A), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1844.

A prior section 752, Pub. L. 93–112, title I, §131, formerly §132, as added Pub. L. 99–506, title II, §212(a), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1820; renumbered §132, Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §202(j), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3307, provided for study on special problems and needs of Indians with handicaps both on and off the reservation, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §135(a), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4396.

Prior sections 753 and 753a were omitted in the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Section 753, Pub. L. 93–112, title I, §140, as added Pub. L. 103–73, title I, §108, Aug. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 724, related to review of data collection and reporting system.

Section 753a, Pub. L. 93–112, title I, §141, as added Pub. L. 103–73, title I, §108, Aug. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 725, related to exchange of data.

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 113–128 substituted "title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act" for "title I of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Definitions of Terms in Pub. L. 113–128

Except as otherwise provided, definitions in section 3 of Pub. L. 113–128, which is classified to section 3102 of this title, apply to this section.

SUBCHAPTER II—RESEARCH AND TRAINING

Editorial Notes

Codification

Title II of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, comprising this subchapter, was originally enacted by Pub. L. 93–112, title II, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 374, and amended by Pub. L. 93–516, Dec. 7, 1974, 88 Stat. 1617; Pub. L. 93–651, Nov. 21, 1974, 89 Stat. 2–3; Pub. L. 94–230, Mar. 15, 1976, 90 Stat. 211; Pub. L. 95–602, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2955; Pub. L. 96–88, Oct. 17, 1979, 93 Stat. 668; Pub. L. 98–221, Feb. 22, 1984, 98 Stat. 17; Pub. L. 99–506, Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1807; Pub. L. 100–630, Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3289; Pub. L. 102–52, June 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 260; Pub. L. 102–54, June 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 267; Pub. L. 102–569, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4344; Pub. L. 103–73, Aug. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 718; Pub. L. 103–218, Mar. 9, 1994, 108 Stat. 50; Pub. L. 103–382, Oct. 20, 1994, 108 Stat. 3518. Title II is shown herein, however, as having been added by Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §405, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1167, without reference to those intervening amendments because of the extensive revision of title II by Pub. L. 105–220.

§760. Declaration of purpose

The purpose of this subchapter is to—

(1) provide for research, demonstration projects, training, technical assistance, and related activities to maximize the full inclusion and integration into society, employment, independent living, family support, and economic and social self-sufficiency of individuals with disabilities of all ages, with particular emphasis on improving the effectiveness of services authorized under this chapter;

(2) provide for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to the support and conduct of such research, demonstration projects, training, technical assistance, and related activities and to ensure that the approach is in accordance with the 5-year plan developed under section 762(h) of this title;

(3) promote the transfer and use of rehabilitation technology to individuals with disabilities, in a timely and efficient manner, through research and demonstration projects relating to—

(A) the procurement process for the purchase of rehabilitation technology;

(B) the utilization of rehabilitation technology on a national basis;

(C) specific adaptations or customizations of products to enable individuals with disabilities to live more independently; and

(D) the development or transfer of assistive technology;

(4) ensure the widespread dissemination, in usable formats, of practical scientific and technological information—

(A) generated by research, demonstration projects, training, and related activities; and

(B) regarding state-of-the-art practices, improvements in the services authorized under this chapter, rehabilitation technology, and new knowledge regarding disabilities,

to rehabilitation professionals, individuals with disabilities, and other interested parties, including the general public;

(5) identify effective strategies that enhance the opportunities of individuals with disabilities, including individuals with intellectual and psychiatric disabilities, to engage in employment, including employment involving telecommuting and self-employment;

(6) identify strategies for effective coordination of services to job seekers with disabilities available through programs of one-stop partners, as defined in section 3102 of this title;

(7) increase opportunities for researchers who are members of traditionally underserved populations, including researchers who are members of minority groups and researchers who are individuals with disabilities; and

(8) identify effective strategies for supporting the employment of individuals with disabilities in competitive integrated employment.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title II, §200, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §405, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1167; amended Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(f) [title VIII, §401(16)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681-412; Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §431, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1660.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 760, Pub. L. 93–112, title II, §200, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 374; Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §107, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2962; Pub. L. 99–506, title I, §103(d)(2)(C), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1810; Pub. L. 102–569, title II, §201, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4398, contained congressional declaration of purpose, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Amendments

2014—Pars. (1), (2). Pub. L. 113–128, §431(1), (2), inserted "technical assistance," after "training,".

Par. (3). Pub. L. 113–128, §431(3), in introductory provisions, inserted "and use" after "transfer" and ", in a timely and efficient manner," after "disabilities".

Par. (4). Pub. L. 113–128, §431(4), substituted "dissemination" for "distribution" in introductory provisions.

Par. (5). Pub. L. 113–128, §431(5), inserted ", including individuals with intellectual and psychiatric disabilities," after "disabilities" and struck out "and" after semicolon at end.

Par. (6). Pub. L. 113–128, §431(7), added par. (6). Former par. (6) redesignated (7).

Par. (7). Pub. L. 113–128, §431(6), redesignated par. (6) as (7).

Par. (8). Pub. L. 113–128, §431(8), (9), added par. (8).

1998—Pub. L. 105–277 made technical amendment to directory language of Pub. L. 105–220, §405, which enacted this section.

§761. Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subchapter $103,970,000 for fiscal year 2015, $112,001,000 for fiscal year 2016, $114,325,000 for fiscal year 2017, $116,860,000 for fiscal year 2018, $119,608,000 for fiscal year 2019, and $122,143,000 for fiscal year 2020.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title II, §201, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §405, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1168; amended Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(f) [title VIII, §401(16)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681-412; Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §432, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1660.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Prior sections 761 to 761b were omitted in the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Section 761, Pub. L. 93–112, title II, §201, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 374; Pub. L. 93–516, title I, §103, Dec. 7, 1974, 88 Stat. 1618; Pub. L. 93–651, title I, §103, Nov. 21, 1974, 89 Stat. 2–3; Pub. L. 94–230, §§3, 11(b)(5), (6), Mar. 15, 1976, 90 Stat. 211, 213; Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §108, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2962; Pub. L. 98–221, title I, §121, Feb. 22, 1984, 98 Stat. 23; Pub. L. 99–506, title III, §301, Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1820; Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §203(a), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3307; Pub. L. 102–52, §3, June 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 260; Pub. L. 102–569, title II, §202, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4398, authorized appropriations.

Section 761a, Pub. L. 93–112, title II, §202, as added Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §109(4), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2963; amended Pub. L. 98–221, title I, §§104(a)(4), (b)(1), 122, Feb. 22, 1984, 98 Stat. 18, 23; Pub. L. 99–506, title I, §103(d)(2)(C), title III, §§302, 303, title X, §§1001(c), 1002(c), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1810, 1820, 1821, 1842, 1844; Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §203(b), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3307; Pub. L. 102–54, §13(k)(1)(A), June 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 276; Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §102(p)(12), title II, §203, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4357, 4399; Pub. L. 103–73, title I, §§102(4), 109(a), Aug. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 718, 725; Pub. L. 103–218, title IV, §402(a), Mar. 9, 1994, 108 Stat. 96; Pub. L. 103–382, title III, §394(i)(1), Oct. 20, 1994, 108 Stat. 4028, related to National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research. See section 762 of this title.

Section 761b, Pub. L. 93–112, title II, §203, as added Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §109(4), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2965; amended Pub. L. 96–88, title V, §508(m)(1), Oct. 17, 1979, 93 Stat. 694; Pub. L. 98–221, title I, §104(b)(2), Feb. 22, 1984, 98 Stat. 18; Pub. L. 99–506, title I, §103(d)(2)(C), title III, §304, Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1810, 1822; Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §203(c), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3307; Pub. L. 102–54, §13(k)(1)(B), June 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 276; Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §102(p)(13), title II, §204, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4358, 4403, related to Interagency Committee on Disability Research. See section 763 of this title.

Amendments

2014—Pub. L. 113–128 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section authorized appropriations to carry out sections 762 and 764 of this title for fiscal years 1999 through 2003.

1998—Pub. L. 105–277 made technical amendment to directory language of Pub. L. 105–220, §405, which enacted this section.

§762. National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research

(a) Establishment; Director as principal officer

(1) There is established within the Administration for Community Living of the Department of Health and Human Services a National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (referred to in this subchapter as the "Institute"), which shall be headed by a Director (hereinafter in this subchapter referred to as the "Director"), in order to—

(A) promote, coordinate, and provide for—

(i) research;

(ii) demonstration projects, training, and technical assistance;

(iii) outreach and information that clarifies research implications for policy and practice; and

(iv) related activities,

with respect to individuals with disabilities;

(B) more effectively carry out activities through the programs under section 764 of this title and activities under this section;

(C) widely disseminate information from the activities described in subparagraphs (A) and (B); and

(D) provide leadership in advancing the quality of life of individuals with disabilities.

(2) In the performance of the functions of the office, the Director shall be directly responsible to the Administrator for the Administration for Community Living of the Department of Health and Human Services.

(b) Duties of Director

The Director, through the Institute, shall be responsible for—

(1) administering the programs described in section 764 of this title and activities under this section;

(2) widely disseminating findings, conclusions, and recommendations, resulting from research, demonstration projects, training, and related activities (referred to in this subchapter as "covered activities") funded by the Institute, to—

(A) other Federal, State, tribal, and local public agencies;

(B) private organizations engaged in research relating to—

(i) independent living;

(ii) rehabilitation; or

(iii) providing rehabilitation or independent living services;

(C) rehabilitation practitioners; and

(D) individuals with disabilities and the individuals' representatives;

(3) coordinating, through the Interagency Committee established by section 763 of this title, all Federal programs and policies relating to research on disability, independent living, and rehabilitation;

(4) widely disseminating educational materials and research results, concerning ways to maximize the full inclusion and integration into society, employment, independent living, education, health and wellness, family support, and economic and social self-sufficiency of individuals with disabilities, to—

(A) public and private entities, including—

(i) elementary schools and secondary schools (as defined in section 7801 of title 20); and

(ii) institutions of higher education;

(B) rehabilitation practitioners;

(C) employers and organizations representing employers with respect to employment-based educational materials or research;

(D) individuals with disabilities (especially such individuals who are members of minority groups or of populations that are unserved or underserved by programs under this chapter);

(E) the individuals' representatives for the individuals described in subparagraph (D); and

(F) the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate;

(5)(A) conducting an education program to inform the public about ways of providing for the rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities, including information relating to—

(i) family care;

(ii) self-care; and

(iii) assistive technology devices and assistive technology services; and

(B) as part of the program, disseminating engineering information about assistive technology devices;

(6) conducting conferences, seminars, and workshops (including in-service training programs and programs for individuals with disabilities) concerning advances in disability, independent living, and rehabilitation research and rehabilitation technology (including advances concerning the selection and use of assistive technology devices and assistive technology services), pertinent to the full inclusion and integration into society, employment, independent living, education, health and wellness, family support, and economic and social self-sufficiency of individuals with disabilities;

(7) producing, in conjunction with the Department of Labor, the National Center for Health Statistics, the Bureau of the Census, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Social Security Administration, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Indian Health Service, and other Federal departments and agencies, as may be appropriate, statistical reports and studies on the employment, self-employment, telecommuting, health and wellness, income, education, and other demographic characteristics of individuals with disabilities, including information on individuals with disabilities who live in rural or inner-city settings, with particular attention given to underserved populations, and widely disseminating such reports and studies to rehabilitation professionals, individuals with disabilities, the individuals' representatives, and others to assist in the planning, assessment, and evaluation of independent living, vocational, and rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities;

(8) conducting research on consumer satisfaction with independent living and vocational rehabilitation services for the purpose of identifying effective independent living and rehabilitation programs and policies that promote the independence of individuals with disabilities and achievement of long-term independent living and employment goals;

(9) conducting research to examine the relationship between the provision of specific services and successful, sustained employment outcomes, including employment outcomes involving self-employment, supported employment (including customized employment), and telecommuting; and

(10) coordinating activities with the Attorney General regarding the provision of information, training, or technical assistance regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.) to ensure consistency with the plan for technical assistance required under section 506 ² of such Act (42 U.S.C. 12206).

(c) Development and dissemination of models

(1) The Director, acting through the Institute or one or more entities funded by the Institute, shall provide for the development and dissemination of models to address consumer-driven information needs related to assistive technology devices and assistive technology services.

(2) The development and dissemination of models may include—

(A) convening groups of individuals with disabilities, family members and advocates of such individuals, commercial producers of assistive technology, and entities funded by the Institute to develop, assess, and disseminate knowledge about information needs related to assistive technology;

(B) identifying the types of information regarding assistive technology devices and assistive technology services that individuals with disabilities find especially useful;

(C) evaluating current models, and developing new models, for transmitting the information described in subparagraph (B) to consumers and to commercial producers of assistive technology; and

(D) disseminating through one or more entities funded by the Institute, the models described in subparagraph (C) and findings regarding the information described in subparagraph (B) to consumers and commercial producers of assistive technology.

(d) Appointment of Director; employment of technical and professional personnel; consultants

(1) The Director of the Institute shall be appointed by the Secretary. The Director shall be an individual with substantial knowledge of and experience in independent living, rehabilitation, and research administration.

(2) The Director, subject to the approval of the President, may appoint, for terms not to exceed three years, without regard to the provisions of title 5 governing appointment in the competitive service, and may compensate, without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates, such technical and professional employees of the Institute as the Director determines to be necessary to accomplish the functions of the Institute and also appoint and compensate without regard to such provisions, in a number not to exceed one-fifth of the number of full-time, regular technical and professional employees of the Institute.

(3) The Director may obtain the services of consultants, without regard to the provisions of title 5 governing appointments in the competitive service.

(e) Fellowships

The Director, pursuant to regulations which the Secretary shall prescribe, may establish and maintain fellowships with such stipends and allowances, including travel and subsistence expenses provided for under title 5, as the Director considers necessary to procure the assistance of highly qualified research fellows, including individuals with disabilities, from the United States and foreign countries.

(f) Scientific peer review of research, training, and demonstration projects

(1) The Director shall provide for scientific peer review of all applications for financial assistance for research, training, and demonstration projects over which the Director has authority. The scientific peer review shall be conducted by individuals who are not Department of Health and Human Services employees. The Secretary shall consider for peer review individuals who are scientists or other experts in disability, independent living, and rehabilitation, including individuals with disabilities and the individuals' representatives, and who have sufficient expertise to review the projects.

(2) In providing for such scientific peer review, the Secretary shall provide for training, as necessary and appropriate, to facilitate the effective participation of those individuals selected to participate in such review.

(g) Use of funds

Not less than 90 percent of the funds appropriated under this subchapter for any fiscal year shall be expended by the Director to carry out activities under this subchapter through grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements. Up to 10 percent of the funds appropriated under this subchapter for any fiscal year may be expended directly for the purpose of carrying out the functions of the Director under this section.

(h) 5-year plan

(1) The Director shall—

(A) by October 1, 1998, and every fifth October 1 thereafter, prepare and publish in the Federal Register for public comment a draft of a 5-year plan that outlines priorities for disability, independent living, and rehabilitation research, demonstration projects, training, dissemination, and related activities and explains the basis for such priorities;

(B) by June 1, 1999, and every fifth June 1 thereafter, after considering public comments, submit the plan in final form to the appropriate committees of Congress;

(C) at appropriate intervals, prepare and submit revisions in the plan to the appropriate committees of Congress; and

(D) annually prepare and submit progress reports on the plan to the appropriate committees of Congress.

(2) Such plan shall—

(A) identify any covered activity that should be conducted under this section and section 764 of this title respecting the full inclusion and integration into society of individuals with disabilities, especially in the areas of employment and independent living;

(B) determine the funding priorities for covered activities to be conducted under this section and section 764 of this title;

(C) specify appropriate goals and timetables for covered activities to be conducted under this section and section 764 of this title;

(D) be coordinated with the strategic plan required under section 763(c) of this title—

(i) after consultation with the Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research Advisory Council established under section 765 of this title;

(ii) in coordination with the Administrator;

(iii) after consultation with the National Council on Disability established under subchapter IV, the Secretary of Education, officials responsible for the administration of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 [42 U.S.C. 15001 et seq.], and the Interagency Committee on Disability Research established under section 763 of this title; and

(iv) after full consideration of the input of individuals with disabilities and the individuals' representatives, organizations representing individuals with disabilities, providers of services furnished under this chapter, researchers in the independent living and rehabilitation fields, and any other persons or entities the Director considers to be appropriate;

(E) be developed by the Director;

(F) specify plans for widespread dissemination of the results of covered activities, and information that clarifies implications of the results for practice, in accessible formats, to rehabilitation practitioners, individuals with disabilities, and the individuals' representatives; and

(G) specify plans for widespread dissemination of the results of covered activities and information that clarifies implications of the results for practice that concern individuals with disabilities who are members of minority groups or of populations that are unserved or underserved by programs carried out under this chapter.

(i) Cooperation and consultation with other agencies and departments on design of research programs

In order to promote cooperation among Federal departments and agencies conducting research programs, the Director shall consult with the administrators of such programs, and with the Interagency Committee established by section 763 of this title, regarding the design of research projects conducted by such entities and the results and applications of such research.

(j) Comprehensive and coordinated research program; interagency cooperation; research and training center

(1) The Director shall take appropriate actions to provide for a comprehensive and coordinated research program under this subchapter. In providing such a program, the Director may undertake joint activities with other Federal entities engaged in research and with appropriate private entities. Any Federal entity proposing to establish any research project related to the purposes of this chapter shall consult, through the Interagency Committee established by section 763 of this title, with the Director as Chairperson of such Committee and provide the Director with sufficient prior opportunity to comment on such project.

(2) Any person responsible for administering any program of the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the National Science Foundation, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, or of any other Federal entity, shall, through the Interagency Committee established by section 763 of this title, consult and cooperate with the Director in carrying out such program if the program is related to the purposes of this subchapter.

(k) Grants for training

The Director shall make grants to institutions of higher education for the training of independent living and rehabilitation researchers, including individuals with disabilities and traditionally underserved populations of individuals with disabilities, as described in section 718 of this title, with particular attention to research areas that—

(1) support the implementation and objectives of this chapter; and

(2) improve the effectiveness of services authorized under this chapter.

(l) Annual report

(1) Not later than December 31 of each year, the Director shall prepare, and submit to the Secretary, the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, and the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives, a report on the activities funded under this subchapter.

(2) The report under paragraph (1) shall include—

(A) a compilation and summary of the information provided by recipients of funding for such activities under this subchapter;

(B) a summary describing the funding received under this subchapter and the progress of the recipients of the funding in achieving the measurable goals described in section 764(d)(2) of this title; and

(C) a summary of implications of research outcomes on practice.

(m) Action taken for failure to comply

(1) If the Director determines that an entity that receives funding under this subchapter fails to comply with the applicable requirements of this chapter, or to make progress toward achieving the measurable goals described in section 764(d)(2) of this title, with respect to the covered activities involved, the Director shall utilize available monitoring and enforcement measures.

(2) As part of the annual report required under subsection (l), the Secretary shall describe each action taken by the Secretary under paragraph (1) and the outcomes of such action.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title II, §202, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §405, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1168; amended Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(f) [title VIII, §401(16)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681-412; Pub. L. 106–402, title IV, §401(b)(3)(B), Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1737; Pub. L. 107–110, title X, §1076(u)(1), Jan. 8, 2002, 115 Stat. 2092; Pub. L. 108–173, title IX, §900(e)(6)(A), Dec. 8, 2003, 117 Stat. 2373; Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §433, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1661; Pub. L. 114–95, title IX, §9215(mmm)(1), Dec. 10, 2015, 129 Stat. 2188.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, referred to in subsec. (b)(10), is Pub. L. 101–336, July 26, 1990, 104 Stat. 327, which is classified principally to chapter 126 (§12101 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. Section 506 of the Act was renumbered section 507 by Pub. L. 110–325, §6(a)(2), Sept. 25, 2008, 122 Stat. 3558. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 12101 of Title 42 and Tables.

The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000, referred to in subsec. (h)(2)(D)(iii), is Pub. L. 106–402, Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1677, which is classified principally to chapter 144 (§15001 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 15001 of Title 42 and Tables.

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to this section were contained in section 761a of this title prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

A prior section 762, Pub. L. 93–112, title II, §204, formerly §202, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 375, amended Pub. L. 93–516, title I, §111(h), Dec. 7, 1974, 88 Stat. 1621; Pub. L. 93–651, title I, §111(h), Nov. 21, 1974, 89 Stat. 2–6; renumbered and amended Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §§109(3), 110, 111, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2963, 2966; Pub. L. 98–221, title I, §§104(a)(5), 123, Feb. 22, 1984, 98 Stat. 18, 24; Pub. L. 99–506, title I, §103(d)(2)(C), (h)(2), title III, §§302(b), 305, Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1810, 1811, 1821, 1822; Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §203(d), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3308; Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §102(p)(14), title II, §205, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4358, 4403; Pub. L. 103–73, title I, §109(b), Aug. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 726, related to research, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220. See section 764 of this title.

Amendments

2015—Subsec. (b)(4)(A)(i). Pub. L. 114–95 made technical amendment to reference in original act which appears in text as reference to section 7801 of title 20.

2014—Pub. L. 113–128, §433(1), inserted ", Independent Living," after "Disability" in section catchline.

Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 113–128, §433(2)(A)(i), in introductory provisions, substituted "Administration for Community Living of the Department of Health and Human Services a National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (referred to in this subchapter as the 'Institute'), which" for "Department of Education a National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (hereinafter in this subchapter referred to as the 'Institute'), which".

Subsec. (a)(1)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 113–128, §433(2)(A)(ii)(I), substituted ", training, and technical assistance;" for "and training; and".

Subsec. (a)(1)(A)(iii), (iv). Pub. L. 113–128, §433(2)(A)(ii)(II), (III), added cl. (iii) and redesignated former cl. (iii) as (iv).

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 113–128, §433(2)(B), substituted "directly responsible to the Administrator for the Administration for Community Living of the Department of Health and Human Services." for "directly responsible to the Secretary or to the same Under Secretary or Assistant Secretary of the Department of Education to whom the Commissioner is responsible under section 702(a) of this title."

Subsec. (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 113–128, §433(3)(A), added subpar. (B) and struck out former subpar. (B) which read as follows: "private organizations engaged in research relating to rehabilitation or providing rehabilitation services;".

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 113–128, §433(3)(B), substituted "on disability, independent living, and rehabilitation" for "in rehabilitation".

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 113–128, §433(3)(C), inserted "education, health and wellness," after "independent living," in introductory provisions, added subpars. (A) to (F), and struck out former subpars. (A) to (D) which were substantially similar to subpars. (A), (B), (D), and (E), respectively.

Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 113–128, §433(3)(D), substituted "advances in disability, independent living, and rehabilitation" for "advances in rehabilitation" and inserted "education, health and wellness," after "employment, independent living,".

Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 113–128, §433(3)(G), substituted "health and wellness, income, education," for "health, income," and "and evaluation of independent living, vocational, and" for "and evaluation of vocational and other".

Pub. L. 113–128, §433(3)(E), (F), redesignated par. (8) as (7) and struck out former par. (7) which read as follows: "taking whatever action is necessary to keep the Congress fully and currently informed with respect to the implementation and conduct of programs and activities carried out under this subchapter, including dissemination activities;".

Subsec. (b)(8). Pub. L. 113–128, §433(3)(F), (H), redesignated par. (9) as (8) and substituted "with independent living and vocational rehabilitation services for the purpose of identifying effective independent living and rehabilitation programs and policies that promote the independence of individuals with disabilities and achievement of long-term independent living and employment goals" for "with vocational rehabilitation services for the purpose of identifying effective rehabilitation programs and policies that promote the independence of individuals with disabilities and achievement of long-term vocational goals". Former par. (8) redesignated (7).

Subsec. (b)(9). Pub. L. 113–128, §433(3)(F), (I), redesignated par. (10) as (9) and substituted ", supported employment (including customized employment), and telecommuting; and" for "and telecommuting; and". Former par. (9) redesignated (8).

Subsec. (b)(10), (11). Pub. L. 113–128, §433(3)(F), redesignated pars. (10) and (11) as (9) and (10), respectively.

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 113–128, §433(4), substituted "The Director shall be an individual with substantial knowledge of and experience in independent living, rehabilitation, and research administration." for "The Director shall be an individual with substantial experience in rehabilitation and in research administration."

Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 113–128, §433(5), substituted "The scientific peer review shall be conducted by individuals who are not Department of Health and Human Services employees. The Secretary shall consider for peer review individuals who are scientists or other experts in disability, independent living, and rehabilitation, including individuals with disabilities and the individuals' representatives, and who have sufficient expertise to review the projects." for "The scientific peer review shall be conducted by individuals who are not Federal employees, who are scientists or other experts in the rehabilitation field (including the independent living field), including knowledgeable individuals with disabilities, and the individuals' representatives, and who are competent to review applications for the financial assistance."

Subsec. (h)(1)(A). Pub. L. 113–128, §433(6)(A), substituted "priorities for disability, independent living, and rehabilitation research," for "priorities for rehabilitation research," and inserted "dissemination," after "training,".

Subsec. (h)(2)(A). Pub. L. 113–128, §433(6)(B)(i), substituted "especially in the areas of employment and independent living" for "especially in the area of employment".

Subsec. (h)(2)(D). Pub. L. 113–128, §433(6)(B)(ii)(I), substituted "coordinated with the strategic plan required under section 763(c) of this title" for "developed by the Director" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (h)(2)(D)(i). Pub. L. 113–128, §433(6)(B)(ii)(II), substituted "Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation" for "Rehabilitation".

Subsec. (h)(2)(D)(ii). Pub. L. 113–128, §433(6)(B)(ii)(III), substituted "Administrator" for "Commissioner".

Subsec. (h)(2)(D)(iv). Pub. L. 113–128, §433(6)(B)(ii)(IV), substituted "researchers in the independent living and rehabilitation fields" for "researchers in the rehabilitation field".

Subsec. (h)(2)(E). Pub. L. 113–128, §433(6)(B)(iv), added subpar. (E). Former subpar. (E) redesignated (F).

Subsec. (h)(2)(F). Pub. L. 113–128, §433(6)(B)(iii), (v), redesignated subpar. (E) as (F) and inserted "and information that clarifies implications of the results for practice," after "covered activities,". Former subpar. (F) redesignated (G).

Subsec. (h)(2)(G). Pub. L. 113–128, §433(6)(B)(iii), (vi), redesignated subpar. (F) as (G) and inserted "and information that clarifies implications of the results for practice" after "covered activities".

Subsec. (j)(3). Pub. L. 113–128, §433(7), struck out par. (3) which read as follows: "The Director shall support, directly or by grant or contract, a center associated with an institution of higher education, for research and training concerning the delivery of vocational rehabilitation services to rural areas."

Subsecs. (k) to (m). Pub. L. 113–128, §433(8), added subsecs. (k) to (m) and struck out former subsec. (k). Prior to amendment, text of subsec. (k) read as follows: "The Director shall make grants to institutions of higher education for the training of rehabilitation researchers, including individuals with disabilities, with particular attention to research areas that support the implementation and objectives of this chapter and that improve the effectiveness of services authorized under this chapter."

2003—Subsec. (b)(8). Pub. L. 108–173 substituted "Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services" for "Health Care Financing Administration".

2002—Subsec. (b)(4)(A)(i). Pub. L. 107–110 substituted "7801" for "8801".

2000—Subsec. (h)(2)(D)(iii). Pub. L. 106–402 substituted "Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000" for "Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (42 U.S.C. 6000 et seq.)".

1998—Pub. L. 105–277 made technical amendment to directory language of Pub. L. 105–220, §405, which enacted this section.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2015 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–95 effective Dec. 10, 2015, except with respect to certain noncompetitive programs and competitive programs, see section 5 of Pub. L. 114–95, set out as a note under section 6301 of Title 20, Education.

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–110 effective Jan. 8, 2002, except with respect to certain noncompetitive programs and competitive programs, see section 5 of Pub. L. 107–110, set out as an Effective Date note under section 6301 of Title 20, Education.

References to National Institute of Handicapped Research Amended or Deemed To Be References to National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research

Pub. L. 99–506, title III, §302(b), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1821, provided that: "The Act [this chapter] is amended by striking out 'National Institute of Handicapped Research' each place it appears in the Act (including the table of contents) and inserting in lieu thereof 'National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research'. Any reference in any other provision of law to the 'National Institute of Handicapped Research' shall be considered to be a reference to the 'National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research'."

[Functions which the Director of the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research exercised before July 22, 2014 (including all related functions of any officer or employee of the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research), transferred to the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research, see subsection (n) of section 3515e of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.]

² See References in Text note below.

§762a. Research and demonstration projects

(a) Multiple and interrelated service needs of individuals with handicaps; report to Congress

The Secretary of Education is authorized to make grants to, and to enter into contract with, public and nonprofit agencies and organizations for the purpose of research and demonstration projects specifically designed to address the multiple and interrelated service needs of individuals with handicaps, the elderly, and children, youths, adults, and families. A report evaluating each project funded under this section shall be submitted to appropriate committees of the Congress within four months after the date each such project is completed.

(b) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary.

No funds other than those appropriated pursuant to this subsection can be used for the conduct of research specifically authorized by this section.

(c) Study on impact of vocational rehabilitation services; transmittal to Congress

Within one year after the date appropriations are made under subsection (b) for purposes of research and demonstration projects under subsection (a), the Secretary shall prepare and transmit to the Congress a study concerning the impact of vocational rehabilitation services provided under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 [29 U.S.C. 701 et seq.] on recipients of disability payments under titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 401 et seq., 1381 et seq.]. The study shall examine the relationship between the vocational rehabilitation services provided under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the programs under sections 222 and 1615 of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 422, 1382d], and shall include—

(1) an analysis of the savings in disability benefit payments under titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act as a result of the provision of vocational rehabilitation services under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973;

(2) a specification of the rate of return to the active labor force by recipients of services under sections 222 and 1615 of the Social Security Act;

(3) a specification of the total amount of expenditures, in the five fiscal years preceding the date of submission of the report, for vocational rehabilitation services under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and under sections 222 and 1615 of the Social Security Act, and recommendations for the coordinated presentation of such expenditures in the Budget submitted by the President pursuant to section 1105 of title 31; and

(4) recommendations to improve the coordination of services under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 with programs under sections 222 and 1615 of the Social Security Act, including recommendations for increasing savings in disability benefits payments and the rate of return to the active labor force by recipients of services under sections 222 and 1615 of the Social Security Act.

(Pub. L. 95–602, title IV, §401, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 3002; Pub. L. 98–221, title I, §104(c)(1), Feb. 22, 1984, 98 Stat. 18; Pub. L. 99–506, title I, §103(d)(2)(C), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1810.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, referred to in subsec. (c), is Pub. L. 93–112, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 355, which is classified generally to this chapter (§701 et seq.). For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 701 of this title and Tables.

The Social Security Act, referred to in subsec. (c), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620, as amended. Titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act are classified generally to subchapters II (§401 et seq.) and XVI (§1381 et seq.), respectively, of chapter 7 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of Title 42 and Tables.

Codification

In subsec. (c)(3), "section 1105 of title 31" was substituted for "section 201 of the Budget and Accounting Act, 1921 [31 U.S.C. 11]" on authority of Pub. L. 97–258, §4(b), Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1067, the first section of which enacted Title 31, Money and Finance.

Section was enacted as part of the Rehabilitation, Comprehensive Services, and Developmental Disabilities Amendments of 1978, and not as part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 which comprises this chapter.

Amendments

1986—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 99–506 substituted "individuals with handicaps" for "handicapped individuals".

1984—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 98–221 substituted "Secretary of Education" for "Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare".

§763. Interagency Committee

(a) Establishment; membership; meetings

(1) In order to promote coordination and cooperation among Federal departments and agencies conducting disability, independent living, and rehabilitation research programs, including programs relating to assistive technology research and research that incorporates the principles of universal design, there is established within the Federal Government an Interagency Committee on Disability Research (hereinafter in this section referred to as the "Committee"), chaired by the Secretary, or the Secretary's designee, and comprised of such members as the President may designate, including the following (or their designees): the Director, the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration, the Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy, the Secretary of Defense, the Administrator of the Administration for Community Living, the Secretary of Education, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Director of the National Institutes of Health, the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health, the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Secretary of Transportation, the Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs, the Director of the Indian Health Service, the Director of the National Science Foundation and the Administrator of the Small Business Administration.

(2) The Committee shall meet not less than four times each year, and for not less than 1 of such meetings at least every 2 years, the Committee shall invite policymakers, representatives from other Federal agencies conducting relevant research, individuals with disabilities, organizations representing individuals with disabilities, researchers, and providers, to offer input on the Committee's work, including the development and implementation of the strategic plan required under subsection (c).

(b) Duties

(1) After receiving input individuals ¹ with disabilities, the Committee shall identify, assess, and seek to coordinate all Federal programs, activities, and projects, and plans for such programs, activities, and projects with respect to the conduct of research (including assistive technology research and research that incorporates the principles of universal design) related to independent living and rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities.

(2) In carrying out its duties with respect to the conduct of Federal research (including assistive technology research and research that incorporates the principles of universal design) related to rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities, the Committee shall—

(A) share information regarding the range of assistive technology research, independent living research, and research that incorporates the principles of universal design, that is being carried out by members of the Committee and other Federal departments and organizations;

(B) identify, and make efforts to address, gaps in assistive technology research, independent living research, and research that incorporates the principles of universal design that are not being adequately addressed;

(C) identify, and establish, clear research priorities related to assistive technology research and research that incorporates the principles of universal design for the Federal Government;

(D) promote interagency collaboration and joint research activities relating to assistive technology research, independent living research, and research that incorporates the principles of universal design at the Federal level, and reduce unnecessary duplication of effort regarding these types of research within the Federal Government; and

(E) optimize the productivity of Committee members through resource sharing and other cost-saving activities, related to assistive technology research, independent living research, and research that incorporates the principles of universal design.

(c) Strategic plan

(1) The Committee shall develop a comprehensive government wide strategic plan for disability, independent living, and rehabilitation research.

(2) The strategic plan shall include, at a minimum—

(A) a description of the—

(i) measurable goals and objectives;

(ii) existing resources each agency will devote to carrying out the plan;

(iii) timetables for completing the projects outlined in the plan; and

(iv) assignment of responsible individuals and agencies for carrying out the research activities;

(B) research priorities and recommendations;

(C) a description of how funds from each agency will be combined, as appropriate, for projects administered among Federal agencies, and how such funds will be administered;

(D) the development and ongoing maintenance of a searchable government wide inventory of disability, independent living, and rehabilitation research for trend and data analysis across Federal agencies;

(E) guiding principles, policies, and procedures, consistent with the best research practices available, for conducting and administering disability, independent living, and rehabilitation research across Federal agencies; and

(F) a summary of underemphasized and duplicative areas of research.

(3) The strategic plan described in this subsection shall be submitted to the President and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives.

(d) Annual report

Not later than December 31 of each year, the Committee shall prepare and submit, to the President and to the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, a report that—

(1) describes the progress of the Committee in fulfilling the duties described in subsections (b) and (c), and including specifically for subsection (c)—

(A) a report of the progress made in implementing the strategic plan, including progress toward implementing the elements described in subsection (c)(2)(A); and

(B) detailed budget information.²

(2) makes such recommendations as the Committee determines to be appropriate with respect to coordination of policy and development of objectives and priorities for all Federal programs relating to the conduct of research (including assistive technology research and research that incorporates the principles of universal design) related to rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities; and

(3) describes the activities that the Committee recommended to be funded through grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, and other mechanisms, for assistive technology research and development and research and development that incorporates the principles of universal design.

(e) Definitions

In this section—

(1) the terms "assistive technology" and "universal design" have the meanings given the terms in section 3002 of this title; and

(2) the term "independent living", used in connection with research, means research on issues and topics related to attaining maximum self-sufficiency and function by individuals with disabilities, including research on assistive technology and universal design, employment, education, health and wellness, and community integration and participation.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title II, §203, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §405, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1173; amended Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(f) [title VIII, §401(16)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681-412; Pub. L. 105–394, title II, §201, Nov. 13, 1998, 112 Stat. 3651; Pub. L. 108–364, §3(b)(1), Oct. 25, 2004, 118 Stat. 1737; Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §434, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1664.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to this section were contained in section 761b of this title prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

A prior section 763, Pub. L. 93–112, title II, §203, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 376, relating to making of grants and contracts for training of personnel involved in vocational services to handicapped individuals, was renumbered section 304 of Pub. L. 93–112 and transferred to section 774 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 113–128.

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 113–128, §434(1)(A), substituted "conducting disability, independent living, and rehabilitation research" for "conducting rehabilitation research", "chaired by the Secretary, or the Secretary's designee," for "chaired by the Director", and "the Director of the National Science Foundation and the Administrator of the Small Business Administration." for "and the Director of the National Science Foundation." and inserted "the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy, the Secretary of Defense, the Administrator of the Administration for Community Living," after "Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services,".

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 113–128, §434(1)(B), inserted ", and for not less than 1 of such meetings at least every 2 years, the Committee shall invite policymakers, representatives from other Federal agencies conducting relevant research, individuals with disabilities, organizations representing individuals with disabilities, researchers, and providers, to offer input on the Committee's work, including the development and implementation of the strategic plan required under subsection (c)" after "each year".

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 113–128, §434(2)(A), substituted "individuals with disabilities" for "from targeted individuals" and inserted "independent living and" before "rehabilitation".

Subsec. (b)(2)(A). Pub. L. 113–128, §434(2)(B)(i), inserted "independent living research," after "assistive technology research,".

Subsec. (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 113–128, §434(2)(B)(ii), inserted ", independent living research," after "assistive technology research".

Subsec. (b)(2)(D), (E). Pub. L. 113–128, §434(2)(B)(iii), (iv), substituted ", independent living research, and research that incorporates the principles of universal design" for "and research that incorporates the principles of universal design".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 113–128, §434(5), added subsec. (c). Former subsec. (c) redesignated (d).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 113–128, §434(6)(A), substituted "Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate" for "Committee on Labor and Human Resources of the Senate" in introductory provisions.

Pub. L. 113–128, §434(3), (4), redesignated subsec. (c) as (d) and struck out former subsec. (d) which related to recommendations for coordinating research among Federal departments.

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 113–128, §434(6)(B), added par. (1) and struck out former par. (1) which read as follows: "describes the progress of the Committee in fulfilling the duties described in subsection (b) of this section;".

Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 113–128, §434(7), added par. (2) and struck out former par. (2) which read as follows: "the term 'targeted individuals' has the meaning given the term 'targeted individuals and entities' in section 3002 of this title."

2004—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 108–364 added subsec. (e) and struck out former subsec. (e) which read as follows: "In this section, the terms 'assistive technology', 'targeted individuals', and 'universal design' have the meanings given the terms in section 3002 of this title."

1998—Pub. L. 105–277 made technical amendment to directory language of Pub. L. 105–220, §405, which enacted this section.

Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 105–394, §201(1), inserted "including programs relating to assistive technology research and research that incorporates the principles of universal design," after "programs,".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 105–394, §201(2), designated existing provisions as par. (1), substituted "targeted individuals" for "individuals with disabilities and the individuals' representatives", inserted "(including assistive technology research and research that incorporates the principles of universal design)" after "research", and added par. (2).

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 105–394, §201(3), added subsec. (c) and struck out former subsec. (c) which read as follows: "The Committee shall annually submit to the President and to the appropriate committees of the Congress a report making such recommendations as the Committee deems appropriate with respect to coordination of policy and development of objectives and priorities for all Federal programs relating to the conduct of research related to rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities."

Subsecs. (d), (e). Pub. L. 105–394, §201(4), added subsecs. (d) and (e).

¹ So in original. Probably should be preceded by "from".

² So in original. The period probably should be a semicolon.

§764. Research and other covered activities

(a) Federal grants and contracts for certain research projects and related activities

(1) To the extent consistent with priorities established in the 5-year plan described in section 762(h) of this title, the Director may make grants to and contracts with States and public or private agencies and organizations, including institutions of higher education, Indian tribes, and tribal organizations, to fund part of the cost of projects for the purpose of planning and conducting research, demonstration projects, training, and related activities, the purposes of which are to develop methods, procedures, and rehabilitation technology, that have practical applications and maximize the full inclusion and integration into society, employment, education, independent living, health and wellness, family support, and economic and social self-sufficiency of individuals with disabilities, especially individuals with the most significant disabilities, and improve the effectiveness of services authorized under this chapter.

(2)(A) In carrying out this section, the Director shall emphasize projects that support the implementation of subchapters I, III, V, VI, and VII, including projects addressing the needs described in the State plans submitted under section 721 or 796c of this title by State agencies and from which the research findings, conclusions, or recommendations can be transferred to practice.

(B) Such projects, as described in the State plans submitted by State agencies, may include—

(i) medical and other scientific, technical, methodological, and other investigations into the nature of disability, methods of analyzing it, and restorative techniques, including basic research where related to rehabilitation techniques or services;

(ii) studies and analyses of factors related to industrial, vocational, educational, employment, social, recreational, psychiatric, psychological, economic, and health and wellness variables affecting individuals with disabilities, including traditionally underserved populations as described in section 718 of this title, and how those variables affect such individuals' ability to live independently and their participation in the work force;

(iii) studies and analysis of special problems of individuals who have significant challenges engaging in community life outside their homes and individuals who are in institutional settings;

(iv) studies, analyses, and demonstrations of architectural and engineering design adapted to meet the special needs of individuals with disabilities, including the principles of universal design and the interoperability of products and services;

(v) studies, analyses, and other activities related to supported employment, and to promoting employment opportunities in competitive integrated employment;

(vi) related activities which hold promise of increasing knowledge and improving methods in the rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities and individuals with the most significant disabilities, particularly individuals with disabilities, and individuals with the most significant disabilities, who are members of populations that are unserved or underserved by programs under this chapter;

(vii) studies, analyses, and other activities related to job accommodations, including the use of rehabilitation engineering, assistive technology, and communications technology; and

(viii) studies, analyses, and other activities affecting employment outcomes as defined in section 705(11) of this title, including self-employment and telecommuting, of individuals with disabilities.

(3) In carrying out this section, the Director shall emphasize covered activities that include plans for—

(A) dissemination of high-quality materials, of scientifically valid research results, or of findings, conclusions, and recommendations resulting from covered activities, including through electronic means (such as the website of the Department of Health and Human Services), so that such information is available in a timely manner to the general public; or

(B) the commercialization of marketable products, research results, or findings, resulting from the covered activities.

(b) Research grants

(1) In addition to carrying out projects under subsection (a), the Director may make grants under this subsection (referred to in this subsection as "research grants") to pay part or all of the cost of the research or other specialized covered activities described in paragraphs (2) through (17).¹ A research grant made under any of paragraphs (2) through (17) ¹ may only be used in a manner consistent with priorities established in the 5-year plan described in section 762(h) of this title.

(2)(A) Research grants may be used for the establishment and support of Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers, for the purpose of providing an integrated program of research, which Centers shall—

(i) be operated in collaboration with institutions of higher education, providers of rehabilitation services, developers or providers of assistive technology devices, assistive technology services, or information technology devices or services, as appropriate, or providers of other appropriate services; and

(ii) serve as centers of national excellence and national or regional resources for individuals with disabilities, as well as providers, educators, and researchers.

(B) The Centers shall conduct research and training activities by—

(i) conducting coordinated and advanced programs of research in independent living and rehabilitation targeted toward the production of new knowledge that will improve independent living and rehabilitation methodology and service delivery systems, maximize health and function (including alleviating or stabilizing conditions, or preventing secondary conditions), and promote maximum social and economic independence of individuals with disabilities, including promoting the ability of the individuals to prepare for, secure, retain, regain, or advance in employment;

(ii) conducting research in, and dissemination of, employer-based practices to facilitate the identification, recruitment, accommodation, advancement, and retention of qualified individuals with disabilities;

(iii) providing training (including graduate, pre-service, and in-service training) to assist individuals to more effectively provide independent living and rehabilitation services;

(iv) providing training (including graduate, pre-service, and in-service training) for independent living and rehabilitation research personnel and other independent living and rehabilitation personnel;

(v) serving as an informational and technical assistance resource to individuals with disabilities, as well as to providers, educators, and researchers, by providing outreach and information that clarifies research implications for practice and identifies potential new areas of research; and

(vi) developing practical applications for the research findings of the Centers.

(C) The research to be carried out at each such Center may include—

(i) basic or applied medical rehabilitation research, including research on assistive technology devices, assistive technology services, and accessible electronic and information technology devices;

(ii) research regarding the psychological, social, and economic aspects of independent living and rehabilitation, including disability policy;

(iii) continuation of research that promotes the emotional, social, educational, and functional growth of children who are individuals with disabilities, as well as their integration in school, employment, and community activities;

(iv) continuation of research to develop and evaluate interventions, policies, and services that support families of those children and adults who are individuals with disabilities;

(v) continuation of research that will improve services and policies that foster the independence and social integration of individuals with disabilities, and enable individuals with disabilities, including individuals with intellectual disabilities and other developmental disabilities, to live in their communities; and

(vi) research, dissemination, and technical assistance, on best practices in vocational rehabilitation, including supported employment and other strategies to promote competitive integrated employment for persons with the most significant disabilities.

(D) Training of students preparing to be independent living or rehabilitation personnel or to provide independent living, rehabilitative, assistive, or supportive services (such as rehabilitation counseling, personal care services, direct care, job coaching, aides in school based settings, or advice or assistance in utilizing assistive technology devices, assistive technology services, and accessible electronic and information technology devices and services) shall be an important priority for each such Center.

(E) The Director shall make grants under this paragraph to establish and support both centers dealing with multiple disabilities and centers primarily focused on particular disabilities.

(F) Grants made under this paragraph may be used to provide funds for services rendered by such a Center to individuals with disabilities in connection with the research and training activities.

(G) Grants made under this paragraph may be used to provide faculty support for teaching—

(i) independent living and rehabilitation-related courses of study for credit; and

(ii) other courses offered by the Centers, either directly or through another entity.

(H) The research and training activities conducted by such a Center shall be conducted in a manner that is accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities.

(I) In awarding grants under this paragraph, the Director shall take into consideration the location of any proposed Center and the appropriate geographic and regional allocation of such Centers.

(J) To be eligible to receive a grant under this paragraph, each such institution or provider described in subparagraph (A) shall—

(i) be of sufficient size, scope, and quality to effectively carry out the activities in an efficient manner consistent with appropriate Federal and State law; and

(ii) demonstrate the ability to carry out the training activities either directly or through another entity that can provide such training.

(K) The Director shall make grants under this paragraph for periods of 5 years, except that the Director may make a grant for a period of less than 5 years if—

(i) the grant is made to a new recipient; or

(ii) the grant supports new or innovative research.

(L) Grants made under this paragraph shall be made on a competitive basis. To be eligible to receive a grant under this paragraph, a prospective grant recipient shall submit an application to the Director at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Director may require.

(M) In conducting scientific peer review under section 762(f) of this title of an application for the renewal of a grant made under this paragraph, the peer review panel shall take into account the past performance of the applicant in carrying out the grant and input from individuals with disabilities and the individuals' representatives.

(N) An institution or provider that receives a grant under this paragraph to establish such a Center may not collect more than 15 percent of the amount of the grant received by the Center in indirect cost charges.

(3)(A) Research grants may be used for the establishment and support of Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers, operated by or in collaboration with institutions of higher education or nonprofit organizations, to conduct research or demonstration activities, and training activities, regarding independent living strategies and rehabilitation technology, including rehabilitation engineering, assistive technology devices, and assistive technology services, for the purposes of enhancing opportunities for better meeting the needs of, and addressing the barriers confronted by, individuals with disabilities in all aspects of their lives.

(B) In order to carry out the purposes set forth in subparagraph (A), such a Center shall carry out the research or demonstration activities by—

(i) developing and disseminating innovative methods of applying advanced technology, scientific achievement, and psychological and social knowledge to—

(I) solve independent living and rehabilitation problems and remove environmental barriers through planning and conducting research, including cooperative research with public or private agencies and organizations, designed to produce new scientific knowledge, and new or improved methods, equipment, and devices; and

(II) study new or emerging technologies, products, or environments, and the effectiveness and benefits of such technologies, products, or environments;

(ii) demonstrating and disseminating—

(I) innovative models for the delivery, to rural and urban areas, of cost-effective rehabilitation technology services that promote utilization of assistive technology devices; and

(II) other scientific research to assist in meeting the educational, employment, and independent living needs of individuals with significant disabilities; or

(iii) conducting research or demonstration activities that facilitate service delivery systems change by demonstrating, evaluating, documenting, and disseminating—

(I) consumer responsive and individual and family-centered innovative models for the delivery to both rural and urban areas, of innovative cost-effective rehabilitation technology services that promote utilization of rehabilitation technology; and

(II) other scientific research to assist in meeting the educational, employment, and independent living needs of, and addressing the barriers confronted by, individuals with disabilities, including individuals with significant disabilities.

(C) To the extent consistent with the nature and type of research or demonstration activities described in subparagraph (B), each Center established or supported through a grant made available under this paragraph shall—

(i) cooperate with programs established under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 [29 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.] and other regional and local programs to provide information to individuals with disabilities and the individuals' representatives to—

(I) increase awareness and understanding of how rehabilitation technology can address their needs; and

(II) increase awareness and understanding of the range of options, programs, services, and resources available, including financing options for the technology and services covered by the area of focus of the Center;

(ii) provide training opportunities to individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to become researchers of rehabilitation technology and practitioners of rehabilitation technology in conjunction with institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations; and

(iii) respond, through research or demonstration activities, to the needs of individuals with all types of disabilities who may benefit from the application of technology within the area of focus of the Center.

(D)(i) In establishing Centers to conduct the research or demonstration activities described in subparagraph (B)(iii), the Director may establish one Center in each of the following areas of focus:

(I) Early childhood services, including early intervention and family support.

(II) Education at the elementary and secondary levels, including transition from school to postsecondary education, competitive integrated employment, and other age-appropriate activities.

(III) Employment, including supported employment, and reasonable accommodations and the reduction of environmental barriers as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.) and subchapter V.

(IV) Independent living, including transition from institutional to community living, maintenance of community living on leaving the workforce, self-help skills, and activities of daily living.

(ii) Each Center conducting the research or demonstration activities described in subparagraph (B)(iii) shall have an advisory committee, of which the majority of members are individuals with disabilities who are users of rehabilitation technology, and the individuals' representatives.

(E) Grants made under this paragraph shall be made on a competitive basis and shall be for a period of 5 years, except that the Director may make a grant for a period of less than 5 years if—

(i) the grant is made to a new recipient; or

(ii) the grant supports new or innovative research.

(F) To be eligible to receive a grant under this paragraph, a prospective grant recipient shall submit an application to the Director at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Director may require.

(G) Each Center established or supported through a grant made available under this paragraph shall—

(i) cooperate with State agencies and other local, State, regional, and national programs and organizations developing or delivering rehabilitation technology, including State programs funded under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 [29 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.]; and

(ii) prepare and submit to the Director as part of an application for continuation of a grant, or as a final report, a report that documents the outcomes of the program of the Center in terms of both short- and long-term impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities, the impact of any commercialized product researched or developed through the Center, and such other information as may be requested by the Director.

(4)(A) Research grants may be used to conduct a program for spinal cord injury research, including conducting such a program by making grants to public or private agencies and organizations to pay part or all of the costs of special projects and demonstration projects for spinal cord injuries, that will—

(i) ensure widespread dissemination of research findings among all Spinal Cord Injury Centers, to rehabilitation practitioners, individuals with spinal cord injury, the individuals' representatives, and organizations receiving financial assistance under this paragraph;

(ii) provide encouragement and support for initiatives and new approaches by individual and institutional investigators; and

(iii) establish and maintain close working relationships with other governmental and voluntary institutions and organizations engaged in similar efforts in order to unify and coordinate scientific efforts, encourage joint planning, and promote the interchange of data and reports among spinal cord injury investigations.

(B) Any agency or organization carrying out a project or demonstration project assisted by a grant under this paragraph that provides services to individuals with spinal cord injuries shall—

(i) establish, on an appropriate regional basis, a multidisciplinary system of providing independent living, employment, and other rehabilitation services, specifically designed to meet the unique needs of individuals with spinal cord injuries, including social and functional needs, and acute care as well as periodic inpatient or outpatient followup and services;

(ii) demonstrate and evaluate the benefits to individuals with spinal cord injuries served in, and the degree of cost-effectiveness of, such a regional system;

(iii) demonstrate and evaluate existing, new, and improved methods and rehabilitation technology essential to the care, management, and rehabilitation of individuals with spinal cord injuries; and

(iv) demonstrate and evaluate methods of community outreach for individuals with spinal cord injuries and community education in connection with the problems of such individuals in areas such as housing, transportation, recreation, employment, education, health and wellness, and community activities.

(C) In awarding grants under this paragraph, the Director shall take into account the location of any proposed Spinal Cord Injury Center and the appropriate geographic and regional allocation of such Centers.

(5) Research grants may be used to conduct a program for end-stage renal disease research, to include support of projects and demonstrations for providing special services (including transplantation and dialysis), artificial kidneys, and supplies necessary for the rehabilitation of individuals with such disease and which will—

(A) ensure dissemination of research findings;

(B) provide encouragement and support for initiatives and new approaches by individuals and institutional investigators; and

(C) establish and maintain close working relationships with other governmental and voluntary institutions and organizations engaged in similar efforts,

in order to unify and coordinate scientific efforts, encourage joint planning, and promote the interchange of data and reports among investigators in the field of end-stage renal disease. No person shall be selected to participate in such program who is eligible for services for such disease under any other provision of law.

(6) Research grants may be used to conduct a program for international rehabilitation research, demonstration, and training for the purpose of developing new knowledge and methods in the rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities in the United States, cooperating with and assisting in developing and sharing information found useful in other nations in the rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities, and initiating a program to exchange experts and technical assistance in the field of rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities with other nations as a means of increasing the levels of skill of rehabilitation personnel.

(7) Research grants may be used to conduct a research program concerning the use of existing telecommunications systems (including telephone, television, satellite, radio, and other similar systems) which have the potential for substantially improving service delivery methods, and the development of appropriate programming to meet the particular needs of individuals with disabilities.

(8) Grants may be used to conduct a program of joint projects with other administrations and offices of the Department of Health and Human Services, the National Science Foundation, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, the Federal Communications Commission, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Small Business Administration, the Department of Labor, other Federal agencies, and private industry in areas of joint interest involving rehabilitation.

(9) Research grants may be used to conduct a research program to develop and demonstrate innovative methods to attract and retain professionals to serve in rural areas in the rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities, including individuals with significant disabilities.

(10) Research grants may be used to conduct a model research and demonstration program to develop innovative methods of providing services for preschool age children who are individuals with disabilities, including—

(A) early intervention, assessment, parent counseling, infant stimulation, early identification, diagnosis, and evaluation of children who are individuals with significant disabilities up to the age of five, with a special emphasis on children who are individuals with significant disabilities up to the age of three;

(B) such physical therapy, language development, pediatric, nursing, psychological, and psychiatric services as are necessary for such children; and

(C) appropriate services for the parents of such children, including psychological and psychiatric services, parent counseling, and training.

(11) Research grants may be used to conduct a model research and training program under which model training centers shall be established to develop and use more advanced and effective methods of evaluating and addressing the employment needs, opportunities, and outcomes (including those relating to self-employment, supported employment, and telecommuting) of individuals with disabilities, including programs that—

(A) provide training and continuing education for personnel involved with the employment of individuals with disabilities;

(B) develop model procedures for testing and evaluating the employment and employment related needs of individuals with disabilities;

(C) develop model training programs to teach individuals with disabilities skills which will lead to appropriate employment;

(D) develop new approaches for job placement of individuals with disabilities, including new followup procedures relating to such placement;

(E) provide information services regarding education, training, employment, and job placement for individuals with disabilities;

(F) develop new approaches and provide information regarding job accommodations, including the use of rehabilitation engineering and assistive technology;

(G) develop models to facilitate the successful transition of individuals with disabilities from nonintegrated employment and employment that is compensated at a wage less than the Federal minimum wage to competitive integrated employment;

(H) develop models to maximize opportunities for integrated community living, including employment and independent living, for individuals with disabilities;

(I) provide training and continuing education for personnel involved with community living for individuals with disabilities;

(J) develop model procedures for testing and evaluating the community living related needs of individuals with disabilities;

(K) develop model training programs to teach individuals with disabilities skills which will lead to integrated community living and full participation in the community; and

(L) develop new approaches for long-term services and supports for individuals with disabilities, including supports necessary for competitive integrated employment.

(12) Research grants may be used to conduct an independent living or a rehabilitation research program under which financial assistance is provided in order to—

(A) test new concepts and innovative ideas;

(B) demonstrate research results of high potential benefits;

(C) purchase prototype aids and devices for evaluation;

(D) develop unique independent living or rehabilitation training curricula; and

(E) be responsive to special initiatives of the Director.

No single grant under this paragraph may exceed $50,000 in any fiscal year and all payments made under this paragraph in any fiscal year may not exceed 5 percent of the amount available for this section to the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research in any fiscal year. Regulations and administrative procedures with respect to financial assistance under this paragraph shall, to the maximum extent possible, be expedited.

(13) Research grants may be used to conduct studies of the independent living and rehabilitation needs of American Indian populations and of effective mechanisms for the delivery of rehabilitation services to Indians residing on and off reservations.

(14) Research grants may be used to conduct a demonstration program under which one or more projects national in scope shall be established to develop procedures to provide incentives for the development, manufacturing, and marketing of orphan technological devices, including technology transfer concerning such devices, designed to enable individuals with disabilities to achieve independence, full participation, and economic self-sufficiency.

(15)(A) Research grants may be used to conduct a research program related to quality assurance in the area of rehabilitation technology.

(B) Activities carried out under the research program may include—

(i) the development of methodologies to evaluate rehabilitation technology products and services and the dissemination of the methodologies to consumers and other interested parties;

(ii) identification of models for service provider training and evaluation and certification of the effectiveness of the models;

(iii) identification and dissemination of outcome measurement models for the assessment of rehabilitation technology products and services; and

(iv) development and testing of research-based tools to enhance consumer decisionmaking about rehabilitation technology products and services.

(16) Research grants may be used to provide for research and demonstration projects and related activities that explore the use and effectiveness of specific alternative or complementary medical practices for individuals with disabilities. Such projects and activities may include projects and activities designed to—

(A) determine the use of specific alternative or complementary medical practices among individuals with disabilities and the perceived effectiveness of the practices;

(B) determine the specific information sources, decisionmaking methods, and methods of payment used by individuals with disabilities who access alternative or complementary medical services;

(C) develop criteria to screen and assess the validity of research studies of such practices for individuals with disabilities; and

(D) determine the effectiveness of specific alternative or complementary medical practices that show promise for promoting increased functioning, prevention of secondary disabilities, or other positive outcomes for individuals with certain types of disabilities, by conducting controlled research studies.

(c) Site visits; grant limitations

(1) In carrying out evaluations of covered activities under this section, the Director is authorized to make arrangements for site visits to obtain information on the accomplishments of the projects.

(2) The Director shall not make a grant under this section that exceeds $500,000 unless the peer review of the grant application has included a site visit.

(d) Application for grants

(1) In awarding grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements under this subchapter, the Director shall award the funding on a competitive basis.

(2)(A) To be eligible to receive funds under this section for a covered activity, an entity described in subsection (a)(1) shall submit an application to the Director at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Director may require.

(B) The application shall include information describing—

(i) measurable goals, as established through section 1115 of title 31, and a timeline and specific plan for meeting the goals, that the applicant has established;

(ii) how the project will address 1 or more of the following: commercialization of a marketable product, technology transfer (if applicable), dissemination of any research results, and other priorities as established by the Director; and

(iii) how the applicant will quantifiably measure the goals to determine whether such goals have been accomplished.

(3)(A) In the case of an application for funding under this section to carry out a covered activity that results in the development of a marketable product, the application shall also include a commercialization and dissemination plan, as appropriate, containing commercialization and marketing strategies for the product involved, and strategies for disseminating information about the product. The funding received under this section shall not be used to carry out the commercialization and marketing strategies.

(B) In the case of any other application for funding to carry out a covered activity under this section, the application shall also include a dissemination plan, containing strategies for disseminating educational materials, research results, or findings, conclusions, and recommendations, resulting from the covered activity.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title II, §204, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §405, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1173; amended Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(f) [title VIII, §401(16)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681-412; Pub. L. 105–394, title IV, §402(b), Nov. 13, 1998, 112 Stat. 3661; Pub. L. 111–256, §2(d)(2), Oct. 5, 2010, 124 Stat. 2643; Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §435, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1666.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Assistive Technology Act of 1998, referred to in subsec. (b)(3)(C)(i), (G)(i), is Pub. L. 105–394, Nov. 13, 1998, 112 Stat. 3627, which is classified principally to chapter 31 (§3001 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3001 of this title and Tables.

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, referred to in subsec. (b)(3)(D)(i)(III), is Pub. L. 101–336, July 26, 1990, 104 Stat. 327, which is classified principally to chapter 126 (§12101 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 12101 of Title 42 and Tables.

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to this section were contained in section 762 of this title prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

A prior section 764, Pub. L. 93–112, title II, §204, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 376, provided that a full report on research and training activities be included in annual report to Congress, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §109(3), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2963.

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 113–128, §435(1)(A), substituted "fund" for "pay" and "employment, education, independent living, health and wellness," for "employment, independent living," and inserted "have practical applications and" before "maximize".

Subsec. (a)(2)(A). Pub. L. 113–128, §435(1)(B)(i), inserted "and from which the research findings, conclusions, or recommendations can be transferred to practice" after "State agencies".

Subsec. (a)(2)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 113–128, §435(1)(B)(ii)(I), added cl. (ii) and struck out former cl. (ii) which read as follows: "studies and analysis of industrial, vocational, social, recreational, psychiatric, psychological, economic, and other factors affecting rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities;".

Subsec. (a)(2)(B)(iii). Pub. L. 113–128, §435(1)(B)(ii)(II), substituted "have significant challenges engaging in community life outside their homes and individuals who are in institutional settings;" for "are homebound and individuals who are institutionalized;".

Subsec. (a)(2)(B)(iv). Pub. L. 113–128, §435(1)(B)(ii)(III), inserted ", including the principles of universal design and the interoperability of products and services" after "disabilities".

Subsec. (a)(2)(B)(v). Pub. L. 113–128, §435(1)(B)(ii)(IV), inserted ", and to promoting employment opportunities in competitive integrated employment" after "employment".

Subsec. (a)(2)(B)(vii). Pub. L. 113–128, §435(1)(B)(ii)(VI), substituted ", assistive technology, and communications technology; and" for "and assistive technology."

Subsec. (a)(2)(B)(viii). Pub. L. 113–128, §435(1)(B)(ii)(V), (VII), added cl. (viii).

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 113–128, §435(1)(C), added par. (3).

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 113–128, §435(2)(A), substituted "(17)" for "(18)" in two places.

Subsec. (b)(2)(A)(i), (ii). Pub. L. 113–128, §435(2)(B)(i), added cls. (i) and (ii) and struck out former cls. (i) and (ii) which read as follows:

"(i) be operated in collaboration with institutions of higher education or providers of rehabilitation services or other appropriate services; and

"(ii) serve as centers of national excellence and national or regional resources for providers and individuals with disabilities and the individuals' representatives."

Subsec. (b)(2)(B)(i). Pub. L. 113–128, §435(2)(B)(ii)(I), inserted "independent living and" after "research in" and after "will improve" and substituted "maximize health and function (including alleviating or stabilizing conditions, or preventing secondary conditions), and promote maximum social and economic independence of individuals with disabilities, including promoting the ability of the individuals to prepare for, secure, retain, regain, or advance in employment;" for "alleviate or stabilize disabling conditions, and promote maximum social and economic independence of individuals with disabilities, especially promoting the ability of the individuals to prepare for, secure, retain, regain, or advance in employment;".

Subsec. (b)(2)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 113–128, §435(2)(B)(ii)(III), added cl. (ii). Former cl. (ii) redesignated (iii).

Subsec. (b)(2)(B)(iii). Pub. L. 113–128, §435(2)(B)(ii)(IV), inserted "independent living and" before "rehabilitation services".

Pub. L. 113–128, §435(2)(B)(ii)(II), redesignated cl. (ii) as (iii). Former cl. (iii) redesignated (iv).

Subsec. (b)(2)(B)(iv). Pub. L. 113–128, §435(2)(B)(ii)(V), inserted "independent living and" before "rehabilitation" in two places and struck out "and" at end.

Pub. L. 113–128, §435(2)(B)(ii)(II), redesignated cl. (iii) as (iv). Former cl. (iv) redesignated (v).

Subsec. (b)(2)(B)(v). Pub. L. 113–128, §435(2)(B)(ii)(VI), added cl. (v) and struck out former cl. (v) which read as follows: "serving as an informational and technical assistance resource to providers, individuals with disabilities, and the individuals' representatives, through conferences, workshops, public education programs, in-service training programs, and similar activities."

Pub. L. 113–128, §435(2)(B)(ii)(II), redesignated cl. (iv) as (v).

Subsec. (b)(2)(B)(vi). Pub. L. 113–128, §435(2)(B)(ii)(VI), added cl. (vi).

Subsec. (b)(2)(C)(i). Pub. L. 113–128, §435(2)(B)(iii)(I), inserted ", including research on assistive technology devices, assistive technology services, and accessible electronic and information technology devices" after "rehabilitation research".

Subsec. (b)(2)(C)(ii). Pub. L. 113–128, §435(2)(B)(iii)(II), substituted ", social, and economic" for "and social" and inserted "independent living and" before "rehabilitation".

Subsec. (b)(2)(C)(iii). Pub. L. 113–128, §435(2)(B)(iii)(V), substituted "that promotes the emotional, social, educational, and functional growth of children who are individuals with disabilities, as well as their integration in school, employment, and community activities;" for "to develop and evaluate interventions, policies, and services that support families of those children and adults who are individuals with disabilities; and".

Pub. L. 113–128, §435(2)(B)(iii)(III), (IV), redesignated cl. (v) as (iii) and struck out former cl. (iii) which read as follows: "research related to vocational rehabilitation;".

Subsec. (b)(2)(C)(iv). Pub. L. 113–128, §435(2)(B)(iii)(VI), substituted "to develop and evaluate interventions, policies, and services that support families of those children and adults who are individuals with disabilities;" for "that will improve services and policies that foster the productivity, independence, and social integration of individuals with disabilities, and enable individuals with disabilities, including individuals with intellectual disabilities and other developmental disabilities, to live in their communities."

Pub. L. 113–128, §435(2)(B)(iii)(III), (IV), redesignated cl. (vi) as (iv) and struck out former cl. (iv) which read as follows: "continuation of research that promotes the emotional, social, educational, and functional growth of children who are individuals with disabilities;".

Subsec. (b)(2)(C)(v), (vi). Pub. L. 113–128, §435(2)(B)(iii)(VII), added cls. (v) and (vi). Former cls. (v) and (vi) redesignated (iii) and (iv), respectively.

Subsec. (b)(2)(D). Pub. L. 113–128, §435(2)(B)(iv), added subpar. (D) and struck out former subpar. (D) which read as follows: "Training of students preparing to be rehabilitation personnel shall be an important priority for such a Center."

Subsec. (b)(2)(E). Pub. L. 113–128, §435(2)(B)(v), struck out "comprehensive" after "both".

Subsec. (b)(2)(G)(i). Pub. L. 113–128, §435(2)(B)(vi), inserted "independent living and" before "rehabilitation-related".

Subsec. (b)(2)(I). Pub. L. 113–128, §435(2)(B)(vii), (viii), redesignated subpar. (J) as (I) and struck out former subpar. (I) which read as follows: "The Director shall encourage the Centers to develop practical applications for the findings of the research of the Centers."

Subsec. (b)(2)(J) to (N). Pub. L. 113–128, §435(2)(B)(viii), redesignated subpars. (K) to (O) as (J) to (N), respectively. Former subpar. (J) redesignated (I).

Subsec. (b)(3)(A). Pub. L. 113–128, §435(2)(C)(i), inserted "independent living strategies and" before "rehabilitation technology".

Subsec. (b)(3)(B)(i)(I). Pub. L. 113–128, §435(2)(C)(ii)(I), inserted "independent living and" before "rehabilitation problems".

Subsec. (b)(3)(B)(ii)(II). Pub. L. 113–128, §435(2)(C)(ii)(II), substituted "educational, employment," for "employment".

Subsec. (b)(3)(B)(iii)(II). Pub. L. 113–128, §435(2)(C)(ii)(III), substituted "educational, employment," for "employment".

Subsec. (b)(3)(D)(i)(II). Pub. L. 113–128, §435(2)(C)(iii), substituted "postsecondary education, competitive integrated employment, and other age-appropriate" for "postschool".

Subsec. (b)(3)(G)(ii). Pub. L. 113–128, §435(2)(C)(iv), inserted "the impact of any commercialized product researched or developed through the Center," after "individuals with disabilities,".

Subsec. (b)(4)(B)(i). Pub. L. 113–128, §435(2)(D)(i), substituted "independent living, employment," for "vocational" and "unique" for "special" and inserted "social and functional needs, and" before "acute care".

Subsec. (b)(4)(B)(iv). Pub. L. 113–128, §435(2)(D)(ii), inserted "education, health and wellness," after "employment,".

Subsec. (b)(8). Pub. L. 113–128, §435(2)(E), added par. (8) and struck out former par. (8) which read as follows: "Research grants may be used to conduct a program of joint projects with the National Institutes of Health, the National Institute of Mental Health, the Health Services Administration, the Administration on Aging, the National Science Foundation, the Veterans' Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, other Federal agencies, and private industry in areas of joint interest involving rehabilitation."

Subsec. (b)(9). Pub. L. 113–128, §435(2)(F), (G), redesignated par. (10) as (9) and struck out former par. (9) which read as follows: "Research grants may be used to conduct a program of research related to the rehabilitation of children, or older individuals, who are individuals with disabilities, including older American Indians who are individuals with disabilities. Such research program may include projects designed to assist the adjustment of, or maintain as residents in the community, older workers who are individuals with disabilities on leaving the workforce."

Subsec. (b)(10). Pub. L. 113–128, §435(2)(G), redesignated par. (12) as (10). Former par. (10) redesignated (9).

Subsec. (b)(11). Pub. L. 113–128, §435(2)(H)(i), substituted "employment needs, opportunities, and outcomes (including those relating to self-employment, supported employment, and telecommuting) of individuals with disabilities, including" for "employment needs of individuals with disabilities, including" in introductory provisions.

Pub. L. 113–128, §435(2)(F), (G), redesignated par. (13) as (11) and struck out former par. (11) which read as follows: "Research grants may be used to conduct a model research and demonstration project designed to assess the feasibility of establishing a center for producing and distributing to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing captioned video cassettes providing a broad range of educational, cultural, scientific, and vocational programming."

Subsec. (b)(11)(B). Pub. L. 113–128, §435(2)(H)(ii), inserted "and employment related" after "the employment".

Subsec. (b)(11)(G) to (L). Pub. L. 113–128, §435(2)(H)(iii)–(v), added subpars. (G) to (L).

Subsec. (b)(12). Pub. L. 113–128, §435(2)(I)(i), (iii), in introductory provisions, inserted "an independent living or" after "conduct" and, in concluding provisions, substituted "National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research" for "National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research".

Pub. L. 113–128, §435(2)(G), redesignated par. (14) as (12). Former par. (12) redesignated (10).

Subsec. (b)(12)(D). Pub. L. 113–128, §435(2)(I)(ii), inserted "independent living or" before "rehabilitation".

Subsec. (b)(13). Pub. L. 113–128, §435(2)(J), inserted "independent living and" before "rehabilitation needs".

Pub. L. 113–128, §435(2)(G), redesignated par. (15) as (13). Former par. (13) redesignated (11).

Subsec. (b)(14). Pub. L. 113–128, §435(2)(K), substituted ", full participation, and economic self-sufficiency." for "and access to gainful employment."

Pub. L. 113–128, §435(2)(G), redesignated par. (16) as (14). Former par. (14) redesignated (12).

Subsec. (b)(15) to (18). Pub. L. 113–128, §435(2)(G), redesignated pars. (17) and (18) as (15) and (16), respectively. Former pars. (15) and (16) redesignated (13) and (14), respectively.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 113–128, §435(3), added subsec. (d).

2010—Subsec. (b)(2)(C)(vi). Pub. L. 111–256 substituted "intellectual disabilities and other developmental disabilities" for "mental retardation and other developmental disabilities".

1998—Pub. L. 105–277 made technical amendment to directory language of Pub. L. 105–220, §405, which enacted this section.

Subsec. (b)(3)(C)(i), (G)(i). Pub. L. 105–394 substituted "the Assistive Technology Act of 1998" for "the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals With Disabilities Act of 1988 (29 U.S.C. 2201 et seq.)".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Definitions

For meaning of references to an intellectual disability and to individuals with intellectual disabilities in provisions amended by section 2 of Pub. L. 111–256, see section 2(k) of Pub. L. 111–256, set out as a note under section 1400 of Title 20, Education.

¹ So in original. Probably should be "paragraphs (2) through (16)".

§765. Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research Advisory Council

(a) Establishment

Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary shall establish in the Department of Health and Human Services a Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research Advisory Council (referred to in this section as the "Council") composed of not less than 12 members appointed by the Secretary.

(b) Duties

The Council shall advise the Director with respect to research priorities and the development and revision of the 5-year plan required by section 762(h) of this title.

(c) Qualifications

Members of the Council shall be generally representative of the community of disability, independent living, and rehabilitation professionals, the community of disability, independent living, and rehabilitation researchers, the directors of independent living centers and community rehabilitation programs, the business community (including a representative of the small business community) that has experience with the system of vocational rehabilitation services and independent living services carried out under this chapter and with hiring individuals with disabilities, the community of stakeholders involved in assistive technology, the community of covered school professionals, and the community of individuals with disabilities, and the individuals' representatives. At least one-half of the members shall be individuals with disabilities or the individuals' representatives.

(d) Terms of appointment

(1) Length of term

Each member of the Council shall serve for a term of up to 3 years, determined by the Secretary, except that—

(A) a member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which a predecessor was appointed, shall be appointed for the remainder of such term; and

(B) the terms of service of the members initially appointed shall be (as specified by the Secretary) for such fewer number of years as will provide for the expiration of terms on a staggered basis.

(2) Number of terms

No member of the Council may serve more than two consecutive full terms. Members may serve after the expiration of their terms until their successors have taken office.

(e) Vacancies

Any vacancy occurring in the membership of the Council shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment for the position being vacated. The vacancy shall not affect the power of the remaining members to execute the duties of the Council.

(f) Payment and expenses

(1) Payment

Each member of the Council who is not an officer or full-time employee of the Federal Government shall receive a payment of $150 for each day (including travel time) during which the member is engaged in the performance of duties for the Council. All members of the Council who are officers or full-time employees of the United States shall serve without compensation in addition to compensation received for their services as officers or employees of the United States.

(2) Travel expenses

Each member of the Council may receive travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, as authorized by section 5703 of title 5 for employees serving intermittently in the Government service, for each day the member is engaged in the performance of duties away from the home or regular place of business of the member.

(g) Detail of Federal employees

On the request of the Council, the Secretary may detail, with or without reimbursement, any of the personnel of the Department of Health and Human Services to the Council to assist the Council in carrying out its duties. Any detail shall not interrupt or otherwise affect the civil service status or privileges of the Federal employee.

(h) Technical assistance

On the request of the Council, the Secretary shall provide such technical assistance to the Council as the Council determines to be necessary to carry out its duties.

(i) Termination

Section 1013 of title 5 shall not apply with respect to the Council.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title II, §205, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §405, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1182; amended Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(f) [title VIII, §§401(16), 402(b)(11)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681-412, 2681-414; Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §436, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1671; Pub. L. 117–286, §4(a)(187), Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4326.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 765, Pub. L. 93–112, title II, §205, as added Pub. L. 102–569, title II, §206(a), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4409, related to the Rehabilitation Research Advisory Council, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 117–286 substituted "Section 1013 of title 5" for "Section 14 of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.)".

2014—Pub. L. 113–128, §436(1), inserted "Disability, Independent Living, and" before "Rehabilitation" in section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 113–128, §436(2), substituted "Department of Health and Human Services a Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research Advisory Council" for "Department of Education a Rehabilitation Research Advisory Council" and inserted "not less than" after "composed of".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 113–128, §436(3), added subsec. (c) and struck out former subsec. (c) which read as follows: "Members of the Council shall be generally representative of the community of rehabilitation professionals, the community of rehabilitation researchers, the community of individuals with disabilities, and the individuals' representatives. At least one-half of the members shall be individuals with disabilities or the individuals' representatives."

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 113–128, §436(4), substituted "Department of Health and Human Services" for "Department of Education".

1998—Pub. L. 105–277, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(b)(11)], made technical amendment to section designation and catchline in original.

Pub. L. 105–277, §101(f) [title VIII, §401(16)], made technical amendment to directory language of Pub. L. 105–220, §405, which enacted this section.

§766. Definition of covered school

In this subchapter, the term "covered school" means an elementary school or secondary school (as such terms are defined in section 7801 of title 20) or an institution of higher education.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title II, §206, as added Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §437, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1671; amended Pub. L. 114–95, title IX, §9215(mmm)(2), Dec. 10, 2015, 129 Stat. 2188.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 770, Pub. L. 93–112, title III, §301, formerly §300, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 377; Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §122(c)(1), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2987; Pub. L. 99–506, title I, §103(d)(2)(C), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1810; Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §204(a), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3308; renumbered §301 and amended Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §102(p)(15), title III, §301(a), (b)(3), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4358, 4410, 4411, contained congressional declaration of purpose, prior to the general amendment of subchapter III of this chapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Amendments

2015—Pub. L. 114–95 made technical amendment to reference in original act which appears in text as reference to section 7801 of title 20.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2015 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–95 effective Dec. 10, 2015, except with respect to certain noncompetitive programs and competitive programs, see section 5 of Pub. L. 114–95, set out as a note under section 6301 of Title 20, Education.

SUBCHAPTER III—PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND SPECIAL PROJECTS AND DEMONSTRATIONS

Editorial Notes

Codification

Title III of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, comprising this subchapter, was originally enacted by Pub. L. 93–112, title III, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 377, and amended by Pub. L. 93–516, Dec. 7, 1974, 88 Stat. 1617; Pub. L. 93–651, Nov. 21, 1974, 89 Stat. 2–3; Pub. L. 94–230, Mar. 15, 1976, 90 Stat. 211; Pub. L. 94–273, Apr. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 375; Pub. L. 94–288, May 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 520; Pub. L. 95–602, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2955; Pub. L. 98–221, Feb. 22, 1984, 98 Stat. 17; Pub. L. 99–506, Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1807; Pub. L. 100–630, Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3289; Pub. L. 102–52, June 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 260; Pub. L. 102–119, Oct. 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 587; Pub. L. 102–569, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4344; Pub. L. 103–73, Aug. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 718; Pub. L. 103–218, Mar. 9, 1994, 108 Stat. 50; Pub. L. 104–66, Dec. 21, 1995, 109 Stat. 707. Title III is shown herein, however, as having been added by Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §406, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1183, without reference to those intervening amendments because of the extensive revision of title III by Pub. L. 105–220.

§771. Declaration of purpose and competitive basis of grants and contracts

(a) Purpose

It is the purpose of this subchapter to authorize grants and contracts to—

(1)(A) provide academic training to ensure that skilled personnel are available to provide rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities through vocational, medical, social, and psychological rehabilitation programs (including supported employment programs), through economic and business development programs, through independent living services programs, and through client assistance programs; and

(B) provide training to maintain and upgrade basic skills and knowledge of personnel (including personnel specifically trained to deliver services to individuals with disabilities whose employment outcome is self-employment or telecommuting) employed to provide state-of-the-art service delivery and rehabilitation technology services;

(2) conduct special projects and demonstrations that expand and improve the provision of rehabilitation and other services (including those services provided through community rehabilitation programs) authorized under this chapter, or that otherwise further the purposes of this chapter, including related research and evaluation; and

(3) provide training and information to individuals with disabilities and the individuals' representatives, and other appropriate parties to develop the skills necessary for individuals with disabilities to gain access to the rehabilitation system and statewide workforce development systems and to become active decisionmakers in the rehabilitation process.

(b) Competitive basis of grants and contracts

The Secretary shall ensure that all grants and contracts are awarded under this subchapter on a competitive basis.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title III, §301, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §406, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1183; amended Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §441(a), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1672.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 771, Pub. L. 93–112, title III, §301, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 377; Pub. L. 93–516, title I, §104, Dec. 7, 1974, 88 Stat. 1618; Pub. L. 93–651, title I, §104, Nov. 21, 1974, 89 Stat. 2–4; Pub. L. 94–230, §§4, 11(b)(7), Mar. 15, 1976, 90 Stat. 211, 213; Pub. L. 94–273, §3(18), Apr. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 377; Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §§112(a), 122(c)(2), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2967, 2987; Pub. L. 98–221, title I, §131, Feb. 22, 1984, 98 Stat. 24; Pub. L. 99–506, title IV, §401, title X, §1002(d)(1), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1823, 1844; Pub. L. 102–52, §4(a), June 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 261, related to grants for construction of rehabilitation facilities, staffing, and planning assistance, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–569, title III, §301(b)(2), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4411.

A prior section 301 of Pub. L. 93–112 was classified to section 770 of this title prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

A prior section 771a, Pub. L. 93–112, title III, §302, formerly title II, §203, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 376; renumbered title III, §304, and amended Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §§109(2), 114, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2963, 2970; Pub. L. 98–221, title I, §133, Feb. 22, 1984, 98 Stat. 24; Pub. L. 99–506, title I, §103(d)(2)(C), title IV, §403, title X, §1002(d)(2), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1810, 1824, 1844; Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §204(c), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3308; Pub. L. 102–52, §4(c), June 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 261; Pub. L. 102–119, §26(e), Oct. 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 607; renumbered §302 and amended Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §102(p)(18), title III, §§301(b)(3), (4), 302, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4358, 4411; Pub. L. 103–73, title I, §110(a), Aug. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 726; Pub. L. 103–218, title IV, §402(b), Mar. 9, 1994, 108 Stat. 96; Pub. L. 104–66, title I, §1042(d), Dec. 21, 1995, 109 Stat. 715, related to assistance for training, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220. See section 772 of this title.

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 113–128, §441(a)(1), inserted "and" at end.

Subsec. (a)(3) to (5). Pub. L. 113–128, §441(a)(2)–(4), redesignated par. (5) as (3), substituted "workforce development systems" for "workforce investment systems", and struck out former pars. (3) and (4) which read as follows:

"(3) provide vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities who are migrant or seasonal farmworkers;

"(4) initiate recreational programs to provide recreational activities and related experiences for individuals with disabilities to aid such individuals in employment, mobility, socialization, independence, and community integration; and".

§772. Training

(a) Grants and contracts for personnel training

(1) Authority

The Commissioner shall make grants to, and enter into contracts with, States and public or nonprofit agencies and organizations (including institutions of higher education) to pay part of the cost of projects to provide training, traineeships, and related activities, including the provision of technical assistance, that are designed to assist in increasing the numbers of, and upgrading the skills of, qualified personnel (especially rehabilitation counselors) who are trained in providing vocational, medical, social, and psychological rehabilitation services, who are trained to assist individuals with communication and related disorders, who are trained to provide other services provided under this chapter, to individuals with disabilities, and who may include—

(A) personnel specifically trained in providing employment assistance to individuals with disabilities through job development and job placement services;

(B) personnel specifically trained to identify, assess, and meet the individual rehabilitation needs of individuals with disabilities, including needs for rehabilitation technology;

(C) personnel specifically trained to deliver services to individuals who may benefit from receiving independent living services;

(D) personnel specifically trained to deliver services in the client assistance programs;

(E) personnel specifically trained to deliver supported employment services and customized employment services to individuals with the most significant disabilities;

(F) personnel specifically trained to deliver services to individuals with disabilities pursuing self-employment, business ownership, and telecommuting;

(G) personnel trained in performing other functions necessary to the provision of vocational, medical, social, and psychological rehabilitation services, and other services provided under this chapter; and

(H) personnel trained in providing assistive technology services.

(2) Authority to provide scholarships

Grants and contracts under paragraph (1) may be expended for scholarships and may include necessary stipends and allowances.

(3) Related Federal statutes

In carrying out this subsection, the Commissioner may make grants to and enter into contracts with States and public or nonprofit agencies and organizations, including institutions of higher education, to furnish training regarding provisions of Federal statutes, including section 794 of this title, title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12111 et seq.), and the provisions of titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401 et seq. and 1381 et seq.), that are related to work incentives for individuals with disabilities.

(4) Training for statewide workforce systems personnel

The Commissioner may make grants to and enter into contracts under this subsection with States and public or nonprofit agencies and organizations, including institutions of higher education, to furnish training to personnel providing services to individuals with disabilities under subtitle B of title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act [29 U.S.C. 3151 et seq.]. Under this paragraph, personnel may be trained—

(A) in evaluative skills to determine whether an individual with a disability may be served by the State vocational rehabilitation program or another component of a statewide workforce development system; or

(B) to assist individuals with disabilities seeking assistance through one-stop delivery systems described in section 121(e) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act [28 U.S.C. 3151(e)].

(5) Joint funding

Training and other activities provided under paragraph (4) for personnel may be jointly funded with the Department of Labor, using funds made available under subtitle B of title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act [29 U.S.C. 3151 et seq.].

(b) Grants and contracts for academic degrees and academic certificate granting training projects

(1) Authority

(A) In general

The Commissioner may make grants to, and enter into contracts with, States and public or nonprofit agencies and organizations (including institutions of higher education) to pay part of the costs of academic training projects to provide training that leads to an academic degree or academic certificate. In making such grants or entering into such contracts, the Commissioner shall target funds to areas determined under subsection (e) to have shortages of qualified personnel.

(B) Types of projects

Academic training projects described in this subsection may include—

(i) projects to train personnel in the areas of assisting and supporting individuals with disabilities pursuing self-employment, business ownership, and telecommuting, and of vocational rehabilitation counseling, rehabilitation technology, rehabilitation medicine, rehabilitation nursing, rehabilitation social work, rehabilitation psychiatry, rehabilitation psychology, rehabilitation dentistry, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology and audiology, physical education, therapeutic recreation, community rehabilitation programs, prosthetics and orthotics, vision rehabilitation therapy, orientation and mobility instruction, or low vision therapy;

(ii) projects to train personnel to provide—

(I) services to individuals with specific disabilities or individuals with disabilities who have specific impediments to rehabilitation, including individuals who are members of populations that are unserved or underserved by programs under this chapter;

(II) job development and job placement services to individuals with disabilities;

(III) supported employment services, including services of employment specialists for individuals with disabilities;

(IV) specialized services for individuals with significant disabilities; or

(V) recreation for individuals with disabilities;

(iii) projects to train personnel in other fields contributing to the rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities; and

(iv) projects to train personnel in the use, applications, and benefits of rehabilitation technology.

(2) Application

No grant shall be awarded or contract entered into under this subsection unless the applicant has submitted to the Commissioner an application at such time, in such form, in accordance with such procedures, and including such information as the Secretary may require, including—

(A) a description of how the designated State unit or units will participate in the project to be funded under the grant or contract, including, as appropriate, participation on advisory committees, as practicum sites, in curriculum development, and in other ways so as to build closer relationships between the applicant and the designated State unit and to encourage students to pursue careers in public vocational rehabilitation programs;

(B) the identification of potential employers that provide employment that meets the requirements of paragraph (5)(A)(i); and

(C) an assurance that data on the employment of graduates or trainees who participate in the project is accurate.

(3) Limitation

(A) In general

Except as provided in subparagraph (B), no grant or contract under this subsection may be used to provide any one course of study to an individual for a period of more than 4 years.

(B) Exception

If a grant or contract recipient under this subsection determines that an individual has a disability which seriously affects the completion of training under this subsection, the grant or contract recipient may extend the period referred to in subparagraph (A).

(4) Authority to provide scholarships

Grants and contracts under paragraph (1) may be expanded to provide services that include the provision of scholarships and necessary stipends and allowances.

(5) Agreements

(A) Contents

A recipient of a grant or contract under this subsection shall provide assurances to the Commissioner that each individual who receives a scholarship, for any academic year beginning after June 1, 1992, utilizing funds provided under such grant or contract shall enter into an agreement with the recipient under which the individual shall—

(i) maintain employment—

(I) in a nonprofit rehabilitation agency or related agency or in a State rehabilitation agency or related agency, including a professional corporation or professional practice group through which the individual has a service arrangement with the designated State agency;

(II) on a full- or part-time basis; and

(III) for a period of not less than the full-time equivalent of 2 years for each year for which assistance under this section was received by the individual,

 within a period, beginning after the recipient completes the training for which the scholarship was awarded, of not more than the sum of the number of years in the period described in subclause (III) and 2 additional years; and

(ii) repay all or part of any scholarship received, plus interest, if the individual does not fulfill the requirements of clause (i),

except as the Commissioner by regulation may provide for repayment exceptions and deferrals.

(B) Enforcement

The Commissioner shall be responsible for the enforcement of each agreement entered into under subparagraph (A) upon completion of the training involved under such subparagraph.

(c) Grants to historically Black colleges and universities

The Commissioner, in carrying out this section, shall make grants to historically Black colleges and universities and other institutions of higher education whose minority student enrollment is at least 50 percent of the total enrollment of the institution.

(d) Application

A grant may not be awarded to a State or other organization under this section unless the State or organization has submitted an application to the Commissioner at such time, in such form, in accordance with such procedures, and containing such information as the Commissioner may require. Any such application shall include a detailed description of strategies that will be utilized to recruit and train individuals so as to reflect the diverse populations of the United States as part of the effort to increase the number of individuals with disabilities, and individuals who are from linguistically and culturally diverse backgrounds, who are available to provide rehabilitation services.

(e) Evaluation and collection of data

The Commissioner shall evaluate the impact of the training programs conducted under this section, and collect information on the training needs of, and data on shortages of qualified personnel necessary to provide services to individuals with disabilities. The Commissioner shall prepare and submit to Congress, by September 30 of each fiscal year, a report setting forth and justifying in detail how the funds made available for training under this section for the fiscal year prior to such submission are allocated by professional discipline and other program areas. The report shall also contain findings on such personnel shortages, how funds proposed for the succeeding fiscal year will be allocated under the President's budget proposal, and how the findings on personnel shortages justify the allocations.

(f) Grants for the training of interpreters

(1) Authority

(A) In general

For the purpose of training a sufficient number of qualified interpreters to meet the communications needs of individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, and individuals who are deaf-blind, the Commissioner, acting through a Federal office responsible for deafness and communicative disorders, may award grants to public or private nonprofit agencies or organizations to pay part of the costs—

(i) for the establishment of interpreter training programs; or

(ii) to enable such agencies or organizations to provide financial assistance for ongoing interpreter training programs.

(B) Geographic areas

The Commissioner shall award grants under this subsection for programs in geographic areas throughout the United States that the Commissioner considers appropriate to best carry out the objectives of this section.

(C) Priority

In awarding grants under this subsection, the Commissioner shall give priority to public or private nonprofit agencies or organizations with existing programs that have a demonstrated capacity for providing interpreter training services.

(D) Funding

The Commissioner may award grants under this subsection through the use of—

(i) amounts appropriated to carry out this section; or

(ii) pursuant to an agreement with the Director of the Office of the Special Education Program (established under section 1402 of title 20), amounts appropriated under section 1486 of title 20.

(2) Application

A grant may not be awarded to an agency or organization under paragraph (1) unless the agency or organization has submitted an application to the Commissioner at such time, in such form, in accordance with such procedures, and containing such information as the Commissioner may require, including—

(A) a description of the manner in which an interpreter training program will be developed and operated during the 5-year period following the date on which a grant is received by the applicant under this subsection;

(B) a demonstration of the applicant's capacity or potential for providing training for interpreters for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, and individuals who are deaf-blind;

(C) assurances that any interpreter trained or retrained under a program funded under the grant will meet such minimum standards of competency as the Commissioner may establish for purposes of this subsection; and

(D) such other information as the Commissioner may require.

(g) Technical assistance

(1) Technical assistance

The Commissioner is authorized to provide technical assistance to State designated agencies and community rehabilitation programs, directly or through contracts with State designated agencies or nonprofit organizations. Any technical assistance provided to community rehabilitation programs shall be focused on the employment outcome of competitive integrated employment for individuals with disabilities.

(2) Compensation

An expert or consultant appointed or serving under contract pursuant to this section shall be compensated at a rate, subject to approval of the Commissioner, that shall not exceed the daily equivalent of the rate of pay for level 4 of the Senior Executive Service Schedule under section 5382 of title 5. Such an expert or consultant may be allowed travel and transportation expenses in accordance with section 5703 of title 5.

(h) Provision of information

The Commissioner, subject to the provisions of section 776 of this title, may require that recipients of grants or contracts under this section provide information, including data, with regard to the impact of activities funded under this section.

(i) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $33,657,000 for fiscal year 2015, $36,257,000 for fiscal year 2016, $37,009,000 for fiscal year 2017, $37,830,000 for fiscal year 2018, $38,719,000 for fiscal year 2019, and $39,540,000 for fiscal year 2020.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title III, §302, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §406, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1184; amended Pub. L. 108–446, title III, §305(h)(4), Dec. 3, 2004, 118 Stat. 2805; Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §441(b), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1672.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, referred to in subsec. (a)(3), is Pub. L. 101–336, July 26, 1990, 104 Stat. 327. Title I of the Act is classified generally to subchapter I (§12111 et seq.) of chapter 126 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 12101 of Title 42 and Tables.

The Social Security Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(3), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620, as amended. Titles II and XVI of the Act are classified generally to subchapters II (§401 et seq.) and XVI (§1381 et seq.), respectively, of chapter 7 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of Title 42 and Tables.

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(4) and (5), is Pub. L. 113–128, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1425. Subtitle B of title I of the Act is classified generally to part B (§3151 et seq.) of subchapter I of chapter 32 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of this title and Tables.

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to this section were contained in section 771a of this title prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

A prior section 772, Pub. L. 93–112, title III, §303, formerly §302, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 378; Pub. L. 93–516, title I, §105, Dec. 7, 1974, 88 Stat. 1619; Pub. L. 93–651, title I, §105, Nov. 21, 1974, 89 Stat. 2–4; Pub. L. 94–230, §§5, 11(b)(8), Mar. 15, 1976, 90 Stat. 212, 213; Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §§112(b), 122(c)(3), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2968, 2987; Pub. L. 98–221, title I, §132, Feb. 22, 1984, 98 Stat. 24; Pub. L. 99–506, title I, §103(d)(2)(C), title IV, §402, title X, §1001(d)(1), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1810, 1824, 1842; Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §204(b), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3308; Pub. L. 102–52, §4(b), June 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 261; renumbered §303 and amended Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §102(p)(16), title III, §§301(b)(3), 303, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4358, 4411, 4416, related to vocational rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

A prior section 302 of Pub. L. 93–112 was classified to section 771a of this title prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (a)(1)(E). Pub. L. 113–128, §441(b)(1)(A)(i), substituted "supported employment services and customized employment services to individuals with the most significant disabilities;" for "services, through supported employment programs, to individuals with a most significant disability; and".

Subsec. (a)(1)(H). Pub. L. 113–128, §441(b)(1)(A)(ii)–(iv), added subpar. (H).

Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 113–128, §441(b)(1)(B)(i), substituted "subtitle B of title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act" for "title I of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (a)(4)(A). Pub. L. 113–128, §441(b)(1)(B)(ii), substituted "workforce development system" for "workforce investment system".

Subsec. (a)(4)(B). Pub. L. 113–128, §441(b)(1)(B)(iii), substituted "section 121(e) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act." for "section 134(c) of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998."

Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 113–128, §441(b)(1)(C), substituted "subtitle B of title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act" for "title I of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998".

Subsec. (b)(1)(B)(i). Pub. L. 113–128, §441(b)(2), substituted "prosthetics and orthotics, vision rehabilitation therapy, orientation and mobility instruction, or low vision therapy" for "or prosthetics and orthotics".

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 113–128, §441(b)(3)(A), struck out "and in-service training" after "assistance" in heading.

Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 113–128, §441(b)(3)(B), inserted after period at end "Any technical assistance provided to community rehabilitation programs shall be focused on the employment outcome of competitive integrated employment for individuals with disabilities."

Subsec. (g)(3). Pub. L. 113–128, §441(b)(3)(C), struck out par. (3) which related to use of funding for projects for in-service training for rehabilitation personnel.

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 113–128, §441(b)(4), made technical amendment to reference in original act which appears in text as reference to section 776 of this title.

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 113–128, §441(b)(5), substituted "$33,657,000 for fiscal year 2015, $36,257,000 for fiscal year 2016, $37,009,000 for fiscal year 2017, $37,830,000 for fiscal year 2018, $38,719,000 for fiscal year 2019, and $39,540,000 for fiscal year 2020." for "such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 1999 through 2003."

2004—Subsec. (f)(1)(D)(ii). Pub. L. 108–446 made technical amendment to reference in original act which appears in text as reference to section 1402 of title 20.

§773. Demonstration and training programs

(a) Demonstration projects to increase client choice

(1) Grants

The Commissioner may make grants to States and public or nonprofit agencies and organizations to pay all or part of the costs of projects to demonstrate ways to increase client choice in the rehabilitation process, including the selection of providers of vocational rehabilitation services.

(2) Use of funds

An entity that receives a grant under this subsection shall use the grant only—

(A) for activities that are directly related to planning, operating, and evaluating the demonstration projects; and

(B) to supplement, and not supplant, funds made available from Federal and non-Federal sources for such projects.

(3) Application

Any eligible entity that desires to receive a grant under this subsection shall submit an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information and assurances as the Commissioner may require, including—

(A) a description of—

(i) how the entity intends to promote increased client choice in the rehabilitation process, including a description, if appropriate, of how an applicant will determine the cost of any service or product offered to an eligible client;

(ii) how the entity intends to ensure that any vocational rehabilitation service or related service is provided by a qualified provider who is accredited or meets such other quality assurance and cost-control criteria as the State may establish; and

(iii) the outreach activities to be conducted by the applicant to obtain eligible clients; and

(B) assurances that a written plan will be established with the full participation of the client, which plan shall, at a minimum, include—

(i) a statement of the vocational rehabilitation goals to be achieved;

(ii) a statement of the specific vocational rehabilitation services to be provided, the projected dates for their initiation, and the anticipated duration of each such service; and

(iii) objective criteria, an evaluation procedure, and a schedule, for determining whether such goals are being achieved.

(4) Award of grants

In selecting entities to receive grants under paragraph (1), the Commissioner shall take into consideration—

(A) the diversity of strategies used to increase client choice, including selection among qualified service providers;

(B) the geographic distribution of projects; and

(C) the diversity of clients to be served.

(5) Records

Entities that receive grants under paragraph (1) shall maintain such records as the Commissioner may require and comply with any request from the Commissioner for such records.

(6) Direct services

At least 80 percent of the funds awarded for any project under this subsection shall be used for direct services, as specifically chosen by eligible clients.

(7) Evaluation

The Commissioner may conduct an evaluation of the demonstration projects with respect to the services provided, clients served, client outcomes obtained, implementation issues addressed, the cost-effectiveness of the project, and the effects of increased choice on clients and service providers. The Commissioner may reserve funds for the evaluation for a fiscal year from the amounts appropriated to carry out projects under this section for the fiscal year.

(8) Definitions

For the purposes of this subsection:

(A) Direct services

The term "direct services" means vocational rehabilitation services, as described in section 723(a) of this title.

(B) Eligible client

The term "eligible client" means an individual with a disability, as defined in section 705(20)(A) of this title, who is not currently receiving services under an individualized plan for employment established through a designated State unit.

(b) Special demonstration programs

(1) Grants; contracts

The Commissioner, subject to the provisions of section 776 of this title, may provide grants to, or enter into contracts with, eligible entities to pay all or part of the cost of programs that expand and improve the provision of rehabilitation and other services authorized under this chapter or that further the purposes of the chapter, including related research and evaluation activities.

(2) Eligible entities; terms and conditions

(A) Eligible entities

To be eligible to receive a grant, or enter into a contract, under paragraph (1), an entity shall be a State vocational rehabilitation agency, community rehabilitation program, Indian tribe or tribal organization, or other public or nonprofit agency or organization, or as the Commissioner determines appropriate, a for-profit organization. The Commissioner may limit competitions to one or more types of organizations described in this subparagraph.

(B) Terms and conditions

A grant or contract under paragraph (1) shall contain such terms and conditions as the Commissioner may require.

(3) Application

An eligible entity that desires to receive a grant, or enter into a contract, under paragraph (1) shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such form, and containing such information and assurances as the Commissioner may require, including, if the Commissioner determines appropriate, a description of how the proposed project or demonstration program—

(A) is based on current research findings, which may include research conducted by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research, the National Institutes of Health, and other public or private organizations; and

(B) is of national significance.

(4) Types of projects

The programs that may be funded under this subsection may include—

(A) special projects and demonstrations of service delivery;

(B) model demonstration projects;

(C) technical assistance projects;

(D) systems change projects;

(E) special studies and evaluations; and

(F) dissemination and utilization activities.

(5) Priority for competitions

(A) In general

In announcing competitions for grants and contracts under this subsection, the Commissioner shall give priority consideration to—

(i) initiatives focused on improving transition from education, including postsecondary education, to employment, particularly in competitive integrated employment, for youth who are individuals with significant disabilities;

(ii) supported employment, including community-based supported employment programs to meet the needs of individuals with the most significant disabilities or to provide technical assistance to States and community organizations to improve and expand the provision of supported employment services; and

(iii) increasing competitive integrated employment for individuals with significant disabilities.

(B) Additional competitions

In announcing competitions for grants and contracts under this subsection, the Commissioner may require that applicants address one or more of the following:

(i) Age ranges.

(ii) Types of disabilities.

(iii) Types of services.

(iv) Models of service delivery.

(v) Stage of the rehabilitation process.

(vi) The needs of underserved populations, unserved and underserved areas, individuals with significant disabilities, low-incidence disability population or individuals residing in federally designated empowerment zones and enterprise communities.

(vii) Expansion of employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

(viii) Systems change projects to promote meaningful access of individuals with disabilities to employment-related services under subtitle B of title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act [29 U.S.C. 3151 et seq.] and under other Federal laws.

(ix) Innovative methods of promoting achievement of high-quality employment outcomes.

(x) The demonstration of the effectiveness of early intervention activities in improving employment outcomes.

(xi) Alternative methods of providing affordable transportation services to individuals with disabilities who are employed, seeking employment, or receiving vocational rehabilitation services from public or private organizations and who reside in geographic areas in which public transportation or paratransit service is not available.

(c) Parent information and training program

(1) Grants

The Commissioner is authorized to make grants to private nonprofit organizations for the purpose of establishing programs to provide training and information to enable individuals with disabilities, and the parents, family members, guardians, advocates, or other authorized representatives of the individuals to participate more effectively with professionals in meeting the vocational, independent living, and rehabilitation needs of individuals with disabilities. Such grants shall be designed to meet the unique training and information needs of the individuals described in the preceding sentence, who live in the area to be served, particularly those who are members of populations that have been unserved or underserved by programs under this chapter.

(2) Use of grants

An organization that receives a grant to establish training and information programs under this subsection shall use the grant to assist individuals with disabilities, and the parents, family members, guardians, advocates, or authorized representatives of the individuals—

(A) to better understand vocational rehabilitation and independent living programs and services;

(B) to provide followup support for transition and employment programs;

(C) to communicate more effectively with transition and rehabilitation personnel and other relevant professionals;

(D) to provide support in the development of the individualized plan for employment;

(E) to provide support and expertise in obtaining information about rehabilitation and independent living programs, services, and resources that are appropriate;

(F) to provide support and guidance in helping individuals with significant disabilities, including students with disabilities, transition to competitive integrated employment; and

(G) to understand the provisions of this chapter, particularly provisions relating to employment, supported employment, and independent living.

(3) Award of grants

The Commissioner shall ensure that grants under this subsection—

(A) shall be distributed geographically to the greatest extent possible throughout all States; and

(B) shall be targeted to individuals with disabilities, and the parents, family members, guardians, advocates, or authorized representatives of the individuals, in both urban and rural areas or on a State or regional basis.

(4) Eligible organizations

In order to receive a grant under this subsection, an organization—

(A) shall submit an application to the Commissioner at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Commissioner may require, including information demonstrating the capacity and expertise of the organization—

(i) to coordinate training and information activities with Centers for Independent Living;

(ii) to coordinate and work closely with the parent training and information centers established pursuant to section 1471 of title 20, the community parent resource centers established pursuant to section 1472 of title 20, and the eligible entities receiving awards under section 1473 of title 20; and

(iii) to effectively conduct the training and information activities authorized under this subsection;

(B)(i) shall be governed by a board of directors—

(I) that includes professionals in the field of vocational rehabilitation; and

(II) on which a majority of the members are individuals with disabilities or the parents, family members, guardians, advocates, or authorized representatives of the individuals; or

(ii)(I) shall have a membership that represents the interests of individuals with disabilities; and

(II) shall establish a special governing committee that meets the requirements specified in subclauses (I) and (II) of clause (i) to operate a training and information program under this subsection; and

(C) shall serve, and demonstrate the capacity for serving, individuals with a full range of disabilities, and the parents, family members, guardians, advocates, or authorized representatives of the individuals.

(5) Consultation

Each organization carrying out a program receiving assistance under this subsection shall consult with appropriate agencies that serve or assist individuals with disabilities, and the parents, family members, guardians, advocates, or authorized representatives of the individuals, located in the jurisdiction served by the program.

(6) Coordination

The Commissioner shall provide coordination and technical assistance by grant or cooperative agreement for establishing, developing, and coordinating the training and information programs. To the extent practicable, such assistance shall be provided by the parent training and information centers established pursuant to section 1471 of title 20.

(7) Review

(A) Quarterly review

The board of directors or special governing committee of an organization receiving a grant under this subsection shall meet at least once in each calendar quarter to review the training and information program, and each such committee shall directly advise the governing board regarding the views and recommendations of the committee.

(B) Review for grant renewal

If a nonprofit private organization requests the renewal of a grant under this subsection, the board of directors or the special governing committee shall prepare and submit to the Commissioner a written review of the training and information program conducted by the organization during the preceding fiscal year.

(8) Reservation

From the amount appropriated to carry out this section for a fiscal year, 20 percent of such amount or $500,000, whichever is less, may be reserved to carry out paragraph (6).

(d) Braille training programs

(1) Establishment

The Commissioner shall make grants to, and enter into contracts with, States and public or nonprofit agencies and organizations, including institutions of higher education, to pay all or part of the cost of training in the use of braille for personnel providing vocational rehabilitation services or educational services to youth and adults who are blind.

(2) Projects

Such grants shall be used for the establishment or continuation of projects that may provide—

(A) development of braille training materials;

(B) in-service or pre-service training in the use of braille, the importance of braille literacy, and methods of teaching braille to youth and adults who are blind; and

(C) activities to promote knowledge and use of braille and nonvisual access technology for blind youth and adults through a program of training, demonstration, and evaluation conducted with leadership of experienced blind individuals, including the use of comprehensive, state-of-the-art technology.

(3) Application

To be eligible to receive a grant, or enter into a contract, under paragraph (1), an agency or organization shall submit an application to the Commissioner at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Commissioner may require.

(e) Authorization of appropriations

For the purpose of carrying out this section there are authorized to be appropriated $5,796,000 for fiscal year 2015, $6,244,000 for fiscal year 2016, $6,373,000 for fiscal year 2017, $6,515,000 for fiscal year 2018, $6,668,000 for fiscal year 2019, and $6,809,000 for fiscal year 2020.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title III, §303, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §406, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1190; amended Pub. L. 108–446, title III, §305(h)(5), (6), Dec. 3, 2004, 118 Stat. 2805; Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §442, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1673.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(5)(B)(viii), is Pub. L. 113–128, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1425. Subtitle B of title I of the Act is classified generally to part B (§3151 et seq.) of subchapter I of chapter 32 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of this title and Tables.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 773, Pub. L. 93–112, title III, §304, formerly §303, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 379; Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §113, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2968; Pub. L. 99–506, title I, §103(d)(2)(C), title X, §1001(d)(2), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1810, 1843; renumbered §304 and amended Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §102(p)(17), title III, §§301(b)(3), 304, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4358, 4411, 4417, related to loan guarantees for community rehabilitation programs, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

A prior section 303 of Pub. L. 93–112 was classified to section 772 of this title prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 113–128, §442(1)(A), made technical amendment to reference in original act which appears in text as reference to section 776 of this title.

Subsec. (b)(3)(A). Pub. L. 113–128, §442(1)(B), substituted "National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research" for "National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research".

Subsec. (b)(5)(A)(i). Pub. L. 113–128, §442(1)(C)(i)(I), added cl. (i) and struck out former cl. (i) which read as follows: "special projects and demonstration programs of service delivery for adults who are either low-functioning and deaf or low-functioning and hard of hearing;".

Subsec. (b)(5)(A)(iii). Pub. L. 113–128, §442(1)(C)(i)(II), added cl. (iii) and struck out former cl. (iii) which read as follows: "model transitional planning services for youths with disabilities."

Subsec. (b)(5)(B)(viii). Pub. L. 113–128, §442(1)(C)(ii), substituted "under subtitle B of title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act" for "under title I of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998".

Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 113–128, §442(1)(D), struck out par. (6) which read as follows: "The Commissioner may use funds made available to carry out this section for continuation awards for projects that were funded under sections 711 and 777a of this title (as such sections were in effect on the day before August 7, 1998)."

Subsec. (c)(2)(F), (G). Pub. L. 113–128, §442(2)(A), added par. (F) and redesignated former par. (F) as (G).

Subsec. (c)(4)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 113–128, §442(2)(B)(i), inserted "the" after "closely with" and ", the community parent resource centers established pursuant to section 1472 of title 20, and the eligible entities receiving awards under section 1473 of title 20" after "section 1471 of title 20".

Subsec. (c)(4)(C). Pub. L. 113–128, §442(2)(B)(ii), inserted ", and demonstrate the capacity for serving," after "shall serve".

Subsec. (c)(8). Pub. L. 113–128, §442(2)(C), added par. (8).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 113–128, §442(3), added subsec. (e) and struck out former subsec. (e) which read as follows: "There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 1999 through 2003."

2004—Subsec. (c)(4)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 108–446, §305(h)(6), substituted "section 1471" for "section 1482(a)".

Subsec. (c)(6). Pub. L. 108–446, §305(h)(5), substituted "section 1471" for "section 1482(a)".

§§774, 775. Repealed. Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §443(1), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1674

Section 774, Pub. L. 93–112, title III, §304, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §406, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1195, related to grants for vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities who are migrant or seasonal farmworkers and to the family members who are residing with such individuals.

A prior section 774, Pub. L. 93–112, title III, §304, formerly title II, §203, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 376, renumbered and amended, which related to Federal grants, contracts, and programs for training in rehabilitation services, was renumbered section 302 of Pub. L. 93–112, by Pub. L. 102–569, title III, §301(b)(3), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4411, and transferred to section 771a of this title, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Another prior section 774, Pub. L. 93–112, title III, §304, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 381; Pub. L. 93–516, title I, §§106, 111(i)–(k), Dec. 7, 1974, 88 Stat. 1619, 1621; Pub. L. 93–651, title I, §§106, 111(i)–(k), Nov. 21, 1974, 89 Stat. 2–4, 2-6; Pub. L. 94–230, §§6, 11(b)(9), Mar. 15, 1976, 90 Stat. 212, 213, related to special projects and demonstrations, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §109(1), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2962.

Section 775, Pub. L. 93–112, title III, §305, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §406, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1196, related to grants to recreation programs to provide individuals with disabilities with recreational activities and related experiences.

A prior section 775, Pub. L. 93–112, title III, §305, as added Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §115(a), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2971; amended Pub. L. 98–221, title I, §134, Feb. 22, 1984, 98 Stat. 25; Pub. L. 99–506, title I, §103(d)(2)(C), title IV, §404, title X, §1002(d)(3), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1810, 1825, 1844; Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §204(d), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3309; Pub. L. 102–52, §4(d), June 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 261; Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §102(p)(19), title III, §305, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4358, 4417, related to comprehensive rehabilitation centers, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Another prior section 775, Pub. L. 93–112, title III, §305, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 383, as amended, which authorized appropriations for fiscal years ending June 30, 1974, June 30, 1975, June 30, 1976, Sept. 30, 1977, and Sept. 30, 1978, for the establishment of the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults, was renumbered section 313 of Pub. L. 93–112 by Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §109(1), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2962, transferred to section 777c of this title, and subsequently repealed by Pub. L. 100–630.

§776. Measuring of project outcomes and performance

The Commissioner may require that recipients of grants under this subchapter submit information, including data, as determined by the Commissioner to be necessary to measure project outcomes and performance, including any data needed to comply with the Government Performance and Results Act.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title III, §304, formerly §306, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §406, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1197; renumbered §304, Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §443(2), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1674.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Government Performance and Results Act, referred to in text, probably means the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993, Pub. L. 103–62, Aug. 3, 1993, 107 Stat. 285, which enacted section 306 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, sections 1115 to 1119, 9703, and 9704 of Title 31, Money and Finance, and sections 2801 to 2805 of Title 39, Postal Service, amended section 1105 of Title 31, and enacted provisions set out as notes under sections 1101 and 1115 of Title 31. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1993 Amendment note set out under section 1101 of Title 31 and Tables.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 304 of Pub. L. 93–112 was classified to section 774 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 113–128, §443(1).

Prior sections 776 to 777b were omitted in the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Section 776, Pub. L. 93–112, title III, §306, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 384; Pub. L. 93–516, title I, §111(l), Dec. 7, 1974, 88 Stat. 1621; Pub. L. 93–651, title I, §111(l), Nov. 21, 1974, 89 Stat. 2–6; Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §§115(b), 122(c)(4)–(6), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2972, 2987; Pub. L. 99–506, title I, §103(d)(2)(C), title X, §1002(d)(4), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1810, 1844; Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §204(e), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3309; Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §102(p)(20), title III, §306, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4359, 4417, related to general grant and contract requirements.

Section 777, Pub. L. 93–112, title III, §310, as added Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §116(2), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2973; amended Pub. L. 98–221, title I, §135, title II, §208(b), Feb. 22, 1984, 98 Stat. 25, 34; Pub. L. 99–506, title IV, §405, Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1825; Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §204(f), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3309; Pub. L. 102–52, §4(e)(1), June 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 261; Pub. L. 102–569, title III, §307, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4418; Pub. L. 103–73, title I, §110(b), Aug. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 726, authorized appropriations.

Section 777a, Pub. L. 93–112, title III, §311, as added Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §116(2), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2973; amended Pub. L. 98–221, title I, §136, Feb. 22, 1984, 98 Stat. 26; Pub. L. 99–506, title I, §103(d)(2)(C), title III, §302(b), title IV, §406, Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1810, 1821, 1826; Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §204(g), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3309; Pub. L. 102–52, §4(e)(2), June 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 261; Pub. L. 102–119, §26(e), Oct. 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 607; Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §102(p)(21), title III, §308, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4359, 4418; Pub. L. 103–73, title I, §110(c), Aug. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 726; Pub. L. 104–66, title I, §1041(b), Dec. 21, 1995, 109 Stat. 714, related to special demonstration programs.

Section 777b, Pub. L. 93–112, title III, §312, as added Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §116(2), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2974; amended Pub. L. 99–506, title I, §103(d)(2)(C), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1810; Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §204(h), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3309; Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §102(p)(22), title III, §309, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4359, 4420, related to migratory workers, maintenance payments, and coordination with other programs.

A prior section 777c, Pub. L. 93–112, title III, §313, as added Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §116(2), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2974, related to Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 98–221, title II, §203(a), Feb. 22, 1984, 98 Stat. 33. See chapter 21 (§1901 et seq.) of this title.

Another prior section 777c, Pub. L. 93–112, title III, §313, formerly §305, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 383; Pub. L. 93–516, title I, §107, Dec. 7, 1974, 88 Stat. 1619; Pub. L. 93–651, title I, §107, Nov. 21, 1974, 89 Stat. 2–4; Pub. L. 94–230, §§7, 11(b)(10), Mar. 15, 1976, 90 Stat. 212, 213; Pub. L. 94–288, §§1, 2, May 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 520; renumbered §313, Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §109(1), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2962, formerly classified to section 775 of this title, authorized appropriations for fiscal years ending June 30, 1974, June 30, 1975, June 30, 1976, Sept. 30, 1977, and Sept. 30, 1978, for establishment of Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §204(k), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3309.

Prior sections 777d to 777f were omitted in the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Section 777d, Pub. L. 93–112, title III, §314, as added Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §116(2), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2975; amended Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §204(i), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3309; Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §102(p)(23), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4359, related to reader services for individuals who are blind.

Section 777e, Pub. L. 93–112, title III, §315, as added Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §116(2), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2975; amended Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §102(p)(24), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4359, related to interpreter services for individuals who are deaf.

Section 777f, Pub. L. 93–112, title III, §316, as added Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §116(2), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2976; amended Pub. L. 98–221, title I, §137, Feb. 22, 1984, 98 Stat. 26; Pub. L. 99–506, title I, §103(d)(2)(C), title IV, §407, Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1810, 1827; Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §204(j), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3309; Pub. L. 102–52, §4(e)(3), June 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 261; Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §102(p)(25), title III, §310, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4359, 4420; Pub. L. 103–73, title I, §110(d), Aug. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 726, related to special recreational programs.

SUBCHAPTER IV—NATIONAL COUNCIL ON DISABILITY

Editorial Notes

Codification

Title IV of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, comprising this subchapter, was originally enacted by Pub. L. 93–112, title IV, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 385, and amended by Pub. L. 93–516, Dec. 7, 1974, 88 Stat. 1617; Pub. L. 93–651, Nov. 21, 1974, 89 Stat. 2–3; Pub. L. 94–230, Mar. 15, 1976, 90 Stat. 211; Pub. L. 95–602, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2955; Pub. L. 98–221, Feb. 22, 1984, 98 Stat. 17; Pub. L. 99–506, Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1807; Pub. L. 100–630, Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3289; Pub. L. 102–52, June 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 260; Pub. L. 102–569, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4344; Pub. L. 103–73, Aug. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 718; Pub. L. 104–66, Dec. 21, 1995, 109 Stat. 707. Title IV is shown herein, however, as having been added by Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §407, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1198, without reference to those intervening amendments because of the extensive revision of title IV by Pub. L. 105–220.

§780. Establishment of National Council on Disability

(a) Membership; purpose

(1)(A) There is established within the Federal Government a National Council on Disability (referred to in this subchapter as the "National Council"), which, subject to subparagraph (B), shall be composed of 9 members, of which—

(i) 5 shall be appointed by the President;

(ii) 1 shall be appointed by the Majority Leader of the Senate;

(iii) 1 shall be appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate;

(iv) 1 shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives; and

(v) 1 shall be appointed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives.

(B) The National Council shall transition from 15 members (as of July 22, 2014) to 9 members as follows:

(i) On the first 4 expirations of National Council terms (after that date), replacement members shall be appointed to the National Council in the following order and manner:

(I) 1 shall be appointed by the Majority Leader of the Senate.

(II) 1 shall be appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate.

(III) 1 shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

(IV) 1 shall be appointed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives.

(ii) On the next 6 expirations of National Council terms (after the 4 expirations described in clause (i) occur), no replacement members shall be appointed to the National Council.

(C) For any vacancy on the National Council that occurs after the transition described in subparagraph (B), the vacancy shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment was made.

(D) The members of the National Council shall be individuals with disabilities, parents or guardians of individuals with disabilities, national leaders on disability policy, or other individuals who have substantial knowledge or experience relating to disability policy or issues that affect individuals with disabilities. The members of the National Council shall be appointed so as to be representative of individuals with disabilities, national organizations concerned with individuals with disabilities, providers and administrators of services to individuals with disabilities, individuals engaged in conducting medical or scientific research relating to individuals with disabilities, business concerns, and labor organizations. A majority of the members of the National Council shall be individuals with disabilities. The members of the National Council shall be broadly representative of minority and other individuals and groups.

(2) The purpose of the National Council is to promote policies, programs, practices, and procedures that—

(A) guarantee equal opportunity for all individuals with disabilities, regardless of the nature or severity of the disability; and

(B) empower individuals with disabilities to achieve economic self-sufficiency, independent living, and inclusion and integration into all aspects of society.

(b) Term of office

(1) Each member of the National Council shall serve for a term of 3 years.

(2)(A) No member of the National Council may serve more than two consecutive full terms beginning on the date of commencement of the first full term on the Council. Members may serve after the expiration of their terms until their successors have taken office.

(B) As used in this paragraph, the term "full term" means a term of 3 years.

(3) Any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring before the expiration of the term for which such member's predecessor was appointed shall be appointed only for the remainder of such term.

(c) Chairperson; meetings

The President shall designate the Chairperson from among the members appointed to the National Council. The National Council shall meet at the call of the Chairperson, but not less often than four times each year.

(d) Quorum; vacancies

Five members of the National Council shall constitute a quorum and any vacancy in the National Council shall not affect its power to function.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title IV, §400, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §407, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1198; amended Pub. L. 112–166, §2(q), Aug. 10, 2012, 126 Stat. 1288; Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §451, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1674; Pub. L. 114–18, §3(a), May 22, 2015, 129 Stat. 214.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 780, Pub. L. 93–112, title IV, §400, as added Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §117, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2977; amended Pub. L. 98–221, title I, §141(a), Feb. 22, 1984, 98 Stat. 26; Pub. L. 99–506, title I, §103(d)(2)(C), title V, §501, title X, §1001(e), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1810, 1828, 1843; Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §205(b), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3310; Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §102(p)(26), title IV, §401, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4360, 4421, related to establishment of the National Council on Disability, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Another prior section 780, Pub. L. 93–112, title IV, §400, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 385, related to general administrative powers of Secretary under this chapter, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 95–602, §117.

Amendments

2015—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 114–18 amended subsec. (b) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (b) read as follows:

"(b)(1) Each member of the National Council shall serve for a term of 3 years.

"(2)(A) No member of the National Council may serve more than two consecutive full terms beginning on the date of commencement of the first full term on the Council. Members may serve after the expiration of their terms until their successors have taken office.

"(B) As used in this paragraph, the term 'full term' means a term of 3 years.

"(3) Any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring before the expiration of the term for which such member's predecessor was appointed shall be appointed only for the remainder of such term."

2014—Subsec. (a)(1)(A) to (C). Pub. L. 113–128, §451(1)(B), added subpars. (A) to (C) and struck out former subpars. (A) and (B) which read as follows:

"(1)(A) There is established within the Federal Government a National Council on Disability (hereinafter in this subchapter referred to as the 'National Council'), which shall be composed of fifteen members appointed by the President.

"(B) The President shall select members of the National Council after soliciting recommendations from representatives of—

"(i) organizations representing a broad range of individuals with disabilities; and

"(ii) organizations interested in individuals with disabilities."

Former subpar. (C) redesignated (D).

Subsec. (a)(1)(D). Pub. L. 113–128, §451(1)(C), inserted "national leaders on disability policy," after "guardians of individuals with disabilities," and substituted "policy or issues that affect individuals with disabilities" for "policy or programs".

Pub. L. 113–128, §451(1)(A), redesignated subpar. (C) as (D).

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 113–128, §451(2), which directed substitution of a period for " ', except' and all that follows", was executed by substituting a period for ", except that the terms of service of the members initially appointed after November 6, 1978, shall be (as specified by the President) for such fewer number of years as will provide for the expiration of terms on a staggered basis." in par. (1), to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 113–128, §451(3), substituted "Five" for "Eight".

2012—Subsec. (a)(1)(A). Pub. L. 112–166 struck out ", by and with the advice and consent of the Senate" before period at end.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2015 Amendment

Pub. L. 114–18, §3(b), May 22, 2015, 129 Stat. 214, provided that: "The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall take effect as if enacted 1 day after the date of enactment of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act [Pub. L. 113–128, approved July 22, 2014] (29 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.)."

Effective Date of 2012 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 112–166 effective 60 days after Aug. 10, 2012, and applicable to appointments made on and after that effective date, including any nomination pending in the Senate on that date, see section 6(a) of Pub. L. 112–166, set out as a note under section 113 of Title 6, Domestic Security.

§780a. Independent status of National Council on the Handicapped

(1) Council as independent agency within Federal Government

Effective on February 22, 1984, the National Council on the Handicapped shall be an independent agency within the Federal Government and shall not be an agency within the Department of Education or any other department or agency of the United States.

(2) Transfer of functions to Council Chairman

There are transferred to the Chairman of the National Council on the Handicapped all functions relating to the Council which were vested in the Secretary of Education on the day before February 22, 1984. The Chairman of the National Council on the Handicapped shall continue to exercise all the functions under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 [29 U.S.C. 701 et seq.] or any other law or authority which the Chairman was performing before February 22, 1984.

(3) Changes in statutory and other references

References in any statute, reorganization plan, Executive order, regulation, or other official document or proceeding to the Department of Education or the Secretary of Education with respect to functions or activities relating to the National Council on the Handicapped shall be deemed to refer to the National Council on the Handicapped or the Chairman of the National Council on the Handicapped, respectively.

(Pub. L. 98–221, title I, §141(b), Feb. 22, 1984, 98 Stat. 26.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, referred to in par. (2), is Pub. L. 93–112, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 355, which is classified generally to this chapter (§701 et seq.). For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 701 of this title and Tables.

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Rehabilitation Amendments of 1984, and not as part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 which comprises this chapter.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

The National Council on the Handicapped was established by former section 780 of this title and was redesignated the National Council on Disability by an amendment to that section by Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §205(b), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3310.

§781. Duties of National Council

(a) In general

The National Council shall—

(1) provide advice to the Director with respect to the policies and conduct of the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research, including ways to improve research concerning individuals with disabilities and the methods of collecting and disseminating findings of such research;

(2) provide advice to the Commissioner with respect to the policies of and conduct of the Rehabilitation Services Administration;

(3) advise the President, the Congress, the Commissioner, the appropriate Assistant Secretary of the Department of Education, and the Director of the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research on the development of the programs to be carried out under this chapter;

(4) provide advice regarding priorities for the activities of the Interagency Disability Coordinating Council and review the recommendations of such Council for legislative and administrative changes to ensure that such recommendations are consistent with the purposes of the Council to promote the full integration, independence, and productivity of individuals with disabilities;

(5) review and evaluate on a continuing basis—

(A) policies, programs, practices, and procedures concerning individuals with disabilities conducted or assisted by Federal departments and agencies, including programs established or assisted under this chapter or under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 [42 U.S.C. 15001 et seq.]; and

(B) all statutes and regulations pertaining to Federal programs which assist such individuals with disabilities;

in order to assess the effectiveness of such policies, programs, practices, procedures, statutes, and regulations in meeting the needs of individuals with disabilities;

(6) assess the extent to which such policies, programs, practices, and procedures facilitate or impede the promotion of the policies set forth in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of section 780(a)(2) of this title;

(7) gather information about the implementation, effectiveness, and impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.);

(8) make recommendations to the President, the Congress, the Secretary, the Director of the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, and other officials of Federal agencies or other Federal entities, respecting ways to better promote the policies set forth in section 780(a)(2) of this title;

(9) provide to the Congress on a continuing basis advice, recommendations, legislative proposals, and any additional information that the National Council or the Congress deems appropriate; and

(10) review and evaluate on a continuing basis new and emerging disability policy issues affecting individuals with disabilities at the Federal, State, and local levels, and in the private sector, including the need for and coordination of adult services, access to personal assistance services, school reform efforts and the impact of such efforts on individuals with disabilities, access to health care, and policies that operate as disincentives for the individuals to seek and retain employment.

(b) Annual reports

(1) Not later than October 31, 1998, and annually thereafter, the National Council shall prepare and submit to the President and the appropriate committees of the Congress a report entitled "National Disability Policy: A Progress Report".

(2) The report shall assess the status of the Nation in achieving the policies set forth in section 780(a)(2) of this title, with particular focus on the new and emerging issues impacting on the lives of individuals with disabilities. The report shall present, as appropriate, available data on health, housing, employment, insurance, transportation, recreation, training, prevention, early intervention, and education. The report shall include recommendations for policy change.

(3) In determining the issues to focus on and the findings, conclusions, and recommendations to include in the report, the National Council shall seek input from the public, particularly individuals with disabilities, representatives of organizations representing a broad range of individuals with disabilities, and organizations and agencies interested in individuals with disabilities.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title IV, §401, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §407, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1199; amended Pub. L. 105–394, title II, §202, Nov. 13, 1998, 112 Stat. 3653; Pub. L. 106–402, title IV, §401(b)(3)(B), Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1737; Pub. L. 108–364, §3(b)(2), Oct. 25, 2004, 118 Stat. 1737; Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §452, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1675.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000, referred to in subsec. (a)(5)(A), is Pub. L. 106–402, Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1677, which is classified principally to chapter 144 (§15001 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 15001 of Title 42 and Tables.

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, referred to in subsec. (a)(7), is Pub. L. 101–336, July 26, 1990, 104 Stat. 327, which is classified principally to chapter 126 (§12101 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 12101 of Title 42 and Tables.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 781, Pub. L. 93–112, title IV, §401, as added Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §117, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2977; amended Pub. L. 98–221, title I, §142, Feb. 22, 1984, 98 Stat. 27; Pub. L. 99–506, title I, §103(d)(2)(C), title III, §302(b), title V, §502, Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1810, 1821, 1828; Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §205(c), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3310; Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §102(p)(27), title IV, §402, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4360, 4422; Pub. L. 104–66, title II, §2131, Dec. 21, 1995, 109 Stat. 731, related to duties of National Council on Disability, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Another prior section 781, Pub. L. 93–112, title IV, §401, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 386, related to program and project evaluation, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 95–602, §117.

Amendments

Subsec. (a)(1), (3). Pub. L. 113–128, §452(1), substituted "National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research" for "National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 113–128, §452(2), struck out subsec. (c) which required a report describing the barriers in Federal assistive technology policy to increasing the availability of and access to assistive technology devices and assistive technology services for individuals with disabilities.

2004—Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 108–364 substituted "targeted individuals and entities" for "targeted individuals".

2000—Subsec. (a)(5)(A). Pub. L. 106–402, which directed substitution of "Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000" for "Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (42 U.S.C. 6000 et seq.)", was executed by making the substitution for "Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act" to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

1998—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 105–394 added subsec. (c).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Termination of Reporting Requirements

For termination, effective May 15, 2000, of provisions of law requiring submittal to Congress of any annual, semiannual, or other regular periodic report listed in House Document No. 103–7 (in which a report to Congress required under subsec. (b) of this section is listed on page 182), see section 3003 of Pub. L. 104–66, as amended, set out as a note under section 1113 of Title 31, Money and Finance.

Transfer of Functions

Functions which the Director of the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research exercised before July 22, 2014 (including all related functions of any officer or employee of the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research), transferred to the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research, see subsection (n) of section 3515e of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

§782. Compensation of National Council members

(a) Rate

Members of the National Council shall be entitled to receive compensation at a rate equal to the rate of pay for level 4 of the Senior Executive Service Schedule under section 5382 of title 5, including travel time, for each day they are engaged in the performance of their duties as members of the National Council.

(b) Full-time officers or employees of United States

Members of the National Council who are full-time officers or employees of the United States shall receive no additional pay on account of their service on the National Council except for compensation for travel expenses as provided under subsection (c) of this section.

(c) Travel expenses

While away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for the National Council, members of the National Council shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in the same manner as persons employed intermittently in the Government service are allowed expenses under section 5703 of title 5.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title IV, §402, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §407, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1200.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 782, Pub. L. 93–112, title IV, §402, as added Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §117, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2978; amended Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §205(d), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3310; Pub. L. 102–569, title IV, §403, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4423, related to compensation of National Council members, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Another prior section 782, Pub. L. 93–112, title IV, §402, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 387, authorized the Secretary to obtain information from Federal agencies, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 95–602, §117.

§783. Staff of National Council

(a) Executive Director; technical and professional employees

(1) The Chairperson of the National Council may appoint and remove, without regard to the provisions of title 5 governing appointments, the provisions of chapter 75 of such title (relating to adverse actions), the provisions of chapter 77 of such title (relating to appeals), or the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title (relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates), an Executive Director to assist the National Council to carry out its duties. The Executive Director shall be appointed from among individuals who are experienced in the planning or operation of programs for individuals with disabilities.

(2) The Executive Director is authorized to hire technical and professional employees to assist the National Council to carry out its duties.

(b) Temporary or intermittent services; voluntary and uncompensated services; gifts, etc.; contracts and agreements; official representation and reception

(1) The National Council may procure temporary and intermittent services to the same extent as is authorized by section 3109(b) of title 5 (but at rates for individuals not to exceed the daily equivalent of the rate of pay for level 4 of the Senior Executive Service Schedule under section 5382 of title 5).

(2) The National Council may—

(A) accept voluntary and uncompensated services, notwithstanding the provisions of section 1342 of title 31;

(B) in the name of the Council, solicit, accept, employ, and dispose of, in furtherance of this chapter, any money or property, real or personal, or mixed, tangible or nontangible, received by gift, devise, bequest, or otherwise; and

(C) enter into contracts and cooperative agreements with Federal and State agencies, private firms, institutions, and individuals for the conduct of research and surveys, preparation of reports and other activities necessary to the discharge of the Council's duties and responsibilities.

(3) Not more than 10 per centum of the total amounts available to the National Council in each fiscal year may be used for official representation and reception.

(c) Administrative support services

The Administrator of General Services shall provide to the National Council on a reimbursable basis such administrative support services as the Council may request.

(d) Investment of amounts not required for current withdrawals

(1) It shall be the duty of the Secretary of the Treasury to invest such portion of the amounts made available under subsection (a)(2)(B) ¹ as is not, in the Secretary's judgment, required to meet current withdrawals. Such investments may be made only in interest-bearing obligations of the United States or in obligations guaranteed as to both principal and interest by the United States.

(2) The amounts described in paragraph (1), and the interest on, and the proceeds from the sale or redemption of, the obligations described in paragraph (1) shall be available to the National Council to carry out this subchapter.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title IV, §403, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §407, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1200.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 783, Pub. L. 93–112, title IV, §403, as added Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §117, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2978; amended Pub. L. 98–221, title I, §143, Feb. 22, 1984, 98 Stat. 28; Pub. L. 99–506, title I, §103(d)(2)(C), title V, §503, Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1810, 1829; Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §205(e), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3310; Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §102(p)(28), title IV, §404, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4360, 4423; Pub. L. 103–73, title I, §111, Aug. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 727, related to National Council staff, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Another prior section 783, Pub. L. 93–112, title IV, §403, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 387; Pub. L. 93–516, title I, §108, Dec. 7, 1974, 88 Stat. 1619; Pub. L. 93–651, title I, §108, Nov. 21, 1974, 89 Stat. 2–4; Pub. L. 94–230, §§8, 11(b)(11), Mar. 15, 1976, 90 Stat. 212, 213, authorized appropriations to conduct program and project evaluations, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 95–602, §117.

¹ So in original. Probably should be subsection "(b)(2)(B)".

§784. Administrative powers of National Council

(a) Bylaws and rules

The National Council may prescribe such bylaws and rules as may be necessary to carry out its duties under this subchapter.

(b) Hearings

The National Council may hold such hearings, sit and act at such times and places, take such testimony, and receive such evidence as it deems advisable.

(c) Advisory committees

The National Council may appoint advisory committees to assist the National Council in carrying out its duties. The members thereof shall serve without compensation.

(d) Use of mails

The National Council may use the United States mails in the same manner and upon the same conditions as other departments and agencies of the United States.

(e) Use of services, personnel, information, and facilities

The National Council may use, with the consent of the agencies represented on the Interagency Disability Coordinating Council, and as authorized in subchapter V, such services, personnel, information, and facilities as may be needed to carry out its duties under this subchapter, with or without reimbursement to such agencies.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title IV, §404, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §407, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1201.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 784, Pub. L. 93–112, title IV, §404, as added Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §117, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2979; amended Pub. L. 102–569, title IV, §405, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4423, related to administrative powers of National Council, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Another prior section 784, Pub. L. 93–112, title IV, §404, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 387, directed Secretary to submit annual reports to the President and to Congress on activities carried out under this chapter, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 95–602, §117.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Termination of Advisory Committees

Advisory committees established after Jan. 5, 1973, to terminate not later than the expiration of the 2-year period beginning on the date of their establishment, unless, in the case of a committee established by the President or an officer of the Federal Government, such committee is renewed by appropriate action prior to the expiration of such 2-year period, or in the case of a committee established by the Congress, its duration is otherwise provided for by law. See section 1013 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

§785. Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subchapter $3,186,000 for fiscal year 2015, $3,432,000 for fiscal year 2016, $3,503,000 for fiscal year 2017, $3,581,000 for fiscal year 2018, $3,665,000 for fiscal year 2019, and $3,743,000 for fiscal year 2020.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title IV, §405, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §407, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1202; amended Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §453, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1675.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 785, Pub. L. 93–112, title IV, §405, as added Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §117, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2979; amended Pub. L. 99–506, title V, §504, Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1829; Pub. L. 102–52, §5, June 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 262; Pub. L. 102–569, title IV, §406, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4423, authorized appropriations, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Another prior section 785, Pub. L. 93–112, title IV, §405, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 388; Pub. L. 93–516, title I, §§109, 111(m), Dec. 7, 1974, 88 Stat. 1619, 1621; Pub. L. 93–651, title I, §§109, 111(m), Nov. 21, 1974, 89 Stat. 2–4, 2-6; Pub. L. 94–230, §§9, 11(b)(12), Mar. 15, 1976, 90 Stat. 212, 213, specified certain responsibilities of the Secretary, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 95–602, §117.

Prior sections 786 and 787 were repealed by Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §117, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2977.

Section 786, Pub. L. 93–112, title IV, §406, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 389; S. Res. 4, Feb. 4, 1977, provided that the Secretary conduct a study on the role of sheltered workshops in the rehabilitation and employment of handicapped individuals and report the results of this study to Congress within twenty-four months after Sept. 26, 1973.

Section 787, Pub. L. 93–112, title IV, §407, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 389, provided that the Secretary conduct a study on allotment of funds among the States for grants for basic vocational rehabilitation and report the results of this study to Congress not later than June 30, 1974.

Amendments

2014—Pub. L. 113–128 substituted "$3,186,000 for fiscal year 2015, $3,432,000 for fiscal year 2016, $3,503,000 for fiscal year 2017, $3,581,000 for fiscal year 2018, $3,665,000 for fiscal year 2019, and $3,743,000 for fiscal year 2020." for "such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 1999 through 2003."

SUBCHAPTER V—RIGHTS AND ADVOCACY

§790. Repealed. Pub. L. 102–569, title V, §502(a), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4424

Section, Pub. L. 93–112, title V, §500, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 390, related to effects on existing law, references in other provisions, availability of unexpended appropriations, savings provision, and extension of appropriations.

§791. Employment of individuals with disabilities

(a) Interagency Committee on Employees who are Individuals with Disabilities; establishment; membership; co-chairmen; availability of other Committee resources; purpose and functions

There is established within the Federal Government an Interagency Committee on Employees who are Individuals with Disabilities (hereinafter in this section referred to as the "Committee"), comprised of such members as the President may select, including the following (or their designees whose positions are Executive Level IV or higher): the Chairman of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (hereafter in this section referred to as the "Commission"), the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of Education, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Either the Director of the Office of Personnel Management and the Chairman of the Commission shall serve as co-chairpersons of the Committee or the Director or Chairman shall serve as the sole chairperson of the Committee, as the Director and Chairman jointly determine, from time to time, to be appropriate. The resources of the President's Disability Employment Partnership Board and the President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities shall be made fully available to the Committee. It shall be the purpose and function of the Committee (1) to provide a focus for Federal and other employment of individuals with disabilities, and to review, on a periodic basis, in cooperation with the Commission, the adequacy of hiring, placement, and advancement practices with respect to individuals with disabilities, by each department, agency, and instrumentality in the executive branch of Government and the Smithsonian Institution, and to insure that the special needs of such individuals are being met; and (2) to consult with the Commission to assist the Commission to carry out its responsibilities under subsections (b), (c), and (d) of this section. On the basis of such review and consultation, the Committee shall periodically make to the Commission such recommendations for legislative and administrative changes as it deems necessary or desirable. The Commission shall timely transmit to the appropriate committees of Congress any such recommendations.

(b) Federal agencies; affirmative action program plans

Each department, agency, and instrumentality (including the United States Postal Service and the Postal Regulatory Commission) in the executive branch and the Smithsonian Institution shall, within one hundred and eighty days after September 26, 1973, submit to the Commission and to the Committee an affirmative action program plan for the hiring, placement, and advancement of individuals with disabilities in such department, agency, instrumentality, or Institution. Such plan shall include a description of the extent to which and methods whereby the special needs of employees who are individuals with disabilities are being met. Such plan shall be updated annually, and shall be reviewed annually and approved by the Commission, if the Commission determines, after consultation with the Committee, that such plan provides sufficient assurances, procedures and commitments to provide adequate hiring, placement, and advancement opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

(c) State agencies; rehabilitated individuals, employment

The Commission, after consultation with the Committee, shall develop and recommend to the Secretary for referral to the appropriate State agencies, policies and procedures which will facilitate the hiring, placement, and advancement in employment of individuals who have received rehabilitation services under State vocational rehabilitation programs, veterans' programs, or any other program for individuals with disabilities, including the promotion of job opportunities for such individuals. The Secretary shall encourage such State agencies to adopt and implement such policies and procedures.

(d) Report to Congressional committees

The Commission, after consultation with the Committee, shall, on June 30, 1974, and at the end of each subsequent fiscal year, make a complete report to the appropriate committees of the Congress with respect to the practices of and achievements in hiring, placement, and advancement of individuals with disabilities by each department, agency, and instrumentality and the Smithsonian Institution and the effectiveness of the affirmative action programs required by subsection (b) of this section, together with recommendations as to legislation which have been submitted to the Commission under subsection (a) of this section, or other appropriate action to insure the adequacy of such practices. Such report shall also include an evaluation by the Committee of the effectiveness of the activities of the Commission under subsections (b) and (c) of this section.

(e) Federal work experience without pay; non-Federal status

An individual who, as a part of an individualized plan for employment under a State plan approved under this chapter, participates in a program of unpaid work experience in a Federal agency, shall not, by reason thereof, be considered to be a Federal employee or to be subject to the provisions of law relating to Federal employment, including those relating to hours of work, rates of compensation, leave, unemployment compensation, and Federal employee benefits.

(f) Standards used in determining violation of section

The standards used to determine whether this section has been violated in a complaint alleging nonaffirmative action employment discrimination under this section shall be the standards applied under title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12111 et seq.) and the provisions of sections 501 through 504, and 510,¹ of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12201–12204 and 12210), as such sections relate to employment.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title V, §501, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 390; Pub. L. 98–221, title I, §104(b)(3), Feb. 22, 1984, 98 Stat. 18; Pub. L. 99–506, title I, §103(d)(2)(C), title X, §§1001(f)(1), 1002(e)(1), (2)(A), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1810, 1843, 1844; Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §206(a), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3310; Pub. L. 102–54, §13(k)(1)(B), June 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 276; Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §102(p)(29), title V, §503, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4360, 4424; Pub. L. 103–73, title I, §112(a), Aug. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 727; Pub. L. 105–220, title III, §341(c), title IV, §408(a)(1), Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1092, 1202; Pub. L. 109–435, title VI, §604(d), Dec. 20, 2006, 120 Stat. 3242; Pub. L. 111–256, §2(d)(3), Oct. 5, 2010, 124 Stat. 2643; Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §456(a), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1675.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Level IV of the Executive Schedule, referred to in subsec. (a), is set out in section 5315 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, referred to in subsec. (f), is Pub. L. 101–336, July 26, 1990, 104 Stat. 327. Title I of the Act is classified generally to subchapter I (§12111 et seq.) of chapter 126 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. Section 510 of the Act was renumbered section 511 by Pub. L. 110–325, §6(a)(2), Sept. 25, 2008, 122 Stat. 3558. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 12101 of Title 42 and Tables.

Prior Provisions

Prior similar provisions were set out in section 38 of this title.

Amendments

2014—Subsecs. (f), (g). Pub. L. 113–128 redesignated subsec. (g) as (f) and struck out former subsec. (f). Prior to amendment, text of subsec. (f) read as follows:

"(1) The Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Education are authorized and directed to cooperate with the President's Committee on Employment of People With Disabilities in carrying out its functions.

"(2) In selecting personnel to fill all positions on the President's Committee on Employment of People With Disabilities, special consideration shall be given to qualified individuals with disabilities."

2010—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 111–256 substituted "President's Disability Employment Partnership Board and the President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities" for "President's Committees on Employment of People With Disabilities and on Mental Retardation".

2006—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 109–435, §604(d), substituted "Postal Regulatory Commission" for "Postal Rate Office".

1998—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 105–220, §408(a)(1)(A), substituted "President's Committees on Employment of People With Disabilities" for "President's Committees on Employment of the Handicapped" in third sentence.

Pub. L. 105–220, §341(c)(1), inserted "and the Smithsonian Institution" after "Government" in fourth sentence.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 105–220, §341(c)(2), in first sentence, inserted "and the Smithsonian Institution" after "in the executive branch" and substituted "such department, agency, instrumentality, or Institution" for "such department, agency, or instrumentality".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 105–220, §341(c)(3), inserted "and the Smithsonian Institution" after "instrumentality".

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 105–220, §408(a)(1)(B), substituted "individualized plan for employment" for "individualized written rehabilitation program".

1993—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–73 in first sentence inserted comma after "Veterans Affairs".

1992—Pub. L. 102–569, §102(p)(29)(A), substituted "disabilities" for "handicaps" in section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–569, §503(a), substituted "the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs" for "the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and", and amended second sentence generally. Prior to amendment, second sentence read as follows: "The Secretary of Education and the Chairman of the Commission shall serve as co-chairpersons of the Committee."

Pub. L. 102–569, §102(p)(29)(B), (C), substituted "Interagency Committee on Employees who are Individuals with Disabilities" for "Interagency Committee on Handicapped Employees" and "individuals with disabilities" for "individuals with handicaps" in two places.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–569, §102(p)(29)(C), (D), substituted "individuals with disabilities" for "individuals with handicaps" after "advancement of" and after "opportunities for" and "employees who are individuals with disabilities" for "employees with handicaps".

Subsecs. (c), (d), (f)(2). Pub. L. 102–569, §102(p)(29)(C), substituted "individuals with disabilities" for "individuals with handicaps".

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 102–569, §503(b), added subsec. (g).

1991—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–54 substituted "Secretary of Veterans Affairs" for "Administrator of Veterans' Affairs".

1988—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–630, §206(a)(3)(C), which directed substitution of "Employment of People With Disabilities" for "Employment of the Handicapped" in second sentence, could not be executed because the words did not appear in second sentence.

Pub. L. 100–630, §206(a)(1)–(3)(B), (4), inserted "(hereafter in this section referred to as the 'Commission')" after first reference to "Equal Employment Opportunity Commission" and substituted "Commission" for "Equal Opportunity Employment Commission" wherever appearing, "Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of Education, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services" for "Secretaries of Labor and Education and Health and Human Services" in first sentence, "co-chairpersons" for "co-chairmen" in second sentence, and "Commission" for "Office" in cl. (2).

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 100–630, §206(a)(2), (5), substituted "submit to the Commission" for "submit to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission", "employees with handicaps" for "handicapped employees", and "Commission, if the Commission determines" for "Office, if the Office determines".

Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 100–630, §206(a)(2), substituted "Commission" for "Equal Opportunity Employment Commission" wherever appearing.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 100–630, §206(a)(6), substituted "an individualized" for "a individualized".

Subsec. (f)(1), (2). Pub. L. 100–630, §206(a)(7), substituted "Employment of People With Disabilities" for "Employment of the Handicapped".

1986—Pub. L. 99–506, §103(d)(2)(C), substituted "individuals with handicaps" for "handicapped individuals" in section catchline.

Subsecs. (a) to (c). Pub. L. 99–506, §§103(d)(2)(C), 1002(e)(1), substituted "Equal Employment Opportunity Commission" for "Office of Personnel Management" and "individuals with handicaps" for "handicapped individuals" wherever appearing.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 99–506, §§103(d)(2)(C), 1002(e)(1), (2)(A), substituted "Equal Employment Opportunity Commission" for "Office of Personnel Management" wherever appearing, "individuals with handicaps" for "handicapped individuals", and "of the activities" for "of the the activities".

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 99–506, §1001(f)(1), substituted "a individualized" for "his individualized".

Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 99–506, §103(d)(2)(C), substituted "individuals with handicaps" for "handicapped individuals".

1984—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 98–221, §104(b)(3)(A)–(D), substituted "the Chairman of the Office of Personnel Management" and "Education and Health and Human Services" for "the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission" and "Health, Education, and Welfare", respectively, in first sentence, "Secretary of Education and the Chairman of the Office of Personnel Management" for "Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare and the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission" in second sentence, "Office of Personnel Management" for "Civil Service Commission" in four places, and "Office" for "Commission".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 98–221, §104(b)(3)(C), (D), substituted "Office of Personnel Management" for "Civil Service Commission" and substituted "Office" for "Commission" in three places.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 98–221, §104(b)(3)(C), substituted "Office of Personnel Management" for "Civil Service Commission".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 98–221, §104(b)(3)(C), (E), substituted "Office of Personnel Management" for "Civil Service Commission" in two places and "the activities of the Office of Personnel Management" for "Civil Service Commission's activities".

Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 98–221, §104(b)(3)(F), substituted "Secretary of Education" for "Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1998 Amendment

Amendment by section 341(c) of Pub. L. 105–220 effective Aug. 7, 1998, and applicable to and may be raised in any administrative or judicial claim or action brought before Aug. 7, 1998, but pending on such date, and any administrative or judicial claim or action brought after such date regardless of whether the claim or action arose prior to such date, if the claim or action was brought within the applicable statute of limitations, see section 341(d) of Pub. L. 105–220, formerly set out as a note under section 633a of this title.

Effective Date of 1992 Amendment

Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §138, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4397, as amended by Pub. L. 103–73, title I, §102(3), Aug. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 718, provided that:

"(a) Effective Date.—Except as provided in subsection (b), this title [enacting sections 718 to 718b, 725 to 728a, and 740 to 744 of this title, amending this section and sections 701, 705 to 707, 709, 711 to 715, 717, 720 to 724, 730 to 732, 740, 741, 750, 761a to 762, 770, 772 to 776, 777a, 777b, 777d to 777f, 780, 781, 783, 792 to 794, 795, 795d, 795e, and 795h of this title, repealing section 752 of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under section 712 of this title, and amending provisions set out as a note under section 701 of this title] and the amendments made by this title shall take effect on the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 29, 1992].

"(b) Compliance.—Each State agency subject to the provisions of title I of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 [29 U.S.C. 720 et seq.] shall comply with the amendments made by this subtitle [subtitle B (§§121–138) of title I of Pub. L. 102–569, enacting sections 725 to 728a and 740 to 744 of this title, amending sections 705, 720 to 724, and 730 to 732 of this title, and repealing section 752 of this title], as soon as is practicable after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 29, 1992], consistent with the effective and efficient administration of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 [29 U.S.C. 701 et seq.], but not later than October 1, 1993."

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Pub. L. 99–506, title X, §1006, Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1846, provided that: "Except as otherwise provided in this Act [see Short Title of 1986 Amendment note set out under section 701 of this title], this Act shall take effect on the date of its enactment [Oct. 21, 1986]."

Termination of Reporting Requirements

For termination, effective May 15, 2000, of provisions of law requiring submittal to Congress of any annual, semiannual, or other regular periodic report listed in House Document No. 103–7 (in which reports required under subsecs. (a) and (d) of this section are listed on page 188), see section 3003 of Pub. L. 104–66, set out as a note under section 1113 of Title 31, Money and Finance.

Executive Documents

Executive Order No. 10640

Ex. Ord. No. 10640, Oct. 10, 1955, 20 F.R. 7717, formerly set out as a note under section 39 of this title, which related to President's Committee on Employment of the Physically Handicapped, was superseded by section 6(a) of Ex. Ord. No. 10994, Feb. 14, 1962, 27 F.R. 1447, which established President's Committee on Employment of the Handicapped.

Executive Order No. 10994

Ex. Ord. No. 10994, Feb. 14, 1962, 27 F.R. 1447, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 11018, Apr. 27, 1962, 27 F.R. 4143, which established the President's Committee on Employment of the Handicapped, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 11480, Sept. 9, 1969, 34 F.R. 14273, formerly set out below.

Executive Order No. 11480

Ex. Ord. No. 11480, Sept. 9, 1969, 34 F.R. 14273, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 12106, Dec. 26, 1978, 44 F.R. 1053; Ex. Ord. No. 12608, Sept. 9, 1987, 52 F.R. 34617, which established and provided for the functions of the President's Committee on Employment of the Handicapped, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 12640, May 10, 1988, 53 F.R. 16996, formerly set out below.

Ex. Ord. No. 11830. Enlarging Membership of Interagency Committee on Handicapped Employees

Ex. Ord. No. 11830, Jan. 9, 1975, 40 F.R. 2411, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 12106, Dec. 26, 1978, 44 F.R. 1053; Ex. Ord. No. 12450, Dec. 9, 1983, 48 F.R. 55409; Ex. Ord. No. 12672, Mar. 21, 1989, 54 F.R. 12167; Ex. Ord. No. 12704, §1, Feb. 26, 1990, 55 F.R. 6969, provided:

By virtue of the authority vested in me by section 501(a) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Public Law 93–112; 87 Stat. 390) [subsec. (a) of this section], it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. In accord with Section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 791) and Section 4 of Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 1978 (43 FR 19808) [set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees], the Interagency Committee on Handicapped Employees is enlarged and composed of the following, or their designees whose positions are Executive level IV or higher:

(1) Secretary of Defense.

(2) Secretary of Labor.

(3) Secretary of Education, Co-Chairman.

(4) Director of the Office of Personnel Management.

(5) Administrator of Veterans Affairs.

(6) Administrator of General Services.

(7) Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission.

(8) Chairman of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Co-Chairman.

(9) Secretary of Health and Human Services.

(10) Postmaster General of the United States Postal Service.

(11) Chairman of the President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities (Ex Officio).

(12) Such other members as the President may designate.

Sec. 2. The Interagency Committee on Handicapped Employees shall also be referred to as the Interagency Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities.

Executive Order No. 12640

Ex. Ord. No. 12640, May 10, 1988, 53 F.R. 16996, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 12945, Jan. 20, 1995, 60 F.R. 4527, which established the President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, the Executive Committee of the President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, and the Advisory Council on Employment of People with Disabilities, and provided for the membership, functions, and administration of those bodies, and superseded Ex. Ord. No. 11480, was revoked by Ex. Ord. No. 13187, §4(a), Jan. 10, 2001, 66 F.R. 3858, set out as a note under section 701 of this title.

Ex. Ord. No. 13163. Increasing the Opportunity for Individuals With Disabilities To Be Employed in the Federal Government

Ex. Ord. No. 13163, July 26, 2000, 65 F.R. 46563, provided:

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and in order to promote an increase in the opportunities for individuals with disabilities to be employed at all levels and occupations of the Federal Government, and to support the goals articulated in section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 791), it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Increasing the Federal Employment Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities. (a) Recent evidence demonstrates that, throughout the United States, qualified persons with disabilities have been refused employment despite their availability and qualifications, and many qualified persons with disabilities are never made aware of available employment opportunities. Evidence also suggests that increased efforts at outreach, and increased understanding of the reasonable accommodations available for persons with disabilities, will permit persons with disabilities to compete for employment on a more level playing field.

(b) Based on current hiring patterns and anticipated increases from expanded outreach efforts and appropriate accommodations, the Federal Government, over the next 5 years, will be able to hire 100,000 qualified individuals with disabilities. In furtherance of such efforts, Federal agencies shall:

(1) Use available hiring authorities, consistent with statutes, regulations, and prior Executive orders and Presidential Memoranda;

(2) Expand their outreach efforts, using both traditional and nontraditional methods; and

(3) Increase their efforts to accommodate individuals with disabilities.

(c) As a model employer, the Federal Government will take the lead in educating the public about employment opportunities available for individuals with disabilities.

(d) This order does not require agencies to create new positions or to change existing qualification standards for any position.

Sec. 2. Implementation. Each Federal agency shall prepare a plan to increase the opportunities for individuals with disabilities to be employed in the agency. Each agency shall submit that plan to the Office of Personnel Management within 60 days from the date of this order.

Sec. 3. Authority to Develop Guidance. The Office of Personnel Management shall develop guidance on the provisions of this order to increase the opportunities for individuals with disabilities employed in the Federal Government.

Sec. 4. Judicial Review. This order is intended only to improve the internal management of the executive branch and does not create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or equity by a party against the United States, its agencies, its officers, its employees, or any person.

William J. Clinton.      

Ex. Ord. No. 13164. Requiring Federal Agencies To Establish Procedures To Facilitate the Provision of Reasonable Accommodation

Ex. Ord. No. 13164, July 26, 2000, 65 F.R. 46565, provided:

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 701 et seq.), as amended, and in order to promote a model Federal workplace that provides reasonable accommodation for (1) individuals with disabilities in the application process for Federal employment; (2) Federal employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a position; and (3) Federal employees with disabilities to enjoy benefits and privileges of employment equal to those enjoyed by employees without disabilities, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Establishment of Effective Written Procedures to Facilitate the Provision of Reasonable Accommodation. (a) Each Federal agency shall establish effective written procedures for processing requests for reasonable accommodation by employees and applicants with disabilities. The written procedures may allow different components of an agency to tailor their procedures as necessary to ensure the expeditious processing of requests.

(b) As set forth in Re-charting the Course: The First Report of the Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults with Disabilities (1998), effective written procedures for processing requests for reasonable accommodation should include the following:

(1) Explain that an employee or job applicant may initiate a request for reasonable accommodation orally or in writing. If the agency requires an applicant or employee to complete a reasonable accommodation request form for recordkeeping purposes, the form must be provided as an attachment to the agency's written procedures;

(2) Explain how the agency will process a request for reasonable accommodation, and from whom the individual will receive a final decision;

(3) Designate a time period during which reasonable accommodation requests will be granted or denied, absent extenuating circumstances. Time limits for decision making should be as short as reasonably possible;

(4) Explain the responsibility of the employee or applicant to provide appropriate medical information related to the functional impairment at issue and the requested accommodation where the disability and/or need for accommodation is not obvious;

(5) Explain the agency's right to request relevant supplemental medical information if the information submitted does not clearly explain the nature of the disability, or the need for the reasonable accommodation, or does not otherwise clarify how the requested accommodation will assist the employee to perform the essential functions of the job or to enjoy the benefits and privileges of the workplace;

(6) Explain the agency's right to have medical information reviewed by a medical expert of the agency's choosing at the agency's expense;

(7) Provide that reassignment will be considered as a reasonable accommodation if the agency determines that no other reasonable accommodation will permit the employee with a disability to perform the essential functions of his or her current position;

(8) Provide that reasonable accommodation denials be in writing and specify the reasons for denial;

(9) Ensure that agencies' systems of recordkeeping track the processing of requests for reasonable accommodation and maintain the confidentiality of medical information received in accordance with applicable law and regulations; and

(10) Encourage the use of informal dispute resolution processes to allow individuals with disabilities to obtain prompt reconsideration of denials of reasonable accommodation. Agencies must also inform individuals with disabilities that they have the right to file complaints in the Equal Employment Opportunity process and other statutory processes, as appropriate, if their requests for reasonable accommodation are denied.

Sec. 2. Submission of Agency Reasonable Accommodation Procedures to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Within 1 year from the date of this order, each agency shall submit its procedures to the EEOC. Each agency shall also submit to the EEOC any modifications to its reasonable accommodation procedures at the time that those modifications are adopted.

Sec. 3. Collective Bargaining Obligations. In adopting their reasonable accommodation procedures, agencies must honor their obligations to notify their collective bargaining representatives and bargain over such procedures to the extent required by law.

Sec. 4. Implementation. The EEOC shall issue guidance for the implementation of this order within 90 days from the date of this order.

Sec. 5. Construction and Judicial Review. (a) Nothing in this order limits the rights that individuals with disabilities may have under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

(b) This order is intended only to improve the internal management of the executive branch and does not create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or equity by a party against the United States, its agencies, its officers, its employees, or any person.

William J. Clinton.      

Ex. Ord. No. 13548. Increasing Federal Employment of Individuals With Disabilities

Ex. Ord. No. 13548, July 26, 2010, 75 F.R. 45039, provided:

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and in order to establish the Federal Government as a model employer of individuals with disabilities, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Policy. Approximately 54 million Americans are living with a disability. The Federal Government has an important interest in reducing discrimination against Americans living with a disability, in eliminating the stigma associated with disability, and in encouraging Americans with disabilities to seek employment in the Federal workforce. Yet Americans with disabilities have an employment rate far lower than that of Americans without disabilities, and they are underrepresented in the Federal workforce. Individuals with disabilities currently represent just over 5 percent of the nearly 2.5 million people in the Federal workforce, and individuals with targeted disabilities (as defined below) currently represent less than 1 percent of that workforce.

On July 26, 2000, in the final year of his administration, President Clinton signed Executive Order 13163, calling for an additional 100,000 individuals with disabilities to be employed by the Federal Government over 5 years. Yet few steps were taken to implement that Executive Order in subsequent years.

As the Nation's largest employer, the Federal Government must become a model for the employment of individuals with disabilities. Executive departments and agencies (agencies) must improve their efforts to employ workers with disabilities through increased recruitment, hiring, and retention of these individuals. My Administration is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in the Federal workforce through compliance with Executive Order 13163 and achievement of the goals set forth therein over 5 years, including specific goals for hiring individuals with targeted disabilities.

Sec. 2. Recruitment and Hiring of Individuals with Disabilities. (a) Within 60 days of the date of this order, the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, in consultation with the Secretary of Labor, the Chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, shall design model recruitment and hiring strategies for agencies seeking to increase their employment of people with disabilities and develop mandatory training programs for both human resources personnel and hiring managers on the employment of individuals with disabilities.

(b) Within 120 days of the date the Office of Personnel Management sets forth strategies and programs required under subsection (a), each agency shall develop an agency-specific plan for promoting employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The plan shall be developed in consultation with and, as appropriate, subject to approval by the Director of the Office of Personnel Management and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and shall, consistent with law, include performance targets and numerical goals for employment of individuals with disabilities and sub-goals for employment of individuals with targeted disabilities.

(c) Each agency shall designate a senior-level agency official to be accountable for enhancing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities and individuals with targeted disabilities within the agency, consistent with law, and for meeting the goals of this order. This official, among other things, shall be accountable for developing and implementing the agency's plan under subsection (b), creating recruitment and training programs for employment of individuals with disabilities and targeted disabilities, and coordinating employment counseling to help match the career aspirations of individuals with disabilities to the needs of the agency.

(d) In implementing their plans, agencies, to the extent permitted by law, shall increase utilization of the Federal Government's Schedule A excepted service hiring authority for persons with disabilities and increase participation of individuals with disabilities in internships, fellowships, and training and mentoring programs.

(e) The Office of Personnel Management shall assist agencies with the implementation of their plans. The Director of the Office of Personnel Management, in consultation with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, shall implement a system for reporting regularly to the President, the heads of agencies, and the public on agencies' progress in implementing their plans and the objectives of this order. The Office of Personnel Management, to the extent permitted by law, shall compile and post on its website Government-wide statistics on the hiring of individuals with disabilities.

Sec. 3. Increasing Agencies' Retention and Return to Work of Individuals with Disabilities. (a) The Director of the Office of Personnel Management, in consultation with the Secretary of Labor and the Chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, shall identify and assist agencies in implementing strategies for retaining Federal workers with disabilities in Federal employment including, but not limited to, training, the use of centralized funds to provide reasonable accommodations, increasing access to appropriate accessible technologies, and ensuring the accessibility of physical and virtual workspaces.

(b) Agencies shall make special efforts, to the extent permitted by law, to ensure the retention of those who are injured on the job. Agencies shall work to improve, expand, and increase successful return-to-work outcomes for those of their employees who sustain work-related injuries and illnesses, as defined under the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA), by increasing the availability of job accommodations and light or limited duty jobs, removing disincentives for FECA claimants to return to work, and taking other appropriate measures. The Secretary of Labor, in consultation with the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, shall pursue innovative re-employment strategies and develop policies, procedures, and structures that foster improved return-to-work outcomes, including by pursuing overall reform of the FECA system. The Secretary of Labor shall also propose specific outcome measures and targets by which each agency's progress in carrying out return-to-work and FECA claims processing efforts can be assessed.

Sec. 4. Definitions. (a) "Disability" shall be defined as set forth in the ADA Amendments Act of 2008.

(b) "Targeted disability" shall be defined as set forth on the form for self-identification of disability, Standard Form 256 (SF 256), issued by the Office of Personnel Management, or any replacements, updates, or revisions thereto.

(c) Not less than 1 year after the date of this order and in consultation with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Department of Labor, and the Office of Management and Budget, the Office of Personnel Management shall review the effectiveness of the definition of targeted disability set forth in SF 256 and replace, update, or revise it as appropriate.

Sec. 5. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i) authority granted by law to a department or agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii) functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations, and shall not be construed to require any Federal employee to disclose disability status involuntarily.

(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

Barack Obama.      

¹ See References in Text note below.

§792. Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board

(a) Establishment; membership; chairperson; vice-chairperson; term of office; termination of membership; reappointment; compensation and travel expenses; bylaws; quorum requirements

(1) There is established within the Federal Government the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (hereinafter referred to as the "Access Board") which shall be composed as follows:

(A) Thirteen members shall be appointed by the President from among members of the general public of whom at least a majority shall be individuals with disabilities.

(B) The remaining members shall be the heads of each of the following departments or agencies (or their designees whose positions are executive level IV or higher):

(i) Department of Health and Human Services.

(ii) Department of Transportation.

(iii) Department of Housing and Urban Development.

(iv) Department of Labor.

(v) Department of the Interior.

(vi) Department of Defense.

(vii) Department of Justice.

(viii) General Services Administration.

(ix) Department of Veterans Affairs.

(x) United States Postal Service.

(xi) Department of Education.

(xii) Department of Commerce.

The chairperson and vice-chairperson of the Access Board shall be elected by majority vote of the members of the Access Board to serve for terms of one year. When the chairperson is a member of the general public, the vice-chairperson shall be a Federal official; and when the chairperson is a Federal official, the vice-chairperson shall be a member of the general public. Upon the expiration of the term as chairperson of a member who is a Federal official, the subsequent chairperson shall be a member of the general public; and vice versa.

(2)(A)(i) The term of office of each appointed member of the Access Board shall be 4 years, except as provided in clause (ii). Each year, the terms of office of at least three appointed members of the board ¹ shall expire.

(ii)(I) One member appointed for a term beginning December 4, 1992 shall serve for a term of 3 years.

(II) One member appointed for a term beginning December 4, 1993 shall serve for a term of 2 years.

(III) One member appointed for a term beginning December 4, 1994 shall serve for a term of 1 year.

(IV) Members appointed for terms beginning before December 4, 1992 shall serve for terms of 3 years.

(B) A member whose term has expired may continue to serve until a successor has been appointed.

(C) A member appointed to fill a vacancy shall serve for the remainder of the term to which that member's predecessor was appointed.

(3) If any appointed member of the Access Board becomes a Federal employee, such member may continue as a member of the Access Board for not longer than the sixty-day period beginning on the date the member becomes a Federal employee.

(4) No individual appointed under paragraph (1)(A) of this subsection who has served as a member of the Access Board may be reappointed to the Access Board more than once unless such individual has not served on the Access Board for a period of two years prior to the effective date of such individual's appointment.

(5)(A) Members of the Access Board who are not regular full-time employees of the United States shall, while serving on the business of the Access Board, be entitled to receive compensation at rates fixed by the President, but not to exceed the daily equivalent of the rate of pay for level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, including travel time, for each day they are engaged in the performance of their duties as members of the Access Board; and shall be entitled to reimbursement for travel, subsistence, and other necessary expenses incurred by them in carrying out their duties under this section.

(B) Members of the Access Board who are employed by the Federal Government shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for travel, subsistence, and other necessary expenses incurred by them in carrying out their duties under this section.

(6)(A) The Access Board shall establish such bylaws and other rules as may be appropriate to enable the Access Board to carry out its functions under this chapter.

(B) The bylaws shall include quorum requirements. The quorum requirements shall provide that (i) a proxy may not be counted for purposes of establishing a quorum, and (ii) not less than half the members required for a quorum shall be members of the general public appointed under paragraph (1)(A).

(b) Functions

It shall be the function of the Access Board to—

(1) ensure compliance with the standards prescribed pursuant to the Act entitled "An Act to ensure that certain buildings financed with Federal funds are so designed and constructed as to be accessible to the physically handicapped", approved August 12, 1968 (commonly known as the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968; 42 U.S.C. 4151 et seq.) (including the application of such Act to the United States Postal Service), including enforcing all standards under such Act, and ensuring that all waivers and modifications to the standards are based on findings of fact and are not inconsistent with the provisions of this section;

(2) develop advisory information for, and provide appropriate technical assistance to, individuals or entities with rights or duties under regulations prescribed pursuant to this subchapter or titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12131 et seq. and 12181 et seq.) with respect to overcoming architectural, transportation, and communication barriers;

(3) establish and maintain—

(A) minimum guidelines and requirements for the standards issued pursuant to the Act commonly known as the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968;

(B) minimum guidelines and requirements for the standards issued pursuant to titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990;

(C) guidelines for accessibility of telecommunications equipment and customer premises equipment under section 255 of title 47; and

(D) standards for accessible electronic and information technology under section 794d of this title;

(4) promote accessibility throughout all segments of society;

(5) investigate and examine alternative approaches to the architectural, transportation, communication, and attitudinal barriers confronting individuals with disabilities, particularly with respect to telecommunications devices, public buildings and monuments, parks and parklands, public transportation (including air, water, and surface transportation, whether interstate, foreign, intrastate, or local), and residential and institutional housing;

(6) determine what measures are being taken by Federal, State, and local governments and by other public or nonprofit agencies to eliminate the barriers described in paragraph (5);

(7) promote the use of the International Accessibility Symbol in all public facilities that are in compliance with the standards prescribed by the Administrator of General Services, the Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development pursuant to the Act commonly known as the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968;

(8) make to the President and to the Congress reports that shall describe in detail the results of its investigations under paragraphs (5) and (6);

(9) make to the President and to the Congress such recommendations for legislative and administrative changes as the Access Board determines to be necessary or desirable to eliminate the barriers described in paragraph (5);

(10) ensure that public conveyances, including rolling stock, are readily accessible to, and usable by, individuals with physical disabilities; and

(11) carry out the responsibilities specified for the Access Board in section 794d of this title.

(c) Additional functions; transportation barriers and housing needs; transportation and housing plans and proposals

The Access Board shall also (1)(A) determine how and to what extent transportation barriers impede the mobility of individuals with disabilities and aged individuals with disabilities and consider ways in which travel expenses in connection with transportation to and from work for individuals with disabilities can be met or subsidized when such individuals are unable to use mass transit systems or need special equipment in private transportation, and (B) consider the housing needs of individuals with disabilities; (2) determine what measures are being taken, especially by public and other nonprofit agencies and groups having an interest in and a capacity to deal with such problems, (A) to eliminate barriers from public transportation systems (including vehicles used in such systems), and to prevent their incorporation in new or expanded transportation systems, and (B) to make housing available and accessible to individuals with disabilities or to meet sheltered housing needs; and (3) prepare plans and proposals for such further actions as may be necessary to the goals of adequate transportation and housing for individuals with disabilities, including proposals for bringing together in a cooperative effort, agencies, organizations, and groups already working toward such goals or whose cooperation is essential to effective and comprehensive action.

(d) Electronic and information technology accessibility training

Beginning in fiscal year 2000, the Access Board, after consultation with the Secretary, representatives of such public and private entities as the Access Board determines to be appropriate (including the electronic and information technology industry), targeted individuals and entities (as defined in section 3002 of this title), and State information technology officers, shall provide training for Federal and State employees on any obligations related to section 794d of this title.

(e) Investigations; hearings; orders; administrative procedure applicable; final orders; judicial review; civil action; intervention

(1) The Access Board shall conduct investigations, hold public hearings, and issue such orders as it deems necessary to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Acts cited in subsection (b). Except as provided in paragraph (3) of subsection (f), the provisions of subchapter II of chapter 5, and chapter 7 of title 5 shall apply to procedures under this subsection, and an order of compliance issued by the Access Board shall be a final order for purposes of judicial review. Any such order affecting any Federal department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States shall be final and binding on such department, agency, or instrumentality. An order of compliance may include the withholding or suspension of Federal funds with respect to any building or public conveyance or rolling stock found not to be in compliance with standards enforced under this section. Pursuant to chapter 7 of title 5, any complainant or participant in a proceeding under this subsection may obtain review of a final order issued in such proceeding.

(2) The executive director is authorized, at the direction of the Access Board—

(A) to bring a civil action in any appropriate United States district court to enforce, in whole or in part, any final order of the Access Board under this subsection; and

(B) to intervene, appear, and participate, or to appear as amicus curiae, in any court of the United States or in any court of a State in civil actions that relate to this section or to the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 [42 U.S.C. 4151 et seq.].

Except as provided in section 518(a) of title 28, relating to litigation before the Supreme Court, the executive director may appear for and represent the Access Board in any civil litigation brought under this section.

(f) Appointment of executive director, administrative law judges, and other personnel; provisions applicable to administrative law judges; authority and duties of executive director; finality of orders of compliance

(1) There shall be appointed by the Access Board an executive director and such other professional and clerical personnel as are necessary to carry out its functions under this chapter. The Access Board is authorized to appoint as many administrative law judges as are necessary for proceedings required to be conducted under this section. The provisions applicable to administrative law judges appointed under section 3105 of title 5 shall apply to administrative law judges appointed under this subsection.

(2) The Executive Director shall exercise general supervision over all personnel employed by the Access Board (other than administrative law judges and their assistants). The Executive Director shall have final authority on behalf of the Access Board, with respect to the investigation of alleged noncompliance and in the issuance of formal complaints before the Access Board, and shall have such other duties as the Access Board may prescribe.

(3) For the purpose of this section, an order of compliance issued by an administrative law judge shall be deemed to be an order of the Access Board and shall be the final order for the purpose of judicial review.

(g) Technical, administrative, or other assistance; appointment, compensation, and travel expenses of advisory and technical experts and consultants

(1)(A) In carrying out the technical assistance responsibilities of the Access Board under this section, the Board may enter into an interagency agreement with another Federal department or agency.

(B) Any funds appropriated to such a department or agency for the purpose of providing technical assistance may be transferred to the Access Board. Any funds appropriated to the Access Board for the purpose of providing such technical assistance may be transferred to such department or agency.

(C) The Access Board may arrange to carry out the technical assistance responsibilities of the Board under this section through such other departments and agencies for such periods as the Board determines to be appropriate.

(D) The Access Board shall establish a procedure to ensure separation of its compliance and technical assistance responsibilities under this section.

(2) The departments or agencies specified in subsection (a) of this section shall make available to the Access Board such technical, administrative, or other assistance as it may require to carry out its functions under this section, and the Access Board may appoint such other advisers, technical experts, and consultants as it deems necessary to assist it in carrying out its functions under this section. Special advisory and technical experts and consultants appointed pursuant to this paragraph shall, while performing their functions under this section, be entitled to receive compensation at rates fixed by the Chairperson,² but not exceeding the daily equivalent of the rate of pay for level 4 of the Senior Executive Service Schedule under section 5382 of title 5, including travel time, and while serving away from their homes or regular places of business they may be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, as authorized by section 5703 of such title 5 for persons in the Government service employed intermittently.

(h) Omitted

(i) Grants and contracts to aid Access Board in carrying out its functions; acceptance of gifts, devises, and bequests of property

(1) The Access Board may make grants to, or enter into contracts with, public or private organizations to carry out its duties under subsections (b) and (c).

(2)(A) The Access Board may accept, hold, administer, and utilize gifts, devises, and bequests of property, both real and personal, for the purpose of aiding and facilitating the functions of the Access Board under paragraphs (2) and (4) of subsection (b). Gifts and bequests of money and proceeds from sales of other property received as gifts, devises, or bequests shall be deposited in the Treasury and shall be disbursed upon the order of the Chairperson.² Property accepted pursuant to this section, and the proceeds thereof, shall be used as nearly as possible in accordance with the terms of the gifts, devises, or bequests. For purposes of Federal income, estate, or gift taxes, property accepted under this section shall be considered as a gift, devise, or bequest to the United States.

(B) The Access Board shall publish regulations setting forth the criteria the Board will use in determining whether the acceptance of gifts, devises, and bequests of property, both real and personal, would reflect unfavorably upon the ability of the Board or any employee to carry out the responsibilities or official duties of the Board in a fair and objective manner, or would compromise the integrity of or the appearance of the integrity of a Government program or any official involved in that program.

(3) Omitted.

(j) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated for the purpose of carrying out the duties and functions of the Access Board under this section $7,448,000 for fiscal year 2015, $8,023,000 for fiscal year 2016, $8,190,000 for fiscal year 2017, $8,371,000 for fiscal year 2018, $8,568,000 for fiscal year 2019, and $8,750,000 for fiscal year 2020.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title V, §502, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 391; Pub. L. 93–516, title I, §§110, 111(n)–(q), Dec. 7, 1974, 88 Stat. 1619, 1621, 1622; Pub. L. 93–651, title I, §§110, 111(n)–(q), Nov. 21, 1974, 89 Stat. 2–4, 2-6, 2-7; Pub. L. 94–230, §§10, 11(b)(13), Mar. 15, 1976, 90 Stat. 212, 214; Pub. L. 95–251, §2(a)(8), Mar. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 183; Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §118, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2979; Pub. L. 96–374, title XIII, §1321, Oct. 3, 1980, 94 Stat. 1499; Pub. L. 98–221, title I, §151, Feb. 22, 1984, 98 Stat. 28; Pub. L. 99–506, title I, §103(d)(2)(C), title VI, §601, title X, §1002(e)(2)(B)–(D), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1810, 1829, 1844; Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §206(b), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3311; Pub. L. 102–52, §6, June 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 262; Pub. L. 102–54, §13(k)(1)(A), June 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 276; Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §102(p)(30), title V, §504, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4360, 4424; Pub. L. 103–73, title I, §112(b), Aug. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 727; Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §408(a)(2), Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1202; Pub. L. 105–394, title II, §203(a), Nov. 13, 1998, 112 Stat. 3653; Pub. L. 108–364, §3(b)(3), Oct. 25, 2004, 118 Stat. 1737; Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §456(b), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1675.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Executive level IV, referred to in subsec. (a)(1)(B), is set out in section 5315 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

The Act commonly known as the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, referred to in subsecs. (b)(1), (3)(A), (7) and (e)(2)(B), is Pub. L. 90–480, Aug. 12, 1968, 82 Stat. 718, which is classified generally to chapter 51 (§4151 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 4151 of Title 42 and Tables.

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, referred to in subsec. (b)(2), (3)(B), is Pub. L. 101–336, July 26, 1990, 104 Stat. 327. Titles II and III of the Act are classified generally to subchapters II (§12131 et seq.) and III (§12181 et seq.), respectively, of chapter 126 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 12101 of Title 42 and Tables.

Codification

Subsecs. (h) and (i)(3) of this section, which required the Board to submit an annual report on its activities to Congress and, at the same time the Board transmits the report required under section 4157(b) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, to transmit that report to the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Labor and Human Resources of the Senate, terminated, effective May 15, 2000, pursuant to section 3003 of Pub. L. 104–66, as amended, set out as a note under section 1113 of Title 31, Money and Finance. See, also, items 4 to 6 on page 155 of House Document No. 103–7.

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 113–128 substituted "$7,448,000 for fiscal year 2015, $8,023,000 for fiscal year 2016, $8,190,000 for fiscal year 2017, $8,371,000 for fiscal year 2018, $8,568,000 for fiscal year 2019, and $8,750,000 for fiscal year 2020." for "such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 1999 through 2003."

2004—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 108–364 substituted "targeted individuals and entities" for "targeted individuals".

1998—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 105–220, §408(a)(2)(A), substituted "chairperson and" for "Chairperson and" in concluding provisions.

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 105–220, §408(a)(2)(B)(i), substituted "information" for "guidelines".

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 105–220, §408(a)(2)(B)(ii), added par. (3) and struck out former par. (3) which read as follows: "establish and maintain minimum guidelines and requirements for the standards issued pursuant to the Act commonly known as the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 and titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990;".

Subsec. (b)(11). Pub. L. 105–220, §408(a)(2)(B)(iii)–(v), added par. (11).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 105–394, §203(a)(2), added subsec. (d). Former subsec. (d) redesignated (e).

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 105–220, §408(a)(2)(C), substituted "procedures under this subsection" for "procedures under this section".

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 105–394, §203(a)(1), (3), redesignated subsec. (d) as (e) and substituted "subsection (f)" for "subsection (e)" in second sentence of par. (1). Former subsec. (e) redesignated (f).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 105–394, §203(a)(1), redesignated subsec. (e) as (f). Former subsec. (f) redesignated (g).

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 105–394, §203(a)(1), redesignated subsec. (f) as (g). Former subsec. (g) redesignated (h).

Subsec. (g)(2). Pub. L. 105–220, §408(a)(2)(D), substituted "Committee on Education and the Workforce" for "Committee on Education and Labor".

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 105–394, §203(a)(1), redesignated subsec. (g) as (h). Former subsec. (h) redesignated (i).

Subsec. (h)(2)(A). Pub. L. 105–220, §408(a)(2)(E), substituted "paragraphs (2) and (4)" for "paragraphs (5) and (7)".

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 105–394, §203(a)(1), redesignated subsec. (h) as (i). Former subsec. (i) redesignated (j).

Pub. L. 105–220, §408(a)(2)(F), substituted "fiscal years 1999 through 2003" for "fiscal years 1993 through 1997".

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 105–394, §203(a)(1), redesignated subsec. (i) as (j).

1993—Subsec. (a)(5)(A). Pub. L. 103–73 substituted "level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315" for "level 4 of the Senior Executive Service Schedule under section 5382".

1992—Pub. L. 102–569, §504(a)(2), (3), substituted "the Access Board" and "The Access Board" for "the Board" and "The Board", respectively, wherever appearing.

Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 102–569, §504(a)(1), substituted "the 'Access Board' " for "the 'Board' " in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (a)(1)(A). Pub. L. 102–569, §504(b)(1)(A), substituted "Thirteen" for "Twelve" and "at least a majority" for "six".

Pub. L. 102–569, §102(p)(30), substituted "individuals with disabilities" for "individuals with handicaps".

Subsec. (a)(1)(B)(xii). Pub. L. 102–569, §504(b)(1)(B), added cl. (xii).

Subsec. (a)(2)(A). Pub. L. 102–569, §504(b)(2), designated existing provisions as cl. (i), substituted "4 years, except as provided in clause (ii)" for "three years" and "at least three" for "four", and added cl. (ii).

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 102–569, §504(b)(3), substituted "a Federal" for "such an" after "member becomes".

Subsec. (a)(5)(A). Pub. L. 102–569, §504(b)(4), substituted "the daily equivalent of the rate of pay for level 4 of the Senior Executive Service Schedule under section 5382" for "the daily rate prescribed for GS–18 under section 5332".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–569, §504(c), amended subsec. (b) generally, substituting present provisions for provisions which outlined eight specific functions of the Access Board.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 102–569, §102(p)(30), substituted "individuals with disabilities" for "individuals with handicaps" wherever appearing.

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 102–569, §504(d)(1), in first sentence, substituted "The Access Board shall conduct" for "In carrying out its functions under this chapter, the Access Board shall, directly or through grants to public or private nonprofit organizations or contracts with private nonprofit or forprofit organizations, carry out its functions under subsections (b) and (c) of this section, and shall conduct" and "to ensure compliance" for "to insure compliance".

Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 102–569, §504(d)(2), struck out par. (3) which read as follows: "The Access Board, in consultation and coordination with other concerned Federal departments and agencies and agencies within the Department of Education, shall develop standards and provide appropriate technical assistance to any public or private activity, person, or entity affected by regulations prescribed pursuant to this subchapter with respect to overcoming architectural, transportation, and communication barriers. Any funds appropriated to any such department or agency for the purpose of providing such assistance may be transferred to the Access Board for the purpose of carrying out this paragraph. The Access Board may arrange to carry out its responsibilities under this paragraph through such other departments and agencies for such periods as the Access Board determines is appropriate. In carrying out its technical assistance responsibilities under this paragraph, the Access Board shall establish a procedure to insure separation of its compliance and technical assistance responsibilities under this section."

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 102–569, §504(e), added par. (1), designated existing provisions as par. (2) and substituted "paragraph" for "subsection", "Chairperson" for "Secretary", and "the daily equivalent of the rate of pay for level 4 of the Senior Executive Service Schedule under section 5382" for "the daily pay rate for a person employed as a GS–18 under section 5332".

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 102–569, §504(f), designated existing provisions as par. (1), substituted "paragraphs (8) and (9) of such subsection" for "clauses (5) and (6) of subsection (b) of this section", struck out at end "The Access Board shall prepare two final reports of its activities under subsection (c). One such report shall be on its activities in the field of transportation barriers facing individuals with disabilities, and the other such report shall be on its activities in the field of the housing needs of individuals with disabilities. The Access Board shall, not later than September 30, 1975, submit each such report, together with its recommendations, to the President and the Congress. The Access Board shall also prepare for such submission an interim report of its activities in each such field within 18 months after September 26, 1973. The Access Board shall prepare and submit two additional reports of its activities under subsection (c) of this section, one report on its activities in the field of transportation barriers facing individuals with disabilities and the other report on its activities in the field of the housing needs of individuals with disabilities. The two additional reports required by the previous sentence shall be submitted not later than February 1, 1988.", and added par. (2).

Pub. L. 102–569, §102(p)(30), substituted "individuals with disabilities" for "individuals with handicaps" wherever appearing.

Subsec. (h)(1). Pub. L. 102–569, §504(g)(1)–(3), redesignated par. (2) as (1), struck out at end "The Access Board may also make grants to any designated State unit for the purpose of conducting studies to provide the cost assessments required by paragraph (1). Before including in such report the findings of any study conducted for the Access Board under a grant or contract to provide the Access Board with such cost assessments, the Access Board shall take all necessary steps to validate the accuracy of any such findings.", and struck out former par. (1) which read as follows: "Within one year following November 6, 1978, the Access Board shall submit to the President and the Congress a report containing an assessment of the amounts required to be expended by States and by political subdivisions thereof to provide individuals with disabilities with full access to all programs and activities receiving Federal assistance."

Pub. L. 102–569, §102(p)(30), substituted "individuals with disabilities" for "individuals with handicaps" before "with full access".

Subsec. (h)(2). Pub. L. 102–569, §504(g)(4), which directed the addition of par. (2) "at the end" of subsec. (h), was executed by adding par. (2) before par. (3) to reflect the probable intent of Congress. Former par. (2) redesignated (1).

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 102–569, §504(h), substituted "fiscal years 1993 through 1997." for "fiscal years 1987 through 1992, but in no event shall the amount appropriated for any one fiscal year exceed $3,000,000."

1991—Subsec. (a)(1)(B)(ix). Pub. L. 102–54 substituted "Department of Veterans Affairs" for "Veterans' Administration".

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 102–52 substituted "1987 through 1992" for "1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, and 1991".

1988—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 100–630, §206(b)(1), amended par. (2) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (2) read as follows: "The term of office of each appointed member of the Board shall be three years; except that (i) the members first taking office shall serve, as designated by the President at the time of appointment, four for a term of one year, four for a term of two years, and three for a term of three years, (ii) a member whose term has expired may continue to serve until a successor has been appointed, and (iii) a member appointed to fill a vacancy shall serve for the remainder of the term to which that member's predecessor was appointed."

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 100–630, §206(b)(2), substituted "the member" for "he".

Subsec. (a)(5)(A). Pub. L. 100–630, §206(b)(3), substituted "travel time" for "traveltime".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 100–630, §206(b)(4)–(7), inserted a comma after "surface transportation" in cl. (2), and substituted "Administrator of General Services" for "Administrator of the General Services Administration" in cl. (4), "results of" for "results to" in cl. (5), and "individuals with physical handicaps" for "physically handicapped persons" in cl. (8).

Subsec. (c)(2)(A). Pub. L. 100–630, §206(b)(8), inserted a comma after "expanded transportation systems".

Subsec. (d)(2)((B). Pub. L. 100–630, §206(b)(9), substituted "that relate to" for "which related to".

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 100–630, §206(b)(10), substituted "daily pay rate for" for "daily pay rate, for", "section 5332 of title 5" for "section 5332 of title 45", and "travel time" for "traveltime".

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 100–630, §206(b)(11), substituted "transportation barriers facing individuals with handicaps" for "transportation barriers to individuals with handicaps" and for "transportation barriers of handicapped individuals" in fourth and seventh sentences, respectively, and "housing needs of individuals with handicaps" for "housing needs of handicapped individuals" in seventh sentence.

1986—Subsec. (a)(1)(A). Pub. L. 99–506, §§103(d)(2)(C), 601(a)(2), substituted "Twelve" for "Eleven", "six" for "five", and "individuals with handicaps" for "handicapped individuals".

Subsec. (a)(1)(B). Pub. L. 99–506, §601(a)(1), substituted provision that Chairperson and vice-chairperson of Board shall be elected by majority vote of members of Board to serve for terms of one year, for provision that President had to appoint first Chairman of such Board who was to serve for term of not more than two years, with subsequent Chairmen to be elected by majority vote of Board for term of one year, and inserted provisions that positions of Chairperson and vice-chairperson each be held alternately in succession by Federal official and by member of general public, and that when either office is held by member of general public, the other will be held by Federal official.

Subsec. (a)(2)(ii), (iii). Pub. L. 99–506, §601(a)(3), added cls. (ii) and (iii), and struck out former cl. (ii) which read as follows: "any member appointed to fill a vacancy shall serve for the remainder of the term for which his predecessor was appointed".

Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 99–506, §601(a)(4), added par. (6).

Subsecs. (b)(2), (c). Pub. L. 99–506, §103(d)(2)(C), substituted "individuals with handicaps" for "handicapped individuals" wherever appearing.

Subsec. (d)(2)(A). Pub. L. 99–506, §1002(e)(2)(B), substituted "any final order" for "any, final order".

Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 99–506, §1002(e)(2)(C), substituted "Department of Education" for "Department of Health, Education, and Welfare" and "with respect to overcoming" for "with respect overcoming to".

Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 99–506, §1002(e)(2)(D), substituted "alleged noncompliance and in" for "alleged noncompliance in".

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 99–506, §601(b), inserted provisions requiring the Board to submit, not later than Feb. 1, 1988, two additional reports on its activities under subsec. (c), one report to deal with its activities relating to transportation barriers to handicapped individuals, the other to deal with activities relating to the housing needs of handicapped individuals.

Pub. L. 99–506, §103(d)(2)(C), substituted "individuals with handicaps" for "handicapped individuals" wherever appearing.

Subsec. (h)(1). Pub. L. 99–506, §103(d)(2)(C), substituted reference to individuals with handicaps for reference to handicapped individuals.

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 99–506, §601(c), which directed the substitution of "of the fiscal years 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, and 1991," for "fiscal year ending before October 1, 1986," was executed by making the substitution for "fiscal year ending before October 1, 1986.," as the probable intent of Congress. See 1984 Amendment note below.

1984—Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 98–221 substituted "October 1, 1986." for "October 1, 1982".

1980—Subsec. (a)(1)(B)(i). Pub. L. 96–374, §1321(a)(1), substituted "Department of Health and Human Services" for "Department of Health, Education, and Welfare".

Subsec. (a)(1)(B)(xi). Pub. L. 96–374, §1321(a)(2), added cl. (xi).

Subsec. (h)(3). Pub. L. 96–374, §1321(b), added par. (3).

1978—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 95–602, §118(a), substituted provision permitting President to appoint eleven members of Board from general public of whom five are to be handicapped, adding head of the Department of Justice as a Board member, authorizing President to appoint the first chairman, and providing for the term of office, reappointment, and compensation of Board members for provision restricting Board membership to head of Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, Department of Transportation, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Labor, Department of the Interior, Department of Defense, General Services Administration, United States Postal Service, and Veterans' Administration, appointing Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare as chairman, and authorizing appointment of a Consumer Advisory Panel, a majority of members of which were to be handicapped, to provide guidance, advice, and recommendations to Board.

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 95–602, §118(b)(1), substituted provision requiring Board to insure compliance with standards of Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, including application to United States Postal Service, and to insure all waivers and modifications of standards are based on findings of fact and are not inconsistent with that Act or this section for provision requiring Board to insure compliance with the standards prescribed by General Services Administration, Department of Defense, and Department of Housing and Urban Development pursuant to Architectural Barriers Act of 1968.

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 95–602, §118(b)(2), inserted "communication," before "and attitudinal" and "telecommunication devices," before "public buildings".

Subsec. (b)(7), (8). Pub. L. 95–602, §118(b)(3), added pars. (7) and (8).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 95–602, §118(c), designated existing provision as par. (1), substituted "public or private nonprofit organizations or contracts with private nonprofit or forprofit organizations" for "or contracts with public or private nonprofit organizations", "Except as provided in paragraph (3) of subsection (e), provisions" for "The provisions", "building or public conveyance or rolling stock found" for "building found", and "enforced under this section" for "prescribed pursuant to the Acts cited in subsection (b) of this section", inserted provision permitting a complainant or participant in a proceeding under this subsection to obtain review of a final order pursuant to chapter 7 of title 5, and added pars. (2) and (3).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 95–602, §118(d), designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added pars. (2) and (3).

Pub. L. 95–251 substituted "administrative law judges" for "hearing examiners" wherever appearing. Such substitution was made in pars. (2) and (3) as the probable intent of Congress in view of the amendment to subsec. (e) by section 2(a)(8) of Pub. L. 95–251 (although prior in time to the amendment by Pub. L. 95–602) requiring such substitution wherever appearing in text.

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 95–602, §118(e), added subsec. (h). Former subsec. (h), which authorized appropriations for carrying out duties and functions of the Board of $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years ending June 30, 1974, and June 30, 1975, $1,500,000 for fiscal year ending June 30, 1976, and $1,500,000 for each of fiscal years ending Sept. 30, 1977 and Sept. 30, 1978, was struck out.

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 95–602, §118(e), added subsec. (i).

1976—Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 94–230, §10, authorized appropriation of $1,500,000 for fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 1977.

Pub. L. 94–230, §11(b)(13), authorized appropriation of $1,500,000 for fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 1978.

1974—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 93–516, §111(n), redesignated cls. (6), (7), and (8), as cls. (7), (8), and (9), added cl. (6), and following designated clauses, inserted provisions that Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall be Chairman of Board, and that Board shall appoint, upon recommendation of Secretary, a Consumer Advisory Panel, a majority of members of which shall be handicapped individuals, to provide guidance, advice, and recommendations to Board in carrying out its functions.

Pub. L. 93–651, §111(n), amended subsec. (a) in exactly the same manner as it was amended by Pub. L. 93–516.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 93–516, §111(o), substituted "this chapter, the Board shall, directly or through grants to or contracts with public or private nonprofit organizations, carrying out its functions under subsections (b) and (c) of this section, and shall conduct" for "this section, the Board shall conduct", and inserted provisions that any such order affecting any Federal department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States shall be final and binding on such department, agency, or instrumentality, and that an order of compliance may include the withholding or suspension of Federal funds with respect to any building found not to be in compliance with standards prescribed pursuant to the Acts referred to in subsec. (b) of this section.

Pub. L. 93–651, 111(o), amended subsec. (d) in exactly the same manner as it was amended by Pub. L. 93–516.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 93–516, §111(p), inserted provisions relating to appointment of an executive director and other professional and clerical personnel.

Pub. L. 93–651, §111(p), amended subsec. (e) in exactly the same manner as it was amended by Pub. L. 93–516.

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 93–516, §111(q), substituted "not later than September 30, 1975" for "prior to January 1, 1975".

Pub. L. 93–651, §111(q), amended subsec. (g) in exactly the same manner as it was amended by Pub. L. 93–516.

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 93–516, §110, authorized appropriation of $1,500,000 for fiscal year ending June 30, 1976.

Pub. L. 93–651, §110, amended subsec. (h) in exactly the same manner as it was amended by Pub. L. 93–516.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–374 effective Oct. 1, 1980, see section 1393(a) of Pub. L. 96–374, set out as a note under section 1001 of Title 20, Education.

Extension of Vocational Rehabilitation Programs Through Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 1978; Effective Date of 1976 Amendment

Pub. L. 94–230, §11(a), (b)(1), (c), Mar. 15, 1976, 90 Stat. 213, 214, extended certain program authorizations in the absence of congressional action, provided that the amendments made by section 11(b) of Pub. L. 94–230 would take effect at the close of Apr. 15, 1977, unless Congress passed legislation preempting those amendments, and provided that Congress would not be deemed to have passed such legislation unless it became law.

Termination of Advisory Panels

Advisory panels established after Jan. 5, 1973, to terminate not later than the expiration of the 2-year period beginning on the date of their establishment, unless, in the case of a panel established by the President or an officer of the Federal Government, such panel is renewed by appropriate action prior to the expiration of such 2-year period, or in the case of a panel established by the Congress, its duration is otherwise provided for by law. See sections 1001(2) and 1013 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Accessibility of Information on Prescription Drug Container Labels by Visually Impaired and Blind Consumers

Pub. L. 112–144, title IX, §904, July 9, 2012, 126 Stat. 1090, as amended by Pub. L. 117–286, §4(a)(188), Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4326, provided that:

"(a) Establishment of Working Group.—

"(1) In general.—The Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (referred to in this section as the 'Access Board') shall convene a stakeholder working group (referred to in this section as the 'working group') to develop best practices on access to information on prescription drug container labels for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

"(2) Members.—The working group shall be comprised of representatives of national organizations representing blind and visually impaired individuals, national organizations representing the elderly, and industry groups representing stakeholders, including retail, mail-order, and independent community pharmacies, who would be impacted by such best practices. Representation within the working group shall be divided equally between consumer and industry advocates.

"(3) Best practices.—

"(A) In general.—The working group shall develop, not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act [July 9, 2012], best practices for pharmacies to ensure that blind and visually impaired individuals have safe, consistent, reliable, and independent access to the information on prescription drug container labels.

"(B) Public availability.—The best practices developed under subparagraph (A) may be made publicly available, including through the Internet Web sites of the working group participant organizations, and through other means, in a manner that provides access to interested individuals, including individuals with disabilities.

"(C) Limitations.—The best practices developed under subparagraph (A) shall not be construed as accessibility guidelines or standards of the Access Board, and shall not confer any rights or impose any obligations on working group participants or other persons. Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit or condition any right, obligation, or remedy available under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.) or any other Federal or State law requiring effective communication, barrier removal, or nondiscrimination on the basis of disability.

"(4) Considerations.—In developing and issuing the best practices under paragraph (3)(A), the working group shall consider—

"(A) the use of—

"(i) Braille;

"(ii) auditory means, such as—

     "(I) 'talking bottles' that provide audible container label information;

     "(II) digital voice recorders attached to the prescription drug container; and

     "(III) radio frequency identification tags;

"(iii) enhanced visual means, such as—

     "(I) large font labels or large font 'duplicate' labels that are affixed or matched to a prescription drug container;

     "(II) high-contrast printing; and

     "(III) sans-serif font; and

"(iv) other relevant alternatives as determined by the working group;

"(B) whether there are technical, financial, manpower, or other factors unique to pharmacies with 20 or fewer retail locations which may pose significant challenges to the adoption of the best practices; and

"(C) such other factors as the working group determines to be appropriate.

"(5) Information campaign.—Upon completion of development of the best practices under subsection (a)(3), the National Council on Disability, in consultation with the working group, shall conduct an informational and educational campaign designed to inform individuals with disabilities, pharmacists, and the public about such best practices.

"(6) Waiver of chapter 10 of title 5, united states code.—Chapter 10 of title 5, United States Code, shall not apply to the working group.

"(b) GAO Study.—

"(1) In general.—Beginning 18 months after the completion of the development of best practices under subsection (a)(3)(A), the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a review of the extent to which pharmacies are utilizing such best practices, and the extent to which barriers to accessible information on prescription drug container labels for blind and visually impaired individuals continue.

"(2) Report.—Not later than September 30, 2016, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a report on the review conducted under paragraph (1). Such report shall include recommendations about how best to reduce the barriers experienced by blind and visually impaired individuals to independently accessing information on prescription drug container labels.

"(c) Definitions.—In this section—

"(1) the term 'pharmacy' includes a pharmacy that receives prescriptions and dispenses prescription drugs through an Internet Web site or by mail;

"(2) the term 'prescription drug' means a drug subject to section 503(b)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 353(b)(1)); and

"(3) the term 'prescription drug container label' means the label with the directions for use that is affixed to the prescription drug container by the pharmacist and dispensed to the consumer."

¹ So in original. Probably should be "Access Board".

² So in original. Probably should not be capitalized.

§793. Employment under Federal contracts

(a) Amount of contracts or subcontracts; provision for employment and advancement of qualified individuals with disabilities; regulations

Any contract in excess of $10,000 entered into by any Federal department or agency for the procurement of personal property and nonpersonal services (including construction) for the United States shall contain a provision requiring that the party contracting with the United States shall take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities. The provisions of this section shall apply to any subcontract in excess of $10,000 entered into by a prime contractor in carrying out any contract for the procurement of personal property and nonpersonal services (including construction) for the United States. The President shall implement the provisions of this section by promulgating regulations within ninety days after September 26, 1973.

(b) Administrative enforcement; complaints; investigations; departmental action

If any individual with a disability believes any contractor has failed or refused to comply with the provisions of a contract with the United States, relating to employment of individuals with disabilities, such individual may file a complaint with the Department of Labor. The Department shall promptly investigate such complaint and shall take such action thereon as the facts and circumstances warrant, consistent with the terms of such contract and the laws and regulations applicable thereto.

(c) Waiver by President; national interest special circumstances for waiver of particular agreements; waiver by Secretary of Labor of affirmative action requirements

(1) The requirements of this section may be waived, in whole or in part, by the President with respect to a particular contract or subcontract, in accordance with guidelines set forth in regulations which the President shall prescribe, when the President determines that special circumstances in the national interest so require and states in writing the reasons for such determination.

(2)(A) The Secretary of Labor may waive the requirements of the affirmative action clause required by regulations promulgated under subsection (a) with respect to any of a prime contractor's or subcontractor's facilities that are found to be in all respects separate and distinct from activities of the prime contractor or subcontractor related to the performance of the contract or subcontract, if the Secretary of Labor also finds that such a waiver will not interfere with or impede the effectuation of this chapter.

(B) Such waivers shall be considered only upon the request of the contractor or subcontractor. The Secretary of Labor shall promulgate regulations that set forth the standards used for granting such a waiver.

(d) Standards used in determining violation of section

The standards used to determine whether this section has been violated in a complaint alleging nonaffirmative action employment discrimination under this section shall be the standards applied under title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12111 et seq.) and the provisions of sections 501 through 504, and 510,¹ of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12201–12204 and 12210), as such sections relate to employment.

(e) Avoidance of duplicative efforts and inconsistencies

The Secretary shall develop procedures to ensure that administrative complaints filed under this section and under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 [42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.] are dealt with in a manner that avoids duplication of effort and prevents imposition of inconsistent or conflicting standards for the same requirements under this section and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title V, §503, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 393; Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §122(d)(1), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2987; Pub. L. 99–506, title I, §103(d)(2)(B), (C), title X, §§1001(f)(2), (3), 1002(e)(3), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1810, 1843, 1844; Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §206(c), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3312; Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §102(p)(31), title V, §505, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4360, 4427.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, referred to in subsecs. (d) and (e), is Pub. L. 101–336, July 26, 1990, 104 Stat. 327, which is classified principally to chapter 126 (§12101 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. Title I of the Act is classified generally to subchapter I (§12111 et seq.) of chapter 126 of Title 42. Section 510 of the Act was renumbered section 511 by Pub. L. 110–325, §6(a)(2), Sept. 25, 2008, 122 Stat. 3558. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 12101 of Title 42 and Tables.

Amendments

1992—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–569, §§102(p)(31)(A), 505(a), substituted "$10,000" for "$2,500" in two places, struck out ", in employing persons to carry out such contract," after "contain a provision requiring that", and substituted "individuals with disabilities" for "individuals with handicaps as defined in section 706(8) of this title".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–569, §102(p)(31)(B), substituted "individual with a disability" for "individual with handicaps" and "individuals with disabilities" for "individuals with handicaps".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 102–569, §505(b), designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).

Subsecs. (d), (e). Pub. L. 102–569, §505(c), added subsecs. (d) and (e).

1988—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–630, §206(c)(1), inserted a comma after "to carry out such contract".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 100–630, §206(c)(2), substituted "refused" for "refuses".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 100–630, §206(c)(3), substituted "which the President" for "which The President" and "when the President" for "when The President".

1986—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 99–506, §§103(d)(2)(C), 1002(e)(3), substituted "individuals with handicaps" for "handicapped individuals" and "section 706(8) of this title" for "section 706(7) of this title".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 99–506, §§103(d)(2)(B), (C), 1001(f)(2), substituted "individual with handicaps" for "handicapped individual", "individuals with handicaps" for "handicapped individuals", and "a contract" for "his contract".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 99–506, §1001(f)(3), substituted "The President" for "he" in two places and substituted "the reasons" for "his reasons".

1978—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 95–602 substituted "section 706(7) of this title" for "section 706(6) of this title".

¹ See References in Text note below.

§794. Nondiscrimination under Federal grants and programs

(a) Promulgation of rules and regulations

No otherwise qualified individual with a disability in the United States, as defined in section 705(20) of this title, shall, solely by reason of her or his disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance or under any program or activity conducted by any Executive agency or by the United States Postal Service. The head of each such agency shall promulgate such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the amendments to this section made by the Rehabilitation, Comprehensive Services, and Developmental Disabilities Act of 1978. Copies of any proposed regulation shall be submitted to appropriate authorizing committees of the Congress, and such regulation may take effect no earlier than the thirtieth day after the date on which such regulation is so submitted to such committees.

(b) "Program or activity" defined

For the purposes of this section, the term "program or activity" means all of the operations of—

(1)(A) a department, agency, special purpose district, or other instrumentality of a State or of a local government; or

(B) the entity of such State or local government that distributes such assistance and each such department or agency (and each other State or local government entity) to which the assistance is extended, in the case of assistance to a State or local government;

(2)(A) a college, university, or other postsecondary institution, or a public system of higher education; or

(B) a local educational agency (as defined in section 7801 of title 20), system of career and technical education, or other school system;

(3)(A) an entire corporation, partnership, or other private organization, or an entire sole proprietorship—

(i) if assistance is extended to such corporation, partnership, private organization, or sole proprietorship as a whole; or

(ii) which is principally engaged in the business of providing education, health care, housing, social services, or parks and recreation; or

(B) the entire plant or other comparable, geographically separate facility to which Federal financial assistance is extended, in the case of any other corporation, partnership, private organization, or sole proprietorship; or

(4) any other entity which is established by two or more of the entities described in paragraph (1), (2), or (3);

any part of which is extended Federal financial assistance.

(c) Significant structural alterations by small providers

Small providers are not required by subsection (a) to make significant structural alterations to their existing facilities for the purpose of assuring program accessibility, if alternative means of providing the services are available. The terms used in this subsection shall be construed with reference to the regulations existing on March 22, 1988.

(d) Standards used in determining violation of section

The standards used to determine whether this section has been violated in a complaint alleging employment discrimination under this section shall be the standards applied under title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12111 et seq.) and the provisions of sections 501 through 504, and 510,¹ of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12201–12204 and 12210), as such sections relate to employment.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title V, §504, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 394; Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §§119, 122(d)(2), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2982, 2987; Pub. L. 99–506, title I, §103(d)(2)(B), title X, §1002(e)(4), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1810, 1844; Pub. L. 100–259, §4, Mar. 22, 1988, 102 Stat. 29; Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §206(d), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3312; Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §102(p)(32), title V, §506, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4360, 4428; Pub. L. 103–382, title III, §394(i)(2), Oct. 20, 1994, 108 Stat. 4029; Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §408(a)(3), Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1203; Pub. L. 107–110, title X, §1076(u)(2), Jan. 8, 2002, 115 Stat. 2093; Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §456(c), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1675; Pub. L. 114–95, title IX, §9215(mmm)(3), Dec. 10, 2015, 129 Stat. 2188.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The amendments to this section made by the Rehabilitation, Comprehensive Services, and Developmental Disabilities Act of 1978, referred to in subsec. (a), mean the amendments made by Pub. L. 95–602. See 1978 Amendments note below.

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, referred to in subsec. (d), is Pub. L. 101–336, July 26, 1990, 104 Stat. 327. Title I of the Act is classified generally to subchapter I (§12111 et seq.) of chapter 126 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. Section 510 of the Act was renumbered section 511 by Pub. L. 110–325, §6(a)(2), Sept. 25, 2008, 122 Stat. 3558. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 12101 of Title 42 and Tables.

Amendments

2015—Subsec. (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 114–95 made technical amendment to reference in original act which appears in text as reference to section 7801 of title 20.

2014—Subsec. (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 113–128 substituted "career and technical education" for "vocational education".

2002—Subsec. (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 107–110 substituted "section 7801 of title 20" for "section 8801 of title 20".

1998—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 105–220 substituted "section 705(20)" for "section 706(8)".

1994—Subsec. (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 103–382 substituted "section 8801 of title 20" for "section 2891(12) of title 20".

1992—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–569, §102(p)(32), substituted "a disability" for "handicaps" and "disability" for "handicap" in first sentence.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 102–569, §506, added subsec. (d).

1988—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–630, §206(d)(1), substituted "her or his handicap" for "his handicap".

Pub. L. 100–259, §4(1), designated existing provisions as subsec. (a).

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 100–259, §4(2), added subsec. (b).

Subsec. (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 100–630, §206(d)(2), substituted "section 2891(12) of title 20" for "section 2854(a)(10) of title 20".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 100–259, §4(2), added subsec. (c).

1986—Pub. L. 99–506 substituted "individual with handicaps" for "handicapped individual" and "section 706(8) of this title" for "section 706(7) of this title".

1978—Pub. L. 95–602 substituted "section 706(7) of this title" for "section 706(6) of this title" and inserted provision prohibiting discrimination under any program or activity conducted by any Executive agency or by the United States Postal Service and requiring the heads of these agencies to promulgate regulations prohibiting discrimination.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2015 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–95 effective Dec. 10, 2015, except with respect to certain noncompetitive programs and competitive programs, see section 5 of Pub. L. 114–95, set out as a note under section 6301 of Title 20, Education.

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–110 effective Jan. 8, 2002, except with respect to certain noncompetitive programs and competitive programs, see section 5 of Pub. L. 107–110, set out as an Effective Date note under section 6301 of Title 20, Education.

Exclusion From Coverage

Amendment by Pub. L. 100–259 not to be construed to extend application of this chapter to ultimate beneficiaries of Federal financial assistance excluded from coverage before Mar. 22, 1988, see section 7 of Pub. L. 100–259, set out as a Construction note under section 1687 of Title 20, Education.

Abortion Neutrality

Amendment by Pub. L. 100–259 not to be construed to force or require any individual or hospital or any other institution, program, or activity receiving Federal funds to perform or pay for an abortion, see section 8 of Pub. L. 100–259, set out as a note under section 1688 of Title 20, Education.

Construction of Prohibition Against Discrimination Under Federal Grants

Rights or protections of this section not affected by any provision of Pub. L. 98–457, see section 127 of Pub. L. 98–457, set out as a note under section 5101 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

Executive Documents

Coordination of Implementation and Enforcement of Provisions

For provisions relating to the coordination of implementation and enforcement of the provisions of this section by the Attorney General, see section 1–201 of Ex. Ord. No. 12250, Nov. 2, 1980, 45 F.R. 72995, set out as a note under section 2000d–1 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

Executive Order No. 11914

Ex. Ord. No. 11914, Apr. 28, 1976, 41 F.R. 17871, which related to nondiscrimination in federally assisted programs, was revoked by Ex. Ord. No. 12250, Nov. 2, 1980, 45 F.R. 72995, set out as a note under section 2000d–1 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

¹ See References in Text note below.

§794a. Remedies and attorney fees

(a)(1) The remedies, procedures, and rights set forth in section 717 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e–16), including the application of sections 706(f) through 706(k) (42 U.S.C. 2000e–5(f) through (k)) (and the application of section 706(e)(3) (42 U.S.C. 2000e–5(e)(3)) to claims of discrimination in compensation), shall be available, with respect to any complaint under section 791 of this title, to any employee or applicant for employment aggrieved by the final disposition of such complaint, or by the failure to take final action on such complaint. In fashioning an equitable or affirmative action remedy under such section, a court may take into account the reasonableness of the cost of any necessary work place accommodation, and the availability of alternatives therefor or other appropriate relief in order to achieve an equitable and appropriate remedy.

(2) The remedies, procedures, and rights set forth in title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.) (and in subsection (e)(3) of section 706 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 2000e–5), applied to claims of discrimination in compensation) shall be available to any person aggrieved by any act or failure to act by any recipient of Federal assistance or Federal provider of such assistance under section 794 of this title.

(b) In any action or proceeding to enforce or charge a violation of a provision of this subchapter, the court, in its discretion, may allow the prevailing party, other than the United States, a reasonable attorney's fee as part of the costs.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title V, §505, as added Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §120(a), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2982; amended Pub. L. 111–2, §5(c)(1), Jan. 29, 2009, 123 Stat. 6.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Civil Rights Act of 1964, referred to in subsec. (a)(2), is Pub. L. 88–352, July 2, 1964, 78 Stat. 241. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is classified generally to subchapter V (§2000d et seq.) of chapter 21 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 2000a of Title 42 and Tables.

Amendments

2009—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 111–2, §5(c)(1)(A), inserted "(and the application of section 706(e)(3) (42 U.S.C. 2000e–5(e)(3)) to claims of discrimination in compensation)" after "(42 U.S.C. 2000e–5(f) through (k))".

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 111–2, §5(c)(1)(B), inserted "(42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.) (and in subsection (e)(3) of section 706 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 2000e–5), applied to claims of discrimination in compensation)" after "1964".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2009 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 111–2 effective as if enacted May 28, 2007, and applicable to certain claims of discrimination in compensation pending on or after that date, see section 6 of Pub. L. 111–2, set out as a note under section 2000e–5 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

§794b. Removal of architectural, transportation, or communication barriers; technical and financial assistance; compensation of experts or consultants; authorization of appropriations

(a) The Secretary may provide directly or by contract with State vocational rehabilitation agencies or experts or consultants or groups thereof, technical assistance—

(1) to persons operating community rehabilitation programs; and

(2) with the concurrence of the Access Board established by section 792 of this title, to any public or nonprofit agency, institution, or organization;

for the purpose of assisting such persons or entities in removing architectural, transportation, or communication barriers. Any concurrence of the Access Board under paragraph (2) shall reflect its consideration of cost studies carried out by States.

(b) Any such experts or consultants, while serving pursuant to such contracts, shall be entitled to receive compensation at rates fixed by the Secretary, but not exceeding the daily equivalent of the rate of pay for level 4 of the Senior Executive Service Schedule under section 5382 of title 5, including travel time, and while so serving away from their homes or regular places of business, they may be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, as authorized by section 5703 of title 5 for persons in the Government service employed intermittently.

(c) The Secretary, with the concurrence of the Access Board and the President, may provide, directly or by contract, financial assistance to any public or nonprofit agency, institution, or organization for the purpose of removing architectural, transportation, and communication barriers. No assistance may be provided under this subsection until a study demonstrating the need for such assistance has been conducted and submitted under section 792(i)(1) of this title.

(d) In order to carry out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title V, §506, as added Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §120(a), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2983; amended Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §206(e), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3312; Pub. L. 102–569, title V, §507, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4428; Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §408(a)(4), Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1203; Pub. L. 105–394, title II, §203(b), Nov. 13, 1998, 112 Stat. 3653.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1998—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 105–220, §408(a)(4)(A), in concluding provisions, inserted last sentence and struck out former last sentence which read as follows: "Any concurrence of the Access Board under this paragraph shall reflect its consideration of the cost studies carried out by States under section 792(c)(1) of this title."

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 105–394 substituted "792(i)(1)" for "792(h)(1)".

Pub. L. 105–220, §408(a)(4)(B), substituted "provided under this subsection" for "provided under this paragraph".

1992—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–569, §507(a), (b), substituted "community rehabilitation programs" for "rehabilitation facilities" in par. (1) and inserted "Access" before "Board" in par. (2) and concluding provisions.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–569, §507(c), substituted "the rate of pay for level 4 of the Senior Executive Service Schedule under section 5382" for "the rate of basic pay payable for grade GS–18 of the General Schedule, under section 5332".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 102–569, §507(a), (d), inserted "Access" before "Board" and substituted "792(h)(1)" for "792(h)(2)".

1988—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–630, §206(e)(1), (2), redesignated former par. (1) as subsec. (a) and former subpars. (A) and (B) as pars. (1) and (2), respectively.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 100–630, §206(e)(1), (3), redesignated former par. (2) as subsec. (b) and substituted "travel time" for "traveltime".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 100–630, §206(e)(1), (4), redesignated former par. (3) as subsec. (c) and inserted a comma after "the President".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 100–630, §206(e)(1), redesignated former par. (4) as subsec. (d).

§794c. Interagency Disability Coordinating Council

(a) Establishment

There is hereby established an Interagency Disability Coordinating Council (hereafter in this section referred to as the "Council") composed of the Secretary of Education, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the Secretary of Transportation, the Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs, the Attorney General, the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, the Chairperson of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Chairperson of the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, the Chairperson of the National Council on Disability, and such other officials as may be designated by the President.

(b) Duties

The Council shall—

(1) have the responsibility for developing and implementing agreements, policies, and practices designed to maximize effort, promote efficiency, and eliminate conflict, competition, duplication, and inconsistencies among the operations, functions, and jurisdictions of the various departments, agencies, and branches of the Federal Government responsible for the implementation and enforcement of the provisions of this subchapter, and the regulations prescribed thereunder;

(2) be responsible for developing and implementing agreements, policies, and practices designed to coordinate operations, functions, and jurisdictions of the various departments and agencies of the Federal Government responsible for promoting the full integration into society, independence, and productivity of individuals with disabilities; and

(3) carry out such studies and other activities, subject to the availability of resources, with advice from the National Council on Disability, in order to identify methods for overcoming barriers to integration into society, independence, and productivity of individuals with disabilities.

(c) Report

On or before July 1 of each year, the Interagency Disability Coordinating Council shall prepare and submit to the President and to the Congress a report of the activities of the Council designed to promote and meet the employment needs of individuals with disabilities, together with such recommendations for legislative and administrative changes as the Council concludes are desirable to further promote this section, along with any comments submitted by the National Council on Disability as to the effectiveness of such activities and recommendations in meeting the needs of individuals with disabilities. Nothing in this section shall impair any responsibilities assigned by any Executive order to any Federal department, agency, or instrumentality to act as a lead Federal agency with respect to any provisions of this subchapter.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title V, §507, as added Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §120(a), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2983; amended Pub. L. 96–88, title V, §508(m)(2), Oct. 17, 1979, 93 Stat. 694; Pub. L. 98–221, title I, §104(b)(4), Feb. 22, 1984, 98 Stat. 18; Pub. L. 99–506, title VI, §602, title X, §1001(f)(4), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1830, 1843; Pub. L. 102–569, title V, §508(a), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4429; Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §456(d), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1676.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 113–128 inserted "the Chairperson of the National Council on Disability," before "and such other".

1992—Pub. L. 102–569 amended section generally, changing Council name from Interagency Coordinating Council to Interagency Disability Coordinating Council, including as members Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Secretary of Transportation, and such other officials as designated by the President, requiring Council to be responsible for developing and implementing policies and practices to eliminate inconsistencies among Federal departments and agencies responsible for enforcement of provisions of this subchapter and to carry out such studies and other activities, with advice from the National Council on Disability, to identify methods for overcoming barriers to integration into society, independence, and productivity of individuals with disabilities, and directing in annual report inclusion of any comments submitted by National Council on Disability as to effectiveness of activities and recommendations in meeting needs of individuals with disabilities.

1986—Pub. L. 99–506, §602, inserted reference to Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs.

Pub. L. 99–506, §1001(f)(4), which directed the substitution of "Chairperson" for "Chairman" was executed by substituting "Chairperson of the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board" for "Chairman of the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board" to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

1984—Pub. L. 98–221 substituted "Chairman of the Office of Personnel Management" for "Chairman of the United States Civil Service Commission" and purported to substitute "Secretary of Education, the Secretary of Health and Human Services," for "Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare" which amendment could not be executed in view of the previous amendment by Pub. L. 96–88. See 1979 Amendment note below.

1979—Pub. L. 96–88 substituted requirement that the Secretaries of Education and Health and Human Services be members of the Council for requirement that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare be a member.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1979 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–88 effective May 4, 1980, with specified exceptions, see section 601 of Pub. L. 96–88, set out as an Effective Date note under section 3401 of Title 20, Education.

Termination of Reporting Requirements

For termination, effective May 15, 2000, of provisions in subsec. (c) of this section relating to requirement that the Council submit an annual report of activities to Congress, see section 3003 of Pub. L. 104–66, as amended, set out as a note under section 1113 of Title 31, Money and Finance, and page 175 of House Document No. 103–7.

§794d. Electronic and information technology

(a) Requirements for Federal departments and agencies

(1) Accessibility

(A) Development, procurement, maintenance, or use of electronic and information technology

When developing, procuring, maintaining, or using electronic and information technology, each Federal department or agency, including the United States Postal Service, shall ensure, unless an undue burden would be imposed on the department or agency, that the electronic and information technology allows, regardless of the type of medium of the technology—

(i) individuals with disabilities who are Federal employees to have access to and use of information and data that is comparable to the access to and use of the information and data by Federal employees who are not individuals with disabilities; and

(ii) individuals with disabilities who are members of the public seeking information or services from a Federal department or agency to have access to and use of information and data that is comparable to the access to and use of the information and data by such members of the public who are not individuals with disabilities.

(B) Alternative means efforts

When development, procurement, maintenance, or use of electronic and information technology that meets the standards published by the Access Board under paragraph (2) would impose an undue burden, the Federal department or agency shall provide individuals with disabilities covered by paragraph (1) with the information and data involved by an alternative means of access that allows the individual to use the information and data.

(2) Electronic and information technology standards

(A) In general

Not later than 18 months after August 7, 1998, the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (referred to in this section as the "Access Board"), after consultation with the Secretary of Education, the Administrator of General Services, the Secretary of Commerce, the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, the Secretary of Defense, and the head of any other Federal department or agency that the Access Board determines to be appropriate, including consultation on relevant research findings, and after consultation with the electronic and information technology industry and appropriate public or nonprofit agencies or organizations, including organizations representing individuals with disabilities, shall issue and publish standards setting forth—

(i) for purposes of this section, a definition of electronic and information technology that is consistent with the definition of information technology specified in section 11101(6) of title 40; and

(ii) the technical and functional performance criteria necessary to implement the requirements set forth in paragraph (1).

(B) Review and amendment

The Access Board shall periodically review and, as appropriate, amend the standards required under subparagraph (A) to reflect technological advances or changes in electronic and information technology.

(3) Incorporation of standards

Not later than 6 months after the Access Board publishes the standards required under paragraph (2), the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council shall revise the Federal Acquisition Regulation and each Federal department or agency shall revise the Federal procurement policies and directives under the control of the department or agency to incorporate those standards. Not later than 6 months after the Access Board revises any standards required under paragraph (2), the Council shall revise the Federal Acquisition Regulation and each appropriate Federal department or agency shall revise the procurement policies and directives, as necessary, to incorporate the revisions.

(4) Acquisition planning

In the event that a Federal department or agency determines that compliance with the standards issued by the Access Board under paragraph (2) relating to procurement imposes an undue burden, the documentation by the department or agency supporting the procurement shall explain why compliance creates an undue burden.

(5) Exemption for national security systems

This section shall not apply to national security systems, as that term is defined in section 11103(a) of title 40.

(6) Construction

(A) Equipment

In a case in which the Federal Government provides access to the public to information or data through electronic and information technology, nothing in this section shall be construed to require a Federal department or agency—

(i) to make equipment owned by the Federal Government available for access and use by individuals with disabilities covered by paragraph (1) at a location other than that where the electronic and information technology is provided to the public; or

(ii) to purchase equipment for access and use by individuals with disabilities covered by paragraph (1) at a location other than that where the electronic and information technology is provided to the public.

(B) Software and peripheral devices

Except as required to comply with standards issued by the Access Board under paragraph (2), nothing in paragraph (1) requires the installation of specific accessibility-related software or the attachment of a specific accessibility-related peripheral device at a workstation of a Federal employee who is not an individual with a disability.

(b) Technical assistance

The Administrator of General Services and the Access Board shall provide technical assistance to individuals and Federal departments and agencies concerning the requirements of this section.

(c) Agency evaluations

Not later than 6 months after August 7, 1998, the head of each Federal department or agency shall evaluate the extent to which the electronic and information technology of the department or agency is accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities described in subsection (a)(1), compared to the access to and use of the technology by individuals described in such subsection who are not individuals with disabilities, and submit a report containing the evaluation to the Attorney General.

(d) Reports

(1) Interim report

Not later than 18 months after August 7, 1998, the Attorney General shall prepare and submit to the President a report containing information on and recommendations regarding the extent to which the electronic and information technology of the Federal Government is accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities described in subsection (a)(1).

(2) Biennial reports

Not later than 3 years after August 7, 1998, and every 2 years thereafter, the Attorney General shall prepare and submit to the President and Congress a report containing information on and recommendations regarding the state of Federal department and agency compliance with the requirements of this section, including actions regarding individual complaints under subsection (f).

(e) Cooperation

Each head of a Federal department or agency (including the Access Board, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the General Services Administration) shall provide to the Attorney General such information as the Attorney General determines is necessary to conduct the evaluations under subsection (c) and prepare the reports under subsection (d).

(f) Enforcement

(1) General

(A) Complaints

Effective 6 months after the date of publication by the Access Board of final standards described in subsection (a)(2), any individual with a disability may file a complaint alleging that a Federal department or agency fails to comply with subsection (a)(1) in providing electronic and information technology.

(B) Application

This subsection shall apply only to electronic and information technology that is procured by a Federal department or agency not less than 6 months after the date of publication by the Access Board of final standards described in subsection (a)(2).

(2) Administrative complaints

Complaints filed under paragraph (1) shall be filed with the Federal department or agency alleged to be in noncompliance. The Federal department or agency receiving the complaint shall apply the complaint procedures established to implement section 794 of this title for resolving allegations of discrimination in a federally conducted program or activity.

(3) Civil actions

The remedies, procedures, and rights set forth in sections 794a(a)(2) and 794a(b) of this title shall be the remedies, procedures, and rights available to any individual with a disability filing a complaint under paragraph (1).

(g) Application to other Federal laws

This section shall not be construed to limit any right, remedy, or procedure otherwise available under any provision of Federal law (including sections 791 through 794a of this title) that provides greater or equal protection for the rights of individuals with disabilities than this section.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title V, §508, as added Pub. L. 99–506, title VI, §603(a), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1830; amended Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §206(f), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3312; Pub. L. 102–569, title V, §509(a), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4430; Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §408(b), Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1203; Pub. L. 106–246, div. B, title II, §2405, July 13, 2000, 114 Stat. 555.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

"Section 11101(6) of title 40" substituted in subsec. (a)(2)(A)(i) for "section 5002(3) of the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996 (40 U.S.C. 1401(3))" and "section 11103(a) of title 40" substituted in subsec. (a)(5) for "section 5142 of the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996 (40 U.S.C. 1452)" on authority of Pub. L. 107–217, §5(c), Aug. 21, 2002, 116 Stat. 1303, the first section of which enacted Title 40, Public Buildings, Property, and Works.

Amendments

2000—Subsec. (f)(1)(A). Pub. L. 106–246, §2405(1), substituted "Effective 6 months after the date of publication by the Access Board of final standards described in subsection (a)(2)," for "Effective 2 years after August 7, 1998,".

Subsec. (f)(1)(B). Pub. L. 106–246, §2405(2), substituted "6 months after the date of publication by the Access Board of final standards described in subsection (a)(2)." for "2 years after August 7, 1998."

1998—Pub. L. 105–220 amended section catchline and text generally. Prior to amendment, text consisted of subsecs. (a) and (b) relating to electronic and information technology accessibility guidelines.

1992—Pub. L. 102–569 amended section generally, substituting present provisions for provisions relating to electronic equipment accessibility guidelines, in consultation with electronic industry, designed to insure individuals with handicaps use of electronic office equipment with or without special peripherals, requiring the Administrator of General Services to adopt guidelines for electronic equipment accessibility established under this section for Federal procurement of electronic equipment, and defining term "special peripherals".

1988—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 100–630, §206(f)(1), inserted "the Director of" before "the National Institute", struck out "the" before "General Services", and substituted "individuals with handicaps" for "handicapped individuals".

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 100–630, §206(f)(2), inserted "by the Director of the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research and the Administrator of General Services in consultation with the electronics industry and the Interagency Committee for Computer Support of Handicapped Employees" after "revised".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 100–630, §206(f)(3), substituted "an individual with handicaps" for "a handicapped individual".

§794d–1. Reports on accessibility of electronic information to individuals with disabilities

(a)(1) Not later than 100 days after December 29, 2022, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (in this section referred to as the "Director"), in coordination with the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board and the Administrator of General Services (in this section referred to as the "Administrator"), shall disseminate amended or updated criteria and instructions to any Federal department or agency (in this section referred to as an "agency") covered by section 794d of this title for the evaluation required pursuant to paragraph (3)(B).

(2) Such criteria and instructions shall—

(A) include, at minimum, requirements that information technologies and digital services must–

(i) conform to the technical standards referenced in subsection (a)(2)(A) of such section 794d of this title, as determined by appropriate conformance testing; and

(ii) be accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities as determined from consultation with individuals with disabilities, including those with visual, auditory, tactile, and cognitive disabilities, or members of any disability organization; and

(B) provide guidance to agencies regarding the types and format of data and information to be submitted to the Director and the Administrator pursuant to paragraph (3), including how to submit such data and information, the metrics by which compliance will be assessed in the reports required in subsection (b), and any other directions necessary for agencies to demonstrate compliance with accessibility standards for electronic and information technology procured and in use within an agency, as required by such section 794d of this title.

(3) Not later than 225 days after December 29, 2022, the head of each agency shall—

(A) evaluate the extent to which the electronic and information technology of the agency are accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities described in subsection (a)(1) of such section 794d of this title compared to the access to and use of the technology and services by individuals described in such section who are not individuals with disabilities;

(B) evaluate the electronic and information technology of the agency in accordance with the criteria and instructions provided in paragraph (1); and

(C) submit a report containing the evaluations jointly to the Director and the Administrator.

(b)(1) Not later than 1 year after December 29, 2022, and annually thereafter, the Administrator, in consultation with the Director, shall prepare and submit to the Committees on Appropriations and Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committees on Appropriations and Oversight and Reform of the House of Representatives a report that shall include—

(A) a comprehensive assessment (including information identifying the metrics and data used) of compliance by each agency, and by the Federal Government generally, with the criteria and instructions disseminated under subsection (a)(1);

(B) a detailed description of the actions, activities, and other efforts made by the Administrator over the year preceding submission to support such compliance at agencies and any planned efforts in the coming year to improve compliance at agencies; and

(C) a list of recommendations that agencies or Congress may take to help support that compliance.

(2) The Administrator shall ensure that the reports required under this subsection are made available on a public website and are maintained as an open Government data asset (as that term is defined in section 3502 of title 44).

(Pub. L. 117–328, div. E, title VII, §752, Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 4719.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2023, and also as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, and not as part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 which comprises this chapter.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

Committee on Oversight and Reform of House of Representatives changed to Committee on Oversight and Accountability of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 5, One Hundred Eighteenth Congress, Jan. 9, 2023.

§794e. Protection and advocacy of individual rights

(a) Purpose and construction

(1) Purpose

The purpose of this section is to support a system in each State to protect the legal and human rights of individuals with disabilities who—

(A) need services that are beyond the scope of services authorized to be provided by the client assistance program under section 732 of this title; and

(B)(i) are ineligible for protection and advocacy programs under subtitle C of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 [42 U.S.C. 15041 et seq.] because the individuals do not have a developmental disability, as defined in section 102 of such Act [42 U.S.C. 15002]; and

(ii) are ineligible for services under the Protection and Advocacy for Mentally Ill Individuals Act of 1986 ¹ (42 U.S.C. 10801 et seq.) because the individuals are not individuals with mental illness, as defined in section 102 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 10802).

(2) Construction

This section shall not be construed to require the provision of protection and advocacy services that can be provided under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 [29 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.].

(b) Appropriations less than $5,500,000

For any fiscal year in which the amount appropriated to carry out this section is less than $5,500,000, the Commissioner may make grants from such amount to eligible systems within States to plan for, develop outreach strategies for, and carry out protection and advocacy programs authorized under this section for individuals with disabilities who meet the requirements of subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection (a)(1).

(c) Appropriations of $5,500,000 or more

(1) Reservations

(A) Technical assistance

For any fiscal year in which the amount appropriated to carry out this section equals or exceeds $5,500,000, the Commissioner shall set aside not less than 1.8 percent and not more than 2.2 percent of the amount to provide a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement for training and technical assistance to the systems established under this section.

(B) Grant for the eligible system serving the American Indian consortium

For any fiscal year in which the amount appropriated to carry out this section equals or exceeds $10,500,000, the Commissioner shall reserve a portion, and use the portion to make a grant for the eligible system serving the American Indian consortium. The Commission shall make the grant in an amount of not less than $50,000 for the fiscal year.

(2) Allotments

For any such fiscal year, after the reservations required by paragraph (1) have been made, the Commissioner shall make allotments from the remainder of such amount in accordance with paragraph (3) to eligible systems within States to enable such systems to carry out protection and advocacy programs authorized under this section for individuals referred to in subsection (b).

(3) Systems within States

(A) Population basis

Except as provided in subparagraph (B), from such remainder for each such fiscal year, the Commissioner shall make an allotment to the eligible system within a State of an amount bearing the same ratio to such remainder as the population of the State bears to the population of all States.

(B) Minimums

Subject to the availability of appropriations to carry out this section, and except as provided in paragraph (4), the allotment to any system under subparagraph (A) shall be not less than $100,000 or 1/3 of 1 percent of the remainder for the fiscal year for which the allotment is made, whichever is greater, and the allotment to any system under this section for any fiscal year that is less than $100,000 or 1/3 of 1 percent of such remainder shall be increased to the greater of the two amounts.

(4) Systems within other jurisdictions

(A) In general

For the purposes of paragraph (3)(B), Guam, American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands shall not be considered to be States.

(B) Allotment

The eligible system within a jurisdiction described in subparagraph (A) shall be allotted under paragraph (3)(A) not less than $50,000 for the fiscal year for which the allotment is made.

(5) Adjustment for inflation

For any fiscal year, beginning in fiscal year 1999, in which the total amount appropriated to carry out this section exceeds the total amount appropriated to carry out this section for the preceding fiscal year, the Commissioner shall increase each of the minimum grants or allotments under paragraphs (1)(B), (3)(B), and (4)(B) by a percentage that shall not exceed the percentage increase in the total amount appropriated to carry out this section between the preceding fiscal year and the fiscal year involved.

(d) Proportional reduction

To provide minimum allotments to systems within States (as increased under subsection (c)(5)) under subsection (c)(3)(B), or to provide minimum allotments to systems within States (as increased under subsection (c)(5)) under subsection (c)(4)(B), the Commissioner shall proportionately reduce the allotments of the remaining systems within States under subsection (c)(3), with such adjustments as may be necessary to prevent the allotment of any such remaining system within a State from being reduced to less than the minimum allotment for a system within a State (as increased under subsection (c)(5)) under subsection (c)(3)(B), or the minimum allotment for a State (as increased under subsection (c)(5)) under subsection (c)(4)(B), as appropriate.

(e) Reallotment

Whenever the Commissioner determines that any amount of an allotment to a system within a State for any fiscal year described in subsection (c)(1) will not be expended by such system in carrying out the provisions of this section, the Commissioner shall make such amount available for carrying out the provisions of this section to one or more of the systems that the Commissioner determines will be able to use additional amounts during such year for carrying out such provisions. Any amount made available to a system for any fiscal year pursuant to the preceding sentence shall, for the purposes of this section, be regarded as an increase in the allotment of the system (as determined under the preceding provisions of this section) for such year.

(f) Application

In order to receive assistance under this section, an eligible system shall submit an application to the Commissioner, at such time, in such form and manner, and containing such information and assurances as the Commissioner determines necessary to meet the requirements of this section, including assurances that the eligible system will—

(1) have in effect a system to protect and advocate the rights of individuals with disabilities;

(2) have the same general authorities, including the authority to access records and program income, as are set forth in subtitle C of title I of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 [42 U.S.C. 15041 et seq.];

(3) have the authority to pursue legal, administrative, and other appropriate remedies or approaches to ensure the protection of, and advocacy for, the rights of such individuals within the State or the American Indian consortium who are individuals described in subsection (a)(1);

(4) provide information on and make referrals to programs and services addressing the needs of individuals with disabilities in the State or the American Indian consortium;

(5) develop a statement of objectives and priorities on an annual basis, and provide to the public, including individuals with disabilities and, as appropriate, the individuals' representatives, an opportunity to comment on the objectives and priorities established by, and activities of, the system including—

(A) the objectives and priorities for the activities of the system for each year and the rationale for the establishment of such objectives and priorities; and

(B) the coordination of programs provided through the system under this section with the advocacy programs of the client assistance program under section 732 of this title, the State long-term care ombudsman program established under the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.), the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 [42 U.S.C. 15001 et seq.], and the Protection and Advocacy for Mentally Ill Individuals Act of 1986 ¹ (42 U.S.C. 10801 et seq.);

(6) establish a grievance procedure for clients or prospective clients of the system to ensure that individuals with disabilities are afforded equal opportunity to access the services of the system; and

(7) provide assurances to the Commissioner that funds made available under this section will be used to supplement and not supplant the non-Federal funds that would otherwise be made available for the purpose for which Federal funds are provided.

(g) Carryover and direct payment

(1) Direct payment

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Commissioner shall pay directly to any system that complies with the provisions of this section, the amount of the allotment of the State or the grant for the eligible system that serves the American Indian consortium involved under this section, unless the State or American Indian consortium provides otherwise.

(2) Carryover

Any amount paid to an eligible system that serves a State or American Indian consortium for a fiscal year that remains unobligated at the end of such year shall remain available to such system that serves the State or American Indian consortium for obligation during the next fiscal year for the purposes for which such amount was paid.

(h) Limitation on disclosure requirements

For purposes of any audit, report, or evaluation of the performance of the program established under this section, the Commissioner shall not require such a program to disclose the identity of, or any other personally identifiable information related to, any individual requesting assistance under such program.

(i) Administrative cost

In any State in which an eligible system is located within a State agency, a State may use a portion of any allotment under subsection (c) for the cost of the administration of the system required by this section. Such portion may not exceed 5 percent of the allotment.

(j) Delegation

The Commissioner may delegate the administration of this program to the Commissioner of the Administration on Developmental Disabilities within the Department of Health and Human Services.

(k) Report

The Commissioner shall annually prepare and submit to the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Labor and Human Resources of the Senate a report describing the types of services and activities being undertaken by programs funded under this section, the total number of individuals served under this section, the types of disabilities represented by such individuals, and the types of issues being addressed on behalf of such individuals.

(l) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $17,650,000 for fiscal year 2015, $19,013,000 for fiscal year 2016, $19,408,000 for fiscal year 2017, $19,838,000 for fiscal year 2018, $20,305,000 for fiscal year 2019, and $20,735,000 for fiscal year 2020.

(m) Definitions

As used in this section:

(1) Eligible system

The term "eligible system" means a protection and advocacy system that is established under subtitle C of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 [42 U.S.C. 15041 et seq.] and that meets the requirements of subsection (f).

(2) American Indian consortium

The term "American Indian consortium" means a consortium established as described in section 142 ² of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (42 U.S.C. 6042).

(Pub. L. 93–112, title V, §509, as added Pub. L. 102–569, title V, §510(a), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4430; amended Pub. L. 103–73, title I, §112(c), Aug. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 727; Pub. L. 105–12, §9(n), Apr. 30, 1997, 111 Stat. 28; Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §408(c), Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1206; Pub. L. 105–394, title IV, §402(c), Nov. 13, 1998, 112 Stat. 3662; Pub. L. 106–402, title IV, §401(b)(3)(C), (D), Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1738; Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §457, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1676.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000, referred to in subsecs. (a)(1)(B)(i), (f)(2), (5)(B), and (m)(1), is Pub. L. 106–402, Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1677, which is classified principally to chapter 144 (§15001 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. Subtitle C of title I of the Act is classified generally to part C (§15041 et seq.) of subchapter I of chapter 144 of Title 42. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 15001 of Title 42 and Tables.

The Protection and Advocacy for Mentally Ill Individuals Act of 1986, referred to in subsecs. (a)(1)(B)(ii) and (f)(5)(B), was Pub. L. 99–319, May 23, 1986, 100 Stat. 478, as amended. Pub. L. 99–319 was renamed the Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness Act by Pub. L. 106–310, div. B, title XXXII, §3206(a), Oct. 17, 2000, 114 Stat. 1193, and is classified generally to chapter 114 (§10801 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 10801 of Title 42 and Tables.

The Assistive Technology Act of 1998, referred to in subsec. (a)(2), is Pub. L. 105–394, Nov. 13, 1998, 112 Stat. 3627, which is classified principally to chapter 31 (§3001 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3001 of this title and Tables.

The Older Americans Act of 1965, referred to in subsec. (f)(5)(B), is Pub. L. 89–73, July 14, 1965, 79 Stat. 218, which is classified generally to chapter 35 (§3001 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3001 of Title 42 and Tables.

Section 142 of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (42 U.S.C. 6042), referred to in subsec. (m)(2), was repealed by Pub. L. 106–402, title IV, §401(a), Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1737.

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (c)(1)(A). Pub. L. 113–128, §457(1), inserted "a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement for" before "training".

Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 113–128, §457(2), substituted "general authorities, including the authority to access records" for "general authorities, including access to records" and inserted "of title I" after "subtitle C".

Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 113–128, §457(3), substituted "$17,650,000 for fiscal year 2015, $19,013,000 for fiscal year 2016, $19,408,000 for fiscal year 2017, $19,838,000 for fiscal year 2018, $20,305,000 for fiscal year 2019, and $20,735,000 for fiscal year 2020." for "such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 1999 through 2003."

2000—Subsecs. (a)(1)(B)(i), (f)(2). Pub. L. 106–402, §401(b)(3)(C), substituted "subtitle C of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000" for "part C of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (42 U.S.C. 6041 et seq.)".

Subsec. (f)(5)(B). Pub. L. 106–402, §401(b)(3)(D), substituted "Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000" for "Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (42 U.S.C. 6000 et seq.)".

Subsec. (m)(1). Pub. L. 106–402, §401(b)(3)(C), substituted "subtitle C of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000" for "part C of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (42 U.S.C. 6041 et seq.)".

1998—Pub. L. 105–220 amended section catchline and text generally. Prior to amendment, text consisted of subsecs. (a) to (n) relating to protection and advocacy of individual rights.

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 105–394 substituted "the Assistive Technology Act of 1998" for "the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals With Disabilities Act of 1988 (42 U.S.C. 2201 et seq.)".

1997—Subsec. (f)(8). Pub. L. 105–12 added par. (8).

1993—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 103–73, §112(c)(1), added par. (1) and struck out former par. (1) which read as follows: "are ineligible for client assistance programs under section 732 of this title; and".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–73, §112(c)(2), added subsec. (b) and struck out heading and text of former subsec. (b). Text read as follows:

"(1) Allotments.—For any fiscal year in which the amount appropriated to carry out this section is less than $5,500,000, the Commissioner may make grants from such amount to eligible systems within States to plan for, develop outreach strategies for, and carry out protection and advocacy programs authorized under this section for individuals with disabilities who meet the requirements of paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a).

"(2) Other jurisdictions.—For the purposes of this subsection, Guam, American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Republic of Palau shall not be considered to be States."

Subsec. (c)(4)(A). Pub. L. 103–73, §112(c)(3)(A)(i), substituted "paragraph (3)(B)" for "this subsection".

Subsec. (c)(4)(B). Pub. L. 103–73, §112(c)(3)(A)(ii), substituted "allotted under paragraph (3)(A)" for "allotted".

Subsec. (c)(5). Pub. L. 103–73, §112(c)(3)(B), added par. (5) and struck out heading and text of former par. (5). Text read as follows:

"(A) States.—For purposes of determining the minimum amount of an allotment under paragraph (3)(B), the amount $100,000 shall, in the case of such allotments for fiscal year 1994 and subsequent fiscal years, be increased to the extent necessary to offset the effects of inflation occurring since October 1992, as measured by the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index For All Urban Consumers (U.S. city average) during the period ending on April 1 of the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which the allotment is to be made.

"(B) Certain territories.—For purposes of determining the minimum amount of an allotment under paragraph (4)(B), the amount $50,000 shall, in the case of such allotments for fiscal year 1994 and subsequent fiscal years, be increased to the extent necessary to offset the effects of inflation occurring since October 1992, as measured by the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index For All Urban Consumers (U.S. city average) during the period ending on April 1 of the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which the allotment is to be made."

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 103–73, §112(c)(4), added subsec. (d) and struck out heading and text of former subsec. (d). Text read as follows: "Amounts necessary to provide allotments to systems within States in accordance with subsection (c)(3)(B) as increased under subsection (c)(5), or to provide allotments in accordance with subsection (c)(4)(B) as increased in accordance with subsection (c)(5), shall be derived by proportionately reducing the allotments of the remaining systems within States under subsection (c)(3), but with such adjustments as may be necessary to prevent the allotment of any such remaining systems within States from being thereby reduced to less than the greater of $100,000 or one-third of one percent of the sums made available for purposes of this section for the fiscal year for which the allotment is made, as increased in accordance with subsection (c)(5)."

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 103–73, §112(c)(6), which directed the amendment of this section "in subsection (i), to read as follows:", was executed by adding subsec. (i). Former subsec. (i) redesignated (n).

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 103–73, §112(c)(7), added subsec. (j) and struck out heading and text of former subsec. (j). Text read as follows: "An eligible system may not use more than 5 percent of any allotment under subsection (c) for the cost of administration of the system required by this section."

Subsec. (n). Pub. L. 103–73, §112(c)(5), redesignated subsec. (i) as (n).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

Committee on Labor and Human Resources of Senate changed to Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of Senate by Senate Resolution No. 20, One Hundred Sixth Congress, Jan. 19, 1999.

Effective Date of 1997 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 105–12 effective Apr. 30, 1997, applicable to Federal payments made pursuant to obligations incurred after Apr. 30, 1997, for items and services provided on or after such date, and also applicable with respect to contracts entered into, renewed, or extended after Apr. 30, 1997, as well as contracts entered into before Apr. 30, 1997, to the extent permitted under such contracts, see section 11 of Pub. L. 105–12, set out as an Effective Date note under section 14401 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

¹ See References in Text note below.

§794f. Establishment of standards for accessible medical diagnostic equipment

(a) Standards

Not later than 24 months after March 23, 2010,¹ the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board shall, in consultation with the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, promulgate regulatory standards in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act (2 U.S.C. 551 et seq.) ¹ setting forth the minimum technical criteria for medical diagnostic equipment used in (or in conjunction with) physician's offices, clinics, emergency rooms, hospitals, and other medical settings. The standards shall ensure that such equipment is accessible to, and usable by, individuals with accessibility needs, and shall allow independent entry to, use of, and exit from the equipment by such individuals to the maximum extent possible.

(b) Medical diagnostic equipment covered

The standards issued under subsection (a) for medical diagnostic equipment shall apply to equipment that includes examination tables, examination chairs (including chairs used for eye examinations or procedures, and dental examinations or procedures), weight scales, mammography equipment, x-ray machines, and other radiological equipment commonly used for diagnostic purposes by health professionals.

(c) Review and amendment

The Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, in consultation with the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, shall periodically review and, as appropriate, amend the standards in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act (2 U.S.C. 551 et seq.).¹

(Pub. L. 93–112, title V, §510, as added Pub. L. 111–148, title IV, §4203, Mar. 23, 2010, 124 Stat. 570.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

March 23, 2010, referred to in subsec. (a), was in the original "the date of enactment of the Affordable Health Choices Act", which was translated as meaning the date of enactment of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Pub. L. 111–148, which enacted this section, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

The Administrative Procedure Act, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (c), is act June 11, 1946, ch. 324, 60 Stat. 237, which was repealed and reenacted as subchapter II of chapter 5, and chapter 7, of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, by Pub. L. 89–554, Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 378.

¹ See References in Text note below.

§794g. Limitations on use of subminimum wage

(a) In general

No entity, including a contractor or subcontractor of the entity, which holds a special wage certificate as described in section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 214(c)) may compensate an individual with a disability who is age 24 or younger at a wage (referred to in this section as a "subminimum wage") that is less than the Federal minimum wage unless 1 of the following conditions is met:

(1) The individual is currently employed, as of the effective date of this section, by an entity that holds a valid certificate pursuant to section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938.

(2) The individual, before beginning work that is compensated at a subminimum wage, has completed, and produces documentation indicating completion of, each of the following actions:

(A) The individual has received pre-employment transition services that are available to the individual under section 733 of this title, or transition services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.) such as transition services available to the individual under section 614(d) of that Act (20 U.S.C. 1414(d)).

(B) The individual has applied for vocational rehabilitation services under subchapter I, with the result that—

(i)(I) the individual has been found ineligible for such services pursuant to that subchapter and has documentation consistent with section 722(a)(5)(C) of this title regarding the determination of ineligibility; or

(II)(aa) the individual has been determined to be eligible for vocational rehabilitation services;

(bb) the individual has an individualized plan for employment under section 722 of this title;

(cc) the individual has been working toward an employment outcome specified in such individualized plan for employment, with appropriate supports and services, including supported employment services, for a reasonable period of time without success; and

(dd) the individual's vocational rehabilitation case is closed; and

(ii)(I) the individual has been provided career counseling, and information and referrals to Federal and State programs and other resources in the individual's geographic area that offer employment-related services and supports designed to enable the individual to explore, discover, experience, and attain competitive integrated employment; and

(II) such counseling and information and referrals are not for employment compensated at a subminimum wage provided by an entity described in this subsection, and such employment-related services are not compensated at a subminimum wage and do not directly result in employment compensated at a subminimum wage provided by an entity described in this subsection.

(b) Construction

(1) Rule

Nothing in this section shall be construed to—

(A) change the purpose of this chapter described in section 701(b)(2) of this title, to empower individuals with disabilities to maximize opportunities for competitive integrated employment; or

(B) preference employment compensated at a subminimum wage as an acceptable vocational rehabilitation strategy or successful employment outcome, as defined in section 705(11) of this title.

(2) Contracts

A local educational agency (as defined in section 7801 of title 20) or a State educational agency (as defined in such section) may not enter into a contract or other arrangement with an entity described in subsection (a) for the purpose of operating a program for an individual who is age 24 or younger under which work is compensated at a subminimum wage.

(3) Voidability

The provisions in this section shall be construed in a manner consistent with the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 201 et seq.), as amended before or after the effective date of this Act.

(c) During employment

(1) In general

The entity described in subsection (a) may not continue to employ an individual, regardless of age, at a subminimum wage unless, after the individual begins work at that wage, at the intervals described in paragraph (2), the individual (with, in an appropriate case, the individual's parent or guardian)—

(A) is provided by the designated State unit career counseling, and information and referrals described in subsection (a)(2)(B)(ii), delivered in a manner that facilitates independent decisionmaking and informed choice, as the individual makes decisions regarding employment and career advancement; and

(B) is informed by the employer of self-advocacy, self-determination, and peer mentoring training opportunities available in the individual's geographic area, provided by an entity that does not have any financial interest in the individual's employment outcome, under applicable Federal and State programs or other sources.

(2) Timing

The actions required under subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1) shall be carried out once every 6 months for the first year of the individual's employment at a subminimum wage, and annually thereafter for the duration of such employment.

(3) Small business exception

In the event that the entity described in subsection (a) is a business with fewer than 15 employees, such entity can satisfy the requirements of subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1) by referring the individual, at the intervals described in paragraph (2), to the designated State unit for the counseling, information, and referrals described in paragraph (1)(A) and the information described in paragraph (1)(B).

(d) Documentation

(1) In general

The designated State unit, in consultation with the State educational agency, shall develop a new process or utilize an existing process, consistent with guidelines developed by the Secretary, to document the completion of the actions described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection (a)(2) by a youth with a disability who is an individual with a disability.

(2) Documentation process

Such process shall require that—

(A) in the case of a student with a disability, for documentation of actions described in subsection (a)(2)(A)—

(i) if such a student with a disability receives and completes each category of required activities in section 733(b) of this title, such completion of services shall be documented by the designated State unit in a manner consistent with this section;

(ii) if such a student with a disability receives and completes any transition services available for students with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act [20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.], including those provided under section 614(d)(1)(A)(i)(VIII) (20 U.S.C. 1414(d)(1)(A)(i)(VIII)), such completion of services shall be documented by the appropriate school official responsible for the provision of such transition services, in a manner consistent with this section; and

(iii) the designated State unit shall provide the final documentation, in a form and manner consistent with this section, of the completion of pre-employment transition services as described in clause (i), or transition services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act as described in clause (ii), to the student with a disability within a reasonable period of time following the completion; and

(B) when an individual has completed the actions described in subsection (a)(2)(B), the designated State unit shall provide the individual a document indicating such completion, in a manner consistent with this section, within a reasonable time period following the completion of the actions described in this subparagraph.

(e) Verification

(1) Before employment

Before an individual covered by subsection (a)(2) begins work for an entity described in subsection (a) at a subminimum wage, the entity shall review such documentation received by the individual under subsection (d), and provided by the individual to the entity, that indicates that the individual has completed the actions described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection (a)(2) and the entity shall maintain copies of such documentation.

(2) During employment

(A) In general

In order to continue to employ an individual at a subminimum wage, the entity described in subsection (a) shall verify completion of the requirements of subsection (c), including reviewing any relevant documents provided by the individual, and shall maintain copies of the documentation described in subsection (d).

(B) Review of documentation

The entity described in subsection (a) shall be subject to review of individual documentation described in subsection (d) by a representative working directly for the designated State unit or the Department of Labor at such a time and in such a manner as may be necessary to fulfill the intent of this section, consistent with regulations established by the designated State unit or the Secretary of Labor.

(f) Federal minimum wage

In this section, the term "Federal minimum wage" means the rate applicable under section 6(a)(1) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 206(a)(1)).

(Pub. L. 93–112, title V, §511, as added Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §458(a), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1676; amended Pub. L. 114–95, title IX, §9215(mmm)(4)(A), Dec. 10, 2015, 129 Stat. 2188.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The effective date of this section, referred to in subsec. (a)(1), means 2 years after July 22, 2014. See Effective Date note below.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, referred to in subsecs. (a)(2)(A) and (d)(2)(A)(ii), (iii), is title VI of Pub. L. 91–230, Apr. 13, 1970, 84 Stat. 175, which is classified generally to chapter 33 (§1400 et seq.) of Title 20, Education. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1400 of Title 20 and Tables.

The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, referred to in subsec. (b)(3), is act June 25, 1938, ch. 676, 52 Stat. 1060, which is classified generally to chapter 8 (§201 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 201 of this title and Tables.

The effective date of this Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(3), may mean the effective date of Pub. L. 93–112 (Sept. 26, 1973), the effective date of Pub. L. 113–128, which added this section (see Effective Date note set out under section 3101 of this title), or the effective date of this section (see Effective Date note below).

Amendments

2015—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 114–95 made technical amendment to reference in original act which appears in text as reference to section 7801 of title 20.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2015 Amendment

Pub. L. 114–95, title IX, §9215(mmm)(4)(B), Dec. 10, 2015, 129 Stat. 2188, provided that: "The amendment made by subparagraph (A) [amending this section] shall take effect on the same date as section 458(a) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (Public Law 113–128; 128 Stat. 1676) [enacting this section] takes effect, and as if enacted as part of such section."

Effective Date

Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §458(b), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1679, provided that: "This section [enacting this section] takes effect 2 years after the date of enactment of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act [July 22, 2014]."

SUBCHAPTER VI—EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

Editorial Notes

Codification

Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §461(1), (2), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1679, amended this subchapter by striking out part A, consisting of sections 795 and 795a, and striking out the heading of part B preceding section 795g.

Title VI of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, comprising this subchapter, was originally added to Pub. L. 93–112 by Pub. L. 95–602, title II, §201, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2989, and amended by Pub. L. 98–221, Feb. 22, 1984, 98 Stat. 17; Pub. L. 99–506, Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1807; Pub. L. 100–630, Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3289; Pub. L. 102–52, June 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 260; Pub. L. 102–119, Oct. 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 587; Pub. L. 102–569, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4344; Pub. L. 103–73, Aug. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 718. Title VI is shown herein, however, as having been added by Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §409, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1210, without reference to those intervening amendments because of the extensive revision of title VI by Pub. L. 105–220.

§§795, 795a. Repealed. Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §461(1), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1679

Section 795, Pub. L. 93–112, title VI, §611, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §409, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1210, related to Projects With Industry. Provisions similar to section 795 were contained in section 795g of this title prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

A prior section 795, Pub. L. 93–112, title VI, §611, as added Pub. L. 95–602, title II, §201, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2989; amended Pub. L. 99–506, title I, §103(d)(2)(C), title X, §1002(f), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1810, 1844; Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §102(p)(36), title VI, §601, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4360, 4434, authorized community service employment pilot programs for individuals with disabilities, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Section 795a, Pub. L. 93–112, title VI, §612, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §409, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1214, related to authorization of appropriations. Provisions similar to section 795a were contained in section 795i of this title prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Prior sections 795a to 795f were omitted in the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Section 795a, Pub. L. 93–112, title VI, §612, as added Pub. L. 95–602, title II, §201, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2991; amended Pub. L. 98–221, title I, §165, Feb. 22, 1984, 98 Stat. 30; Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §207(a), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3313, related to administration of community service employment pilot programs for individuals with disabilities.

Section 795b, Pub. L. 93–112, title VI, §613, as added Pub. L. 95–602, title II, §201, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2991; amended Pub. L. 102–569, title VI, §602, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4434, related to employment.

Section 795c, Pub. L. 93–112, title VI, §614, as added Pub. L. 95–602, title II, §201, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2992; amended Pub. L. 98–221, title I, §104(b)(5), Feb. 22, 1984, 98 Stat. 18, related to interagency cooperation.

Section 795d, Pub. L. 93–112, title VI, §615, as added Pub. L. 95–602, title II, §201, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2992; amended Pub. L. 99–506, title I, §103(d)(2)(C), title VII, §701, Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1810, 1831; Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §102(p)(37), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4360, related to award of grants or contracts.

Section 795e, Pub. L. 93–112, title VI, §616, as added Pub. L. 95–602, title II, §201, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2993; amended Pub. L. 99–506, title I, §103(d)(2)(C), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1810; Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §102(p)(38), title VI, §603, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4361, 4434, defined terms "community service" and "pilot program".

Section 795f, Pub. L. 93–112, title VI, §617, as added Pub. L. 95–602, title II, §201, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2993; amended Pub. L. 98–221, title I, §161, Feb. 22, 1984, 98 Stat. 29; Pub. L. 99–506, title VII, §702, Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1831; Pub. L. 102–52, §7(a), June 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 262; Pub. L. 102–569, title VI, §604, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4434, authorized appropriations.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Short Title

For short title of this subchapter as the "Employment Opportunities for Individuals With Disabilities Act", see section 601 of Pub. L. 93–112, as amended, set out as a note under section 701 of this title.

§795g. Purpose

It is the purpose of this subchapter to authorize allotments, in addition to grants for vocational rehabilitation services under subchapter I, to assist States in developing collaborative programs with appropriate entities to provide supported employment services for individuals with the most significant disabilities, including youth with the most significant disabilities, to enable such individuals to achieve an employment outcome of supported employment in competitive integrated employment.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title VI, §602, formerly §621, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §409, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1214; amended Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(b)(12)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681-414; renumbered §602 and amended Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §461(3), (4), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1679.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to this section were contained in section 795j of this title prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

A prior section 795g, Pub. L. 93–112, title VI, §621, as added Pub. L. 95–602, title II, §201, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2993; amended Pub. L. 98–221, title I, §§162, 163, Feb. 22, 1984, 98 Stat. 29, 30; Pub. L. 99–506, title I, §103(d)(2)(B), (C), title VII, §703(a)(1)–(3), (b)–(d), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1810, 1831, 1832; Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §207(b), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3313; Pub. L. 102–569, title VI, §611, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4434, related to Projects With Industry, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Amendments

2014—Pub. L. 113–128, §461(4), substituted "this subchapter" for "this part" and "individuals with the most significant disabilities, including youth with the most significant disabilities, to enable such individuals to achieve an employment outcome of supported employment in competitive integrated employment." for "individuals with the most significant disabilities to enable such individuals to achieve the employment outcome of supported employment."

1998—Pub. L. 105–277 made technical amendment to section designation and catchline in original.

§795h. Allotments

(a) In general

(1) States

The Secretary shall allot the sums appropriated for each fiscal year to carry out this subchapter among the States on the basis of relative population of each State, except that—

(A) no State shall receive less than $250,000, or 1/3 of 1 percent of the sums appropriated for the fiscal year for which the allotment is made, whichever amount is greater; and

(B) if the sums appropriated to carry out this subchapter for the fiscal year exceed by $1,000,000 or more the sums appropriated to carry out part B of this subchapter (as in effect on September 30, 1992) in fiscal year 1992, no State shall receive less than $300,000, or 1/3 of 1 percent of the sums appropriated for the fiscal year for which the allotment is made, whichever amount is greater.

(2) Certain territories

(A) In general

For the purposes of this subsection, Guam, American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands shall not be considered to be States.

(B) Allotment

Each jurisdiction described in subparagraph (A) shall be allotted not less than 1/8 of 1 percent of the amounts appropriated for the fiscal year for which the allotment is made.

(b) Reallotment

Whenever the Commissioner determines that any amount of an allotment to a State under subsection (a) for any fiscal year will not be expended by such State for carrying out the provisions of this subchapter, the Commissioner shall make such amount available for carrying out the provisions of this subchapter to 1 or more of the States that the Commissioner determines will be able to use additional amounts during such year for carrying out such provisions. Any amount made available to a State for any fiscal year pursuant to the preceding sentence shall, for the purposes of this section, be regarded as an increase in the allotment of the State (as determined under the preceding provisions of this section) for such year.

(c) Limitations on administrative costs

A State that receives an allotment under this subchapter shall not use more than 2.5 percent of such allotment to pay for administrative costs.

(d) Services for youth with the most significant disabilities

A State that receives an allotment under this subchapter shall reserve and expend half of such allotment for the provision of supported employment services, including extended services, to youth with the most significant disabilities in order to assist those youth in achieving an employment outcome in supported employment.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title VI, §603, formerly §622, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §409, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1214; amended Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(b)(13)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681-414; renumbered §603 and amended Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §461(3), (5), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1679.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Part B of this subchapter (as in effect on September 30, 1992), referred to in subsec. (a)(1)(B), consisted of sections 795g to 795i and related to projects with industry and business opportunities for individuals with handicaps.

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to this section were contained in section 795k of this title prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

A prior section 795h, Pub. L. 93–112, title VI, §622, as added Pub. L. 95–602, title II, §201, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2994, and amended, which related to business opportunities for individuals with disabilities and promulgation of regulations, was renumbered section 641 of Pub. L. 93–112, by Pub. L. 102–569, title VI, §612(a)(2), (3), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4438, and transferred to section 795r of this title, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 113–128, §461(5)(A)(i)(I), substituted "subchapter" for "part" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (a)(1)(A). Pub. L. 113–128, §461(5)(A)(i)(II), inserted "amount" after "whichever".

Subsec. (a)(1)(B). Pub. L. 113–128, §461(5)(A)(i)(III), substituted "subchapter for the fiscal year" for "part for the fiscal year" and "part B of this subchapter (as in effect on September 30, 1992) in fiscal year 1992" for "this part in fiscal year 1992" and inserted "amount" after "whichever".

Subsec. (a)(2)(B). Pub. L. 113–128, §461(5)(A)(ii), substituted "1/8 of 1 percent" for "one-eighth of one percent".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 113–128, §461(5)(B), inserted "under subsection (a)" after "allotment to a State", substituted "subchapter" for "part" in two places, and substituted "1 or more" for "one or more".

Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 113–128, §461(5)(C), added subsecs. (c) and (d).

1998—Pub. L. 105–277 made technical amendment in original to section designation and catchline.

§795i. Availability of services

(a) Supported employment services

Funds provided under this subchapter may be used to provide supported employment services to individuals who are eligible under this subchapter.

(b) Extended services

(1) In general

Except as provided in paragraph (2), funds provided under this subchapter, or subchapter I, may not be used to provide extended services to individuals under this subchapter or subchapter I.

(2) Extended services for youth with the most significant disabilities

Funds allotted under this subchapter, or subchapter I, and used for the provision of services under this subchapter to youth with the most significant disabilities pursuant to section 795h(d) of this title, may be used to provide extended services to youth with the most significant disabilities. Such extended services shall be available for a period not to exceed 4 years.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title VI, §604, as added Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §461(6), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1680.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 795i, Pub. L. 93–112, title VI, §604, formerly §623, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §409, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1215; amended Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(b)(14)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681-414; renumbered §604, Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §461(3), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1679, related to availability of services, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §461(6), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1680. Provisions similar to prior section 795i were contained in section 795l of this title prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Another prior section 795i, Pub. L. 93–112, title VI, §622, formerly §623, as added Pub. L. 95–602, title II, §201, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2994; amended Pub. L. 98–221, title I, §164, Feb. 22, 1984, 98 Stat. 30; Pub. L. 99–506, title VII, §704, Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1834; Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §207(d), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3313; Pub. L. 102–52, §7(b), June 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 262; renumbered §622 and amended Pub. L. 102–569, title VI, §613(a), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4439, authorized appropriations, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

§795j. Eligibility

An individual, including a youth with a disability, shall be eligible under this subchapter to receive supported employment services authorized under this chapter if—

(1) the individual is eligible for vocational rehabilitation services under subchapter I;

(2) the individual is determined to be an individual with a most significant disability;

(3) for purposes of activities carried out with funds described in section 795h(d) of this title, the individual is a youth with a disability, as defined in section 705(42) of this title; ¹ and

(4) a comprehensive assessment of the rehabilitation needs of the individual described in section 705(2)(B) of this title, including an evaluation of rehabilitation, career, and job needs, identifies supported employment as the appropriate employment outcome for the individual.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title VI, §605, formerly §624, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §409, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1215; amended Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(b)(15)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681-414; renumbered §605 and amended Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §461(3), (7), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1679, 1680.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 705(42) of this title, referred to in par. (3), was in the original "section (7)(42)", and was translated as meaning section 7(42) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which is classified to section 705(42) of this title, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to this section were contained in section 795m of this title prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

A prior section 795j, Pub. L. 93–112, title VI, §631, as added Pub. L. 102–569, title VI, §621(a), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4439, stated purpose of program for supported employment services for individuals with severe disabilities, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220. See section 795g of this title.

Another prior section 795j, Pub. L. 93–112, title VI, §631, as added Pub. L. 99–506, title VII, §704(a)(1), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1834, outlined the purpose of former part C of this subchapter, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–569, §621(a).

Amendments

2014—Pub. L. 113–128, §461(7)(A), in introductory provisions, inserted ", including a youth with a disability," after "An individual" and substituted "this subchapter" for "this part".

Par. (1). Pub. L. 113–128, §461(7)(B), inserted "under subchapter I" after "rehabilitation services".

Pars. (3), (4). Pub. L. 113–128, §461(7)(C)–(F), added par. (3), redesignated former par. (3) as (4), and, in par. (4), substituted "assessment of the rehabilitation needs" for "assessment of rehabilitation needs".

1998—Pub. L. 105–277 made technical amendment to section designation and catchline in original.

¹ See References in Text note below.

§795k. State plan

(a) State plan supplements

To be eligible for an allotment under this subchapter, a State shall submit to the Commissioner, as part of the State plan under section 721 of this title, a State plan supplement for providing supported employment services authorized under this chapter to individuals, including youth with the most significant disabilities, who are eligible under this chapter to receive the services. Each State shall make such annual revisions in the plan supplement as may be necessary.

(b) Contents

Each such plan supplement shall—

(1) designate each designated State agency as the agency to administer the program assisted under this subchapter;

(2) summarize the results of the comprehensive, statewide assessment conducted under section 721(a)(15)(A)(i) of this title, with respect to the rehabilitation needs of individuals, including youth, with significant disabilities and the need for supported employment services, including needs related to coordination;

(3) describe the quality, scope, and extent of supported employment services authorized under this chapter to be provided to individuals, including youth with the most significant disabilities, who are eligible under this chapter to receive the services and specify the goals and plans of the State with respect to the distribution of funds received under section 795h of this title;

(4) demonstrate evidence of the efforts of the designated State agency to identify and make arrangements (including entering into cooperative agreements) with other State agencies and other appropriate entities to assist in the provision of supported employment services;

(5) demonstrate evidence of the efforts of the designated State agency to identify and make arrangements (including entering into cooperative agreements) with other public or nonprofit agencies or organizations within the State, employers, natural supports, and other entities with respect to the provision of extended services;

(6) describe the activities to be conducted pursuant to section 795h(d) of this title for youth with the most significant disabilities, including—

(A) the provision of extended services for a period not to exceed 4 years; and

(B) how the State will use the funds reserved in section 795h(d) of this title to leverage other public and private funds to increase resources for extended services and expand supported employment opportunities for youth with the most significant disabilities;

(7) provide assurances that—

(A) funds made available under this subchapter will only be used to provide supported employment services authorized under this chapter to individuals who are eligible under this subchapter to receive the services;

(B) the comprehensive assessments of individuals with significant disabilities, including youth with the most significant disabilities, conducted under section 722(b)(1) of this title and funded under subchapter I will include consideration of supported employment as an appropriate employment outcome;

(C) an individualized plan for employment, as required by section 722 of this title, will be developed and updated using funds under subchapter I in order to—

(i) specify the supported employment services to be provided, including, as appropriate, for youth with the most significant disabilities, transition services and pre-employment transition services;

(ii) specify the expected extended services needed, including the extended services that may be provided to youth with the most significant disabilities under this subchapter, in accordance with an approved individualized plan for employment, for a period not to exceed 4 years; and

(iii) identify, as appropriate, the source of extended services, which may include natural supports, or indicate that it is not possible to identify the source of extended services at the time the individualized plan for employment is developed;

(D) the State will use funds provided under this subchapter only to supplement, and not supplant, the funds provided under subchapter I, in providing supported employment services specified in the individualized plan for employment;

(E) services provided under an individualized plan for employment will be coordinated with services provided under other individualized plans established under other Federal or State programs;

(F) to the extent jobs skills training is provided, the training will be provided on site;

(G) supported employment services will include placement in an integrated setting based on the unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice of individuals with the most significant disabilities;

(H) the State agencies designated under paragraph (1) will expend not more than 2.5 percent of the allotment of the State under this subchapter for administrative costs of carrying out this subchapter; and

(I) with respect to supported employment services provided to youth with the most significant disabilities pursuant to section 795h(d) of this title, the designated State agency will provide, directly or indirectly through public or private entities, non-Federal contributions in an amount that is not less than 10 percent of the costs of carrying out such services; and

(8) contain such other information and be submitted in such manner as the Commissioner may require.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title VI, §606, formerly §625, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §409, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1215; amended Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(b)(16)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681-414; renumbered §606 and amended Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §461(3), (8), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1679, 1681.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to this section were contained in section 795n of this title prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

A prior section 795k, Pub. L. 93–112, title VI, §632, as added Pub. L. 102–569, title VI, §621(a), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4439, related to allotments, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220. See section 795h of this title.

Another prior section 795k, Pub. L. 93–112, title VI, §632, as added Pub. L. 99–506, title VII, §704(a)(1), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1834, related to eligibility for services under former part C of this subchapter, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–569, §621(a).

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 113–128, §461(8)(A), substituted "this subchapter" for "this part" and inserted ", including youth with the most significant disabilities," after "individuals".

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 113–128, §461(8)(B)(i), substituted "this subchapter" for "this part".

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 113–128, §461(8)(B)(ii), inserted ", including youth," after "rehabilitation needs of individuals".

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 113–128, §461(8)(B)(iii), inserted ", including youth with the most significant disabilities," after "provided to individuals" and made technical amendment to reference in original act which appears in text as reference to section 795h of this title.

Subsec. (b)(6), (7). Pub. L. 113–128, §461(8)(B)(iv)–(vi), added par. (6), redesignated former par. (6) as (7), and struck out former par. (7) which read as follows: "provide assurances that the State agencies designated under paragraph (1) will expend not more than 5 percent of the allotment of the State under this part for administrative costs of carrying out this part; and".

Subsec. (b)(7)(A). Pub. L. 113–128, §461(8)(B)(vii)(I), substituted "under this subchapter" for "under this part" in two places.

Subsec. (b)(7)(B). Pub. L. 113–128, §461(8)(B)(vii)(II), inserted ", including youth with the most significant disabilities," after "significant disabilities".

Subsec. (b)(7)(C)(i). Pub. L. 113–128, §461(8)(B)(vii)(III)(aa), inserted ", including, as appropriate, for youth with the most significant disabilities, transition services and pre-employment transition services" after "services to be provided".

Subsec. (b)(7)(C)(ii). Pub. L. 113–128, §461(8)(B)(vii)(III)(bb), inserted ", including the extended services that may be provided to youth with the most significant disabilities under this subchapter, in accordance with an approved individualized plan for employment, for a period not to exceed 4 years" after "services needed".

Subsec. (b)(7)(C)(iii). Pub. L. 113–128, §461(8)(B)(vii)(III)(cc), substituted "identify, as appropriate, the source of extended services," for "identify the source of extended services,", "or indicate" for "or to the extent", and "employment is developed;" for "employment is developed, a statement describing the basis for concluding that there is a reasonable expectation that such sources will become available;".

Subsec. (b)(7)(D). Pub. L. 113–128, §461(8)(B)(vii)(IV), substituted "under this subchapter" for "under this part".

Subsec. (b)(7)(G). Pub. L. 113–128, §461(8)(B)(vii)(VI), struck out "for the maximum number of hours possible" after "integrated setting".

Subsec. (b)(7)(H), (I). Pub. L. 113–128, §461(8)(B)(vii)(V), (VII), added subpars. (H) and (I).

1998—Pub. L. 105–277 made technical amendment in original to section designation and catchline.

§795l. Restriction

Each State agency designated under section 795k(b)(1) of this title shall collect the information required by section 721(a)(10) of this title separately for—

(1) eligible individuals receiving supported employment services under this subchapter;

(2) eligible individuals receiving supported employment services under subchapter I;

(3) eligible youth receiving supported employment services under this subchapter; and

(4) eligible youth receiving supported employment services under subchapter I.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title VI, §607, as added Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §461(9), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1682.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 795l, Pub. L. 93–112, title VI, §607, formerly §626, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §409, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1216; amended Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(b)(17)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681-414; renumbered §607, Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §461(3), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1679, related to restriction, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §461(9), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1682. Provisions similar to prior section 795l were contained in section 795o of this title prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Another prior section 795l, Pub. L. 93–112, title VI, §633, as added Pub. L. 102–569, title VI, §621(a), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4440; amended Pub. L. 103–73, title I, §113, Aug. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 728, related to availability of services, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220. See section 795i of this title.

Another prior section 795l, Pub. L. 93–112, title VI, §633, as added Pub. L. 99–506, title VII, §704(a)(1), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1834; amended Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §207(e), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3313, provided for allotments to States, unused funds, and planning grants, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–569, §621(a).

§795m. Savings provision

(a) Supported employment services

Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit a State from providing supported employment services in accordance with the State plan submitted under section 721 of this title by using funds made available through a State allotment under section 730 of this title.

(b) Postemployment services

Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to prohibit a State from providing discrete postemployment services in accordance with the State plan submitted under section 721 of this title by using funds made available through a State allotment under section 730 of this title to an individual who is eligible under this subchapter.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title VI, §608, formerly §627, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §409, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1216; amended Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(b)(18)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681-414; renumbered §608 and amended Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §461(3), (10), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1679, 1682.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to this section were contained in section 795p of this title prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

A prior section 795m, Pub. L. 93–112, title VI, §634, as added Pub. L. 102–569, title VI, §621(a), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4440, related to eligibility for services, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220. See section 795j of this title.

Another prior section 795m, Pub. L. 93–112, title VI, §634, as added Pub. L. 99–506, title VII, §704(a)(1), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1835; amended Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §207(f), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3313; Pub. L. 102–119, §26(e), Oct. 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 607, provided for submission of State plans for assistance under former part C of this subchapter, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–569, §621(a).

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 113–128, §461(10), substituted "this subchapter" for "this part" in two places.

1998—Pub. L. 105–277 made technical amendment in original to section designation and catchline.

§795n. Advisory Committee on Increasing Competitive Integrated Employment for Individuals with Disabilities

(a) Establishment

Not later than 60 days after July 22, 2014, the Secretary of Labor shall establish an Advisory Committee on Increasing Competitive Integrated Employment for Individuals with Disabilities (referred to in this section as the "Committee").

(b) Appointment and vacancies

(1) Appointment

The Secretary of Labor shall appoint the members of the Committee described in subsection (c)(6), in accordance with subsection (c).

(2) Vacancies

Any vacancy in the Committee shall not affect its powers, but shall be filled in the same manner, in accordance with the same paragraph of subsection (c), as the original appointment or designation was made.

(c) Composition

The Committee shall be composed of—

(1) the Assistant Secretary for Disability Employment Policy, the Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training, and the Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division, of the Department of Labor;

(2) the Commissioner of the Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, or the Commissioner's designee;

(3) the Director of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services of the Department of Health and Human Services, or the Director's designee;

(4) the Commissioner of Social Security, or the Commissioner's designee;

(5) the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration, or the Commissioner's designee; and

(6) representatives from constituencies consisting of—

(A) self-advocates for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities;

(B) providers of employment services, including those that employ individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities in competitive integrated employment;

(C) representatives of national disability advocacy organizations for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities;

(D) experts with a background in academia or research and expertise in employment and wage policy issues for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities;

(E) representatives from the employer community or national employer organizations; and

(F) other individuals or representatives of organizations with expertise on increasing opportunities for competitive integrated employment for individuals with disabilities.

(d) Chairperson

The Committee shall elect a Chairperson of the Committee from among the appointed members of the Committee.

(e) Meetings

The Committee shall meet at the call of the Chairperson, but not less than 8 times.

(f) Duties

The Committee shall study, and prepare findings, conclusions, and recommendations for the Secretary of Labor on—

(1) ways to increase the employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities or other individuals with significant disabilities in competitive integrated employment;

(2) the use of the certificate program carried out under section 214(c) of this title for the employment of individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, or other individuals with significant disabilities; and

(3) ways to improve oversight of the use of such certificates.

(g) Committee personnel matters

(1) Travel expenses

The members of the Committee shall not receive compensation for the performance of services for the Committee, but shall be allowed reasonable travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, while away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for the Committee. Notwithstanding section 1342 of title 31, the Secretary may accept the voluntary and uncompensated services of members of the Committee.

(2) Staff

The Secretary of Labor may designate such personnel as may be necessary to enable the Committee to perform its duties.

(3) Detail of Government employees

Any Federal Government employee, with the approval of the head of the appropriate Federal agency, may be detailed to the Committee without reimbursement, and such detail shall be without interruption or loss of civil service status or privilege.

(4) Facilities, equipment, and services

The Secretary of Labor shall make available to the Committee, under such arrangements as may be appropriate, necessary equipment, supplies, and services.

(h) Reports

(1) Interim and final reports

The Committee shall prepare and submit to the Secretary of Labor, as well as the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives—

(A) an interim report that summarizes the progress of the Committee, along with any interim findings, conclusions, and recommendations as described in subsection (f); and

(B) a final report that states final findings, conclusions, and recommendations as described in subsection (f).

(2) Preparation and submission

The reports shall be prepared and submitted—

(A) in the case of the interim report, not later than 1 year after the date on which the Committee is established under subsection (a); and

(B) in the case of the final report, not later than 2 years after the date on which the Committee is established under subsection (a).

(i) Termination

The Committee shall terminate on the day after the date on which the Committee submits the final report.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title VI, §609, as added Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §461(11), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1682.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 795n, Pub. L. 93–112, title VI, §609, formerly §628, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §409, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1217; amended Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(b)(19)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681-414; renumbered §609, Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §461(3), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1679, related to authorization of appropriations, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §461(11), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1682. See section 795o of this title. Provisions similar to prior section 795n were contained in section 795q of this title prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Another prior section 795n, Pub. L. 93–112, title VI, §635, as added Pub. L. 102–569, title VI, §621(a), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4440, which related to State plans, was omitted in the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220. See section 795k of this title.

Another prior section 795n, Pub. L. 93–112, title VI, §635, as added Pub. L. 99–506, title VII, §704(a)(1), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1836; amended Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §207(g), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3314, related to availability and comparability of services under former part C of this subchapter, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–569, §621(a).

§795o. Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subchapter $27,548,000 for fiscal year 2015, $29,676,000 for fiscal year 2016, $30,292,000 for fiscal year 2017, $30,963,000 for fiscal year 2018, $31,691,000 for fiscal year 2019, and $32,363,000 for fiscal year 2020.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title VI, §610, as added Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §461(11), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1684.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Prior sections 795o to 795r were omitted in the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Section 795o, Pub. L. 93–112, title VI, §636, as added Pub. L. 102–569, title VI, §621(a), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4442, related to collection of client information.

Another prior section 795o, Pub. L. 93–112, title VI, §636, as added Pub. L. 99–506, title VII, §704(a)(1), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1836, related to collection of client information, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–569, §621(a).

Section 795p, Pub. L. 93–112, title VI, §637, as added Pub. L. 102–569, title VI, §621(a), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4442, contained savings provision. See section 795m of this title.

Another prior section 795p, Pub. L. 93–112, title VI, §637, as added Pub. L. 99–506, title VII, §704(a)(1), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1837, contained a savings provision not prohibiting a State from carrying out post-employment services leading to supported employment, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–569, §621(a).

Section 795q, Pub. L. 93–112, title VI, §638, as added Pub. L. 102–569, title VI, §621(a), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4442, authorized appropriations.

Another prior section 795q, Pub. L. 93–112, title VI, §638, as added Pub. L. 99–506, title VII, §704(a)(1), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1837; amended Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §207(h), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3314; Pub. L. 102–52, §7(c), June 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 262, authorized appropriations for fiscal years 1987 to 1992, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–569, §621(a).

Section 795r, Pub. L. 93–112, title VI, §641, formerly §622, as added Pub. L. 95–602, title II, §201, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2994; amended Pub. L. 99–506, title I, §103(d)(2)(C), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1810; Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §207(c), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3313; renumbered §641 and amended Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §102(p)(39), title VI, §612(a)(2), (3), (b), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4361, 4438, related to business opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

SUBCHAPTER VII—INDEPENDENT LIVING SERVICES AND CENTERS FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING

Editorial Notes

Codification

Title VII of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, comprising this subchapter, was originally added to Pub. L. 93–112 by Pub. L. 102–569, title VII, §701(2), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4443, and amended by Pub. L. 103–73, Aug. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 718. Title VII is shown herein, however, as having been added by Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §410, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1217, without reference to those intervening amendments because of the extensive revision of title VII by Pub. L. 105–220.

Part A—Individuals With Significant Disabilities

subpart 1—general provisions

§796. Purpose

The purpose of this part is to promote a philosophy of independent living, including a philosophy of consumer control, peer support, self-help, self-determination, equal access, and individual and system advocacy, in order to maximize the leadership, empowerment, independence, and productivity of individuals with disabilities, and the integration and full inclusion of individuals with disabilities into the mainstream of American society, by—

(1) providing financial assistance to States for providing, expanding, and improving the provision of independent living services;

(2) providing financial assistance to develop and support statewide networks of centers for independent living; and

(3) providing financial assistance to States for improving working relationships among State independent living rehabilitation service programs, centers for independent living, Statewide Independent Living Councils established under section 796d of this title, State vocational rehabilitation programs receiving assistance under subchapter I, State programs of supported employment services receiving assistance under subchapter VI, client assistance programs receiving assistance under section 732 of this title, programs funded under other subchapters of this chapter, programs funded under other Federal law, and programs funded through non-Federal sources, with the goal of improving the independence of individuals with disabilities.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §701, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §410, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1217; amended Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §471, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1685.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 796, Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §701, as added Pub. L. 102–569, title VII, §701(2), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4443; amended Pub. L. 103–73, title I, §114(a), Aug. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 728, related to purpose of program to provide assistance for independent living for individuals with severe disabilities, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Another prior section 796, Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §701, as added Pub. L. 95–602, title III, §301, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2995, provided Congressional statement of purpose of former subchapter VII, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–569, §701(1).

Amendments

2014—Par. (3). Pub. L. 113–128 substituted "subchapter VI" for "part B of subchapter VI" and inserted before period at end ", with the goal of improving the independence of individuals with disabilities".

§796–1. Administration of the independent living program

There is established within the Administration for Community Living of the Department of Health and Human Services, an Independent Living Administration. The Independent Living Administration shall be headed by a Director (referred to in this section as the "Director") appointed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. The Director shall be an individual with substantial knowledge of independent living services. The Independent Living Administration shall be the principal agency, and the Director shall be the principal officer, to carry out this part. In performing the functions of the office, the Director shall be directly responsible to the Administrator of the Administration for Community Living of the Department of Health and Human Services. The Secretary shall ensure that the Independent Living Administration has sufficient resources (including designating at least 1 individual from the Office of General Counsel who is knowledgeable about independent living services) to provide technical assistance and support to, and oversight of, the programs funded under this part.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §701A, as added Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §472, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1685.)

§796a. Definitions

As used in this part:

(1) Administrator

The term "Administrator" means the Administrator of the Administration for Community Living of the Department of Health and Human Services.

(2) Center for independent living

The term "center for independent living" means a consumer-controlled, community-based, cross-disability, nonresidential private nonprofit agency for individuals with significant disabilities (regardless of age or income) that—

(A) is designed and operated within a local community by individuals with disabilities; and

(B) provides an array of independent living services, including, at a minimum, independent living core services as defined in section 705(17) of this title.

(3) Consumer control

The term "consumer control" means, with respect to a center for independent living, that the center vests power and authority in individuals with disabilities, in terms of the management, staffing, decisionmaking, operation, and provisions of services, of the center.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §702, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §410, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1218; amended Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §473, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1685.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 796a, Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §702, as added Pub. L. 102–569, title VII, §701(2), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4443, defined terms "center for independent living" and "consumer control", prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Another prior section 796a, Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §702, as added Pub. L. 95–602, title III, §301, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2995; amended Pub. L. 99–506, title I, §103(d)(2)(A), (C), title VIII, §801, title X, §§1001(g)(1), 1002(h), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1810, 1837, 1843, 1844; Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §208(a), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3314, provided eligibility requirements and definition of "comprehensive services for independent living", prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–569, §701(1).

Amendments

2014—Par. (1). Pub. L. 113–128, §473(4), added par. (1). Former par. (1) redesignated (2).

Pub. L. 113–128, §473(1)(A), inserted "for individuals with significant disabilities (regardless of age or income)" before "that—" in introductory provisions.

Par. (1)(B). Pub. L. 113–128, §473(1)(B), inserted ", including, at a minimum, independent living core services as defined in section 705(17) of this title" before period at end.

Par. (2). Pub. L. 113–128, §473(3), redesignated par. (1) as (2). Former par. (2) redesignated (3).

Pub. L. 113–128, §473(2), inserted ", in terms of the management, staffing, decisionmaking, operation, and provisions of services, of the center" before period at end.

Par. (3). Pub. L. 113–128, §473(3), redesignated par. (2) as (3).

§796b. Eligibility for receipt of services

Services may be provided under this part to any individual with a significant disability, as defined in section 705(21)(B) of this title.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §703, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §410, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1218.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 796b, Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §703, as added Pub. L. 102–569, title VII, §701(2), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4444, related to eligibility for receipt of services, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Another prior section 796b, Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §703, as added Pub. L. 95–602, title III, §301, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2996; amended Pub. L. 99–506, title X, §1001(g)(2), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1843; Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §208(b), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3314, related to State allotments for comprehensive services for independent living, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–569, §701(1).

§796c. State plan

(a) In general

(1) Requirement

To be eligible to receive financial assistance under this part, a State shall submit to the Administrator, and obtain approval of, a State plan developed and signed in accordance with paragraph (2), containing such provisions as the Administrator may require, including, at a minimum, the provisions required in this section.

(2) Joint development

The plan under paragraph (1) shall be jointly—

(A) developed by the chairperson of the Statewide Independent Living Council, and the directors of the centers for independent living in the State, after receiving public input from individuals with disabilities and other stakeholders throughout the State; and

(B) signed by—

(i) the chairperson of the Statewide Independent Living Council, acting on behalf of and at the direction of the Council;

(ii) the director of the designated State entity described in subsection (c); and

(iii) not less than 51 percent of the directors of the centers for independent living in the State.

(3) Periodic review and revision

The plan shall provide for the review and revision of the plan, not less than once every 3 years, to ensure the existence of appropriate planning, financial support and coordination, and other assistance to appropriately address, on a statewide and comprehensive basis, needs in the State for—

(A) the provision of independent living services in the State;

(B) the development and support of a statewide network of centers for independent living; and

(C) working relationships and collaboration between—

(i) centers for independent living; and

(ii)(I) entities carrying out programs that provide independent living services, including those serving older individuals;

(II) other community-based organizations that provide or coordinate the provision of housing, transportation, employment, information and referral assistance, services, and supports for individuals with significant disabilities; and

(III) entities carrying out other programs providing services for individuals with disabilities.

(4) Date of submission

The State shall submit the plan to the Administrator 90 days before the completion date of the preceding plan. If a State fails to submit such a plan that complies with the requirements of this section, the Administrator may withhold financial assistance under this part until such time as the State submits such a plan.

(5) Statewideness

The State plan shall describe strategies for providing independent living services on a statewide basis, to the greatest extent possible.

(b) Statewide Independent Living Council

The plan shall provide for the establishment of a Statewide Independent Living Council in accordance with section 796d of this title.

(c) Designation of State entity

The plan shall designate a State entity of such State (referred to in this subchapter as the "designated State entity") as the agency that, on behalf of the State, shall—

(1) receive, account for, and disburse funds received by the State under this part based on the plan;

(2) provide administrative support services for a program under subpart 2, and a program under subpart 3 in a case in which the program is administered by the State under section 796f–2 of this title;

(3) keep such records and afford such access to such records as the Administrator finds to be necessary with respect to the programs;

(4) submit such additional information or provide such assurances as the Administrator may require with respect to the programs; and

(5) retain not more than 5 percent of the funds received by the State for any fiscal year under subpart 2, for the performance of the services outlined in paragraphs (1) through (4).

(d) Objectives

The plan shall—

(1) specify the objectives to be achieved under the plan and establish timelines for the achievement of the objectives; and

(2) explain how such objectives are consistent with and further the purpose of this part.

(e) Independent living services

The plan shall provide that the State will provide independent living services under this part to individuals with significant disabilities, and will provide the services to such an individual in accordance with an independent living plan mutually agreed upon by an appropriate staff member of the service provider and the individual, unless the individual signs a waiver stating that such a plan is unnecessary.

(f) Scope and arrangements

The plan shall describe the extent and scope of independent living services to be provided under this part to meet such objectives. If the State makes arrangements, by grant or contract, for providing such services, such arrangements shall be described in the plan.

(g) Network

The plan shall set forth a design for the establishment of a statewide network of centers for independent living that comply with the standards and assurances set forth in section 796f–4 of this title.

(h) Centers

In States in which State funding for centers for independent living equals or exceeds the amount of funds allotted to the State under subpart 3, as provided in section 796f–2 of this title, the plan shall include policies, practices, and procedures governing the awarding of grants to centers for independent living and oversight of such centers consistent with section 796f–2 of this title.

(i) Cooperation, coordination, and working relationships among various entities

The plan shall set forth the steps that will be taken to maximize the cooperation, coordination, and working relationships among—

(1) the Statewide Independent Living Council;

(2) centers for independent living;

(3) the designated State entity; and

(4) other State agencies or entities represented on the Council, other councils that address the needs and issues of specific disability populations, and other public and private entities determined to be appropriate by the Council.

(j) Coordination of services

The plan shall describe how services funded under this part will be coordinated with, and complement, other services, in order to avoid unnecessary duplication with other Federal, State, and local programs.

(k) Coordination between Federal and State sources

The plan shall describe efforts to coordinate Federal and State funding for centers for independent living and independent living services.

(l) Outreach

With respect to services and centers funded under this part, the plan shall set forth steps to be taken regarding outreach to populations that are unserved or underserved by programs under this subchapter, including minority groups and urban and rural populations.

(m) Requirements

The plan shall provide satisfactory assurances that all recipients of financial assistance under this part will—

(1) notify all individuals seeking or receiving services under this part about the availability of the client assistance program under section 732 of this title, the purposes of the services provided under such program, and how to contact such program;

(2) take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities on the same terms and conditions required with respect to the employment of such individuals under the provisions of section 793 of this title;

(3) adopt such fiscal control and fund accounting procedures as may be necessary to ensure the proper disbursement of and accounting for funds paid to the State under this part;

(4)(A) maintain records that fully disclose—

(i) the amount and disposition by such recipient of the proceeds of such financial assistance;

(ii) the total cost of the project or undertaking in connection with which such financial assistance is given or used; and

(iii) the amount of that portion of the cost of the project or undertaking supplied by other sources;

(B) maintain such other records as the Administrator determines to be appropriate to facilitate an effective audit;

(C) afford such access to records maintained under subparagraphs (A) and (B) as the Administrator determines to be appropriate; and

(D) submit such reports with respect to such records as the Administrator determines to be appropriate;

(5) provide access to the Administrator and the Comptroller General or any of their duly authorized representatives, for the purpose of conducting audits and examinations, of any books, documents, papers, and records of the recipients that are pertinent to the financial assistance received under this part; and

(6) provide for public hearings regarding the contents of the plan during both the formulation and review of the plan.

(n) Evaluation

The plan shall establish a method for the periodic evaluation of the effectiveness of the plan in meeting the objectives established in subsection (d), including evaluation of satisfaction by individuals with disabilities.

(o) Promoting full access to community life

The plan shall describe how the State will provide independent living services described in section 705(18) of this title that promote full access to community life for individuals with significant disabilities.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §704, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §410, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1218; amended Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §474, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1686.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 796c, Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §704, as added Pub. L. 102–569, title VII, §701(2), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4444; amended Pub. L. 103–73, title I, §114(b), Aug. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 728, related to State plans, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Another prior section 796c, Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §704, as added Pub. L. 95–602, title III, §301, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2997; amended Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §208(c), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3314, related to payments to States from allotments to pay Federal share of expenditures, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–569, §701(1).

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 113–128, §474(1)(A), substituted "Administrator" for "Commissioner" in two places and inserted "developed and signed in accordance with paragraph (2)," after "State plan".

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 113–128, §474(1)(B), struck out "developed and signed by" after "jointly" in introductory provisions, added subpars. (A) and (B), and struck out former subpars. (A) and (B) which read as follows:

"(A) the director of the designated State unit; and

"(B) the chairperson of the Statewide Independent Living Council, acting on behalf of and at the direction of the Council."

Subsec. (a)(3)(A). Pub. L. 113–128, §474(1)(C)(i), substituted "independent living services in the State" for "State independent living services".

Subsec. (a)(3)(C). Pub. L. 113–128, §474(1)(C)(ii), added subpar. (C) and struck out former subpar. (C) which read as follows:

"(C) working relationships between—

"(i) programs providing independent living services and independent living centers; and

"(ii) the vocational rehabilitation program established under subchapter I of this chapter, and other programs providing services for individuals with disabilities."

Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 113–128, §474(1)(D), substituted "Administrator" for "Commissioner" in two places.

Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 113–128, §474(1)(E), added par. (5).

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 113–128, §474(2)(A), (B), substituted "entity" for "unit" in heading and "a State entity of such State (referred to in this subchapter as the 'designated State entity')" for "the designated State unit of such State" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (c)(3), (4). Pub. L. 113–128, §474(2)(C), substituted "Administrator" for "Commissioner".

Subsec. (c)(5). Pub. L. 113–128, §474(2)(D)–(F), added par. (5).

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 113–128, §474(3), added pars. (1) to (4) and struck out former pars. (1) and (2) which read as follows:

"(1) the independent living rehabilitation service program, the Statewide Independent Living Council, and centers for independent living; and

"(2) the designated State unit, other State agencies represented on such Council, other councils that address the needs of specific disability populations and issues, and other public and private entities determined to be appropriate by the Council."

Subsec. (m)(4), (5). Pub. L. 113–128, §474(4), substituted "Administrator" for "Commissioner" wherever appearing.

Subsec. (o). Pub. L. 113–128, §474(5), added subsec. (o).

§796d. Statewide Independent Living Council

(a) Establishment

To be eligible to receive financial assistance under this part, each State shall establish and maintain a Statewide Independent Living Council (referred to in this section as the "Council"). The Council shall not be established as an entity within a State agency.

(b) Composition and appointment

(1) Appointment

Members of the Council shall be appointed by the Governor or, in the case of a State that, under State law, vests authority for the administration of the activities carried out under this chapter in an entity other than the Governor (such as one or more houses of the State legislature or an independent board), the chief officer of that entity. The appointing authority shall select members after soliciting recommendations from representatives of organizations representing a broad range of individuals with disabilities and organizations interested in individuals with disabilities.

(2) Composition

The Council shall include—

(A) among its voting members, at least 1 director of a center for independent living chosen by the directors of centers for independent living within the State;

(B) among its voting members, for a State in which 1 or more centers for independent living are run by, or in conjunction with, the governing bodies of American Indian tribes located on Federal or State reservations, at least 1 representative of the directors of such centers; and

(C) as ex officio, nonvoting members, a representative of the designated State entity, and representatives from State agencies that provide services for individuals with disabilities.

(3) Additional members

The Council may include—

(A) other representatives from centers for independent living;

(B) individuals with disabilities;

(C) parents and guardians of individuals with disabilities;

(D) advocates of and for individuals with disabilities;

(E) representatives from private businesses;

(F) representatives from organizations that provide services for individuals with disabilities; and

(G) other appropriate individuals.

(4) Qualifications

(A) In general

The Council shall be composed of members—

(i) who provide statewide representation;

(ii) who represent a broad range of individuals with disabilities from diverse backgrounds;

(iii) who are knowledgeable about centers for independent living and independent living services; and

(iv) a majority of whom are persons who are—

(I) individuals with disabilities described in section 705(20)(B) of this title; and

(II) not employed by any State agency or center for independent living.

(B) Voting members

A majority of the voting members of the Council shall be—

(i) individuals with disabilities described in section 705(20)(B) of this title; and

(ii) not employed by any State agency or center for independent living.

(5) Chairperson

(A) In general

Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the Council shall select a chairperson from among the voting membership of the Council.

(B) Designation by chief executive officer

In States in which the Governor does not have veto power pursuant to State law, the appointing authority described in paragraph (1) shall designate a voting member of the Council to serve as the chairperson of the Council or shall require the Council to so designate such a voting member.

(6) Terms of appointment

(A) Length of term

Each member of the Council shall serve for a term of 3 years, except that—

(i) a member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which a predecessor was appointed, shall be appointed for the remainder of such term; and

(ii) the terms of service of the members initially appointed shall be (as specified by the appointing authority described in paragraph (3)) for such fewer number of years as will provide for the expiration of terms on a staggered basis.

(B) Number of terms

No member of the Council, other than a representative described in paragraph (2)(A) if there is only one center for independent living within the State, may serve more than two consecutive full terms.

(7) Vacancies

(A) In general

Except as provided in subparagraph (B), any vacancy occurring in the membership of the Council shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment. The vacancy shall not affect the power of the remaining members to execute the duties of the Council.

(B) Delegation

The appointing authority described in paragraph (3) may delegate the authority to fill such a vacancy to the remaining voting members of the Council after making the original appointment.

(c) Functions

(1) Duties

The Council shall—

(A) develop the State plan as provided in section 796c(a)(2) of this title;

(B) monitor, review, and evaluate the implementation of the State plan;

(C) meet regularly, and ensure that such meetings of the Council are open to the public and sufficient advance notice of such meetings is provided;

(D) submit to the Administrator such periodic reports as the Administrator may reasonably request, and keep such records, and afford such access to such records, as the Administrator finds necessary to verify the information in such reports; and

(E) as appropriate, coordinate activities with other entities in the State that provide services similar to or complementary to independent living services, such as entities that facilitate the provision of or provide long-term community-based services and supports.

(2) Authorities

The Council may, consistent with the State plan described in section 796c of this title, unless prohibited by State law—

(A) in order to improve services provided to individuals with disabilities, work with centers for independent living to coordinate services with public and private entities;

(B) conduct resource development activities to support the activities described in this subsection or to support the provision of independent living services by centers for independent living; and

(C) perform such other functions, consistent with the purpose of this part and comparable to other functions described in this subsection, as the Council determines to be appropriate.

(3) Limitation

The Council shall not provide independent living services directly to individuals with significant disabilities or manage such services.

(d) Hearings and forums

The Council is authorized to hold such hearings and forums as the Council may determine to be necessary to carry out the duties of the Council.

(e) Plan

(1) In general

The Council shall prepare, in conjunction with the designated State entity, a plan for the provision of such resources, including such staff and personnel, as may be necessary and sufficient to carry out the functions of the Council under this section, with funds made available under this part, and under section 730 of this title (consistent with section 721(a)(18) of this title), and from other public and private sources. The resource plan shall, to the maximum extent possible, rely on the use of resources in existence during the period of implementation of the plan.

(2) Supervision and evaluation

Each Council shall, consistent with State law, supervise and evaluate such staff and other personnel as may be necessary to carry out the functions of the Council under this section.

(3) Conflict of interest

While assisting the Council in carrying out its duties, staff and other personnel shall not be assigned duties by the designated State entity or any other agency or office of the State, that would create a conflict of interest.

(f) Compensation and expenses

The Council may use available resources to reimburse members of the Council for reasonable and necessary expenses of attending Council meetings and performing Council duties (such as personal assistance services), and to pay reasonable compensation to a member of the Council, if such member is not employed or must forfeit wages from other employment, for each day the member is engaged in performing Council duties.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §705, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §410, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1220; amended Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(c)(7)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681-416; Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §475, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1687.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 796d, Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §705, as added Pub. L. 102–569, title VII, §701(2), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4446; amended Pub. L. 103–73, title I, §114(c), Aug. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 728, related to Statewide Independent Living Councils, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Another prior section 796d, Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §705, as added Pub. L. 95–602, title III, §301, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2997; amended Pub. L. 99–506, title I, §103(d)(2)(B), (C), (h)(2), title VIII, §802, title X, §1001(g)(3), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1810, 1811, 1837, 1843; Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §208(d), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3314; Pub. L. 102–119, §26(e), Oct. 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 607, related to State plans for providing comprehensive services for independent living, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–569, §701(1).

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 113–128, §475(1), inserted "and maintain" after "shall establish".

Subsec. (b)(2)(A). Pub. L. 113–128, §475(2)(A)(i), inserted "among its voting members," before "at least" and substituted "1" for "one".

Subsec. (b)(2)(B), (C). Pub. L. 113–128, §475(2)(A)(ii), added subpars. (B) and (C) and struck out former subpars. (B) and (C) which read as follows:

"(B) as ex officio, nonvoting members—

"(i) a representative from the designated State unit; and

"(ii) representatives from other State agencies that provide services for individuals with disabilities; and

"(C) in a State in which one or more projects are carried out under section 741 of this title, at least one representative of the directors of the projects."

Subsec. (b)(3)(B). Pub. L. 113–128, §475(2)(B)(ii), struck out "parents and guardians of" before "individuals".

Subsec. (b)(3)(C) to (G). Pub. L. 113–128, §475(2)(B)(i), (iii), added subpar. (C) and redesignated former subpars. (C) to (F) as (D) to (G), respectively.

Subsec. (b)(5)(B). Pub. L. 113–128, §475(2)(C), substituted "paragraph (1)" for "paragraph (3)".

Subsec. (b)(6)(B). Pub. L. 113–128, §475(2)(D), inserted ", other than a representative described in paragraph (2)(A) if there is only one center for independent living within the State," after "the Council".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 113–128, §475(3), added subsec. (c) and struck out former subsec. (c) which related to duties of the Council.

Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 113–128, §475(4)(A), substituted "prepare, in conjunction with the designated State entity, a plan" for "prepare, in conjunction with the designated State unit, a plan".

Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 113–128, §475(4)(B), substituted "State entity" for "State agency".

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 113–128, §475(5), substituted "available resources" for "such resources" and "(such as personal assistance services), and to pay reasonable compensation" for "(including child care and personal assistance services), and to pay compensation".

1998—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 105–277, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(c)(7)(A)], in first sentence, substituted "by the Governor or, in the case of a State that, under State law, vests authority for the administration of the activities carried out under this chapter in an entity other than the Governor (such as one or more houses of the State legislature or an independent board), the chief officer of that entity" for "by the Governor" and, in second sentence, substituted "The appointing authority" for "The Governor".

Subsec. (b)(5)(B). Pub. L. 105–277, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(c)(7)(B)], substituted "chief executive officer" for "Governor" in heading and "appointing authority described in paragraph (3) shall" for "Governor shall" in text.

Subsec. (b)(6)(A)(ii), (7)(B). Pub. L. 105–277, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(c)(7)(C)], substituted "appointing authority described in paragraph (3)" for "Governor".

§796d–1. Responsibilities of the Administrator

(a) Approval of State plans

(1) In general

The Administrator shall approve any State plan submitted under section 796c of this title that the Administrator determines meets the requirements of section 796c of this title, and shall disapprove any such plan that does not meet such requirements, as soon as practicable after receiving the plan. Prior to such disapproval, the Administrator shall notify the State of the intention to disapprove the plan, and shall afford such State reasonable notice and opportunity for a hearing.

(2) Procedures

(A) In general

Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the provisions of subsections (c) and (d) of section 727 of this title shall apply to any State plan submitted to the Administrator under section 796c of this title.

(B) Application

For purposes of the application described in subparagraph (A), all references in such provisions—

(i) to the Secretary or the Commissioner shall be deemed to be references to the Administrator;

(ii) to the State agency shall be deemed to be references to the designated State entity; and

(iii) to section 721 of this title shall be deemed to be references to section 796c of this title.

(b) Indicators

Not later than 1 year after July 22, 2014, the Administrator shall develop and publish in the Federal Register indicators of minimum compliance for centers for independent living (consistent with the standards set forth in section 796f–4 of this title), and indicators of minimum compliance for Statewide Independent Living Councils.

(c) Onsite compliance reviews

(1) Reviews

The Administrator shall annually conduct onsite compliance reviews of at least 15 percent of the centers for independent living that receive funds under section 796f–1 of this title and shall periodically conduct such a review of each such center. The Administrator shall annually conduct onsite compliance reviews of at least one-third of the designated State units that receive funding under section 796f–2 of this title, and, to the extent necessary to determine the compliance of such a State unit with subsections (f) and (g) of section 796f–2 of this title, centers that receive funding under section 796f–2 of this title in such State.

(2) Qualifications of employees conducting reviews

The Administrator shall—

(A) to the maximum extent practicable, carry out a review described in paragraph (1) by using employees of the Department of Health and Human Services who are knowledgeable about the provision of independent living services;

(B) ensure that the employee of the Department of Health and Human Services with responsibility for supervising such a review shall have such knowledge; and

(C) ensure that at least one member of a team conducting such a review shall be an individual who—

(i) is not a government employee; and

(ii) has experience in the operation of centers for independent living.

(d) Reports

(1) In general

The Director described in section 796–1 of this title shall provide to the Administrator of the Administration for Community Living and the Administrator shall include, in an annual report, information on the extent to which centers for independent living receiving funds under subpart 3 have complied with the standards and assurances set forth in section 796f–4 of this title. The Director may identify individual centers for independent living in the analysis contained in that information. The Director shall include in the report the results of onsite compliance reviews, identifying individual centers for independent living and other recipients of assistance under subpart 3.

(2) Public availability

The Director shall ensure that the report described in this subsection is made publicly available in a timely manner, including through electronic means, in order to inform the public about the administration and performance of programs under this chapter.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §706, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §410, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1223; amended Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §475A, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1689.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 796d–1, Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §706, as added Pub. L. 102–569, title VII, §701(2), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4448; amended Pub. L. 103–73, title I, §114(d), Aug. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 729, related to responsibilities of Commissioner, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Another prior section 796d–1, Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §706, as added Pub. L. 99–506, title VIII, §803(a), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1837; amended Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §208(e), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3314, provided for a State Independent Living Council, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–569, §701(1).

Amendments

2014—Pub. L. 113–128, §475A(1), substituted "the Administrator" for "Commissioner" in section catchline.

Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 113–128, §475A(2)(A), substituted "Administrator" for "Commissioner" wherever appearing.

Subsec. (a)(2)(A). Pub. L. 113–128, §475A(2)(B)(i), substituted "Administrator" for "Commissioner".

Subsec. (a)(2)(B)(i). Pub. L. 113–128, §475A(2)(B)(ii)(I), inserted "or the Commissioner" after "to the Secretary" and substituted "to the Administrator;" for "to the Commissioner; and".

Subsec. (a)(2)(B)(ii), (iii). Pub. L. 113–128, §475A(2)(B)(ii)(II), (III), added cl. (ii) and redesignated former cl. (ii) as (iii).

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 113–128, §475A(3), added subsec. (b) and struck out former subsec. (b). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Not later than October 1, 1993, the Commissioner shall develop and publish in the Federal Register indicators of minimum compliance consistent with the standards set forth in section 796f–4 of this title."

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 113–128, §475A(4)(A), substituted "Administrator" for "Commissioner" wherever appearing and struck out last sentence which read as follows: "The Administrator shall select the centers and State units described in this paragraph for review on a random basis."

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 113–128, §475A(4)(B)(i), substituted "Administrator" for "Commissioner" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (c)(2)(A). Pub. L. 113–128, §475A(4)(B)(ii), (iii), substituted "a review described in paragraph (1)" for "such a review" and "Department of Health and Human Services" for "Department".

Subsec. (c)(2)(B). Pub. L. 113–128, §475A(4)(B)(iii), substituted "Department of Health and Human Services" for "Department".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 113–128, §475A(5), added subsec. (d) and struck out former subsec. (d). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "The Commissioner shall include, in the annual report required under section 710 of this title, information on the extent to which centers for independent living receiving funds under subpart 3 have complied with the standards and assurances set forth in section 796f–4 of this title. The Commissioner may identify individual centers for independent living in the analysis. The Commissioner shall report the results of onsite compliance reviews, identifying individual centers for independent living and other recipients of assistance under this part."

subpart 2—independent living services

§796e. Allotments

(a) In general

(1) States

(A) Population basis

After the reservation required by section 796e–0 of this title is made, and except as provided in subparagraphs (B) and (C), from the remainder of the sums appropriated for each fiscal year to carry out this subpart, the Administrator shall make an allotment to each State whose State plan has been approved under section 796d–1 of this title of an amount bearing the same ratio to such sums as the population of the State bears to the population of all States.

(B) Maintenance of 1992 amounts

Subject to the availability of appropriations to carry out this subpart, the amount of any allotment made under subparagraph (A) to a State for a fiscal year shall not be less than the amount of an allotment made to the State for fiscal year 1992 under part A of this subchapter, as in effect on the day before October 29, 1992.

(C) Minimums

Subject to the availability of appropriations to carry out this subpart, and except as provided in subparagraph (B), the allotment to any State under subparagraph (A) shall be not less than $275,000 or 1/3 of 1 percent of the sums made available for the fiscal year for which the allotment is made, whichever is greater, and the allotment of any State under this section for any fiscal year that is less than $275,000 or 1/3 of 1 percent of such sums shall be increased to the greater of the two amounts.

(2) Certain territories

(A) In general

For the purposes of paragraph (1)(C), Guam, American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands shall not be considered to be States.

(B) Allotment

Each jurisdiction described in subparagraph (A) shall be allotted under paragraph (1)(A) not less than 1/8 of 1 percent of the remainder described in paragraph (1)(A) for the fiscal year for which the allotment is made.

(3) Adjustment for inflation

For any fiscal year, beginning in fiscal year 1999, in which the total amount appropriated to carry out this subpart exceeds the total amount appropriated to carry out this subpart for the preceding fiscal year, the Administrator shall increase the minimum allotment under paragraph (1)(C) by a percentage that shall not exceed the percentage increase in the total amount appropriated to carry out this subpart between the preceding fiscal year and the fiscal year involved.

(b) Proportional reduction

To provide allotments to States in accordance with subsection (a)(1)(B), to provide minimum allotments to States (as increased under subsection (a)(3)) under subsection (a)(1)(C), or to provide minimum allotments to States under subsection (a)(2)(B), the Administrator shall proportionately reduce the allotments of the remaining States under subsection (a)(1)(A), with such adjustments as may be necessary to prevent the allotment of any such remaining State from being reduced to less than the amount required by subsection (a)(1)(B).

(c) Reallotment

Whenever the Administrator determines that any amount of an allotment to a State for any fiscal year will not be expended by such State in carrying out the provisions of this subpart, the Administrator shall make such amount available for carrying out the provisions of this subpart to one or more of the States that the Administrator determines will be able to use additional amounts during such year for carrying out such provisions. Any amount made available to a State for any fiscal year pursuant to the preceding sentence shall, for the purposes of this section, be regarded as an increase in the allotment of the State (as determined under the preceding provisions of this section) for such year.

(d) Administration

Funds allotted or made available to a State under this section shall be administered by the designated State entity, in accordance with the approved State plan.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §711, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §410, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1224; amended Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §476(a), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1690.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Part A of this subchapter, as in effect on the day before October 29, 1992, referred to in subsec. (a)(1)(B), means former part A (§796 et seq.) which was included in the repeal of subchapter VII of this chapter by Pub. L. 102–569, title VII, §701(1), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4443.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 796e, Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §711, as added Pub. L. 102–569, title VII, §701(2), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4450; amended Pub. L. 103–73, title I, §114(e), Aug. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 729, related to allotments to provide independent living services, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Another prior section 796e, Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §711, as added Pub. L. 95–602, title III, §301, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2998; amended Pub. L. 98–221, title I, §171, Feb. 22, 1984, 98 Stat. 30; Pub. L. 99–506, title I, §103(d)(2)(C), title VIII, §§804(a)(1), (b), (c), 805, Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1810, 1838, 1839; Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §208(f), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3314, related to establishment and operation of independent living centers, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–569, §701(1).

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (a)(1)(A). Pub. L. 113–128, §476(a)(1)(A), (2), substituted "After the reservation required by section 796e–0 of this title is made, and except" for "Except", inserted "the remainder of the" before "sums appropriated", and substituted "Administrator" for "Commissioner".

Subsec. (a)(2)(B). Pub. L. 113–128, §476(a)(1)(B), substituted "remainder described in paragraph (1)(A)" for "amounts made available for purposes of this subpart".

Subsecs. (a)(3) to (c). Pub. L. 113–128, §476(a)(2), substituted "Administrator" for "Commissioner" wherever appearing.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 113–128, §476(a)(3), added subsec. (d).

§796e–0. Training and technical assistance

(a) Reservation of funds for training and technical assistance

From the funds appropriated and made available to carry out this subpart for any fiscal year, beginning with fiscal year 2015, the Administrator shall first reserve not less than 1.8 percent and not more than 2 percent of the funds to provide, either directly or through grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements, training and technical assistance to Statewide Independent Living Councils established under section 796d of this title for such fiscal year.

(b) Survey of Statewide Independent Living Councils

The Administrator shall conduct a survey of such Statewide Independent Living Councils regarding training and technical assistance needs in order to determine funding priorities for such training and technical assistance.

(c) Submission of application; peer review

To be eligible to receive a grant or enter into a contract or cooperative agreement under this section, an entity shall submit an application to the Administrator at such time, in such manner, containing a proposal to provide such training and technical assistance, and containing such additional information, as the Administrator may require. The Administrator shall provide for peer review of applications by panels that include persons who are not government employees and who have experience in the operation of such Statewide Independent Living Councils.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §711A, as added Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §476(b), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1690.)

§796e–1. Payments to States from allotments

(a) Payments

From the allotment of each State for a fiscal year under section 796e of this title, the State shall be paid the Federal share of the expenditures incurred during such year under its State plan approved under section 796d–1 of this title. Such payments may be made (after necessary adjustments on account of previously made overpayments or underpayments) in advance or by way of reimbursement, and in such installments and on such conditions as the Administrator may determine.

(b) Federal share

(1) In general

The Federal share with respect to any State for any fiscal year shall be 90 percent of the expenditures incurred by the State during such year under its State plan approved under section 796d–1 of this title.

(2) Non-Federal share

The non-Federal share of the cost of any project that receives assistance through an allotment under this subpart may be provided in cash or in kind, fairly evaluated, including plant, equipment, or services.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §712, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §410, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1225; amended Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §476(c), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1691.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 796e–1, Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §712, as added Pub. L. 102–569, title VII, §701(2), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4451; amended Pub. L. 103–73, title I, §114(f), Aug. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 730, related to payments to States from allotments, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 113–128 substituted "Administrator" for "Commissioner".

§796e–2. Authorized uses of funds

(a) In general

The State may use funds received under this subpart to provide the resources described in section 796d(e) of this title (but may not use more than 30 percent of the funds paid to the State under section 796e–1 of this title for such resources unless the State specifies that a greater percentage of the funds is needed for such resources in a State plan approved under section 796d–1 of this title), relating to the Statewide Independent Living Council, may retain funds under section 796c(c)(5) of this title, and shall distribute the remainder of the funds received under this subpart in a manner consistent with the approved State plan for the activities described in subsection (b).

(b) Activities

The State may use the remainder of the funds described in subsection (a)—

(1) to provide independent living services to individuals with significant disabilities, particularly those in unserved areas of the State;

(2) to demonstrate ways to expand and improve independent living services;

(3) to support the operation of centers for independent living that are in compliance with the standards and assurances set forth in subsections (b) and (c) of section 796f–4 of this title;

(4) to support activities to increase the capacities of public or nonprofit agencies and organizations and other entities to develop comprehensive approaches or systems for providing independent living services;

(5) to conduct studies and analyses, gather information, develop model policies and procedures, and present information, approaches, strategies, findings, conclusions, and recommendations to Federal, State, and local policymakers in order to enhance independent living services for individuals with disabilities;

(6) to train individuals with disabilities and individuals providing services to individuals with disabilities and other persons regarding the independent living philosophy; and

(7) to provide outreach to populations that are unserved or underserved by programs under this subchapter, including minority groups and urban and rural populations.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §713, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §410, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1226; amended Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §476(d), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1691.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 796e–2, Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §713, as added Pub. L. 102–569, title VII, §701(2), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4451; amended Pub. L. 103–73, title I, §114(g), Aug. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 730, related to authorized uses of funds, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Amendments

2014—Pub. L. 113–128 added subsec. (a), redesignated existing provisions as subsec. (b), in introductory provisions, substituted "The State may use the remainder of the funds described in subsection (a)—" for "The State may use funds received under this subpart to provide the resources described in section 796d(e) of this title, relating to the Statewide Independent Living Council, and may use funds received under this subpart—" and, in par. (1), inserted ", particularly those in unserved areas of the State" after "disabilities".

§796e–3. Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subpart $22,878,000 for fiscal year 2015, $24,645,000 for fiscal year 2016, $25,156,000 for fiscal year 2017, $25,714,000 for fiscal year 2018, $26,319,000 for fiscal year 2019, and $26,877,000 for fiscal year 2020.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §714, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §410, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1226; amended Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §476(e), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1691.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 796e–3, Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §714, as added Pub. L. 102–569, title VII, §701(2), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4452, authorized appropriations, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Amendments

2014—Pub. L. 113–128 substituted "$22,878,000 for fiscal year 2015, $24,645,000 for fiscal year 2016, $25,156,000 for fiscal year 2017, $25,714,000 for fiscal year 2018, $26,319,000 for fiscal year 2019, and $26,877,000 for fiscal year 2020." for "such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 1999 through 2003."

subpart 3—centers for independent living

§796f. Program authorization

(a) In general

From the funds appropriated for fiscal year 2015 and for each subsequent fiscal year to carry out this subpart, the Administrator shall make available such sums as may be necessary to States, centers for independent living, and other entities in accordance with subsections (b) through (d).

(b) Training

(1) Grants; contracts; cooperative agreements

From the funds appropriated to carry out this subpart for any fiscal year, beginning with fiscal year 2015, the Administrator shall first reserve not less than 1.8 percent and not more than 2 percent of the funds, to provide training and technical assistance to centers for independent living and eligible agencies for such fiscal year.

(2) Allocation

From the funds reserved under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall make grants to, or enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with, entities that have experience in the operation of centers for independent living to provide such training and technical assistance with respect to fiscal management of,¹ planning, developing, conducting, administering, and evaluating centers for independent living.

(3) Funding priorities

The Administrator shall conduct a survey of centers for independent living regarding training and technical assistance needs in order to determine funding priorities for such grants, contracts, and other arrangements.

(4) Review

To be eligible to receive a grant or enter into a contract or cooperative agreement under this subsection, such an entity shall submit an application to the Administrator at such time, in such manner, and containing a proposal to provide such training and technical assistance, and containing such additional information as the Administrator may require. The Administrator shall provide for peer review of grant applications by panels that include persons who are not government employees and who have experience in the operation of centers for independent living.

(5) Prohibition on combined funds

No funds reserved by the Administrator under this subsection may be combined with funds appropriated under any other Act or part of this chapter if the purpose of combining funds is to make a single discretionary grant or a single discretionary payment, unless such funds appropriated under this part are separately identified in such grant or payment and are used for the purposes of this part.

(c) In general

(1) States

(A) Population basis

After the reservation required by subsection (b) has been made, and except as provided in subparagraphs (B) and (C), from the remainder of the amounts appropriated for each such fiscal year to carry out this subpart, the Administrator shall make an allotment to each State whose State plan has been approved under section 796d–1 of this title of an amount bearing the same ratio to such remainder as the population of the State bears to the population of all States.

(B) Maintenance of 1992 amounts

Subject to the availability of appropriations to carry out this subpart, the amount of any allotment made under subparagraph (A) to a State for a fiscal year shall not be less than the amount of financial assistance received by centers for independent living in the State for fiscal year 1992 under part B of this subchapter, as in effect on the day before October 29, 1992.

(C) Minimums

Subject to the availability of appropriations to carry out this subpart and except as provided in subparagraph (B), for a fiscal year in which the amounts appropriated to carry out this subpart exceed the amounts appropriated for fiscal year 1992 to carry out part B of this subchapter, as in effect on the day before October 29, 1992—

(i) if such excess is not less than $8,000,000, the allotment to any State under subparagraph (A) shall be not less than $450,000 or 1/3 of 1 percent of the sums made available for the fiscal year for which the allotment is made, whichever is greater, and the allotment of any State under this section for any fiscal year that is less than $450,000 or 1/3 of 1 percent of such sums shall be increased to the greater of the 2 amounts;

(ii) if such excess is not less than $4,000,000 and is less than $8,000,000, the allotment to any State under subparagraph (A) shall be not less than $400,000 or 1/3 of 1 percent of the sums made available for the fiscal year for which the allotment is made, whichever is greater, and the allotment of any State under this section for any fiscal year that is less than $400,000 or 1/3 of 1 percent of such sums shall be increased to the greater of the 2 amounts; and

(iii) if such excess is less than $4,000,000, the allotment to any State under subparagraph (A) shall approach, as nearly as possible, the greater of the 2 amounts described in clause (ii).

(2) Certain territories

(A) In general

For the purposes of paragraph (1)(C), Guam, American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands shall not be considered to be States.

(B) Allotment

Each jurisdiction described in subparagraph (A) shall be allotted under paragraph (1)(A) not less than 1/8 of 1 percent of the remainder for the fiscal year for which the allotment is made.

(3) Adjustment for inflation

For any fiscal year, beginning in fiscal year 1999, in which the total amount appropriated to carry out this subpart exceeds the total amount appropriated to carry out this subpart for the preceding fiscal year, the Administrator shall increase the minimum allotment under paragraph (1)(C) by a percentage that shall not exceed the percentage increase in the total amount appropriated to carry out this subpart between the preceding fiscal year and the fiscal year involved.

(4) Proportional reduction

To provide allotments to States in accordance with paragraph (1)(B), to provide minimum allotments to States (as increased under paragraph (3)) under paragraph (1)(C), or to provide minimum allotments to States under paragraph (2)(B), the Administrator shall proportionately reduce the allotments of the remaining States under paragraph (1)(A), with such adjustments as may be necessary to prevent the allotment of any such remaining State from being reduced to less than the amount required by paragraph (1)(B).

(d) Reallotment

Whenever the Administrator determines that any amount of an allotment to a State for any fiscal year will not be expended by such State for carrying out the provisions of this subpart, the Administrator shall make such amount available for carrying out the provisions of this subpart to one or more of the States that the Administrator determines will be able to use additional amounts during such year for carrying out such provisions. Any amount made available to a State for any fiscal year pursuant to the preceding sentence shall, for the purposes of this section, be regarded as an increase in the allotment of the State (as determined under the preceding provisions of this section) for such year.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §721, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §410, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1226; amended Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §481, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1691.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Part B of this subchapter, as in effect on the day before October 29, 1992, referred to in subsec. (c)(1)(B), (C), means former part B (§796e) which was included in the repeal of subchapter VII of this chapter by Pub. L. 102–569, title VII, §701(1), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4443.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 796f, Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §721, as added Pub. L. 102–569, title VII, §701(2), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4452; amended Pub. L. 103–73, title I, §114(h), Aug. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 730, authorized program to assist centers for independent living, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Another prior section 796f, Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §721, as added Pub. L. 95–602, title III, §301, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2999; amended Pub. L. 99–506, title X, §1001(g)(4), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1843; Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §208(g), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3314, related to establishment of independent living service programs for older blind individuals, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–569, §701(1).

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 113–128, §481(1), substituted "2015" for "1999" and "Administrator shall make available" for "Commissioner shall allot" and inserted ", centers for independent living," after "States".

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 113–128, §481(2)(A), in heading, substituted "cooperative agreements" for "other arrangements", and in text, substituted "From the funds appropriated to carry out this subpart for any fiscal year, beginning with fiscal year 2015, the Administrator" for "For any fiscal year in which the funds appropriated to carry out this subpart exceed the funds appropriated to carry out this subpart for fiscal year 1993, the Commissioner", "reserve not less than 1.8 percent and not more than 2 percent of the funds" for "reserve from such excess", and "centers for independent living and eligible agencies for such fiscal year." for "eligible agencies, centers for independent living, and Statewide Independent Living Councils for such fiscal year, not less than 1.8 percent, and not more than 2 percent, of the funds appropriated to carry out this subpart for the fiscal year involved."

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 113–128, §481(2)(B), substituted "Administrator shall make grants to, or enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with," for "Commissioner shall make grants to, and enter into contracts and other arrangements with," and inserted "fiscal management of," before "planning,".

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 113–128, §481(2)(C), (D), substituted "Administrator" for "Commissioner" and struck out "Statewide Independent Living Councils and" before "centers".

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 113–128, §481(3), which directed substitution of "cooperative agreement" for "other arrangement" in par. (4), was executed by making the substitution in par. (4) of subsec. (b) to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Pub. L. 113–128, §481(2)(C), substituted "Administrator" for "Commissioner" wherever appearing.

Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 113–128, §481(2)(C), substituted "Administrator" for "Commissioner".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 113–128, §481(4), substituted "Administrator" for "Commissioner" wherever appearing.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 113–128, §481(5), substituted "Administrator" for "Commissioner" wherever appearing.

¹ So in original.

§796f–1. Grants to centers for independent living in States in which Federal funding exceeds State funding

(a) Establishment

(1) In general

Unless the director of a designated State unit awards grants under section 796f–2 of this title to eligible agencies in a State for a fiscal year, the Administrator shall award grants under this section to such eligible agencies for such fiscal year from the amount of funds allotted to the State under subsection (c) or (d) of section 796f of this title for such year.

(2) Grants

The Administrator shall award such grants, from the amount of funds so allotted, to such eligible agencies for the planning, conduct, administration, and evaluation of centers for independent living that comply with the standards and assurances set forth in section 796f–4 of this title.

(b) Eligible agencies

In any State in which the Administrator has approved the State plan required by section 796c of this title, the Administrator may make a grant under this section to any eligible agency that—

(1) has the power and authority to carry out the purpose of this subpart and perform the functions set forth in section 796f–4 of this title within a community and to receive and administer funds under this subpart, funds and contributions from private or public sources that may be used in support of a center for independent living, and funds from other public and private programs;

(2) is determined by the Administrator to be able to plan, conduct, administer, and evaluate a center for independent living consistent with the standards and assurances set forth in section 796f–4 of this title; and

(3) submits an application to the Administrator at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Administrator may require.

(c) Existing eligible agencies

In the administration of the provisions of this section, the Administrator shall award grants for a fiscal year to any eligible agency that has been awarded a grant under this subpart for the preceding fiscal year, unless the Administrator makes a finding that the agency involved fails to meet program and fiscal standards and assurances set forth in section 796f–4 of this title.

(d) New centers for independent living

(1) In general

If there is no center for independent living serving a region of the State or a region is underserved, and the increase in the allotment of the State is sufficient to support an additional center for independent living in the State, the Administrator may award a grant under this section to the most qualified applicant proposing to serve such region. The Administrator's determination of the most qualified applicant shall be consistent with the provisions in the State plan setting forth the design of the State for establishing a statewide network of centers for independent living.

(2) Selection

In selecting from among applicants for a grant under this section for a new center for independent living, the Administrator—

(A) shall consider comments regarding the application—

(i) by individuals with disabilities and other interested parties within the new region proposed to be served; and

(ii) if any, by the Statewide Independent Living Council in the State in which the applicant is located;

(B) shall consider the ability of each such applicant to operate a center for independent living based on—

(i) evidence of the need for such a center;

(ii) any past performance of such applicant in providing services comparable to independent living services;

(iii) the plan for satisfying or demonstrated success in satisfying the standards and the assurances set forth in section 796f–4 of this title;

(iv) the quality of key personnel and the involvement of individuals with significant disabilities;

(v) budgets and cost-effectiveness;

(vi) an evaluation plan; and

(vii) the ability of such applicant to carry out the plans; and

(C) shall give priority to applications from applicants proposing to serve geographic areas within each State that are currently unserved or underserved by independent living programs, consistent with the provisions of the State plan submitted under section 796c of this title regarding establishment of a statewide network of centers for independent living.

(3) Current centers

Notwithstanding paragraphs (1) and (2), a center for independent living that receives assistance under subpart 2 for a fiscal year shall be eligible for a grant for the subsequent fiscal year under this subsection.

(e) Order of priorities

The Administrator shall be guided by the following order of priorities in allocating funds among centers for independent living within a State, to the extent funds are available:

(1) The Administrator shall support existing centers for independent living, as described in subsection (c), that comply with the standards and assurances set forth in section 796f–4 of this title, at the level of funding for the previous year.

(2) The Administrator shall provide for a cost-of-living increase for such existing centers for independent living.

(3) The Administrator shall fund new centers for independent living, as described in subsection (d), that comply with the standards and assurances set forth in section 796f–4 of this title.

(f) Nonresidential agencies

A center that provides or manages residential housing after October 1, 1994, shall not be considered to be an eligible agency under this section.

(g) Review

(1) In general

The Administrator shall periodically review each center receiving funds under this section to determine whether such center is in compliance with the standards and assurances set forth in section 796f–4 of this title. If the Administrator determines that any center receiving funds under this section is not in compliance with the standards and assurances set forth in section 796f–4 of this title, the Administrator shall immediately notify such center that it is out of compliance.

(2) Enforcement

The Administrator shall terminate all funds under this section to such center 90 days after the date of such notification unless the center submits a plan to achieve compliance within 90 days of such notification and such plan is approved by the Administrator.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §722, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §410, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1229; amended Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §482(a), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1692.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 796f–1, Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §722, as added Pub. L. 102–569, title VII, §701(2), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4456; amended Pub. L. 103–73, title I, §114(i), Aug. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 731, related to grants to centers for independent living in States in which Federal funding exceeds State funding, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Amendments

2014—Subsecs. (a), (b). Pub. L. 113–128, §482(a)(1), substituted "Administrator" for "Commissioner" wherever appearing.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 113–128, §482(a)(1), (2), substituted "Administrator" for "Commissioner" in two places, "grants for a fiscal year" for "grants", and "for the preceding fiscal year" for "by September 30, 1997".

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 113–128, §482(a)(3)(A), substituted "Administrator" for "Commissioner" and "region. The Administrator's determination of the most qualified applicant shall be consistent with the provisions in the State plan setting forth the design of the State for establishing a statewide network of centers for independent living." for "region, consistent with the provisions in the State plan setting forth the design of the State for establishing a statewide network of centers for independent living."

Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 113–128, §482(a)(3)(B)(i), substituted "Administrator" for "Commissioner" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (d)(2)(A). Pub. L. 113–128, §482(a)(3)(B)(ii), added subpar. (A) and struck out former subpar. (A). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "shall consider comments regarding the application, if any, by the Statewide Independent Living Council in the State in which the applicant is located;".

Subsecs. (e), (g). Pub. L. 113–128, §482(a)(4), which directed substitution of "Administrator." for "Commissioner" wherever appearing, was executed by substituting "Administrator" for "Commissioner" wherever appearing, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Grants to Centers for Independent Living in States in Which Federal Funding Exceeds State Funding

Pub. L. 111–213, §2(a), July 29, 2010, 124 Stat. 2343, provided that:

"(1) In general.—If the conditions described in paragraph (2) are satisfied with respect to a State, in awarding funds to existing centers for independent living (described in section 722(c) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 796f–1(c))) in the State, the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration—

"(A) in fiscal year 2010—

"(i) shall distribute among such centers funds appropriated for the centers for independent living program under part C of title VII of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 796f et seq.) by any Act other than the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111–5) in the same proportion as such funds were distributed among such centers in the State in fiscal year 2009, notwithstanding section 722(e) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 796f–1(e)) and any contrary provision of a State plan submitted under section 704 of such Act (29 U.S.C. 796c); and

"(ii) shall disregard any funds provided to such centers from funds appropriated by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 for the centers for independent living program under part C of title VII of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 796f et seq.); and

"(B) in fiscal year 2011 and subsequent fiscal years, shall disregard any funds provided to such centers from funds appropriated by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111–5) for the centers for independent living program under part C of title VII of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 796f et seq.).

"(2) Conditions.—The conditions described in this paragraph are the following:

"(A) The Commissioner receives a request from the State, not later than August 5, 2010, jointly signed by the State's designated State unit (referred to in section 704(c) of such Act (29 U.S.C. 796c(c))) and the State's Statewide Independent Living Council (established under section 705 of such Act (29 U.S.C. 796d)), for the Commissioner to disregard any funds provided to centers for independent living in the State from funds appropriated by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 for the centers for independent living program under part C of title VII of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 796f et seq.).

"(B) The Commissioner is not conducting a competition to establish a new part C center for independent living with funds appropriated by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 in the State."

§796f–2. Grants to centers for independent living in States in which State funding equals or exceeds Federal funding

(a) Establishment

(1) In general

(A) Initial year

(i) Determination

The director of a designated State unit, as provided in paragraph (2), or the Administrator, as provided in paragraph (3), shall award grants under this section for an initial fiscal year if the Administrator determines that the amount of State funds that were earmarked by a State for a preceding fiscal year to support the general operation of centers for independent living meeting the requirements of this subpart equaled or exceeded the amount of funds allotted to the State under subsection (c) or (d) of section 796f of this title for such year.

(ii) Grants

The director of a designated State unit or the Administrator, as appropriate, shall award such grants, from the amount of funds so allotted for the initial fiscal year, to eligible agencies in the State for the planning, conduct, administration, and evaluation of centers for independent living that comply with the standards and assurances set forth in section 796f–4 of this title.

(iii) Regulation

The Administrator shall by regulation specify the preceding fiscal year with respect to which the Administrator will make the determinations described in clause (i) and subparagraph (B), making such adjustments as may be necessary to accommodate State funding cycles such as 2-year funding cycles or State fiscal years that do not coincide with the Federal fiscal year.

(B) Subsequent years

For each year subsequent to the initial fiscal year described in subparagraph (A), the director of the designated State unit shall continue to have the authority to award such grants under this section if the Administrator determines that the State continues to earmark the amount of State funds described in subparagraph (A)(i). If the State does not continue to earmark such an amount for a fiscal year, the State shall be ineligible to make grants under this section after a final year following such fiscal year, as defined in accordance with regulations established by the Administrator, and for each subsequent fiscal year.

(2) Grants by designated State units

In order for the designated State unit to be eligible to award the grants described in paragraph (1) and carry out this section for a fiscal year with respect to a State, the designated State agency shall submit an application to the Administrator at such time, and in such manner as the Administrator may require, including information about the amount of State funds described in paragraph (1) for the preceding fiscal year. If the Administrator makes a determination described in subparagraph (A)(i) or (B), as appropriate, of paragraph (1), the Administrator shall approve the application and designate the director of the designated State unit to award the grant and carry out this section.

(3) Grants by Administrator

If the designated State agency of a State described in paragraph (1) does not submit and obtain approval of an application under paragraph (2), the Administrator shall award the grant described in paragraph (1) to eligible agencies in the State in accordance with section 796f–1 of this title.

(b) Eligible agencies

In any State in which the Administrator has approved the State plan required by section 796c of this title, the director of the designated State unit may award a grant under this section to any eligible agency that—

(1) has the power and authority to carry out the purpose of this subpart and perform the functions set forth in section 796f–4 of this title within a community and to receive and administer funds under this subpart, funds and contributions from private or public sources that may be used in support of a center for independent living, and funds from other public and private programs;

(2) is determined by the director to be able to plan, conduct, administer, and evaluate a center for independent living, consistent with the standards and assurances set forth in section 796f–4 of this title; and

(3) submits an application to the director at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the head of the designated State unit may require.

(c) Existing eligible agencies

In the administration of the provisions of this section, the director of the designated State unit shall award grants for a fiscal year under this section to any eligible agency that has been awarded a grant under this subpart for the preceding fiscal year, unless the director makes a finding that the agency involved fails to comply with the standards and assurances set forth in section 796f–4 of this title.

(d) New centers for independent living

(1) In general

If there is no center for independent living serving a region of the State or the region is unserved or underserved, and the increase in the allotment of the State is sufficient to support an additional center for independent living in the State, the director of the designated State unit may award a grant under this section from among eligible agencies, consistent with the provisions of the State plan under section 796c of this title setting forth the design of the State for establishing a statewide network of centers for independent living.

(2) Selection

In selecting from among eligible agencies in awarding a grant under this subpart for a new center for independent living—

(A) the director of the designated State unit and the chairperson of, or other individual designated by, the Statewide Independent Living Council acting on behalf of and at the direction of the Council, shall jointly appoint a peer review committee that shall rank applications in accordance with the standards and assurances set forth in section 796f–4 of this title and criteria jointly established by such director and such chairperson or individual;

(B) the peer review committee shall consider the ability of each such applicant to operate a center for independent living, and shall recommend an applicant to receive a grant under this section, based on—

(i) evidence of the need for a center for independent living, consistent with the State plan;

(ii) any past performance of such applicant in providing services comparable to independent living services;

(iii) the plan for complying with, or demonstrated success in complying with, the standards and the assurances set forth in section 796f–4 of this title;

(iv) the quality of key personnel of the applicant and the involvement of individuals with significant disabilities by the applicant;

(v) the budgets and cost-effectiveness of the applicant;

(vi) the evaluation plan of the applicant; and

(vii) the ability of such applicant to carry out the plans; and

(C) the director of the designated State unit shall award the grant on the basis of the recommendations of the peer review committee if the actions of the committee are consistent with Federal and State law.

(3) Current centers

Notwithstanding paragraphs (1) and (2), a center for independent living that receives assistance under subpart 2 for a fiscal year shall be eligible for a grant for the subsequent fiscal year under this subsection.

(e) Order of priorities

Unless the director of the designated State unit and the chairperson of the Council or other individual designated by the Council acting on behalf of and at the direction of the Council jointly agree on another order of priority, the director shall be guided by the following order of priorities in allocating funds among centers for independent living within a State, to the extent funds are available:

(1) The director of the designated State unit shall support existing centers for independent living, as described in subsection (c), that comply with the standards and assurances set forth in section 796f–4 of this title, at the level of funding for the previous year.

(2) The director of the designated State unit shall provide for a cost-of-living increase for such existing centers for independent living.

(3) The director of the designated State unit shall fund new centers for independent living, as described in subsection (d), that comply with the standards and assurances set forth in section 796f–4 of this title.

(f) Nonresidential agencies

A center that provides or manages residential housing after October 1, 1994, shall not be considered to be an eligible agency under this section.

(g) Review

(1) In general

The director of the designated State unit shall periodically review each center receiving funds under this section to determine whether such center is in compliance with the standards and assurances set forth in section 796f–4 of this title. If the director of the designated State unit determines that any center receiving funds under this section is not in compliance with the standards and assurances set forth in section 796f–4 of this title, the director of the designated State unit shall immediately notify such center that it is out of compliance.

(2) Enforcement

The director of the designated State unit shall terminate all funds under this section to such center 90 days after—

(A) the date of such notification; or

(B) in the case of a center that requests an appeal under subsection (i), the date of any final decision under subsection (i),

unless the center submits a plan to achieve compliance within 90 days and such plan is approved by the director, or if appealed, by the Administrator.

(h) Onsite compliance review

The director of the designated State unit shall annually conduct onsite compliance reviews of at least 15 percent of the centers for independent living that receive funding under this section in the State. Each team that conducts onsite compliance review of centers for independent living shall include at least one person who is not an employee of the designated State agency, who has experience in the operation of centers for independent living, and who is jointly selected by the director of the designated State unit and the chairperson of or other individual designated by the Council acting on behalf of and at the direction of the Council. A copy of this review shall be provided to the Administrator.

(i) Adverse actions

If the director of the designated State unit proposes to take a significant adverse action against a center for independent living, the center may seek mediation and conciliation to be provided by an individual or individuals who are free of conflicts of interest identified by the chairperson of or other individual designated by the Council. If the issue is not resolved through the mediation and conciliation, the center may appeal the proposed adverse action to the Administrator for a final decision.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §723, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §410, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1231; amended Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §482(b), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1693.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 796f–2, Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §723, as added Pub. L. 102–569, title VII, §701(2), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4458; amended Pub. L. 103–73, title I, §114(j), Aug. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 731, related to grants to centers for independent living in States in which State funding equals or exceeds Federal funding, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 113–128, §482(b)(1), substituted "Administrator" for "Commissioner" wherever appearing in text.

Subsec. (a)(1)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 113–128, §482(b)(2)(A), inserted "of a designated State unit" after "director".

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 113–128, §482(b)(2)(B), substituted "Administrator" for "Commissioner" in heading.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 113–128, §482(b)(1), substituted "Administrator" for "Commissioner" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 113–128, §482(b)(3), substituted "grants for a fiscal year" for "grants" and "for the preceding fiscal year" for "by September 30, 1997".

Subsecs. (g)(2), (h), (i). Pub. L. 113–128, §482(b)(1), substituted "Administrator" for "Commissioner".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Grants to Centers for Independent Living in States in Which State Funding Equals or Exceeds Federal Funding

Pub. L. 111–213, §2(b), July 29, 2010, 124 Stat. 2344, provided that: "In awarding funds to existing centers for independent living (described in section 723(c) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 796f–2(c))) in a State, the director of the designated State unit that has approval to make such awards—

"(1) in fiscal year 2010—

"(A) may distribute among such centers funds appropriated for the centers for independent living program under part C of title VII of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 796f et seq.) by any Act other than the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 [Pub. L. 111–5] in the same proportion as such funds were distributed among such centers in the State in fiscal year 2009, notwithstanding section 723(e) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 796f–2(e)) and any contrary provision of a State plan submitted under section 704 of such Act (29 U.S.C. 796c); and

"(B) may disregard any funds provided to such centers from funds appropriated by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 for the centers for independent living program under part C of title VII of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 796f et seq.); and

"(2) in fiscal year 2011 and subsequent fiscal years, may disregard any funds provided to such centers from funds appropriated by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 for the centers for independent living program under part C of title VII of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 796f et seq.)."

§796f–3. Centers operated by State agencies

A State that receives assistance for fiscal year 2015 with respect to a center in accordance with subsection (a) of this section (as in effect on the day before July 22, 2014) may continue to receive assistance under this subpart for fiscal year 2015 or a succeeding fiscal year if, for such fiscal year—

(1) no nonprofit private agency—

(A) submits an acceptable application to operate a center for independent living for the fiscal year before a date specified by the Administrator; and

(B) obtains approval of the application under section 796f–1 or 796f–2 of this title; or

(2) after funding all applications so submitted and approved, the Administrator determines that funds remain available to provide such assistance.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §724, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §410, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1234; amended Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §482(c), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1693.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 796f–3, Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §724, as added Pub. L. 102–569, title VII, §701(2), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4461; amended Pub. L. 103–73, title I, §114(k), Aug. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 731, related to centers operated by State agencies, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Amendments

2014—Pub. L. 113–128, §482(c)(1), in introductory provisions, substituted "2015" for "1993" in two places and "July 22, 2014" for "August 7, 1998".

Pars. (1)(A), (2). Pub. L. 113–128, §482(c)(2), substituted "Administrator" for "Commissioner".

§796f–4. Standards and assurances for centers for independent living

(a) In general

Each center for independent living that receives assistance under this subpart shall comply with the standards set out in subsection (b) and provide and comply with the assurances set out in subsection (c) in order to ensure that all programs and activities under this subpart are planned, conducted, administered, and evaluated in a manner consistent with the purposes of this part and the objective of providing assistance effectively and efficiently.

(b) Standards

(1) Philosophy

The center shall promote and practice the independent living philosophy of—

(A) consumer control of the center regarding decisionmaking, service delivery, management, and establishment of the policy and direction of the center;

(B) self-help and self-advocacy;

(C) development of peer relationships and peer role models; and

(D) equal access for individuals with significant disabilities, within their communities, to all services, programs, activities, resources, and facilities, whether public or private and regardless of the funding source.

(2) Provision of services

The center shall provide services to individuals with a range of significant disabilities. The center shall provide services on a cross-disability basis (for individuals with all different types of significant disabilities, including individuals with significant disabilities who are members of populations that are unserved or underserved by programs under this subchapter). Eligibility for services at any center for independent living shall be determined by the center, and shall not be based on the presence of any one or more specific significant disabilities.

(3) Independent living goals

The center shall facilitate the development and achievement of independent living goals selected by individuals with significant disabilities who seek such assistance by the center.

(4) Community options

The center shall work to increase the availability and improve the quality of community options for independent living in order to facilitate the development and achievement of independent living goals by individuals with significant disabilities.

(5) Independent living core services

The center shall provide independent living core services and, as appropriate, a combination of any other independent living services.

(6) Activities to increase community capacity

The center shall conduct activities to increase the capacity of communities within the service area of the center to meet the needs of individuals with significant disabilities.

(7) Resource development activities

The center shall conduct resource development activities to obtain funding from sources other than this part.

(c) Assurances

The eligible agency shall provide at such time and in such manner as the Administrator may require, such satisfactory assurances as the Administrator may require, including satisfactory assurances that—

(1) the applicant is an eligible agency;

(2) the center will be designed and operated within local communities by individuals with disabilities, including an assurance that the center will have a Board that is the principal governing body of the center and a majority of which shall be composed of individuals with significant disabilities;

(3) the applicant will comply with the standards set forth in subsection (b);

(4) the applicant will establish clear priorities through annual and 3-year program and financial planning objectives for the center, including overall goals or a mission for the center, a work plan for achieving the goals or mission, specific objectives, service priorities, and types of services to be provided, and a description that shall demonstrate how the proposed activities of the applicant are consistent with the most recent 3-year State plan under section 796c of this title;

(5) the applicant will use sound organizational and personnel assignment practices, including taking affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with significant disabilities on the same terms and conditions required with respect to the employment of individuals with disabilities under section 793 of this title;

(6) the applicant will ensure that the majority of the staff, and individuals in decisionmaking positions, of the applicant are individuals with disabilities;

(7) the applicant will practice sound fiscal management;

(8) the applicant will conduct annual self-evaluations, prepare an annual report, and maintain records adequate to measure performance with respect to the standards, containing information regarding, at a minimum—

(A) the extent to which the center is in compliance with the standards;

(B) the number and types of individuals with significant disabilities receiving services through the center;

(C) the types of services provided through the center and the number of individuals with significant disabilities receiving each type of service;

(D) the sources and amounts of funding for the operation of the center;

(E) the number of individuals with significant disabilities who are employed by, and the number who are in management and decisionmaking positions in, the center; and

(F) a comparison, when appropriate, of the activities of the center in prior years with the activities of the center in the most recent year;

(9) individuals with significant disabilities who are seeking or receiving services at the center will be notified by the center of the existence of, the availability of, and how to contact, the client assistance program;

(10) aggressive outreach regarding services provided through the center will be conducted in an effort to reach populations of individuals with significant disabilities that are unserved or underserved by programs under this subchapter, especially minority groups and urban and rural populations;

(11) staff at centers for independent living will receive training on how to serve such unserved and underserved populations, including minority groups and urban and rural populations;

(12) the center will submit to the Statewide Independent Living Council a copy of its approved grant application and the annual report required under paragraph (8);

(13) the center will prepare and submit a report to the designated State unit or the Administrator, as the case may be, at the end of each fiscal year that contains the information described in paragraph (8) and information regarding the extent to which the center is in compliance with the standards set forth in subsection (b); and

(14) an independent living plan described in section 796c(e) of this title will be developed unless the individual who would receive services under the plan signs a waiver stating that such a plan is unnecessary.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §725, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §410, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1234; amended Pub. L. 105–332, §5(c), Oct. 31, 1998, 112 Stat. 3127; Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §483, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1693.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 796f–4, Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §725, as added Pub. L. 102–569, title VII, §701(2), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4462; amended Pub. L. 103–73, title I, §114(l), Aug. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 731, related to standards and assurances for centers for independent living, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (b)(1)(D). Pub. L. 113–128, §483(1), substituted "access for" for "access of" and ", within their communities," for "to society and".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 113–128, §483(2), substituted "Administrator" for "Commissioner" wherever appearing.

1998—Subsec. (c)(7). Pub. L. 105–332 substituted "management;" for "management, including making arrangements for an annual independent fiscal audit, notwithstanding section 7502(a)(2)(A) of title 31;".

§796f–5. "Eligible agency" defined

As used in this subpart, the term "eligible agency" means a consumer-controlled, community-based, cross-disability, nonresidential private nonprofit agency.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §726, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §410, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1237.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 796f–5, Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §726, as added Pub. L. 102–569, title VII, §701(2), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4464, defined "eligible agency", prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

§796f–6. Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subpart $78,305,000 for fiscal year 2015, $84,353,000 for fiscal year 2016, $86,104,000 for fiscal year 2017, $88,013,000 for fiscal year 2018, $90,083,000 for fiscal year 2019, and $91,992,000 for fiscal year 2020.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §727, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §410, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1237; amended Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §484, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1693.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 796f–6, Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §727, as added Pub. L. 102–569, title VII, §701(2), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4464, authorized appropriations, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Prior sections 796g to 796i were repealed by Pub. L. 102–569, title VII, §701(1), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4443.

Section 796g, Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §731, as added Pub. L. 95–602, title III, §301, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 3000; amended Pub. L. 99–506, title I, §103(h)(2), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1811; Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §208(h), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3314, provided for grants to States to establish systems to protect and advocate for rights of individuals with severe handicaps.

Section 796h, Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §732, as added Pub. L. 95–602, title III, §301, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 3000; amended Pub. L. 99–506, title I, §103(d)(2)(C), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1810, related to affirmative action on part of recipients of assistance to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with handicaps.

Section 796i, Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §741, formerly §731, as added Pub. L. 95–602, title III, §301, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 3001; renumbered §741 and amended Pub. L. 98–221, title I, §172(a)(1), (b), Feb. 22, 1984, 98 Stat. 32; Pub. L. 99–506, title VIII, §806, Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1840; Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §208(i), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3315; Pub. L. 102–52, §8, June 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 262, provided for appropriations.

Amendments

2014—Pub. L. 113–128 substituted "$78,305,000 for fiscal year 2015, $84,353,000 for fiscal year 2016, $86,104,000 for fiscal year 2017, $88,013,000 for fiscal year 2018, $90,083,000 for fiscal year 2019, and $91,992,000 for fiscal year 2020." for "such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 1999 through 2003."

Part B—Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who Are Blind

§796j. "Older individual who is blind" defined

For purposes of this part, the term "older individual who is blind" means an individual age 55 or older whose significant visual impairment makes competitive employment extremely difficult to attain but for whom independent living goals are feasible.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §751, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §410, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1237.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 796j, Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §751, as added Pub. L. 102–569, title VII, §703(a), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4464, defined "older individual who is blind", prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

§796j–1. Training and technical assistance

(a) In general

From the funds appropriated and made available to carry out this part for any fiscal year, beginning with fiscal year 2015, the Commissioner shall first reserve not less than 1.8 percent and not more than 2 percent of the funds to provide, either directly or through grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements, training and technical assistance to designated State agencies, or other providers of independent living services for older individuals who are blind, that are funded under this part for such fiscal year.

(b) Survey

The Commissioner shall conduct a survey of designated State agencies that receive grants under section 796k of this title regarding training and technical assistance needs in order to determine funding priorities for such training and technical assistance.

(c) Application for grant

To be eligible to receive a grant or enter into a contract or cooperative agreement under this section, an entity shall submit an application to the Commissioner at such time, in such manner, containing a proposal to provide such training and technical assistance, and containing such additional information, as the Commissioner may require. The Commissioner shall provide for peer review of applications by panels that include persons who are not government employees and who have experience in the provision of services to older individuals who are blind.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §751A, as added Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §486, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1693.)

§796k. Program of grants

(a) In general

(1) Authority for grants

Subject to subsections (b) and (c), the Commissioner may make grants to States for the purpose of providing the services described in subsection (d) to older individuals who are blind.

(2) Designated State agency

The Commissioner may not make a grant under this subsection unless the State involved agrees that the grant will be administered solely by the agency described in section 721(a)(2)(A)(i) of this title.

(b) Contingent competitive grants

Beginning with fiscal year 1993, in the case of any fiscal year for which the amount appropriated under section 796l of this title is less than $13,000,000, grants made under subsection (a) shall be—

(1) discretionary grants made on a competitive basis to States; or

(2) grants made on a noncompetitive basis to pay for the continuation costs of activities for which a grant was awarded—

(A) under this part; or

(B) under part C, as in effect on the day before October 29, 1992.

(c) Contingent formula grants

(1) In general

In the case of any fiscal year for which the amount appropriated under section 796l of this title is equal to or greater than $13,000,000, grants under subsection (a) shall be made only to States and shall be made only from allotments under paragraph (2).

(2) Allotments

For grants under subsection (a) for a fiscal year described in paragraph (1), the Commissioner shall make an allotment to each State in an amount determined in accordance with subsection (i), and shall make a grant to the State of the allotment made for the State if the State submits to the Commissioner an application in accordance with subsection (h).

(d) Services generally

The Commissioner may not make a grant under subsection (a) unless the State involved agrees that the grant will be expended only for purposes of—

(1) providing independent living services to older individuals who are blind;

(2) conducting activities that will improve or expand services for such individuals; and

(3) conducting activities to help improve public understanding of the problems of such individuals.

(e) Independent living services

Independent living services for purposes of subsection (d)(1) include—

(1) services to help correct blindness, such as—

(A) outreach services;

(B) visual screening;

(C) surgical or therapeutic treatment to prevent, correct, or modify disabling eye conditions; and

(D) hospitalization related to such services;

(2) the provision of eyeglasses and other visual aids;

(3) the provision of services and equipment to assist an older individual who is blind to become more mobile and more self-sufficient;

(4) mobility training, braille instruction, and other services and equipment to help an older individual who is blind adjust to blindness;

(5) guide services, reader services, and transportation;

(6) any other appropriate service designed to assist an older individual who is blind in coping with daily living activities, including supportive services and rehabilitation teaching services;

(7) independent living skills training, information and referral services, peer counseling, and individual advocacy training; and

(8) other independent living services.

(f) Matching funds

(1) In general

The Commissioner may not make a grant under subsection (a) unless the State involved agrees, with respect to the costs of the program to be carried out by the State pursuant to such subsection, to make available (directly or through donations from public or private entities) non-Federal contributions toward such costs in an amount that is not less than $1 for each $9 of Federal funds provided in the grant.

(2) Determination of amount contributed

Non-Federal contributions required in paragraph (1) may be in cash or in kind, fairly evaluated, including plant, equipment, or services. Amounts provided by the Federal Government, or services assisted or subsidized to any significant extent by the Federal Government, may not be included in determining the amount of such non-Federal contributions.

(g) Certain expenditures of grants

A State may expend a grant under subsection (a) to carry out the purposes specified in subsection (d) through grants to, or contracts or cooperative agreements with, public and nonprofit private agencies or organizations.

(h) Application for grant

(1) In general

The Commissioner may not make a grant under subsection (a) unless an application for the grant is submitted to the Commissioner and the application is in such form, is made in such manner, and contains such agreements, assurances, and information as the Commissioner determines to be necessary to carry out this section (including agreements, assurances, and information with respect to any grants under subsection (i)(4)).

(2) Contents

An application for a grant under this section shall contain—

(A) an assurance that the agency described in subsection (a)(2) will prepare and submit to the Commissioner a report, at the end of each fiscal year, with respect to each project or program the agency operates or administers under this section, whether directly or through a grant or contract, which report shall contain, at a minimum, information on—

(i) the number and types of older individuals who are blind and are receiving services;

(ii) the types of services provided and the number of older individuals who are blind and are receiving each type of service;

(iii) the sources and amounts of funding for the operation of each project or program;

(iv) the amounts and percentages of resources committed to each type of service provided;

(v) data on actions taken to employ, and advance in employment, qualified individuals with significant disabilities, including older individuals who are blind; and

(vi) a comparison, if appropriate, of prior year activities with the activities of the most recent year; and

(B) an assurance that the agency will—

(i) provide services that contribute to the maintenance of, or the increased independence of, older individuals who are blind; and

(ii) engage in—

(I) capacity-building activities, including collaboration with other agencies and organizations;

(II) activities to promote community awareness, involvement, and assistance; and

(III) outreach efforts.

(i) Amount of formula grant

(1) In general

Subject to the availability of appropriations, the amount of an allotment under subsection (a) for a State for a fiscal year shall be the greater of—

(A) the amount determined under paragraph (2); or

(B) the amount determined under paragraph (3).

(2) Minimum allotment

(A) States

In the case of the several States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the amount referred to in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) for a fiscal year is the greater of—

(i) $225,000; or

(ii) an amount equal to 1/3 of 1 percent of the amount appropriated under section 796l of this title, and not reserved under section 796j–1 of this title, for the fiscal year and available for allotments under subsection (a).

(B) Certain territories

In the case of Guam, American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the amount referred to in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) for a fiscal year is $40,000.

(3) Formula

The amount referred to in subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) for a State for a fiscal year is the product of—

(A) the amount appropriated under section 796l of this title, and not reserved under section 796j–1 of this title, and available for allotments under subsection (a); and

(B) a percentage equal to the quotient of—

(i) an amount equal to the number of individuals residing in the State who are not less than 55 years of age; divided by

(ii) an amount equal to the number of individuals residing in the United States who are not less than 55 years of age.

(4) Disposition of certain amounts

(A) Grants

From the amounts specified in subparagraph (B), the Commissioner may make grants to States whose population of older individuals who are blind has a substantial need for the services specified in subsection (d) relative to the populations in other States of older individuals who are blind.

(B) Amounts

The amounts referred to in subparagraph (A) are any amounts that are not paid to States under subsection (a) as a result of—

(i) the failure of any State to submit an application under subsection (h);

(ii) the failure of any State to prepare within a reasonable period of time such application in compliance with such subsection; or

(iii) any State informing the Commissioner that the State does not intend to expend the full amount of the allotment made for the State under subsection (a).

(C) Conditions

The Commissioner may not make a grant under subparagraph (A) unless the State involved agrees that the grant is subject to the same conditions as grants made under subsection (a).

(Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §752, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §410, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1237; amended Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §487, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1694.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Part C, as in effect on the day before October 29, 1992, referred to in subsec. (b)(2)(B), means former part C (§796f) which was included in the repeal of subchapter VII of this chapter by Pub. L. 102–569, title VII, §701(1), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4443.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 796k, Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §752, as added Pub. L. 102–569, title VII, §703(a), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4465; amended Pub. L. 103–73, title I, §114(m), Aug. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 732, authorized grants to provide independent living services for older individuals who are blind, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 113–128, §487(3), substituted "subsection (i)" for "subsection (j)" and "subsection (h)" for "subsection (i)".

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 113–128, §487(4), inserted ", or contracts or cooperative agreements with," after "grants to".

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 113–128, §487(1), (2), redesignated subsec. (i) as (h) and struck out former subsec. (h). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "The Commissioner may not make a grant under subsection (a) unless the State involved agrees that, in carrying out subsection (d)(1), the State will seek to incorporate into the State plan under section 796c of this title any new methods and approaches relating to independent living services for older individuals who are blind."

Subsec. (h)(1). Pub. L. 113–128, §487(5)(A), substituted "subsection (i)(4)" for "subsection (j)(4)".

Subsec. (h)(2)(A)(vi) to (C). Pub. L. 113–128, §487(5)(B), inserted "and" after semicolon at end of subpar. (A)(vi), substituted a period for "; and" at end of subpar. (B)(ii)(III), and struck out subpar. (C) which read as follows: "an assurance that the application is consistent with the State plan for providing independent living services required by section 796c of this title."

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 113–128, §487(2), redesignated subsec. (j) as (i). Former subsec. (i) redesignated (h).

Subsec. (i)(2)(A)(ii), (3)(A). Pub. L. 113–128, §487(6)(A), (B), inserted ", and not reserved under section 796j–1 of this title," after "section 796l of this title".

Subsec. (i)(4)(B)(i). Pub. L. 113–128, §487(6)(C), substituted "subsection (h)" for "subsection (i)".

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 113–128, §487(2), redesignated subsec. (j) as (i).

§796l. Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this part $33,317,000 for fiscal year 2015, $35,890,000 for fiscal year 2016, $36,635,000 for fiscal year 2017, $37,448,000 for fiscal year 2018, $38,328,000 for fiscal year 2019, and $39,141,000 for fiscal year 2020.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §753, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §410, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1241; amended Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §488, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1694.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 796l, Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §753, as added Pub. L. 102–569, title VII, §703(a), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4468, authorized appropriations, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Amendments

2014—Pub. L. 113–128 substituted "$33,317,000 for fiscal year 2015, $35,890,000 for fiscal year 2016, $36,635,000 for fiscal year 2017, $37,448,000 for fiscal year 2018, $38,328,000 for fiscal year 2019, and $39,141,000 for fiscal year 2020." for "such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 1999 through 2003."

SUBCHAPTER VIII—SPECIAL DEMONSTRATIONS AND TRAINING PROJECTS

§§797 to 797b. Repealed. Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §411, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1241

Section 797, Pub. L. 93–112, title VIII, §801, as added Pub. L. 102–569, title VIII, §801(a), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4469, authorized appropriations.

Section 797a, Pub. L. 93–112, title VIII, §802, as added Pub. L. 102–569, title VIII, §801(a), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4469, authorized grants for various demonstration projects.

Section 797b, Pub. L. 93–112, title VIII, §803, as added Pub. L. 102–569, title VIII, §801(a), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4478, authorized grants for training projects.

CHAPTER 17—COMPREHENSIVE EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING PROGRAMS

Editorial Notes

Codification

The Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973, Pub. L. 93–203, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 839, as amended by Pub. L. 93–567, Dec. 31, 1974, 88 Stat. 1845; Pub. L. 94–444, Oct. 1, 1976, 90 Stat. 1476; Pub. L. 94–482, Oct. 12, 1976, 90 Stat. 2081; Pub. L. 95–40, June 3, 1977, 91 Stat. 203; Pub. L. 95–44, June 15, 1977, 91 Stat. 220; Pub. L. 95–93, Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 627, comprised this chapter prior to its complete revision by Pub. L. 95–524, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1909. The Act, Pub. L. 93–203, as amended generally by Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1909, was known as the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act, and was set out as having been added by Pub. L. 95–524 without reference to the intervening amendments in view of the extensive revision of the Act's provisions by Pub. L. 95–524.

§§801, 802. Repealed. Pub. L. 97–300, title I, §184(a)(1), Oct. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1357

Section 801, Pub. L. 93–203, §2, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1912, set out Congressional statement of purpose in enacting this chapter.

A prior section 801, Pub. L. 93–203, §2, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 839, provided for a Congressional statement of purpose for this chapter, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 802, Pub. L. 93–203, §3, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1912, provided definitions for this chapter.

A prior section 802, Pub. L. 93–203, §4, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 839; Pub. L. 95–44, §2(a), June 15, 1977, 91 Stat. 220; Pub. L. 95–93, title III, §302, Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 650, authorized appropriations for this chapter, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

A prior section 3 of Pub. L. 93–203, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 839, provided for transitional provisions and was set out as a note under section 801 of this title, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 981 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

A prior section 803, Pub. L. 95–93, title III, §305, Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 651, providing for increased participation of veterans in public service employment programs and job training opportunities, was omitted because it was limited to fiscal years 1977 and 1978.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of Repeal

Pub. L. 97–300, title I, §184(a), Oct. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1357, which provided for the repeal of the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act, this chapter, effective Oct. 13, 1982, was itself repealed by Pub. L. 105–220, title I, §199(b)(2), (c)(2)(B), Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1059, as amended, eff. July 1, 2000.

SUBCHAPTER I—ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

Part A—Organizational Provisions

§§811 to 822. Repealed. Pub. L. 97–300, title I, §184(a)(1), Oct. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1357

Section 811, Pub. L. 93–203, title I, §101, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1917, related to prime sponsors under this chapter.

A prior section 811, Pub. L. 93–203, title I, §101, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 840, provided description of a program to provide comprehensive manpower services, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 812 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 812, Pub. L. 93–203, title I, §102, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1918, related to authority of Secretary to provide services.

A prior section 812, Pub. L. 93–203, title I, §102, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 841, related to prime sponsors, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203, by Pub. L. 95–524.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 820 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 813, Pub. L. 93–203, title I, §103, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1918, related to submission and contents of a comprehensive employment and training plan.

A prior section 813, Pub. L. 93–203, title I, §103, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 842, provided for allocation of funds with respect to comprehensive manpower services program, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 815 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 814, Pub. L. 93–203, title I, §104, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1922, related to review of comprehensive employment and training plans.

A prior section 814, Pub. L. 93–203, title I, §104, Dec. 28, 1978, 87 Stat. 843, related to establishment of prime sponsor's planning councils, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 818 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 815, Pub. L. 93–203, title I, §105, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1925, related to Governor's coordination and special services plan.

A prior section 815, Pub. L. 93–203, title I, §105, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 843; Pub. L. 94–444, §12(b)(1), Oct. 1, 1976, 90 Stat. 1483, related to conditions for receipt of financial assistance, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 816 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203, by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 816, Pub. L. 93–203, title I, §106, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1926, related to complaints and sanctions against prime sponsors under this chapter.

A prior section 816, Pub. L. 93–203, title I, §106, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 845; Pub. L. 94–444, §12(b)(2), Oct. 1, 1976, 90 Stat. 1483, provided for special provisions relating to State prime sponsors, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 818 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 817, Pub. L. 93–203, title I, §107, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1929, related to judicial review under this chapter.

A prior section 817, Pub. L. 93–203, title I, §107, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 846; Pub. L. 94–482, title II, §203(a), Oct. 12, 1976, 90 Stat. 2213; Pub. L. 95–40, §1(28)(A), June 3, 1977, 91 Stat. 207, related to establishment of a State Manpower Services Council, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 819 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 818, Pub. L. 93–203, title I, §108, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1929, authorized the Secretary to reallocate funds under this chapter.

A prior section 818, Pub. L. 93–203, title I, §108, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 847; Pub. L. 93–567, title I, §101, Dec. 31, 1974, 88 Stat. 1845, provided for review of comprehensive manpower plans, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 813 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 819, Pub. L. 93–203, title I, §109, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1930, related to prime sponsor's planning councils.

A prior section 819, Pub. L. 93–203, title I, §109, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 848, provided for judicial review with respect to comprehensive manpower plans, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 814 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 820, Pub. L. 93–203, title I, §110, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1930, related to State employment and training councils.

A prior section 820, Pub. L. 93–203, title I, §110, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 848, related to authority of the Secretary to provide services, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 817 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 821, Pub. L. 93–203, title I, §111, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1932, related to consultation by the Secretary with various Federal and State agencies regarding education and health and welfare services and supporting programs.

A prior section 821, Pub. L. 93–203, title I, §111, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 849, provided for allowances for individuals receiving training or education with respect to comprehensive manpower services, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 875 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 822, Pub. L. 93–203, title I, §112, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1932; amended Pub. L. 96–583, §1, Dec. 23, 1980, 94 Stat. 3375; Pub. L. 97–14, §2, June 16, 1981, 95 Stat. 98; Pub. L. 97–35, title VII, §701(a), Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 519, provided authorization of appropriations for carrying out this chapter.

A prior section 822, Pub. L. 93–203, title I, §112, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 850, provided for supplemental vocational education assistance, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 802 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Part B—General Provisions

§§823 to 829. Repealed. Pub. L. 97–300, title I, §184(a)(1), Oct. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1357

Section 823, Pub. L. 93–203, title I, §121, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1934, related to conditions applicable to all programs under this chapter.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 983 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 824, Pub. L. 93–203, title I, §122, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1938, and amended Pub. L. 96–583, §3(a), Dec. 23, 1980, 94 Stat. 3376, related to special conditions applicable to public service employment.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 848 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 825, Pub. L. 93–203, title I, §123, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1941, set out various administrative provisions applicable to this chapter.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former sections 813 and 984 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 826, Pub. L. 93–203, title I, §124, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1943, related to wages and allowances applicable to all activities financed under this chapter.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 821 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 827, Pub. L. 93–203, title I, §125, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1944, related to labor standards for all laborers and mechanics employed on works that are federally assisted under this chapter.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 986 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 828, Pub. L. 93–203, title I, §126, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1944, related to various powers of the Secretary under this chapter.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 982 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 829, Pub. L. 93–203, title I, §127, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1945; amended Pub. L. 96–88, title V, §508(h)(2), Oct. 17, 1979, 93 Stat. 693, related to various reports to be made by Federal agencies regarding programs, activities, etc., under this chapter.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former sections 849 and 985 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

§829a. Repealed. Pub. L. 97–300, title I, §184(a)(2), Oct. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1358

Section, Pub. L. 95–524, §5(b), Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 2019, related to development of methods to ascertain energy development and conservation employment impact data, and the presentation of best available data to the Secretary of Energy, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and committees of Congress.

§§830 to 837. Repealed. Pub. L. 97–300, title I, §184(a)(1), Oct. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1357

Section 830, Pub. L. 93–203, title I, §128, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1947, authorized the Secretary to accept and utilize services and property in the furtherance of the purposes of this chapter.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 987 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 831, Pub. L. 93–203, title I, §129, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1947, provided the Secretary with additional authorization to utilize various services and facilities of Federal, State, and local agencies and public and private organizations in the performance of functions under this chapter.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 988 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 832, Pub. L. 93–203, title I, §130, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1948, related to interstate agreements to facilitate compliance with the provisions of this chapter.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 989 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 833, Pub. L. 93–203, title I, §131, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1948, prohibited financial assistance for programs under this chapter involving political activities.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 990 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 834, Pub. L. 93–203, title I, §132, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1948, related to prohibition of, and sanctions against, discrimination under this chapter.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 991 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 835, Pub. L. 93–203, title I, §133, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1949, related to records, audits, and investigations of recipients of funds under this chapter.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 992 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 836, Pub. L. 93–203, title I, §134, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1949, related to bonding of those who handle funds or other financial assistance received under this chapter.

Section 837, Pub. L. 93–203, title I, §135, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1950, related to establishment of an Office of Management Assistance, the assignment of accountants, management specialists, and other professionals to such office, and reimbursement for services of such office.

SUBCHAPTER II—COMPREHENSIVE EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING SERVICES

Part A—Financial Assistance Provisions

§§841 to 845. Repealed. Pub. L. 97–300, title I, §184(a)(1), Oct. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1357

Section 841, Pub. L. 93–203, title II, §201, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1950, set out the Congressional statement of purpose in enacting provisions relating to comprehensive employment and training services.

A prior section 841, Pub. L. 93–203, title II, §201, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 850; Pub. L. 93–567, title I, §106(a), Dec. 31, 1974, 88 Stat. 1849, provided for a Congressional statement of purpose with respect to a public service employment program, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 811 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 842, Pub. L. 93–203, title II, §202, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1950; amended Pub. L. 96–583, §3(b), Dec. 23, 1980, 94 Stat. 3376; Pub. L. 97–35, title VII, §701(b), (c), Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 520, related to allocation of funds for comprehensive employment and training services.

A prior section 842, Pub. L. 93–203, title II, §202, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 850; Pub. L. 93–567, title I, §106(b), Dec. 31, 1974, 88 Stat. 1849, Pub. L. 94–444, §14(a), Oct 1, 1976, 90 Stat. 1487, related to an allocation of funds with regard to the public service employment programs, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 813 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 843, Pub. L. 93–203, title II, §203, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1953, related to conditions for the receipt of financial assistance for comprehensive employment and training services.

A prior section 843, Pub. L. 93–203, title II, §203, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 850; Pub. L. 94–444, §3(a)(1), Oct. 1, 1976, 90 Stat. 1476, related to availability of financial assistance, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 815 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 844, Pub. L. 93–203, title II, §204, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1953, related to supplemental vocational education assistance.

A prior section 844, Pub. L. 93–203, title II, §204, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 850; Pub. L. 93–567, title I, §106 (c), (d), Dec. 31, 1974, 88 Stat. 1849, related to eligible applicants, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 822 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 845, Pub. L. 93–203, title II, §205, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1954, related to participant assessment in comprehensive employment and training services programs.

A prior section 845, Pub. L. 93–203, title II, §205, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 851; Pub. L. 93–567, title I, §106 (e), (f), Dec. 31, 1974, 88 Stat. 1849; Pub. L. 94–444, §7, Oct. 1, 1976, 90 Stat. 1482; Pub. L. 95–93, title III, §306(a), Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 651, related to applications for financial assistance, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Part B—Services for the Economically Disadvantaged

§§846 to 851. Repealed. Pub. L. 97–300, title I, §184(a)(1), Oct. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1357

Section 846, Pub. L. 93–203, title II, §211, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1954, described types of comprehensive employment and training services programs.

A prior section 846, Pub. L. 93–203, title II, §206, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 854, related to approval of applications for financial assistance, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

A prior section 211 of Pub. L. 93–203, title II, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 857; Pub. L. 93–567, title I, §103, Dec. 31, 1974, 88 Stat. 1847, related to a determination of areas of substantial unemployment which was formerly classified to section 851 of this title, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 811 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 847, Pub. L. 93–203, title II, §212, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1955, related to limitations on use of funds under comprehensive employment and training services programs.

A prior section 847, Pub. L. 93–203, title II, §207, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 854, related to special responsibilities of Secretary, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 848, Pub. L. 93–203, title II, §213, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1955, related to eligibility for participation in a program for services for economically disadvantaged.

A prior section 848, Pub. L. 93–203, title II, §208, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 855, related to special conditions for providing financial assistance for public service employment programs, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 849, Pub. L. 93–203, title II, §214, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1955, provided for services for youth.

A prior section 849, Pub. L. 93–203, title II, §209, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 856; Pub. L. 93–567, title I, §105, Dec. 31, 1974, 88 Stat. 1848, provided for a special report to Congress with respect to activities concerning public service employment program, prior to the general revision of this Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 850, Pub. L. 93–203, title II, §215, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1956, related to services for older workers.

A prior section 850, Pub. L. 93–203, title II, §210, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 857; Pub. L. 93–567, title I, §106(g), Dec. 31, 1974, 88 Stat. 1849, related to utilization of funds for public service employment programs, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 851, Pub. L. 93–203, title II, §216, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1956, related to services for public assistance recipients.

A prior section 851, Pub. L. 93–203, title II, §211, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 857; Pub. L. 93–567, title I, §103, Dec. 31, 1974, 88 Stat. 1847, related to determinations by Secretary of areas of substantial unemployment, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Part C—Upgrading and Retraining

§852. Repealed. Pub. L. 97–300, title I, §184(a)(1), Oct. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1357

Section, Pub. L. 93–203, title II, §221, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1956, related to occupational upgrading and retraining programs.

Part D—Transitional Employment Opportunities for the Economically Disadvantaged

§§853 to 859. Repealed. Pub. L. 97–300, title I, §184(a)(1), Oct. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1357

Section 853, Pub. L. 93–203, title II, §231, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1957, set out the Congressional statement of purpose for transitional employment opportunities for the economically disadvantaged.

Section 854, Pub. L. 93–203, title II, §232, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1958, related to financial assistance to prime sponsors for transitional public service employment for economically disadvantaged persons who are unemployed.

Section 855, Pub. L. 93–203, title II, §233, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1958; amended Pub. L. 96–583, §3(b), Dec. 23, 1980, 94 Stat. 3376, related to allocation of funds for carrying out of transitional employment opportunities for the economically disadvantaged.

Section 856, Pub. L. 93–203, title II, §234, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1959, related to expenditure of funds by prime sponsors for purposes of transitional employment opportunities for economically disadvantaged.

Section 857, Pub. L. 93–203, title II, §235, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1959, related to applicability of section 966 of this title to transitional employment opportunities for economically disadvantaged.

Section 858, Pub. L. 93–203, title II, §236, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1959, related to eligibility for transitional employment opportunities for economically disadvantaged.

Section 859, Pub. L. 93–203, title II, §237, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1960, related to payment of wages to economically disadvantaged individuals employed in transitional public service employment.

SUBCHAPTER III—SPECIAL FEDERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Part A—Special National Programs and Activities

§§871 to 878. Repealed. Pub. L. 97–300, title I, §184(a)(1), Oct. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1357

Section 871, Pub. L. 93–203, title III, §301, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1960, related to special programs and activities.

A prior section 871, Pub. L. 93–203, title III, §301, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 857, provided for additional manpower services, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 872, Pub. L. 93–203, title III, §302, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1962, related to Native American employment and training programs.

A prior section 872, Pub. L. 93–203, title III, §302, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 858; Pub. L. 95–93, title III, §303(a)–(d), Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 650, related to Native American employment and training programs, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 873, Pub. L. 93–203, title III, §303, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1964; amended Pub. L. 96–88, title V, §508(h)(3), Oct. 17, 1979, 93 Stat. 693, related to migrant and seasonal farmworker employment and training programs.

A prior section 873, Pub. L. 93–203, title III, §303, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 859, related to migrant and seasonal farmworker manpower programs, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 874, Pub. L. 93–203, title III, §304, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1965, related to job search and relocation assistance.

A prior section 874, Pub. L. 93–203, title III, §304, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 859, provided for youth programs and other special programs, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 875, Pub. L. 93–203, title III, §305, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1965; amended Pub. L. 96–583, §3(d), Dec. 23, 1980, 94 Stat. 3376, related to veterans information and outreach.

A prior section 875, Pub. L. 93–203, title III, §306, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 860, related to a consultation with Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 803 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 876, Pub. L. 93–203, title III, §306, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1965, related to programs for the handicapped.

A prior section 306 of Pub. L. 93–203, title III, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 860, related to a consultation with Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, was classified to former section 875 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 877, Pub. L. 93–203, title III, §307, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1966, related to partnership programs between prime sponsors and employment security agencies.

Section 878, Pub. L. 93–203, title III, §308, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1966, related to projects for middle-aged and older workers.

Part B—Research, Training, and Evaluation

§§879 to 886. Repealed. Pub. L. 97–300, title I, §184(a)(1), Oct. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1357

Section 879, Pub. L. 93–203, title III, §311, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1968; amended Pub. L. 96–88, title V, §508(h)(4), Oct. 17, 1979, 93 Stat. 693; Pub. L. 96–583, §3(c), Dec. 23, 1980, 94 Stat. 3376, related to establishment of various employment and training research programs.

A prior section 311 of Pub. L. 93–203, title III, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 860; Pub. L. 94–444, §10, Oct. 1, 1976, 90 Stat. 1483, which related to establishment of a comprehensive program of manpower research, was classified to former section 881 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 880, Pub. L. 93–203, title III, §312, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1970, provided for a labor market information and job bank program.

A prior section 312 of Pub. L. 93–203, title III, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 861, which related to development of a system of labor market information and establishment of a job bank program, was classified to former section 882 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 881, Pub. L. 93–203, title III, §313, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1971, related to evaluation of all programs and activities under this chapter.

A prior section 881, Pub. L. 93–203, title III, §311, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 860; Pub. L. 94–444, §10, Oct. 1, 1976, 90 Stat. 1483, related to establishment of a comprehensive program of manpower research, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

A prior section 313 of Pub. L. 93–203, title III, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 862, which related to an evaluation of the programs and activities conducted under this chapter, was classified to section 883 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 882, Pub. L. 93–203, title III, §314, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1972; amended Pub. L. 96–88, title V, §508(h)(5), Oct. 17, 1979, 93 Stat. 693, provided for training and technical assistance with respect to programs under this chapter.

A prior section 882, Pub. L. 93–203, title III, §312, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 861, related to development of a system of labor market information and establishment of a job bank program, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

A prior section 314 of Pub. L. 93–203, title III, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 863, which related to a continuous study with respect to the removal of artificial barriers to employment and advancement, was classified to former section 884 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 885 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 883, Pub. L. 93–203, title III, §315, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1972, related to National Occupational Information Coordinating Committee.

A prior section 883, Pub. L. 93–203, title III, §313, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 862, related to evaluation of programs and activities conducted under this chapter, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

A prior section 315 of Pub. L. 93–203, title III, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 863, which related to training and technical assistance, was classified to former section 885 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 884, Pub. L. 93–203, title III, §316, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1973, related to evaluation of a prime sponsor's employment and training services program and to the awarding of incentive grants to such sponsors.

A prior section 884, Pub. L. 93–203, title III, §314, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 863, related to a continuous study with respect to the removal of artificial barriers to employment and advancement, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 885, Pub. L. 93–203, title III, §317, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1973, related to voucher demonstration projects.

A prior section 885, Pub. L. 93–203, title III, §315, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 863, related to training and technical assistance, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 886, Pub. L. 93–203, title III, §318, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1974, related to employment and training activities to stimulate local private economic development.

SUBCHAPTER IV—YOUTH PROGRAMS

§§891 to 892a. Repealed. Pub. L. 97–300, title I, §184(a)(1), Oct. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1357

Section 891, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §401, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1974, set out Congressional declaration of purpose for youth employment and training programs.

A prior section 891, Pub. L. 93–203, title III, §321, as added Pub. L. 95–93, title II, §201, Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 632, provided for a Congressional declaration of purpose with respect to youth employment, training and demonstration programs, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

A prior section 401 of Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 863, which provided for a congressional statement of purpose with respect to the Job Corps program, was classified to former section 911 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 874 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 892, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §402, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1974, provided definitions of "eligible youth" under various youth programs.

A prior section 892, Pub. L. 93–203, title III, §325, as added Pub. L. 95–93, title II, §201, Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 632, related to authorization of youth incentive entitlement pilot projects, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

A prior section 402 of Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 864, related to establishment of a Job Corps and was classified to former section 912 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 892a, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §403, as added Pub. L. 97–35, title VII, §701(e)(1), Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 520, related to transferability of funds for youth programs.

A prior section 892a, Pub. L. 93–203, title III, §326, as added Pub. L. 95–93, title II, §201, Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 633, related to guarantees of employment opportunities, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Sections 892b to 892d of this title were eliminated in the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 892b, Pub. L. 93–203, title III, §327, as added Pub. L. 95–93, title II, §201, Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 633, related to selection of prime sponsors.

Section 892c, Pub. L. 93–203, title III, §328, as added Pub. L. 95–93, title II, §201, Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 635, related to special provisions for development of a participants role as a member of the community and for restrictions on use of funds.

Section 892d, Pub. L. 93–203, title III, §329, as added Pub. L. 95–93, title II, §201, Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 635, related to reports to Congress.

Part A—Youth Employment Demonstration Programs

§893. Repealed. Pub. L. 97–300, title I, §184(a)(1), Oct. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1357

Section 893, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §411, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1974, set out Congressional statement of purpose for youth employment demonstration programs.

A prior section 893, Pub. L. 93–203, title III, §331, added Pub. L. 95–93, title II, §201, Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 636, provided for a Congressional declaration of purpose with respect to a program of community conservation and improvement projects, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

A prior section 411 of Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 868, which related to activities designed to establish a mutually beneficial relationship between Job Corps centers and nearby communities, was classified to former section 921 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 891 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Sections 893a to 893g of this title were eliminated in the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 893a, Pub. L. 93–203, title III, §332, as added Pub. L. 95–93, title II, §201, Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 636, defined terms used in provisions covering youth community conservation and improvement projects.

Section 893b, Pub. L. 93–203, title III, §333, as added Pub. L. 95–93, title II, §201, Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 636, related to allocation of funds with respect to youth community conservation and improvement projects.

Section 893c, Pub. L. 93–203, title III, §334, as added Pub. L. 95–93, title II, §201, Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 637, authorized Secretary to enter into agreements with eligible applicants to pay the costs of community conservation and improvement youth employment projects.

Section 893d, Pub. L. 93–203, title III, §335, as added Pub. L. 95–93, title II, §201, Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 637, related to applications for community conservation and improvement youth employment projects.

Section 893e, Pub. L. 93–203, title III, §336, as added Pub. L. 95–93, title II, §201, Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 637, related to submittal of proposed agreements to Secretary.

Section 893f, Pub. L. 93–203, title III, §337, as added Pub. L. 95–93, title II, §201, Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 638, related to authority of Secretary to approve or deny project applications.

Section 893g, Pub. L. 93–203, title III, §338, as added Pub. L. 95–93, title II, §201, Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 639, related to a work limitation with respect to eligible youths involved in community conservation and improvement projects.

subpart 1—youth incentive entitlement pilot projects

§§894 to 898. Repealed. Pub. L. 97–300, title I, §184(a)(1), Oct. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1357

Section 894, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §416, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1975, authorized youth incentive entitlement pilot projects.

A prior section 894, Pub. L. 93–203, title III, §341, as added Pub. L. 95–93, title II, §201, Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 639, provided for a Congressional declaration of purpose with respect to youth employment and training programs, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

A prior section 416 of Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 872, which related to the Federal status of enrollees in the Job Corps, was classified to former section 926 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 892 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203, by Pub. L. 95–524.

Sections 894a to 894g of this title were eliminated in the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 894a, Pub. L. 93–203, title III, §342, as added Pub. L. 95–93, title II, §201, Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 639, related to programs authorized for youth employment and training.

Section 894b, Pub. L. 93–203, title III, §343, as added Pub. L. 95–93, title II, §201, Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 640, related to allocation of funds with respect to youth employment and training programs.

Section 894c, Pub. L. 93–203, title III, §344, as added Pub. L. 95–93, title II, §201, Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 642, related to eligible applicants for purposes of the youth employment and training programs.

Section 894d, Pub. L. 93–203, title III, §345, as added Pub. L. 95–93, title II, §201, Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 642, related to eligible participants for programs for employment and training of youth.

Section 894e, Pub. L. 93–203, title III, §346, as added Pub. L. 95–93, title II, §201, Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 642, related to conditions for receipt of financial assistance for programs authorized under former section 894a of this title.

Section 894f, Pub. L. 93–203, title III, §347, as added Pub. L. 95–93, title II, §201, Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 645, related to a review of plans by the Secretary.

Section 894g, Pub. L. 93–203, title III, §348, as added Pub. L. 95–93, title II, §201, Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 645, related to discretionary projects of Secretary dealing with unemployment problems of youth.

Section 895, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §417, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1975, related to employment guarantees under youth incentive entitlement pilot projects.

A prior section 895, Pub. L. 93–203, title III, §351, as added Pub. L. 95–93, title II, §201, Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 646, provided for authorization of appropriations and distribution of funds with respect to youth employment demonstration programs, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

A prior section 417 of Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 873, which related to special limitations with respect to the Job Corps, was classified to former section 927 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 892a of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Sections 895a to 895f of this title were eliminated in the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 895a, Pub. L. 93–203, title III, §352, as added Pub. L. 95–93, title II, §201, Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 646, related to rates of pay.

Section 895b, Pub. L. 93–203, title III, §353, as added Pub. L. 95–93, title II, §201, Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 647, related to special conditions with respect to financial assistance to youth employment, training, and demonstration programs.

Section 895c, Pub. L. 93–203, title III, §354, as added Pub. L. 95–93, title II, §201, Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 648, related to special provisions for youth community conservation and improvement projects and for youth employment and training programs.

Section 895d, Pub. L. 93–203, title III, §355, as added Pub. L. 95–93, title II, §201, Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 649, related to grant or award of academic credit and counseling and placement services.

Section 895e, Pub. L. 93–203, title III, §356, as added Pub. L. 95–93, title II, §201, Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 649, related to affect of earnings received under the youth employment, training, and demonstration programs in determination of need under other programs.

Section 895f, Pub. L. 93–203, title III, §357, as added Pub. L. 95–93, title II, §201, Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 649, related to general provisions.

Section 896, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §418, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1976, related to selection of prime sponsors to operate youth incentive entitlement projects.

A prior section 418 of Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 873, related to prohibitions respecting political discrimination and political activity, was classified to former section 928 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 892b of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 897, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §419, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1978, related to special provisions for development of participant's role as a member of the community and for restrictions on use of funds for youth incentive entitlement projects.

A prior section 419 of Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 873; Pub. L. 93–567, title I, §101, Dec. 31, 1974, 88 Stat. 1845, which provided for administrative provisions, was classified to former section 929 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 892c of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 898, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §420, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1978, related to reports by the Secretary to Congress regarding youth incentive entitlement projects.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 892d of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

subpart 2—youth community conservation and improvement projects

§§899 to 906. Repealed. Pub. L. 97–300, title I, §184(a)(1), Oct. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1357

Section 899, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §421, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1979, set out Congressional statement of purpose for youth community conservation and improvement projects.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 893 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 900, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §422, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1979, provided definitions applicable to youth community conservation and improvement projects.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 893a of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 901, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §423, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1979, related to allocation of funds regarding youth community conservation projects.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 893b of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 902, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §424, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1980, authorized Secretary to enter into agreements with eligible applicants to pay the costs of community conversation and improvement youth employment projects.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 893c of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 903, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §425, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1980, related to applications for youth community conservation and improvement projects.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 893d of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 904, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §426, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1980, related to proposed agreements for funding submitted to Secretary by eligible applicants.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 893e of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 905, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §427, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1981, related to approval or denial of youth community conservation and improvement project applications submitted with an opposed agreement.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 893f of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 906, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §428, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1981, set out work limitations under youth community conservation and improvement projects.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 893g of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

subpart 3—youth employment and training programs

§§907 to 915. Repealed. Pub. L. 97–300, title I, §184(a)(1), Oct. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1357

Section 907, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §431, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1982, set out Congressional statement of purpose for youth employment and training programs.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 894 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 908, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §432, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1982, related to youth employment and training programs eligible to receive financial assistance.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 894a of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 909, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §433, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1983; amended Pub. L. 97–35, title VII, §701(d)(1), Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 520, related to allocation of funds for youth employment and training programs.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 894b of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 910, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §434, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1985, related to eligible applicants for youth employment and training programs.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 894c of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 911, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §435, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1985, related to eligible participants for youth employment and training programs.

A prior section 911, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §401, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 863, provided for a congressional statement of purpose with regard to the Job Corps, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 894d of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 912, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §436, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1985; amended Pub. L. 97–35, title VII, §701(d)(2), Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 520, related to conditions for receipt of financial assistance for youth employment and training programs.

A prior section 912, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §402, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 864, related to establishment of the Job Corps, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 894e of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 913, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §437, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1987, related to review of youth employment and training plans by Secretary.

A prior section 913, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §403, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 864, related to eligibility for enrollment in the Job Corps, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 894f of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 914, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §438, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1987; amended Pub. L. 96–88, title V, §508(h)(6), Oct. 17, 1979, 93 Stat. 693, related to Secretary's discretionary youth employment and training projects.

A prior section 914, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §404, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 864, related to screening and selection of applicants, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 894g of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 915, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §439, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1988, related to youth employment incentive and social bonus program.

A prior section 915, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §405, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 865, related to special limitations on screening and selection of applicants, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

subpart 4—general provisions

§916. Repealed. Pub. L. 97–14, §3, June 16, 1981, 95 Stat. 98

Section, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §441, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1989, provided that, of the sums available for carrying out the provisions of this part, 15 percent would be available for subpart 1, 15 percent would be available for subpart 2, and 70 percent would be available for subpart 3.

A prior section 916, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §406, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 865, related to enrollment and assignment in the Job Corps, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 895 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

§§917 to 922. Repealed. Pub. L. 97–300, title I, §184(a)(1), Oct. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1357

Section 917, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §442, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1989, related to rates of pay under youth employment demonstration programs.

A prior section 917, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §407, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 866, related to establishment and operation of Job Corps centers, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 895a of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 918, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §443, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1990, related to special conditions for financial assistance for youth employment demonstration programs.

A prior section 918, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §408, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 866, related to activities of the program, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 895b of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 919, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §444, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1991, related to special provisions for youth community conservation and improvement projects and youth employment and training programs.

A prior section 919, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §409, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 867, provided for allowances and support for the enrollees, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 895c of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 920, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §445, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1992, related to academic credit and counseling and placement services.

A prior section 920, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §410, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 868, related to Job Corps centers standards of conduct and deportment, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 895d of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 921, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §446, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1992, provided that the earnings and allowances received by any youth under a youth employment demonstration program would be disregarded in determining the eligibility of the youth's family for, and the amount of, any benefits based on need under any Federal or federally assisted program.

A prior section 921, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §411, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 868, related to activities designed to establish a mutually beneficial relationship between Job Corps centers and nearby communities, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 895e of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 922, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §447, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1992, related to applicability of subchapter I of this chapter to youth employment demonstration programs.

A prior section 922, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §412, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 869, related to counseling and job placement, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 895f of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Part B—Job Corps

§§923 to 941a. Repealed. Pub. L. 97–300, title I, §184(a)(1), Oct. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1357

Section 923, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §450, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1992, set out Congressional statement of purpose for establishment of the Job Corps.

A prior section 923, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §413, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 870, related to an evaluation of experimental and developmental projects, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 911 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 924, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §451, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1993, related to establishment of a Job Corps.

A prior section 924, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §414, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 871, related to use of advisory boards and committees by Secretary, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 912 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 925, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §452, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1993, related to individuals eligible to enroll in Job Corps.

A prior section 925, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §415, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 871, related to action by Secretary to facilitate participation by the States in the Job Corps program, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 913 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 926, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §453, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1993, related to screening and selection of applicants for Job Corps.

A prior section 926, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §416, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 872, related to applicability of certain Federal laws to the Job Corps program, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 914 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 927, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §454, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1994, related to special limitations on selection of enrollees in Job Corps.

A prior section 927, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §417, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 873, related to special limitations with regard to the Job Corps program, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 915 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 928, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §455, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1994, related to enrollment and assignment of enrollees in Job Corps.

A prior section 928, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §418, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 873, related to prohibitions concerning political discrimination and political activity, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 916 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 929, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §456, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1994, related to establishment of Job Corps centers.

A prior section 929, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §419, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 873; Pub. L. 93–567, title I, §101, Dec. 31, 1974, 88 Stat. 1845, related to administrative provisions with regard to the Job Corps program, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 917 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 930, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §457, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1995; amended Pub. L. 96–583, §3(c), Dec. 23, 1980, 94 Stat. 3376, related to various Job Corps activities.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 918 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 931, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §458, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1995, related to allowances and support for enrollees of the Job Corps.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 919 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 932, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §459, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1996, related to standards of conduct in Job Corps.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 920 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 933, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §460, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1997, related to community participation, including community advisory councils, with regard to Job Corps.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 921 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 934, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §461, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1997, related to counseling and job placement for enrollees of Job Corps.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 922 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 935, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §462, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1998; amended Pub. L. 96–583, §3(c), Dec. 23, 1980, 94 Stat. 3376, related to experimental and developmental projects in furtherance of Job Corps program.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 923 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 936, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §463, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1998, related to advisory boards and committees in connection with the operation of Job Corps.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 924 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 937, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §464, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1999, related to participation of States in Job Corps program.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 925 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 938, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §465, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1999, related to application of provisions of Federal law to enrollees in Job Corps.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 926 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 939, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §466, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 2000, related to ratio of women enrollees in Job Corps, acquisition as property of United States of all studies, evaluations, and proposals produced with Federal funds in course of Job Corps program, and transactions conducted by private for-profit contractors for Job Corps centers.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 927 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 940, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §467, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 2000, set out administrative provisions in connection with Job Corps program.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 929 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 941, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §468, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 2001, related to utilization of funds for Job Corps program.

Section 941a, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §469, as added Pub. L. 96–341, §1, Sept. 8, 1980, 94 Stat. 1076, related to Earle C. Clements Job Corps Center.

Part C—Summer Youth Program

§§942 to 945. Repealed. Pub. L. 97–300, title I, §184(a)(1), Oct. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1357

Section 942, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §481, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 2001, related to establishment of summer youth programs.

Section 943, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §482, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 2001, related to prime sponsors eligible for assistance under summer youth programs.

Section 944, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §483, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 2001, related to financial assistance under summer youth programs.

Section 945, Pub. L. 93–203, title IV, §484, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 2002, related to Secretarial authority over summer youth programs.

SUBCHAPTER V—NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR EMPLOYMENT POLICY

§§951 to 955. Repealed. Pub. L. 97–300, title I, §184(a)(1), Oct. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1357

Section 951, Pub. L. 93–203, title V, §501, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 2002, set out Congressional statement of purpose for establishment of a National Commission for Employment Policy.

A prior section 951, Pub. L. 93–203, title V, §501, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 874, provided for Congressional findings and declaration of purpose with regard to National Commission for Manpower Policy, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 952, Pub. L. 93–203, title V, §502, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 2002; amended Pub. L. 96–88, title V, §508(h)(7), Oct. 17, 1979, 93 Stat. 693, related to establishment of National Commission for Employment Policy.

A prior section 952, Pub. L. 93–203, title V, §502, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 874; Pub. L. 94–482, title II, §203(b)(1), Oct. 12, 1976, 90 Stat. 2214, related to establishment of National Commission for Manpower Policy, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 95–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 953, Pub. L. 93–203, title V, §503, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 2003, related to functions of National Commission for Employment Policy.

A prior section 953, Pub. L. 93–203, title V, §503, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 875; Pub. L. 94–482, title II, §203(b)(2), Oct. 12, 1976, 90 Stat. 2214; Pub. L. 95–40, §1(28)(B), June 3, 1977, 91 Stat. 207, related to functions of National Commission for Manpower Policy, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 954, Pub. L. 93–203, title V, §504, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 2004, set out administrative provisions relating to powers of Chairman of the National Commission for Employment Policy.

A prior section 954, Pub. L. 93–203, title V, §504, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 875, related to a study of utilization and interrelation of programs of manpower training with closely associated programs, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 955, Pub. L. 93–203, title V, §505, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 2005, related to reports made by Commission to President, Congress, and Federal departments and agencies.

A prior section 955, Pub. L. 93–203, title V, §505, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 875, related to reports to President and Congress, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 956, Pub. L. 93–203, title V, §506, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 876, related to a study by Secretary concerning the impact of energy shortages upon manpower needs, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Commission Authorized Until September 30, 1983

Commission established by former sections 951 to 955 of this title continued until Sept. 30, 1983, and on that date the personnel, property, and records of that Commission transferred by former section 1591(b) of this title to the Commission established by former section 1771 et seq. of this title.

SUBCHAPTER VI—COUNTERCYCLICAL PUBLIC SERVICE EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM

§§961 to 970. Repealed. Pub. L. 97–300, title I, §184(a)(1), Oct. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1357

Section 961, Pub. L. 93–203, title VI, §601, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 2005, set out Congressional statement of purpose for a countercyclical public service employment program.

A prior section 961, Pub. L. 93–203, title VI, 601, as added Pub. L. 93–567, title I, §101, Dec. 31, 1974, 88 Stat. 1845; amended Pub. L. 94–444, §2, Oct. 1, 1976, 90 Stat. 1476; Pub. L. 95–44, §2(b), June 15, 1977, 91 Stat. 220, authorized appropriations for emergency job programs, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 962, Pub. L. 93–203, title VI, §602, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 2006, related to reports on appropriations submitted by President to Congress.

A prior section 962, Pub. L. 93–203, title VI, §602, as added Pub. L. 93–567, title I, §101, Dec. 31, 1974, 88 Stat. 1845; amended Pub. L. 94–444, §§3(a)(2), 8(a), Oct. 1, 1976, 90 Stat. 1476, 1482; Pub. L. 95–93, title III, §306(b), Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 651, related to availability of financial assistance for emergency job programs, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 963, Pub. L. 93–203, title VI, §603, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 2006, related to financial assistance for public service employment programs.

A prior section 963, Pub. L. 93–203, title VI, §603, as added Pub. L. 93–567, title I, §101, Dec. 31, 1974, 88 Stat. 1846; amended Pub. L. 94–444, §§4(b), 8(b), (c), 14(b), Oct. 1, 1976, 90 Stat. 1477, 1482, 1487, related to allotment of funds with regard to emergency job programs, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 962 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 964, Pub. L. 93–203, title VI, §604, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 2007; amended Pub. L. 96–583, §3(b), Dec. 23, 1980, 94 Stat. 3376, related to allocation of funds with regard to public service employment programs.

A prior section 964, Pub. L. 93–203, title VI, §604, as added Pub. L. 93–567, title I, §101, Dec. 31, 1974, 88 Stat. 1846, related to special provision for areas of excessively high unemployment and for expansion of job opportunities, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 963 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 965, Pub. L. 93–203, title VI, §605, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 2008, related to expenditure of funds with regard to a public service employment program.

A prior section 965, Pub. L. 93–203, title VI, §605, as added Pub. L. 93–567, title I, §101, Dec. 31, 1974, 88 Stat. 1847; amended Pub. L. 94–444, §5(b)(3), (d), Oct. 1, 1976, 90 Stat. 1480, related to expenditure of funds with regard to emergency job programs, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 966, Pub. L. 93–203, title VI, §606, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 2008, related to prime sponsors and Native American entities qualified to receive financial assistance and program agents.

A prior section 966, Pub. L. 93–203, title VI, §606, as added Pub. L. 93–567, title I, §101, Dec. 31, 1974, 88 Stat. 1847; amended Pub. L. 94–444, §5(b)(2), Oct. 1, 1976, 90 Stat. 1479, provided for reallocation of funds by Secretary, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 967, Pub. L. 93–203, title VI, §607, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 2009, related to eligibility for employment under a public service employment program.

A prior section 967, Pub. L. 93–203, title VI, §607, as added Pub. L. 94–444, §5(a), Oct. 1, 1976, 90 Stat. 1477; amended Pub. L. 95–44, §2(c), June 15, 1977, 91 Stat. 220, related to reservation of funds for certain public service jobholders, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 968 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 968, Pub. L. 93–203, title VI, §608, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 2009, related to payment of wages to those employed under a public service employment program.

A prior section 968, Pub. L. 93–203, title VI, §608, as added Pub. L. 94–444, §5(a), Oct. 1, 1976, 90 Stat. 1478; amended Pub. L. 95–93, title III, §307, Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 652, related to eligibility of long-term unemployed low-income persons, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 969, Pub. L. 93–203, title VI, §609, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 2009, related to wage supplementation for public service employees receiving financial assistance under public service employment programs.

A prior section 969, Pub. L. 93–203, title VI, §609, as added Pub. L. 94–444, §5(a), Oct. 1, 1976, 90 Stat. 1479, related to approval of project applications, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 970, Pub. L. 93–203, title VI, §610, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 2009, related to utilization of funds available under public service employment programs.

SUBCHAPTER VII—PRIVATE SECTOR OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED

§§981 to 986. Repealed. Pub. L. 97–300, title I, §184(a)(1), Oct. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1357

Section 981, Pub. L. 93–203, title VII, §701, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 2010; amended Pub. L. 96–583, §2(1), Dec. 23, 1980, 94 Stat. 3375, set out Congressional statement of purpose for increase of private sector opportunities for the economically disadvantaged.

A prior section 981, Pub. L. 93–203, title VII, §701, formerly title VI, §601, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 876; renumbered title VII, §701, and amended Pub. L. 93–567, title I, §§101, 107(a)–(c), Dec. 31, 1974, 88 Stat. 1845, 1849; Pub. L. 94–444, §5(b)(1), Oct. 1, 1976, 90 Stat. 1479; Pub. L. 95–93, title III, §303(e), Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 650, defined terms for use in this chapter, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 982, Pub. L. 93–203, title VII, §702, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 2010; amended Pub. L. 96–583, §2(2), Dec. 23, 1980, 94 Stat. 3375; Pub. L. 97–35, title VII, §701(f), Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 521, related to financial assistance to prime sponsors for increase of private sector opportunities for economically disadvantaged.

A prior section 982, Pub. L. 93–203, title VII, §702, formerly title VI, §602, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 877; renumbered title VII, §702, Pub. L. 93–567, title I, §101, Dec. 31, 1974, 88 Stat. 1845; amended Pub. L. 94–444, §5(c), Oct. 1, 1976, 90 Stat. 1480, related to legal authority of Secretary under this chapter, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 983, Pub. L. 93–203, title VII, §703, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 2010; amended Pub. L. 96–583, §2(3), Dec. 23, 1980, 94 Stat. 3375, related to conditions for receipt of financial assistance for increase of private sector opportunities for economically disadvantaged.

A prior section 983, Pub. L. 93–203, title VII, §703, formerly title VI, §603, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 878; renumbered title VII, §703, and amended Pub. L. 93–567, title I, §§101, 107(d), Dec. 31, 1974, 88 Stat. 1845, 1849, related to conditions applicable to all programs, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 984, Pub. L. 93–203, title VII, §704, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 2011; amended Pub. L. 96–583, §2(4), (5), Dec. 23, 1980, 94 Stat. 3375, related to private industry councils.

A prior section 984, Pub. L. 93–203, title VII, §704, formerly title VI, §604, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 879; renumbered title VII, §704, Pub. L. 93–567, title I, §101, Dec. 31, 1974, 88 Stat. 1845, and amended Pub. L. 94–444, §§3(b), 9, 11, Oct. 1, 1976, 90 Stat. 1476, 1482, 1483, related to special provisions applicable to this chapter, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 985, Pub. L. 93–203, title VII, §705, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 2012; amended Pub. L. 96–583, §2(6)–(9), Dec. 23, 1980, 94 Stat. 3375, 3376, related to private sector initiatives by prime sponsors.

A prior section 985, Pub. L. 93–203, title VII, §705, formerly title VI, §605, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 879; renumbered title VII, §705, Pub. L. 93–567, title I, §101, Dec. 31, 1974, 88 Stat. 1845, provided for reports to President and Congress, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 986, Pub. L. 93–203, title VII, §706, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 2013, related to a report to Congress and dissemination of information to prime sponsors.

A prior section 986, Pub. L. 93–203, title VII, §706, formerly title VI, §606, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 880; renumbered title VII, §706, Pub. L. 93–567, title I, §101, Dec. 31, 1974, 88 Stat. 1845, related to labor standards, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Sections 987 to 990 of this title were eliminated in the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 987, Pub. L. 93–203, title VII, §707, formerly title VI, §607, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 880; renumbered title VII, §707, Pub. L. 93–567, title I, §101, Dec. 31, 1974, 88 Stat. 1845, related to authority of Secretary to accept gifts in name of Department.

Section 988, Pub. L. 93–203, title VII, §708, formerly title VI, §608, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 881; renumbered title VII, §708, Pub. L. 93–567, title I, §101, Dec. 31, 1974, 88 Stat. 1845, related to use of the services and facilities of departments, agencies, and establishments of the United States by Secretary.

Section 989, Pub. L. 93–203, title VII, §709, formerly title VI, §609, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 881; renumbered title VII, §709, Pub. L. 93–567, title I, §101, Dec. 31, 1974, 88 Stat. 1845, related to interstate agreements.

Section 990, Pub. L. 93–203, title VII, §710, formerly title VI, §610, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 881; renumbered title VII, §710, Pub. L. 93–567, title I, §101, Dec. 31, 1974, 88 Stat. 1845, related to prohibition concerning political activities.

SUBCHAPTER VIII—YOUNG ADULT CONSERVATION CORPS

§§991 to 999. Repealed. Pub. L. 97–300, title I, §184(a)(1), Oct. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1357

Section 991, Pub. L. 93–203, title VIII, §801, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 2013, set out Congressional statement of purpose for Young Adult Conservation Corps.

A prior section 991, Pub. L. 93–203, title VII, §712, formerly title VI, §612, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 882; renumbered title VII, §712, Pub. L. 93–567, title I, §101, Dec. 31, 1974, 88 Stat. 1845, related to prohibition concerning discrimination, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

A prior section 801 of Pub. L. 93–203, title VIII, as added Pub. L. 95–93, title I, §101, Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 627, which provided for Congressional declaration of purpose with regard to Young Adult Conservation Corps, was formerly classified to section 993 of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 992, Pub. L. 93–203, title VIII, §802, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 2013, related to establishment of Young Adult Conservation Corps.

A prior section 992, Pub. L. 93–203, title VII, §713, formerly title VI, §613, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 882; renumbered title VII, §713, Pub. L. 93–567, title I, §101, Dec. 31, 1974, 88 Stat. 1845, related to records, audits, and reports, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

A prior section 802 of Pub. L. 93–203, title VIII, as added Pub. L. 95–93, title I, §101, Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 627, which provided for establishment of Young Adult Conservation Corps, was formerly classified to section 993a of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 993, Pub. L. 93–203, title VIII, §803, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 2013, related to enrollees of Young Adult Conservation Corps.

A prior section 993, Pub. L. 93–203, title VIII, §801, as added Pub. L. 95–93, title I, §101, Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 627, provided for a Congressional declaration of purpose with regard to Young Adult Conservation Corps, prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

A prior section 803 of Pub. L. 93–203, title VIII, as added Pub. L. 95–93, title I, §101, Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 627, which related to selection of enrollees, was formerly classified to section 993b of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Sections 993a to 993i of this title were eliminated in the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 993a, Pub. L. 93–203, title VIII, §802, as added Pub. L. 95–93, title I, §101, Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 627, related to establishment of Young Adult Conservation Corps.

Section 993b, Pub. L. 93–203, title VIII, §803, as added Pub. L. 95–93, title I, §101, Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 627, related to selection of enrollees of Young Adult Conservation Corps.

Section 993c, Pub. L. 93–203, title VIII, §804, as added Pub. L. 95–93, title I, §101, Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 628, related to activities of Young Adult Conservation Corps.

Section 993d, Pub. L. 93–203, title VIII, §805, as added Pub. L. 95–93, title I, §101, Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 629, related to conditions applicable to Young Adult Conservation Corps enrollees.

Section 993e, Pub. L. 93–203, title VIII, §806, as added Pub. L. 95–93, title I, §101, Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 630, related to State and local programs.

Section 993f, Pub. L. 93–203, title VIII, §807, as added Pub. L. 95–93, title I, §101, Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 631, related to an annual report to President and Congress.

Section 993g, Pub. L. 93–203, title VIII, §808, as added Pub. L. 95–93, title I, §101, Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 631, related to prohibition concerning discrimination.

Section 993h, Pub. L. 93–203, title VIII, §809, as added Pub. L. 95–93, title I, §101, Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 631, related to transfer of funds pursuant to an interagency agreement.

Section 993i, Pub. L. 93–203, title VIII, §810, as added Pub. L. 95–93, title I, §101, Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 631, related to authorization of appropriations for Young Adult Conservation Corps program.

Section 994, Pub. L. 93–203, title VIII, §804, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 2014, related to activities of Young Adult Conservation Corps.

A prior section 804 of Pub. L. 93–203, title VIII, as added Pub. L. 95–93, title I, §101, Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 628, which related to activities of Young Adult Conservation Corps, was formerly classified to section 993c of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 995, Pub. L. 93–203, title VIII, §805, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 2015, related to conditions applicable to enrollees of Young Adult Conservation Corps.

A prior section 805 of Pub. L. 93–203, title VIII, as added Pub. L. 95–93, title I, §101, Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 629, which related to conditions applicable to Young Adult Conservation Corps enrollees, was formerly classified to section 993d of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 996, Pub. L. 93–203, title VIII, §806, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 2016, related to State and local programs in connection with Young Adult Conservation Corps.

A prior section 806 of Pub. L. 93–203, title VIII, as added Pub. L. 95–93, title I, §101, Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 630, which related to State and local programs, was formerly classified to section 993e of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 997, Pub. L. 93–203, title VIII, §807, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 2017, related to an annual report to President and Congress.

A prior section 807 of Pub. L. 93–203, title VIII, as added Pub. L. 95–93, title I, §101, Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 631, which related to an annual report to President and Congress, was formerly classified to section 993f of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 998, Pub. L. 93–203, title VIII, §808, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 2017, related to prohibition of discrimination.

A prior section 808 of Pub. L. 93–203, title VIII, as added Pub. L. 95–93, title I, §101, Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 631, which related to a prohibition concerning discrimination, was formerly classified to section 993g of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

Section 999, Pub. L. 93–203, title VIII, §809, as added Pub. L. 95–524, §2, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 2017, related to transfer of funds pursuant to interagency agreement.

A prior section 809 of Pub. L. 93–203, title VIII, as added Pub. L. 95–93, title I, §101, Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 631, which related to a transfer of funds pursuant to an interagency agreement, was formerly classified to section 993h of this title prior to the general revision of Pub. L. 93–203 by Pub. L. 95–524.

 

CHAPTER 18—EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY PROGRAM

SUBCHAPTER I—PROTECTION OF EMPLOYEE BENEFIT RIGHTS

Subtitle A—General Provisions

        

Subtitle B—Regulatory Provisions

part 1—reporting and disclosure

        

part 2—participation and vesting

        

part 3—funding

        

part 4—fiduciary responsibility

        

part 5—administration and enforcement

        

part 6—continuation coverage and additional standards for group health plans

        

part 7—group health plan requirements

Subpart A—Requirements Relating to Portability, Access, and Renewability

        

Subpart B—Other Requirements

        

Subpart C—General Provisions

        

part 8—pension-linked emergency savings accounts

        

SUBCHAPTER II—JURISDICTION, ADMINISTRATION, ENFORCEMENT; JOINT PENSION TASK FORCE, ETC.

Subtitle A—Jurisdiction, Administration, and Enforcement

        

Subtitle B—Joint Pension, Profit-Sharing, and Employee Stock Ownership Plan Task Force; Studies

part 1—joint pension, profit-sharing, and employee stock ownership plan task force

        

part 2—other studies

        

Subtitle C—Enrollment of Actuaries

        

SUBCHAPTER III—PLAN TERMINATION INSURANCE

Subtitle A—Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation

        

Subtitle B—Coverage

        

Subtitle C—Terminations

        

Subtitle D—Liability

        

Subtitle E—Special Provisions for Multiemployer Plans

part 1—employer withdrawals

        

part 2—merger or transfer of plan assets or liabilities

        

part 3—reorganization; insolvent plans

        

part 4—financial assistance

        

part 5—benefits after termination

        

part 6—enforcement

        

Subtitle F—Transition Rules and Effective Dates

        

SUBCHAPTER I—PROTECTION OF EMPLOYEE BENEFIT RIGHTS

Subtitle A—General Provisions

§1001. Congressional findings and declaration of policy

(a) Benefit plans as affecting interstate commerce and the Federal taxing power

The Congress finds that the growth in size, scope, and numbers of employee benefit plans in recent years has been rapid and substantial; that the operational scope and economic impact of such plans is increasingly interstate; that the continued well-being and security of millions of employees and their dependents are directly affected by these plans; that they are affected with a national public interest; that they have become an important factor affecting the stability of employment and the successful development of industrial relations; that they have become an important factor in commerce because of the interstate character of their activities, and of the activities of their participants, and the employers, employee organizations, and other entities by which they are established or maintained; that a large volume of the activities of such plans are carried on by means of the mails and instrumentalities of interstate commerce; that owing to the lack of employee information and adequate safeguards concerning their operation, it is desirable in the interests of employees and their beneficiaries, and to provide for the general welfare and the free flow of commerce, that disclosure be made and safeguards be provided with respect to the establishment, operation, and administration of such plans; that they substantially affect the revenues of the United States because they are afforded preferential Federal tax treatment; that despite the enormous growth in such plans many employees with long years of employment are losing anticipated retirement benefits owing to the lack of vesting provisions in such plans; that owing to the inadequacy of current minimum standards, the soundness and stability of plans with respect to adequate funds to pay promised benefits may be endangered; that owing to the termination of plans before requisite funds have been accumulated, employees and their beneficiaries have been deprived of anticipated benefits; and that it is therefore desirable in the interests of employees and their beneficiaries, for the protection of the revenue of the United States, and to provide for the free flow of commerce, that minimum standards be provided assuring the equitable character of such plans and their financial soundness.

(b) Protection of interstate commerce and beneficiaries by requiring disclosure and reporting, setting standards of conduct, etc., for fiduciaries

It is hereby declared to be the policy of this chapter to protect interstate commerce and the interests of participants in employee benefit plans and their beneficiaries, by requiring the disclosure and reporting to participants and beneficiaries of financial and other information with respect thereto, by establishing standards of conduct, responsibility, and obligation for fiduciaries of employee benefit plans, and by providing for appropriate remedies, sanctions, and ready access to the Federal courts.

(c) Protection of interstate commerce, the Federal taxing power, and beneficiaries by vesting of accrued benefits, setting minimum standards of funding, requiring termination insurance

It is hereby further declared to be the policy of this chapter to protect interstate commerce, the Federal taxing power, and the interests of participants in private pension plans and their beneficiaries by improving the equitable character and the soundness of such plans by requiring them to vest the accrued benefits of employees with significant periods of service, to meet minimum standards of funding, and by requiring plan termination insurance.

(Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §2, Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 832.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (b) and (c), was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 93–406, known as the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Titles I, III, and IV of such Act are classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out below and Tables.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1984 Amendments; Transitional Rules

Pub. L. 98–397, title III, §§302, 303, Aug. 23, 1984, 98 Stat. 1451, 1452, as amended by Pub. L. 99–514, §2, title XI, §1145(c), title XVIII, §1898(g), (h)(1)(A), (2), (3), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2095, 2491, 2956, 2957; Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §7861(d)(1), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2431, provided that:

"SEC. 302. GENERAL EFFECTIVE DATES.

"(a) In General.—Except as otherwise provided in this section or section 303, the amendments made by this Act [see Short Title of 1984 Amendments note below] shall apply to plan years beginning after December 31, 1984.

"(b) Special Rule for Collective Bargaining Agreements.—In the case of a plan maintained pursuant to 1 or more collective bargaining agreements between employee representatives and 1 or more employers ratified before the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 23, 1984], except as provided in subsection (d) or section 303, the amendments made by this Act shall not apply to plan years beginning before the earlier of—

"(1) the date on which the last of the collective bargaining agreements relating to the plan terminates (determined without regard to any extension thereof agreed to after the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 23, 1984]), or

"(2) July 1, 1988.

For purposes of paragraph (1), any plan amendment made pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement relating to the plan which amends the plan solely to conform to any requirement added by title I or II [of Pub. L. 98–397] shall not be treated as a termination of such collective bargaining agreement.

"(c) Notice Requirement.—The amendments made by section 207 [amending sections 402 and 6652 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code] shall apply to distributions after December 31, 1984.

"(d) Special Rules for Treatment of Plan Amendments.—

"(1) In general.—Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amendments made by section 301 [amending section 1054 of this title and sections 401 and 411 of Title 26] shall apply to plan amendments made after July 30, 1984.

"(2) Special rule for collective bargaining agreements.—In the case of a plan maintained pursuant to 1 or more collective bargaining agreements entered into before January 1, 1985, which are—

"(A) between employee representatives and 1 or more employers, and

"(B) successor agreements to 1 or more collective bargaining agreements which terminate after July 30, 1984, and before January 1, 1985,

the amendments made by section 301 shall not apply to plan amendments adopted before April 1, 1985, pursuant to such successor agreements (without regard to any modification or reopening after December 31, 1984).

"SEC. 303. TRANSITIONAL RULES.

"(a) Amendments Relating to Vesting Rules; Breaks in Service; Maternity or Paternity Leave.—

"(1) Minimum age for vesting.—The amendments made by sections 102(b) and 202(b) [amending section 1053 of this title and section 411 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code] shall apply in the case of participants who have at least 1 hour of service under the plan on or after the first day of the first plan year to which the amendments made by this Act [see Short Title of 1984 Amendments note below] apply.

"(2) Break in service rules.—If, as of the day before the first day of the first plan year to which the amendments made by this Act apply, section 202(a) or (b) or 203(b) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 [section 1052(a) or (b) or section 1053(b) of this title] or section 410(a) or 411(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [section 410(a) or section 411(a) of Title 26] (as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 23, 1984]) would not require any service to be taken into account, nothing in the amendments made by subsections (c) and (d) of section 102 of this Act [amending sections 1052 and 1053 of this title] and subsections (c) and (d) of section 202 of this Act [amending sections 410 and 411 of Title 26] shall be construed as requiring such service to be taken into account under such section 202(a) or (b), 203(b), 410(a), or 411(a); as the case may be.

"(3) Maternity or paternity leave.—The amendments made by sections 102(e) and 202(e) [amending sections 1052 to 1054 of this title and sections 410 and 411 of Title 26] shall apply in the case of absences from work which begin on or after the first day of the first plan year to which the amendments made by this Act apply.

"(b) Special Rule for Amendments Relating to Maternity or Paternity Absences.—If a plan is administered in a manner which would meet the amendments made by sections 102(e) and 202(e) [amending sections 1052 to 1054 of this title and sections 410 and 411 of Title 26] (relating to certain maternity or paternity absences not treated as breaks in service), such plan need not be amended to meet such requirements until the earlier of—

"(1) the date on which such plan is first otherwise amended after the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 23, 1984], or

"(2) the beginning of the first plan year beginning after December 31, 1986.

"(c) Requirement of Joint and Survivor Annuity and Preretirement Survivor Annuity.—

"(1) Requirement that participant have at least 1 hour of service or paid leave on or after date of enactment.—The amendments made by sections 103 and 203 [amending section 1055 of this title and section 401 of Title 26 and enacting section 417 of Title 26] shall apply only in the case of participants who have at least 1 hour of service under the plan on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 23, 1984] or have at least 1 hour of paid leave on or after such date of enactment.

"(2) Requirement that preretirement survivor annuity be provided in case of certain participants dying on or after date of enactment.—In the case of any participant—

"(A) who has at least 1 hour of service under the plan on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 23, 1984] or has at least 1 hour of paid leave on or after such date of enactment,

"(B) who dies before the annuity starting date, and

"(C) who dies on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 23, 1984] and before the first day of the first plan year to which the amendments made by this Act apply,

the amendments made by sections 103 and 203 shall be treated as in effect as of the time of such participant's death. In the case of a profit-sharing or stock bonus plan to which this paragraph applies, the plan shall be treated as meeting the requirements of the amendments made by sections 103 and 203 with respect to any participant if the plan made a distribution in a form other than a life annuity to the surviving spouse of the participant of such participant's nonforfeitable benefit.

"(3) Spousal consent required for certain elections after december 31, 1984.—Any election after December 31, 1984, and before the first day of the first plan year to which the amendments made by this Act apply not to take a joint and survivor annuity shall not be effective unless the requirements of section 205(c)(2) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 [section 1055(c)(2) of this title] (as amended by section 103 of this Act) and section 417(a)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [section 417(a)(2) of Title 26] (as added by section 203 of this Act) are met with respect to such election.

"(4) Elimination of double death benefits.—

"(A) In general.—In the case of a participant described in paragraph (2), death benefits (other than a qualified joint and survivor annuity or a qualified preretirement survivor annuity) payable to any beneficiary shall be reduced by the amount payable to the surviving spouse of such participant by reason of paragraph (2). The reduction under the preceding sentence shall be made on the basis of the respective present values (as of the date of the participant's death) of such death benefits and the amount so payable to the surviving spouse.

"(B) Spouse may waive provisions of paragraph (2).—In the case of any participant described in paragraph (2), the surviving spouse of such participant may waive the provisions of paragraph (2). Such waiver shall be made on or before the close of the second plan year to which the amendments made by section 103 of this Act [amending section 1055 of this title] apply. Such a waiver shall not be treated as a transfer of property for purposes of chapter 12 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and shall not be treated as an assignment or alienation for purposes of section 401(a)(13) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [section 401(a)(13) of Title 26] or section 206(d) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 [section 1056 of this title].

"(d) Amendments Relating to Assignments in Divorce, Etc., Proceedings.—The amendments made by sections 104 and 204 [amending sections 1056 and 1144 of this title and sections 72, 401, 402 and 414 of Title 26] shall take effect on January 1, 1985, except that in the case of a domestic relations order entered before such date, the plan administrator—

"(1) shall treat such order as a qualified domestic relations order if such administrator is paying benefits pursuant to such order on such date, and

"(2) may treat any other such order entered before such date as a qualified domestic relations order even if such order does not meet the requirements of such amendments.

"(e) Treatment of Certain Participants Who Separate From Service Before Date of Enactment.—

"(1) Joint and survivor annuity provisions of employee retirement income security act of 1974 apply to certain participants.—If—

"(A) a participant had at least 1 hour of service under the plan on or after September 2, 1974,

"(B) section 205 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 [section 1055 of this title] and section 401(a)(11) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [section 401(a)(11) of Title 26] (as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 23, 1984]) would not (but for this paragraph) apply to such participant,

"(C) the amendments made by sections 103 and 203 [amending section 1055 of this title and section 401 of Title 26 and enacting section 417 of Title 26] of this Act do not apply to such participant, and

"(D) as of the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 23, 1984], the participant's annuity starting date has not occurred and the participant is alive,

then such participant may elect to have section 205 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 [section 1055 of this title] and section 401(a)(11) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [section 401(a)(11) of Title 26] (as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act) apply.

"(2) Treatment of certain participants who perform service on or after january 1, 1976.—If—

"(A) a participant had at least 1 hour of service in any plan year beginning on or after January 1, 1976,

"(B) the amendments made by sections 103 and 203 [amending section 1055 of this title and section 401 of Title 26 and enacting section 417 of Title 26] would not (but for this paragraph) apply to such participant,

"(C) when such participant separated from service, such participant had at least 10 years of service under the plan and had a nonforfeitable right to all (or any portion) of such participant's accrued benefit derived from employer contributions, and

"(D) as of the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 23, 1984], such participant's annuity starting date has not occurred and such participant is alive,

then such participant may elect to have the qualified preretirement survivor annuity requirements of the amendments made by sections 103 and 203 apply.

"(3) Period during which election may be made.—An election under paragraph (1) or (2) may be made by any participant during the period—

"(A) beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 23, 1984], and

"(B) ending on the earlier of the participant's annuity starting date or the date of the participant's death.

"(4) Requirement of notice.—

"(A) In general.—

"(i) Time and manner.—Every plan shall give notice of the provisions of this subsection at such time or times and in such manner or manners as the Secretary of the Treasury may prescribe.

"(ii) Penalty.—If any plan fails to meet the requirements of clause (i), such plan shall pay a civil penalty to the Secretary of the Treasury equal to $1 per participant for each day during the period beginning with the first day on which such failure occurs and ending on the day before notice is given by the plan; except that the amount of such penalty imposed on any plan shall not exceed $2,500.

"(B) Responsibilities of secretary of labor.—The Secretary of Labor shall take such steps (by public announcements and otherwise) as may be necessary or appropriate to bring to public attention the provisions of this subsection.

"(f) The amendments made by section 301 of this Act [amending section 1054 of this title and sections 401 and 411 of Title 26] shall not apply to the termination of a defined benefit plan if such termination—

"(1) is pursuant to a resolution directing the termination of such plan which was adopted by the Board of Directors of a corporation on July 17, 1984, and

"(2) occurred on November 30, 1984."

[Amendment by section 1145(c) of Pub. L. 99–514 applicable as if included in the amendments made by the Retirement Equity Act of 1984, Pub. L. 98–397, see section 1145(d) of Pub. L. 99–514, set out as a note under section 401 of Title 26.]

[Amendment by section 1898(g), (h)(1)(A), (2), (3) of Pub. L. 99–514 effective as if included in the provision of the Retirement Equity Act of 1984, Pub. L. 98–397, to which such amendment relates, except as otherwise provided, see section 1898(j) of Pub. L. 99–514, set out as a note under section 401 of Title 26.]

Short Title of 2014 Amendment

Pub. L. 113–235, div. O, §1, Dec. 16, 2014, 128 Stat. 2773, provided that: "This division [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Multiemployer Pension Reform Act of 2014' ".

Pub. L. 113–97, §1(a), Apr. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 1101, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Cooperative and Small Employer Charity Pension Flexibility Act'."

Short Title of 2010 Amendment

Pub. L. 111–192, §1, June 25, 2010, 124 Stat. 1280, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 1021, 1023, 1053, 1054, 1056, 1057, 1083, 1084, 1103, 1108, 1301, 1303, 1310, 1362, 1371, and 1423 of this title, sections 430, 431, 436, and 6103 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code, and sections 1395w–4, 1395cc, and 1395ww of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 401, 430, 431, and 436 of Title 26 and section 1395ww of Title 42, amending provisions set out as notes under this section and section 1021 of this title and section 401 of Title 26, and amending Reorg. Plan No. 4 of 1978, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, and as a note under this section] may be cited as the 'Preservation of Access to Care for Medicare Beneficiaries and Pension Relief Act of 2010'."

Short Title of 2008 Amendment

Pub. L. 110–458, §1(a), Dec. 23, 2008, 122 Stat. 5092, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Worker, Retiree, and Employer Recovery Act of 2008'."

Short Title of 2006 Amendment

Pub. L. 109–280, §1(a), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 780, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Pension Protection Act of 2006'."

Short Title of 2004 Amendment

Pub. L. 108–218, §1, Apr. 10, 2004, 118 Stat. 596, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Pension Funding Equity Act of 2004'."

Short Title of 1997 Amendment

Pub. L. 105–92, §1, Nov. 19, 1997, 111 Stat. 2139, provided that: "This Act [enacting sections 1146 and 1147 of this title and provisions set out as a note under section 1146 of this title] may be cited as the 'Savings Are Vital to Everyone's Retirement Act of 1997'."

Short Title of 1994 Amendment

Pub. L. 103–401, §1, Oct. 22, 1994, 108 Stat. 4172, provided that: "This Act [amending section 1132 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 1132 of this title] may be cited as the 'Pension Annuitants Protection Act of 1994'."

Short Title of 1991 Amendment

Pub. L. 102–89, §1, Aug. 14, 1991, 105 Stat. 446, provided that: "This Act [amending section 1002 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 1002 of this title] may be cited as the 'Rural Telephone Cooperative Associations ERISA Amendments Act of 1991'."

Short Title of 1986 Amendment

Pub. L. 99–272, title XI, §11001, Apr. 7, 1986, 100 Stat. 237, provided that: "This title [enacting sections 1001b, 1085a, 1143a, 1349, 1369, and 1370 of this title, amending sections 1002, 1023, 1024, 1054, 1061, 1083, 1084, 1086, 1301, 1303, 1305, 1306, 1322, 1322a, 1341, 1342, 1344, 1347, 1348, 1362 to 1364, and 1366 to 1368 of this title, and sections 402, 404, 412, and 501 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code, repealing section 1304 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 1023, 1054, 1085a, 1135, 1143a, 1303, 1306, 1341, 1362, and 1369 of this title and section 404 of Title 26] may be cited as 'Single-Employer Pension Plan Amendments Act of 1986'."

Short Title of 1984 Amendment

Pub. L. 98–397, §1, Aug. 23, 1984, 98 Stat. 1426, provided that: "This Act [enacting section 417 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code, amending sections 1025, 1052 to 1056, and 1144 of this title and sections 72, 401, 402, 410, 411, 414, 6057, and 6652 of Title 26, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section] may be cited as the 'Retirement Equity Act of 1984'."

Short Title of 1980 Amendment

Pub. L. 96–364, §1, Sept. 26, 1980, 94 Stat. 1208, provided that: "This Act [enacting sections 1001a, 1145, 1322a, 1322b, 1323, 1341a, 1381 to 1405, 1411 to 1415, 1421 to 1426, 1431, 1441, and 1451 to 1453 of this title and sections 418 to 418E of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code, amending sections 1002, 1023, 1051, 1053, 1058, 1081, 1082, 1103, 1104, 1108, 1132, 1202, 1301 to 1303, 1305 to 1307, 1321, 1322, 1341, 1342, 1344, 1346, 1348, 1361 to 1366, and 1461 of this title, section 8521 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, and sections 194, 401, 404, 411 to 414, 501, 3304, 4971 and 4975 of Title 26, repealing former section 1323 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section, sections 1001a, 1302, 1306, 1381, 1385, 1426 and 1461 of this title, section 8521 of Title 5, and sections 401, 404, 414, 418, and 3304 of Title 26] may be cited as the 'Multiemployer Pension Plan Amendments Act of 1980'."

Short Title

Pub. L. 93–406, §1, Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 829, provided that: "This Act [enacting this chapter, sections 408 to 415, 4971 to 4975, 6057 to 6059, 6692, and 6693 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code, section 1037 of former Title 31, Money and Finance, and section 1320b–1 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, amending section 441 of this title, sections 5108 and 5109 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, sections 664, 1027, and 1954 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure, sections 37, 46, 56, 62, 72, 101, 122, 219, 220, 275, 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406, 407, 503, 801, 805, 871, 901, 1304, 1348, 1379, 2039, 3401, 6033, 6047, 6051, 6103, 6104, 6161, 6201, 6204, 6211, 6212, 6213, 6214, 6344, 6501, 6503, 6511, 6512, 6601, 6652, 6653, 6659, 6676, 6677, 6679, 6682, 6688, 6690, 6861, 6862, 7422, 7451, 7459, 7482, 7701, and 7802, of Title 26, and section 846 of former Title 31, repealing sections 301 to 309 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 72, 122, 219, 401, 402, 403, 404, 410, 411, 412, 415, 501, 4973, 4975, 6057, 6059, 6103, 6104, 7476, and 7802 of Title 26] may be cited as the 'Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974'."

Congressional Findings and Declarations of Policy

Pub. L. 113–97, §2, Apr. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 1101, provided that: "Congress finds as follows:

"(1) Defined benefit pension plans are a cost-effective way for cooperative associations and charities to provide their employees with economic security in retirement.

"(2) Many cooperative associations and charitable organizations are only able to provide their employees with defined benefit pension plans because those organizations are able to pool their resources using the multiple employer plan structure.

"(3) The pension funding rules should encourage cooperative associations and charities to continue to provide their employees with pension benefits."

Coordination of Internal Revenue Code of 1986 With Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974

This subchapter and subchapter III of this chapter not applicable in interpreting Internal Revenue Code of 1986, except to the extent specifically provided in such Code, or as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, see section 9343(a) of Pub. L. 100–203, set out as a note under section 401 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Study by Comptroller General of the United States of Effect of Pension Rules on Women

Pub. L. 98–397, title III, §304, Aug. 23, 1984, 98 Stat. 1454, directed Comptroller General to conduct detailed study of effect on women of participation, vesting, funding, integration, survivorship features, and other relevant plan and Federal pension rules and, not later than Jan. 1, 1990, submit a report on the study to Congress.

Study by General Accounting Office Regarding Results of Multiemployer Pension Plan Amendments Act of 1980; Procedures Applicable

Pub. L. 96–364, title IV, §413, Sept. 26, 1980, 94 Stat. 1309, directed Comptroller General to conduct a study of effects of amendments made by Pub. L. 99–364 on: participants, beneficiaries, employers, employee organizations, and other parties, and the self-sufficiency of the fund established under section 1305 of this title with respect to benefits guaranteed under section 1322a of this title, taking into account financial conditions of multiemployer plans and employers and to report to Congress no later than June 30, 1985, results of study including his recommendations with respect thereto.

President's Commission on Pension Policy; Extension of Term; Continuation of Effort

Pub. L. 96–14, May 24, 1979, 93 Stat. 29, known as the Pension Policy Commission Act, authorized the President's Commission on Pension Policy established by Ex. Ord. No. 12071 to continue in operation for two years following May 24, 1979, and set forth membership, compensation, implementation, and reporting requirements, with the Commission to cease to exist ninety days after submission of the final report.

Executive Documents

REORGANIZATION PLAN NO. 4 OF 1978

43 F.R. 47713, 92 Stat. 3790, as amended Pub. L. 99–514, §2, Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2095; Pub. L. 109–280, title I, §108(c), formerly §107(c), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 820, renumbered §108(c), Pub. L. 111–192, title II, §202(a), June 25, 2010, 124 Stat. 1297

Prepared by the President and transmitted to the Senate and the House of Representatives in Congress assembled, August 10, 1978, pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 9 of Title 5 of the United States Code.¹

EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY ACT TRANSFERS

Section 101. Transfer to the Secretary of the Treasury

Except as otherwise provided in Sections 104 and 106 of this Plan, all authority of the Secretary of Labor to issue the following described documents pursuant to the statutes hereinafter specified is hereby transferred to the Secretary of the Treasury:

(a) regulations, rulings, opinions, variances and waivers under Parts 2 [29 U.S.C. 1051 et seq.] and 3 [29 U.S.C. 1081 et seq.] of Subtitle B of Title I and subsection 1012(c) [set out as a note under 26 U.S.C. 411] of Title II of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1001 note) (hereinafter referred to as "ERISA"),

EXCEPT for sections and subsections 201, 203(a)(3)(B), 209, and 301(a) of ERISA; [29 U.S.C. 1051, 1053(a)(3)(B), 1059, and 1081(a)];

(b) such regulations, rulings, and opinions which are granted to the Secretary of Labor under Sections 404, 410, 411, 412, and 413 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended [26 U.S.C. 404, 410, 411, 412, and 413], (hereinafter referred to as the "Code").

EXCEPT for subsection 411(a)(3)(B) of the Code [26 U.S.C. 411(a)(3)(B)] and the definitions of "collectively bargained plan" and "collective bargaining agreement" contained in subsections 404 (a)(1)(B) and (a)(1)(C), 410 (b)(2)(A) and (b)(2)(B), and 413(a)(1) of the Code [26 U.S.C. 404(a)(1)(B) and (a)(1)(C), 410 (b)(2)(A) and (b)(2)(B), and 413(a)(1)]; and

(c) regulations, rulings, and opinions under subsections 3(19), 3(22), 3(23), 3(24), 3(25), 3(27), 3(28), 3(29), 3(30), and 3(31) of Subtitle A of Title I of ERISA [29 U.S.C. 1002(19), (22), (23), (24), (25), (27), (28), (29), (30), and (31)]. [As amended Pub. L. 99–514, §2, Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2095.]

Sec. 102. Transfer to the Secretary of Labor

Except as otherwise provided in Section 105 of this Plan, all authority of the Secretary of the Treasury to issue the following described documents pursuant to the statutes hereinafter specified is hereby transferred to the Secretary of Labor;

(a) regulations, rulings, opinions, and exemptions under section 4975 of the Code [26 U.S.C. 4975],

EXCEPT for (i) subsections 4975(a), (b), (c)(3), (d)(3), (c)(1), and (e)(7) of the Code [26 U.S.C. 4975(a), (b), (c)(3), (d)(3), (e)(1), and (e)(7)]; (ii) to the extent necessary for the continued enforcement of subsections 4975(a) and (b) [26 U.S.C. 4975(a) and (b)] by the Secretary of the Treasury, subsections 4975(f)(1), (f)(2), (f)(4), (f)(5) and (f)(6) of the Code [26 U.S.C. 4975(f)(1), (f)(2), (f)(4), (f)(5) and (f)(6)]; and (iii) exemptions with respect to transactions that are exempted by subsection 404(c) of ERISA [29 U.S.C. 1104(c)] from the provisions of Part 4 of Subtitle B of Title I of ERISA [29 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.]; and

(b) regulations, rulings, and opinions under subsection 2003(c) of ERISA [set out as a note under 29 U.S.C. 4975].

EXCEPT for subsection 2003(c)(1)(B) [set out in the note under 26 U.S.C. 4975].

Sec. 103. Coordination Concerning Certain Fiduciary Actions

In the case of fiduciary actions which are subject to Part 4 of Subtitle B of Title I of ERISA [29 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.], the Secretary of the Treasury shall notify the Secretary of Labor prior to the time of commencing any proceeding to determine whether the action violates the exclusive benefit rule of subsection 401(a) of the Code [26 U.S.C. 401(a)], but not later than prior to issuing a preliminary notice of intent to disqualify under that rule, and the Secretary of the Treasury shall not issue a determination that a plan or trust does not satisfy the requirements of subsection 401(a) by reason of the exclusive benefit rule of subsection 401(a), unless within 90 days after the date on which the Secretary of the Treasury notifies the Secretary of Labor of pending action, the Secretary of Labor certifies that he has no objection to the disqualification or the Secretary of Labor fails to respond to the Secretary of the Treasury. The requirements of this paragraph do not apply in the case of any termination or jeopardy assessment under sections 6851 or 6861 of the Code [26 U.S.C. 6851 or 6861] that has been approved in advance by the Commissioner of Internal Revenue, or, as delegated, the Assistant Commissioner for Employee Plans and Exempt Organizations.

Sec. 104. Enforcement by the Secretary of Labor

The transfers provided for in Section 101 of this Plan shall not affect the ability of the Secretary of Labor, subject to the provisions of Title III of ERISA [29 U.S.C. 1201 et seq.] relating to jurisdiction, administration, and enforcement, to engage in enforcement under Section 502 of ERISA [29 U.S.C. 1132] or to exercise the authority set forth under Title III of ERISA, including the ability to make interpretations necessary to engage in such enforcement or to exercise such authority. However, in bringing such actions and in exercising such authority with respect to Parts 2 [29 U.S.C. 1051 et seq.] and 3 [29 U.S.C. 1081 et seq.] of Subtitle B of Title I of ERISA and any definitions for which the authority of the Secretary of Labor is transferred to the Secretary of the Treasury as provided in Section 101 of this Plan, the Secretary of Labor shall be bound by the regulations, rulings, opinions, variances, and waivers issued by the Secretary of the Treasury.

Sec. 105. Enforcement by the Secretary of the Treasury

The transfers provided for in Section 102 of this Plan shall not affect the ability of the Secretary of the Treasury, subject to the provisions of Title III of ERISA [29 U.S.C. 1201 et seq.] relating to jurisdiction, administration, and enforcement, (a) to audit plans and employers and to enforce the excise tax provisions of subsections 4975(a) and 4975(b) of the Code [26 U.S.C. 4975(a) and (b)], to exercise the authority set forth in subsections 502(b)(1) and 502(h) of ERISA [29 U.S.C. 1132(b)(1) and (h)], or to exercise the authority set forth in Title III of ERISA, including the ability to make interpretations necessary to audit, to enforce such taxes, and to exercise such authority; and (b) consistent with the coordination requirements under Section 103 of this Plan, to disqualify, under section 401 of the Code [26 U.S.C. 401], a plan subject to Part 4 of Subtitle B of Title I of ERISA [29 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.], including the ability to make the interpretations necessary to make such disqualification. However, in enforcing such excise taxes and, to the extent applicable, in disqualifying such plans the Secretary of the Treasury shall be bound by the regulations, rulings, opinions, and exemptions issued by the Secretary of Labor pursuant to the authority transferred to the Secretary of Labor as provided in Section 102 of this Plan.

Sec. 106. Coordination for Section 101 Transfer

(a) The Secretary of the Treasury shall not exercise the functions transferred pursuant to Section 101 of this Plan to issue in proposed or final form any of the documents described in subsection (b) of this Section in any case in which such documents would significantly impact on or substantially affect collectively bargained plans unless, within 100 calendar days after the Secretary of the Treasury notifies the Secretary of Labor of such proposed action, the Secretary of Labor certifies that he has no objection or he fails to respond to the Secretary of the Treasury. The fact of such a notification, except for such notification for documents described in subsection (b)(iv) of this Section, from the Secretary of the Treasury to the Secretary of Labor shall be announced by the Secretary of Labor to the public within ten days following the date of receipt of the notification by the Secretary of Labor.

(b) The documents to which this Section applies are:

(i) amendments to regulations issued pursuant to subsections 202(a)(3), 203(b)(2) and (3)(A), 204(b)(3)(A), (C), and (E), and 210(a)(2) of ERISA [29 U.S.C. 1052(a)(3), 1053(b)(2) and (3)(A), 1054(b)(3)(A), (C), and (E), and 1060(a)(2)], and subsections 410(a)(3) and 411(a)(5), (6)(A), and (b)(3)(A), (C), and (E), 413(b)(4) and (c)(3) and 414(f) of the Code [26 U.S.C. 410(a)(3) and 411(a)(5), (6)(A), and (b)(3)(A), (C), and (E), 413 (b)(4) and (c)(3) and 414(f)];

(ii) regulations issued pursuant to subsections 204(b)(3)(D), 302(d)(2), and 304(d)(1), (d)(2), and (e)(2)(A) of ERISA [29 U.S.C. 1054(b)(3)(D), 1082(d)(2), and 1084(d)(1), (d)(2), and (e)(2)(A)], and subsections 411(b)(3)(D), [former] 412(c)(2) and 431(d)(1), (d)(2), and (e)(2)(A) of the Code [26 U.S.C. 411(b)(3)(D), [former] 412(c)(2) and 431(d)(1), (d)(2), and (e)(2)(A)]; and [As amended Pub. L. 109–280, title I, §108(c), formerly §107(c), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 820; renumbered §108(c), Pub. L. 111–192, title II, §202(a), June 25, 2010, 124 Stat. 1297.]

(iii) revenue rulings (within the meaning of 26 CFR Section 601.201(a)(6)), revenue procedures, and similar publications, if the rulings, procedures and publications are issued under one of the statutory provisions listed in (i) and (ii) of this subsection; and

(iv) rulings (within the meaning of 26 CFR Section 601.201(a)(2)) issued prior to the issuance of a published regulation under one of the statutory provisions listed in (i) and (ii) of this subsection and not issued under a published Revenue Ruling.

(c) For those documents described in subsections (b)(i), (b)(ii) and (b)(iii) of this Section, the Secretary of Labor may request the Secretary of the Treasury to initiate the actions described in this Section 106 of this Plan.

Sec. 107. Evaluation

On or before January 31, 1980, the President will submit to both Houses of the Congress an evaluation of the extent to which this Reorganization Plan has alleviated the problems associated with the present administrative structure under ERISA, accompanied by specific legislative recommendations for a long-term administrative structure under ERISA.

Sec. 108. Incidental Transfers

So much of the personnel, property, records, and unexpended balances of appropriations, allocations and other funds employed, used, held, available, or to be made available in connection with the functions transferred under this Plan, as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall determine, shall be transferred to the appropriate agency, or component at such time or times as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall provide, except that no such unexpended balances transferred shall be used for purposes other than those for which the appropriation was originally made. The Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall provide for terminating the affairs of any agencies abolished herein and for such further measures and dispositions as such Director deems necessary to effectuate the purposes of this Reorganization Plan.

Sec. 109. Effective Date

The provisions of this Reorganization Plan shall become effective at such time or times, on or before April 30, 1979, as the President shall specify, but not sooner than the earliest time allowable under Section 906 of Title 5, United States Code.

[Amendment by section 108(c) of Pub. L. 109–280 applicable to plan years beginning after 2007, see section 108(e) of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as a note under section 1021 of this title.]

[For special rules on applicability of amendments by subtitles A (§§101–108) and B (§§111–116) of title I of Pub. L. 109–280 to certain eligible cooperative plans, PBGC settlement plans, and eligible government contractor plans, see sections 104, 105, and 106 of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as notes under section 401 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.]

Message of the President

To the Congress of the United States:

Today I am submitting to the Congress my fourth Reorganization Plan for 1978. This proposal is designed to simplify and improve the unnecessarily complex administrative requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) [see Short Title note set out under this section]. The new plan will eliminate overlap and duplication in the administration of ERISA and help us achieve our goal of well regulated private pension plans.

ERISA was an essential step in the protection of worker pension rights. Its administrative provisions, however, have resulted in bureaucratic confusion and have been justifiably criticized by employers and unions alike. The biggest problem has been overlapping jurisdictional authority. Under current ERISA provisions, the Departments of Treasury and Labor both have authority to issue regulations and decisions.

This dual jurisdiction has delayed a good many important rulings and, more importantly, produced bureaucratic runarounds and burdensome reporting requirements.

The new plan will significantly reduce these problems. In addition, both Departments are trying to cut red tape and paperwork, to eliminate unnecessary reporting requirements, and to streamline forms wherever possible.

Both Departments have already made considerable progress, and both will continue the effort to simplify their rules and their forms.

The Reorganization Plan is the most significant result of their joint effort to modify and simplify ERISA. It will eliminate most of the jurisdictional overlap between Treasury and Labor by making the following changes:

1) Treasury will have statutory authority for minimum standards. The new plan puts all responsibility for funding, participation, and vesting of benefit rights in the Department of Treasury. These standards are necessary to ensure that employee benefit plans are adequately funded and that all beneficiary rights are protected. Treasury is the most appropriate Department to administer these provisions; however, Labor will continue to have veto power over Treasury decisions that significantly affect collectively bargained plans.

2) Labor will have statutory authority for fiduciary obligations. ERISA prohibits transactions in which self-interest or conflict of interest could occur, but allows certain exemptions from these prohibitions. Labor will be responsible for overseeing fiduciary conduct under these provisions.

3) Both Departments will retain enforcement powers. The Reorganization Plan will continue Treasury's authority to audit plans and levy tax penalties for any deviation from standards. The plan will also continue Labor's authority to bring civil action against plans and fiduciaries. These provisions are retained in order to keep the special expertise of each Department available. New coordination between the Departments will eliminate duplicative investigations of alleged violations.

This reorganization will make an immediate improvement in ERISA's administration. It will eliminate almost all of the dual and overlapping authority in the two departments and dramatically cut the time required to process applications for exemptions from prohibited transactions.

This plan is an interim arrangement. After the Departments have had a chance to administer ERISA under this new plan, the Office of Management and Budget and the Departments will jointly evaluate that experience. Based on that evaluation, early in 1980, the Administration will make appropriate legislative proposals to establish a long-term administrative structure for ERISA.

Each provision in this reorganization will accomplish one or more of the purposes in Title 5 of U.S.C. 901(a). There will be no change in expenditure or personnel levels, although a small number of people will be transferred from the Department of Treasury to the Department of Labor.

We all recognize that the administration of ERISA has been unduly burdensome. I am confident that this reorganization will significantly relieve much of that burden.

This plan is the culmination of our effort to streamline ERISA. It provides an administrative arrangement that will work.

ERISA has been a symbol of unnecessarily complex government regulation. I hope this new step will become equally symbolic of my Administration's commitment to making government more effective and less intrusive in the lives of our people.

Jimmy Carter.      

The White House, August 10, 1978.

Executive Order No. 12071

Ex. Ord. No. 12071, July 12, 1978, 43 F.R. 30259, which established the President's Commission on Pension Policy and provided for its membership, functions, etc., was revoked by Ex. Ord. No. 12379, §1, Aug. 17, 1982, 47 F.R. 36099, formerly set out as a note under section 1013 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Ex. Ord. No. 12108. Effective Date of ERISA Transfers

Ex. Ord. No. 12108, Dec. 28, 1978, 44 F.R. 1065, provided:

By the authority vested in me as President of the United States of America by Section 109 of Reorganization Plan No. 4 of 1978 (43 F.R. 47713) [set out above], it is hereby ordered that the provisions of Reorganization Plan No. 4 of 1978 shall be effective on Sunday, December 31, 1978.

Jimmy Carter.      

Executive Order No. 12262

Ex. Ord. No. 12262, Jan. 7, 1981, 46 F.R. 2313, which established the Interagency Employee Benefit Council and provided for its membership, functions, etc., was revoked by Ex. Ord. No. 12379, §9, Aug. 17, 1982, 47 F.R. 36099, formerly set out as a note under section 1013 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Ex. Ord. No. 13847. Strengthening Retirement Security in America

Ex. Ord. No. 13847, Aug. 31, 2018, 83 F.R. 45321, provided:

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Policy. It shall be the policy of the Federal Government to expand access to workplace retirement plans for American workers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 23 percent of all private-sector, full-time workers lack access to a workplace retirement plan. That percentage increases to 34 percent when part-time workers are taken into account. Small businesses are less likely to offer retirement benefits. In 2017, approximately 89 percent of workers at private-sector establishments with 500 or more workers were offered a retirement plan compared to only 53 percent for workers at private-sector establishments with fewer than 100 workers. Enhancing workplace retirement plan coverage is critical to ensuring that American workers will be financially prepared to retire.

Regulatory burdens and complexity can be costly and discourage employers, especially small businesses, from offering workplace retirement plans to their employees. Businesses are sensitive to the overall expense of setting up such plans. A recent survey by the Pew Charitable Trusts found that 71 percent of small- and medium-sized businesses that do not offer retirement plans were deterred from doing so by high costs; 37 percent cited high costs as their main reason for not offering such a plan. Federal agencies should revise or eliminate rules and regulations that impose unnecessary costs and burdens on businesses, especially small businesses, and that hinder formation of workplace retirement plans.

Expanding access to multiple employer plans (MEPs), under which employees of different private-sector employers may participate in a single retirement plan, is an efficient way to reduce administrative costs of retirement plan establishment and maintenance and would encourage more plan formation and broader availability of workplace retirement plans, especially among small employers.

Similarly, reducing the number and complexity of employee benefit plan notices and disclosures currently required would ease regulatory burdens. The costs and potential liabilities for employers and plan fiduciaries of complying with existing disclosure requirements may discourage plan formation or maintenance. Improving the effectiveness of required notices and disclosures and reducing their cost to employers promote retirement security by expanding access to workplace retirement plans.

Outdated distribution mandates may also reduce plan effectiveness by forcing retirees to make excessively large withdrawals from their accounts—potentially leaving them with insufficient savings in their later years.

In light of the foregoing it shall, therefore, be the policy of the Federal Government to address these problems and promote retirement security for America's workers.

Sec. 2. Improving Retirement Security. (a) Expanding access to Multiple Employer Plans and Other Retirement Plan Options.

(i) The Secretary of Labor shall examine policies that would:

(1) clarify and expand the circumstances under which United States employers, especially small and mid-sized businesses, may sponsor or adopt a MEP as a workplace retirement option for their employees, subject to appropriate safeguards; and

(2) increase retirement security for part-time workers, sole proprietors, working owners, and other entrepreneurial workers with non-traditional employer-employee relationships by expanding their access to workplace retirement plans, including MEPs.

(ii) Within 180 days of the date of this order [Aug. 31, 2018], the Secretary of Labor shall consider, consistent with applicable law and the policy set forth in section 1 of this order, whether to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking, other guidance, or both, that would clarify when a group or association of employers or other appropriate business or organization could be an "employer" within the meaning of section 3(5) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), 29 U.S.C. 1002(5).

(b) Qualification Requirements for Multiple Employer Plans. Within 180 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of the Treasury shall consider proposing amendments to regulations or other guidance, consistent with applicable law and the policy set forth in section 1 of this order, regarding the circumstances under which a MEP may satisfy the tax qualification requirements set forth in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [26 U.S.C. 1 et seq.], including the consequences if one or more employers that sponsored or adopted the plan fails to take one or more actions necessary to meet those requirements. The Secretary of the Treasury shall consult with the Secretary of Labor in advance of issuing any such proposed guidance, and the Secretary of Labor shall take steps to facilitate the implementation of any guidance, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law.

(c) Improving the Effectiveness of and Reducing the Cost of Furnishing Required Notices and Disclosures. Within 1 year of the date of this order, the Secretary of Labor shall, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, complete a review of actions that could be taken through regulation or guidance, or both, to make retirement plan disclosures required under ERISA [Pub. L. 93–406, 29 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.] and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 more understandable and useful for participants and beneficiaries, while also reducing the costs and burdens they impose on employers and other plan fiduciaries responsible for their production and distribution. This review shall include an exploration of the potential for broader use of electronic delivery as a way to improve the effectiveness of disclosures and to reduce their associated costs and burdens. If the Secretary of Labor finds that action should be taken, the Secretary shall, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, consider proposing appropriate regulations or guidance, consistent with applicable law and the policy set forth in section 1 of this order.

(d) Updating Life Expectancy and Distribution Period Tables for Purposes of Required Minimum Distribution Rules. Within 180 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of the Treasury shall, consistent with applicable law and the policy set forth in section 1 of this order, examine the life expectancy and distribution period tables in the regulations on required minimum distributions from retirement plans (67 Fed. Reg. 18988) and determine whether they should be updated to reflect current mortality data and whether such updates should be made annually or on another periodic basis.

Sec. 3. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

Donald J. Trump.      

¹ As amended September 20, 1978.

§1001a. Additional Congressional findings and declaration of policy

(a) Effects of multiemployer pension plans

The Congress finds that—

(1) multiemployer pension plans have a substantial impact on interstate commerce and are affected with a national public interest;

(2) multiemployer pension plans have accounted for a substantial portion of the increase in private pension plan coverage over the past three decades;

(3) the continued well-being and security of millions of employees, retirees, and their dependents are directly affected by multiemployer pension plans; and

(4)(A) withdrawals of contributing employers from a multiemployer pension plan frequently result in substantially increased funding obligations for employers who continue to contribute to the plan, adversely affecting the plan, its participants and beneficiaries, and labor-management relations, and

(B) in a declining industry, the incidence of employer withdrawals is higher and the adverse effects described in subparagraph (A) are exacerbated.

(b) Modification of multiemployer plan termination insurance provisions and replacement of program

The Congress further finds that—

(1) it is desirable to modify the current multiemployer plan termination insurance provisions in order to increase the likelihood of protecting plan participants against benefit losses; and

(2) it is desirable to replace the termination insurance program for multiemployer pension plans with an insolvency-based benefit protection program that will enhance the financial soundness of such plans, place primary emphasis on plan continuation, and contain program costs within reasonable limits.

(c) Policy

It is hereby declared to be the policy of this Act—

(1) to foster and facilitate interstate commerce,

(2) to alleviate certain problems which tend to discourage the maintenance and growth of multiemployer pension plans,

(3) to provide reasonable protection for the interests of participants and beneficiaries of financially distressed multiemployer pension plans, and

(4) to provide a financially self-sufficient program for the guarantee of employee benefits under multiemployer plans.

(Pub. L. 96–364, §3, Sept. 26, 1980, 94 Stat. 1209.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in subsec. (c), is Pub. L. 96–364, Sept. 26, 1980, 94 Stat. 1208, known as the Multiemployer Pension Plan Amendments Act of 1980. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1980 Amendment note set out under section 1001 of this title and Tables.

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Multiemployer Pension Plan Amendments Act of 1980, and not as part of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 which comprises this chapter.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective Sept. 26, 1980, see section 1461(e)(1) of this title.

Study and Report Respecting Collective Bargaining for Contributions to, and Benefits From, Multiemployer Plans

Pub. L. 96–364, title IV, §412(b), Sept. 26, 1980, 94 Stat. 1309, directed Secretary of Labor to study feasibility of requiring collective bargaining on both issues of contributions to, and benefits from, multiemployer plans, and submit a report on the study to Congress within 3 years of Sept. 26, 1980.

§1001b. Findings and declaration of policy

(a) Findings

The Congress finds that—

(1) single-employer defined benefit pension plans have a substantial impact on interstate commerce and are affected with a national interest;

(2) the continued well-being and retirement income security of millions of workers, retirees, and their dependents are directly affected by such plans;

(3) the existence of a sound termination insurance system is fundamental to the retirement income security of participants and beneficiaries of such plans; and

(4) the current termination insurance system in some instances encourages employers to terminate pension plans, evade their obligations to pay benefits, and shift unfunded pension liabilities onto the termination insurance system and the other premium-payers.

(b) Additional findings

The Congress further finds that modification of the current termination insurance system and an increase in the insurance premium for single-employer defined benefit pension plans—

(1) is desirable to increase the likelihood that full benefits will be paid to participants and beneficiaries of such plans;

(2) is desirable to provide for the transfer of liabilities to the termination insurance system only in cases of severe hardship;

(3) is necessary to maintain the premium costs of such system at a reasonable level; and

(4) is necessary to finance properly current funding deficiencies and future obligations of the single-employer pension plan termination insurance system.

(c) Declaration of policy

It is hereby declared to be the policy of this title—

(1) to foster and facilitate interstate commerce;

(2) to encourage the maintenance and growth of single-employer defined benefit pension plans;

(3) to increase the likelihood that participants and beneficiaries under single-employer defined benefit pension plans will receive their full benefits;

(4) to provide for the transfer of unfunded pension liabilities onto the single-employer pension plan termination insurance system only in cases of severe hardship;

(5) to maintain the premium costs of such system at a reasonable level; and

(6) to assure the prudent financing of current funding deficiencies and future obligations of the single-employer pension plan termination insurance system by increasing termination insurance premiums.

(Pub. L. 99–272, title XI, §11002, Apr. 7, 1986, 100 Stat. 237.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This title, referred to in subsec. (c), is title XI of Pub. L. 99–272, Apr. 7, 1986, 100 Stat. 237, known as the Single-Employer Pension Plan Amendments Act of 1986. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1986 Amendment note set out under section 1001 of this title and Tables.

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Single-Employer Pension Plan Amendments Act of 1986, and not as part of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 which comprises this chapter.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective Jan. 1, 1986, with certain exceptions, see section 11019 of Pub. L. 99–272, set out as an Effective Date of 1986 Amendment note under section 1341 of this title.

§1002. Definitions

For purposes of this subchapter:

(1) The terms "employee welfare benefit plan" and "welfare plan" mean any plan, fund, or program which was heretofore or is hereafter established or maintained by an employer or by an employee organization, or by both, to the extent that such plan, fund, or program was established or is maintained for the purpose of providing for its participants or their beneficiaries, through the purchase of insurance or otherwise, (A) medical, surgical, or hospital care or benefits, or benefits in the event of sickness, accident, disability, death or unemployment, or vacation benefits, apprenticeship or other training programs, or day care centers, scholarship funds, or prepaid legal services, or (B) any benefit described in section 186(c) of this title (other than pensions on retirement or death, and insurance to provide such pensions).

(2)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the terms "employee pension benefit plan" and "pension plan" mean any plan, fund, or program which was heretofore or is hereafter established or maintained by an employer or by an employee organization, or by both, to the extent that by its express terms or as a result of surrounding circumstances such plan, fund, or program—

(i) provides retirement income to employees, or

(ii) results in a deferral of income by employees for periods extending to the termination of covered employment or beyond,

regardless of the method of calculating the contributions made to the plan, the method of calculating the benefits under the plan or the method of distributing benefits from the plan. A distribution from a plan, fund, or program shall not be treated as made in a form other than retirement income or as a distribution prior to termination of covered employment solely because such distribution is made to an employee who has attained age 62 and who is not separated from employment at the time of such distribution.

(B) The Secretary may by regulation prescribe rules consistent with the standards and purposes of this chapter providing one or more exempt categories under which—

(i) severance pay arrangements, and

(ii) supplemental retirement income payments, under which the pension benefits of retirees or their beneficiaries are supplemented to take into account some portion or all of the increases in the cost of living (as determined by the Secretary of Labor) since retirement,

shall, for purposes of this subchapter, be treated as welfare plans rather than pension plans. In the case of any arrangement or payment a principal effect of which is the evasion of the standards or purposes of this chapter applicable to pension plans, such arrangement or payment shall be treated as a pension plan. An applicable voluntary early retirement incentive plan (as defined in section 457(e)(11)(D)(ii) of title 26) making payments or supplements described in section 457(e)(11)(D)(i) of title 26, and an applicable employment retention plan (as defined in section 457(f)(4)(C) of title 26) making payments of benefits described in section 457(f)(4)(A) of title 26, shall, for purposes of this subchapter, be treated as a welfare plan (and not a pension plan) with respect to such payments and supplements.

(C) A pooled employer plan shall be treated as—

(i) a single employee pension benefit plan or single pension plan; and

(ii) a plan to which section 1060(a) of this title applies.

(3) The term "employee benefit plan" or "plan" means an employee welfare benefit plan or an employee pension benefit plan or a plan which is both an employee welfare benefit plan and an employee pension benefit plan.

(4) The term "employee organization" means any labor union or any organization of any kind, or any agency or employee representation committee, association, group, or plan, in which employees participate and which exists for the purpose, in whole or in part, of dealing with employers concerning an employee benefit plan, or other matters incidental to employment relationships; or any employees' beneficiary association organized for the purpose in whole or in part, of establishing such a plan.

(5) The term "employer" means any person acting directly as an employer, or indirectly in the interest of an employer, in relation to an employee benefit plan; and includes a group or association of employers acting for an employer in such capacity.

(6) The term "employee" means any individual employed by an employer.

(7) The term "participant" means any employee or former employee of an employer, or any member or former member of an employee organization, who is or may become eligible to receive a benefit of any type from an employee benefit plan which covers employees of such employer or members of such organization, or whose beneficiaries may be eligible to receive any such benefit.

(8) The term "beneficiary" means a person designated by a participant, or by the terms of an employee benefit plan, who is or may become entitled to a benefit thereunder.

(9) The term "person" means an individual, partnership, joint venture, corporation, mutual company, joint-stock company, trust, estate, unincorporated organization, association, or employee organization.

(10) The term "State" includes any State of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, Wake Island, and the Canal Zone. The term "United States" when used in the geographic sense means the States and the Outer Continental Shelf lands defined in the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1331–1343).

(11) The term "commerce" means trade, traffic, commerce, transportation, or communication between any State and any place outside thereof.

(12) The term "industry or activity affecting commerce" means any activity, business, or industry in commerce or in which a labor dispute would hinder or obstruct commerce or the free flow of commerce, and includes any activity or industry "affecting commerce" within the meaning of the Labor Management Relations Act, 1947 [29 U.S.C. 141 et seq.], or the Railway Labor Act [45 U.S.C. 151 et seq.].

(13) The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of Labor.

(14) The term "party in interest" means, as to an employee benefit plan—

(A) any fiduciary (including, but not limited to, any administrator, officer, trustee, or custodian), counsel, or employee of such employee benefit plan;

(B) a person providing services to such plan;

(C) an employer any of whose employees are covered by such plan;

(D) an employee organization any of whose members are covered by such plan;

(E) an owner, direct or indirect, of 50 percent or more of—

(i) the combined voting power of all classes of stock entitled to vote or the total value of shares of all classes of stock of a corporation.¹

(ii) the capital interest or the profits interest of a partnership, or

(iii) the beneficial interest of a trust or unincorporated enterprise,

which is an employer or an employee organization described in subparagraph (C) or (D);

(F) a relative (as defined in paragraph (15)) of any individual described in subparagraph (A), (B), (C), or (E);

(G) a corporation, partnership, or trust or estate of which (or in which) 50 percent or more of—

(i) the combined voting power of all classes of stock entitled to vote or the total value of shares of all classes of stock of such corporation,

(ii) the capital interest or profits interest of such partnership, or

(iii) the beneficial interest of such trust or estate,

is owned directly or indirectly, or held by persons described in subparagraph (A), (B), (C), (D), or (E);

(H) an employee, officer, director (or an individual having powers or responsibilities similar to those of officers or directors), or a 10 percent or more shareholder directly or indirectly, of a person described in subparagraph (B), (C), (D), (E), or (G), or of the employee benefit plan; or

(I) a 10 percent or more (directly or indirectly in capital or profits) partner or joint venturer of a person described in subparagraph (B), (C), (D), (E), or (G).

The Secretary, after consultation and coordination with the Secretary of the Treasury, may by regulation prescribe a percentage lower than 50 percent for subparagraph (E) and (G) and lower than 10 percent for subparagraph (H) or (I). The Secretary may prescribe regulations for determining the ownership (direct or indirect) of profits and beneficial interests, and the manner in which indirect stockholdings are taken into account. Any person who is a party in interest with respect to a plan to which a trust described in section 501(c)(22) of title 26 is permitted to make payments under section 1403 of this title shall be treated as a party in interest with respect to such trust.

(15) The term "relative" means a spouse, ancestor, lineal descendant, or spouse of a lineal descendant.

(16)(A) The term "administrator" means—

(i) the person specifically so designated by the terms of the instrument under which the plan is operated;

(ii) if an administrator is not so designated, the plan sponsor; or

(iii) in the case of a plan for which an administrator is not designated and a plan sponsor cannot be identified, such other person as the Secretary may by regulation prescribe.

(B) The term "plan sponsor" means (i) the employer in the case of an employee benefit plan established or maintained by a single employer, (ii) the employee organization in the case of a plan established or maintained by an employee organization, (iii) in the case of a plan established or maintained by two or more employers or jointly by one or more employers and one or more employee organizations, the association, committee, joint board of trustees, or other similar group of representatives of the parties who establish or maintain the plan, or (iv) in the case of a pooled employer plan, the pooled plan provider.

(17) The term "separate account" means an account established or maintained by an insurance company under which income, gains, and losses, whether or not realized, from assets allocated to such account, are, in accordance with the applicable contract, credited to or charged against such account without regard to other income, gains, or losses of the insurance company.

(18) The term "adequate consideration" when used in part 4 of subtitle B means (A) in the case of a security for which there is a generally recognized market, either (i) the price of the security prevailing on a national securities exchange which is registered under section 78f of title 15, or (ii) if the security is not traded on such a national securities exchange, a price not less favorable to the plan than the offering price for the security as established by the current bid and asked prices quoted by persons independent of the issuer and of any party in interest; and (B) in the case of an asset other than a security for which there is a generally recognized market, the fair market value of the asset as determined in good faith by the trustee or named fiduciary pursuant to the terms of the plan and in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Secretary.

(19) The term "nonforfeitable" when used with respect to a pension benefit or right means a claim obtained by a participant or his beneficiary to that part of an immediate or deferred benefit under a pension plan which arises from the participant's service, which is unconditional, and which is legally enforceable against the plan. For purposes of this paragraph, a right to an accrued benefit derived from employer contributions shall not be treated as forfeitable merely because the plan contains a provision described in section 1053(a)(3) of this title.

(20) The term "security" has the same meaning as such term has under section 77b(1) ² of title 15.

(21)(A) Except as otherwise provided in subparagraph (B), a person is a fiduciary with respect to a plan to the extent (i) he exercises any discretionary authority or discretionary control respecting management of such plan or exercises any authority or control respecting management or disposition of its assets, (ii) he renders investment advice for a fee or other compensation, direct or indirect, with respect to any moneys or other property of such plan, or has any authority or responsibility to do so, or (iii) he has any discretionary authority or discretionary responsibility in the administration of such plan. Such term includes any person designated under section 1105(c)(1)(B) of this title.

(B) If any money or other property of an employee benefit plan is invested in securities issued by an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 [15 U.S.C. 80a–1 et seq.], such investment shall not by itself cause such investment company or such investment company's investment adviser or principal underwriter to be deemed to be a fiduciary or a party in interest as those terms are defined in this subchapter, except insofar as such investment company or its investment adviser or principal underwriter acts in connection with an employee benefit plan covering employees of the investment company, the investment adviser, or its principal underwriter. Nothing contained in this subparagraph shall limit the duties imposed on such investment company, investment adviser, or principal underwriter by any other law.

(22) The term "normal retirement benefit" means the greater of the early retirement benefit under the plan, or the benefit under the plan commencing at normal retirement age. The normal retirement benefit shall be determined without regard to—

(A) medical benefits, and

(B) disability benefits not in excess of the qualified disability benefit.

For purposes of this paragraph, a qualified disability benefit is a disability benefit provided by a plan which does not exceed the benefit which would be provided for the participant if he separated from the service at normal retirement age. For purposes of this paragraph, the early retirement benefit under a plan shall be determined without regard to any benefit under the plan which the Secretary of the Treasury finds to be a benefit described in section 1054(b)(1)(G) of this title.

(23) The term "accrued benefit" means—

(A) in the case of a defined benefit plan, the individual's accrued benefit determined under the plan and, except as provided in section 1054(c)(3) of this title, expressed in the form of an annual benefit commencing at normal retirement age, or

(B) in the case of a plan which is an individual account plan, the balance of the individual's account.

The accrued benefit of an employee shall not be less than the amount determined under section 1054(c)(2)(B) of this title with respect to the employee's accumulated contribution.

(24) The term "normal retirement age" means the earlier of—

(A) the time a plan participant attains normal retirement age under the plan, or

(B) the later of—

(i) the time a plan participant attains age 65, or

(ii) the 5th anniversary of the time a plan participant commenced participation in the plan.

(25) The term "vested liabilities" means the present value of the immediate or deferred benefits available at normal retirement age for participants and their beneficiaries which are nonforfeitable.

(26) The term "current value" means fair market value where available and otherwise the fair value as determined in good faith by a trustee or a named fiduciary (as defined in section 1102(a)(2) of this title) pursuant to the terms of the plan and in accordance with regulations of the Secretary, assuming an orderly liquidation at the time of such determination.

(27) The term "present value", with respect to a liability, means the value adjusted to reflect anticipated events. Such adjustments shall conform to such regulations as the Secretary of the Treasury may prescribe.

(28) The term "normal service cost" or "normal cost" means the annual cost of future pension benefits and administrative expenses assigned, under an actuarial cost method, to years subsequent to a particular valuation date of a pension plan. The Secretary of the Treasury may prescribe regulations to carry out this paragraph.

(29) The term "accrued liability" means the excess of the present value, as of a particular valuation date of a pension plan, of the projected future benefit costs and administrative expenses for all plan participants and beneficiaries over the present value of future contributions for the normal cost of all applicable plan participants and beneficiaries. The Secretary of the Treasury may prescribe regulations to carry out this paragraph.

(30) The term "unfunded accrued liability" means the excess of the accrued liability, under an actuarial cost method which so provides, over the present value of the assets of a pension plan. The Secretary of the Treasury may prescribe regulations to carry out this paragraph.

(31) The term "advance funding actuarial cost method" or "actuarial cost method" means a recognized actuarial technique utilized for establishing the amount and incidence of the annual actuarial cost of pension plan benefits and expenses. Acceptable actuarial cost methods shall include the accrued benefit cost method (unit credit method), the entry age normal cost method, the individual level premium cost method, the aggregate cost method, the attained age normal cost method, and the frozen initial liability cost method. The terminal funding cost method and the current funding (pay-as-you-go) cost method are not acceptable actuarial cost methods. The Secretary of the Treasury shall issue regulations to further define acceptable actuarial cost methods.

(32) The term "governmental plan" means a plan established or maintained for its employees by the Government of the United States, by the government of any State or political subdivision thereof, or by any agency or instrumentality of any of the foregoing. The term "governmental plan" also includes any plan to which the Railroad Retirement Act of 1935, or 1937 [45 U.S.C. 231 et seq.] applies, and which is financed by contributions required under that Act and any plan of an international organization which is exempt from taxation under the provisions of the International Organizations Immunities Act [22 U.S.C. 288 et seq.]. The term "governmental plan" includes a plan which is established and maintained by an Indian tribal government (as defined in section 7701(a)(40) of title 26), a subdivision of an Indian tribal government (determined in accordance with section 7871(d) of title 26), or an agency or instrumentality of either, and all of the participants of which are employees of such entity substantially all of whose services as such an employee are in the performance of essential governmental functions but not in the performance of commercial activities (whether or not an essential government function) ³

(33)(A) The term "church plan" means a plan established and maintained (to the extent required in clause (ii) of subparagraph (B)) for its employees (or their beneficiaries) by a church or by a convention or association of churches which is exempt from tax under section 501 of title 26.

(B) The term "church plan" does not include a plan—

(i) which is established and maintained primarily for the benefit of employees (or their beneficiaries) of such church or convention or association of churches who are employed in connection with one or more unrelated trades or businesses (within the meaning of section 513 of title 26), or

(ii) if less than substantially all of the individuals included in the plan are individuals described in subparagraph (A) or in clause (ii) of subparagraph (C) (or their beneficiaries).

(C) For purposes of this paragraph—

(i) A plan established and maintained for its employees (or their beneficiaries) by a church or by a convention or association of churches includes a plan maintained by an organization, whether a civil law corporation or otherwise, the principal purpose or function of which is the administration or funding of a plan or program for the provision of retirement benefits or welfare benefits, or both, for the employees of a church or a convention or association of churches, if such organization is controlled by or associated with a church or a convention or association of churches.

(ii) The term employee of a church or a convention or association of churches includes—

(I) a duly ordained, commissioned, or licensed minister of a church in the exercise of his ministry, regardless of the source of his compensation;

(II) an employee of an organization, whether a civil law corporation or otherwise, which is exempt from tax under section 501 of title 26 and which is controlled by or associated with a church or a convention or association of churches; and

(III) an individual described in clause (v).

(iii) A church or a convention or association of churches which is exempt from tax under section 501 of title 26 shall be deemed the employer of any individual included as an employee under clause (ii).

(iv) An organization, whether a civil law corporation or otherwise, is associated with a church or a convention or association of churches if it shares common religious bonds and convictions with that church or convention or association of churches.

(v) If an employee who is included in a church plan separates from the service of a church or a convention or association of churches or an organization, whether a civil law corporation or otherwise, which is exempt from tax under section 501 of title 26 and which is controlled by or associated with a church or a convention or association of churches, the church plan shall not fail to meet the requirements of this paragraph merely because the plan—

(I) retains the employee's accrued benefit or account for the payment of benefits to the employee or his beneficiaries pursuant to the terms of the plan; or

(II) receives contributions on the employee's behalf after the employee's separation from such service, but only for a period of 5 years after such separation, unless the employee is disabled (within the meaning of the disability provisions of the church plan or, if there are no such provisions in the church plan, within the meaning of section 72(m)(7) of title 26) at the time of such separation from service.

(D)(i) If a plan established and maintained for its employees (or their beneficiaries) by a church or by a convention or association of churches which is exempt from tax under section 501 of title 26 fails to meet one or more of the requirements of this paragraph and corrects its failure to meet such requirements within the correction period, the plan shall be deemed to meet the requirements of this paragraph for the year in which the correction was made and for all prior years.

(ii) If a correction is not made within the correction period, the plan shall be deemed not to meet the requirements of this paragraph beginning with the date on which the earliest failure to meet one or more of such requirements occurred.

(iii) For purposes of this subparagraph, the term "correction period" means—

(I) the period ending 270 days after the date of mailing by the Secretary of the Treasury of a notice of default with respect to the plan's failure to meet one or more of the requirements of this paragraph; or

(II) any period set by a court of competent jurisdiction after a final determination that the plan fails to meet such requirements, or, if the court does not specify such period, any reasonable period determined by the Secretary of the Treasury on the basis of all the facts and circumstances, but in any event not less than 270 days after the determination has become final; or

(III) any additional period which the Secretary of the Treasury determines is reasonable or necessary for the correction of the default,

whichever has the latest ending date.

(34) The term "individual account plan" or "defined contribution plan" means a pension plan which provides for an individual account for each participant and for benefits based solely upon the amount contributed to the participant's account, and any income, expenses, gains and losses, and any forfeitures of accounts of other participants which may be allocated to such participant's account.

(35) The term "defined benefit plan" means a pension plan other than an individual account plan; except that a pension plan which is not an individual account plan and which provides a benefit derived from employer contributions which is based partly on the balance of the separate account of a participant—

(A) for the purposes of section 1052 of this title, shall be treated as an individual account plan, and

(B) for the purposes of paragraph (23) of this section and section 1054 of this title, shall be treated as an individual account plan to the extent benefits are based upon the separate account of a participant and as a defined benefit plan with respect to the remaining portion of benefits under the plan.

(36) The term "excess benefit plan" means a plan maintained by an employer solely for the purpose of providing benefits for certain employees in excess of the limitations on contributions and benefits imposed by section 415 of title 26 on plans to which that section applies without regard to whether the plan is funded. To the extent that a separable part of a plan (as determined by the Secretary of Labor) maintained by an employer is maintained for such purpose, that part shall be treated as a separate plan which is an excess benefit plan.

(37)(A) The term "multiemployer plan" means a plan—

(i) to which more than one employer is required to contribute,

(ii) which is maintained pursuant to one or more collective bargaining agreements between one or more employee organizations and more than one employer, and

(iii) which satisfies such other requirements as the Secretary may prescribe by regulation.

(B) For purposes of this paragraph, all trades or businesses (whether or not incorporated) which are under common control within the meaning of section 1301(b)(1) of this title are considered a single employer.

(C) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), a plan is a multiemployer plan on and after its termination date if the plan was a multiemployer plan under this paragraph for the plan year preceding its termination date.

(D) For purposes of this subchapter, notwithstanding the preceding provisions of this paragraph, for any plan year which began before September 26, 1980, the term "multiemployer plan" means a plan described in this paragraph (37) as in effect immediately before such date.

(E) Within one year after September 26, 1980, a multiemployer plan may irrevocably elect, pursuant to procedures established by the corporation and subject to the provisions of sections 1453(b) and (c) of this title, that the plan shall not be treated as a multiemployer plan for all purposes under this chapter or the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 if for each of the last 3 plan years ending prior to the effective date of the Multiemployer Pension Plan Amendments Act of 1980—

(i) the plan was not a multiemployer plan because the plan was not a plan described in subparagraph (A)(iii) of this paragraph and section 414(f)(1)(C) of title 26 (as such provisions were in effect on the day before September 26, 1980); and

(ii) the plan had been identified as a plan that was not a multiemployer plan in substantially all its filings with the corporation, the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of the Treasury.

(F)(i) For purposes of this subchapter a qualified football coaches plan—

(I) shall be treated as a multiemployer plan to the extent not inconsistent with the purposes of this subparagraph; and

(II) notwithstanding section 401(k)(4)(B) of title 26, may include a qualified cash and deferred arrangement.

(ii) For purposes of this subparagraph, the term "qualified football coaches plan" means any defined contribution plan which is established and maintained by an organization—

(I) which is described in section 501(c) of title 26;

(II) the membership of which consists entirely of individuals who primarily coach football as full-time employees of 4-year colleges or universities described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii) of title 26; and

(III) which was in existence on September 18, 1986.

(G)(i) Within 1 year after August 17, 2006—

(I) an election under subparagraph (E) may be revoked, pursuant to procedures prescribed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, if, for each of the 3 plan years prior to August 17, 2006, the plan would have been a multiemployer plan but for the election under subparagraph (E), and

(II) a plan that meets the criteria in clauses (i) and (ii) of subparagraph (A) of this paragraph or that is described in clause (vi) may, pursuant to procedures prescribed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, elect to be a multiemployer plan, if—

(aa) for each of the 3 plan years immediately preceding the first plan year for which the election under this paragraph is effective with respect to the plan, the plan has met those criteria or is so described,

(bb) substantially all of the plan's employer contributions for each of those plan years were made or required to be made by organizations that were exempt from tax under section 501 of title 26, and

(cc) the plan was established prior to September 2, 1974.

(ii) An election under this subparagraph shall be effective for all purposes under this chapter and under title 26, starting with any plan year beginning on or after January 1, 1999, and ending before January 1, 2008, as designated by the plan in the election made under clause (i)(II).

(iii) Once made, an election under this subparagraph shall be irrevocable, except that a plan described in clause (i)(II) shall cease to be a multiemployer plan as of the plan year beginning immediately after the first plan year for which the majority of its employer contributions were made or required to be made by organizations that were not exempt from tax under section 501 of title 26.

(iv) The fact that a plan makes an election under clause (i)(II) does not imply that the plan was not a multiemployer plan prior to the date of the election or would not be a multiemployer plan without regard to the election.

(v)(I) No later than 30 days before an election is made under this subparagraph, the plan administrator shall provide notice of the pending election to each plan participant and beneficiary, each labor organization representing such participants or beneficiaries, and each employer that has an obligation to contribute to the plan, describing the principal differences between the guarantee programs under subchapter III and the benefit restrictions under this subchapter for single employer and multiemployer plans, along with such other information as the plan administrator chooses to include.

(II) Within 180 days after August 17, 2006, the Secretary shall prescribe a model notice under this clause.

(III) A plan administrator's failure to provide the notice required under this subparagraph shall be treated for purposes of section 1132(c)(2) of this title as a failure or refusal by the plan administrator to file the annual report required to be filed with the Secretary under section 1021(b)(1) of this title.

(vi) A plan is described in this clause if it is a plan sponsored by an organization which is described in section 501(c)(5) of title 26 and exempt from tax under section 501(a) of such title and which was established in Chicago, Illinois, on August 12, 1881.

(vii) For purposes of this chapter and title 26, a plan making an election under this subparagraph shall be treated as maintained pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement if a collective bargaining agreement, expressly or otherwise, provides for or permits employer contributions to the plan by one or more employers that are signatory to such agreement, or participation in the plan by one or more employees of an employer that is signatory to such agreement, regardless of whether the plan was created, established, or maintained for such employees by virtue of another document that is not a collective bargaining agreement.

(38) The term "investment manager" means any fiduciary (other than a trustee or named fiduciary, as defined in section 1102(a)(2) of this title)—

(A) who has the power to manage, acquire, or dispose of any asset of a plan;

(B) who (i) is registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 [15 U.S.C. 80b–1 et seq.]; (ii) is not registered as an investment adviser under such Act by reason of paragraph (1) of section 203A(a) of such Act [15 U.S.C. 80b–3a(a)], is registered as an investment adviser under the laws of the State (referred to in such paragraph (1)) in which it maintains its principal office and place of business, and, at the time the fiduciary last filed the registration form most recently filed by the fiduciary with such State in order to maintain the fiduciary's registration under the laws of such State, also filed a copy of such form with the Secretary; (iii) is a bank, as defined in that Act; or (iv) is an insurance company qualified to perform services described in subparagraph (A) under the laws of more than one State; and

(C) has acknowledged in writing that he is a fiduciary with respect to the plan.

(39) The terms "plan year" and "fiscal year of the plan" mean, with respect to a plan, the calendar, policy, or fiscal year on which the records of the plan are kept.

(40)(A) The term "multiple employer welfare arrangement" means an employee welfare benefit plan, or any other arrangement (other than an employee welfare benefit plan), which is established or maintained for the purpose of offering or providing any benefit described in paragraph (1) to the employees of two or more employers (including one or more self-employed individuals), or to their beneficiaries, except that such term does not include any such plan or other arrangement which is established or maintained—

(i) under or pursuant to one or more agreements which the Secretary finds to be collective bargaining agreements,

(ii) by a rural electric cooperative, or

(iii) by a rural telephone cooperative association.

(B) For purposes of this paragraph—

(i) two or more trades or businesses, whether or not incorporated, shall be deemed a single employer if such trades or businesses are within the same control group,

(ii) the term "control group" means a group of trades or businesses under common control,

(iii) the determination of whether a trade or business is under "common control" with another trade or business shall be determined under regulations of the Secretary applying principles similar to the principles applied in determining whether employees of two or more trades or businesses are treated as employed by a single employer under section 1301(b) of this title, except that, for purposes of this paragraph, common control shall not be based on an interest of less than 25 percent,

(iv) the term "rural electric cooperative" means—

(I) any organization which is exempt from tax under section 501(a) of title 26 and which is engaged primarily in providing electric service on a mutual or cooperative basis, and

(II) any organization described in paragraph (4) or (6) of section 501(c) of title 26 which is exempt from tax under section 501(a) of title 26 and at least 80 percent of the members of which are organizations described in subclause (I), and

(v) the term "rural telephone cooperative association" means an organization described in paragraph (4) or (6) of section 501(c) of title 26 which is exempt from tax under section 501(a) of title 26 and at least 80 percent of the members of which are organizations engaged primarily in providing telephone service to rural areas of the United States on a mutual, cooperative, or other basis.

(41) Single-employer plan.—The term "single-employer plan" means an employee benefit plan other than a multiemployer plan.

(42) the ⁴ term "plan assets" means plan assets as defined by such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe, except that under such regulations the assets of any entity shall not be treated as plan assets if, immediately after the most recent acquisition of any equity interest in the entity, less than 25 percent of the total value of each class of equity interest in the entity is held by benefit plan investors. For purposes of determinations pursuant to this paragraph, the value of any equity interest held by a person (other than such a benefit plan investor) who has discretionary authority or control with respect to the assets of the entity or any person who provides investment advice for a fee (direct or indirect) with respect to such assets, or any affiliate of such a person, shall be disregarded for purposes of calculating the 25 percent threshold. An entity shall be considered to hold plan assets only to the extent of the percentage of the equity interest held by benefit plan investors. For purposes of this paragraph, the term "benefit plan investor" means an employee benefit plan subject to part 4,⁵ any plan to which section 4975 of title 26 applies, and any entity whose underlying assets include plan assets by reason of a plan's investment in such entity.

(43) Pooled employer plan.—

(A) In general.—The term "pooled employer plan" means a plan—

(i) which is an individual account plan established or maintained for the purpose of providing benefits to the employees of 2 or more employers;

(ii) which is a plan described in section 401(a) of title 26 which includes a trust exempt from tax under section 501(a) of title 26, a plan that consists of annuity contracts described in section 403(b) of title 26, or a plan that consists of individual retirement accounts described in section 408 of title 26 (including by reason of subsection (c) thereof); and

(iii) the terms of which meet the requirements of subparagraph (B).

Such term shall not include a plan maintained by employers which have a common interest other than having adopted the plan, but such term shall include any plan (other than a plan excepted from the application of this title by section 1003(b)(2) of this title) maintained for the benefit of the employees of more than 1 employer that consists of annuity contracts described in section 403(b) of title 26 and that meets the requirements of subparagraph (B) of section 413(e)(1) of title 26.

(B) Requirements for plan terms.—The requirements of this subparagraph are met with respect to any plan if the terms of the plan—

(i) designate a pooled plan provider and provide that the pooled plan provider is a named fiduciary of the plan;

(ii) designate a named fiduciary (other than an employer in the plan) to be responsible for collecting contributions to the plan and require such fiduciary to implement written contribution collection procedures that are reasonable, diligent, and systematic;

(iii) provide that each employer in the plan retains fiduciary responsibility for—

(I) the selection and monitoring in accordance with section 1104(a) of this title of the person designated as the pooled plan provider and any other person who, in addition to the pooled plan provider, is designated as a named fiduciary of the plan; and

(II) to the extent not otherwise delegated to another fiduciary by the pooled plan provider and subject to the provisions of section 1104(c) of this title, the investment and management of the portion of the plan's assets attributable to the employees of the employer (or beneficiaries of such employees);

(iv) provide that employers in the plan, and participants and beneficiaries, are not subject to unreasonable restrictions, fees, or penalties with regard to ceasing participation, receipt of distributions, or otherwise transferring assets of the plan in accordance with section 1058 of this title or paragraph (44)(C)(i)(II); ⁶

(v) require—

(I) the pooled plan provider to provide to employers in the plan any disclosures or other information which the Secretary may require, including any disclosures or other information to facilitate the selection or any monitoring of the pooled plan provider by employers in the plan; and

(II) each employer in the plan to take such actions as the Secretary or the pooled plan provider determines are necessary to administer the plan or for the plan to meet any requirement applicable under this chapter or title 26 to a plan described in section 401(a) of title 26, a plan that consists of annuity contracts described in section 403(b) of title 26, or to a plan that consists of individual retirement accounts described in section 408 of title 26 (including by reason of subsection (c) thereof), whichever is applicable, including providing any disclosures or other information which the Secretary may require or which the pooled plan provider otherwise determines are necessary to administer the plan or to allow the plan to meet such requirements; and

(vi) provide that any disclosure or other information required to be provided under clause (v) may be provided in electronic form and will be designed to ensure only reasonable costs are imposed on pooled plan providers and employers in the plan.

(C) Exceptions.—The term "pooled employer plan" does not include—

(i) a multiemployer plan; or

(ii) a plan established before December 20, 2019, unless the plan administrator elects that the plan will be treated as a pooled employer plan and the plan meets the requirements of this subchapter applicable to a pooled employer plan established on or after such date.

(D) Treatment of employers as plan sponsors.—Except with respect to the administrative duties of the pooled plan provider described in paragraph (44)(A)(i), each employer in a pooled employer plan shall be treated as the plan sponsor with respect to the portion of the plan attributable to employees of such employer (or beneficiaries of such employees).

(44) Pooled plan provider.—

(A) In general.—The term "pooled plan provider" means a person who—

(i) is designated by the terms of a pooled employer plan as a named fiduciary, as the plan administrator, and as the person responsible for the performance of all administrative duties (including conducting proper testing with respect to the plan and the employees of each employer in the plan) which are reasonably necessary to ensure that—

(I) the plan meets any requirement applicable under this chapter or title 26 to a plan described in section 401(a) of title 26, a plan that consists of annuity contracts described in section 403(b) of title 26, or to a plan that consists of individual retirement accounts described in section 408 of title 26 (including by reason of subsection (c) thereof), whichever is applicable; and

(II) each employer in the plan takes such actions as the Secretary or pooled plan provider determines are necessary for the plan to meet the requirements described in subclause (I), including providing the disclosures and information described in paragraph (43)(B)(v)(II);

(ii) registers as a pooled plan provider with the Secretary, and provides to the Secretary such other information as the Secretary may require, before beginning operations as a pooled plan provider;

(iii) acknowledges in writing that such person is a named fiduciary, and the plan administrator, with respect to the pooled employer plan; and

(iv) is responsible for ensuring that all persons who handle assets of, or who are fiduciaries of, the pooled employer plan are bonded in accordance with section 1112 of this title.

(B) Audits, examinations and investigations.—The Secretary may perform audits, examinations, and investigations of pooled plan providers as may be necessary to enforce and carry out the purposes of this paragraph and paragraph (43).

(C) Guidance.—The Secretary shall issue such guidance as the Secretary determines appropriate to carry out this paragraph and paragraph (43), including guidance—

(i) to identify the administrative duties and other actions required to be performed by a pooled plan provider under either such paragraph; and

(ii) which requires in appropriate cases that if an employer in the plan fails to take the actions required under subparagraph (A)(i)(II)—

(I) the assets of the plan attributable to employees of such employer (or beneficiaries of such employees) are transferred to a plan maintained only by such employer (or its successor), to an eligible retirement plan as defined in section 402(c)(8)(B) of title 26 for each individual whose account is transferred, or to any other arrangement that the Secretary determines is appropriate in such guidance; and

(II) such employer (and not the plan with respect to which the failure occurred or any other employer in such plan) shall, except to the extent provided in such guidance, be liable for any liabilities with respect to such plan attributable to employees of such employer (or beneficiaries of such employees).

The Secretary shall take into account under clause (ii) whether the failure of an employer or pooled plan provider to provide any disclosures or other information, or to take any other action, necessary to administer a plan or to allow a plan to meet requirements described in subparagraph (A)(i)(II) has continued over a period of time that demonstrates a lack of commitment to compliance. The Secretary may waive the requirements of subclause (ii)(I) in appropriate circumstances if the Secretary determines it is in the best interests of the employees of the employer referred to in such clause (and the beneficiaries of such employees) to retain the assets in the plan with respect to which the employer's failure occurred.

(D) Good faith compliance with law before guidance.—An employer or pooled plan provider shall not be treated as failing to meet a requirement of guidance issued by the Secretary under subparagraph (C) if, before the issuance of such guidance, the employer or pooled plan provider complies in good faith with a reasonable interpretation of the provisions of this paragraph, or paragraph (43), to which such guidance relates.

(E) Aggregation rules.—For purposes of this paragraph, in determining whether a person meets the requirements of this paragraph to be a pooled plan provider with respect to any plan, all persons who perform services for the plan and who are treated as a single employer under subsection (b), (c), (m), or (o) of section 414 of title 26 shall be treated as one person.

(45) Pension-linked emergency savings account.—The term "pension-linked emergency savings account" means a short-term savings account established and maintained as part of an individual account plan, in accordance with section 1193 of this title, on behalf of an eligible participant (as such term is defined in section 1193(b) of this title) that—

(A) is a designated Roth account (within the meaning of section 402A of title 26) and accepts only participant contributions, as described in section 1193(d)(1)(A) of this title, which are designated Roth contributions subject to the rules of section 402A(e) of title 26; and

(B) meets the requirements of part 8 of subtitle B.

(Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §3, Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 833; Pub. L. 96–364, title III, §§302, 305, title IV, §§407(a), 409, Sept. 26, 1980, 94 Stat. 1291, 1294, 1303, 1307; Pub. L. 97–473, title III, §302(a), Jan. 14, 1983, 96 Stat. 2612; Pub. L. 99–272, title XI, §11016(c)(1), Apr. 7, 1986, 100 Stat. 273; Pub. L. 99–509, title IX, §9203(b)(1), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1979; Pub. L. 99–514, title XVIII, §1879(u)(3), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2913; Pub. L. 100–202, §136(a), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1329–441; Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §§7871(b)(2), 7881(m)(2)(D), 7891(a)(1), 7893(a), 7894(a)(1)(A), (2)(A), (3), (4), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2435, 2444, 2445, 2447, 2448; Pub. L. 101–508, title XII, §12002(b)(2)(C), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–566; Pub. L. 102–89, §2, Aug. 14, 1991, 105 Stat. 446; Pub. L. 104–290, title III, §308(b)(1), Oct. 11, 1996, 110 Stat. 3440; Pub. L. 105–72, §1(a), Nov. 10, 1997, 111 Stat. 1457; Pub. L. 109–280, title VI, §611(f), title IX, §§905(a), 906(a)(2)(A), title XI, §§1104(c), 1106(a), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 972, 1050, 1051, 1060; Pub. L. 110–28, title VI, §6611(a)(1), (b)(1), May 25, 2007, 121 Stat. 179, 180; Pub. L. 110–458, title I, §111(c), Dec. 23, 2008, 122 Stat. 5113; Pub. L. 116–94, div. O, title I, §101(b), (c)(1), (3), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 3141, 3144; Pub. L. 117–328, div. T, title I, §§105(a), 106(d), 127(a), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5286, 5287, 5317.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in pars. (2)(B), (37)(E), (G)(ii), (vii), (43)(B)(v)(II), and (44)(A)(i)(I), was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 93–406, known as the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Titles I, III, and IV of such Act are classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1001 of this title and Tables.

The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, referred to in par. (10), is act Aug. 7, 1953, ch. 345, 67 Stat. 462, which is classified generally to subchapter III (§1331 et seq.) of chapter 29 of Title 43, Public Lands. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1301 of Title 43 and Tables.

The Labor Management Relations Act, 1947, referred to in par. (12), is act June 23, 1947, ch. 120, 61 Stat. 136, which is classified principally to chapter 7 (§141 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 141 of this title and Tables.

The Railway Labor Act, referred to in par. (12), is act May 20, 1926, ch. 347, 44 Stat. 577, which is classified principally to chapter 8 (§151 et seq.) of Title 45, Railroads. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 151 of Title 45 and Tables.

Section 77b(1) of title 15, referred to in par. (20), was redesignated section 77b(a)(1) of title 15 by Pub. L. 104–290, title I, §106(a)(1), Oct. 11, 1996, 110 Stat. 3424.

The Investment Company Act of 1940, referred to in par. (21)(B), is title I of act Aug. 22, 1940, ch. 686, 54 Stat. 789, which is classified generally to subchapter I (§80a–1 et seq.) of chapter 2D of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 80a–51 of Title 15 and Tables.

The Railroad Retirement Act of 1935 or 1937, referred to in par. (32), means act Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, 49 Stat. 967, known as the Railroad Retirement Act of 1935. The Railroad Retirement Act of 1935 was amended generally by act June 24, 1937, ch. 382, part I, 50 Stat. 307, and was known as the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937. The Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 was amended generally and redesignated the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 by Pub. L. 93–445, title I, Oct. 16, 1974, 88 Stat. 1305 and is classified generally to subchapter IV (§231 et seq.) of chapter 9 of Title 45, Railroads. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

The International Organizations Immunities Act, referred to in par. (32), is title I of act Dec. 29, 1945, ch. 652, 59 Stat. 669, which is classified principally to subchapter XVIII (§288 et seq.) of chapter 7 of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 288 of Title 22 and Tables.

Sections 1453(b) and (c) of this title, referred to in par. (37)(E), was in the original "sections 4403(b) and (c)", meaning sections 4403(b) and (c) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, which was translated as section 1453(b) and (c) of this title as the probable intent of Congress, in view of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 not containing a section 4403 and the subject matter of section 4303 of the Act which is classified to section 1453(b) and (c) of this title.

The Internal Revenue Code of 1954, referred to in par. (37)(E), was redesignated the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 by Pub. L. 99–514, §2, Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2095, and is classified to Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

For the effective date of the Multiemployer Pension Plan Amendments Act of 1980, referred to in par. (37)(E), see section 1461(e) of this title.

The Investment Advisers Act of 1940, referred to in par. (38)(B), is title II of act Aug. 22, 1940, ch. 686, 54 Stat. 847, which is classified generally to subchapter II (§80b–1 et seq.) of chapter 2D of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 80b–20 of Title 15 and Tables.

Amendments

2022—Par. (43)(A). Pub. L. 117–328, §106(d)(1)(B), substituted "the plan, but such term shall include any plan (other than a plan excepted from the application of this title by section 1003(b)(2) of this title) maintained for the benefit of the employees of more than 1 employer that consists of annuity contracts described in section 403(b) of title 26 and that meets the requirements of subparagraph (B) of section 413(e)(1) of title 26." for "the plan." in concluding provisions.

Par. (43)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 117–328, §106(d)(1)(A), substituted "section 501(a) of title 26, a plan that consists of annuity contracts described in section 403(b) of title 26, or" for "section 501(a) of title 26 or".

Par. (43)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 117–328, §105(a), amended cl. (ii) generally. Prior to amendment, cl. (ii) read as follows: "designate one or more trustees meeting the requirements of section 408(a)(2) of title 26 (other than an employer in the plan) to be responsible for collecting contributions to, and holding the assets of, the plan and require such trustees to implement written contribution collection procedures that are reasonable, diligent, and systematic;".

Par. (43)(B)(v)(II). Pub. L. 117–328, §106(d)(2), substituted "section 401(a) of title 26, a plan that consists of annuity contracts described in section 403(b) of title 26, or" for "section 401(a) of title 26 or".

Par. (44)(A)(i)(I). Pub. L. 117–328, §106(d)(2), substituted "section 401(a) of title 26, a plan that consists of annuity contracts described in section 403(b) of title 26, or" for "section 401(a) of title 26 or".

Par. (45). Pub. L. 117–328, §127(a), added par. (45).

2019—Par. (2)(C). Pub. L. 116–94, §101(b), added subpar. (C).

Par. (16)(B)(iv). Pub. L. 116–94, §101(c)(3)(A), added cl. (iv).

Par. (41). Pub. L. 116–94, §101(c)(3)(B), struck out second par. (41) which read as follows: "The term 'single-employer plan' means a plan which is not a multiemployer plan."

Pars. (43), (44). Pub. L. 116–94, §101(c)(1), added pars. (43) and (44).

2008—Par. (37)(G). Pub. L. 110–458 substituted "subparagraph" for "paragraph" in cls. (ii), (iii), and (v)(I), "clause (i)(II)" for "subclause (i)(II)" in cl. (iii), "clause" for "subparagraph" in cl. (v)(II), and "section 1021(b)(1)" for "section 1021(b)(4)" in cl. (v)(III).

2007—Par. (37)(G)(i)(II)(aa). Pub. L. 110–28, §6611(a)(1)(A), substituted "for each of the 3 plan years immediately preceding the first plan year for which the election under this paragraph is effective with respect to the plan," for "for each of the 3 plan years immediately before August 17, 2006,".

Par. (37)(G)(ii). Pub. L. 110–28, §6611(a)(1)(B), substituted "starting with any plan year beginning on or after January 1, 1999, and ending before January 1, 2008, as designated by the plan in the election made under clause (i)(II)" for "starting with the first plan year ending after August 17, 2006".

Par. (37)(G)(vi). Pub. L. 110–28, §6611(b)(1), substituted "if it is a plan sponsored by an organization which is described in section 501(c)(5) of title 26 and exempt from tax under section 501(a) of such title and which was established in Chicago, Illinois, on August 12, 1881." for "if it is a plan—

"(I) that was established in Chicago, Illinois, on August 12, 1881; and

"(II) sponsored by an organization described in section 501(c)(5) of title 26 and exempt from tax under section 501(a) of title 26."

Par. (37)(G)(vii). Pub. L. 110–28, §6611(a)(1)(C), added cl. (vii).

2006—Par. (2)(A). Pub. L. 109–280, §905(a), inserted at end "A distribution from a plan, fund, or program shall not be treated as made in a form other than retirement income or as a distribution prior to termination of covered employment solely because such distribution is made to an employee who has attained age 62 and who is not separated from employment at the time of such distribution."

Par. (2)(B). Pub. L. 109–280, §1104(c), inserted at end "An applicable voluntary early retirement incentive plan (as defined in section 457(e)(11)(D)(ii) of title 26) making payments or supplements described in section 457(e)(11)(D)(i) of title 26, and an applicable employment retention plan (as defined in section 457(f)(4)(C) of title 26) making payments of benefits described in section 457(f)(4)(A) of title 26, shall, for purposes of this subchapter, be treated as a welfare plan (and not a pension plan) with respect to such payments and supplements."

Par. (32). Pub. L. 109–280, §906(a)(2)(A), inserted at end "The term 'governmental plan' includes a plan which is established and maintained by an Indian tribal government (as defined in section 7701(a)(40) of title 26), a subdivision of an Indian tribal government (determined in accordance with section 7871(d) of title 26), or an agency or instrumentality of either, and all of the participants of which are employees of such entity substantially all of whose services as such an employee are in the performance of essential governmental functions but not in the performance of commercial activities (whether or not an essential government function)".

Par. (37)(G). Pub. L. 109–280, §1106(a), added subpar. (G).

Par. (42). Pub. L. 109–280, §611(f), added par. (42).

1997—Par. (38)(B). Pub. L. 105–72 added introductory provisions and cls. (i) and (ii), redesignated former cls. (ii) and (iii) as (iii) and (iv), respectively, and struck out former introductory provisions and cl. (i) which read as follows: "who is (i) registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 or under the laws of any State;".

1996—Par. (38)(B). Pub. L. 104–290 temporarily inserted "or under the laws of any State" before "; (ii) is a bank,". See Effective and Termination Dates of 1996 Amendment note below.

1991—Par. (40)(A)(iii), (B)(v). Pub. L. 102–89 added cl. (iii) at end of subpar. (A) and cl. (v) at end of subpar. (B).

1990—Par. (41). Pub. L. 101–508 added par. (41) which read as follows: "The term 'single-employer plan' means a plan which is not a multiemployer plan."

1989—Pars. (14), (33), (36), (40)(B)(iv). Pub. L. 101–239, §7891(a)(1), substituted "Internal Revenue Code of 1986" for "Internal Revenue Code of 1954", which for purposes of codification was translated as "title 26" thus requiring no change in text.

Par. (23). Pub. L. 101–239, §7881(m)(2)(D), inserted at end "The accrued benefit of an employee shall not be less than the amount determined under section 1054(c)(2)(B) of this title with respect to the employee's accumulated contribution."

Par. (24)(B). Pub. L. 101–239, §7871(b)(2), amended subpar. (B) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (B) read as follows: "the latest of—

"(i) the time a plan participant attains age 65,

"(ii) in the case of a plan participant who commences participation in the plan within 5 years before attaining normal retirement age under the plan, the 5th anniversary of the time the plan participant commences participation in the plan, or

"(iii) in the case of a plan participant not described in clause (ii), the 10th anniversary of the time the plan participant commences participation in the plan."

Par. (33)(D)(iii). Pub. L. 101–239, §7894(a)(1)(A), substituted "Secretary of the Treasury" for "Secretary" in subcls. (I) to (III).

Par. (37)(B). Pub. L. 101–239, §7893(a), substituted "section 1301(b)(1)" for "section 1301(c)(1)".

Par. (37)(F)(i)(II). Pub. L. 101–239, §7894(a)(2)(A)(i), substituted "the Internal Revenue Code of 1986" for "such Code", which for purposes of codification was translated as "title 26" thus requiring no change in text.

Par. (37)(F)(ii). Pub. L. 101–239, §7894(a)(2)(A)(ii), (iii), inserted "of such Code" after "section 501(c)" in subcl. (I) and after "section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii)" in subcl. (II), which for purposes of codification was translated as "of title 26" thus requiring no change in text.

Par. (39). Pub. L. 101–239, §7894(a)(3), substituted "mean, with respect to a plan, the calendar" for "mean with respect to a plan, calendar".

Par. (41). Pub. L. 101–239, §7894(a)(4), added par. (41).

1987—Par. (37)(F). Pub. L. 100–202 added subpar. (F).

1986—Par. (24)(B). Pub. L. 99–509 amended subpar. (B) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (B) read as follows: "the later of—

"(i) the time a plan participant attains age 65, or

"(ii) the 10th anniversary of the time a plan participant commenced participation in the plan."

Par. (37)(A). Pub. L. 99–514 repealed the amendment made by Pub. L. 99–272. See note below.

Pub. L. 99–272, which, eff. Jan. 1, 1986, directed the substitution of "means a pension plan" for "means a plan" was repealed by Pub. L. 99–514, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.

1983—Par. (40). Pub. L. 97–473 added par. (40).

1980—Par. (2). Pub. L. 96–364, §409, redesignated existing provisions as subpar. (A), inserted exception for subpar. (B), substituted "(i)" for "(A)" and "(ii)" for "(B)", and added subpar. (B).

Par. (14). Pub. L. 96–364, §305, inserted provisions respecting a trust described in section 501(c)(22) of title 26.

Par. (33). Pub. L. 96–364, §407(a), substituted provisions defining "church plan" as a plan established and maintained (to the extent required in cl. (ii) of subpar. (B)) for employees or beneficiaries by a church, etc., exempt from tax under section 501 of title 26, for provisions defining "church plan" as a plan established and maintained for employees by a church, etc., exempt from tax under section 501 of title 26, or a plan in existence on Jan. 1, 1974, established and maintained by a church, etc., for employees and employees of agencies of the church, etc.

Par. (37). Pub. L. 96–364, §302(a), substantially revised definition of term "multiemployer plan" by, among other changes, restructuring subpar. (A), resulting in elimination of provisions covering amount of contributions and payment of benefits, and subpar. (B), resulting in elimination of provisions reworking amount of contributions for subsequent plan years, and added subpars. (C) to (E).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2022 Amendment

Pub. L. 117–328, div. T, title I, §105(b), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5286, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to plan years beginning after December 31, 2022."

Amendment by section 106(d) of Pub. L. 117–328 applicable to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2022, see section 106(h)(1) of Pub. L. 117–328, set out as a note under section 403 of this title.

Amendment by section 127(a) of Pub. L. 117–328 applicable to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2023, see section 127(g) of Pub. L. 117–328, set out as a note under section 72 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 2019 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 116–94 applicable to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2020, see section 101(e) of Pub. L. 116–94, set out as a note under section 408 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 110–458 effective as if included in the provisions of Pub. L. 109–280 to which the amendment relates, except as otherwise provided, see section 112 of Pub. L. 110–458, set out as a note under section 72 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 2007 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 110–28 effective as if included in section 1106 of the Pension Protection Act of 2006, Pub. L. 109–280, see section 6611(c) of Pub. L. 110–28, set out as a note under section 414 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 2006 Amendment

Amendment by section 611(f) of Pub. L. 109–280 applicable to transactions occurring after Aug. 17, 2006, see section 611(h)(1) of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as a note under section 4975 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Amendment by section 905(a) of Pub. L. 109–280 applicable to distributions in plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2006, see section 905(c) of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as a note under section 401 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Amendment by section 906(a)(2)(A) of Pub. L. 109–280 applicable to any year beginning on or after Aug. 17, 2006, see section 906(c) of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as a note under section 414 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Amendment by section 1104(c) of Pub. L. 109–280 effective Aug. 17, 2006, and applicable to plan years ending after such date, see section 1104(d)(1), (3) of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as a note under section 457 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 1997 Amendment

Pub. L. 105–72, §1(c), Nov. 10, 1997, 111 Stat. 1457, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on July 8, 1997, except that the requirement of section 3(38)(B)(ii) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 [section 1002(38)(B)(ii) of this title] (as amended by this Act) for filing with the Secretary of Labor of a copy of a registration form which has been filed with a State before the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 10, 1997], or is to be filed with a State during the 1-year period beginning with such date, shall be treated as satisfied upon the filing of such a copy with the Secretary at any time during such 1-year period. This section shall supersede section 308(b) of the National Securities Markets Improvement Act of 1996 [Pub. L. 104–290, amending this section and enacting provisions set out as an Effective and Termination Dates of 1996 Amendment note below] (and the amendment made thereby)."

Effective and Termination Dates of 1996 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 104–290 effective 270 days after Oct. 11, 1996, see section 308(a) of Pub. L. 104–290, as amended, set out as a note under section 80b–2 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade.

Pub. L. 104–290, title III, §308(b)(2), Oct. 11, 1996, 110 Stat. 3440, which provided that the amendment made by paragraph (1), amending this section, ceased to be effective 2 years after Oct. 11, 1996, was superseded by section 1(c) of Pub. L. 105–72, set out as an Effective Date of 1997 Amendment note above.

Effective Date of 1991 Amendment

Pub. L. 102–89, §3, Aug. 14, 1991, 105 Stat. 446, provided that: "The amendments made by section 2 [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 14, 1991]."

Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 101–508 applicable to reversions occurring after Sept. 30, 1990, but not applicable to any reversion after Sept. 30, 1990, if (1) in the case of plans subject to subchapter III of this chapter, notice of intent to terminate under such subchapter was provided to participants (or if no participants, to Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation) before Oct. 1, 1990, (2) in the case of plans subject to subchapter I of this chapter (and not subchapter III), notice of intent to reduce future accruals under section 1054(h) of this title was provided to participants in connection with termination before Oct. 1, 1990, (3) in the case of plans not subject to subchapter I or III of this chapter, a request for a determination letter with respect to termination was filed with Secretary of the Treasury or Secretary's delegate before Oct. 1, 1990, or (4) in the case of plans not subject to subchapter I or III of this chapter and having only one participant, a resolution terminating the plan was adopted by employer before Oct. 1, 1990, see section 12003 of Pub. L. 101–508, set out as a note under section 4980 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 1989 Amendment

Amendment by section 7871(b)(2) of Pub. L. 101–239 effective as if included in the amendments made by section 9203 of Pub. L. 99–509, see section 7871(b)(3) of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 411 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Amendment by section 7881(m)(2)(D) of Pub. L. 101–239 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if included in the provision of the Pension Protection Act, Pub. L. 100–203, §§9302–9346, to which such amendment relates, see section 7882 of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 401 of Title 26.

Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §7891(f), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2447, provided that: "Except as otherwise provided in this section, any amendment made by this section [amending this section, sections 1003, 1025, 1051 to 1056, 1060, 1061, 1081 to 1084, 1085a, 1101, 1103, 1107, 1108, 1132, 1134, 1137, 1161, 1166, 1167, 1201 to 1203, 1222, 1301, 1302, 1307, 1309, 1321 to 1322a, 1342 to 1345, 1362, 1368, 1384, 1385, 1390, 1391, 1393, 1403, 1421, 1423, 1425, and 1453 of this title, and section 4980B of Title 26] shall take effect as if included in the provision of the Reform Act [probably means Tax Reform Act of 1986, Pub. L. 99–514] to which such amendment relates."

Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §7893(h), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2448, provided that: "Any amendment made by this section [amending this section and sections 1322a, 1341, 1342, 1347, 1366, 1367, and 1398 of this title] shall take effect as if included in the provision of the Single-Employer Pension Plan Amendments Act of 1986 [Pub. L. 99–272, title XI] to which such amendment relates."

Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §7894(a)(1)(B), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2448, provided that: "The amendments made by subparagraph (A) [amending this section] shall take effect as if included in section 407 of the Multiemployer Pension Plan Amendments Act of 1980 [Pub. L. 96–364]."

Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §7894(a)(2)(B), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2448, provided that: "The amendment made by this paragraph [amending this section] shall take effect as if included in section 136 of Public Law 100–202."

Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §7894(i), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2452, provided that: "Except as otherwise provided in this section, any amendment made by this section [amending this section and sections 1021, 1024 to 1026, 1028, 1031, 1051 to 1056, 1060, 1061, 1081, 1082, 1084, 1086, 1103, 1107, 1108, 1113, 1114, 1132, 1144, 1321 to 1322a, 1344, 1368, and 1461 of this title] shall take effect as if originally included in the provision of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 [Pub. L. 93–406] to which such amendment relates."

Effective Date of 1987 Amendment

Pub. L. 100–202, §136(b), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1329–442, provided that: "The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to years beginning after the date of the enactment of this joint resolution [Dec. 22, 1987]."

Effective Date of 1986 Amendments

Amendment by section 1879(u)(3) of Pub. L. 99–514 effective as if such provisions were included in the enactment of the Single-Employer Pension Plan Amendments Act of 1986 [Pub. L. 99–272], see section 1879(u)(4)(A) of Pub. L. 99–514, set out as a note under section 1054 of this title.

Amendment by Pub. L. 99–509 applicable only with respect to plan years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 1988, and only with respect to service performed on or after such date, see section 9204 of Pub. L. 99–509, set out as an Effective and Termination Dates of 1986 Amendments note under section 623 of this title.

Amendment by Pub. L. 99–272 effective Jan. 1, 1986, with certain exceptions, see section 11019 of Pub. L. 99–272, set out as a note under section 1341 of this title.

Effective Date of 1983 Amendment

Pub. L. 97–473, title III, §302(c), Jan. 14, 1983, 96 Stat. 2612, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 1144 of this title] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 14, 1983]."

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Amendment of pars. (2), (14), and (37), by Pub. L. 96–364 effective Sept. 26, 1980, except as specifically provided, see section 1461(e) of this title.

Amendment of par. (33) by Pub. L. 96–364 effective Jan. 1, 1974, see section 407(c) of Pub. L. 96–364, set out as a note under section 414 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Regulations

Secretary of Labor, Secretary of the Treasury, and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission each to issue before Feb. 1, 1988, final regulations to carry out amendments made by Pub. L. 99–509, see section 9204 of Pub. L. 99–509, set out as an Effective and Termination Dates of 1986 Amendment note under section 623 of this title.

Availability of Documents Via Filing Depository

Pub. L. 105–72, §1(b), Nov. 10, 1997, 111 Stat. 1457, provided that: "A fiduciary shall be treated as meeting the requirements of section 3(38)(B)(ii) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 [29 U.S.C. 1002(38)(B)(ii)] (as amended by subsection (a)) relating to provision to the Secretary of Labor of a copy of the form referred to therein, if a copy of such form (or substantially similar information) is available to the Secretary of Labor from a centralized electronic or other record-keeping database."

Plan Amendments Not Required Until January 1, 1989

For provisions directing that if any amendments made by subtitle A or subtitle C of title XI [§§1101–1147 and 1171–1177] or title XVIII [§§1800–1899A] of Pub. L. 99–514 require an amendment to any plan, such plan amendment shall not be required to be made before the first plan year beginning on or after Jan. 1, 1989, see section 1140 of Pub. L. 99–514, as amended, set out as a note under section 401 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

For provisions directing that if any amendments made by Pub. L. 99–509 require an amendment to any plan, such plan amendment shall not be required to be made before the first plan year beginning on or after Jan. 1, 1989, see section 9204 of Pub. L. 99–509, set out as an Effective and Termination Dates of 1986 Amendment note under section 623 of this title.

¹ So in original. The period probably should be a comma.

² See References in Text note below.

³ So in original. Probably should be followed by a period.

⁴ So in original. Probably should be "The".

⁵ So in original. Probably should be "part 4 of subtitle B,".

⁶ So in original. Probably should be "(44)(C)(ii)(I);".

§1003. Coverage

(a) In general

Except as provided in subsection (b) or (c) and in sections 1051, 1081, and 1101 of this title, this subchapter shall apply to any employee benefit plan if it is established or maintained—

(1) by any employer engaged in commerce or in any industry or activity affecting commerce; or

(2) by any employee organization or organizations representing employees engaged in commerce or in any industry or activity affecting commerce; or

(3) by both.

(b) Exceptions for certain plans

The provisions of this subchapter shall not apply to any employee benefit plan if—

(1) such plan is a governmental plan (as defined in section 1002(32) of this title);

(2) such plan is a church plan (as defined in section 1002(33) of this title) with respect to which no election has been made under section 410(d) of title 26;

(3) such plan is maintained solely for the purpose of complying with applicable workmen's compensation laws or unemployment compensation or disability insurance laws;

(4) such plan is maintained outside of the United States primarily for the benefit of persons substantially all of whom are nonresident aliens; or

(5) such plan is an excess benefit plan (as defined in section 1002(36) of this title) and is unfunded.

The provisions of part 7 of subtitle B of this subchapter shall not apply to a health insurance issuer (as defined in section 1191b(b)(2) of this title) solely by reason of health insurance coverage (as defined in section 1191b(b)(1) of this title) provided by such issuer in connection with a group health plan (as defined in section 1191b(a)(1) of this title) if the provisions of this subchapter do not apply to such group health plan.

(c) Voluntary employee contributions to accounts and annuities

If a pension plan allows an employee to elect to make voluntary employee contributions to accounts and annuities as provided in section 408(q) of title 26, such accounts and annuities (and contributions thereto) shall not be treated as part of such plan (or as a separate pension plan) for purposes of any provision of this subchapter other than section 1103(c), 1104, or 1105 of this title (relating to exclusive benefit, and fiduciary and co-fiduciary responsibilities) and part 5 of subtitle B of this subchapter ¹ (relating to administration and enforcement). Such provisions shall apply to such accounts and annuities in a manner similar to their application to a simplified employee pension under section 408(k) of title 26.

(Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §4, Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 839; Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §7891(a)(1), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2445; Pub. L. 104–191, title I, §101(d), Aug. 21, 1996, 110 Stat. 1952; Pub. L. 104–204, title VI, §603(b)(3)(A), Sept. 26, 1996, 110 Stat. 2938; Pub. L. 107–16, title VI, §602(b), June 7, 2001, 115 Stat. 96; Pub. L. 107–147, title IV, §411(i)(2), Mar. 9, 2002, 116 Stat. 47.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Part 5 of subtitle B of this subchapter, referred to in subsec. (c), was in the original a reference to "part 5" and was translated as meaning part 5 of subtitle B of title I of Pub. L. 93–406, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Amendments

2002—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 107–147 inserted "and part 5 of subtitle B of this subchapter (relating to administration and enforcement)" after "co-fiduciary responsibilities)" and "Such provisions shall apply to such accounts and annuities in a manner similar to their application to a simplified employee pension under section 408(k) of title 26." at end.

2001—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 107–16, §602(b)(2), inserted "or (c)" after "subsection (b)" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 107–16, §602(b)(1), added subsec. (c).

1996—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 104–204, in concluding provisions, made technical amendment to references in original act which appear in text as references to section 1191b of this title.

Pub. L. 104–191 inserted at end "The provisions of part 7 of subtitle B of this subchapter shall not apply to a health insurance issuer (as defined in section 1191b(b)(2) of this title) solely by reason of health insurance coverage (as defined in section 1191b(b)(1) of this title) provided by such issuer in connection with a group health plan (as defined in section 1191b(a)(1) of this title) if the provisions of this subchapter do not apply to such group health plan."

1989—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 101–239 substituted "Internal Revenue Code of 1986" for "Internal Revenue Code of 1954", which for purposes of codification was translated as "title 26" thus requiring no change in text.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–147 effective as if included in the provisions of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001, Pub. L. 107–16, to which such amendment relates, see section 411(x) of Pub. L. 107–147, set out as a note under section 25B of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 2001 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–16 applicable to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2002, see section 602(c) of Pub. L. 107–16, set out as a note under section 408 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 1996 Amendments

Pub. L. 104–204, title VI, §603(c), Sept. 26, 1996, 110 Stat. 2938, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [enacting section 1185 of this title and amending this section and sections 1021, 1022, 1024, 1132, 1136, 1144, 1181, 1191, and 1191a of this title] shall apply with respect to group health plans for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 1998."

Amendment by Pub. L. 104–191 applicable with respect to group health plans for plan years beginning after June 30, 1997, except as otherwise provided, see section 101(g) of Pub. L. 104–191, set out as an Effective Date note under section 1181 of this title.

Effective Date of 1989 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 101–239 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if included in the provision of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, Pub. L. 99–514, to which such amendment relates, see section 7891(f) of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 1002 of this title.

¹ See References in Text note below.

Subtitle B—Regulatory Provisions

part 1—reporting and disclosure

§1021. Duty of disclosure and reporting

(a) Summary plan description and information to be furnished to participants and beneficiaries

The administrator of each employee benefit plan shall cause to be furnished in accordance with section 1024(b) of this title to each participant covered under the plan and to each beneficiary who is receiving benefits under the plan—

(1) a summary plan description described in section 1022(a)(1) ¹ of this title; and

(2) the information described in subsection (f) and sections 1024(b)(3) and 1025(a) and (c) of this title.

(b) Reports to be filed with Secretary of Labor

The administrator shall, in accordance with section 1024(a) of this title, file with the Secretary—

(1) the annual report containing the information required by section 1023 of this title; and

(2) terminal and supplementary reports as required by subsection (c) of this section.

(c) Terminal and supplementary reports

(1) Each administrator of an employee pension benefit plan which is winding up its affairs (without regard to the number of participants remaining in the plan) shall, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary, file such terminal reports as the Secretary may consider necessary. A copy of such report shall also be filed with the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.

(2) The Secretary may require terminal reports to be filed with regard to any employee welfare benefit plan which is winding up its affairs in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Secretary.

(3) The Secretary may require that a plan described in paragraph (1) or (2) file a supplementary or terminal report with the annual report in the year such plan is terminated and that a copy of such supplementary or terminal report in the case of a plan described in paragraph (1) be also filed with the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.

(d) Notice of failure to meet minimum funding standards

(1) In general

If an employer maintaining a plan other than a multiemployer plan fails to make a required installment or other payment required to meet the minimum funding standard under section 1082 of this title to a plan before the 60th day following the due date for such installment or other payment, the employer shall notify each participant and beneficiary (including an alternate payee as defined in section 1056(d)(3)(K) of this title) of such plan of such failure. Such notice shall be made at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may prescribe.

(2) Subsection not to apply if waiver pending

This subsection shall not apply to any failure if the employer has filed a waiver request under section 1083 or 1085a of this title with respect to the plan year to which the required installment relates, except that if the waiver request is denied, notice under paragraph (1) shall be provided within 60 days after the date of such denial.

(3) Definitions

For purposes of this subsection, the terms "required installment" and "due date" have the same meanings given such terms by section 1083(j) or 1085a(f) of this title, whichever is applicable.

(e) Notice of transfer of excess pension assets to health benefits accounts

(1) Notice to participants

Not later than 60 days before the date of a qualified transfer by an employee pension benefit plan of excess pension assets to a health benefits account or applicable life insurance account, the administrator of the plan shall notify (in such manner as the Secretary may prescribe) each participant and beneficiary under the plan of such transfer. Such notice shall include information with respect to the amount of excess pension assets, the portion to be transferred, the amount of health benefits liabilities or applicable life insurance benefit liabilities expected to be provided with the assets transferred, and the amount of pension benefits of the participant which will be nonforfeitable immediately after the transfer.

(2) Notice to Secretaries, administrator, and employee organizations

(A) In general

Not later than 60 days before the date of any qualified transfer by an employee pension benefit plan of excess pension assets to a health benefits account or applicable life insurance account, the employer maintaining the plan from which the transfer is made shall provide the Secretary, the Secretary of the Treasury, the administrator, and each employee organization representing participants in the plan a written notice of such transfer. A copy of any such notice shall be available for inspection in the principal office of the administrator.

(B) Information relating to transfer

Such notice shall identify the plan from which the transfer is made, the amount of the transfer, a detailed accounting of assets projected to be held by the plan immediately before and immediately after the transfer, and the current liabilities under the plan at the time of the transfer.

(C) Authority for additional reporting requirements

The Secretary may prescribe such additional reporting requirements as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this section.

(3) Definitions

For purposes of paragraph (1), any term used in such paragraph which is also used in section 420 of title 26 (as in effect on December 29, 2022) shall have the same meaning as when used in such section.

(f) Defined benefit plan funding notices

(1) In general

The administrator of a defined benefit plan to which subchapter III applies shall for each plan year provide a plan funding notice to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, to each plan participant and beneficiary, to each labor organization representing such participants or beneficiaries, and, in the case of a multiemployer plan, to each employer that has an obligation to contribute to the plan.

(2) Information contained in notices

(A) Identifying information

Each notice required under paragraph (1) shall contain identifying information, including the name of the plan, the address and phone number of the plan administrator and the plan's principal administrative officer, each plan sponsor's employer identification number, and the plan number of the plan.

(B) Specific information

A plan funding notice under paragraph (1) shall include—

(i)(I) in the case of a single-employer plan, a statement as to whether the plan's percentage of plan liabilities funded (as described in clause (ii)(I)(bb)) for the plan year to which the notice relates, and for the 2 preceding plan years, is at least 100 percent (and, if not, the actual percentages), or

(II) in the case of a multiemployer plan, a statement as to whether the plan's funded percentage (as defined in section 1085(i) ¹ of this title) for the plan year to which the notice relates, and for the 2 preceding plan years, is at least 100 percent (and, if not, the actual percentages),

(ii)(I) in the case of a single-employer plan—

(aa) a statement of the value of the plan's assets and liabilities for the plan year to which the notice relates as of the last day of the plan year to which the notice relates, and for the preceding 2 plan years as of the last day of each such plan year, determined using the asset valuation under subclause (II) of section 1306(a)(3)(E)(iii) of this title and the interest rate under section 1306(a)(3)(E)(iv) of this title,

(bb) for purposes of the statement in subparagraph (B)(i)(I), the percentage of plan liabilities funded, calculated as the ratio between the value of the plan's assets and liabilities, as determined under item (aa), for the plan year to which the notice relates and for the 2 preceding plan years, and

(cc) if the information in (aa) and (bb) is presented in tabular form, a statement that describes that in the event of a plan termination the corporation's calculation of plan liabilities may be greater and that references the section of the notice with the information required under clause (x), and

(II) in the case of a multiemployer plan, a statement, for the plan year to which the notice relates and the preceding 2 plan years, of the value of the plan assets (determined both in the same manner as under section 1084 of this title and under the rules of subclause (I)(aa)) and the value of the plan liabilities (determined in the same manner as under section 1084 of this title except that the method specified in section 1085(i)(8) ¹ of this title shall be used),

(iii) a statement of the number of participants for the plan year to which the notice relates as of the last day of such plan year and the preceding 2 plan years, in tabular format, who are—

(I) retired or separated from service and are receiving benefits,

(II) retired or separated participants entitled to future benefits, and

(III) active participants under the plan,

(iv) a statement setting forth the funding policy of the plan, the asset allocation of investments under the plan (expressed as percentages of total assets), and the average return on assets for the plan year, as of the end of the plan year to which the notice relates,

(v) in the case of a multiemployer plan, whether the plan was in critical or endangered status under section 1085 of this title for such plan year and, if so—

(I) a statement describing how a person may obtain a copy of the plan's funding improvement or rehabilitation plan, as appropriate, adopted under section 1085 of this title and the actuarial and financial data that demonstrate any action taken by the plan toward fiscal improvement, and

(II) a summary of any funding improvement plan, rehabilitation plan, or modification thereof adopted under section 1085 of this title during the plan year to which the notice relates,

(vi) in the case of a multiemployer plan, whether the plan was in critical and declining status under section 1085 of this title for such plan year and, if so—

(I) the projected date of insolvency;

(II) a clear statement that such insolvency may result in benefit reductions; and

(III) a statement describing whether the plan sponsor has taken legally permitted actions to prevent insolvency.²

(vii) in the case of any plan amendment, scheduled benefit increase or reduction, or other known event taking effect in the current plan year and having a material effect on plan liabilities or assets for the year (as defined in regulations by the Secretary), an explanation of the amendment, schedule increase or reduction, or event, and a projection to the end of such plan year of the effect of the amendment, scheduled increase or reduction, or event on plan liabilities,

(viii)(I) in the case of a single-employer plan, a summary of the rules governing termination of single-employer plans under subtitle C of subchapter III, or

(II) in the case of a multiemployer plan, a summary of the rules governing reorganization or insolvency, including the limitations on benefit payments,

(ix) in the case of a single-employer plan, a statement as to whether the plan's funded status, based on the plan's liabilities described under subclause (II) for the plan year to which the notice relates, and for the 2 preceding plan years, is at least 100 percent (and, if not, the actual percentages), that includes—

(I) the plan's assets, as of the last day of the plan year and for the 2 preceding plan years, as determined under clause (ii)(I)(aa),

(II) the plan's liabilities, as of the last day of the plan year and for the 2 preceding plan years, as determined under clause (ii)(1)(aa), and

(III) the funded status of the plan, determined as the ratio of the plan's assets and liabilities calculated under subclauses (I) and (II), for the plan year to which the notice relates, and for the 2 preceding plan years,

(x) a general description of the benefits under the plan which are eligible to be guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, along with an explanation of the limitations on the guarantee and the circumstances under which such limitations apply and a statement that, in the case of a single-employer plan—

(I) if plan assets are determined to be sufficient to pay vested benefits that are not guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, participants and beneficiaries may receive benefits in excess of the guaranteed amount, and

(II) such a determination generally uses assumptions that result in a plan having a lower funded status as compared to the plan's funded status disclosed in this notice.

(xi) a statement that a person may obtain a copy of the annual report of the plan filed under section 1024(a) of this title upon request, through the Internet website of the Department of Labor, or through an Intranet website maintained by the applicable plan sponsor (or plan administrator on behalf of the plan sponsor), and

(xii) if applicable, a statement that each contributing sponsor, and each member of the contributing sponsor's controlled group, of the single-employer plan was required to provide the information under section 1310 of this title for the plan year to which the notice relates.

(C) Other information

Each notice under paragraph (1) shall include—

(i) in the case of a multiemployer plan, a statement that the plan administrator shall provide, upon written request, to any labor organization representing plan participants and beneficiaries and any employer that has an obligation to contribute to the plan, a copy of the annual report filed with the Secretary under section 1024(a) of this title, and

(ii) any additional information which the plan administrator elects to include to the extent not inconsistent with regulations prescribed by the Secretary.

(D) Effect of segment rate stabilization on plan funding

(i) In general

In the case of a single-employer plan for an applicable plan year, each notice under paragraph (1) shall include—

(I) a statement that the MAP-21, the Highway and Transportation Funding Act of 2014,,³ the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015,,³ the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act modified the method for determining the interest rates used to determine the actuarial value of benefits earned under the plan, providing for a 25-year average of interest rates to be taken into account in addition to a 2-year average,

(II) a statement that, as a result of the MAP-21, the Highway and Transportation Funding Act of 2014,,³ the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015,,³ the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the plan sponsor may contribute less money to the plan when interest rates are at historical lows, and

(III) a table which shows (determined both with and without regard to section 1083(h)(2)(C)(iv) of this title) the funding target attainment percentage (as defined in section 1083(d)(2) of this title), the funding shortfall (as defined in section 1083(c)(4) of this title), and the minimum required contribution (as determined under section 1083 of this title), for the applicable plan year and each of the 2 preceding plan years.

(ii) Applicable plan year

For purposes of this subparagraph, the term "applicable plan year" means any plan year beginning after December 31, 2011, and before January 1, 2034, for which—

(I) the funding target (as defined in section 1083(d)(2) of this title) is less than 95 percent of such funding target determined without regard to section 1083(h)(2)(C)(iv) of this title,

(II) the plan has a funding shortfall (as defined in section 1083(c)(4) of this title and determined without regard to section 1083(h)(2)(C)(iv) of this title) greater than $500,000, and

(III) the plan had 50 or more participants on any day during the preceding plan year.

 For purposes of any determination under subclause (III), the aggregation rule under the last sentence of section 1083(g)(2)(B) of this title shall apply.

(iii) Special rule for plan years beginning before 2012

In the case of a preceding plan year referred to in clause (i)(III) which begins before January 1, 2012, the information described in such clause shall be provided only without regard to section 1083(h)(2)(C)(iv) of this title.

(E) Effect of CSEC plan rules on plan funding

In the case of a CSEC plan, each notice under paragraph (1) shall include—

(i) a statement that different rules apply to CSEC plans than apply to single-employer plans,

(ii) for the first 2 plan years beginning after December 31, 2013, a statement that, as a result of changes in the law made by the Cooperative and Small Employer Charity Pension Flexibility Act, the contributions to the plan may have changed, and

(iii) in the case of a CSEC plan that is in funding restoration status for the plan year, a statement that the plan is in funding restoration status for such plan year.

A copy of the statement required under clause (iii) shall be provided to the Secretary, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Director of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.

(3) Time for providing notice

(A) In general

Any notice under paragraph (1) shall be provided not later than 120 days after the end of the plan year to which the notice relates.

(B) Exception for small plans

In the case of a small plan (as such term is used under section 1083(g)(2)(B) of this title) any notice under paragraph (1) shall be provided upon filing of the annual report under section 1024(a) of this title.

(4) Form and manner

Any notice under paragraph (1)—

(A) shall be provided in a form and manner prescribed in regulations of the Secretary,

(B) shall be written in a manner so as to be understood by the average plan participant, and

(C) may be provided in written, electronic, or other appropriate form to the extent such form is reasonably accessible to persons to whom the notice is required to be provided.

(g) Reporting by certain arrangements

The Secretary shall, by regulation, require multiple employer welfare arrangements providing benefits consisting of medical care (within the meaning of section 1191b(a)(2) of this title) which are not group health plans to register with the Secretary prior to operating in a State and may, by regulation, require such multiple employer welfare arrangements to report, not more frequently than annually, in such form and such manner as the Secretary may require for the purpose of determining the extent to which the requirements of part 7 are being carried out in connection with such benefits.

(h) Simple retirement accounts

(1) No employer reports

Except as provided in this subsection, no report shall be required under this section by an employer maintaining a qualified salary reduction arrangement under section 408(p) of title 26.

(2) Summary description

The trustee of any simple retirement account established pursuant to a qualified salary reduction arrangement under section 408(p) of title 26 shall provide to the employer maintaining the arrangement each year a description containing the following information:

(A) The name and address of the employer and the trustee.

(B) The requirements for eligibility for participation.

(C) The benefits provided with respect to the arrangement.

(D) The time and method of making elections with respect to the arrangement.

(E) The procedures for, and effects of, withdrawals (including rollovers) from the arrangement.

(3) Employee notification

The employer shall notify each employee immediately before the period for which an election described in section 408(p)(5)(C) of title 26 may be made of the employee's opportunity to make such election. Such notice shall include a copy of the description described in paragraph (2).

(i) Notice of blackout periods to participant or beneficiary under individual account plan

(1) Duties of plan administrator

In advance of the commencement of any blackout period with respect to an individual account plan, the plan administrator shall notify the plan participants and beneficiaries who are affected by such action in accordance with this subsection.

(2) Notice requirements

(A) In general

The notices described in paragraph (1) shall be written in a manner calculated to be understood by the average plan participant and shall include—

(i) the reasons for the blackout period,

(ii) an identification of the investments and other rights affected,

(iii) the expected beginning date and length of the blackout period,

(iv) in the case of investments affected, a statement that the participant or beneficiary should evaluate the appropriateness of their current investment decisions in light of their inability to direct or diversify assets credited to their accounts during the blackout period, and

(v) such other matters as the Secretary may require by regulation.

(B) Notice to participants and beneficiaries

Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, notices described in paragraph (1) shall be furnished to all participants and beneficiaries under the plan to whom the blackout period applies at least 30 days in advance of the blackout period.

(C) Exception to 30-day notice requirement

In any case in which—

(i) a deferral of the blackout period would violate the requirements of subparagraph (A) or (B) of section 1104(a)(1) of this title, and a fiduciary of the plan reasonably so determines in writing, or

(ii) the inability to provide the 30-day advance notice is due to events that were unforeseeable or circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the plan administrator, and a fiduciary of the plan reasonably so determines in writing,

subparagraph (B) shall not apply, and the notice shall be furnished to all participants and beneficiaries under the plan to whom the blackout period applies as soon as reasonably possible under the circumstances unless such a notice in advance of the termination of the blackout period is impracticable.

(D) Written notice

The notice required to be provided under this subsection shall be in writing, except that such notice may be in electronic or other form to the extent that such form is reasonably accessible to the recipient.

(E) Notice to issuers of employer securities subject to blackout period

In the case of any blackout period in connection with an individual account plan, the plan administrator shall provide timely notice of such blackout period to the issuer of any employer securities subject to such blackout period.

(3) Exception for blackout periods with limited applicability

In any case in which the blackout period applies only to 1 or more participants or beneficiaries in connection with a merger, acquisition, divestiture, or similar transaction involving the plan or plan sponsor and occurs solely in connection with becoming or ceasing to be a participant or beneficiary under the plan by reason of such merger, acquisition, divestiture, or transaction, the requirement of this subsection that the notice be provided to all participants and beneficiaries shall be treated as met if the notice required under paragraph (1) is provided to such participants or beneficiaries to whom the blackout period applies as soon as reasonably practicable.

(4) Changes in length of blackout period

If, following the furnishing of the notice pursuant to this subsection, there is a change in the beginning date or length of the blackout period (specified in such notice pursuant to paragraph (2)(A)(iii)), the administrator shall provide affected participants and beneficiaries notice of the change as soon as reasonably practicable. In relation to the extended blackout period, such notice shall meet the requirements of paragraph (2)(D) and shall specify any material change in the matters referred to in clauses (i) through (v) of paragraph (2)(A).

(5) Regulatory exceptions

The Secretary may provide by regulation for additional exceptions to the requirements of this subsection which the Secretary determines are in the interests of participants and beneficiaries.

(6) Guidance and model notices

The Secretary shall issue guidance and model notices which meet the requirements of this subsection.

(7) Blackout period

For purposes of this subsection—

(A) In general

The term "blackout period" means, in connection with an individual account plan, any period for which any ability of participants or beneficiaries under the plan, which is otherwise available under the terms of such plan, to direct or diversify assets credited to their accounts, to obtain loans from the plan, or to obtain distributions from the plan is temporarily suspended, limited, or restricted, if such suspension, limitation, or restriction is for any period of more than 3 consecutive business days.

(B) Exclusions

The term "blackout period" does not include a suspension, limitation, or restriction—

(i) which occurs by reason of the application of the securities laws (as defined in section 78c(a)(47) of title 15),

(ii) which is a change to the plan which provides for a regularly scheduled suspension, limitation, or restriction which is disclosed to participants or beneficiaries through any summary of material modifications, any materials describing specific investment alternatives under the plan, or any changes thereto, or

(iii) which applies only to 1 or more individuals, each of whom is the participant, an alternate payee (as defined in section 1056(d)(3)(K) of this title), or any other beneficiary pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order (as defined in section 1056(d)(3)(B)(i) of this title).

(8) Individual account plan

(A) In general

For purposes of this subsection, the term "individual account plan" shall have the meaning provided such term in section 1002(34) of this title, except that such term shall not include a one-participant retirement plan.

(B) One-participant retirement plan

For purposes of subparagraph (A), the term "one-participant retirement plan" means a retirement plan that on the first day of the plan year—

(i) covered only one individual (or the individual and the individual's spouse) and the individual (or the individual and the individual's spouse) owned 100 percent of the plan sponsor (whether or not incorporated), or

(ii) covered only one or more partners (or partners and their spouses) in the plan sponsor.

(j) Notice of funding-based limitation on certain forms of distribution

The plan administrator of a single-employer plan shall provide a written notice to plan participants and beneficiaries within 30 days—

(1) after the plan has become subject to a restriction described in paragraph (1) or (3) of section 1056(g) of this title),⁴

(2) in the case of a plan to which section 1056(g)(4) of this title applies, after the valuation date for the plan year described in section 1056(g)(4)(A) of this title for which the plan's adjusted funding target attainment percentage for the plan year is less than 60 percent (or, if earlier, the date such percentage is deemed to be less than 60 percent under section 1056(g)(7) of this title), and

(3) at such other time as may be determined by the Secretary of the Treasury.

The notice required to be provided under this subsection shall be in writing, except that such notice may be in electronic or other form to the extent that such form is reasonably accessible to the recipient. The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary, shall have the authority to prescribe rules applicable to the notices required under this subsection.

(k) Multiemployer plan information made available on request

(1) In general

Each administrator of a defined benefit plan that is a multiemployer plan shall, upon written request, furnish to any plan participant or beneficiary, employee representative, or any employer that has an obligation to contribute to the plan a copy of—

(A) the current plan document (including any amendments thereto),

(B) the latest summary plan description of the plan,

(C) the current trust agreement (including any amendments thereto), or any other instrument or agreement under which the plan is established or operated,

(D) in the case of a request by an employer, any participation agreement with respect to the plan for such employer that relates to the employer's plan participation during the current or any of the 5 immediately preceding plan years,

(E) the annual report filed under section 1024 of this title for any plan year,

(F) the plan funding notice provided under subsection (f) for any plan year,

(G) any periodic actuarial report (including any sensitivity testing) received by the plan for any plan year which has been in the plan's possession for at least 30 days,

(H) any quarterly, semi-annual, or annual financial report prepared for the plan by any plan investment manager or advisor or other fiduciary which has been in the plan's possession for at least 30 days,

(I) audited financial statements of the plan for any plan year,

(J) any application filed with the Secretary of the Treasury requesting an extension under section 1084(d) of this title or section 431(d) of title 26 and the determination of such Secretary pursuant to such application, and

(K) in the case of a plan which was in critical or endangered status under section 1085 of this title for a plan year, the latest funding improvement or rehabilitation plan, and the contribution schedules applicable with respect to such funding improvement or rehabilitation plan (other than a contribution schedule applicable to a specific employer).

(2) Compliance

Information required to be provided under paragraph (1)—

(A) shall be provided to the requesting participant, beneficiary, or employer within 30 days after the request in a form and manner prescribed in regulations of the Secretary,

(B) may be provided in written, electronic, or other appropriate form to the extent such form is reasonably accessible to persons to whom the information is required to be provided, and

(C) shall not—

(i) include any individually identifiable information regarding any plan participant, beneficiary, employee, fiduciary, or contributing employer, or

(ii) reveal any proprietary information regarding the plan, any contributing employer, or entity providing services to the plan.

Subparagraph (C)(i) shall not apply to individually identifiable information with respect to any plan investment manager or adviser, or with respect to any other person (other than an employee of the plan) preparing a financial report required to be included under paragraph (1)(B).¹

(3) Limitations

In no case shall a participant, beneficiary, employee representative, or employer be entitled under this subsection to receive more than one copy of any document described in paragraph (1) during any one 12-month period, or, in the case of any document described in subparagraph (E), (F), (G), (H) or (I) of paragraph (1), a copy of any such document that as of the date on which the request is received by the administrator, has been in the administrator's possession for 6 years or more. If the administrator provides a copy of a document described in paragraph (1) to any person upon request, the administrator shall be considered as having met any obligation the administrator may have under any other provision of this subchapter to furnish a copy of the same document to such person upon request. The administrator may make a reasonable charge to cover copying, mailing, and other costs of furnishing copies of information pursuant to paragraph (1). The Secretary may by regulations prescribe the maximum amount which will constitute a reasonable charge under the preceding sentence.

(l) Notice of potential withdrawal liability

(1) In general

The plan sponsor or administrator of a multiemployer plan shall, upon written request, furnish to any employer who has an obligation to contribute to the plan a notice of—

(A) the estimated amount which would be the amount of such employer's withdrawal liability under part 1 of subtitle E of subchapter III if such employer withdrew on the last day of the plan year preceding the date of the request, and

(B) an explanation of how such estimated liability amount was determined, including the actuarial assumptions and methods used to determine the value of the plan liabilities and assets, the data regarding employer contributions, unfunded vested benefits, annual changes in the plan's unfunded vested benefits, and the application of any relevant limitations on the estimated withdrawal liability.

For purposes of subparagraph (B), the term "employer contribution" means, in connection with a participant, a contribution made by an employer as an employer of such participant.

(2) Compliance

Any notice required to be provided under paragraph (1)—

(A) shall be provided in a form and manner prescribed in regulations of the Secretary to the requesting employer within—

(i) 180 days after the request, or

(ii) subject to regulations of the Secretary, such longer time as may be necessary in the case of a plan that determines withdrawal liability based on any method described under paragraph (4) or (5) of section 1391(c) of this title; and

(B) may be provided in written, electronic, or other appropriate form to the extent such form is reasonably accessible to employers to whom the information is required to be provided.

(3) Limitations

In no case shall an employer be entitled under this subsection to receive more than one notice described in paragraph (1) during any one 12-month period. The person required to provide such notice may make a reasonable charge to cover copying, mailing, and other costs of furnishing such notice pursuant to paragraph (1). The Secretary may by regulations prescribe the maximum amount which will constitute a reasonable charge under the preceding sentence.

(m) Notice of right to divest

Not later than 30 days before the first date on which an applicable individual of an applicable individual account plan is eligible to exercise the right under section 1054(j) of this title to direct the proceeds from the divestment of employer securities with respect to any type of contribution, the administrator shall provide to such individual a notice—

(1) setting forth such right under such section, and

(2) describing the importance of diversifying the investment of retirement account assets.

The notice required by this subsection shall be written in a manner calculated to be understood by the average plan participant and may be delivered in written, electronic, or other appropriate form to the extent that such form is reasonably accessible to the recipient.

(n) Pension-linked emergency savings accounts

Nothing in this section shall preclude the Secretary from providing, by regulations or otherwise, simplified reporting procedures or requirements regarding such a pension-linked emergency savings account.

(o) Cross reference

For regulations relating to coordination of reports to the Secretaries of Labor and the Treasury, see section 1204 of this title.

(Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §101, Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 840; Pub. L. 100–203, title IX, §9304(d), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–348; Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §§7881(b)(5)(A), 7894(b)(2), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2438, 2448; Pub. L. 101–508, title XII, §12012(d)(1), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–572; Pub. L. 103–66, title IV, §4301(b)(1), Aug. 10, 1993, 107 Stat. 375; Pub. L. 103–465, title VII, §731(c)(4)(A), Dec. 8, 1994, 108 Stat. 5004; Pub. L. 104–188, title I, §1421(d)(1), Aug. 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1799; Pub. L. 104–191, title I, §101(e)(1), Aug. 21, 1996, 110 Stat. 1952; Pub. L. 104–204, title VI, §603(b)(3)(B), Sept. 26, 1996, 110 Stat. 2938; Pub. L. 105–34, title XV, §1503(a), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 1061; Pub. L. 105–200, title IV, §401(h)(1)(A), July 16, 1998, 112 Stat. 668; Pub. L. 106–170, title V, §535(a)(2)(A), Dec. 17, 1999, 113 Stat. 1934; Pub. L. 107–204, title III, §306(b)(1), July 30, 2002, 116 Stat. 780; Pub. L. 108–218, title I, §103(a), title II, §204(b)(1), Apr. 10, 2004, 118 Stat. 602, 609; Pub. L. 108–357, title VII, §709(a)(1), Oct. 22, 2004, 118 Stat. 1551; Pub. L. 109–280, title I, §§103(b)(1), 108(a)(1), (11), formerly §107(a)(1), (11), title V, §§501(a), 502(a)(1), (b)(1), 503(c)(2), 507(a), 509(a), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 815, 818, 819, 936, 939, 940, 944, 948, 952, renumbered Pub. L. 111–192, title II, §202(a), June 25, 2010, 124 Stat. 1297; Pub. L. 110–458, title I, §§101(c)(1)(A), 105(a), (b)(1), (g), Dec. 23, 2008, 122 Stat. 5097, 5104, 5105; Pub. L. 111–148, title VI, §6606, Mar. 23, 2010, 124 Stat. 781; Pub. L. 112–141, div. D, title II, §§40211(b)(2)(A), 40241(b)(1), 40242(e)(14), July 6, 2012, 126 Stat. 848, 859, 863; Pub. L. 113–97, title I, §104(a)(1), (b), Apr. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 1120; Pub. L. 113–159, title II, §2003(b)(2)(A), Aug. 8, 2014, 128 Stat. 1849; Pub. L. 113–235, div. O, title I, §111(a), (b), title II, §201(a)(4), Dec. 16, 2014, 128 Stat. 2792, 2793, 2799; Pub. L. 114–41, title II, §2007(b)(1), July 31, 2015, 129 Stat. 459; Pub. L. 114–74, title V, §504(b)(2)(A), Nov. 2, 2015, 129 Stat. 594; Pub. L. 117–2, title IX, §9706(b)(3)(A), Mar. 11, 2021, 135 Stat. 201; Pub. L. 117–58, div. H, title VI, §80602(b)(2)(A), Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 1339; Pub. L. 117–328, div. T, title I, §127(c)(2), title III, §343(a), title VI, §606(b)(1), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5324, 5378, 5397.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 1022(a)(1) of this title, referred to in subsec. (a)(1), was redesignated section 1022(a) of this title by Pub. L. 105–34, title XV, §1503(b)(1)(B), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 1061.

Section 1085(i) of this title, referred to in subsec. (f)(2)(B)(i)(II) and (ii)(II), was redesignated section 1085(j) of this title by Pub. L. 113–235, div. O, title I, §109(a)(3), Dec. 16, 2014, 128 Stat. 2789.

The MAP–21, referred to in subsecs. (f)(2)(D)(i)(I) and (II), also known as the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act, is Pub. L. 112–141, July 6, 2012, 126 Stat. 405. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 2012 Amendment note set out under section 101 of Title 23, Highways, and Tables.

The Highway and Transportation Funding Act of 2014, referred to in subsec. (f)(2)(D)(i)(I) and (II), is Pub. L. 113–159, Aug. 8, 2014, 128 Stat. 1839. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 2014 Amendment note set out under section 101 of Title 23, Highways, and Tables.

The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, referred to in subsec. (f)(2)(D)(i)(I) and (II), is Pub. L. 114–74, Nov. 2, 2015, 129 Stat. 584. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 2015 Amendment note set out under section 1 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code, and Tables.

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, referred to in subsec. (f)(2)(D)(i)(I) and (II), is Pub. L. 117–2, Mar. 11, 2021, 135 Stat. 4. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 2021 Amendment note set out under section 9001 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade, and Tables.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, referred to in subsec. (f)(2)(D)(i)(I) and (II), is Pub. L. 117–58, Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 429. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 2021 Amendment note set out under section 101 of Title 23, Highways, and Tables.

The Cooperative and Small Employer Charity Pension Flexibility Act, referred to in subsec. (f)(2)(E)(ii), is Pub. L. 113–97, Apr. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 1101. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 2014 Amendment note set out under section 1001 of this title and Tables.

The content of paragraph (1)(B) of subsec. (k) (relating to financial reports), referred to in subsec. (k)(2), was moved to subsec. (k)(1)(H) as a result of the general amendment of subsec. (k)(1) by Pub. L. 113–235, §111(a). See 2014 Amendment note below.

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 117–328, §606(b)(1), substituted "(as in effect on December 29, 2022)" for "(as in effect on July 31, 2015)".

Subsec. (f)(2)(B)(i)(I). Pub. L. 117–328, §343(a)(1), substituted "percentage of plan liabilities funded (as described in clause (ii)(I)(bb))" for "funding target attainment percentage (as defined in section 1083(d)(2) of this title)".

Subsec. (f)(2)(B)(ii)(I). Pub. L. 117–328, §343(a)(2)(A), struck out ", a statement of" after "single-employer plan" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (f)(2)(B)(ii)(I)(aa). Pub. L. 117–328, §343(a)(2)(B)–(D), redesignated item (bb) as (aa), inserted "a statement of" before "the value" and ", and for the preceding 2 plan years as of the last day of each such plan year," before "determined using", struck out "and" at end, and struck out former item (aa) which read as follows: "the total assets (separately stating the prefunding balance and the funding standard carryover balance) and liabilities of the plan, determined in the same manner as under section 1083 of this title, for the plan year to which the notice relates and for the 2 preceding plan years, as reported in the annual report for each such plan year, and".

Subsec. (f)(2)(B)(ii)(I)(bb), (cc). Pub. L. 117–328, §343(a)(2)(E), added items (bb) and (cc). Former item (bb) redesignated (aa).

Subsec. (f)(2)(B)(ii)(II). Pub. L. 117–328, §343(a)(3), substituted "subclause (I)(aa)" for "subclause (I)(bb)".

Subsec. (f)(2)(B)(iii). Pub. L. 117–328, §343(a)(4), inserted "for the plan year to which the notice relates as of the last day of such plan year and the preceding 2 plan years, in tabular format," after "participants" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (f)(2)(B)(iv). Pub. L. 117–328, §343(a)(5), substituted "plan, the asset" for "plan and the asset" and inserted ", and the average return on assets for the plan year," after "assets)".

Subsec. (f)(2)(B)(ix). Pub. L. 117–328, §343(a)(7), added cl. (ix). Former cl. (ix) redesignated (x).

Subsec. (f)(2)(B)(x). Pub. L. 117–328, §343(a)(8), substituted "apply and a statement that, in the case of a single-employer plan—" for "apply," and added subcls. (I) and (II).

Pub. L. 117–328, §343(a)(6), redesignated cl. (ix) as (x). Former cl. (x) redesignated (xi).

Subsec. (f)(2)(B)(xi), (xii). Pub. L. 117–328, §343(a)(6), redesignated cls. (x) and (xi) as (xi) and (xii), respectively.

Subsecs. (n), (o). Pub. L. 117–328, §127(c)(2), added subsec. (n) and redesignated former subsec. (n) as (o).

2021—Subsec. (f)(2)(D)(i)(I), (II). Pub. L. 117–58, §80602(b)(2)(A)(i), substituted ", the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act" for "and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021".

Pub. L. 117–2, §9706(b)(3)(A)(i), substituted ", the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021" for "and the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015".

Subsec. (f)(2)(D)(ii). Pub. L. 117–58, §80602(b)(2)(A)(ii), substituted "2034" for "2029" in introductory provisions.

Pub. L. 117–2, §9706(b)(3)(A)(ii), substituted "2029" for "2023" in introductory provisions.

2015—Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 114–41 substituted "July 31, 2015" for "July 6, 2012". Amendment was executed to reflect the probable intent of Congress notwithstanding an extra closing quotation mark in the directory language.

Subsec. (f)(2)(D)(i)(I), (II). Pub. L. 114–74, §504(b)(2)(A)(i), substituted ", the Highway and Transportation Funding Act of 2014, and the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015" for "and the Highway and Transportation Funding Act of 2014".

Subsec. (f)(2)(D)(ii). Pub. L. 114–74, §504(b)(2)(A)(ii), substituted "2023" for "2020" in introductory provisions.

2014—Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 113–97, §104(b)(1), substituted "section 1083 or 1085a of this title" for "section 1083 of this title".

Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 113–97, §104(b)(2), substituted "section 1083(j) or 1085a(f) of this title, whichever is applicable" for "section 1083(j) of this title".

Subsec. (f)(2)(B)(vi) to (xi). Pub. L. 113–235, §201(a)(4), added cl. (vi) and redesignated former cls. (vi) to (x) as (vii) to (xi), respectively.

Subsec. (f)(2)(D)(i)(I), (II). Pub. L. 113–159, §2003(b)(2)(A)(i), inserted "and the Highway and Transportation Funding Act of 2014" after "MAP-21".

Subsec. (f)(2)(D)(ii). Pub. L. 113–159, §2003(b)(2)(A)(ii), substituted "2020" for "2015" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (f)(2)(E). Pub. L. 113–97, §104(a)(1), added subpar. (E).

Subsec. (k)(1). Pub. L. 113–235, §111(a), amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) related to requirement to provide multiemployer plan information.

Subsec. (k)(3). Pub. L. 113–235, §111(b), substituted "In no case shall a participant, beneficiary, employee representative, or employer be entitled under this subsection to receive more than one copy of any document described in paragraph (1) during any one 12-month period, or, in the case of any document described in subparagraph (E), (F), (G), (H) or (I) of paragraph (1), a copy of any such document that as of the date on which the request is received by the administrator, has been in the administrator's possession for 6 years or more. If the administrator provides a copy of a document described in paragraph (1) to any person upon request, the administrator shall be considered as having met any obligation the administrator may have under any other provision of this subchapter to furnish a copy of the same document to such person upon request." for "In no case shall a participant, beneficiary, or employer be entitled under this subsection to receive more than one copy of any report or application described in paragraph (1) during any one 12-month period."

2012—Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 112–141, §40242(e)(14), inserted "or applicable life insurance account" after "health benefits account" and "or applicable life insurance benefit liabilities" after "health benefits liabilities".

Subsec. (e)(2)(A). Pub. L. 112–141, §40242(e)(14)(A), inserted "or applicable life insurance account" after "health benefits account".

Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 112–141, §40241(b)(1), substituted "July 6, 2012" for "August 17, 2006".

Subsec. (f)(2)(D). Pub. L. 112–141, §40211(b)(2)(A), added subpar. (D).

2010—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 111–148, §6606(2), inserted "to register with the Secretary prior to operating in a State and may, by regulation, require such multiple employer welfare arrangements" after "not group health plans".

Pub. L. 111–148, §6606(1), which directed substitution of "Secretary shall" for "Secretary may", was executed by making the substitution the first place appearing, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

2008—Subsec. (f)(2)(B)(ii)(I)(aa). Pub. L. 110–458, §105(a)(1), substituted "to which the notice relates" for "for which the latest annual report filed under section 1024(a) of this title was filed".

Subsec. (f)(2)(B)(ii)(II). Pub. L. 110–458, §105(a)(2), added subcl. (II) and struck out former subcl. (II) which read as follows: "in the case of a multiemployer plan, a statement of the value of the plan's assets and liabilities for the plan year to which the notice relates as the last day of such plan year and the preceding 2 plan years,".

Subsec. (i)(8)(B). Pub. L. 110–458, §105(g), amended subpar. (B) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "For purposes of subparagraph (A), the term 'one-participant retirement plan' means a retirement plan that—

"(i) on the first day of the plan year—

"(I) covered only one individual (or the individual and the individual's spouse) and the individual (or the individual and the individual's spouse) owned 100 percent of the plan sponsor (whether or not incorporated), or

"(II) covered only one or more partners (or partners and their spouses) in the plan sponsor, and

"(ii) does not cover a business that leases employees."

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 110–458, §101(c)(1)(A), substituted "section 1056(g)(4)(A)" for "section 1056(g)(4)(B)" in par. (2) and inserted "The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary, shall have the authority to prescribe rules applicable to the notices required under this subsection." in concluding provisions.

Subsec. (k)(2). Pub. L. 110–458, §105(b)(1), inserted concluding provisions.

2006—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 109–280, §503(c)(2), inserted "subsection (f) and" after "described in".

Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 109–280, §108(a)(1), formerly §107(a)(1), as renumbered by Pub. L. 111–192, substituted "1083(j)" for "1082(e)".

Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 109–280, §108(a)(11), formerly §107(a)(11), as renumbered by Pub. L. 111–192, substituted "August 17, 2006" for "October 22, 2004".

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 109–280, §501(a), amended heading and text of subsec. (f) generally, substituting provisions relating to defined benefit plan funding notices for provisions relating to multiemployer defined benefit plan funding notices.

Subsec. (i)(8)(B). Pub. L. 109–280, §509(a), added cl. (i), redesignated cl. (v) as (ii), and struck out former cls. (i) to (iv) which read as follows:

"(i) on the first day of the plan year—

"(I) covered only the employer (and the employer's spouse) and the employer owned the entire business (whether or not incorporated), or

"(II) covered only one or more partners (and their spouses) in a business partnership (including partners in an S or C corporation (as defined in section 1361(a) of title 26)),

"(ii) meets the minimum coverage requirements of section 410(b) of title 26 (as in effect on July 30, 2002) without being combined with any other plan of the business that covers the employees of the business,

"(iii) does not provide benefits to anyone except the employer (and the employer's spouse) or the partners (and their spouses),

"(iv) does not cover a business that is a member of an affiliated service group, a controlled group of corporations, or a group of businesses under common control, and".

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 109–280, §103(b)(1)(B), added subsec. (j). Former subsec. (j) redesignated (k).

Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 109–280, §502(a)(1)(B), added subsec. (k). Former subsec. (k) redesignated (l).

Pub. L. 109–280, §103(b)(1)(A), redesignated subsec. (j) as (k).

Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 109–280, §502(b)(1)(B), added subsec. (l). Former subsec. (l) redesignated (m).

Pub. L. 109–280, §502(a)(1)(A), redesignated subsec. (k) as (l).

Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 109–280, §507(a), added subsec. (m). Former subsec. (m) redesignated (n).

Pub. L. 109–280, §502(b)(1)(A), redesignated subsec. (l) as (m).

Subsec. (n). Pub. L. 109–280, §507(a), redesignated subsec. (m) as (n).

2004—Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 108–357 substituted "October 22, 2004" for "April 10, 2004".

Pub. L. 108–218, §204(b)(1), substituted "April 10, 2004" for "December 17, 1999".

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 108–218, §103(a), added subsec. (f).

2002—Subsecs. (h) to (j). Pub. L. 107–204 added subsec. (i) and redesignated subsec. (h) relating to cross reference as (j).

1999—Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 106–170 substituted "December 17, 1999" for "January 1, 1995".

1998—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 105–200 struck out subsec. (f) relating to information necessary to comply with Medicare and Medicaid Coverage Data Bank requirements.

1997—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 105–34 redesignated pars. (4) and (5) as (1) and (2), respectively, and struck out former pars. (1) to (3), which read as follows:

"(1) the summary plan description described in section 1022(a)(1) of this title;

"(2) a plan description containing the matter required in section 1022(b) of this title;

"(3) modifications and changes referred to in section 1022(a)(2) of this title;".

1996—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 104–204 made technical amendment to reference in original act which appears in text as reference to section 1191b of this title.

Pub. L. 104–191, §101(e)(1)(B), added subsec. (g). Former subsec. (g) redesignated (h).

Pub. L. 104–188 added subsec. (g). Former subsec. (g) redesignated (h).

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 104–191, §101(e)(1)(A), redesignated subsec. (g), relating to simple retirement accounts, as (h).

Pub. L. 104–188, §1421(d)(1), redesignated subsec. (g), relating to cross references, as (h).

1994—Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 103–465 substituted "1995" for "1991".

1993—Subsecs. (f), (g). Pub. L. 103–66 added subsec. (f) and redesignated former subsec. (f) as (g).

1990—Subsecs. (e), (f). Pub. L. 101–508 added subsec. (e) and redesignated former subsec. (e) as (f).

1989—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 101–239, §7894(b)(2), substituted "sections" for "section".

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 101–239, §7881(b)(5)(A), substituted "an employer maintaining a plan" for "an employer of a plan".

1987—Subsecs. (d), (e). Pub. L. 100–203 added subsec. (d) and redesignated former subsec. (d) as (e).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2022 Amendment

Amendment by section 127(c)(2) of Pub. L. 117–328 applicable to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2023, see section 127(g) of Pub. L. 117–328, set out as a note under section 72 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Pub. L. 117–328, div. T, title III, §343(b), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5380, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply with respect to plan years beginning after December 31, 2023."

Amendment by section 606(b)(1) of Pub. L. 117–328 applicable to transfers made after Dec. 29, 2022, see section 606(c) of Pub. L. 117–328, set out as a note under section 420 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 2021 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 117–58 applicable to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2021, see section 80602(c) of Pub. L. 117–58, set out as a note under section 430 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Amendment by Pub. L. 117–2 applicable with respect to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2019, with certain exceptions, see section 9706(c) of Pub. L. 117–2, set out as a note under section 430 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 2015 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–74 applicable with respect to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2015, see section 504(c) of Pub. L. 114–74, set out as a note under section 430 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 2014 Amendment

Pub. L. 113–235, div. O, title I, §111(e), Dec. 16, 2014, 128 Stat. 2794, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 1027 and 1132 of this title] shall apply with respect to plan years beginning after December 31, 2014."

Amendment by Pub. L. 113–159 applicable with respect to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2012, except as otherwise provided, see section 2003(e) of Pub. L. 113–159, set out as a note under section 430 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Amendment by Pub. L. 113–97 applicable to years beginning after Dec. 31, 2013, see section 3 of Pub. L. 113–97, set out as a note under section 401 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 2012 Amendment

Amendment by section 40211(b)(2)(A) of Pub. L. 112–141 applicable with respect to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2011, except as otherwise provided, see section 40211(c) of Pub. L. 112–141, set out as a note under section 404 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Amendment by section 40242(e)(14) of Pub. L. 112–141 applicable to transfers made after July 6, 2012, see section 40242(h) of Pub. L. 112–141, set out as a note under section 420 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 110–458 effective as if included in the provisions of Pub. L. 109–280 to which the amendment relates, except as otherwise provided, see section 112 of Pub. L. 110–458, set out as a note under section 72 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 2006 Amendment

Pub. L. 109–280, title I, §103(c), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 816, as amended by Pub. L. 110–458, title I, §101(c)(3), Dec. 23, 2008, 122 Stat. 5098, provided that:

"(1) In general.—The amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 1056 and 1132 of this title] shall apply to plan years beginning after December 31, 2007.

"(2) Collective bargaining exception.—In the case of a plan maintained pursuant to 1 or more collective bargaining agreements between employee representatives and 1 or more employers ratified before January 1, 2008, the amendments made by this section shall not apply to plan years beginning before the earlier of—

"(A) the later of—

"(i) the date on which the last collective bargaining agreement relating to the plan terminates (determined without regard to any extension thereof agreed to after the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 17, 2006]), or

"(ii) the first day of the first plan year to which the amendments made by this section would (but for this paragraph) apply, or

"(B) January 1, 2010.

For purposes of subparagraph (A)(i), any plan amendment made pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement relating to the plan which amends the plan solely to conform to any requirement added by this section shall not be treated as a termination of such collective bargaining agreement."

Pub. L. 109–280, title I, §108(e), formerly §107(e), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 820, renumbered Pub. L. 111–192, title II, §202(a), June 25, 2010, 124 Stat. 1297, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section, sections 1023, 1053, 1054, 1056, 1103, 1108, 1301, 1303, 1310, 1362, 1371, and 1423 of this title, and Reorganization Plan No. 4 of 1978, set out as a note under section 1001 of this title and in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, and repealing section 1057 of this title] shall apply to plan years beginning after 2007."

Pub. L. 109–280, title V, §501(d), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 939, provided that:

"(1) In general.—The amendments made by this section [amending this section and repealing section 1311 of this title] shall apply to plan years beginning after December 31, 2007, except that the amendment made by subsection (b) [repealing section 1311 of this title] shall apply to plan years beginning after December 31, 2006.

"(2) Transition rule.—Any requirement under section 101(f) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 [29 U.S.C. 1021(f)] (as amended by this section) to report the funding target attainment percentage or funded percentage of a plan with respect to any plan year beginning before January 1, 2008, shall be treated as met if the plan reports—

"(A) in the case of a plan year beginning in 2006, the funded current liability percentage (as defined in section 302(d)(8) of such Act [29 U.S.C. 1082(d)(8)]) of the plan for such plan year, and

"(B) in the case of a plan year beginning in 2007, the funding target attainment percentage or funded percentage as determined using such methods of estimation as the Secretary of the Treasury may provide."

Amendment by section 502(a)(1), (b)(1) of Pub. L. 109–280 applicable to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2007, see section 502(d) of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as a note under section 4980F of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Pub. L. 109–280, title V, §503(f), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 945, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 1023 and 1024 of this title] shall apply to plan years beginning after December 31, 2007."

Pub. L. 109–280, title V, §507(d), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 949, provided that:

"(1) In general.—The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 1132 of this title] shall apply to plan years beginning after December 31, 2006.

"(2) Transition rule.—If notice under section 101(m) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 [29 U.S.C. 1021(m)] (as added by this section) would otherwise be required to be provided before the 90th day after the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 17, 2006], such notice shall not be required to be provided until such 90th day."

Pub. L. 109–280, title V, §509(b), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 952, provided that: "The amendments made by this subsection [probably means this section, amending this section] shall take effect as if included in the provisions of section 306 of Public Law 107–204 (116 Stat. 745 et seq.)."

Effective Date of 2004 Amendment

Pub. L. 108–218, title I, §103(d), Apr. 10, 2004, 118 Stat. 604, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 1132 of this title] shall apply to plan years beginning after December 31, 2004."

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–204 effective 180 days after July 30, 2002, see section 7244(c) of Title 15, Commerce and Trade.

Effective Date of 1999 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 106–170 applicable to qualified transfers occurring after Dec. 17, 1999, see section 535(c)(1) of Pub. L. 106–170, set out as a note under section 420 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 1998 Amendment

Pub. L. 105–200, title IV, §401(h)(1)(B), July 16, 1998, 112 Stat. 668, provided that: "The amendment made by subparagraph (A) [amending this section] shall take effect as if included in the enactment of the Act entitled 'An Act to repeal the Medicare and Medicaid Coverage Data Bank', approved October 2, 1996 (Public Law 104–226; 110 Stat. 3033)."

Effective Date of 1996 Amendments

Amendment by Pub. L. 104–204 applicable with respect to group health plans for plan years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 1998, see section 603(c) of Pub. L. 104–204 set out as a note under section 1003 of this title.

Amendment of Pub. L. 104–191 applicable with respect to group health plans for plan years beginning after June 30, 1997, except as otherwise provided, see section 101(g) of Pub. L. 104–191, set out as an Effective Date note under section 1181 of this title.

Amendment by Pub. L. 104–188 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1996, see section 1421(e) of Pub. L. 104–188, set out as a note under section 72 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 1993 Amendment

Pub. L. 103–66, title IV, §4301(d), Aug. 10, 1993, 107 Stat. 377, provided that:

"(1) In general.—The amendments made by this section [enacting section 1169 of this title and amending this section and sections 1132 and 1144 of this title] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 10, 1993].

"(2) Plan amendments not required until january 1, 1994.—Any amendment to a plan required to be made by an amendment made by this section shall not be required to be made before the first plan year beginning on or after January 1, 1994, if—

"(A) during the period after the date before the date of the enactment of this Act and before such first plan year, the plan is operated in accordance with the requirements of the amendments made by this section, and

"(B) such plan amendment applies retroactively to the period after the date before the date of the enactment of this Act and before such first plan year.

A plan shall not be treated as failing to be operated in accordance with the provisions of the plan merely because it operates in accordance with this paragraph."

Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Pub. L. 101–508, title XII, §12012(e), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–573, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 1082, 1103, 1108, and 1132 of this title] shall apply to qualified transfers under section 420 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [26 U.S.C. 420] made after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 5, 1990]."

Effective Date of 1989 Amendment

Amendment by section 7881(b)(5)(A) of Pub. L. 101–239 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if included in the provision of the Pension Protection Act, Pub. L. 100–203, §§9302–9346, to which such amendment relates, see section 7882 of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 401 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Amendment by section 7894(b)(2) of Pub. L. 101–239 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if originally included in the provision of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, Pub. L. 93–406, to which such amendment relates, see section 7894(i) of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 1002 of this title.

Effective Date of 1987 Amendment

Pub. L. 100–203, title IX, §9304(d), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–348, as amended by Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §7881(b)(5)(C), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2438, provided that the amendment made by that section is effective with respect to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 1987.

Regulations

Pub. L. 109–280, title V, §502(a)(3), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 940, provided that: "The Secretary shall prescribe regulations under section 101(k)(2) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 [29 U.S.C. 1021(k)(2)] (as added by paragraph (1)) not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 17, 2006]."

Pub. L. 108–218, title I, §103(c), Apr. 10, 2004, 118 Stat. 604, provided that: "The Secretary of Labor shall, not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Apr. 10, 2004], issue regulations (including a model notice) necessary to implement the amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 1132 of this title]."

Secretary authorized, effective Sept. 2, 1974, to promulgate regulations wherever provisions of this subchapter call for the promulgation of regulations, see section 1031 of this title.

Applicability of Amendments by Subtitles A and B of Title I of Pub. L. 109–280

For special rules on applicability of amendments by subtitles A (§§101–108) and B (§§111–116) of title I of Pub. L. 109–280 to certain eligible cooperative plans, PBGC settlement plans, and eligible government contractor plans, see sections 104, 105, and 106 of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as notes under section 401 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Statements

Pub. L. 117–58, div. H, title VI, §80602(b)(2)(B), Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 1339, provided that: "The Secretary of Labor shall modify the statements required under subclauses (I) and (II) of section 101(f)(2)(D)(i) of such Act [the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, 29 U.S.C. 1021(f)(2)(D)(i)] to conform to the amendments made by this section [probably means "this subsection", which amended this section and section 1083 of this title]."

Pub. L. 117–2, title IX, §9706(b)(3)(B), Mar. 11, 2021, 135 Stat. 201, provided that: "The Secretary of Labor shall modify the statements required under subclauses (I) and (II) of section 101(f)(2)(D)(i) of such Act [the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, 29 U.S.C. 1021(f)(2)(D)(i)] to conform to the amendments made by this section [probably means "this subsection", which amended this section and section 1083 of this title]."

Pub. L. 114–74, title V, §504(b)(2)(B), Nov. 2, 2015, 129 Stat. 594, provided that: "The Secretary of Labor shall modify the statements required under subclauses (I) and (II) of section 101(f)(2)(D)(i) of such Act [the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, 29 U.S.C. 1021(f)(2)(D)(i)] to conform to the amendments made by this section [probably means "this subsection", which amended this section and section 1083 of this title]."

Pub. L. 113–159, title II, §2003(b)(2)(B), Aug. 8, 2014, 128 Stat. 1849, provided that: "The Secretary of Labor shall modify the statements required under subclauses (I) and (II) of section 101(f)(2)(D)(i) of such Act [the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, 29 U.S.C. 1021(f)(2)(D)(i)] to conform to the amendments made by this section [probably means "this subsection", which amended this section and section 1083 of this title]."

Model Notices and Forms

Pub. L. 113–97, title I, §104(a)(2), Apr. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 1120, provided that: "The Secretary of Labor may modify the model notice required to be published under section 501(c) of the Pension Protection Act of 2006 [section 501(c) of Pub. L. 109–280, set out below] to include the information described in section 101(f)(2)(E) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 [29 U.S.C. 1021(f)(2)(E)], as added by this subsection."

Pub. L. 112–141, div. D, title II, §40211(b)(2)(B), July 6, 2012, 126 Stat. 849, provided that: "The Secretary of Labor shall modify the model notice required to be published under section 501(c) of the Pension Protection Act of 2006 [section 501(c) of Pub. L. 109–280, set out below] to prominently include the information described in section 101(f)(2)(D) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 [29 U.S.C. 1021(f)(2)(D)], as added by this paragraph."

Pub. L. 109–280, title V, §501(c), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 939, provided that: "Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 17, 2006], the Secretary of Labor shall publish a model version of the notice required by section 101(f) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 [29 U.S.C. 1021(f)]. The Secretary of Labor may promulgate any interim final rules as the Secretary determines appropriate to carry out the provisions of this subsection."

Pub. L. 109–280, title V, §503(e), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 945, as amended by Pub. L. 110–458, title I, §105(c)(2), Dec. 23, 2008, 122 Stat. 5105, provided that: "Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 17, 2006], the Secretary of Labor shall publish a model form for providing the statements, schedules, and other material required to be provided under section 104(d) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 [29 U.S.C. 1024(d)], as amended by this section. The Secretary of Labor may promulgate any interim final rules as the Secretary determines appropriate to carry out the provisions of this subsection."

Pub. L. 109–280, title V, §507(c), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 949, provided that: "The Secretary of the Treasury shall, within 180 days after the date of the enactment of this subsection [Aug. 17, 2006], prescribe a model notice for purposes of satisfying the requirements of the amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 1132 of this title]."

Plan Amendments Not Required Until July 30, 2002

For provisions directing that if any amendment made by section 306(b) of Pub. L. 107–204 requires an amendment to any plan, such plan amendment shall not be required to be made before the first plan year beginning on or after July 30, 2002, see section 7244(b)(3) of Title 15, Commerce and Trade.

Plan Amendments Not Required Until January 1, 1998

For provisions directing that if any amendments made by subtitle D [§§1401–1465] of title I of Pub. L. 104–188 require an amendment to any plan or annuity contract, such amendment shall not be required to be made before the first day of the first plan year beginning on or after Jan. 1, 1998, see section 1465 of Pub. L. 104–188, set out as a note under section 401 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

¹ See References in Text note below.

² So in original. The period probably should be a comma.

³ So in original.

⁴ So in original. The closing parenthesis probably should not appear.

§1022. Summary plan description

(a) A summary plan description of any employee benefit plan shall be furnished to participants and beneficiaries as provided in section 1024(b) of this title. The summary plan description shall include the information described in subsection (b), shall be written in a manner calculated to be understood by the average plan participant, and shall be sufficiently accurate and comprehensive to reasonably apprise such participants and beneficiaries of their rights and obligations under the plan. A summary of any material modification in the terms of the plan and any change in the information required under subsection (b) shall be written in a manner calculated to be understood by the average plan participant and shall be furnished in accordance with section 1024(b)(1) of this title.

(b) The summary plan description shall contain the following information: The name and type of administration of the plan; in the case of a group health plan (as defined in section 1191b(a)(1) of this title), whether a health insurance issuer (as defined in section 1191b(b)(2) of this title) is responsible for the financing or administration (including payment of claims) of the plan and (if so) the name and address of such issuer; the name and address of the person designated as agent for the service of legal process, if such person is not the administrator; the name and address of the administrator; names, titles, and addresses of any trustee or trustees (if they are persons different from the administrator); a description of the relevant provisions of any applicable collective bargaining agreement; the plan's requirements respecting eligibility for participation and benefits; a description of the provisions providing for nonforfeitable pension benefits; circumstances which may result in disqualification, ineligibility, or denial or loss of benefits; the source of financing of the plan and the identity of any organization through which benefits are provided; the date of the end of the plan year and whether the records of the plan are kept on a calendar, policy, or fiscal year basis; the procedures to be followed in presenting claims for benefits under the plan including the office at the Department of Labor through which participants and beneficiaries may seek assistance or information regarding their rights under this chapter and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 with respect to health benefits that are offered through a group health plan (as defined in section 1191b(a)(1) of this title), the remedies available under the plan for the redress of claims which are denied in whole or in part (including procedures required under section 1133 of this title), and if the employer so elects for purposes of complying with section 1181(f)(3)(B)(i) of this title, the model notice applicable to the State in which the participants and beneficiaries reside.

(Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §102, Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 841; Pub. L. 104–191, title I, §101(c)(2), Aug. 21, 1996, 110 Stat. 1951; Pub. L. 104–204, title VI, §603(b)(3)(C), Sept. 26, 1996, 110 Stat. 2938; Pub. L. 105–34, title XV, §1503(b), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 1061; Pub. L. 111–3, title III, §311(b)(1)(B), Feb. 4, 2009, 123 Stat. 67.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in subsec. (b), was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 93–406, known as the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Titles I, III, and IV of such Act are classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1001 of this title and Tables.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, referred to in subsec. (b), is Pub. L. 104–191, Aug. 21, 1996, 110 Stat. 1936. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1996 Amendment note set out under section 201 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, and Tables.

Amendments

2009—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 111–3 substituted ", the remedies" for "and the remedies" and inserted ", and if the employer so elects for purposes of complying with section 1181(f)(3)(B)(i) of this title, the model notice applicable to the State in which the participants and beneficiaries reside" before the period at end.

1997—Pub. L. 105–34, §1503(b)(2)(B), substituted "Summary plan description" for "Plan description and summary plan description" in section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 105–34, §1503(b)(1), struck out "(1)" after subsec. designation and struck out par. (2) which read as follows: "A plan description (containing the information required by subsection (b)) of any employee benefit plan shall be prepared on forms prescribed by the Secretary, and shall be filed with the Secretary as required by section 1024(a)(1) of this title. Any material modification in the terms of the plan and any change in the information described in subsection (b) shall be filed in accordance with section 1024(a)(1)(D) of this title."

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 105–34, §1503(b)(2)(A), substituted "The summary plan description shall contain" for "The plan description and summary plan description shall contain".

1996—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 104–204 made technical amendment to references in original act which appear in text as references to section 1191b of this title.

Pub. L. 104–191 inserted "in the case of a group health plan (as defined in section 1191b(a)(1) of this title), whether a health insurance issuer (as defined in section 1191b(b)(2) of this title) is responsible for the financing or administration (including payment of claims) of the plan and (if so) the name and address of such issuer;" after "type of administration of the plan;" and "including the office at the Department of Labor through which participants and beneficiaries may seek assistance or information regarding their rights under this chapter and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 with respect to health benefits that are offered through a group health plan (as defined in section 1191b(a)(1) of this title)" after "presenting claims for benefits under the plan".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2009 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 111–3 effective Apr. 1, 2009, and applicable to child health assistance and medical assistance provided on or after that date, with certain exceptions, see section 3 of Pub. L. 111–3, set out as an Effective Date note under section 1396 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

Effective Date of 1996 Amendments

Amendment by Pub. L. 104–204 applicable with respect to group health plans for plan years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 1998, see section 603(c) of Pub. L. 104–204 set out as a note under section 1003 of this title.

Amendment by Pub. L. 104–191 applicable with respect to group health plans for plan years beginning after June 30, 1997, except as otherwise provided, see section 101(g) of Pub. L. 104–191, set out as an Effective Date note under section 1181 of this title.

Regulations

Secretary authorized, effective Sept. 2, 1974, to promulgate regulations wherever provisions of this subchapter call for the promulgation of regulations, see section 1031 of this title.

§1023. Annual reports

(a) Publication and filing

(1)(A) An annual report shall be published with respect to every employee benefit plan to which this part applies. Such report shall be filed with the Secretary in accordance with section 1024(a) of this title, and shall be made available and furnished to participants in accordance with section 1024(b) of this title.

(B) The annual report shall include the information described in subsections (b) and (c) and where applicable subsections (d), (e), (f), and (g) and shall also include—

(i) a financial statement and opinion, as required by paragraph (3) of this subsection, and

(ii) an actuarial statement and opinion, as required by paragraph (4) of this subsection.

(2) If some or all of the information necessary to enable the administrator to comply with the requirements of this subchapter is maintained by—

(A) an insurance carrier or other organization which provides some or all of the benefits under the plan, or holds assets of the plan in a separate account,

(B) a bank or similar institution which holds some or all of the assets of the plan in a common or collective trust or a separate trust, or custodial account, or

(C) a plan sponsor as defined in section 1002(16)(B) of this title,

such carrier, organization, bank, institution, or plan sponsor shall transmit and certify the accuracy of such information to the administrator within 120 days after the end of the plan year (or such other date as may be prescribed under regulations of the Secretary).

(3)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (C), the administrator of an employee benefit plan shall engage, on behalf of all plan participants, an independent qualified public accountant, who shall conduct such an examination of any financial statements of the plan, and of other books and records of the plan, as the accountant may deem necessary to enable the accountant to form an opinion as to whether the financial statements and schedules required to be included in the annual reports by subsection (b) of this section are presented fairly in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a basis consistent with that of the preceding year. Such examination shall be conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, and shall involve such tests of the books and records of the plan as are considered necessary by the independent qualified public accountant. The independent qualified public accountant shall also offer his opinion as to whether the separate schedules specified in subsection (b)(3) of this section and the summary material required under section 1024(b)(3) of this title present fairly, and in all material respects the information contained therein when considered in conjunction with the financial statements taken as a whole. The opinion by the independent qualified public accountant shall be made a part of the annual report. In a case where a plan is not required to file an annual report, the requirements of this paragraph shall not apply. In a case where by reason of section 1024(a)(2) of this title a plan is required only to file a simplified annual report, the Secretary may waive the requirements of this paragraph.

(B) In offering his opinion under this section the accountant may rely on the correctness of any actuarial matter certified to by an enrolled actuary, if he so states his reliance.

(C) The opinion required by subparagraph (A) need not be expressed as to any statements required by subsection (b)(3)(G) prepared by a bank or similar institution or insurance carrier regulated and supervised and subject to periodic examination by a State or Federal agency if such statements are certified by the bank, similar institution, or insurance carrier as accurate and are made a part of the annual report.

(D) For purposes of this subchapter, the term "qualified public accountant" means—

(i) a person who is a certified public accountant, certified by a regulatory authority of a State;

(ii) a person who is a licensed public accountant licensed by a regulatory authority of a State; or

(iii) a person certified by the Secretary as a qualified public accountant in accordance with regulations published by him for a person who practices in States where there is no certification or licensing procedure for accountants.

(4)(A) The administrator of an employee pension benefit plan subject to the reporting requirement of subsection (d) of this section shall engage, on behalf of all plan participants, an enrolled actuary who shall be responsible for the preparation of the materials comprising the actuarial statement required under subsection (d) of this section. In a case where a plan is not required to file an annual report, the requirement of this paragraph shall not apply, and, in a case where by reason of section 1024(a)(2) of this title, a plan is required only to file a simplified report, the Secretary may waive the requirement of this paragraph.

(B) The enrolled actuary shall utilize such assumptions and techniques as are necessary to enable him to form an opinion as to whether the contents of the matters reported under subsection (d) of this section—

(i) are in the aggregate reasonably related to the experience of the plan and to reasonable expectations; and

(ii) represent his best estimate of anticipated experience under the plan.

The opinion by the enrolled actuary shall be made with respect to, and shall be made a part of, each annual report.

(C) For purposes of this subchapter, the term "enrolled actuary" means an actuary enrolled under subtitle C of subchapter II of this chapter.

(D) In making a certification under this section the enrolled actuary may rely on the correctness of any accounting matter under subsection (b) to which any qualified public accountant has expressed an opinion, if he so states his reliance.

(b) Financial statement

An annual report under this section shall include a financial statement containing the following information:

(1) With respect to an employee welfare benefit plan: a statement of assets and liabilities; a statement of changes in fund balance; and a statement of changes in financial position. In the notes to financial statements, disclosures concerning the following items shall be considered by the accountant: a description of the plan including any significant changes in the plan made during the period and the impact of such changes on benefits; a description of material lease commitments, other commitments, and contingent liabilities; a description of agreements and transactions with persons known to be parties in interest; a general description of priorities upon termination of the plan; information concerning whether or not a tax ruling or determination letter has been obtained; and any other matters necessary to fully and fairly present the financial statements of the plan.

(2) With respect to an employee pension benefit plan: a statement of assets and liabilities, and a statement of changes in net assets available for plan benefits which shall include details of revenues and expenses and other changes aggregated by general source and application. In the notes to financial statements, disclosures concerning the following items shall be considered by the accountant: a description of the plan including any significant changes in the plan made during the period and the impact of such changes on benefits; the funding policy (including policy with respect to prior service cost), and any changes in such policies during the year; a description of any significant changes in plan benefits made during the period; a description of material lease commitments, other commitments, and contingent liabilities; a description of agreements and transactions with persons known to be parties in interest; a general description of priorities upon termination of the plan; information concerning whether or not a tax ruling or determination letter has been obtained; and any other matters necessary to fully and fairly present the financial statements of such pension plan.

(3) With respect to all employee benefit plans, the statement required under paragraph (1) or (2) shall have attached the following information in separate schedules:

(A) a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan aggregated by categories and valued at their current value, and the same data displayed in comparative form for the end of the previous fiscal year of the plan;

(B) a statement of receipts and disbursements during the preceding twelve-month period aggregated by general sources and applications;

(C) a schedule of all assets held for investment purposes aggregated and identified by issuer, borrower, or lessor, or similar party to the transaction (including a notation as to whether such party is known to be a party in interest), maturity date, rate of interest, collateral, par or maturity value, cost, and current value;

(D) a schedule of each transaction involving a person known to be party in interest, the identity of such party in interest and his relationship or that of any other party in interest to the plan, a description of each asset to which the transaction relates; the purchase or selling price in case of a sale or purchase, the rental in case of a lease, or the interest rate and maturity date in case of a loan; expense incurred in connection with the transaction; the cost of the asset, the current value of the asset, and the net gain (or loss) on each transaction;

(E) a schedule of all loans or fixed income obligations which were in default as of the close of the plan's fiscal year or were classified during the year as uncollectable and the following information with respect to each loan on such schedule (including a notation as to whether parties involved are known to be parties in interest): the original principal amount of the loan, the amount of principal and interest received during the reporting year, the unpaid balance, the identity and address of the obligor, a detailed description of the loan (including date of making and maturity, interest rate, the type and value of collateral, and other material terms), the amount of principal and interest overdue (if any) and an explanation thereof;

(F) a list of all leases which were in default or were classified during the year as uncollectable; and the following information with respect to each lease on such schedule (including a notation as to whether parties involved are known to be parties in interest): the type of property leased (and, in the case of fixed assets such as land, buildings, leasehold, and so forth, the location of the property), the identity of the lessor or lessee from or to whom the plan is leasing, the relationship of such lessors and lessees, if any, to the plan, the employer, employee organization, or any other party in interest, the terms of the lease regarding rent, taxes, insurance, repairs, expenses, and renewal options; the date the leased property was purchased and its cost, the date the property was leased and its approximate value at such date, the gross rental receipts during the reporting period, expenses paid for the leased property during the reporting period, the net receipts from the lease, the amounts in arrears, and a statement as to what steps have been taken to collect amounts due or otherwise remedy the default;

(G) if some or all of the assets of a plan or plans are held in a common or collective trust maintained by a bank or similar institution or in a separate account maintained by an insurance carrier or a separate trust maintained by a bank as trustee, the report shall include the most recent annual statement of assets and liabilities of such common or collective trust, and in the case of a separate account or a separate trust, such other information as is required by the administrator in order to comply with this subsection; and

(H) a schedule of each reportable transaction, the name of each party to the transaction (except that, in the case of an acquisition or sale of a security on the market, the report need not identify the person from whom the security was acquired or to whom it was sold) and a description of each asset to which the transaction applies; the purchase or selling price in case of a sale or purchase, the rental in case of a lease, or the interest rate and maturity date in case of a loan; expenses incurred in connection with the transaction; the cost of the asset, the current value of the asset, and the net gain (or loss) on each transaction. For purposes of the preceding sentence, the term "reportable transaction" means a transaction to which the plan is a party if such transaction is—

(i) a transaction involving an amount in excess of 3 percent of the current value of the assets of the plan;

(ii) any transaction (other than a transaction respecting a security) which is part of a series of transactions with or in conjunction with a person in a plan year, if the aggregate amount of such transactions exceeds 3 percent of the current value of the assets of the plan;

(iii) a transaction which is part of a series of transactions respecting one or more securities of the same issuer, if the aggregate amount of such transactions in the plan year exceeds 3 percent of the current value of the assets of the plan; or

(iv) a transaction with or in conjunction with a person respecting a security, if any other transaction with or in conjunction with such person in the plan year respecting a security is required to be reported by reason of clause (i).

(4) The Secretary may, by regulation, relieve any plan from filing a copy of a statement of assets and liabilities (or other information) described in paragraph (3)(G) if such statement and other information is filed with the Secretary by the bank or insurance carrier which maintains the common or collective trust or separate account.

(c) Information to be furnished by administrator

The administrator shall furnish as a part of a report under this section the following information:

(1) The number of employees covered by the plan.

(2) The name and address of each fiduciary.

(3) Except in the case of a person whose compensation is minimal (determined under regulations of the Secretary) and who performs solely ministerial duties (determined under such regulations), the name of each person (including but not limited to, any consultant, broker, trustee, accountant, insurance carrier, actuary, administrator, investment manager, or custodian who rendered services to the plan or who had transactions with the plan) who received directly or indirectly compensation from the plan during the preceding year for services rendered to the plan or its participants, the amount of such compensation, the nature of his services to the plan or its participants, his relationship to the employer of the employees covered by the plan, or the employee organization, and any other office, position, or employment he holds with any party in interest.

(4) An explanation of the reason for any change in appointment of trustee, accountant, insurance carrier, enrolled actuary, administrator, investment manager, or custodian.

(5) Such financial and actuarial information including but not limited to the material described in subsections (b) and (d) of this section as the Secretary may find necessary or appropriate.

(d) Actuarial statement

With respect to an employee pension benefit plan (other than (A) a profit sharing, savings, or other plan, which is an individual account plan, (B) a plan described in section 1081(b) of this title, or (C) a plan described both in section 1321(b) of this title and in paragraph (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), or (7) of section 1081(a) of this title) an annual report under this section for a plan year shall include a complete actuarial statement applicable to the plan year which shall include the following:

(1) The date of the plan year, and the date of the actuarial valuation applicable to the plan year for which the report is filed.

(2) The date and amount of the contribution (or contributions) received by the plan for the plan year for which the report is filed and contributions for prior plan years not previously reported.

(3) The following information applicable to the plan year for which the report is filed: the normal costs or target normal costs, the accrued liabilities or funding target, an identification of benefits not included in the calculation; a statement of the other facts and actuarial assumptions and methods used to determine costs, and a justification for any change in actuarial assumptions or cost methods; and the minimum contribution required under section 1082 of this title.

(4) The number of participants and beneficiaries, both retired and nonretired, covered by the plan.

(5) The current value of the assets accumulated in the plan, and the present value of the assets of the plan used by the actuary in any computation of the amount of contributions to the plan required under section 1082 of this title and a statement explaining the basis of such valuation of present value of assets.

(6) Information required in regulations of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation with respect to:

(A) the current value of the assets of the plan,

(B) the present value of all nonforfeitable benefits for participants and beneficiaries receiving payments under the plan,

(C) the present value of all nonforfeitable benefits for all other participants and beneficiaries,

(D) the present value of all accrued benefits which are not nonforfeitable (including a separate accounting of such benefits which are benefit commitments, as defined in section 1301(a)(16) of this title), and

(E) the actuarial assumptions and techniques used in determining the values described in subparagraphs (A) through (D).

(7) A certification of the contribution necessary to reduce the minimum required contribution determined under section 1083 of this title, or the accumulated funding deficiency determined under section 1084 of this title, to zero.

(8) A statement by the enrolled actuary—

(A) that to the best of his knowledge the report is complete and accurate, and

(B) the applicable requirements of sections 1083(h), 1084(c)(3), and 1085a(c)(3) of this title (relating to reasonable actuarial assumptions and methods) have been complied with.

(9) A copy of the opinion required by subsection (a)(4).

(10) A statement by the actuary which discloses—

(A) any event which the actuary has not taken into account, and

(B) any trend which, for purposes of the actuarial assumptions used, was not assumed to continue in the future,

but only if, to the best of the actuary's knowledge, such event or trend may require a material increase in plan costs or required contribution rates.

(11) If the current value of the assets of the plan is less than 70 percent of—

(A) in the case of a single-employer plan, the funding target (as defined in section 1083(d)(1) of this title) of the plan, or

(B) in the case of a multiemployer plan, the current liability (as defined in section 1084(c)(6)(D) of this title) under the plan,

the percentage which such value is of the amount described in subparagraph (A) or (B).

(12) A statement explaining the actuarial assumptions and methods used in projecting future retirements and forms of benefit distributions under the plan.

(13) Such other information regarding the plan as the Secretary may by regulation require.

(14) Such other information as may be necessary to fully and fairly disclose the actuarial position of the plan.

Such actuary shall make an actuarial valuation of the plan for every third plan year, unless he determines that a more frequent valuation is necessary to support his opinion under subsection (a)(4) of this section.

(e) Statement from insurance company, insurance service, or other similar organizations which sell or guarantee plan benefits

If some or all of the benefits under the plan are purchased from and guaranteed by an insurance company, insurance service, or other similar organization, a report under this section shall include a statement from such insurance company, service, or other similar organization covering the plan year and enumerating—

(1) the premium rate or subscription charge and the total premium or subscription charges paid to each such carrier, insurance service, or other similar organization and the approximate number of persons covered by each class of such benefits; and

(2) the total amount of premiums received, the approximate number of persons covered by each class of benefits, and the total claims paid by such company, service, or other organization; dividends or retroactive rate adjustments, commissions, and administrative service or other fees or other specific acquisition costs paid by such company, service, or other organization; any amounts held to provide benefits after retirement; the remainder of such premiums; and the names and addresses of the brokers, agents, or other persons to whom commissions or fees were paid, the amount paid to each, and for what purpose. If any such company, service, or other organization does not maintain separate experience records covering the specific groups it serves, the report shall include in lieu of the information required by the foregoing provisions of this paragraph (A) a statement as to the basis of its premium rate or subscription charge, the total amount of premiums or subscription charges received from the plan, and a copy of the financial report of the company, service, or other organization and (B) if such company, service, or organization incurs specific costs in connection with the acquisition or retention of any particular plan or plans, a detailed statement of such costs.

(f) Additional information with respect to defined benefit plans

(1) Liabilities under 2 or more plans

(A) In general

In any case in which any liabilities to participants or their beneficiaries under a defined benefit plan as of the end of a plan year consist (in whole or in part) of liabilities to such participants and beneficiaries under 2 or more pension plans as of immediately before such plan year, an annual report under this section for such plan year shall include the funded percentage of each of such 2 or more pension plans as of the last day of such plan year and the funded percentage of the plan with respect to which the annual report is filed as of the last day of such plan year.

(B) Funded percentage

For purposes of this paragraph, the term "funded percentage"—

(i) in the case of a single-employer plan, means the funding target attainment percentage, as defined in section 1083(d)(2) of this title, and

(ii) in the case of a multiemployer plan, has the meaning given such term in section 1085(i)(2) of this title.

(2) Additional information for multiemployer plans

With respect to any defined benefit plan which is a multiemployer plan, an annual report under this section for a plan year shall include, in addition to the information required under paragraph (1), the following, as of the end of the plan year to which the report relates:

(A) The number of employers obligated to contribute to the plan.

(B) A list of the employers that contributed more than 5 percent of the total contributions to the plan during such plan year.

(C) The number of participants under the plan on whose behalf no contributions were made by an employer as an employer of the participant for such plan year and for each of the 2 preceding plan years.

(D) The ratios of—

(i) the number of participants under the plan on whose behalf no employer had an obligation to make an employer contribution during the plan year, to

(ii) the number of participants under the plan on whose behalf no employer had an obligation to make an employer contribution during each of the 2 preceding plan years.

(E) Whether the plan received an amortization extension under section 1084(d) of this title or section 431(d) of title 26 for such plan year and, if so, the amount of the difference between the minimum required contribution for the year and the minimum required contribution which would have been required without regard to the extension, and the period of such extension.

(F) Whether the plan used the shortfall funding method (as such term is used in section 1085 of this title) for such plan year and, if so, the amount of the difference between the minimum required contribution for the year and the minimum required contribution which would have been required without regard to the use of such method, and the period of use of such method.

(G) Whether the plan was in critical or endangered status under section 1085 of this title for such plan year, and if so, a summary of any funding improvement or rehabilitation plan (or modification thereto) adopted during the plan year, and the funded percentage of the plan.

(H) The number of employers that withdrew from the plan during the preceding plan year and the aggregate amount of withdrawal liability assessed, or estimated to be assessed, against such withdrawn employers.

(I) In the case of a multiemployer plan that has merged with another plan or to which assets and liabilities have been transferred, the actuarial valuation of the assets and liabilities of each affected plan during the year preceding the effective date of the merger or transfer, based upon the most recent data available as of the day before the first day of the plan year, or other valuation method performed under standards and procedures as the Secretary may prescribe by regulation.

(g) Additional information with respect to pooled employer and multiple employer plans

An annual report under this section for a plan year shall include—

(1) with respect to any plan to which section 1060(a) of this title applies (including a pooled employer plan), a list of employers in the plan and a good faith estimate of the percentage of total contributions made by such employers during the plan year and the aggregate account balances attributable to each employer in the plan (determined as the sum of the account balances of the employees of such employer (and the beneficiaries of such employees)); and

(2) with respect to a pooled employer plan, the identifying information for the person designated under the terms of the plan as the pooled plan provider.

(Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §103, Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 841; Pub. L. 96–364, title III, §307, Sept. 26, 1980, 94 Stat. 1295; Pub. L. 99–272, title XI, §11016(b)(1), Apr. 7, 1986, 100 Stat. 272; Pub. L. 100–203, title IX, §9342(a)(1), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–371; Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §7881(j)(1), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2442; Pub. L. 109–280, title I, §108(a)(2), (3), formerly §107(a)(2), (3), title V, §503(a)(1), (b), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 818, 942, 943, renumbered Pub. L. 111–192, title II, §202(a), June 25, 2010, 124 Stat. 1297; Pub. L. 110–458, title I, §101(d)(1)(A), Dec. 23, 2008, 122 Stat. 5098; Pub. L. 113–97, title I, §§102(b)(5), 104(c), Apr. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 1116, 1121; Pub. L. 116–94, div. O, title I, §101(d)(1), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 3145.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2019—Subsec. (a)(1)(B). Pub. L. 116–94, §101(d)(1)(A), substituted "applicable subsections (d), (e), (f), and (g)" for "applicable subsections (d), (e), and (f)" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 116–94, §101(d)(1)(B), amended subsec. (g) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "With respect to any multiple employer plan, an annual report under this section for a plan year shall include a list of participating employers and a good faith estimate of the percentage of total contributions made by such participating employers during the plan year."

2014—Subsec. (d)(8)(B). Pub. L. 113–97, §102(b)(5), substituted "sections 1083(h), 1084(c)(3), and 1085a(c)(3) of this title" for "sections 1083(h) and 1084(c)(3) of this title".

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 113–97, §104(c), added subsec. (g).

2008—Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 110–458, §101(d)(1)(A)(i), substituted "the normal costs or target normal costs, the accrued liabilities or funding target" for "the normal costs, the accrued liabilities".

Subsec. (d)(7). Pub. L. 110–458, §101(d)(1)(A)(ii), added par. (7) and struck out former par. (7) which read as follows: "A certification of the contribution necessary to reduce the accumulated funding deficiency to zero."

2006—Subsec. (a)(1)(B). Pub. L. 109–280, §503(a)(1)(A), substituted "subsections (d), (e), and (f)" for "subsections (d) and (e)" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (d)(8)(B). Pub. L. 109–280, §108(a)(2), formerly §107(a)(2), as renumbered by Pub. L. 111–192, substituted "the applicable requirements of sections 1083(h) and 1084(c)(3)" for "the requirements of section 1082(c)(3)".

Subsec. (d)(11). Pub. L. 109–280, §108(a)(3), formerly §107(a)(3), as renumbered by Pub. L. 111–192, added par. (11) and struck out former par. (11) which read as follows: "If the current value of the assets of the plan is less than 70 percent of the current liability under the plan (within the meaning of section 1082(d)(7) of this title), the percentage which such value is of such liability.."

Subsec. (d)(12) to (14). Pub. L. 109–280, §503(b), added par. (12) and redesignated former pars. (12) and (13) as (13) and (14), respectively.

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 109–280, §503(a)(1)(B), added subsec. (f).

1989—Subsec. (d)(11). Pub. L. 101–239 substituted "70 percent" for "60 percent" and "the percentage which such value is of such liability." for "such percentage".

1987—Subsec. (d)(11) to (13). Pub. L. 100–203 added par. (11) and redesignated former pars. (11) and (12) as (12) and (13), respectively.

1986—Subsec. (d)(6). Pub. L. 99–272 amended par. (6) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (6) read as follows: "The present value of all of the plan's liabilities for nonforfeitable pension benefits allocated by the termination priority categories as set forth in section 1344 of this title, and the actuarial assumptions used in these computations. The Secretary shall establish regulations defining (for purposes of this section) 'termination priority categories' and acceptable methods, including approximate methods, for allocating the plan's liabilities to such termination priority categories."

1980—Subsec. (d)(10) to (12). Pub. L. 96–364 added par. (10) and redesignated former pars. (10) and (11) as (11) and (12), respectively.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2019 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 116–94 applicable to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2020, see section 101(e) of Pub. L. 116–94, set out as a note under section 408 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 2014 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 113–97 applicable to years beginning after Dec. 31, 2013, see section 3 of Pub. L. 113–97, set out as a note under section 401 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 110–458 effective as if included in the provisions of Pub. L. 109–280 to which the amendment relates, except as otherwise provided, see section 112 of Pub. L. 110–458, set out as a note under section 72 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 2006 Amendment

Amendment by section 108(a)(2), (3) of Pub. L. 109–280 applicable to plan years beginning after 2007, see section 108(e) of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as a note under section 1021 of this title.

Amendment by section 503(a)(1), (b) of Pub. L. 109–280 applicable to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2007, see section 503(f) of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as a note under section 1021 of this title.

Effective Date of 1989 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 101–239 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if included in the provision of the Pension Protection Act, Pub. L. 100–203, §§9302–9346, to which such amendment relates, see section 7882 of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 401 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 1987 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 100–203 applicable with respect to reports required to be filed after Dec. 31, 1987, see section 9342(d)(1) of Pub. L. 100–203, set out as a note under section 1132 of this title.

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 99–272 effective Jan. 1, 1986, with certain exceptions, see section 11019 of Pub. L. 99–272, set out as a note under section 1341 of this title.

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–364 effective Sept. 26, 1980, except as specifically provided, see section 1461(e) of this title.

Regulations

Secretary authorized, effective Sept. 2, 1974, to promulgate regulations wherever provisions of this subchapter call for the promulgation of regulations, see section 1031 of this title.

Report on Pooled Employer Plans

Pub. L. 117–328, div. T, title III, §344, Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5380, provided that: "The Secretary of Labor shall—

"(1) conduct a study on the pooled employer plan (as such term is defined in section 3(43) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1002(43))) industry, including on—

"(A) the legal name and number of pooled employer plans;

"(B) the number of participants in such plans;

"(C) the range of investment options provided in such plans;

"(D) the fees assessed in such plans;

"(E) the manner in which employers select and monitor such plans;

"(F) the disclosures provided to participants in such plans;

"(G) the number and nature of any enforcement actions by the Secretary of Labor on such plans;

"(H) the extent to which such plans have increased retirement savings coverage in the United States; and

"(I) any additional information as the Secretary determines is necessary; and

"(2) not later than 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 29, 2022], and every 5 years thereafter, submit to Congress and make available on a publicly accessible website of the Department of Labor, a report on the findings of the study under paragraph (1), including recommendations on how pooled employer plans can be improved, through legislation, to serve and protect retirement plan participants."

Applicability of Amendments by Subtitles A and B of Title I of Pub. L. 109–280

For special rules on applicability of amendments by subtitles A (§§101–108) and B (§§111–116) of title I of Pub. L. 109–280 to certain eligible cooperative plans, PBGC settlement plans, and eligible government contractor plans, see sections 104, 105, and 106 of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as notes under section 401 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Guidance by Secretary of Labor

Pub. L. 109–280, title V, §503(a)(2), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 943, provided that: "Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [Aug. 17, 2006], the Secretary of Labor shall publish guidance to assist multiemployer defined benefit plans to—

"(A) identify and enumerate plan participants for whom there is no employer with an obligation to make an employer contribution under the plan; and

"(B) report such information under section 103(f)(2)(D) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 [29 U.S.C. 1023(f)(2)(D)] (as added by this section)."

Transition Rules

Pub. L. 99–272, title XI, §11016(b)(3), Apr. 7, 1986, 100 Stat. 273, provided that: "Any regulations, modifications, or waivers which have been issued by the Secretary of Labor with respect to section 103(d)(6) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 [29 U.S.C. 1023(d)(6)] (as in effect immediately before the date of the enactment of this Act [Apr. 7, 1986]) shall remain in full force and effect until modified by any regulations with respect to such section 103(d)(6) prescribed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation."

Consolidation of Actuarial Reports

Secretary of the Treasury and Secretary of Labor to take such steps as may be necessary to assure coordination to the maximum extent feasible between the actuarial reports required by subsec. (d) of this section and section 6059 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code, see section 1033(c) of Pub. L. 93–406, set out as a note under section 6059 of Title 26.

§1024. Filing with Secretary and furnishing information to participants and certain employers

(a) Filing of annual report with Secretary

(1) The administrator of any employee benefit plan subject to this part shall file with the Secretary the annual report for a plan year within 210 days after the close of such year (or within such time as may be required by regulations promulgated by the Secretary in order to reduce duplicative filing). The Secretary shall make copies of such annual reports available for inspection in the public document room of the Department of Labor.

(2)(A) With respect to annual reports required to be filed with the Secretary under this part, the Secretary may by regulation prescribe simplified annual reports for any pension plan that—

(i) covers fewer than 100 participants; or

(ii) is a plan described in section 1060(a) of this title that covers fewer than 1,000 participants, but only if no single employer in the plan has 100 or more participants covered by the plan.

(B) Nothing contained in this paragraph shall preclude the Secretary from requiring any information or data from any such plan to which this part applies where he finds such data or information is necessary to carry out the purposes of this subchapter nor shall the Secretary be precluded from revoking provisions for simplified reports for any such plan if he finds it necessary to do so in order to carry out the objectives of this subchapter.

(3) The Secretary may by regulation exempt any welfare benefit plan from all or part of the reporting and disclosure requirements of this subchapter, or may provide for simplified reporting and disclosure if he finds that such requirements are inappropriate as applied to welfare benefit plans.

(4) The Secretary may reject any filing under this section—

(A) if he determines that such filing is incomplete for purposes of this part; or

(B) if he determines that there is any material qualification by an accountant or actuary contained in an opinion submitted pursuant to section 1023(a)(3)(A) or section 1023(a)(4)(B) of this title.

(5) If the Secretary rejects a filing of a report under paragraph (4) and if a revised filing satisfactory to the Secretary is not submitted within 45 days after the Secretary makes his determination under paragraph (4) to reject the filing, and if the Secretary deems it in the best interest of the participants, he may take any one or more of the following actions—

(A) retain an independent qualified public accountant (as defined in section 1023(a)(3)(D) of this title) on behalf of the participants to perform an audit,

(B) retain an enrolled actuary (as defined in section 1023(a)(4)(C) of this title) on behalf of the plan participants, to prepare an actuarial statement,

(C) bring a civil action for such legal or equitable relief as may be appropriate to enforce the provisions of this part, or

(D) take any other action authorized by this subchapter.

The administrator shall permit such accountant or actuary to inspect whatever books and records of the plan are necessary for such audit. The plan shall be liable to the Secretary for the expenses for such audit or report, and the Secretary may bring an action against the plan in any court of competent jurisdiction to recover such expenses.

(6) The administrator of any employee benefit plan subject to this part shall furnish to the Secretary, upon request, any documents relating to the employee benefit plan, including but not limited to, the latest summary plan description (including any summaries of plan changes not contained in the summary plan description), and the bargaining agreement, trust agreement, contract, or other instrument under which the plan is established or operated.

(b) Publication of summary plan description and annual report to participants and beneficiaries of plan

Publication of the summary plan descriptions and annual reports shall be made to participants and beneficiaries of the particular plan as follows:

(1) The administrator shall furnish to each participant, and each beneficiary receiving benefits under the plan, a copy of the summary plan description, and all modifications and changes referred to in section 1022(a) of this title—

(A) within 90 days after he becomes a participant, or (in the case of a beneficiary) within 90 days after he first receives benefits, or

(B) if later, within 120 days after the plan becomes subject to this part.

The administrator shall furnish to each participant, and each beneficiary receiving benefits under the plan, every fifth year after the plan becomes subject to this part an updated summary plan description described in section 1022 of this title which integrates all plan amendments made within such five-year period, except that in a case where no amendments have been made to a plan during such five-year period this sentence shall not apply. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the administrator shall furnish to each participant, and to each beneficiary receiving benefits under the plan, the summary plan description described in section 1022 of this title every tenth year after the plan becomes subject to this part. If there is a modification or change described in section 1022(a) of this title (other than a material reduction in covered services or benefits provided in the case of a group health plan (as defined in section 1191b(a)(1) of this title)), a summary description of such modification or change shall be furnished not later than 210 days after the end of the plan year in which the change is adopted to each participant, and to each beneficiary who is receiving benefits under the plan. If there is a modification or change described in section 1022(a) of this title that is a material reduction in covered services or benefits provided under a group health plan (as defined in section 1191b(a)(1) of this title), a summary description of such modification or change shall be furnished to participants and beneficiaries not later than 60 days after the date of the adoption of the modification or change. In the alternative, the plan sponsors may provide such description at regular intervals of not more than 90 days. The Secretary shall issue regulations within 180 days after August 21, 1996, providing alternative mechanisms to delivery by mail through which group health plans (as so defined) may notify participants and beneficiaries of material reductions in covered services or benefits.

(2) The administrator shall make copies of the latest updated summary plan description and the latest annual report and the bargaining agreement, trust agreement, contract, or other instruments under which the plan was established or is operated available for examination by any plan participant or beneficiary in the principal office of the administrator and in such other places as may be necessary to make available all pertinent information to all participants (including such places as the Secretary may prescribe by regulations).

(3) Within 210 days after the close of the fiscal year of the plan, the administrator (other than an administrator of a defined benefit plan to which the requirements of section 1021(f) of this title applies) ¹ shall furnish to each participant, and to each beneficiary receiving benefits under the plan, a copy of the statements and schedules, for such fiscal year, described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of section 1023(b)(3) of this title and such other material (including the percentage determined under section 1023(d)(11) of this title) as is necessary to fairly summarize the latest annual report.

(4) The administrator shall, upon written request of any participant or beneficiary, furnish a copy of the latest updated summary,² plan description, and the latest annual report, any terminal report, the bargaining agreement, trust agreement, contract, or other instruments under which the plan is established or operated. The administrator may make a reasonable charge to cover the cost of furnishing such complete copies. The Secretary may by regulation prescribe the maximum amount which will constitute a reasonable charge under the preceding sentence.

(5) Identification and basic plan information and actuarial information included in the annual report for any plan year shall be filed with the Secretary in an electronic format which accommodates display on the Internet, in accordance with regulations which shall be prescribed by the Secretary. The Secretary shall provide for display of such information included in the annual report, within 90 days after the date of the filing of the annual report, on an Internet website maintained by the Secretary and other appropriate media. Such information shall also be displayed on any Intranet website maintained by the plan sponsor (or by the plan administrator on behalf of the plan sponsor) for the purpose of communicating with employees and not the public, in accordance with regulations which shall be prescribed by the Secretary.

(c) Statement of rights

The Secretary may by regulation require that the administrator of any employee benefit plan furnish to each participant and to each beneficiary receiving benefits under the plan a statement of the rights of participants and beneficiaries under this subchapter.

(d) Furnishing summary plan information to employers and employee representatives of multiemployer plans

(1) In general

With respect to a multiemployer plan subject to this section, within 30 days after the due date under subsection (a)(1) for the filing of the annual report for the fiscal year of the plan, the administrators shall furnish to each employee organization and to each employer with an obligation to contribute to the plan a report that contains—

(A) a description of the contribution schedules and benefit formulas under the plan, and any modification to such schedules and formulas, during such plan year;

(B) the number of employers obligated to contribute to the plan;

(C) a list of the employers that contributed more than 5 percent of the total contributions to the plan during such plan year;

(D) the number of participants under the plan on whose behalf no contributions were made by an employer as an employer of the participant for such plan year and for each of the 2 preceding plan years;

(E) whether the plan was in critical or endangered status under section 1085 of this title for such plan year and, if so, include—

(i) a list of the actions taken by the plan to improve its funding status; and

(ii) a statement describing how a person may obtain a copy of the plan's funding improvement or rehabilitation plan, as applicable, adopted under section 1085 of this title and the actuarial and financial data that demonstrate any action taken by the plan toward fiscal improvement;

(F) the number of employers that withdrew from the plan during the preceding plan year and the aggregate amount of withdrawal liability assessed, or estimated to be assessed, against such withdrawn employers, as reported on the annual report for the plan year to which the report under this subsection relates;

(G) in the case of a multiemployer plan that has merged with another plan or to which assets and liabilities have been transferred, the actuarial valuation of the assets and liabilities of each affected plan during the year preceding the effective date of the merger or transfer, based upon the most recent data available as of the day before the first day of the plan year, or other valuation method performed under standards and procedures as the Secretary may prescribe by regulation;

(H) a description as to whether the plan—

(i) sought or received an amortization extension under section 1084(d) of this title or section 431(d) of title 26 for such plan year; or

(ii) used the shortfall funding method (as such term is used in section 1085 of this title) for such plan year; and

(I) notification of the right under this section of the recipient to a copy of the annual report filed with the Secretary under subsection (a), summary plan description, summary of any material modification of the plan, upon written request, but that—

(i) in no case shall a recipient be entitled to receive more than one copy of any such document described during any one 12-month period; and

(ii) the administrator may make a reasonable charge to cover copying, mailing, and other costs of furnishing copies of information pursuant to this subparagraph.

(2) Effect of subsection

Nothing in this subsection waives any other provision under this subchapter requiring plan administrators to provide, upon request, information to employers that have an obligation to contribute under the plan.

(e) Cross references

For regulations respecting coordination of reports to the Secretaries of Labor and the Treasury, see section 1204 of this title.

(Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §104, Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 847; Pub. L. 99–272, title XI, §11016(b)(2), Apr. 7, 1986, 100 Stat. 273; Pub. L. 100–203, title IX, §9342(a)(2), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–371; Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §7894(b)(3), (4), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2448; Pub. L. 104–191, title I, §101(c)(1), Aug. 21, 1996, 110 Stat. 1951; Pub. L. 104–204, title VI, §603(b)(3)(D), Sept. 26, 1996, 110 Stat. 2938; Pub. L. 105–34, title XV, §1503(c)(1), (2)(A), (d)(1)–(3), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 1062; Pub. L. 109–280, title V, §§503(c)(1), (d), 504(a), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 943–945; Pub. L. 110–458, title I, §105(c)(1), Dec. 23, 2008, 122 Stat. 5105; Pub. L. 116–94, div. O, title I, §101(d)(2), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 3145.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2019—Subsec. (a)(2)(A). Pub. L. 116–94 added subpar. (A) and struck out former subpar. (A) which read as follows: "With respect to annual reports required to be filed with the Secretary under this part, he may by regulation prescribe simplified annual reports for any pension plan which covers less than 100 participants."

2008—Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 110–458, §105(c)(1)(A)(ii), which directed substitution of "the administrator" for "the administrators" in par. (3), could not be executed because the words "the administrators" did not appear.

Pub. L. 110–458, §105(c)(1)(A)(i), substituted "section 1021(f)" for "section 1023(f)".

Subsec. (d)(1)(E)(ii). Pub. L. 110–458, §105(c)(1)(B), inserted "funding" after "plan's".

2006—Pub. L. 109–280, §503(d)(1), substituted "participants and certain employers" for "participants" in section catchline.

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 109–280, §503(c)(1), which directed amendment of par. (3) by inserting "(other than an administrator of a defined benefit plan to which the requirements of section 1023(f) of this title applies)" after "the administrators", was executed by making the insertion after "the administrator", to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 109–280, §504(a), added par. (5).

Subsecs. (d), (e). Pub. L. 109–280, §503(d)(2), (3), added subsec. (d) and redesignated former subsec. (d) as (e).

1997—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 105–34, §1503(c)(1), amended par. (1) generally, substituting present provisions for provisions requiring filing of annual report, plan description, summary plan description, as well as modifications and changes in plan descriptions.

Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 105–34, §1503(c)(2)(A), added par. (6).

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 105–34, §1503(d)(1), substituted "section 1022(a) of this title" for "section 1022(a)(1) of this title" wherever appearing.

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 105–34, §1503(d)(2), substituted "the latest updated summary plan description and" for "the plan description and".

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 105–34, §1503(d)(3), struck out "plan description" before ", plan description, and the latest annual report".

1996—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 104–204 made technical amendment to references in original act which appear in text as references to section 1191b of this title.

Pub. L. 104–191, in closing provisions, substituted "1022(a)(1) of this title (other than a material reduction in covered services or benefits provided in the case of a group health plan (as defined in section 1191b(a)(1) of this title))," for "1022(a)(1) of this title," and inserted at end "If there is a modification or change described in section 1022(a)(1) of this title that is a material reduction in covered services or benefits provided under a group health plan (as defined in section 1191b(a)(1) of this title), a summary description of such modification or change shall be furnished to participants and beneficiaries not later than 60 days after the date of the adoption of the modification or change. In the alternative, the plan sponsors may provide such description at regular intervals of not more than 90 days. The Secretary shall issue regulations within 180 days after August 21, 1996, providing alternative mechanisms to delivery by mail through which group health plans (as so defined) may notify participants and beneficiaries of material reductions in covered services or benefits."

1989—Subsec. (a)(5)(B). Pub. L. 101–239, §7894(b)(3), substituted a comma for period at end.

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 101–239, §7894(b)(4), struck out comma after "summary".

1987—Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 100–203 inserted "(including the percentage determined under section 1023(d)(11) of this title)" after "material".

1986—Subsec. (a)(2)(A). Pub. L. 99–272 struck out provision permitting the Secretary to waive or modify the requirements of section 1023(d)(6) of this title if he found that the interests of the plan participants were not harmed and the expense of compliance was not justified by the needs of the participants, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, and the Department of Labor for some portion or all of the information otherwise required under section 1023(d)(6) of this title.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2019 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 116–94 applicable to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2020, see section 101(e) of Pub. L. 116–94, set out as a note under section 408 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 110–458 effective as if included in the provisions of Pub. L. 109–280 to which the amendment relates, except as otherwise provided, see section 112 of Pub. L. 110–458, set out as a note under section 72 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 2006 Amendment

Amendment by section 503(c)(1), (d) of Pub. L. 109–280 applicable to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2007, see section 503(f) of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as a note under section 1021 of this title.

Pub. L. 109–280, title V, §504(b), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 945, provided that: "The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to plan years beginning after December 31, 2007."

Effective Date of 1996 Amendments

Amendment by Pub. L. 104–204 applicable with respect to group health plans for plan years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 1998, see section 603(c) of Pub. L. 104–204 set out as a note under section 1003 of this title.

Amendment by Pub. L. 104–191 applicable with respect to group health plans for plan years beginning after June 30, 1997, except as otherwise provided, see section 101(g) of Pub. L. 104–191, set out as an Effective Date note under section 1181 of this title.

Effective Date of 1989 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 101–239 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if originally included in the provision of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, Pub. L. 93–406, to which such amendment relates, see section 7894(i) of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 1002 of this title.

Effective Date of 1987 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 100–203 applicable with respect to reports required to be filed after Dec. 31, 1987, see section 9342(d)(1) of Pub. L. 100–203, set out as a note under section 1132 of this title.

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 99–272 effective Jan. 1, 1986, with certain exceptions, see section 11019 of Pub. L. 99–272, set out as a note under section 1341 of this title.

Regulations

Secretary authorized, effective Sept. 2, 1974, to promulgate regulations wherever provisions of this subchapter call for the promulgation of regulations, see section 1031 of this title.

Model Notices and Forms

For provisions requiring the Secretary of Labor to publish a model form for providing the statements, schedules, and other material required to be provided under subsec. (d) of this section, see section 503(e) of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as a note under section 1021 of this title.

¹ So in original. Probably should be "apply)".

² So in original. Comma probably should not appear.

§1025. Reporting of participant's benefit rights

(a) Requirements to provide pension benefit statements

(1) Requirements

(A) Individual account plan

The administrator of an individual account plan (other than a one-participant retirement plan described in section 1021(i)(8)(B) of this title) shall furnish a pension benefit statement—

(i) at least once each calendar quarter to a participant or beneficiary who has the right to direct the investment of assets in his or her account under the plan,

(ii) at least once each calendar year to a participant or beneficiary who has his or her own account under the plan but does not have the right to direct the investment of assets in that account, and

(iii) upon written request to a plan beneficiary not described in clause (i) or (ii).

(B) Defined benefit plan

The administrator of a defined benefit plan (other than a one-participant retirement plan described in section 1021(i)(8)(B) of this title) shall furnish a pension benefit statement—

(i) at least once every 3 years to each participant with a nonforfeitable accrued benefit and who is employed by the employer maintaining the plan at the time the statement is to be furnished, and

(ii) to a participant or beneficiary of the plan upon written request.

Information furnished under clause (i) to a participant may be based on reasonable estimates determined under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, in consultation with the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.

(2) Statements

(A) In general

A pension benefit statement under paragraph (1)—

(i) shall indicate, on the basis of the latest available information—

(I) the total benefits accrued, and

(II) the nonforfeitable pension benefits, if any, which have accrued, or the earliest date on which benefits will become nonforfeitable,

(ii) shall include an explanation of any permitted disparity under section 401(l) of title 26 or any floor-offset arrangement that may be applied in determining any accrued benefits described in clause (i),

(iii) shall be written in a manner calculated to be understood by the average plan participant, and

(iv) may be delivered in written, electronic, or other appropriate form to the extent such form is reasonably accessible to the participant or beneficiary.

(B) Additional information

In the case of an individual account plan, any pension benefit statement under clause (i) or (ii) of paragraph (1)(A) shall include—

(i) the value of each investment to which assets in the individual account have been allocated, determined as of the most recent valuation date under the plan, including the value of any assets held in the form of employer securities, without regard to whether such securities were contributed by the plan sponsor or acquired at the direction of the plan or of the participant or beneficiary,

(ii) in the case of a pension benefit statement under paragraph (1)(A)(i)—

(I) an explanation of any limitations or restrictions on any right of the participant or beneficiary under the plan to direct an investment,

(II) an explanation, written in a manner calculated to be understood by the average plan participant, of the importance, for the long-term retirement security of participants and beneficiaries, of a well-balanced and diversified investment portfolio, including a statement of the risk that holding more than 20 percent of a portfolio in the security of one entity (such as employer securities) may not be adequately diversified, and

(III) a notice directing the participant or beneficiary to the Internet website of the Department of Labor for sources of information on individual investing and diversification, and

(iii) the lifetime income disclosure described in subparagraph (D)(i).

In the case of pension benefit statements described in clause (i) of paragraph (1)(A), a lifetime income disclosure under clause (iii) of this subparagraph shall be required to be included in only one pension benefit statement during any one 12-month period.

(C) Alternative notice

The requirements of subparagraph (A)(i)(II) are met if, at least annually and in accordance with requirements of the Secretary, the plan—

(i) updates the information described in such paragraph which is provided in the pension benefit statement, or

(ii) provides in a separate statement such information as is necessary to enable a participant or beneficiary to determine their nonforfeitable vested benefits.

(D) Lifetime income disclosure

(i) In general

(I) Disclosure

A lifetime income disclosure shall set forth the lifetime income stream equivalent of the total benefits accrued with respect to the participant or beneficiary.

(II) Lifetime income stream equivalent of the total benefits accrued

For purposes of this subparagraph, the term "lifetime income stream equivalent of the total benefits accrued" means the amount of monthly payments the participant or beneficiary would receive if the total accrued benefits of such participant or beneficiary were used to provide lifetime income streams described in subclause (III), based on assumptions specified in rules prescribed by the Secretary.

(III) Lifetime income streams

The lifetime income streams described in this subclause are a qualified joint and survivor annuity (as defined in section 1055(d) of this title), based on assumptions specified in rules prescribed by the Secretary, including the assumption that the participant or beneficiary has a spouse of equal age, and a single life annuity. Such lifetime income streams may have a term certain or other features to the extent permitted under rules prescribed by the Secretary.

(ii) Model disclosure

Not later than 1 year after December 20, 2019, the Secretary shall issue a model lifetime income disclosure, written in a manner so as to be understood by the average plan participant, which—

(I) explains that the lifetime income stream equivalent is only provided as an illustration;

(II) explains that the actual payments under the lifetime income stream described in clause (i)(III) which may be purchased with the total benefits accrued will depend on numerous factors and may vary substantially from the lifetime income stream equivalent in the disclosures;

(III) explains the assumptions upon which the lifetime income stream equivalent was determined; and

(IV) provides such other similar explanations as the Secretary considers appropriate.

(iii) Assumptions and rules

Not later than 1 year after December 20, 2019, the Secretary shall—

(I) prescribe assumptions which administrators of individual account plans may use in converting total accrued benefits into lifetime income stream equivalents for purposes of this subparagraph; and

(II) issue interim final rules under clause (i).

 In prescribing assumptions under subclause (I), the Secretary may prescribe a single set of specific assumptions (in which case the Secretary may issue tables or factors which facilitate such conversions), or ranges of permissible assumptions. To the extent that an accrued benefit is or may be invested in a lifetime income stream described in clause (i)(III), the assumptions prescribed under subclause (I) shall, to the extent appropriate, permit administrators of individual account plans to use the amounts payable under such lifetime income stream as a lifetime income stream equivalent.

(iv) Limitation on liability

No plan fiduciary, plan sponsor, or other person shall have any liability under this subchapter solely by reason of the provision of lifetime income stream equivalents which are derived in accordance with the assumptions and rules described in clause (iii) and which include the explanations contained in the model lifetime income disclosure described in clause (ii). This clause shall apply without regard to whether the provision of such lifetime income stream equivalent is required by subparagraph (B)(iii).

(v) Effective date

The requirement in subparagraph (B)(iii) shall apply to pension benefit statements furnished more than 12 months after the latest of the issuance by the Secretary of—

(I) interim final rules under clause (i);

(II) the model disclosure under clause (ii); or

(III) the assumptions under clause (iii).

(3) Defined benefit plans

(A) Alternative notice

In the case of a defined benefit plan, the requirements of paragraph (1)(B)(i) shall be treated as met with respect to a participant if at least once each year the administrator provides to the participant notice of the availability of the pension benefit statement and the ways in which the participant may obtain such statement. Such notice may be delivered in written, electronic, or other appropriate form to the extent such form is reasonably accessible to the participant.

(B) Years in which no benefits accrue

The Secretary may provide that years in which no employee or former employee benefits (within the meaning of section 410(b) of title 26) under the plan need not be taken into account in determining the 3-year period under paragraph (1)(B)(i).

(b) Limitation on number of statements

In no case shall a participant or beneficiary of a plan be entitled to more than 1 statement described in subparagraph (A)(iii) or (B)(ii) of subsection (a)(1), whichever is applicable, in any 12-month period.

(c) Individual statement furnished by administrator to participants setting forth information in administrator's Internal Revenue registration statement and notification of forfeitable benefits

Each administrator required to register under section 6057 of title 26 shall, before the expiration of the time prescribed for such registration, furnish to each participant described in subsection (a)(2)(C) of such section, an individual statement setting forth the information with respect to such participant required to be contained in the registration statement required by section 6057(a)(2) of title 26. Such statement shall also include a notice to the participant of any benefits which are forfeitable if the participant dies before a certain date.

(Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §105, Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 849; Pub. L. 98–397, title I, §106, Aug. 23, 1984, 98 Stat. 1436; Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §§7891(a)(1), 7894(b)(5), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2445, 2448; Pub. L. 109–280, title V, §508(a)(1)–(2)(B), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 949, 951; Pub. L. 116–94, div. O, title II, §203, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 3163; Pub. L. 117–328, div. T, title III, §338(a), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5373.)

Amendment of Subsection (a)(2)

Pub. L. 117–328, div. T, title III, §338(a), (c), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5373, 5374, provided that, applicable with respect to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2025, subsection (a)(2) of this section is amended:

(1) in subparagraph (A)(iv), by inserting "subject to subparagraph (E)," before "may be delivered"; and

(2) by adding at the end the following:

"(E) Provision of paper statements

"With respect to at least 1 pension benefit statement furnished for a calendar year with respect to an individual account plan under paragraph (1)(A), and with respect to at least 1 pension benefit statement furnished every 3 calendar years with respect to a defined benefit plan under paragraph (1)(B), such statement shall be furnished on paper in written form except—

"(i) in the case of a plan that furnishes such statement in accordance with section 2520.104b-1(c) of title 29, Code of Federal Regulations; or

"(ii) in the case of a plan that permits a participant or beneficiary to request that the statements referred to in the matter preceding clause (i) be furnished by electronic delivery, if the participant or beneficiary requests that such statements be delivered electronically and the statements are so delivered."

See 2022 Amendment notes below.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (a)(2)(A)(iv). Pub. L. 117–328, §338(a)(1), inserted "subject to subparagraph (E)," before "may be delivered".

Subsec. (a)(2)(E). Pub. L. 117–328, §338(a)(2), added subpar. (E).

2019—Subsec. (a)(2)(B). Pub. L. 116–94, §203(a), added cl. (iii) and concluding provisions.

Subsec. (a)(2)(D). Pub. L. 116–94, §203(b), added subpar. (D).

2006—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 109–280, §508(a)(1), amended heading and text of subsec. (a) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Each administrator of an employee pension benefit plan shall furnish to any plan participant or beneficiary who so requests in writing, a statement indicating, on the basis of the latest available information—

"(1) the total benefits accrued, and

"(2) the nonforfeitable pension benefits, if any, which have accrued, or the earliest date on which benefits will become nonforfeitable."

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 109–280, §508(a)(2)(B), amended heading and text of subsec. (b) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "In no case shall a participant or beneficiary be entitled under this section to receive more than one report described in subsection (a) during any one 12-month period."

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 109–280, §508(a)(2)(A), struck out heading and text of subsec. (d). Text read as follows: "Subsection (a) of this section shall apply to a plan to which more than one unaffiliated employer is required to contribute only to the extent provided in regulations prescribed by the Secretary in coordination with the Secretary of the Treasury."

1989—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101–239, §7894(b)(5), substituted "12-month" for "12 month".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 101–239, §7891(a)(1), substituted "Internal Revenue Code of 1986" for "Internal Revenue Code of 1954", which for purposes of codification was translated as "title 26" thus requiring no change in text.

1984—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 98–397 inserted at end "Such statement shall also include a notice to the participant of any benefits which are forfeitable if the participant dies before a certain date."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2022 Amendment

Pub. L. 117–328, div. T, title III, §338(c), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5374, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply with respect to plan years beginning after December 31, 2025."

Effective Date of 2006 Amendment

Pub. L. 109–280, title V, §508(c), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 952, provided that:

"(1) In general.—The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 1132 of this title] shall apply to plan years beginning after December 31, 2006.

"(2) Special rule for collectively bargained agreements.—In the case of a plan maintained pursuant to 1 or more collective bargaining agreements between employee representatives and 1 or more employers ratified on or before the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 17, 2006], paragraph (1) shall be applied to benefits pursuant to, and individuals covered by, any such agreement by substituting for 'December 31, 2006' the earlier of—

"(A) the later of—

"(i) December 31, 2007, or

"(ii) the date on which the last of such collective bargaining agreements terminates (determined without regard to any extension thereof after such date of enactment), or

"(B) December 31, 2008."

Effective Date of 1989 Amendment

Amendment by section 7891(a)(1) of Pub. L. 101–239 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if included in the provision of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, Pub. L. 99–514, to which such amendment relates, see section 7891(f) of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 1002 of this title.

Amendment by section 7894(b)(5) of Pub. L. 101–239 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if originally included in the provision of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, Pub. L. 93–406, to which such amendment relates, see section 7894(i) of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 1002 of this title.

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–397 applicable to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 1984, except as otherwise provided, see sections 302 and 303 of Pub. L. 98–397, set out as a note under section 1001 of this title.

Implementation of 2022 Amendment

Pub. L. 117–328, div. T, title III, §338(b), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5373, provided that:

"(1) In general.—The Secretary of Labor shall, not later than December 31, 2024, update section 2520.104b-1(c) of title 29, Code of Federal Regulations, to provide that a plan may furnish the statements referred to in subparagraph (E) of section 105(a)(2) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 [29 U.S.C. 1025(a)(2)(E)] by electronic delivery only if, with respect to participants who first become eligible to participate, and beneficiaries who first become eligible for benefits, after December 31, 2025, in addition to meeting the other requirements under the regulations such plan furnishes each participant or beneficiary a one-time initial notice on paper in written form, prior to the electronic delivery of any pension benefit statement, of their right to request that all documents required to be disclosed under title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 [29 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.] be furnished on paper in written form.

"(2) Other guidance.—In implementing the amendment made by subsection (a) with respect to a plan that discloses required documents or statements electronically, in accordance with applicable guidance governing electronic disclosure by the Department of Labor (with the exception of section 2520.104b-1(c) of title 29, Code of Federal Regulations), the Secretary of Labor shall, not later than December 31, 2024, update such guidance to the extent necessary to ensure that—

"(A) a participant or beneficiary under such a plan is permitted the opportunity to request that any disclosure required to be delivered on paper under applicable guidance by the Department of Labor shall be furnished by electronic delivery;

"(B) each paper statement furnished under such a plan pursuant to the amendment shall include—

"(i) an explanation of how to request that all such statements, and any other document required to be disclosed under title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, be furnished by electronic delivery; and

"(ii) contact information for the plan sponsor, including a telephone number;

"(C) the plan may not charge any fee to a participant or beneficiary for the delivery of any paper statements;

"(D) each document required to be disclosed that is furnished by electronic delivery under such a plan shall include an explanation of how to request that all such documents be furnished on paper in written form; and

"(E) a plan is permitted to furnish a duplicate electronic statement in any case in which the plan furnishes a paper pension benefit statement."

Regulations

Secretary of Labor authorized, effective Sept. 2, 1974, to promulgate regulations wherever provisions of this subchapter call for the promulgation of regulations by him, see section 1031 of this title.

Model Statements

Pub. L. 109–280, title V, §508(b), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 951, provided that:

"(1) In general.—The Secretary of Labor shall, within 1 year after the date of the enactment of this section [Aug. 17, 2006], develop 1 or more model benefit statements that are written in a manner calculated to be understood by the average plan participant and that may be used by plan administrators in complying with the requirements of section 105 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 [29 U.S.C. 1025].

"(2) Interim final rules.—The Secretary of Labor may promulgate any interim final rules as the Secretary determines appropriate to carry out the provisions of this subsection."

§1026. Reports made public information

(a) Except as provided in subsection (b), the contents of the annual reports, statements, and other documents filed with the Secretary pursuant to this part shall be public information and the Secretary shall make any such information and data available for inspection in the public document room of the Department of Labor. The Secretary may use the information and data for statistical and research purposes, and compile and publish such studies, analyses, reports, and surveys based thereon as he may deem appropriate.

(b) Information described in sections 1025(a) and 1025(c) of this title with respect to a participant may be disclosed only to the extent that information respecting that participant's benefits under title II of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.] may be disclosed under such Act.

(Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §106, Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 850; Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §7894(b)(6), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2448; Pub. L. 105–34, title XV, §1503(d)(4), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 1062.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Social Security Act, referred to in subsec. (b), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620. Title II of the Social Security Act is classified generally to subchapter II (§401 et seq.) of chapter 7 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of Title 42 and Tables.

Amendments

1997—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 105–34 struck out "descriptions," before "annual reports,".

1989—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101–239 substituted "sections" for "section".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1989 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 101–239 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if originally included in the provision of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, Pub. L. 93–406, to which such amendment relates, see section 7894(i) of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 1002 of this title.

§1027. Retention of records

Every person subject to a requirement to file any report (including the documents described in subparagraphs (E) through (I) of section 1021(k) of this title) or to certify any information therefor under this subchapter or who would be subject to such a requirement but for an exemption or simplified reporting requirement under section 1024(a)(2) or (3) of this title shall maintain a copy of such report and records on the matters of which disclosure is required which will provide in sufficient detail the necessary basic information and data from which the documents thus required may be verified, explained, or clarified, and checked for accuracy and completeness, and shall include vouchers, worksheets, receipts, and applicable resolutions, and shall keep such records available for examination for a period of not less than six years after the filing date of the documents based on the information which they contain, or six years after the date on which such documents would have been filed but for an exemption or simplified reporting requirement under section 1024(a)(2) or (3) of this title.

(Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §107, Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 850; Pub. L. 105–34, title XV, §1503(d)(5), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 1062; Pub. L. 113–235, div. O, title I, §111(c), Dec. 16, 2014, 128 Stat. 2793.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2014—Pub. L. 113–235 inserted "(including the documents described in subparagraphs (E) through (I) of section 1021(k) of this title)" after "file any report" and "a copy of such report and" after "shall maintain".

1997—Pub. L. 105–34 struck out "description or" after "requirement to file any".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2014 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 113–235 applicable with respect to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2014, see section 111(e) of Pub. L. 113–235, set out as a note under section 1021 of this title.

§1028. Reliance on administrative interpretations

In any criminal proceeding under section 1131 of this title, based on any act or omission in alleged violation of this part or section 1112 of this title, no person shall be subject to any liability or punishment for or on account of the failure of such person to (1) comply with this part or section 1112 of this title, if he pleads and proves that the act or omission complained of was in good faith, in conformity with, and in reliance on any regulation or written ruling of the Secretary, or (2) publish and file any information required by any provision of this part if he pleads and proves that he published and filed such information in good faith, and in conformity with any regulation or written ruling of the Secretary issued under this part regarding the filing of such reports. Such a defense, if established, shall be a bar to the action or proceeding, notwithstanding that (A) after such act or omission, such interpretation or opinion is modified or rescinded or is determined by judicial authority to be invalid or of no legal effect, or (B) after publishing or filing the annual reports and other reports required by this subchapter, such publication or filing is determined by judicial authority not to be in conformity with the requirements of this part.

(Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §108, Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 850; Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §7894(b)(7), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2448; Pub. L. 105–34, title XV, §1503(d)(6), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 1062.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1997—Pub. L. 105–34, which directed the amendment of cl. (2)(B) by substituting "annual reports" for "plan descriptions, annual reports,", was executed by making the substitution for "plan description, annual reports," to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

1989—Pub. L. 101–239 substituted "act or omission" for "act of omission" before "complained of".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1989 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 101–239 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if originally included in the provision of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, Pub. L. 93–406, to which such amendment relates, see section 7894(i) of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 1002 of this title.

Regulations

Secretary authorized, effective Sept. 2, 1974, to promulgate regulations wherever provisions of this subchapter call for the promulgation of regulations, see section 1031 of this title.

§1029. Forms

(a) Information required on forms

Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the Secretary may require that any information required under this subchapter to be submitted to him, including but not limited to the information required to be filed by the administrator pursuant to section 1023(b)(3) and (c) of this title, must be submitted on such forms as he may prescribe.

(b) Information not required on forms

The financial statement and opinion required to be prepared by an independent qualified public accountant pursuant to section 1023(a)(3)(A) of this title, the actuarial statement required to be prepared by an enrolled actuary pursuant to section 1023(a)(4)(A) of this title and the summary plan description required by section 1022(a) of this title shall not be required to be submitted on forms.

(c) Format and content of summary plan description, annual report, etc., required to be furnished to plan participants and beneficiaries

The Secretary may prescribe the format and content of the summary plan description, the summary of the annual report described in section 1024(b)(3) of this title and any other report, statements or documents (other than the bargaining agreement, trust agreement, contract, or other instrument under which the plan is established or operated), which are required to be furnished or made available to plan participants and beneficiaries receiving benefits under the plan.

(Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §109, Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 850.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Regulations

Secretary authorized, effective Sept. 2, 1974, to promulgate regulations wherever provisions of this subchapter call for the promulgation of regulations, see section 1031 of this title.

§1030. Alternative methods of compliance

(a) The Secretary on his own motion or after having received the petition of an administrator may prescribe an alternative method for satisfying any requirement of this part with respect to any pension plan, or class of pension plans (including pension-linked emergency savings account features within a pension plan), subject to such requirement if he determines—

(1) that the use of such alternative method is consistent with the purposes of this subchapter and that it provides adequate disclosure to the participants and beneficiaries in the plan, and adequate reporting to the Secretary,

(2) that the application of such requirement of this part would—

(A) increase the costs to the plan, or

(B) impose unreasonable administrative burdens with respect to the operation of the plan, having regard to the particular characteristics of the plan or the type of plan involved; and

(3) that the application of this part would be adverse to the interests of plan participants in the aggregate.

(b) An alternative method may be prescribed under subsection (a) by regulation or otherwise. If an alternative method is prescribed other than by regulation, the Secretary shall provide notice and an opportunity for interested persons to present their views, and shall publish in the Federal Register the provisions of such alternative method.

(Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §110, Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 851; Pub. L. 117–328, div. T, title I, §127(c)(1), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5324.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 117–328 inserted "(including pension-linked emergency savings account features within a pension plan)" after "class of pension plans" in introductory provisions.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2022 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 117–328 applicable to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2023, see section 127(g) of Pub. L. 117–328, set out as a note under section 72 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Regulations

Secretary authorized, effective Sept. 2, 1974, to promulgate regulations wherever provisions of this subchapter call for the promulgation of regulations, see section 1031 of this title.

§1030a. Eliminating unnecessary plan requirements related to unenrolled participants

(a) In general

Notwithstanding any other provision of this subchapter, with respect to any individual account plan, no disclosure, notice, or other plan document (other than the notices and documents described in paragraphs (1) and (2)) shall be required to be furnished under this subchapter to any unenrolled participant if the unenrolled participant is furnished—

(1) an annual reminder notice of such participant's eligibility to participate in such plan and any applicable election deadlines under the plan; and

(2) any document requested by such participant that the participant would be entitled to receive notwithstanding this section.

(b) Unenrolled participant

For purposes of this section, the term "unenrolled participant" means an employee who—

(1) is eligible to participate in an individual account plan;

(2) has been furnished—

(A) the summary plan description pursuant to section 1024(b) of this title, and

(B) any other notices related to eligibility under the plan required to be furnished under this subchapter, or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, in connection with such participant's initial eligibility to participate in such plan;

(3) is not participating in such plan; and

(4) satisfies such other criteria as the Secretary of Labor may determine appropriate, as prescribed in guidance issued in consultation with the Secretary of Treasury.

For purposes of this section, any eligibility to participate in the plan following any period for which such employee was not eligible to participate shall be treated as initial eligibility.

(c) Annual reminder notice

For purposes of this section, the term "annual reminder notice" means a notice provided in accordance with section 2520.104b–1 of title 29, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation), which—

(1) is furnished in connection with the annual open season election period with respect to the plan or, if there is no such period, is furnished within a reasonable period prior to the beginning of each plan year;

(2) notifies the unenrolled participant of—

(A) the unenrolled participant's eligibility to participate in the plan; and

(B) the key benefits and rights under the plan, with a focus on employer contributions and vesting provisions; and

(3) provides such information in a prominent manner calculated to be understood by the average participant.

(Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §111, as added Pub. L. 117–328, div. T, title III, §320(a)(1), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5354.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, referred to in subsec. (b)(2)(B), is classified generally to Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 111 of Pub. L. 93–406 was renumbered section 112 and is classified to section 1031 of this title.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section applicable to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2022, see section 320(c) of Pub. L. 117–328, set out as an Effective Date of 2022 Amendment note under section 414 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

§1031. Repeal and effective date

(a)(1) The Welfare and Pension Plans Disclosure Act [29 U.S.C. 301 et seq.] is repealed except that such Act shall continue to apply to any conduct and events which occurred before the effective date of this part.

(2)(A) Section 664 of title 18 is amended by striking out "any such plan subject to the provisions of the Welfare and Pension Plans Disclosure Act" and inserting in lieu thereof "any employee benefit plan subject to any provisions of title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974".

(B)(i) Section 1027 of such title 18 is amended by striking out "Welfare and Pension Plans Disclosure Act" and inserting in lieu thereof "title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974", and by striking out "Act" each place it appears and inserting in lieu thereof "title".

(ii) The heading for such section is amended by striking out "welfare and pension plans disclosure act" and inserting in lieu thereof "employee retirement income security act of 1974".

(iii) The table of sections of chapter 47 of such title 18 is amended by striking out "Welfare and Pension Plans Disclosure Act" in the item relating to section 1027 and inserting in lieu thereof "Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974".

(C) Section 1954 of such title 18 is amended by striking out "any plan subject to the provisions of the Welfare and Pension Plans Disclosure Act as amended" and inserting in lieu thereof "any employee welfare benefit plan or employee pension benefit plan, respectively, subject to any provision of title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974"; and by striking out "sections 3(3) and 5(b)(1) and (2) of the Welfare and Pension Plans Disclosure Act, as amended" and inserting in lieu thereof "sections 3(4) and (3)(16) ¹ of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974".

(D) Section 211 of the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 (29 U.S.C. 441) is amended by striking out "Welfare and Pension Plans Disclosure Act" and inserting in lieu thereof "Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974".

(b)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), this part (including the amendments and repeals made by subsection (a)) shall take effect on January 1, 1975.

(2) In the case of a plan which has a plan year which begins before January 1, 1975, and ends after December 31, 1974, the Secretary may postpone by regulation the effective date of the repeal of any provision of the Welfare and Pension Plans Disclosure Act (and of any amendment made by subsection (a)(2)) and the effective date of any provision of this part, until the beginning of the first plan year of such plan which begins after January 1, 1975.

(c) The provisions of this subchapter authorizing the Secretary to promulgate regulations shall take effect on September 2, 1974.

(d) Subsections (b) and (c) shall not apply with respect to amendments made to this part in provisions enacted after September 2, 1974.

(Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §112, formerly §111, Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 851; Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §7894(h)(1), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2451; renumbered §112, Pub. L. 117–328, div. T, title III, §320(a)(1), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5354.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Welfare and Pension Plans Disclosure Act, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (b)(2), is Pub. L. 85–836, Aug. 28, 1958, 72 Stat. 997, which was classified generally to chapter 10 (§301 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 301 of this title and Tables.

Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, referred to in subsec. (a)(2)(A) to (C), means title I of Pub. L. 93–406, which enacted this subchapter, amended section 441 of this title, section 5108 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, and sections 664, 1027, and 1954 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure, and repealed sections 301 to 309 of this title.

The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, referred to in subsec. (a)(2)(B)(ii), (iii), (D), is Pub. L. 93–406, Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 829. Titles I, III, and IV of such act are classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1001 of this title and Tables.

Amendments

1989—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 101–239 added subsec. (d).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2022 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 117–328 applicable to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2022, see section 320(c) of Pub. L. 117–328, set out as a note under section 414 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 1989 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 101–239 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if originally included in the provision of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, Pub. L. 93–406, to which such amendment relates, see section 7894(i) of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 1002 of this title.

¹ So in original. Probably should be "3(16)".

§1032. Notice and disclosure requirements with respect to lump sums

(a) In general

A plan administrator of a pension plan that amends the plan to provide a period of time during which a participant or beneficiary may elect to receive a lump sum, instead of future monthly payments, shall furnish notice—

(1) to each participant or beneficiary offered such lump sum amount, in the manner in which the participant and beneficiary receives the lump sum offer from the plan sponsor, not later than 90 days prior to the first day on which the participant or beneficiary may make an election with respect to such lump sum; and

(2) to the Secretary and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, not later than 30 days prior to the first day on which participants and beneficiaries may make an election with respect to such lump sum.

(b) Notice to participants and beneficiaries

(1) Content

The notice required under subsection (a)(1) shall include the following:

(A) Available benefit options, including the estimated monthly benefit that the participant or beneficiary would receive at normal retirement age, whether there is a subsidized early retirement option or qualified joint and survivor annuity that is fully subsidized (in accordance with section 417(a)(5) of title 26,¹ the monthly benefit amount if payments begin immediately, and the lump sum amount available if the participant or beneficiary takes the option.

(B) An explanation of how the lump sum was calculated, including the interest rate, mortality assumptions, and whether any additional plan benefits were included in the lump sum, such as early retirement subsidies.

(C) In a manner consistent with the manner in which a written explanation is required to be given under 417(a)(3) of title 26, the relative value of the lump sum option for a terminated vested participant compared to the value of—

(i) the single life annuity, (or other standard form of benefit); and

(ii) the qualified joint and survivor annuity (as defined in section 1055(d)(1) of this title);

(D) A statement that—

(i) a commercial annuity comparable to the annuity available from the plan may cost more than the amount of the lump sum amount, and

(ii) it may be advisable to consult an advisor regarding this point if the participant or beneficiary is considering purchasing a commercial annuity.

(E) The potential ramifications of accepting the lump sum, including longevity risks, loss of protections guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (with an explanation of the monthly benefit amount that would be protected by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation if the plan is terminated with insufficient assets to pay benefits), loss of protection from creditors, loss of spousal protections, and other protections under this Act that would be lost.

(F) General tax rules related to accepting a lump sum, including rollover options and early distribution penalties with a disclaimer that the plan does not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice, and a suggestion that participants and beneficiaries consult with their own tax, legal, and accounting advisors before determining whether to accept the offer.

(G) How to accept or reject the offer, the deadline for response, and whether a spouse is required to consent to the election.

(H) Contact information for the point of contact at the plan administrator for participants and beneficiaries to get more information or ask questions about the options.

(2) Plain language

The notice under this subsection shall be written in a manner calculated to be understood by the average plan participant.

(3) Model notice

The Secretary shall issue a model notice for purposes of the notice under subsection (a)(1), including for information required under subparagraphs (C) through (F) of paragraph (1).

(c) Notice to the Secretary and Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation

The notice required under subsection (a)(2) shall include the following:

(1) The total number of participants and beneficiaries eligible for such lump sum option.

(2) The length of the limited period during which the lump sum is offered.

(3) An explanation of how the lump sum was calculated, including the interest rate, mortality assumptions, and whether any additional plan benefits were included in the lump sum, such as early retirement subsidies.

(4) A sample of the notice provided to participants and beneficiaries under subsection (a)(1), if otherwise required.

(d) Post-offer report to the Secretary and Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation

Not later than 90 days after the conclusion of the limited period during which participants and beneficiaries in a plan may accept a plan's offer of a lump sum, a plan sponsor shall submit a report to the Secretary and the Director of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation that includes the number of participants and beneficiaries who accepted the lump sum offer and such other information as the Secretary may require.

(e) Public availability

The Secretary shall make the information provided in the notice to the Secretary required under subsection (a)(2) and in the post-offer reports submitted under subsection (d) publicly available in a form that protects the confidentiality of the information provided.

(f) Biennial report

Not later than the last day of the second calendar year after the calendar year including the applicability date of the final rules under section 342(e) of the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022, and every 2 years thereafter, so long as the Secretary has received notices and post-offer reports under subsections (c) and (d) of this section, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that summarizes such notices and post-offer reports during the applicable reporting period. The applicable reporting period begins on the first day of the second calendar year preceding the calendar year that the report is submitted to Congress and ends on the last day of the calendar year preceding the calendar year the report is due.

(Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §113, as added Pub. L. 117–328, div. T, title III, §342(a), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5376.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 342(e) of the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022, referred to in subsec. (f), is section 342(e) of div. T of Pub. L. 117–328, which is set out as a note below.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2022 Amendment

Pub. L. 117–328, div. T, title III, §342(d), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5378, provided that: "The requirements of section 113 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 [29 U.S.C. 1032], as added by subsection (b) [probably means subsec. (a) of section 342 of Pub. L. 117–328, which enacted this section], shall apply beginning on the applicable effective date specified in the final regulations promulgated pursuant to subsection (e) [set out below]."

Regulations

Pub. L. 117–328, div. T, title III, §342(e), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5378, provided that: "Not earlier than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 29, 2022], the Secretary of Labor, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, shall issue regulations to implement section 113 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 [29 U.S.C. 1032], as added by subsection (a). Such regulations shall be applicable not earlier than the issuance of a final rule and not later than 1 year after issuance of a final rule."

¹ So in original. A closing parenthesis probably should precede the comma.

part 2—participation and vesting

§1051. Coverage

This part shall apply to any employee benefit plan described in section 1003(a) of this title (and not exempted under section 1003(b) of this title) other than—

(1) an employee welfare benefit plan;

(2) a plan which is unfunded and is maintained by an employer primarily for the purpose of providing deferred compensation for a select group of management or highly compensated employees;

(3)(A) a plan established and maintained by a society, order, or association described in section 501(c)(8) or (9) of title 26, if no part of the contributions to or under such plan are made by employers of participants in such plan, or

(B) a trust described in section 501(c)(18) of title 26;

(4) a plan which is established and maintained by a labor organization described in section 501(c)(5) of title 26 and which does not at any time after September 2, 1974, provide for employer contributions;

(5) any agreement providing payments to a retired partner or a deceased partner's successor in interest, as described in section 736 of title 26;

(6) an individual retirement account or annuity described in section 408 of title 26, or a retirement bond described in section 409 of title 26 (as effective for obligations issued before January 1, 1984);

(7) an excess benefit plan; or

(8) any plan, fund or program under which an employer, all of whose stock is directly or indirectly owned by employees, former employees or their beneficiaries, proposes through an unfunded arrangement to compensate retired employees for benefits which were forfeited by such employees under a pension plan maintained by a former employer prior to the date such pension plan became subject to this chapter.

(Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §201, Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 852; Pub. L. 96–364, title IV, §411(a), Sept. 26, 1980, 94 Stat. 1308; Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §§7891(a)(1), 7894(c)(1)(A), (11)(A), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2445, 2448, 2449.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 409 of title 26, referred to in par. (6), means section 409 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code, prior to its repeal by Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title IV, §491(b), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 848, applicable to obligations issued after Dec. 31, 1983.

This chapter, referred to in par. (8), was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 93–406, known as the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Titles I, III, and IV of such Act are classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1001 of this title and Tables.

Amendments

1989—Pars. (3)(A), (4), (5). Pub. L. 101–239, §7891(a)(1), substituted "Internal Revenue Code of 1986" for "Internal Revenue Code of 1954", which for purposes of codification was translated as "title 26" thus requiring no change in text.

Par. (6). Pub. L. 101–239, §7891(a)(1), substituted "section 408 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986" for "section 408 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954", which for purposes of codification was translated as "section 408 of title 26" thus requiring no change in text.

Pub. L. 101–239, §7894(c)(11)(A), substituted "section 409 of title 26 (as effective for obligations issued before January 1, 1984)" for "section 409 of title 26".

Pub. L. 101–239, §7894(c)(1)(A)(i), struck out "or" after semicolon at end.

Par. (7). Pub. L. 101–239, §7894(c)(1)(A)(ii), substituted "plan; or" for "plan."

Par. (8). Pub. L. 101–239, §7894(c)(1)(A)(iii), substituted "any plan" for "Any plan".

1980—Par. (8). Pub. L. 96–364 added par. (8).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1989 Amendment

Amendment by section 7891(a)(1) of Pub. L. 101–239 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if included in the provision of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, Pub. L. 99–514, to which such amendment relates, see section 7891(f) of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 1002 of this title.

Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §7894(c)(1)(B), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2449, provided that: "The amendments made by subparagraph (A) [amending this section] shall take effect as if included in section 411 of the Multiemployer Pension Plan Amendments Act of 1980 [Pub. L. 96–364]."

Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §7894(c)(11)(B), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2449, provided that: "The amendment made by subparagraph (A) [amending this section] shall take effect as if originally included in section 491(b) of Public Law 98–369."

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–364 effective Sept. 26, 1980, except as specifically provided, see section 1461(e) of this title.

§1052. Minimum participation standards

(a)(1)(A) No pension plan may require, as a condition of participation in the plan, that an employee complete a period of service with the employer or employers maintaining the plan extending beyond the later of the following dates—

(i) the date on which the employee attains the age of 21; or

(ii) the date on which he completes 1 year of service.

(B)(i) In the case of any plan which provides that after not more than 2 years of service each participant has a right to 100 percent of his accrued benefit under the plan which is nonforfeitable at the time such benefit accrues, clause (ii) of subparagraph (A) shall be applied by substituting "2 years of service" for "1 year of service".

(ii) In the case of any plan maintained exclusively for employees of an educational organization (as defined in section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii) of title 26) by an employer which is exempt from tax under section 501(a) of title 26, which provides that each participant having at least 1 year of service has a right to 100 percent of his accrued benefit under the plan which is nonforfeitable at the time such benefit accrues, clause (i) of subparagraph (A) shall be applied by substituting "26" for "21". This clause shall not apply to any plan to which clause (i) applies.

(2) No pension plan may exclude from participation (on the basis of age) employees who have attained a specified age.

(3)(A) For purposes of this section, the term "year of service" means a 12-month period during which the employee has not less than 1,000 hours of service. For purposes of this paragraph, computation of any 12-month period shall be made with reference to the date on which the employee's employment commenced, except that, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary, such computation may be made by reference to the first day of a plan year in the case of an employee who does not complete 1,000 hours of service during the 12-month period beginning on the date his employment commenced.

(B) In the case of any seasonal industry where the customary period of employment is less than 1,000 hours during a calendar year, the term "year of service" shall be such period as may be determined under regulations prescribed by the Secretary.

(C) For purposes of this section, the term "hour of service" means a time of service determined under regulations prescribed by the Secretary.

(D) For purposes of this section, in the case of any maritime industry, 125 days of service shall be treated as 1,000 hours of service. The Secretary may prescribe regulations to carry out the purposes of this subparagraph.

(4) A plan shall be treated as not meeting the requirements of paragraph (1) unless it provides that any employee who has satisfied the minimum age and service requirements specified in such paragraph, and who is otherwise entitled to participate in the plan, commences participation in the plan no later than the earlier of—

(A) the first day of the first plan year beginning after the date on which such employee satisfied such requirements, or

(B) the date 6 months after the date on which he satisfied such requirements,

unless such employee was separated from the service before the date referred to in subparagraph (A) or (B), whichever is applicable.

(b)(1) Except as otherwise provided in paragraphs (2), (3), and (4), all years of service with the employer or employers maintaining the plan shall be taken into account in computing the period of service for purposes of subsection (a)(1).

(2) In the case of any employee who has any 1-year break in service (as defined in section 1053(b)(3)(A) of this title) under a plan to which the service requirements of clause (i) of subsection (a)(1)(B) apply, if such employee has not satisfied such requirements, service before such break shall not be required to be taken into account.

(3) In computing an employee's period of service for purposes of subsection (a)(1) in the case of any participant who has any 1-year break in service (as defined in section 1053(b)(3)(A) of this title), service before such break shall not be required to be taken into account under the plan until he has completed a year of service (as defined in subsection (a)(3)) after his return.

(4)(A) For purposes of paragraph (1), in the case of a nonvested participant, years of service with the employer or employers maintaining the plan before any period of consecutive 1-year breaks in service shall not be required to be taken into account in computing the period of service if the number of consecutive 1-year breaks in service within such period equals or exceeds the greater of—

(i) 5, or

(ii) the aggregate number of years of service before such period.

(B) If any years of service are not required to be taken into account by reason of a period of breaks in service to which subparagraph (A) applies, such years of service shall not be taken into account in applying subparagraph (A) to a subsequent period of breaks in service.

(C) For purposes of subparagraph (A), the term "nonvested participant" means a participant who does not have any nonforfeitable right under the plan to an accrued benefit derived from employer contributions.

(5)(A) In the case of each individual who is absent from work for any period—

(i) by reason of the pregnancy of the individual,

(ii) by reason of the birth of a child of the individual,

(iii) by reason of the placement of a child with the individual in connection with the adoption of such child by such individual, or

(iv) for purposes of caring for such child for a period beginning immediately following such birth or placement,

the plan shall treat as hours of service, solely for purposes of determining under this subsection whether a 1-year break in service (as defined in section 1053(b)(3)(A) of this title) has occurred, the hours described in subparagraph (B).

(B) The hours described in this subparagraph are—

(i) the hours of service which otherwise would normally have been credited to such individual but for such absence, or

(ii) in any case in which the plan is unable to determine the hours described in clause (i), 8 hours of service per day of such absence,

except that the total number of hours treated as hours of service under this subparagraph by reason of any such pregnancy or placement shall not exceed 501 hours.

(C) The hours described in subparagraph (B) shall be treated as hours of service as provided in this paragraph—

(i) only in the year in which the absence from work begins, if a participant would be prevented from incurring a 1-year break in service in such year solely because the period of absence is treated as hours of service as provided in subparagraph (A); or

(ii) in any other case, in the immediately following year.

(D) For purposes of this paragraph, the term "year" means the period used in computations pursuant to subsection (a)(3)(A).

(E) A plan may provide that no credit will be given pursuant to this paragraph unless the individual furnishes to the plan administrator such timely information as the plan may reasonably require to establish—

(i) that the absence from work is for reasons referred to in subparagraph (A), and

(ii) the number of days for which there was such an absence.

(Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §202, Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 853; Pub. L. 98–397, title I, §102(a), (d)(1), (e)(1), Aug. 23, 1984, 98 Stat. 1426, 1427; Pub. L. 99–509, title IX, §9203(a)(1), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1979; Pub. L. 99–514, title XI, §1113(e)(3), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2448; Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §§7861(a)(2), 7891(a)(1), 7892(a), 7894(c)(2), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2430, 2445, 2447, 2449; Pub. L. 117–328, div. T, title I, §125(a)(1), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5314.)

Amendment of Section

Pub. L. 117–328, div. T, title I, §125(a)(1), (f)(1), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5314, 5316, provided that, applicable to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2024, this section is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

"(c) Special Rule for Certain Part-time Employees.—

"(1) In general.—A pension plan that includes either a qualified cash or deferred arrangement (as defined in section 401(k) of title 26) or a salary reduction agreement (as described in section 403(b) of title 26) shall not require, as a condition of participation in the arrangement or agreement, that an employee complete a period of service with the employer (or employers) maintaining the plan extending beyond the close of the earlier of—

"(A) the period permitted under subsection (a)(1) (determined without regard to subparagraph (B)(i) thereof); or

"(B) the first 24-month period—

"(i) consisting of 2 consecutive 12-month periods during each of which the employee has at least 500 hours of service; and

"(ii) by the close of which the employee has met the requirement of subsection (a)(1)(A)(i).

"(2) Exception.—Paragraph (1)(B) shall not apply to any employee described in section 410(b)(3) of title 26.

"(3) Coordination with time of participation rules.—In the case of employees who are eligible to participate in the arrangement or agreement solely by reason of paragraph (1)(B), or by reason of such paragraph and section 401(k)(2)(D)(ii) of title 26, the rules of subsection (a)(4) shall apply to such employees.

"(4) 12-month period.—For purposes of this subsection, 12-month periods shall be determined in the same manner as under the last sentence of subsection (a)(3)(A), except that 12-month periods beginning before January 1, 2023, shall not be taken into account."

See 2022 Amendment note below.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 117–328 added subsec. (c).

1989—Subsec. (a)(1)(B)(i). Pub. L. 101–239, §7861(a)(2), made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 99–514. See 1986 Amendment note below.

Subsec. (a)(1)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 101–239, §7894(c)(2)(A), substituted "educational organization" for "educational institution".

Pub. L. 101–239, §7891(a)(1), substituted "Internal Revenue Code of 1986" for "Internal Revenue Code of 1954", which for purposes of codification was translated as "title 26" thus requiring no change in text.

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 101–239, §7892(a), struck out comma after "specified age".

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 101–239, §7894(c)(2)(B), substituted "a plan" for "the plan".

1986—Subsec. (a)(1)(B)(i). Pub. L. 99–514, as amended by Pub. L. 101–239, §7861(a)(2), substituted "2 years of service" for "3 years of service" in two places.

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 99–509 substituted a period for "unless—

"(A) the plan is a—

"(i) defined benefit plan, or

"(ii) target benefit plan (as defined under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury), and

"(B) such employees begin employment with the employer after they have attained a specified age which is not more than 5 years before the normal retirement age under the plan."

1984—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 98–397, §102(a), substituted "21" for "25" in subpar. (A)(i) and " '26' for '21' " for " '30' for '25' " in subpar. (B)(ii).

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 98–397, §102(d)(1), amended par. (4) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (4) read as follows: "In the case of an employee who does not have any nonforfeitable right to an accrued benefit derived from employer contributions, years of service with the employer or employers maintaining the plan before a break in service shall not be required to be taken into account in computing the period of service for purposes of subsection (a)(1) if the number of consecutive 1-year breaks in service equals or exceeds the aggregate number of such years of service before such break. Such aggregate number of years of service before such break shall be deemed not to include any years of service not required to be taken into account under this paragraph by reason of any prior break in service."

Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 98–397, §102(e)(1), added par. (5).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2022 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 117–328 applicable to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2024, see section 125(f)(1) of Pub. L. 117–328, set out as a note under section 401 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 1989 Amendment

Amendment by section 7861(a)(2) of Pub. L. 101–239 effective as if included in the provision of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, Pub. L. 99–514, to which such amendment relates, see section 7863 of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 106 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Amendment by section 7891(a)(1) of Pub. L. 101–239 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if included in the provision of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, Pub. L. 99–514, to which such amendment relates, see section 7891(f) of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 1002 of this title.

Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §7892(c), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2447, provided that: "Any amendment made by this section [amending this section and section 1082 of this title] shall take effect as if included in the provision of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 [Pub. L. 100–203, probably should refer to Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986, Pub. L. 99–509] or Pension Protection Act [Pub. L. 100–203, §§9302–9346, probably should refer to Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987, Pub. L. 100–203] to which such amendment relates."

Amendment by section 7894(c)(2) of Pub. L. 101–239 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if originally included in the provision of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, Pub. L. 93–406, to which such amendment relates, see section 7894(i) of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 1002 of this title.

Effective Date of 1986 Amendments

Amendment by section 1113(e)(3) of Pub. L. 99–514 applicable to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 1988, with special rule for plans maintained pursuant to collective bargaining agreements ratified before Mar. 1, 1986, and not applicable to employees who do not have 1 hour of service in any plan year to which the amendment applies, see section 1113(f) of Pub. L. 99–514, as amended, set out as a note under section 411 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Amendment by Pub. L. 99–509 applicable only with respect to plan years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 1988, and only with respect to service performed on or after such date, see section 9204 of Pub. L. 99–509, set out as an Effective and Termination Dates of 1986 Amendments note under section 623 of this title.

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–397 applicable to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 1984, except as otherwise provided, see sections 302 and 303 of Pub. L. 98–397, set out as a note under section 1001 of this title.

Regulations

Secretary of Labor, Secretary of the Treasury, and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission each to issue before Feb. 1, 1988, final regulations to carry out amendments made by Pub. L. 99–509, see section 9204 of Pub. L. 99–509, set out as an Effective and Termination Dates of 1986 Amendment note under section 623 of this title.

Secretary authorized, effective Sept. 2, 1974, to promulgate regulations wherever provisions of this subchapter call for the promulgation of regulations, see section 1031 of this title.

Plan Amendments Not Required Until January 1, 1989

For provisions directing that if any amendments made by subtitle A or subtitle C of title XI [§§1101–1147 and 1171–1177] or title XVIII [§§1800–1899A] of Pub. L. 99–514 require an amendment to any plan, such plan amendment shall not be required to be made before the first plan year beginning on or after Jan. 1, 1989, see section 1140 of Pub. L. 99–514, as amended, set out as a note under section 401 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

For provisions directing that if any amendments made by Pub. L. 99–509 require an amendment to any plan, such plan amendment shall not be required to be made before the first plan year beginning on or after Jan. 1, 1989, see section 9204 of Pub. L. 99–509, set out as an Effective and Termination Dates of 1986 Amendment note under section 623 of this title.

§1053. Minimum vesting standards

(a) Nonforfeitability requirements

Each pension plan shall provide that an employee's right to his normal retirement benefit is nonforfeitable upon the attainment of normal retirement age and in addition shall satisfy the requirements of paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection.

(1) A plan satisfies the requirements of this paragraph if an employee's rights in his accrued benefit derived from his own contributions are nonforfeitable.

(2)(A)(i) In the case of a defined benefit plan, a plan satisfies the requirements of this paragraph if it satisfies the requirements of clause (ii) or (iii).

(ii) A plan satisfies the requirements of this clause if an employee who has completed at least 5 years of service has a nonforfeitable right to 100 percent of the employee's accrued benefit derived from employer contributions.

(iii) A plan satisfies the requirements of this clause if an employee has a nonforfeitable right to a percentage of the employee's accrued benefit derived from employer contributions determined under the following table:

Years of service:	The nonforfeitable percentage is:
3	20
4	40
5	60
6	80
7 or more	100.

(B)(i) In the case of an individual account plan, a plan satisfies the requirements of this paragraph if it satisfies the requirements of clause (ii) or (iii).

(ii) A plan satisfies the requirements of this clause if an employee who has completed at least 3 years of service has a nonforfeitable right to 100 percent of the employee's accrued benefit derived from employer contributions.

(iii) A plan satisfies the requirements of this clause if an employee has a nonforfeitable right to a percentage of the employee's accrued benefit derived from employer contributions determined under the following table:

Years of service:	The nonforfeitable percentage is:
2	20
3	40
4	60
5	80
6 or more	100.

(3)(A) A right to an accrued benefit derived from employer contributions shall not be treated as forfeitable solely because the plan provides that it is not payable if the participant dies (except in the case of a survivor annuity which is payable as provided in section 1055 of this title).

(B) A right to an accrued benefit derived from employer contributions shall not be treated as forfeitable solely because the plan provides that the payment of benefits is suspended for such period as the employee is employed, subsequent to the commencement of payment of such benefits—

(i) in the case of a plan other than a multiemployer plan, by an employer who maintains the plan under which such benefits were being paid; and

(ii) in the case of a multiemployer plan, in the same industry, in the same trade or craft, and the same geographic area covered by the plan, as when such benefits commenced.

The Secretary shall prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this subparagraph, including regulations with respect to the meaning of the term "employed".

(C) A right to an accrued benefit derived from employer contributions shall not be treated as forfeitable solely because plan amendments may be given retroactive application as provided in section 1082(d)(2) of this title.

(D)(i) A right to an accrued benefit derived from employer contributions shall not be treated as forfeitable solely because the plan provides that, in the case of a participant who does not have a nonforfeitable right to at least 50 percent of his accrued benefit derived from employer contributions, such accrued benefit may be forfeited on account of the withdrawal by the participant of any amount attributable to the benefit derived from mandatory contributions (as defined in the last sentence of section 1054(c)(2)(C) of this title) made by such participant.

(ii) Clause (i) shall not apply to a plan unless the plan provides that any accrued benefit forfeited under a plan provision described in such clause shall be restored upon repayment by the participant of the full amount of the withdrawal described in such clause plus, in the case of a defined benefit plan, interest. Such interest shall be computed on such amount at the rate determined for purposes of section 1054(c)(2)(C) of this title (if such subsection applies) on the date of such repayment (computed annually from the date of such withdrawal). The plan provision required under this clause may provide that such repayment must be made (I) in the case of a withdrawal on account of separation from service, before the earlier of 5 years after the first date on which the participant is subsequently re-employed by the employer, or the close of the first period of 5 consecutive 1-year breaks in service commencing after the withdrawal; or (II) in the case of any other withdrawal, 5 years after the date of the withdrawal.

(iii) In the case of accrued benefits derived from employer contributions which accrued before September 2, 1974, a right to such accrued benefit derived from employer contributions shall not be treated as forfeitable solely because the plan provides that an amount of such accrued benefit may be forfeited on account of the withdrawal by the participant of an amount attributable to the benefit derived from mandatory contributions, made by such participant before September 2, 1974, if such amount forfeited is proportional to such amount withdrawn. This clause shall not apply to any plan to which any mandatory contribution is made after September 2, 1974. The Secretary of the Treasury shall prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this clause.

(iv) For purposes of this subparagraph, in the case of any class-year plan, a withdrawal of employee contributions shall be treated as a withdrawal of such contributions on a plan year by plan year basis in succeeding order of time.

(v) Cross reference.—

For nonforfeitability where the employee has a nonforfeitable right to at least 50 percent of his accrued benefit, see section 1056(c) of this title.

(E)(i) A right to an accrued benefit derived from employer contributions under a multiemployer plan shall not be treated as forfeitable solely because the plan provides that benefits accrued as a result of service with the participant's employer before the employer had an obligation to contribute under the plan may not be payable if the employer ceases contributions to the multiemployer plan.

(ii) A participant's right to an accrued benefit derived from employer contributions under a multiemployer plan shall not be treated as forfeitable solely because—

(I) the plan is amended to reduce benefits under section 1425 ¹ or 1441 of this title, or

(II) benefit payments under the plan may be suspended under section 1426 or 1441 of this title.

(F) A matching contribution (within the meaning of section 401(m) of title 26) shall not be treated as forfeitable merely because such contribution is forfeitable if the contribution to which the matching contribution relates is treated as an excess contribution under section 401(k)(8)(B) of title 26, an excess deferral under section 402(g)(2)(A) of title 26, an erroneous automatic contribution under section 414(w) of title 26, or an excess aggregate contribution under section 401(m)(6)(B) of title 26.

(b) Computation of period of service

(1) In computing the period of service under the plan for purposes of determining the nonforfeitable percentage under subsection (a)(2), all of an employee's years of service with the employer or employers maintaining the plan shall be taken into account, except that the following may be disregarded:

(A) years of service before age 18,²

(B) years of service during a period for which the employee declined to contribute to a plan requiring employee contributions,²

(C) years of service with an employer during any period for which the employer did not maintain the plan or a predecessor plan, defined by the Secretary of the Treasury;

(D) service not required to be taken into account under paragraph (3);

(E) years of service before January 1, 1971, unless the employee has had at least 3 years of service after December 31, 1970;

(F) years of service before this part first applies to the plan if such service would have been disregarded under the rules of the plan with regard to breaks in service, as in effect on the applicable date; and

(G) in the case of a multiemployer plan, years of service—

(i) with an employer after—

(I) a complete withdrawal of such employer from the plan (within the meaning of section 1383 of this title), or

(II) to the extent permitted by regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury, a partial withdrawal described in section 1385(b)(2)(A)(i) of this title in connection with the decertification of the collective bargaining representative; and

(ii) with any employer under the plan after the termination date of the plan under section 1348 of this title.

(2)(A) For purposes of this section, except as provided in subparagraph (C), the term "year of service" means a calendar year, plan year, or other 12-consecutive month period designated by the plan (and not prohibited under regulations prescribed by the Secretary) during which the participant has completed 1,000 hours of service.

(B) For purposes of this section, the term "hour of service" has the meaning provided by section 1052(a)(3)(C) of this title.

(C) In the case of any seasonal industry where the customary period of employment is less than 1,000 hours during a calendar year, the term "year of service" shall be such period as determined under regulations of the Secretary.

(D) For purposes of this section, in the case of any maritime industry, 125 days of service shall be treated as 1,000 hours of service. The Secretary may prescribe regulations to carry out the purposes of this subparagraph.

(3)(A) For purposes of this paragraph, the term "1-year break in service" means a calendar year, plan year, or other 12-consecutive-month period designated by the plan (and not prohibited under regulations prescribed by the Secretary) during which the participant has not completed more than 500 hours of service.

(B) For purposes of paragraph (1), in the case of any employee who has any 1-year break in service, years of service before such break shall not be required to be taken into account until he has completed a year of service after his return.

(C) For purposes of paragraph (1), in the case of any participant in an individual account plan or an insured defined benefit plan which satisfies the requirements of subsection 1054(b)(1)(F) of this title who has 5 consecutive 1-year breaks in service, years of service after such 5-year period shall not be required to be taken into account for purposes of determining the nonforfeitable percentage of his accrued benefit derived from employer contributions which accrued before such 5-year period.

(D)(i) For purposes of paragraph (1), in the case of a nonvested participant, years of service with the employer or employers maintaining the plan before any period of consecutive 1-year breaks in service shall not be required to be taken into account if the number of consecutive 1-year breaks in service within such period equals or exceeds the greater of—

(I) 5, or

(II) the aggregate number of years of service before such period.

(ii) If any years of service are not required to be taken into account by reason of a period of breaks in service to which clause (i) applies, such years of service shall not be taken into account in applying clause (i) to a subsequent period of breaks in service.

(iii) For purposes of clause (i), the term "nonvested participant" means a participant who does not have any nonforfeitable right under the plan to an accrued benefit derived from employer contributions.

(E)(i) In the case of each individual who is absent from work for any period—

(I) by reason of the pregnancy of the individual,

(II) by reason of the birth of a child of the individual,

(III) by reason of the placement of a child with the individual in connection with the adoption of such child by such individual, or

(IV) for purposes of caring for such child for a period beginning immediately following such birth or placement,

the plan shall treat as hours of service, solely for purposes of determining under this paragraph whether a 1-year break in service has occurred, the hours described in clause (ii).

(ii) The hours described in this clause are—

(I) the hours of service which otherwise would normally have been credited to such individual but for such absence, or

(II) in any case in which the plan is unable to determine the hours described in subclause (I), 8 hours of service per day of absence,

except that the total number of hours treated as hours of service under this clause by reason of such pregnancy or placement shall not exceed 501 hours.

(iii) The hours described in clause (ii) shall be treated as hours of service as provided in this subparagraph—

(I) only in the year in which the absence from work begins, if a participant would be prevented from incurring a 1-year break in service in such year solely because the period of absence is treated as hours of service as provided in clause (i); or

(II) in any other case, in the immediately following year.

(iv) For purposes of this subparagraph, the term "year" means the period used in computations pursuant to paragraph (2).

(v) A plan may provide that no credit will be given pursuant to this subparagraph unless the individual furnishes to the plan administrator such timely information as the plan may reasonably require to establish—

(I) that the absence from work is for reasons referred to in clause (i), and

(II) the number of days for which there was such an absence.

(4) Cross references

(A) For definitions of "accrued benefit" and "normal retirement age", see sections 1002(23) and (24) of this title.

(B) For effect of certain cash out distributions, see section 1054(d)(1) of this title.

(c) Plan amendments altering vesting schedule

(1)(A) A plan amendment changing any vesting schedule under the plan shall be treated as not satisfying the requirements of subsection (a)(2) if the nonforfeitable percentage of the accrued benefit derived from employer contributions (determined as of the later of the date such amendment is adopted, or the date such amendment becomes effective) of any employee who is a participant in the plan is less than such nonforfeitable percentage computed under the plan without regard to such amendment.

(B) A plan amendment changing any vesting schedule under the plan shall be treated as not satisfying the requirements of subsection (a)(2) unless each participant having not less than 3 years of service is permitted to elect, within a reasonable period after adoption of such amendment, to have his nonforfeitable percentage computed under the plan without regard to such amendment.

(2) Subsection (a) shall not apply to benefits which may not be provided for designated employees in the event of early termination of the plan under provisions of the plan adopted pursuant to regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury to preclude the discrimination prohibited by section 401(a)(4) of title 26.

(d) Nonforfeitable benefits after lesser period and in greater amounts than required

A pension plan may allow for nonforfeitable benefits after a lesser period and in greater amounts than are required by this part.

(e) Consent for distribution; present value; covered distributions

(1) If the present value of any nonforfeitable benefit with respect to a participant in a plan exceeds $7,000, the plan shall provide that such benefit may not be immediately distributed without the consent of the participant.

(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), the present value shall be calculated in accordance with section 1055(g)(3) of this title.

(3) This subsection shall not apply to any distribution of dividends to which section 404(k) of title 26 applies.

(4) A plan shall not fail to meet the requirements of this subsection if, under the terms of the plan, the present value of the nonforfeitable accrued benefit is determined without regard to that portion of such benefit which is attributable to rollover contributions (and earnings allocable thereto). For purposes of this subparagraph, the term "rollover contributions" means any rollover contribution under sections 402(c), 403(a)(4), 403(b)(8), 408(d)(3)(A)(ii), and 457(e)(16) of title 26.

(f) Special rules for plans computing accrued benefits by reference to hypothetical account balance or equivalent amounts

(1) In general

An applicable defined benefit plan shall not be treated as failing to meet—

(A) subject to paragraph (2), the requirements of subsection (a)(2), or

(B) the requirements of section 1054(c) or 1055(g) of this title, or the requirements of subsection (e), with respect to accrued benefits derived from employer contributions,

solely because the present value of the accrued benefit (or any portion thereof) of any participant is, under the terms of the plan, equal to the amount expressed as the balance in the hypothetical account described in paragraph (3) or as an accumulated percentage of the participant's final average compensation.

(2) 3-year vesting

In the case of an applicable defined benefit plan, such plan shall be treated as meeting the requirements of subsection (a)(2) only if an employee who has completed at least 3 years of service has a nonforfeitable right to 100 percent of the employee's accrued benefit derived from employer contributions.

(3) Applicable defined benefit plan and related rules

For purposes of this subsection—

(A) In general

The term "applicable defined benefit plan" means a defined benefit plan under which the accrued benefit (or any portion thereof) is calculated as the balance of a hypothetical account maintained for the participant or as an accumulated percentage of the participant's final average compensation.

(B) Regulations to include similar plans

The Secretary of the Treasury shall issue regulations which include in the definition of an applicable defined benefit plan any defined benefit plan (or any portion of such a plan) which has an effect similar to an applicable defined benefit plan.

(Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §203, Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 854; Pub. L. 96–364, title III, §303, Sept. 26, 1980, 94 Stat. 1292; Pub. L. 98–397, title I, §§102(b), (c), (d)(2), (e)(2), 105(a), Aug. 23, 1984, 98 Stat. 1426–1428, 1436; Pub. L. 99–514, title XI, §§1113(e)(1), (2), (4)(A), 1139(c)(1), title XVIII, §1898(a)(1)(B), (4)(B)(i), (d)(1)(B), (2)(B), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2447, 2448, 2487, 2942, 2944, 2955; Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §§7861(a)(1), (5)(B), (6)(B), 7862(d)(4), (5), (10), 7891(a)(1), (b)(1), (2), 7894(c)(3), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2430, 2434, 2445, 2449; Pub. L. 103–465, title VII, §767(c)(1), Dec. 8, 1994, 108 Stat. 5039; Pub. L. 104–188, title I, §1442(b), Aug. 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1808; Pub. L. 105–34, title X, §1071(b)(1), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 948; Pub. L. 107–16, title VI, §§633(b), 648(a)(2), June 7, 2001, 115 Stat. 116, 127; Pub. L. 108–311, title IV, §408(b)(8), Oct. 4, 2004, 118 Stat. 1193; Pub. L. 109–280, title I, §108(a)(4), formerly §107(a)(4), title VII, §701(a)(2), title IX, §§902(d)(2)(E), 904(b), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 819, 984, 1038, 1049, renumbered Pub. L. 111–192, title II, §202(a), June 25, 2010, 124 Stat. 1297; Pub. L. 110–458, title I, §107(a)(1), Dec. 23, 2008, 122 Stat. 5107; Pub. L. 117–328, div. T, title I, §125(b), title III, §304(a), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5315, 5341.)

Amendment of Subsection (b)

Pub. L. 117–328, div. T, title I, §125(b), (f)(1), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5315, 5316, provided that, applicable to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2024, subsection (b) of this section is amended by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5) and by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new paragraph:

"(4) Part-time employees

"For purposes of determining whether an employee who became eligible to participate in a qualified cash or deferred arrangement or a salary reduction agreement under a plan solely by reason of section 1052(c)(1)(B) of this title has a nonforfeitable right to employer contributions—

"(A) except as provided in subparagraph (B), each 12-month period for which the employee has at least 500 hours of service shall be treated as a year of service; and

"(B) paragraph (3) shall be applied by substituting 'at least 500 hours of service' for 'more than 500 hours of service' in subparagraph (A) thereof.

For purposes of this paragraph, 12-month periods shall be determined in the same manner as under the last sentence of section 1052(a)(3)(A) of this title, except that 12-month periods beginning before January 1, 2023, shall not be taken into account."

See 2022 Amendment note below.

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 1425 of this title, referred to in subsec. (a)(3)(E)(ii)(I), was repealed by Pub. L. 113–235, div. O, title I, §108(a)(1), Dec. 16, 2014, 128 Stat. 2786.

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (b)(4), (5). Pub. L. 117–328, §125(b), added par. (4) and redesignated former par. (4) as (5).

Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 117–328, §304(a), substituted "$7,000" for "$5,000".

2008—Subsec. (f)(1)(B). Pub. L. 110–458 amended subpar. (B) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (B) read as follows: "the requirements of section 1054(c) of this title or section 1055(g) of this title with respect to contributions other than employee contributions,".

2006—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 109–280, §904(b)(1), amended par. (2) generally, substituting provisions relating to satisfaction of requirements in the case of a defined benefit plan and in the case of an individual account plan for provisions relating to satisfaction of requirements if an employee who has completed at least 5 years of service has a nonforfeitable right to 100 percent of the employee's accrued benefit derived from employer contributions or if an employee has a nonforfeitable right to a percentage of such benefit based upon number of years of service.

Subsec. (a)(3)(C). Pub. L. 109–280, §108(a)(4), formerly §107(a)(4), as renumbered by Pub. L. 111–192, substituted "1082(d)(2)" for "1082(c)(8)".

Subsec. (a)(3)(F). Pub. L. 109–280, §902(d)(2)(E), inserted "an erroneous automatic contribution under section 414(w) of title 26," before "or an excess aggregate contribution".

Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 109–280, §904(b)(2), struck out par. (4), which related to application of par. (2) in the case of matching contributions, as defined in section 401(m)(4)(A) of title 26.

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 109–280, §701(a)(2), added subsec. (f).

2004—Subsec. (a)(4)(B). Pub. L. 108–311 substituted "6 or more" for "6" in table.

2001—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 107–16, §633(b)(1), substituted "Except as provided in paragraph (4), a plan" for "A plan" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 107–16, §633(b)(2), added par. (4).

Subsec. (e)(4). Pub. L. 107–16, §648(a)(2), added par. (4).

1997—Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 105–34 substituted "$5,000" for "$3,500".

1996—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 104–188, §1442(b)(1), substituted "subparagraph (A) or (B)" for "subparagraph (A), (B), or (C)" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (a)(2)(C). Pub. L. 104–188, §1442(b)(2), struck out subpar. (C) which read as follows: "A plan satisfies the requirements of this subparagraph if—

"(i) the plan is a multiemployer plan (within the meaning of section 1002(37)), and

"(ii) under the plan—

"(I) an employee who is covered pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement described in section 1002(37)(A)(ii) of this title and who has completed at least 10 years of service has a nonforfeitable right to 100 percent of the employee's accrued benefit derived from employer contributions, and

"(II) the requirements of subparagraph (A) or (B) are met with respect to employees not described in subclause (I)."

1994—Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 103–465 amended par. (2) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (2) read as follows:

"(2)(A) For purposes of paragraph (1), the present value shall be calculated—

"(i) by using an interest rate no greater than the applicable interest rate if the vested accrued benefit (using such rate) is not in excess of $25,000, and

"(ii) by using an interest rate no greater than 120 percent of the applicable interest rate if the vested accrued benefit exceeds $25,000 (as determined under clause (i)).

In no event shall the present value determined under subclause (II) be less than $25,000.

"(B) For purposes of subparagraph (A), the term 'applicable interest rate' means the interest rate which would be used (as of the date of the distribution) by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation for purposes of determining the present value of a lump sum distribution on plan termination."

1989—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 101–239, §7861(a)(1)(A), substituted "satisfies the requirements" for "satisfies the following requirements" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (a)(2)(C)(ii)(I). Pub. L. 101–239, §7861(a)(1)(B), substituted "section 1002(37)(A)(ii) of this title" for "section 414(f)(1)(B)".

Subsec. (a)(3)(D)(v). Pub. L. 101–239, §7894(c)(3), substituted "nonforfeitability" for "nonforfeitably".

Subsec. (a)(3)(F). Pub. L. 101–239, §7861(a)(5)(B), added subpar. (F).

Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 101–239, §7861(a)(6)(B), amended subpar. (A) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (A) read as follows: "years of service before age 18, except that in case of a plan which does not satisfy subparagraph (A) or (B) of subsection (a)(2), the plan may not disregard any such year of service during which the employee was a participant;".

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 101–239, §7891(a)(1), substituted "Internal Revenue Code of 1986" for "Internal Revenue Code of 1954", which for purposes of codification was translated as "title 26" thus requiring no change in text.

Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 101–239, §7862(d)(10), which directed amendment of par. (1) by substituting "nonforfeitable benefit" for "vested accrued benefit", could not be executed because the language "vested accrued benefit" did not appear after the amendment by Pub. L. 101–239, §7862(d)(5), see below.

Pub. L. 101–239, §7862(d)(5), amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) read as follows: "If the present value of any vested accrued benefit exceeds $3,500, a pension plan shall provide that such benefit may not be immediately distributed without the consent of the participant."

Pub. L. 101–239, §7862(d)(4), made technical correction to Pub. L. 99–514, §1898(d)(1)(B), see 1986 Amendment note below.

Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 101–239, §7891(b)(1), (2), realigned margins of subpars. (A) and (B) and struck out subpar. (B) heading "Applicable interest rate".

Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 101–239, §7891(a)(1), substituted "Internal Revenue Code of 1986" for "Internal Revenue Code of 1954", which for purposes of codification was translated as "title 26" thus requiring no change in text.

1986—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 99–514, §1113(e)(1), amended par. (2) generally, substituting provisions covering 5-year vesting, 3- to 7-year vesting, and multiemployer plans, for former provisions which covered 10-year vesting, 5- to 15-year vesting, and the "rule of 45" under which a plan satisfied the requirements of this paragraph if an employee who had completed at least 5 years of service and with respect to whom the sum of his age and years of service equalled or exceeded 45 had a right to a percentage of his accrued benefits derived from employer contributions.

Subsec. (a)(3)(D)(ii). Pub. L. 99–514, §1898(a)(4)(B)(i), inserted last sentence and struck out former last sentence which read as follows: "In the case of a defined contribution plan the plan provision required under this clause may provide that such repayment must be made before the participant has any 1-year break in service commencing after the withdrawal."

Subsec. (c)(1)(B). Pub. L. 99–514, §1113(e)(4)(A), substituted "3 years" for "5 years".

Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 99–514, §1113(e)(2), struck out par. (3) which provided for class year vesting.

Pub. L. 99–514, §1898(a)(1)(B), amended par. (3) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (3) read as follows: "The requirements of subsection (a)(2) shall be deemed to be satisfied in the case of a class year plan if such plan provides that 100 percent of each employee's right to or derived from the contributions of the employer on his behalf with respect to any plan year are nonforfeitable not later than the end of the 5th year following the plan year for which such contributions were made. For purposes of this part, the term 'class year plan' means a profit sharing, stock bonus, or money purchase plan which provides for the separate nonforfeitability of employees' rights to or derived from the contributions for each plan year."

Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 99–514, §1898(d)(1)(B), as amended by Pub. L. 101–239, §7862(d)(4), amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) read as follows: "If the present value of any accrued benefit exceeds $3,500, such benefit shall not be treated as nonforfeitable if the plan provides that the present value of such benefit could be immediately distributed without the consent of the participant."

Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 99–514, §1139(c)(1), amended par. (2) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (2) read as follows: "For purposes of paragraph (1), the present value shall be calculated by using an interest rate not greater than the interest rate which would be used (as of the date of the distribution) by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation for purposes of determining the present value of a lump sum distribution on plan termination."

Pub. L. 99–514, §1898(d)(2)(B), added par. (3).

1984—Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 98–397, §102(b), substituted "18" for "22".

Subsec. (b)(3)(C). Pub. L. 98–397, §102(c), substituted "5 consecutive 1-year breaks in service" for "any 1-year break in service" and substituted "such 5-year period" for "such break" in two places.

Subsec. (b)(3)(D). Pub. L. 98–397, §102(d)(2), amended subpar. (D) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (D) read as follows: "For purposes of paragraph (1), in the case of a participant who, under the plan, does not have any nonforfeitable right to an accrued benefit derived from employer contributions, years of service before any 1-year break in service shall not be required to be taken into account if the number of consecutive 1-year breaks in service equals or exceeds the aggregate number of such years of service prior to such break. Such aggregate number of years of service before such break shall be deemed not to include any years of service not required to be taken into account under this subparagraph by reason of any prior break in service."

Subsec. (b)(3)(E). Pub. L. 98–397, §102(e)(2), added subpar. (E).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 98–397, §105(a), added subsec. (e).

1980—Subsec. (a)(3)(E). Pub. L. 96–364, §303(1), added subpar. (E).

Subsec. (b)(1)(G). Pub. L. 96–364, §303(2)–(4), added subpar. (G).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2022 Amendment

Amendment by section 125(b) of Pub. L. 117–328 applicable to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2024, see section 125(f)(1) of Pub. L. 117–328, set out as a note under section 401 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Amendment by section 304(a) of Pub. L. 117–328 applicable to distributions made after Dec. 31, 2023, see section 304(b) of Pub. L. 117–328, set out as a note under section 401 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 110–458 effective as if included in the provisions of Pub. L. 109–280 to which the amendment relates, except as otherwise provided, see section 112 of Pub. L. 110–458, set out as a note under section 72 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 2006 Amendment

Amendment by section 108(a)(4) of Pub. L. 109–280 applicable to plan years beginning after 2007, see section 108(e) of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as a note under section 1021 of this title.

Amendment by section 701(a)(2) of Pub. L. 109–280 applicable to periods beginning on or after June 29, 2005, and to distributions made after Aug. 17, 2006, with provisions relating to vesting and interest credit requirements for plans in existence on June 29, 2005, special rule for collectively bargained plans, and provisions relating to conversions of plan amendments adopted after, and taking effect after, June 29, 2005, see section 701(e) of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as a note under section 411 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Amendment by section 902(d)(2)(E) of Pub. L. 109–280 applicable to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2007, see section 902(g) of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as a note under section 401 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Amendment by section 904(b) of Pub. L. 109–280 applicable to contributions for plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2006, with provisions relating to collective bargaining agreements and amount of service required in any plan year and special rule for stock ownership plans, see section 904(c) of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as a note under section 411 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 2001 Amendment

Amendment by section 633(b) of Pub. L. 107–16 applicable to contributions for plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2001, with exception in the case of a plan maintained pursuant to one or more collective bargaining agreements ratified by June 7, 2001, and service requirement with respect to any plan, see section 633(c) of Pub. L. 107–16, set out as a note under section 411 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Amendment by section 648(a)(2) of Pub. L. 107–16 applicable to distributions after Dec. 31, 2001, see section 648(c) of Pub. L. 107–16, set out as a note under section 411 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 1997 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 105–34 applicable to plan years beginning after Aug. 5, 1997, see section 1071(c) of Pub. L. 105–34, set out as a note under section 411 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 104–188 applicable to plan years beginning on or after the earlier of (1) the later of (A) Jan. 1, 1997, or (B) the date on which the last of the collective bargaining agreements pursuant to which the plan is maintained terminates (determined without regard to any extension thereof after Aug. 20, 1996), or (2) Jan. 1, 1999, but such amendment not applicable to any individual who does not have more than 1 hour of service under the plan on or after the 1st day of the 1st plan year to which such amendment applies, see section 1442(c) of Pub. L. 104–188, set out as a note under section 411 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–465 applicable to plan years and limitation years beginning after Dec. 31, 1994, except that employer may elect to treat such amendment as effective on or after Dec. 8, 1994, with provisions relating to reduction of accrued benefits, exception, and timing of plan amendment, see section 767(d) of Pub. L. 103–465, as amended, set out as a note under section 411 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 1989 Amendment

Amendment by sections 7861(a)(1), (5)(B), (6)(B) and 7862(d)(4), (5), (10) of Pub. L. 101–239 effective as if included in the provision of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, Pub. L. 99–514, to which such amendment relates, see section 7863 of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 106 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Amendment by section 7891(a)(1), (b)(1), (2) of Pub. L. 101–239 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if included in the provision of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, Pub. L. 99–514, to which such amendment relates, see section 7891(f) of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 1002 of this title.

Amendment by section 7894(c)(3) of Pub. L. 101–239 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if originally included in the provision of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, Pub. L. 93–406, to which such amendment relates, see section 7894(i) of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 1002 of this title.

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Amendment by section 1113(e)(1), (2), (4)(A) of Pub. L. 99–514 applicable to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 1988, with special rule for plans maintained pursuant to collective bargaining agreements ratified before Mar. 1, 1986, and not applicable to employees who do not have 1 hour of service in any plan year to which the amendment applies, see section 1113(f) of Pub. L. 99–514, as amended, set out as a note under section 411 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Amendment by section 1139(c)(1) of Pub. L. 99–514 applicable to distributions in plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 1984, except that such amendments shall not apply to any distributions in plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 1984, and before Jan. 1, 1987, if such distributions were made in accordance with the requirements of the regulations issued under the Retirement Equity Act of 1984, Pub. L. 98–397, with additional provisions relating to reductions in accrued benefits, see section 1139(d) of Pub. L. 99–514, set out as a note under section 411 of Title 26.

Amendment by section 1898(a)(1)(B) of Pub. L. 99–514 applicable to contributions made for plan years beginning after Oct. 22, 1986, except that in the case of a plan described in section 302(b) of Pub. L. 98–397, set out as a note under section 1001 of this title, such amendments shall not apply to any plan year to which amendments made by Pub. L. 98–397 do not apply by reason of such section 302(b), see section 1898(a)(1)(C) of Pub. L. 99–514, set out as a note under section 411 of Title 26.

Amendment by section 1898(a)(4)(B)(i), (d)(1)(B), (2)(B), of Pub. L. 99–514 effective as if included in the provision of the Retirement Equity Act of 1984, Pub. L. 98–397, to which such amendment relates, except as otherwise provided, see section 1898(j) of Pub. L. 99–514, set out as a note under section 401 of Title 26.

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–397 applicable to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 1984, except as otherwise provided, see sections 302 and 303 of Pub. L. 98–397, set out as a note under section 1001 of this title.

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–364 effective Sept. 26, 1980, except as specifically provided, see section 1461(e) of this title.

Regulations

Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate to issue before Feb. 1, 1988, final regulations to carry out amendments made by section 1113 of Pub. L. 99–514, see section 1141 of Pub. L. 99–514, set out as a note under section 401 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Secretary authorized, effective Sept. 2, 1974, to promulgate regulations wherever provisions of this subchapter call for the promulgation of regulations, see section 1031 of this title.

Applicability of Amendments by Subtitles A and B of Title I of Pub. L. 109–280

For special rules on applicability of amendments by subtitles A (§§101–108) and B (§§111–116) of title I of Pub. L. 109–280 to certain eligible cooperative plans, PBGC settlement plans, and eligible government contractor plans, see sections 104, 105, and 106 of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as notes under section 401 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Plan Amendments Not Required Until January 1, 1998

For provisions directing that if any amendments made by subtitle D [§§1401–1465] of title I of Pub. L. 104–188 require an amendment to any plan or annuity contract, such amendment shall not be required to be made before the first day of the first plan year beginning on or after Jan. 1, 1998, see section 1465 of Pub. L. 104–188, set out as a note under section 401 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Plan Amendments Not Required Until January 1, 1989

For provisions directing that if any amendments made by subtitle A or subtitle C of title XI [§§1101–1147 and 1171–1177] or title XVIII [§§1800–1899A] of Pub. L. 99–514 require an amendment to any plan, such plan amendment shall not be required to be made before the first plan year beginning on or after Jan. 1, 1989, see section 1140 of Pub. L. 99–514, as amended, set out as a note under section 401 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

¹ See References in Text note below.

² So in original. The comma probably should be a semicolon.

§1054. Benefit accrual requirements

(a) Satisfaction of requirements by pension plans

Each pension plan shall satisfy the requirements of subsection (b)(3), and—

(1) in the case of a defined benefit plan, shall satisfy the requirements of subsection (b)(1); and

(2) in the case of a defined contribution plan, shall satisfy the requirements of subsection (b)(2).

(b) Enumeration of plan requirements

(1)(A) A defined benefit plan satisfies the requirements of this paragraph if the accrued benefit to which each participant is entitled upon his separation from the service is not less than—

(i) 3 percent of the normal retirement benefit to which he would be entitled at the normal retirement age if he commenced participation at the earliest possible entry age under the plan and served continuously until the earlier of age 65 or the normal retirement age specified under the plan, multiplied by

(ii) the number of years (not in excess of 331/3) of his participation in the plan.

In the case of a plan providing retirement benefits based on compensation during any period, the normal retirement benefit to which a participant would be entitled shall be determined as if he continued to earn annually the average rate of compensation which he earned during consecutive years of service, not in excess of 10, for which his compensation was the highest. For purposes of this subparagraph, social security benefits and all other relevant factors used to compute benefits shall be treated as remaining constant as of the current year for all years after such current year.

(B) A defined benefit plan satisfies the requirements of this paragraph of a particular plan year if under the plan the accrued benefit payable at the normal retirement age is equal to the normal retirement benefit and the annual rate at which any individual who is or could be a participant can accrue the retirement benefits payable at normal retirement age under the plan for any later plan year is not more than 1331/3 percent of the annual rate at which he can accrue benefits for any plan year beginning on or after such particular plan year and before such later plan year. For purposes of this subparagraph—

(i) any amendment to the plan which is in effect for the current year shall be treated as in effect for all other plan years;

(ii) any change in an accrual rate which does not apply to any individual who is or could be a participant in the current year shall be disregarded;

(iii) the fact that benefits under the plan may be payable to certain employees before normal retirement age shall be disregarded; and

(iv) social security benefits and all other relevant factors used to compute benefits shall be treated as remaining constant as of the current year for all years after the current year.

(C) A defined benefit plan satisfies the requirements of this paragraph if the accrued benefit to which any participant is entitled upon his separation from the service is not less than a fraction of the annual benefit commencing at normal retirement age to which he would be entitled under the plan as in effect on the date of his separation if he continued to earn annually until normal retirement age the same rate of compensation upon which his normal retirement benefit would be computed under the plan, determined as if he had attained normal retirement age on the date any such determination is made (but taking into account no more than the 10 years of service immediately preceding his separation from service). Such fraction shall be a fraction, not exceeding 1, the numerator of which is the total number of his years of participation in the plan (as of the date of his separation from the service) and the denominator of which is the total number of years he would have participated in the plan if he separated from the service at the normal retirement age. For purposes of this subparagraph, social security benefits and all other relevant factors used to compute benefits shall be treated as remaining constant as of the current year for all years after such current year.

(D) Subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) shall not apply with respect to years of participation before the first plan year to which this section applies but a defined benefit plan satisfies the requirements of this subparagraph with respect to such years of participation only if the accrued benefit of any participant with respect to such years of participation is not less than the greater of—

(i) his accrued benefit determined under the plan, as in effect from time to time prior to September 2, 1974, or

(ii) an accrued benefit which is not less than one-half of the accrued benefit to which such participant would have been entitled if subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) applied with respect to such years of participation.

(E) Notwithstanding subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) of this paragraph, a plan shall not be treated as not satisfying the requirements of this paragraph solely because the accrual of benefits under the plan does not become effective until the employee has two continuous years of service. For purposes of this subparagraph, the term "year of service" has the meaning provided by section 1052(a)(3)(A) of this title.

(F) Notwithstanding subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C), a defined benefit plan satisfies the requirements of this paragraph if such plan

(i) is funded exclusively by the purchase of insurance contracts, and

(ii) satisfies the requirements of paragraphs (2) and (3) of section 1081(b) of this title (relating to certain insurance contract plans),

but only if an employee's accrued benefit as of any applicable date is not less than the cash surrender value his insurance contracts would have on such applicable date if the requirements of paragraphs (4), (5), and (6) of section 1081(b) of this title were satisfied.

(G) Notwithstanding the preceding subparagraphs, a defined benefit plan shall be treated as not satisfying the requirements of this paragraph if the participant's accrued benefit is reduced on account of any increase in his age or service. The preceding sentence shall not apply to benefits under the plan commencing before benefits payable under title II of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.] which benefits under the plan—

(i) do not exceed social security benefits, and

(ii) terminate when such social security benefits commence.

(H)(i) Notwithstanding the preceding subparagraphs, a defined benefit plan shall be treated as not satisfying the requirements of this paragraph if, under the plan, an employee's benefit accrual is ceased, or the rate of an employee's benefit accrual is reduced, because of the attainment of any age.

(ii) A plan shall not be treated as failing to meet the requirements of this subparagraph solely because the plan imposes (without regard to age) a limitation on the amount of benefits that the plan provides or a limitation on the number of years of service or years of participation which are taken into account for purposes of determining benefit accrual under the plan.

(iii) In the case of any employee who, as of the end of any plan year under a defined benefit plan, has attained normal retirement age under such plan—

(I) if distribution of benefits under such plan with respect to such employee has commenced as of the end of such plan year, then any requirement of this subparagraph for continued accrual of benefits under such plan with respect to such employee during such plan year shall be treated as satisfied to the extent of the actuarial equivalent of in-service distribution of benefits, and

(II) if distribution of benefits under such plan with respect to such employee has not commenced as of the end of such year in accordance with section 1056(a)(3) of this title, and the payment of benefits under such plan with respect to such employee is not suspended during such plan year pursuant to section 1053(a)(3)(B) of this title, then any requirement of this subparagraph for continued accrual of benefits under such plan with respect to such employee during such plan year shall be treated as satisfied to the extent of any adjustment in the benefit payable under the plan during such plan year attributable to the delay in the distribution of benefits after the attainment of normal retirement age.

The preceding provisions of this clause shall apply in accordance with regulations of the Secretary of the Treasury. Such regulations may provide for the application of the preceding provisions of this clause, in the case of any such employee, with respect to any period of time within a plan year.

(iv) Clause (i) shall not apply with respect to any employee who is a highly compensated employee (within the meaning of section 414(q) of title 26) to the extent provided in regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury for purposes of precluding discrimination in favor of highly compensated employees within the meaning of subchapter D of chapter 1 of title 26.

(v) A plan shall not be treated as failing to meet the requirements of clause (i) solely because the subsidized portion of any early retirement benefit is disregarded in determining benefit accruals.

(vi) Any regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury pursuant to clause (v) of section 411(b)(1)(H) of title 26 shall apply with respect to the requirements of this subparagraph in the same manner and to the same extent as such regulations apply with respect to the requirements of such section 411(b)(1)(H).

(2)(A) A defined contribution plan satisfies the requirements of this paragraph if, under the plan, allocations to the employee's account are not ceased, and the rate at which amounts are allocated to the employee's account is not reduced, because of the attainment of any age.

(B) A plan shall not be treated as failing to meet the requirements of subparagraph (A) solely because the subsidized portion of any early retirement benefit is disregarded in determining benefit accruals.

(C) Any regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury pursuant to subparagraphs (B) and (C) of section 411(b)(2) of title 26 shall apply with respect to the requirements of this paragraph in the same manner and to the same extent as such regulations apply with respect to the requirements of such section 411(b)(2).

(3) A plan satisfies the requirements of this paragraph if—

(A) in the case of a defined benefit plan, the plan requires separate accounting for the portion of each employee's accrued benefit derived from any voluntary employee contributions permitted under the plan; and

(B) in the case of any plan which is not a defined benefit plan, the plan requires separate accounting for each employee's accrued benefit.

(4)(A) For purposes of determining an employee's accrued benefit, the term "year of participation" means a period of service (beginning at the earliest date on which the employee is a participant in the plan and which is included in a period of service required to be taken into account under section 1052(b) of this title, determined without regard to section 1052(b)(5) of this title) as determined under regulations prescribed by the Secretary which provide for the calculation of such period on any reasonable and consistent basis.

(B) For purposes of this paragraph, except as provided in subparagraph (C), in the case of any employee whose customary employment is less than full time, the calculation of such employee's service on any basis which provides less than a ratable portion of the accrued benefit to which he would be entitled under the plan if his customary employment were full time shall not be treated as made on a reasonable and consistent basis.

(C) For purposes of this paragraph, in the case of any employee whose service is less than 1,000 hours during any calendar year, plan year or other 12-consecutive-month period designated by the plan (and not prohibited under regulations prescribed by the Secretary) the calculation of his period of service shall not be treated as not made on a reasonable and consistent basis merely because such service is not taken into account.

(D) In the case of any seasonal industry where the customary period of employment is less than 1,000 hours during a calendar year, the term "year of participation" shall be such period as determined under regulations prescribed by the Secretary.

(E) For purposes of this subsection in the case of any maritime industry, 125 days of service shall be treated as a year of participation. The Secretary may prescribe regulations to carry out the purposes of this subparagraph.

(5) Special rules relating to age.—

(A) Comparison to similarly situated younger individual.—

(i) In general.—A plan shall not be treated as failing to meet the requirements of paragraph (1)(H)(i) if a participant's accrued benefit, as determined as of any date under the terms of the plan, would be equal to or greater than that of any similarly situated, younger individual who is or could be a participant.

(ii) Similarly situated.—For purposes of this subparagraph, a participant is similarly situated to any other individual if such participant is identical to such other individual in every respect (including period of service, compensation, position, date of hire, work history, and any other respect) except for age.

(iii) Disregard of subsidized early retirement benefits.—In determining the accrued benefit as of any date for purposes of this subparagraph, the subsidized portion of any early retirement benefit or retirement-type subsidy shall be disregarded.

(iv) Accrued benefit.—For purposes of this subparagraph, the accrued benefit may, under the terms of the plan, be expressed as an annuity payable at normal retirement age, the balance of a hypothetical account, or the current value of the accumulated percentage of the employee's final average compensation.

(B) Applicable defined benefit plans.—

(i) Interest credits.—

(I) In general.—An applicable defined benefit plan shall be treated as failing to meet the requirements of paragraph (1)(H) unless the terms of the plan provide that any interest credit (or an equivalent amount) for any plan year shall be at a rate which is not greater than a market rate of return. A plan shall not be treated as failing to meet the requirements of this subclause merely because the plan provides for a reasonable minimum guaranteed rate of return or for a rate of return that is equal to the greater of a fixed or variable rate of return.

(II) Preservation of capital.—An applicable defined benefit plan shall be treated as failing to meet the requirements of paragraph (1)(H) unless the plan provides that an interest credit (or equivalent amount) of less than zero shall in no event result in the account balance or similar amount being less than the aggregate amount of contributions credited to the account.

(III) Market rate of return.—The Secretary of the Treasury may provide by regulation for rules governing the calculation of a market rate of return for purposes of subclause (I) and for permissible methods of crediting interest to the account (including fixed or variable interest rates) resulting in effective rates of return meeting the requirements of subclause (I).

(ii) Special rule for plan conversions.—If, after June 29, 2005, an applicable plan amendment is adopted, the plan shall be treated as failing to meet the requirements of paragraph (1)(H) unless the requirements of clause (iii) are met with respect to each individual who was a participant in the plan immediately before the adoption of the amendment.

(iii) Rate of benefit accrual.—Subject to clause (iv), the requirements of this clause are met with respect to any participant if the accrued benefit of the participant under the terms of the plan as in effect after the amendment is not less than the sum of—

(I) the participant's accrued benefit for years of service before the effective date of the amendment, determined under the terms of the plan as in effect before the amendment, plus

(II) the participant's accrued benefit for years of service after the effective date of the amendment, determined under the terms of the plan as in effect after the amendment.

(iv) Special rules for early retirement subsidies.—For purposes of clause (iii)(I), the plan shall credit the accumulation account or similar amount ¹ with the amount of any early retirement benefit or retirement-type subsidy for the plan year in which the participant retires if, as of such time, the participant has met the age, years of service, and other requirements under the plan for entitlement to such benefit or subsidy.

(v) Applicable plan amendment.—For purposes of this subparagraph—

(I) In general.—The term "applicable plan amendment" means an amendment to a defined benefit plan which has the effect of converting the plan to an applicable defined benefit plan.

(II) Special rule for coordinated benefits.—If the benefits of 2 or more defined benefit plans established or maintained by an employer are coordinated in such a manner as to have the effect of the adoption of an amendment described in subclause (I), the sponsor of the defined benefit plan or plans providing for such coordination shall be treated as having adopted such a plan amendment as of the date such coordination begins.

(III) Multiple amendments.—The Secretary of the Treasury shall issue regulations to prevent the avoidance of the purposes of this subparagraph through the use of 2 or more plan amendments rather than a single amendment.

(IV) Applicable defined benefit plan.—For purposes of this subparagraph, the term "applicable defined benefit plan" has the meaning given such term by section 1053(f)(3) of this title.

(vi) Termination requirements.—An applicable defined benefit plan shall not be treated as meeting the requirements of clause (i) unless the plan provides that, upon the termination of the plan—

(I) if the interest credit rate (or an equivalent amount) under the plan is a variable rate, the rate of interest used to determine accrued benefits under the plan shall be equal to the average of the rates of interest used under the plan during the 5-year period ending on the termination date, and

(II) the interest rate and mortality table used to determine the amount of any benefit under the plan payable in the form of an annuity payable at normal retirement age shall be the rate and table specified under the plan for such purpose as of the termination date, except that if such interest rate is a variable rate, the interest rate shall be determined under the rules of subclause (I).

(C) Certain offsets permitted.—A plan shall not be treated as failing to meet the requirements of paragraph (1)(H)(i) solely because the plan provides offsets against benefits under the plan to the extent such offsets are otherwise allowable in applying the requirements of section 401(a) of title 26.

(D) Permitted disparities in plan contributions or benefits.—A plan shall not be treated as failing to meet the requirements of paragraph (1)(H) solely because the plan provides a disparity in contributions or benefits with respect to which the requirements of section 401(l) of title 26 are met.

(E) Indexing permitted.—

(i) In general.—A plan shall not be treated as failing to meet the requirements of paragraph (1)(H) solely because the plan provides for indexing of accrued benefits under the plan.

(ii) Protection against loss.—Except in the case of any benefit provided in the form of a variable annuity, clause (i) shall not apply with respect to any indexing which results in an accrued benefit less than the accrued benefit determined without regard to such indexing.

(iii) Indexing.—For purposes of this subparagraph, the term "indexing" means, in connection with an accrued benefit, the periodic adjustment of the accrued benefit by means of the application of a recognized investment index or methodology.

(F) Early retirement benefit or retirement-type subsidy.—For purposes of this paragraph, the terms "early retirement benefit" and "retirement-type subsidy" have the meaning given such terms in subsection (g)(2)(A).

(G) Benefit accrued to date.—For purposes of this paragraph, any reference to the accrued benefit shall be a reference to such benefit accrued to date.

(6) Projected interest crediting rate.—For purposes of subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) of paragraph (1), in the case of an applicable defined benefit plan (within the meaning of section 1053(f)(3) of this title) which provides variable interest crediting rates, the interest crediting rate which is treated as in effect and as the projected interest crediting rate shall be a reasonable projection of such variable interest crediting rate, not to exceed 6 percent.

(c) Employee's accrued benefits derived from employer and employee contributions

(1) For purposes of this section and section 1053 of this title an employee's accrued benefit derived from employer contributions as of any applicable date is the excess (if any) of the accrued benefit for such employee as of such applicable date over the accrued benefit derived from contributions made by such employee as of such date.

(2)(A) In the case of a plan other than a defined benefit plan, the accrued benefit derived from contributions made by an employee as of any applicable date is—

(i) except as provided in clause (ii), the balance of the employee's separate account consisting only of his contributions and the income, expenses, gains, and losses attributable thereto, or

(ii) if a separate account is not maintained with respect to an employee's contributions under such a plan, the amount which bears the same ratio to his total accrued benefit as the total amount of the employee's contributions (less withdrawals) bears to the sum of such contributions and the contributions made on his behalf by the employer (less withdrawals).

(B) Defined benefit plans.—In the case of a defined benefit plan, the accrued benefit derived from contributions made by an employee as of any applicable date is the amount equal to the employee's accumulated contributions expressed as an annual benefit commencing at normal retirement age, using an interest rate which would be used under the plan under section 1055(g)(3) of this title (as of the determination date).

(C) For purposes of this subsection, the term "accumulated contributions" means the total of—

(i) all mandatory contributions made by the employee,

(ii) interest (if any) under the plan to the end of the last plan year to which section 1053(a)(2) of this title does not apply (by reason of the applicable effective date), and

(iii) interest on the sum of the amounts determined under clauses (i) and (ii) compounded annually—

(I) at the rate of 120 percent of the Federal mid-term rate (as in effect under section 1274 of title 26 for the 1st month of a plan year for the period beginning with the 1st plan year to which subsection (a)(2) applies by reason of the applicable effective date) and ending with the date on which the determination is being made, and

(II) at the interest rate which would be used under the plan under section 1055(g)(3) of this title (as of the determination date) for the period beginning with the determination date and ending on the date on which the employee attains normal retirement age.

For purposes of this subparagraph, the term "mandatory contributions" means amounts contributed to the plan by the employee which are required as a condition of employment, as a condition of participation in such plan, or as a condition of obtaining benefits under the plan attributable to employer contributions.

(D) The Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to adjust by regulation the conversion factor described in subparagraph (B) from time to time as he may deem necessary. No such adjustment shall be effective for a plan year beginning before the expiration of 1 year after such adjustment is determined and published.

(3) For purposes of this section, in the case of any defined benefit plan, if an employee's accrued benefit is to be determined as an amount other than an annual benefit commencing at normal retirement age, or if the accrued benefit derived from contributions made by an employee is to be determined with respect to a benefit other than an annual benefit in the form of a single life annuity (without ancillary benefits) commencing at normal retirement age, the employee's accrued benefit, or the accrued benefits derived from contributions made by an employee, as the case may be, shall be the actuarial equivalent of such benefit or amount determined under paragraph (1) or (2).

(4) In the case of a defined benefit plan which permits voluntary employee contributions, the portion of an employee's accrued benefit derived from such contributions shall be treated as an accrued benefit derived from employee contributions under a plan other than a defined benefit plan.

(d) Employee service which may be disregarded in determining employee's accrued benefits under plan

Notwithstanding section 1053(b)(1) of this title, for purposes of determining the employee's accrued benefit under the plan, the plan may disregard service performed by the employee with respect to which he has received—

(1) a distribution of the present value of his entire nonforfeitable benefit if such distribution was in an amount (not more than the dollar limit under section 1053(e)(1) of this title) permitted under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury, or

(2) a distribution of the present value of his nonforfeitable benefit attributable to such service which he elected to receive.

Paragraph (1) shall apply only if such distribution was made on termination of the employee's participation in the plan. Paragraph (2) shall apply only if such distribution was made on termination of the employee's participation in the plan or under such other circumstances as may be provided under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury.

(e) Opportunity to repay full amount of distributions which have been reduced through disregarded employee service

For purposes of determining the employee's accrued benefit, the plan shall not disregard service as provided in subsection (d) unless the plan provides an opportunity for the participant to repay the full amount of a distribution described in subsection (d) with, in the case of a defined benefit plan, interest at the rate determined for purposes of subsection (c)(2)(C) and provides that upon such repayment the employee's accrued benefit shall be recomputed by taking into account service so disregarded. This subsection shall apply only in the case of a participant who—

(1) received such a distribution in any plan year to which this section applies which distribution was less than the present value of his accrued benefit,

(2) resumes employment covered under the plan, and

(3) repays the full amount of such distribution with, in the case of a defined benefit plan, interest at the rate determined for purposes of subsection (c)(2)(C).

The plan provision required under this subsection may provide that such repayment must be made (A) in the case of a withdrawal on account of separation from service, before the earlier of 5 years after the first date on which the participant is subsequently re-employed by the employer, or the close of the first period of 5 consecutive 1-year breaks in service commencing after the withdrawal; or (B) in the case of any other withdrawal, 5 years after the date of the withdrawal.

(f) Employer treated as maintaining a plan

For the purposes of this part, an employer shall be treated as maintaining a plan if any employee of such employer accrues benefits under such plan by reason of service with such employer.

(g) Decrease of accrued benefits through amendment of plan

(1) The accrued benefit of a participant under a plan may not be decreased by an amendment of the plan, other than an amendment described in section 1082(d)(2) or 1441 of this title.

(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), a plan amendment which has the effect of—

(A) eliminating or reducing an early retirement benefit or a retirement-type subsidy (as defined in regulations), or

(B) eliminating an optional form of benefit,

with respect to benefits attributable to service before the amendment shall be treated as reducing accrued benefits. In the case of a retirement-type subsidy, the preceding sentence shall apply only with respect to a participant who satisfies (either before or after the amendment) the preamendment conditions for the subsidy. The Secretary of the Treasury shall by regulations provide that this paragraph shall not apply to any plan amendment which reduces or eliminates benefits or subsidies which create significant burdens or complexities for the plan and plan participants, unless such amendment adversely affects the rights of any participant in a more than de minimis manner. The Secretary of the Treasury may by regulations provide that this subparagraph shall not apply to a plan amendment described in subparagraph (B) (other than a plan amendment having an effect described in subparagraph (A)).

(3) For purposes of this subsection, any—

(A) tax credit employee stock ownership plan (as defined in section 409(a) of title 26, or

(B) employee stock ownership plan (as defined in section 4975(e)(7) of title 26),

shall not be treated as failing to meet the requirements of this subsection merely because it modifies distribution options in a nondiscriminatory manner.

(4)(A) A defined contribution plan (in this subparagraph referred to as the "transferee plan") shall not be treated as failing to meet the requirements of this subsection merely because the transferee plan does not provide some or all of the forms of distribution previously available under another defined contribution plan (in this subparagraph referred to as the "transferor plan") to the extent that—

(i) the forms of distribution previously available under the transferor plan applied to the account of a participant or beneficiary under the transferor plan that was transferred from the transferor plan to the transferee plan pursuant to a direct transfer rather than pursuant to a distribution from the transferor plan;

(ii) the terms of both the transferor plan and the transferee plan authorize the transfer described in clause (i);

(iii) the transfer described in clause (i) was made pursuant to a voluntary election by the participant or beneficiary whose account was transferred to the transferee plan;

(iv) the election described in clause (iii) was made after the participant or beneficiary received a notice describing the consequences of making the election; and

(v) the transferee plan allows the participant or beneficiary described in clause (iii) to receive any distribution to which the participant or beneficiary is entitled under the transferee plan in the form of a single sum distribution.

(B) Subparagraph (A) shall apply to plan mergers and other transactions having the effect of a direct transfer, including consolidations of benefits attributable to different employers within a multiple employer plan.

(5) Except to the extent provided in regulations promulgated by the Secretary of the Treasury, a defined contribution plan shall not be treated as failing to meet the requirements of this subsection merely because of the elimination of a form of distribution previously available thereunder. This paragraph shall not apply to the elimination of a form of distribution with respect to any participant unless—

(A) a single sum payment is available to such participant at the same time or times as the form of distribution being eliminated; and

(B) such single sum payment is based on the same or greater portion of the participant's account as the form of distribution being eliminated.

(h) Notice of significant reduction in benefit accruals

(1) An applicable pension plan may not be amended so as to provide for a significant reduction in the rate of future benefit accrual unless the plan administrator provides the notice described in paragraph (2) to each applicable individual (and to each employee organization representing applicable individuals) and to each employer who has an obligation to contribute to the plan.

(2) The notice required by paragraph (1) shall be written in a manner calculated to be understood by the average plan participant and shall provide sufficient information (as determined in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury) to allow applicable individuals to understand the effect of the plan amendment. The Secretary of the Treasury may provide a simplified form of notice for, or exempt from any notice requirement, a plan—

(A) which has fewer than 100 participants who have accrued a benefit under the plan, or

(B) which offers participants the option to choose between the new benefit formula and the old benefit formula.

(3) Except as provided in regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury, the notice required by paragraph (1) shall be provided within a reasonable time before the effective date of the plan amendment.

(4) Any notice under paragraph (1) may be provided to a person designated, in writing, by the person to which it would otherwise be provided.

(5) A plan shall not be treated as failing to meet the requirements of paragraph (1) merely because notice is provided before the adoption of the plan amendment if no material modification of the amendment occurs before the amendment is adopted.

(6)(A) In the case of any egregious failure to meet any requirement of this subsection with respect to any plan amendment, the provisions of the applicable pension plan shall be applied as if such plan amendment entitled all applicable individuals to the greater of—

(i) the benefits to which they would have been entitled without regard to such amendment, or

(ii) the benefits under the plan with regard to such amendment.

(B) For purposes of subparagraph (A), there is an egregious failure to meet the requirements of this subsection if such failure is within the control of the plan sponsor and is—

(i) an intentional failure (including any failure to promptly provide the required notice or information after the plan administrator discovers an unintentional failure to meet the requirements of this subsection),

(ii) a failure to provide most of the individuals with most of the information they are entitled to receive under this subsection, or

(iii) a failure which is determined to be egregious under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury.

(7) The Secretary of the Treasury may by regulations allow any notice under this subsection to be provided by using new technologies.

(8) For purposes of this subsection—

(A) The term "applicable individual" means, with respect to any plan amendment—

(i) each participant in the plan; and

(ii) any beneficiary who is an alternate payee (within the meaning of section 1056(d)(3)(K) of this title) under an applicable qualified domestic relations order (within the meaning of section 1056(d)(3)(B)(i) of this title),

whose rate of future benefit accrual under the plan may reasonably be expected to be significantly reduced by such plan amendment.

(B) The term "applicable pension plan" means—

(i) any defined benefit plan; or

(ii) an individual account plan which is subject to the funding standards of section 412 of title 26.

(9) For purposes of this subsection, a plan amendment which eliminates or reduces any early retirement benefit or retirement-type subsidy (within the meaning of subsection (g)(2)(A)) shall be treated as having the effect of reducing the rate of future benefit accrual.

(i) Prohibition on benefit increases where plan sponsor is in bankruptcy

(1) In the case of a plan described in paragraph (3) which is maintained by an employer that is a debtor in a case under title 11 or similar Federal or State law, no amendment of the plan which increases the liabilities of the plan by reason of—

(A) any increase in benefits,

(B) any change in the accrual of benefits, or

(C) any change in the rate at which benefits become nonforfeitable under the plan,

with respect to employees of the debtor, shall be effective prior to the effective date of such employer's plan of reorganization.

(2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to any plan amendment that—

(A) the Secretary of the Treasury determines to be reasonable and that provides for only de minimis increases in the liabilities of the plan with respect to employees of the debtor,

(B) only repeals an amendment described in section 1082(d)(2) of this title,

(C) is required as a condition of qualification under part I of subchapter D of chapter 1 of title 26, or

(D) was adopted prior to, or pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement entered into prior to, the date on which the employer became a debtor in a case under title 11 or similar Federal or State law.

(3) This subsection shall apply only to plans (other than multiemployer plans or CSEC plans) covered under section 1321 of this title for which the funding target attainment percentage (as defined in section 1083(d)(2) of this title) is less than 100 percent after taking into account the effect of the amendment.

(4) For purposes of this subsection, the term "employer" has the meaning set forth in section 1082(b)(1) of this title, without regard to section 1082(b)(2) of this title.

(j) Diversification requirements for certain individual account plans

(1) In general

An applicable individual account plan shall meet the diversification requirements of paragraphs (2), (3), and (4).

(2) Employee contributions and elective deferrals invested in employer securities

In the case of the portion of an applicable individual's account attributable to employee contributions and elective deferrals which is invested in employer securities, a plan meets the requirements of this paragraph if the applicable individual may elect to direct the plan to divest any such securities and to reinvest an equivalent amount in other investment options meeting the requirements of paragraph (4).

(3) Employer contributions invested in employer securities

In the case of the portion of the account attributable to employer contributions other than elective deferrals which is invested in employer securities, a plan meets the requirements of this paragraph if each applicable individual who—

(A) is a participant who has completed at least 3 years of service, or

(B) is a beneficiary of a participant described in subparagraph (A) or of a deceased participant,

may elect to direct the plan to divest any such securities and to reinvest an equivalent amount in other investment options meeting the requirements of paragraph (4).

(4) Investment options

(A) In general

The requirements of this paragraph are met if the plan offers not less than 3 investment options, other than employer securities, to which an applicable individual may direct the proceeds from the divestment of employer securities pursuant to this subsection, each of which is diversified and has materially different risk and return characteristics.

(B) Treatment of certain restrictions and conditions

(i) Time for making investment choices

A plan shall not be treated as failing to meet the requirements of this paragraph merely because the plan limits the time for divestment and reinvestment to periodic, reasonable opportunities occurring no less frequently than quarterly.

(ii) Certain restrictions and conditions not allowed

Except as provided in regulations, a plan shall not meet the requirements of this paragraph if the plan imposes restrictions or conditions with respect to the investment of employer securities which are not imposed on the investment of other assets of the plan. This subparagraph shall not apply to any restrictions or conditions imposed by reason of the application of securities laws.

(5) Applicable individual account plan

For purposes of this subsection—

(A) In general

The term "applicable individual account plan" means any individual account plan (as defined in section 1002(34) of this title) which holds any publicly traded employer securities.

(B) Exception for certain ESOPS

Such term does not include an employee stock ownership plan if—

(i) there are no contributions to such plan (or earnings thereunder) which are held within such plan and are subject to subsection (k) or (m) of section 401 of title 26, and

(ii) such plan is a separate plan (for purposes of section 414(l) of title 26) with respect to any other defined benefit plan or individual account plan maintained by the same employer or employers.

(C) Exception for one participant plans

Such term shall not include a one-participant retirement plan (as defined in section 1021(i)(8)(B) of this title).

(D) Certain plans treated as holding publicly traded employer securities

(i) In general

Except as provided in regulations or in clause (ii), a plan holding employer securities which are not publicly traded employer securities shall be treated as holding publicly traded employer securities if any employer corporation, or any member of a controlled group of corporations which includes such employer corporation, has issued a class of stock which is a publicly traded employer security.

(ii) Exception for certain controlled groups with publicly traded securities

Clause (i) shall not apply to a plan if—

(I) no employer corporation, or parent corporation of an employer corporation, has issued any publicly traded employer security, and

(II) no employer corporation, or parent corporation of an employer corporation, has issued any special class of stock which grants particular rights to, or bears particular risks for, the holder or issuer with respect to any corporation described in clause (i) which has issued any publicly traded employer security.

(iii) Definitions

For purposes of this subparagraph, the term—

(I) "controlled group of corporations" has the meaning given such term by section 1563(a) of title 26, except that "50 percent" shall be substituted for "80 percent" each place it appears,

(II) "employer corporation" means a corporation which is an employer maintaining the plan, and

(III) "parent corporation" has the meaning given such term by section 424(e) of title 26.

(6) Other definitions

For purposes of this paragraph—

(A) Applicable individual

The term "applicable individual" means—

(i) any participant in the plan, and

(ii) any beneficiary who has an account under the plan with respect to which the beneficiary is entitled to exercise the rights of a participant.

(B) Elective deferral

The term "elective deferral" means an employer contribution described in section 402(g)(3)(A) of title 26.

(C) Employer security

The term "employer security" has the meaning given such term by section 1107(d)(1) of this title.

(D) Employee stock ownership plan

The term "employee stock ownership plan" has the meaning given such term by section 4975(e)(7) of title 26.

(E) Publicly traded employer securities

The term "publicly traded employer securities" means employer securities which are readily tradable on an established securities market.

(F) Year of service

The term "year of service" has the meaning given such term by section 1053(b)(2) of this title.

(7) Transition rule for securities attributable to employer contributions

(A) Rules phased in over 3 years

(i) In general

In the case of the portion of an account to which paragraph (3) applies and which consists of employer securities acquired in a plan year beginning before January 1, 2007, paragraph (3) shall only apply to the applicable percentage of such securities. This subparagraph shall be applied separately with respect to each class of securities.

(ii) Exception for certain participants aged 55 or over

Clause (i) shall not apply to an applicable individual who is a participant who has attained age 55 and completed at least 3 years of service before the first plan year beginning after December 31, 2005.

(B) Applicable percentage

For purposes of subparagraph (A), the applicable percentage shall be determined as follows:

Plan year to which paragraph (3)   applies:	The applicable percentage is:
1st	33
2d	66
3d	100.

(k) Special rule for determining normal retirement age for certain existing defined benefit plans

(1) In general

Notwithstanding section 1002(24) of this title, an applicable plan shall not be treated as failing to meet any requirement of this subchapter, or as failing to have a uniform normal retirement age for purposes of this subchapter, solely because the plan provides for a normal retirement age described in paragraph (2).

(2) Applicable plan

For purposes of this subsection—

(A) In general

The term "applicable plan" means a defined benefit plan the terms of which, on or before December 8, 2014, provided for a normal retirement age which is the earlier of—

(i) an age otherwise permitted under section 1002(24) of this title, or

(ii) the age at which a participant completes the number of years (not less than 30 years) of benefit accrual service specified by the plan.

A plan shall not fail to be treated as an applicable plan solely because the normal retirement age described in the preceding sentence only applied to certain participants or only applied to employees of certain employers in the case of a plan maintained by more than 1 employer.

(B) Expanded application

Subject to subparagraph (C), if, after December 8, 2014, an applicable plan is amended to expand the application of the normal retirement age described in subparagraph (A) to additional participants or to employees of additional employers maintaining the plan, such plan shall also be treated as an applicable plan with respect to such participants or employees.

(C) Limitation on expanded application

A defined benefit plan shall be an applicable plan only with respect to an individual who—

(i) is a participant in the plan on or before January 1, 2017, or

(ii) is an employee at any time on or before January 1, 2017, of any employer maintaining the plan, and who becomes a participant in such plan after such date.

(l) Cross reference

For special rules relating to plan provisions adopted to preclude discrimination, see section 1053(c)(2) of this title.

(Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §204, Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 858; Pub. L. 98–397, title I, §§102(e)(3), (f), 105(b), title III, §301(a)(2), Aug. 23, 1984, 98 Stat. 1429, 1436, 1451; Pub. L. 99–272, title XI, §11006(a), Apr. 7, 1986, 100 Stat. 243; Pub. L. 99–509, title IX, §9202(a), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1975; Pub. L. 99–514, title XI, §1113(e)(4)(B), title XVIII, §§1879(u)(1), 1898(a)(4)(B)(ii), (f)(1)(B), (2), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2448, 2913, 2944, 2956; Pub. L. 100–203, title IX, §9346(a), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–374; Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §§7862(b)(1)(A), (2), 7871(a)(1), (3), 7881(m)(2)(A)–(C), 7891(a)(1), 7894(c)(4)–(6), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2432, 2434, 2435, 2444, 2445, 2449; Pub. L. 103–465, title VII, §766(a), Dec. 8, 1994, 108 Stat. 5036; Pub. L. 105–34, title X, §1071(b)(2), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 948; Pub. L. 107–16, title VI, §§645(a)(2), (b)(2), 659(b), June 7, 2001, 115 Stat. 124, 125, 139; Pub. L. 107–147, title IV, §411(u)(2), Mar. 9, 2002, 116 Stat. 52; Pub. L. 109–280, title I, §108(a)(5)–(8), formerly §107(a)(5)–(8), title V, §502(c)(1), title VII, §701(a)(1), title IX, §901(b)(1), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 819, 941, 981, 1029, renumbered Pub. L. 111–192, title II, §202(a), June 25, 2010, 124 Stat. 1297; Pub. L. 110–458, title I, §107(a)(2), (3), Dec. 23, 2008, 122 Stat. 5107; Pub. L. 113–97, title I, §102(b)(4), Apr. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 1116; Pub. L. 113–235, div. P, §2(a), Dec. 16, 2014, 128 Stat. 2827; Pub. L. 117–328, div. T, title III, §348(b), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5385.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Social Security Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(1)(G), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620. Title II of the Social Security Act is classified generally to subchapter II (§401 et seq.) of chapter 7 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of Title 42 and Tables.

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 117–328 added par. (6).

2014—Subsec. (i)(3). Pub. L. 113–97 substituted "multiemployer plans or CSEC plans" for "multiemployer plans".

Subsecs. (k), (l). Pub. L. 113–235 added subsec. (k) and redesignated former subsec. (k) as (l).

2008—Subsec. (b)(5)(A)(iii). Pub. L. 110–458, §107(a)(2)(A), substituted "subparagraph" for "clause".

Subsec. (b)(5)(B)(i)(II). Pub. L. 110–458, §107(a)(3), amended subcl. (II) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "An interest credit (or an equivalent amount) of less than zero shall in no event result in the account balance or similar amount being less than the aggregate amount of contributions credited to the account."

Subsec. (b)(5)(C). Pub. L. 110–458, §107(a)(2)(B), inserted "otherwise" before "allowable".

2006—Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 109–280, §701(a)(1), added par. (5).

Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 109–280, §108(a)(5), formerly §107(a)(5), as renumbered by Pub. L. 111–192, substituted "1082(d)(2)" for "1082(c)(8)".

Subsec. (h)(1). Pub. L. 109–280, §502(c)(1), inserted before period at end "and to each employer who has an obligation to contribute to the plan".

Subsec. (i)(2)(B). Pub. L. 109–280, §108(a)(6), formerly §107(a)(6), as renumbered by Pub. L. 111–192, substituted "1082(d)(2)" for "1082(c)(8)".

Subsec. (i)(3). Pub. L. 109–280, §108(a)(7), formerly §107(a)(7), as renumbered by Pub. L. 111–192, substituted "funding target attainment percentage (as defined in section 1083(d)(2) of this title)" for "funded current liability percentage (within the meaning of section 1082(d)(8) of this title)".

Subsec. (i)(4). Pub. L. 109–280, §108(a)(8), formerly §107(a)(8), as renumbered by Pub. L. 111–192, substituted "section 1082(b)(1) of this title, without regard to section 1082(b)(2) of this title" for "section 1082(c)(11)(A) of this title, without regard to section 1082(c)(11)(B) of this title".

Subsecs. (j), (k). Pub. L. 109–280, §901(b)(1), added subsec. (j) and redesignated former subsec. (j) as (k).

2002—Subsec. (h)(9). Pub. L. 107–147 struck out "significantly" before "reduces" and before "reducing".

2001—Subsec. (g)(2). Pub. L. 107–16, §645(b)(2), inserted after second sentence "The Secretary of the Treasury shall by regulations provide that this paragraph shall not apply to any plan amendment which reduces or eliminates benefits or subsidies which create significant burdens or complexities for the plan and plan participants, unless such amendment adversely affects the rights of any participant in a more than de minimis manner."

Subsec. (g)(4), (5). Pub. L. 107–16, §645(a)(2), added pars. (4) and (5).

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 107–16, §659(b), amended subsec. (h) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (h) read as follows:

"(1) A plan described in paragraph (2) may not be amended so as to provide for a significant reduction in the rate of future benefit accrual, unless, after adoption of the plan amendment and not less than 15 days before the effective date of the plan amendment, the plan administrator provides a written notice, setting forth the plan amendment and its effective date, to—

"(A) each participant in the plan,

"(B) each beneficiary who is an alternate payee (within the meaning of section 1056(d)(3)(K) of this title) under an applicable qualified domestic relations order (within the meaning of section 1056(d)(3)(B)(i) of this title), and

"(C) each employee organization representing participants in the plan,

except that such notice shall instead be provided to a person designated, in writing, to receive such notice on behalf of any person referred to in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C).

"(2) A plan is described in this paragraph if such plan is—

"(A) a defined benefit plan, or

"(B) an individual account plan which is subject to the funding standards of section 1082 of this title."

1997—Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 105–34 substituted "the dollar limit under section 1053(e)(1) of this title" for "$3,500".

1994—Subsecs. (i), (j). Pub. L. 103–465 added subsec. (i) and redesignated former subsec. (i) as (j).

1989—Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 101–239, §7894(c)(4), substituted "subparagraph" for "suparagraph" in last sentence.

Subsec. (b)(1)(E). Pub. L. 101–239, §7894(c)(5), substituted "term 'year of service' " for "term 'years of service' ".

Subsec. (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 101–239, §7871(a)(1), redesignated subpar. (C) as (B) and struck out former subpar. (B) which read as follows: "Subparagraph (A) shall not apply with respect to any employee who is a highly compensated employee (within the meaning of section 414(q) of title 26) to the extent provided in regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury for purposes of precluding discrimination in favor of highly compensated employees within the meaning of subchapter D of chapter 1 of title 26."

Subsec. (b)(2)(C). Pub. L. 101–239, §7871(a)(3), substituted "subparagraphs (B) and (C)" for "subparagraphs (C) and (D)".

Pub. L. 101–239, §7871(a)(1), redesignated subpar. (D) as (C). Former subpar. (C) redesignated (B).

Subsec. (b)(2)(D). Pub. L. 101–239, §7871(a)(1), redesignated subpar. (D) as (C).

Subsec. (c)(2)(B). Pub. L. 101–239, §7881(m)(2)(B), inserted heading and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows:

"(i) In the case of a defined benefit plan providing an annual benefit in the form of a single life annuity (without ancillary benefits) commencing at normal retirement age, the accrued benefit derived from contributions made by an employee as of any applicable date is the annual benefit equal to the employee's accumulated contributions multiplied by the appropriate conversion factor.

"(ii) For purposes of clause (i), the term 'appropriate conversion factor' means the factor necessary to convert an amount equal to the accumulated contributions to a single life annuity (without ancillary benefits) commencing at normal retirement age and shall be 10 percent for a normal retirement age of 65 years. For other normal retirement ages the conversion factor shall be determined in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate."

Subsec. (c)(2)(C)(iii). Pub. L. 101–239, §7881(m)(2)(A), amended cl. (iii) generally. Prior to amendment, cl. (iii) read as follows: "interest on the sum of the amounts determined under clauses (i) and (ii) compounded annually at the rate of 120 percent of the Federal mid-term rate (as in effect under section 1274 of title 26 for the 1st month of a plan year) from the beginning of the first plan year to which section 1053(a)(2) of this title applies (by reason of the applicable effective date) to the date upon which the employee would attain normal retirement age."

Subsec. (c)(2)(E). Pub. L. 101–239, §7881(m)(2)(C), struck out subpar. (E) which read as follows: "The accrued benefit derived from employee contributions shall not exceed the greater of—

"(i) the employee's accrued benefit under the plan, or

"(ii) the accrued benefit derived from employee contributions determined as though the amounts calculated under clauses (ii) and (iii) of subparagraph (C) were zero."

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 101–239, §7894(c)(6), removed the indentation of the term "Paragraph" where first appearing in concluding provisions.

Subsec. (g)(3)(A). Pub. L. 101–239, §7891(a)(1), substituted "Internal Revenue Code of 1986" for "Internal Revenue Code of 1954", which for purposes of codification was translated as "title 26" thus requiring no change in text.

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 101–239, §7862(b)(1)(A), made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 99–514, §1879(u)(1), see 1986 Amendment note below.

Subsec. (h)(2). Pub. L. 101–239, §7862(b)(2), adjusted left-hand margin of introductory provisions to full measure.

1987—Subsec. (c)(2)(C)(iii). Pub. L. 100–203, §9346(a)(1), substituted "120 percent of the Federal mid-term rate (as in effect under section 1274 of title 26 for the 1st month of a plan year)" for "5 percent per annum".

Subsec. (c)(2)(D). Pub. L. 100–203, §9346(a)(2), struck out ", the rate of interest described in clause (iii) of subparagraph (C), or both," before "from time to time" in first sentence and struck out second sentence which read as follows: "The rate of interest shall bear the relationship to 5 percent which the Secretary of the Treasury determines to be comparable to the relationship which the long-term money rates and investment yields for the last period of 10 calendar years ending at least 12 months before the beginning of the plan year bear to the long-term money rates and investment yields for the 10-calendar year period 1964 through 1973."

1986—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 99–509, §9202(a)(1), amended subsec. (a) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (a) read as follows: "Each pension plan shall satisfy the requirements of subsection (b)(2), and in the case of a defined benefit plan shall also satisfy the requirements of subsection (b)(1)."

Subsec. (b)(1)(H). Pub. L. 99–509, §9202(a)(2), added subpar. (H).

Subsec. (b)(2) to (4). Pub. L. 99–509, §9202(a)(3), added par. (2) and redesignated former pars. (2) and (3) as (3) and (4), respectively.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 99–514, §1898(a)(4)(B)(ii), inserted last sentence and struck out former last sentence which read as follows: "In the case of a defined contribution plan, the plan provision required under this subsection may provide that such repayment must be made before the participant has 5 consecutive 1-year breaks in service commencing after such withdrawal".

Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 99–514, §1898(f)(2), inserted reference to section 1441.

Subsec. (g)(3). Pub. L. 99–514, §1898(f)(1)(B), added par. (3).

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 99–514, §1879(u)(1), as amended by Pub. L. 101–239, §7862(b)(1)(A), designated existing provisions as par. (1), substituted "plan described in paragraph (2)" for "single-employer plan", redesignated former pars. (1) to (3) as subpars. (A) to (C), respectively, substituted "subparagraph (A), (B), or (C)" for "paragraph (1), (2), or (3)" in concluding provisions, and added par. (2).

Pub. L. 99–272 added subsec. (h). Former subsec. (h) redesignated (i).

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 99–514, §1113(e)(4)(B), amended subsec. (i) generally, striking out reference to class year plans under section 1053(c)(3) of this title.

Pub. L. 99–272 redesignated former subsec. (h) as (i).

1984—Subsec. (b)(3)(A). Pub. L. 98–397, §102(e)(3), inserted ", determined without regard to section 1052(b)(5) of this title" after "section 1052(b) of this title".

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 98–397, §105(b), substituted "$3,500" for "$1,750".

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 98–397, §102(f), substituted "5 consecutive 1-year breaks in service" for "any 1-year break in service".

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 98–397, §301(a)(2), designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2022 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 117–328 applicable with respect to plan years beginning after Dec. 29, 2022, see section 348(c) of Pub. L. 117–328, set out as a note under section 411 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 2014 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 113–235 applicable to all periods before, on, and after Dec. 16, 2014, see section 2(c) of div. P of Pub. L. 113–235, set out as a note under section 411 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Amendment by Pub. L. 113–97 applicable to years beginning after Dec. 31, 2013, see section 3 of Pub. L. 113–97, set out as a note under section 401 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 110–458 effective as if included in the provisions of Pub. L. 109–280 to which the amendment relates, except as otherwise provided, see section 112 of Pub. L. 110–458, set out as a note under section 72 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 2006 Amendment

Amendment by section 108(a)(5) to (8) of Pub. L. 109–280 applicable to plan years beginning after 2007, see section 108(e) of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as a note under section 1021 of this title.

Amendment by section 502(c)(1) of Pub. L. 109–280 applicable to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2007, see section 502(d) of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as a note under section 4980F of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Amendment by section 701(a)(1) of Pub. L. 109–280 applicable to periods beginning on or after June 29, 2005, with provisions relating to vesting and interest credit requirements for plans in existence on June 29, 2005, special rule for collectively bargained plans, and provisions relating to conversions of plan amendments adopted after, and taking effect after, June 29, 2005, see section 701(e) of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as a note under section 411 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Amendment by section 901(b)(1) of Pub. L. 109–280 applicable to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2006, with special rules for collectively bargained agreements and certain employer securities held in an ESOP, see section 901(c) of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as a note under section 401 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–147 effective as if included in the provisions of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001, Pub. L. 107–16, to which such amendment relates, see section 411(x) of Pub. L. 107–147, set out as a note under section 25B of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 2001 Amendment

Amendment by section 645(a)(2) of Pub. L. 107–16 applicable to years beginning after Dec. 31, 2001, see section 645(a)(3) of Pub. L. 107–16, set out as a note under section 411 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Amendment by section 659(b) of Pub. L. 107–16 applicable to plan amendments taking effect on or after June 7, 2001, with transition provisions and special notice rule, see section 659(c) of Pub. L. 107–16, set out as an Effective Date note under section 4980F of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 1997 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 105–34 applicable to plan years beginning after Aug. 5, 1997, see section 1071(c) of Pub. L. 105–34, set out as a note under section 411 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–465 applicable to plan amendments adopted on or after Dec. 8, 1994, see section 766(d) of Pub. L. 103–465, set out as a note under section 401 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 1989 Amendment

Amendment by section 7862(b)(1)(A), (2) of Pub. L. 101–239 effective as if included in the provision of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, Pub. L. 99–514, to which such amendment relates, see section 7863 of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 106 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Amendment by section 7871(a)(1), (3) of Pub. L. 101–239 effective as if included in the amendments made by section 9202 of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986, Pub. L. 99–509, see section 7871(a)(4) of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 411 of Title 26.

Amendment by section 7881(m)(2)(A)–(C) of Pub. L. 101–239 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if included in the provision of the Pension Protection Act, Pub. L. 100–203, §§9302–9346, to which such amendment relates, see section 7882 of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 401 of Title 26.

Amendment by section 7891(a)(1) of Pub. L. 101–239 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if included in the provision of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, Pub. L. 99–514, to which such amendment relates, see section 7891(f) of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 1002 of this title.

Amendment by section 7894(c)(4)–(6) of Pub. L. 101–239 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if originally included in the provision of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, Pub. L. 93–406, to which such amendment relates, see section 7894(i) of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 1002 of this title.

Effective Date of 1987 Amendment

Pub. L. 100–203, title IX, §9346(c), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–374, provided that:

"(1) In general.—The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 411 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code] shall apply to plan years beginning after December 31, 1987.

"(2) Plan amendments not required until january 1, 1989.—If any amendment made by this section requires an amendment to any plan, such plan amendment shall not be required to be made before the first plan year beginning on or after January 1, 1989, if—

"(A) during the period after such amendments made by this section take effect and before such first plan year, the plan is operated in accordance with the requirements of such amendments or in accordance with an amendment prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury and adopted by the plan, and

"(B) such plan amendment applies retroactively to the period after such amendments take effect and such first plan year.

A plan shall not be treated as failing to provide definitely determinable benefits or contributions, or to be operated in accordance with the provisions of the plan, merely because it operates in accordance with this subsection."

Effective Date of 1986 Amendments

Amendment by section 1113(e)(4)(B) of Pub. L. 99–514 applicable to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 1988, with special rule for plans maintained pursuant to collective bargaining agreements ratified before Mar. 1, 1986, and not applicable to employees who do not have 1 hour of service in any plan year to which the amendment applies, see section 1113(f) of Pub. L. 99–514, as amended, set out as a note under section 411 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Pub. L. 99–514, title XVIII, §1879(u)(5), formerly §1879(u)(4), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2913, as redesignated and amended by Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §7862(b)(1)(A), (B), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2432, provided that:

"(A) General rule.—Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the preceding provisions of this subsection [amending this section and sections 1002 and 1349 of this title] shall be effective as if such provisions were included in the enactment of the Single-Employer Pension Plan Amendments Act of 1986 [Pub. L. 99–272, title XI].

"(B) Special rule.—Subparagraph (B) of section 204(h)(2) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (as amended by paragraph (1)) [29 U.S.C. 1054(h)(2)(B)] shall apply only with respect to plan amendments adopted on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 22, 1986]."

Amendment by section 1898(a)(4)(B)(ii), (f)(1)(B), (2) of Pub. L. 99–514 effective as if included in the provision of the Retirement Equity Act of 1984, Pub. L. 98–397, to which such amendment relates, except as otherwise provided, see section 1898(j) of Pub. L. 99–514, set out as a note under section 401 of this title.

Amendment by Pub. L. 99–509 applicable only with respect to plan years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 1988, and only to employees who have 1 hour of service in any plan year to which amendment applies, with special rule for collectively bargained plans, see section 9204 of Pub. L. 99–509, set out as an Effective and Termination Dates of 1986 Amendments note under section 623 of this title.

Pub. L. 99–272, title XI, §11006(b), Apr. 7, 1986, 100 Stat. 243, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply with respect to plan amendments adopted on or after January 1, 1986, except that, in the case of plan amendments adopted on or after January 1, 1986, and on or before the date of the enactment of this Act [Apr. 7, 1986], the requirements of section 204(h) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 [subsec. (h) of this section] (as added by this section) shall be treated as met if the written notice required under such section 204(h) is provided before 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act."

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Amendment by sections 102(e)(3), (f), and 105(b) of Pub. L. 98–397 applicable to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 1984, except as otherwise provided, see sections 302 and 303 of Pub. L. 98–397, set out as a note under section 1001 of this title.

Amendment by section 301(a)(2) of Pub. L. 98–397 not applicable to the termination of a certain defined benefit plan, see section 303(f) of Pub. L. 98–397.

Regulations

Secretary of Labor, Secretary of the Treasury, and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission each to issue before Feb. 1, 1988, final regulations to carry out amendments made by Pub. L. 99–509, see section 9204 of Pub. L. 99–509, set out as an Effective and Termination Dates of 1986 Amendment note under section 623 of this title.

Secretary authorized, effective Sept. 2, 1974, to promulgate regulations wherever provisions of this subchapter call for the promulgation of regulations, see section 1031 of this title.

Applicability of Amendments by Subtitles A and B of Title I of Pub. L. 109–280

For special rules on applicability of amendments by subtitles A (§§101–108) and B (§§111–116) of title I of Pub. L. 109–280 to certain eligible cooperative plans, PBGC settlement plans, and eligible government contractor plans, see sections 104, 105, and 106 of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as notes under section 401 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Plan Amendments Reflecting Amendments by Section 7881(m) of Pub. L. 101–239 Not Treated as Reducing Accrued Benefit

Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §7881(m)(3), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2444, provided that:"If—

"(A) during the period beginning December 22, 1987, and ending June 21, 1988, a plan was amended to reflect the amendments made by section 9346 of the Pension Protection Act [Pub. L. 100–203, amending this section and section 411 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code], and

"(B) such plan is amended to reflect the amendments made by this subsection [amending this section, section 1002 of this title, and section 411 of Title 26],

any plan amendment described in subparagraph (B) shall not be treated as reducing accrued benefits for purposes of section 411(d)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [section 411(d)(6) of Title 26] or section 204(g) of ERISA [subsec. (g) of this section]."

Plan Amendments Not Required Until January 1, 1989

For provisions directing that if any amendments made by subtitle A or subtitle C of title XI [§§1101–1147 and 1171–1177] or title XVIII [§§1800–1899A] of Pub. L. 99–514 require an amendment to any plan, such plan amendment shall not be required to be made before the first plan year beginning on or after Jan. 1, 1989, see section 1140 of Pub. L. 99–514, as amended, set out as a note under section 401 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

For provisions directing that if any amendments made by Pub. L. 99–509 require an amendment to any plan, such plan amendment shall not be required to be made before the first plan year beginning on or after Jan. 1, 1989, see section 9204 of Pub. L. 99–509, set out as an Effective and Termination Dates of 1986 Amendment note under section 623 of this title.

¹ So in original. Probably should be "similar account".

§1055. Requirement of joint and survivor annuity and preretirement survivor annuity

(a) Required contents for applicable plans

Each pension plan to which this section applies shall provide that—

(1) in the case of a vested participant who does not die before the annuity starting date, the accrued benefit payable to such participant shall be provided in the form of a qualified joint and survivor annuity, and

(2) in the case of a vested participant who dies before the annuity starting date and who has a surviving spouse, a qualified preretirement survivor annuity shall be provided to the surviving spouse of such participant.

(b) Applicable plans

(1) This section shall apply to—

(A) any defined benefit plan,

(B) any individual account plan which is subject to the funding standards of section 1082 of this title, and

(C) any participant under any other individual account plan unless—

(i) such plan provides that the participant's nonforfeitable accrued benefit (reduced by any security interest held by the plan by reason of a loan outstanding to such participant) is payable in full, on the death of the participant, to the participant's surviving spouse (or, if there is no surviving spouse or the surviving spouse consents in the manner required under subsection (c)(2), to a designated beneficiary),

(ii) such participant does not elect the payment of benefits in the form of a life annuity, and

(iii) with respect to such participant, such plan is not a direct or indirect transferee (in a transfer after December 31, 1984) of a plan which is described in subparagraph (A) or (B) or to which this clause applied with respect to the participant.

Clause (iii) of subparagraph (C) shall apply only with respect to the transferred assets (and income therefrom) if the plan separately accounts for such assets and any income therefrom.

(2)(A) In the case of—

(i) a tax credit employee stock ownership plan (as defined in section 409(a) of title 26), or

(ii) an employee stock ownership plan (as defined in section 4975(e)(7) of title 26),

subsection (a) shall not apply to that portion of the employee's accrued benefit to which the requirements of section 409(h) of title 26 apply.

(B) Subparagraph (A) shall not apply with respect to any participant unless the requirements of clause ¹ (i), (ii), and (iii) of paragraph (1)(C) are met with respect to such participant.

(4) ² This section shall not apply to a plan which the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate has determined is a plan described in section 404(c) of title 26 (or a continuation thereof) in which participation is substantially limited to individuals who, before January 1, 1976, ceased employment covered by the plan.

(4) ² A plan shall not be treated as failing to meet the requirements of paragraph (1)(C) or (2) merely because the plan provides that benefits will not be payable to the surviving spouse of the participant unless the participant and such spouse had been married throughout the 1-year period ending on the earlier of the participant's annuity starting date or the date of the participant's death.

(c) Plans meeting requirements of section

(1) A plan meets the requirements of this section only if—

(A) under the plan, each participant—

(i) may elect at any time during the applicable election period to waive the qualified joint and survivor annuity form of benefit or the qualified preretirement survivor annuity form of benefit (or both),

(ii) if the participant elects a waiver under clause (i), may elect the qualified optional survivor annuity at any time during the applicable election period, and

(iii) may revoke any such election at any time during the applicable election period, and

(B) the plan meets the requirements of paragraphs (2), (3), and (4).

(2) Each plan shall provide that an election under paragraph (1)(A)(i) shall not take effect unless—

(A)(i) the spouse of the participant consents in writing to such election, (ii) such election designates a beneficiary (or a form of benefits) which may not be changed without spousal consent (or the consent of the spouse expressly permits designations by the participant without any requirement of further consent by the spouse), and (iii) the spouse's consent acknowledges the effect of such election and is witnessed by a plan representative or a notary public, or

(B) it is established to the satisfaction of a plan representative that the consent required under subparagraph (A) may not be obtained because there is no spouse, because the spouse cannot be located, or because of such other circumstances as the Secretary of the Treasury may by regulations prescribe.

Any consent by a spouse (or establishment that the consent of a spouse may not be obtained) under the preceding sentence shall be effective only with respect to such spouse.

(3)(A) Each plan shall provide to each participant, within a reasonable period of time before the annuity starting date (and consistent with such regulations as the Secretary of the Treasury may prescribe) a written explanation of—

(i) the terms and conditions of the qualified joint and survivor annuity and of the qualified optional survivor annuity,

(ii) the participant's right to make, and the effect of, an election under paragraph (1) to waive the joint and survivor annuity form of benefit,

(iii) the rights of the participant's spouse under paragraph (2), and

(iv) the right to make, and the effect of, a revocation of an election under paragraph (1).

(B)(i) Each plan shall provide to each participant, within the applicable period with respect to such participant (and consistent with such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe), a written explanation with respect to the qualified preretirement survivor annuity comparable to that required under subparagraph (A).

(ii) For purposes of clause (i), the term "applicable period" means, with respect to a participant, whichever of the following periods ends last:

(I) The period beginning with the first day of the plan year in which the participant attains age 32 and ending with the close of the plan year preceding the plan year in which the participant attains age 35.

(II) A reasonable period after the individual becomes a participant.

(III) A reasonable period ending after paragraph (5) ceases to apply to the participant.

(IV) A reasonable period ending after this section applies to the participant.

In the case of a participant who separates from service before attaining age 35, the applicable period shall be a reasonable period after separation.

(4) Each plan shall provide that, if this section applies to a participant when part or all of the participant's accrued benefit is to be used as security for a loan, no portion of the participant's accrued benefit may be used as security for such loan unless—

(A) the spouse of the participant (if any) consents in writing to such use during the 90-day period ending on the date on which the loan is to be so secured, and

(B) requirements comparable to the requirements of paragraph (2) are met with respect to such consent.

(5)(A) The requirements of this subsection shall not apply with respect to the qualified joint and survivor annuity form of benefit or the qualified preretirement survivor annuity form of benefit, as the case may be, if such benefit may not be waived (or another beneficiary selected) and if the plan fully subsidizes the costs of such benefit.

(B) For purposes of subparagraph (A), a plan fully subsidizes the costs of a benefit if under the plan the failure to waive such benefit by a participant would not result in a decrease in any plan benefits with respect to such participant and would not result in increased contributions from such participant.

(6) If a plan fiduciary acts in accordance with part 4 of this subtitle in—

(A) relying on a consent or revocation referred to in paragraph (1)(A), or

(B) making a determination under paragraph (2),

then such consent, revocation, or determination shall be treated as valid for purposes of discharging the plan from liability to the extent of payments made pursuant to such Act.

(7) For purposes of this subsection, the term "applicable election period" means—

(A) in the case of an election to waive the qualified joint and survivor annuity form of benefit, the 180-day period ending on the annuity starting date, or

(B) in the case of an election to waive the qualified preretirement survivor annuity, the period which begins on the first day of the plan year in which the participant attains age 35 and ends on the date of the participant's death.

In the case of a participant who is separated from service, the applicable election period under subparagraph (B) with respect to benefits accrued before the date of such separation from service shall not begin later than such date.

(8) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection—

(A)(i) A plan may provide the written explanation described in paragraph (3)(A) after the annuity starting date. In any case to which this subparagraph applies, the applicable election period under paragraph (7) shall not end before the 30th day after the date on which such explanation is provided.

(ii) The Secretary of the Treasury may by regulations limit the application of clause (i), except that such regulations may not limit the period of time by which the annuity starting date precedes the provision of the written explanation other than by providing that the annuity starting date may not be earlier than termination of employment.

(B) A plan may permit a participant to elect (with any applicable spousal consent) to waive any requirement that the written explanation be provided at least 30 days before the annuity starting date (or to waive the 30-day requirement under subparagraph (A)) if the distribution commences more than 7 days after such explanation is provided.

(d) "Qualified joint and survivor annuity" and "qualified optional survivor annuity" defined

(1) For purposes of this section, the term "qualified joint and survivor annuity" means an annuity—

(A) for the life of the participant with a survivor annuity for the life of the spouse which is not less than 50 percent of (and is not greater than 100 percent of) the amount of the annuity which is payable during the joint lives of the participant and the spouse, and

(B) which is the actuarial equivalent of a single annuity for the life of the participant.

Such term also includes any annuity in a form having the effect of an annuity described in the preceding sentence.

(2)(A) For purposes of this section, the term "qualified optional survivor annuity" means an annuity—

(i) for the life of the participant with a survivor annuity for the life of the spouse which is equal to the applicable percentage of the amount of the annuity which is payable during the joint lives of the participant and the spouse, and

(ii) which is the actuarial equivalent of a single annuity for the life of the participant.

Such term also includes any annuity in a form having the effect of an annuity described in the preceding sentence.

(B)(i) For purposes of subparagraph (A), if the survivor annuity percentage—

(I) is less than 75 percent, the applicable percentage is 75 percent, and

(II) is greater than or equal to 75 percent, the applicable percentage is 50 percent.

(ii) For purposes of clause (i), the term "survivor annuity percentage" means the percentage which the survivor annuity under the plan's qualified joint and survivor annuity bears to the annuity payable during the joint lives of the participant and the spouse.

(e) "Qualified preretirement survivor annuity" defined

For purposes of this section—

(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the term "qualified preretirement survivor annuity" means a survivor annuity for the life of the surviving spouse of the participant if—

(A) the payments to the surviving spouse under such annuity are not less than the amounts which would be payable as a survivor annuity under the qualified joint and survivor annuity under the plan (or the actuarial equivalent thereof) if—

(i) in the case of a participant who dies after the date on which the participant attained the earliest retirement age, such participant had retired with an immediate qualified joint and survivor annuity on the day before the participant's date of death, or

(ii) in the case of a participant who dies on or before the date on which the participant would have attained the earliest retirement age, such participant had—

(I) separated from service on the date of death,

(II) survived to the earliest retirement age,

(III) retired with an immediate qualified joint and survivor annuity at the earliest retirement age, and

(IV) died on the day after the day on which such participant would have attained the earliest retirement age, and

(B) under the plan, the earliest period for which the surviving spouse may receive a payment under such annuity is not later than the month in which the participant would have attained the earliest retirement age under the plan.

In the case of an individual who separated from service before the date of such individual's death, subparagraph (A)(ii)(I) shall not apply.

(2) In the case of any individual account plan or participant described in subparagraph (B) or (C) of subsection (b)(1), the term "qualified preretirement survivor annuity" means an annuity for the life of the surviving spouse the actuarial equivalent of which is not less than 50 percent of the portion of the account balance of the participant (as of the date of death) to which the participant had a nonforfeitable right (within the meaning of section 1053 of this title).

(3) For purposes of paragraphs (1) and (2), any security interest held by the plan by reason of a loan outstanding to the participant shall be taken into account in determining the amount of the qualified preretirement survivor annuity.

(f) Marriage requirements for plan

(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), a plan may provide that a qualified joint and survivor annuity (or a qualified preretirement survivor annuity) will not be provided unless the participant and spouse had been married throughout the 1-year period ending on the earlier of—

(A) the participant's annuity starting date, or

(B) the date of the participant's death.

(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), if—

(A) a participant marries within 1 year before the annuity starting date, and

(B) the participant and the participant's spouse in such marriage have been married for at least a 1-year period ending on or before the date of the participant's death,

such participant and such spouse shall be treated as having been married throughout the 1-year period ending on the participant's annuity starting date.

(g) Distribution of present value of annuity; written consent; determination of present value

(1) A plan may provide that the present value of a qualified joint and survivor annuity or a qualified preretirement survivor annuity will be immediately distributed if such value does not exceed the amount that can be distributed without the participant's consent under section 1053(e) of this title. No distribution may be made under the preceding sentence after the annuity starting date unless the participant and the spouse of the participant (or where the participant has died, the surviving spouse) consent in writing to such distribution.

(2) If—

(A) the present value of the qualified joint and survivor annuity or the qualified preretirement survivor annuity exceeds the amount that can be distributed without the participant's consent under section 1053(e) of this title, and

(B) the participant and the spouse of the participant (or where the participant has died, the surviving spouse) consent in writing to the distribution,

the plan may immediately distribute the present value of such annuity.

(3)(A) For purposes of paragraphs (1) and (2), the present value shall not be less than the present value calculated by using the applicable mortality table and the applicable interest rate.

(B) For purposes of subparagraph (A)—

(i) The term "applicable mortality table" means a mortality table, modified as appropriate by the Secretary of the Treasury, based on the mortality table specified for the plan year under subparagraph (A) of section 1083(h)(3) of this title (without regard to subparagraph (C) or (D) of such section).

(ii) The term "applicable interest rate" means the adjusted first, second, and third segment rates applied under rules similar to the rules of section 1083(h)(2)(C) of this title (determined by not taking into account any adjustment under clause (iv) thereof) for the month before the date of the distribution or such other time as the Secretary of the Treasury may by regulations prescribe.

(iii) For purposes of clause (ii), the adjusted first, second, and third segment rates are the first, second, and third segment rates which would be determined under section 1083(h)(2)(C) of this title (determined by not taking into account any adjustment under clause (iv) thereof) if section 1083(h)(2)(D) of this title were applied by substituting the average yields for the month described in clause (ii) for the average yields for the 24-month period described in such section.

(h) Definitions

For purposes of this section—

(1) The term "vested participant" means any participant who has a nonforfeitable right (within the meaning of section 1002(19) of this title) to any portion of such participant's accrued benefit.

(2)(A) The term "annuity starting date" means—

(i) the first day of the first period for which an amount is payable as an annuity, or

(ii) in the case of a benefit not payable in the form of an annuity, the first day on which all events have occurred which entitle the participant to such benefit.

(B) For purposes of subparagraph (A), the first day of the first period for which a benefit is to be received by reason of disability shall be treated as the annuity starting date only if such benefit is not an auxiliary benefit.

(3) The term "earliest retirement age" means the earliest date on which, under the plan, the participant could elect to receive retirement benefits.

(i) Increased costs from providing annuity

A plan may take into account in any equitable manner (as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury) any increased costs resulting from providing a qualified joint or survivor annuity or a qualified preretirement survivor annuity.

(j) Use of participant's accrued benefit as security for loan as not preventing distribution

If the use of any participant's accrued benefit (or any portion thereof) as security for a loan meets the requirements of subsection (c)(4), nothing in this section shall prevent any distribution required by reason of a failure to comply with the terms of such loan.

(k) Spousal consent

No consent of a spouse shall be effective for purposes of subsection (g)(1) or (g)(2) (as the case may be) unless requirements comparable to the requirements for spousal consent to an election under subsection (c)(1)(A) are met.

(l) Regulations; consultation of Secretary of the Treasury with Secretary of Labor

In prescribing regulations under this section, the Secretary of the Treasury shall consult with the Secretary of Labor.

(Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §205, Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 862; Pub. L. 98–397, title I, §103(a), Aug. 23, 1984, 98 Stat. 1429; Pub. L. 99–514, title XI, §§1139(c)(2), 1145(b), title XVIII, §1898(b)(1)(B), (2)(B), (3)(B), (4)(B), (5)(B), (6)(B), (7)(B), (8)(B), (9)(B), (10)(B), (11)(B), (12)(B), (13)(B), (14)(B), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2488, 2491, 2945-2951; Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §§7861(d)(2), 7862(d)(1)(B), (3), (6)–(9), 7891(a)(1), (b)(3), (c), (e), 7894(c)(7)(A), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2431, 2434, 2445, 2447, 2449; Pub. L. 103–465, title VII, §767(c)(2), Dec. 8, 1994, 108 Stat. 5039; Pub. L. 104–188, title I, §1451(b), Aug. 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1815; Pub. L. 105–34, title X, §1071(b)(2), title XVI, §1601(d)(5), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 948, 1089; Pub. L. 107–147, title IV, §411(r)(2), Mar. 9, 2002, 116 Stat. 51; Pub. L. 109–280, title III, §302(a), title X, §1004(b), title XI, §1102(a)(2)(A), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 920, 1054, 1056; Pub. L. 110–458, title I, §103(b)(1), Dec. 23, 2008, 122 Stat. 5103; Pub. L. 112–141, div. D, title II, §40211(b)(3)(B), July 6, 2012, 126 Stat. 849; Pub. L. 113–295, div. A, title II, §221(a)(57)(B)(ii), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 4046.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (g)(3)(B)(iii). Pub. L. 113–295 struck out dash after "if" and subcl. (I) designation before "section 1083(h)(2)(D)", substituted "described in such section." for "described in such section,", and struck out subcls. (II) and (III) which related to methods for calculating rates based on section 1083(h)(2)(G) of this title.

2012—Subsec. (g)(3)(B)(ii), (iii). Pub. L. 112–141 substituted "section 1083(h)(2)(C) of this title (determined by not taking into account any adjustment under clause (iv) thereof)" for "section 1083(h)(2)(C) of this title".

2008—Subsec. (g)(3)(B)(iii)(II). Pub. L. 110–458 substituted "section 1055(g)(3)(A)(ii)(II)" for "section 1055(g)(3)(B)(iii)(II)".

2006—Subsec. (c)(1)(A). Pub. L. 109–280, §1004(b)(1), substituted comma for ", and" at end of cl. (i), added cl. (ii), and redesignated former cl. (ii) as (iii).

Subsec. (c)(3)(A)(i). Pub. L. 109–280, §1004(b)(3), inserted "and of the qualified optional survivor annuity" before comma at end.

Subsec. (c)(7)(A). Pub. L. 109–280, §1102(a)(2)(A), substituted "180-day" for "90-day".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 109–280, §1004(b)(2), designated existing provisions as par. (1), redesignated former pars. (1) and (2) as subpars. (A) and (B), respectively, of par. (1), and added par. (2).

Subsec. (g)(3). Pub. L. 109–280, §302(a), struck out heading and amended text of par. (3) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (3) stated general rule for determination of present value, defined "applicable mortality table" and "applicable interest rate", and set forth exception from general rule in the case of a distribution from a plan that was adopted and in effect prior to Dec. 8, 1994.

2002—Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 107–147, §411(r)(2)(A), substituted "exceed the amount that can be distributed without the participant's consent under section 1053(e) of this title" for "exceed the dollar limit under section 1053(e)(1) of this title".

Subsec. (g)(2)(A). Pub. L. 107–147, §411(r)(2)(B), substituted "exceeds the amount that can be distributed without the participant's consent under section 1053(e) of this title" for "exceeds the dollar limit under section 1053(e)(1) of this title".

1997—Subsec. (c)(8)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 105–34, §1601(d)(5), substituted "Secretary of the Treasury" for "Secretary".

Subsec. (g)(1), (2)(A). Pub. L. 105–34, §1071(b)(2), substituted "the dollar limit under section 1053(e)(1) of this title" for "$3,500".

1996—Subsec. (c)(8). Pub. L. 104–188 added par. (8).

1994—Subsec. (g)(3). Pub. L. 103–465 amended par. (3) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (3) read as follows:

"(3)(A) For purposes of paragraphs (1) and (2), the present value shall be calculated—

"(i) by using an interest rate no greater than the applicable interest rate if the vested accrued benefit (using such rate) is not in excess of $25,000, and

"(ii) by using an interest rate no greater than 120 percent of the applicable interest rate if the vested accrued benefit exceeds $25,000 (as determined under clause (i)).

In no event shall the present value determined under subclause (II) be less than $25,000.

"(B) For purposes of subparagraph (A), the term 'applicable interest rate' means the interest rate which would be used (as of the date of the distribution) by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation for purposes of determining the present value of a lump sum distribution on plan termination."

1989—Subsec. (b)(1)(C)(i). Pub. L. 101–239, §7862(d)(7), made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 99–514, §1898(b)(7)(B), see 1986 Amendment note below.

Subsec. (b)(2)(A)(i). Pub. L. 101–239, §7891(a)(1), substituted "Internal Revenue Code of 1986" for "Internal Revenue Code of 1954", which for purposes of codification was translated as "title 26" thus requiring no change in text.

Subsec. (b)(3), (4). Pub. L. 101–239, §7862(d)(9), amended directory language of Pub. L. 99–514, §1898(b)(14)(B), see 1986 Amendment note below, and redesignated par. (3), as added by Pub. L. 99–514, §1898(b)(14)(B), as par. (4).

Pub. L. 101–239, §§7861(d)(2), 7891(c), realigned margins of par. (3), as added by Pub. L. 99–514, §1145(b), and redesignated such par. (3) as (4).

Subsec. (c)(3)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 101–239, §7862(d)(1)(B), inserted at end "In the case of a participant who separates from service before attaining age 35, the applicable period shall be a reasonable period after separation."

Subsec. (c)(3)(B)(ii)(IV). Pub. L. 101–239, §7862(d)(6), substituted "after this section" for "after section 1101(a)(11) of this title".

Subsec. (c)(3)(B)(ii)(V). Pub. L. 101–239, §7862(d)(1)(B), struck out subcl. (V) which read as follows: "A reasonable period after separation from service in case of a participant who separates before attaining age 35."

Subsec. (c)(6). Pub. L. 101–239, §7894(c)(7)(A), substituted "such Act" for "such act".

Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 101–239, §7862(d)(8), substituted "nonforfeitable right (within the meaning of section 1053 of this title)" for "nonforfeitable accrued benefit".

Subsec. (g)(3)(A). Pub. L. 101–239, §7891(b)(3), realigned margins of subpar. (A).

Subsec. (h)(1). Pub. L. 101–239, §§7862(d)(3)(A), 7891(e)(1), amended par. (1) identically, substituting "The term" for "the term" and "benefit." for "benefit,".

Subsec. (h)(3). Pub. L. 101–239, §§7862(d)(3)B), 7891(e)(2), amended par. (3) identically, substituting "The term" for "the term".

1986—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 99–514, §1898(b)(3)(B), substituted "who does not die before the annuity starting date" for "who retires under the plan".

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 99–514, §1898(b)(2)(B)(ii), inserted at end "Clause (iii) of subparagraph (C) shall apply only with respect to the transferred assets (and income therefrom) if the plan separately accounts for such assets and any income therefrom."

Subsec. (b)(1)(C)(i). Pub. L. 99–514, §1898(b)(13)(B), substituted "(c)(2)" for "(c)(2)(A)".

Pub. L. 99–514, §1898(b)(7)(B), as amended by Pub. L. 101–239, §7862(d)(7), inserted "(reduced by any security interest held by the plan by reason of a loan outstanding to such participant)".

Subsec. (b)(1)(C)(iii). Pub. L. 99–514, §1898(b)(2)(B)(i), substituted "a direct or indirect transferee (in a transfer after December 31, 1984)" for "a transferee".

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 99–514, §1898(b)(14)(B), as amended by Pub. L. 101–239, §7862(d)(9)(A), added par. (3) relating to treatment of plan as meeting requirements of par. (1)(C) or (2) of subsec. (b).

Pub. L. 99–514, §1145(b), added par. (3) relating to applicability of this section to plans described in section 404(c) of title 26.

Subsec. (c)(1)(B). Pub. L. 99–514, §1898(b)(4)(B)(i), substituted "paragraphs (2), (3), and (4)" for "paragraphs (2) and (3)".

Subsec. (c)(2)(A). Pub. L. 99–514, §1898(b)(6)(B), amended subpar. (A) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (A) read as follows: "the spouse of the participant consents in writing to such election, and the spouse's consent acknowledges the effect of such election and is witnessed by a plan representative or a notary public, or".

Subsec. (c)(3)(B). Pub. L. 99–514, §1898(b)(5)(B), amended subpar. (B) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (B) read as follows: "Each plan shall provide to each participant, within the period beginning with the first day of the plan year in which the participant attains age 32 and ending with the close of the plan year preceding the plan year in which the participant attains age 35 (and consistent with such regulations as the Secretary of the Treasury may prescribe), a written explanation with respect to the qualified preretirement survivor annuity comparable to that required under subparagraph (A)."

Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 99–514, §1898(b)(4)(B)(ii), added par. (4). Former par. (4) redesignated (5).

Subsec. (c)(5). Pub. L. 99–514, §1898(b)(4)(B)(ii), redesignated par. (4) as (5). Former par. (5) redesignated (6).

Subsec. (c)(5)(A). Pub. L. 99–514, §1898(b)(11)(B), inserted "if such benefit may not be waived (or another beneficiary selected) and".

Subsec. (c)(6), (7). Pub. L. 99–514, §1898(b)(4)(B)(ii), redesignated pars. (5) and (6) as (6) and (7), respectively.

Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 99–514, §1898(b)(1)(B), inserted at end "In the case of an individual who separated from service before the date of such individual's death, subparagraph (A)(ii)(I) shall not apply."

Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 99–514, §1898(b)(9)(B)(i), substituted "the portion of the account balance of the participant (as of the date of death) to which the participant had a nonforfeitable accrued benefit" for "the account balance of the participant as of the date of death".

Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 99–514, §1898(b)(9)(B)(ii), added par. (3).

Subsec. (g)(3). Pub. L. 99–514, §1139(c)(2), amended par. (3) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (3) read as follows: "For purposes of paragraphs (1) and (2), the present value of a qualified joint and survivor annuity or a qualified preretirement survivor annuity shall be determined as of the date of the distribution and by using an interest rate not greater than the interest rate which would be used (as of the date of the distribution) by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation for purposes of determining the present value of a lump sum distribution on plan termination."

Subsec. (h)(1). Pub. L. 99–514, §1898(b)(8)(B), substituted "such participant's accrued benefit" for "the accrued benefit derived from employer contributions".

Subsec. (h)(2). Pub. L. 99–514, §1898(b)(12)(B), amended par. (2) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (2) read as follows: "the term 'annuity starting date' means the first day of the first period for which an amount is received as an annuity (whether by reason of retirement or disability), and".

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 99–514, §1898(b)(4)(B)(iii), added subsec. (j). Former subsec. (j) redesignated (k).

Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 99–514, §1898(b)(10)(B), added subsec. (k). Former subsec. (k) redesignated (l).

Pub. L. 99–514, §1898(b)(4)(B)(iii), redesignated subsec. (j) as (k).

Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 99–514, §1898(b)(10)(B), redesignated subsec. (k) as (l).

1984—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 98–397 substituted provisions relating to provisions to be included in applicable plans for former provisions relating to form of payment of annuity benefits.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 98–397 substituted provisions relating to applicable plans under this section for former provisions relating to plans providing for payment of benefits before normal retirement age.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 98–397 substituted provisions relating to conditions under which plans meet the requirements of this section for former provisions relating to election of qualified joint and survivor annuity form.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 98–397 substituted provisions defining "qualified joint and survivor annuity" for former provisions relating to the participant's spouse not being entitled to receive survivor annuity.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 98–397 substituted provisions defining "qualified preretirement survivor annuity" for former provisions relating to election to take annuity.

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 98–397 substituted provisions to the effect that plans may provide that annuities will not be provided unless the participant and spouse had been married for a certain 1-year period, for former provisions relating to plan provisions which render election or revocation ineffective if participant dies within period of up to 2 years following the date of election or revocation.

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 98–397 substituted provisions relating to plan provisions for immediate distribution of present value if such value does not exceed $3,500 and for written consent from the participant and spouse for former provisions setting forth definitions. See subsec. (h) of this section.

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 98–397 substituted provisions setting forth definitions for former provisions relating to increased costs resulting from providing joint and survivor annuity benefits. See subsec. (i) of this section.

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 98–397 substituted provisions relating to increased costs resulting from providing annuities under applicable plans for former provisions setting forth the effective date of this section.

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 98–397 added subsec. (j).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2014 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 113–295 effective Dec. 19, 2014, subject to a savings provision, see section 221(b) of Pub. L. 113–295, set out as a note under section 1 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 2012 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 112–141 applicable with respect to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2011, except as otherwise provided, see section 40211(c) of Pub. L. 112–141, set out as a note under section 404 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 110–458 effective as if included in the provisions of Pub. L. 109–280 to which the amendment relates, except as otherwise provided, see section 112 of Pub. L. 110–458, set out as a note under section 72 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 2006 Amendment

Amendment by section 302(a) of Pub. L. 109–280 applicable with respect to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2007, see section 302(c) of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as a note under section 417 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Amendment by section 1004(b) of Pub. L. 109–280 applicable to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2007, with special rule for collectively bargained plans, see section 1004(c) of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as a note under section 417 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Amendments and modifications made or required by section 1102(a)(2)(A) of Pub. L. 109–280 applicable to years beginning after Dec. 31, 2006, see section 1102(a)(3) of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as a note under section 417 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–147 effective as if included in the provisions of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001, Pub. L. 107–16, to which such amendment relates, see section 411(x) of Pub. L. 107–147, set out as a note under section 25B of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 1997 Amendment

Amendment by section 1071(b)(2) of Pub. L. 105–34 applicable to plan years beginning after Aug. 5, 1997, see section 1071(c) of Pub. L. 105–34, set out as a note under section 411 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Amendment by section 1601(d)(5) of Pub. L. 105–34 effective as if included in the provisions of the Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996, Pub. L. 104–188, to which it relates, see section 1601(j) of Pub. L. 105–34, set out as a note under section 36C of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 104–188 applicable to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 1996, see section 1451(c) of Pub. L. 104–188, set out as a note under section 417 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–465 applicable to plan years and limitation years beginning after Dec. 31, 1994, except that employer may elect to treat such amendment as effective on or after Dec. 8, 1994, with provisions relating to reduction of accrued benefits, exception, and timing of plan amendment, see section 767(d) of Pub. L. 103–465, as amended, set out as a note under section 411 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 1989 Amendment

Amendment by sections 7861(d)(2) and 7862(d)(1)(B), (3), (6)–(9) of Pub. L. 101–239 effective as if included in the provision of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, Pub. L. 99–514, to which such amendment relates, see section 7863 of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 106 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Amendment by section 7891(a)(1), (b)(3), (c), (e) of Pub. L. 101–239 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if included in the provision of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, Pub. L. 99–514, to which such amendment relates, see section 7891(f) of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 1002 of this title.

Section 7894(c)(7)(B) of Pub. L. 101–239 provided that: "The amendment made by subparagraph (A) [amending this section] shall take effect as if included in section 103 of the Retirement Equity Act of 1984 [Pub. L. 98–397] in reference to the new section 205(c)(5) of ERISA [subsec. (c)(5) of this section] as added by such section 3113."

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Amendment by section 1139(c)(2) of Pub. L. 99–514 applicable to distributions in plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 1984, except that such amendments shall not apply to any distributions in plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 1984, and before Jan. 1, 1987, if such distributions were made in accordance with the requirements of the regulations issued under the Retirement Equity Act of 1984, Pub. L. 98–397, with additional provisions relating to reductions in accrued benefits, see section 1139(d) of Pub. L. 99–514, set out as a note under section 411 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Amendment by section 1145(b) of Pub. L. 99–514 applicable as if included in the amendments made by the Retirement Equity Act of 1984, Pub. L. 98–397, see section 1145(d) of Pub. L. 99–514, set out as a note under section 401 of Title 26.

Amendment by section 1898(b)(4)(B) of Pub. L. 99–514 applicable with respect to loans made after Aug. 18, 1985, see section 1898(b)(4)(C) of Pub. L. 99–514, set out as a note under section 417 of Title 26.

Amendment by section 1898(b)(6)(B) of Pub. L. 99–514 applicable to plan years beginning after Oct. 22, 1986, see section 1898(b)(6)(C) of Pub. L. 99–514, set out as a note under section 417 of Title 26.

Amendment by section 1898(b)(8)(B) of Pub. L. 99–514 applicable to distributions after Oct. 22, 1986, see section 1898(b)(8)(C) of Pub. L. 99–514, as added, set out as a note under section 417 of Title 26.

Amendment by section 1898(b)(1)(B), (2)(B), (3)(B), (5)(B), (7)(B), (9)(B), (10)(B), (11)(B), (12)(B), (13)(B), (14)(B) of Pub. L. 99–514 effective as if included in the provision of the Retirement Equity Act of 1984, Pub. L. 98–397, to which such amendment relates, except as otherwise provided, see section 1898(j) of Pub. L. 99–514, set out as a note under section 401 of Title 26.

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–397 applicable to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 1984, except as otherwise provided, see sections 302 and 303 of Pub. L. 98–397, set out as a note under section 1001 of this title.

Nothing in amendment by Pub. L. 98–397 to prevent any distribution required by reason of failure to comply with terms of loan made on or before Aug. 18, 1985, and secured by portion of participant's accrued benefit, see section 1898(b)(4)(C)(ii) of Pub. L. 99–514, set out as an Effective Date of 1986 Amendment note under section 417 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Plan Amendments Not Required Until January 1, 1998

For provisions directing that if any amendments made by subtitle D [§§1401–1465] of title I of Pub. L. 104–188 require an amendment to any plan or annuity contract, such amendment shall not be required to be made before the first day of the first plan year beginning on or after Jan. 1, 1998, see section 1465 of Pub. L. 104–188, set out as a note under section 401 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Plan Amendments Not Required Until January 1, 1989

For provisions directing that if any amendments made by subtitle A or subtitle C of title XI [§§1101–1147 and 1171–1177] or title XVIII [§§1800–1899A] of Pub. L. 99–514 require an amendment to any plan, such plan amendment shall not be required to be made before the first plan year beginning on or after Jan. 1, 1989, see section 1140 of Pub. L. 99–514, as amended, set out as a note under section 401 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

¹ So in original. Probably should be "clauses".

² So in original. There are two pars. designated (4) and no par. (3).

§1056. Form and payment of benefits

(a) Commencement date for payment of benefits

Each pension plan shall provide that unless the participant otherwise elects, the payment of benefits under the plan to the participant shall begin not later than the 60th day after the latest of the close of the plan year in which—

(1) occurs the date on which the participant attains the earlier of age 65 or the normal retirement age specified under the plan,

(2) occurs the 10th anniversary of the year in which the participant commenced participation in the plan, or

(3) the participant terminates his service with the employer.

In the case of a plan which provides for the payment of an early retirement benefit, such plan shall provide that a participant who satisfied the service requirements for such early retirement benefit, but separated from the service (with any nonforfeitable right to an accrued benefit) before satisfying the age requirement for such early retirement benefit, is entitled upon satisfaction of such age requirement to receive a benefit not less than the benefit to which he would be entitled at the normal retirement age, actuarially reduced under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury.

(b) Decrease in plan benefits by reason of increases in benefit levels under Social Security Act or Railroad Retirement Act of 1937

If—

(1) a participant or beneficiary is receiving benefits under a pension plan, or

(2) a participant is separated from the service and has non-forfeitable rights to benefits,

a plan may not decrease benefits of such a participant by reason of any increase in the benefit levels payable under title II of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.] or the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 [45 U.S.C. 231 et seq.] or any increase in the wage base under such title II, if such increase takes place after September 2, 1974, or (if later) the earlier of the date of first entitlement of such benefits or the date of such separation.

(c) Forfeiture of accrued benefits derived from employer contributions

No pension plan may provide that any part of a participant's accrued benefit derived from employer contributions (whether or not otherwise nonforfeitable) is forfeitable solely because of withdrawal by such participant of any amount attributable to the benefit derived from contributions made by such participant. The preceding sentence shall not apply (1) to the accrued benefit of any participant unless, at the time of such withdrawal, such participant has a nonforfeitable right to at least 50 percent of such accrued benefit, or (2) to the extent that an accrued benefit is permitted to be forfeited in accordance with section 1053(a)(3)(D)(iii) of this title.

(d) Assignment or alienation of plan benefits

(1) Each pension plan shall provide that benefits provided under the plan may not be assigned or alienated.

(2) For the purposes of paragraph (1) of this subsection, there shall not be taken into account any voluntary and revocable assignment of not to exceed 10 percent of any benefit payment, or of any irrevocable assignment or alienation of benefits executed before September 2, 1974. The preceding sentence shall not apply to any assignment or alienation made for the purposes of defraying plan administration costs. For purposes of this paragraph a loan made to a participant or beneficiary shall not be treated as an assignment or alienation if such loan is secured by the participant's accrued non-forfeitable benefit and is exempt from the tax imposed by section 4975 of title 26 (relating to tax on prohibited transactions) by reason of section 4975(d)(1) of title 26.

(3)(A) Paragraph (1) shall apply to the creation, assignment, or recognition of a right to any benefit payable with respect to a participant pursuant to a domestic relations order, except that paragraph (1) shall not apply if the order is determined to be a qualified domestic relations order. Each pension plan shall provide for the payment of benefits in accordance with the applicable requirements of any qualified domestic relations order.

(B) For purposes of this paragraph—

(i) the term "qualified domestic relations order" means a domestic relations order—

(I) which creates or recognizes the existence of an alternate payee's right to, or assigns to an alternate payee the right to, receive all or a portion of the benefits payable with respect to a participant under a plan, and

(II) with respect to which the requirements of subparagraphs (C) and (D) are met, and

(ii) the term "domestic relations order" means any judgment, decree, or order (including approval of a property settlement agreement) which—

(I) relates to the provision of child support, alimony payments, or marital property rights to a spouse, former spouse, child, or other dependent of a participant, and

(II) is made pursuant to a State or Tribal domestic relations law (including a community property law).

For purposes of clause (ii)(II), the term "Tribal" with respect to a domestic relations law means such a law which is issued by or under the laws of an Indian tribal government (as defined in section 7701(a)(40) of title 26), a subdivision of such an Indian tribal government, or an agency or instrumentality of either.

(C) A domestic relations order meets the requirements of this subparagraph only if such order clearly specifies—

(i) the name and the last known mailing address (if any) of the participant and the name and mailing address of each alternate payee covered by the order,

(ii) the amount or percentage of the participant's benefits to be paid by the plan to each such alternate payee, or the manner in which such amount or percentage is to be determined,

(iii) the number of payments or period to which such order applies, and

(iv) each plan to which such order applies.

(D) A domestic relations order meets the requirements of this subparagraph only if such order—

(i) does not require a plan to provide any type or form of benefit, or any option, not otherwise provided under the plan,

(ii) does not require the plan to provide increased benefits (determined on the basis of actuarial value), and

(iii) does not require the payment of benefits to an alternate payee which are required to be paid to another alternate payee under another order previously determined to be a qualified domestic relations order.

(E)(i) A domestic relations order shall not be treated as failing to meet the requirements of clause (i) of subparagraph (D) solely because such order requires that payment of benefits be made to an alternate payee—

(I) in the case of any payment before a participant has separated from service, on or after the date on which the participant attains (or would have attained) the earliest retirement age,

(II) as if the participant had retired on the date on which such payment is to begin under such order (but taking into account only the present value of benefits actually accrued and not taking into account the present value of any employer subsidy for early retirement), and

(III) in any form in which such benefits may be paid under the plan to the participant (other than in the form of a joint and survivor annuity with respect to the alternate payee and his or her subsequent spouse).

For purposes of subclause (II), the interest rate assumption used in determining the present value shall be the interest rate specified in the plan or, if no rate is specified, 5 percent.

(ii) For purposes of this subparagraph, the term "earliest retirement age" means the earlier of—

(I) the date on which the participant is entitled to a distribution under the plan, or

(II) the later of the date of ¹ the participant attains age 50 or the earliest date on which the participant could begin receiving benefits under the plan if the participant separated from service.

(F) To the extent provided in any qualified domestic relations order—

(i) the former spouse of a participant shall be treated as a surviving spouse of such participant for purposes of section 1055 of this title (and any spouse of the participant shall not be treated as a spouse of the participant for such purposes), and

(ii) if married for at least 1 year, the surviving former spouse shall be treated as meeting the requirements of section 1055(f) of this title.

(G)(i) In the case of any domestic relations order received by a plan—

(I) the plan administrator shall promptly notify the participant and each alternate payee of the receipt of such order and the plan's procedures for determining the qualified status of domestic relations orders, and

(II) within a reasonable period after receipt of such order, the plan administrator shall determine whether such order is a qualified domestic relations order and notify the participant and each alternate payee of such determination.

(ii) Each plan shall establish reasonable procedures to determine the qualified status of domestic relations orders and to administer distributions under such qualified orders. Such procedures—

(I) shall be in writing,

(II) shall provide for the notification of each person specified in a domestic relations order as entitled to payment of benefits under the plan (at the address included in the domestic relations order) of such procedures promptly upon receipt by the plan of the domestic relations order, and

(III) shall permit an alternate payee to designate a representative for receipt of copies of notices that are sent to the alternate payee with respect to a domestic relations order.

(H)(i) During any period in which the issue of whether a domestic relations order is a qualified domestic relations order is being determined (by the plan administrator, by a court of competent jurisdiction, or otherwise), the plan administrator shall separately account for the amounts (hereinafter in this subparagraph referred to as the "segregated amounts") which would have been payable to the alternate payee during such period if the order had been determined to be a qualified domestic relations order.

(ii) If within the 18-month period described in clause (v) the order (or modification thereof) is determined to be a qualified domestic relations order, the plan administrator shall pay the segregated amounts (including any interest thereon) to the person or persons entitled thereto.

(iii) If within the 18-month period described in clause (v)—

(I) it is determined that the order is not a qualified domestic relations order, or

(II) the issue as to whether such order is a qualified domestic relations order is not resolved,

then the plan administrator shall pay the segregated amounts (including any interest thereon) to the person or persons who would have been entitled to such amounts if there had been no order.

(iv) Any determination that an order is a qualified domestic relations order which is made after the close of the 18-month period described in clause (v) shall be applied prospectively only.

(v) For purposes of this subparagraph, the 18-month period described in this clause is the 18-month period beginning with the date on which the first payment would be required to be made under the domestic relations order.

(I) If a plan fiduciary acts in accordance with part 4 of this subtitle in—

(i) treating a domestic relations order as being (or not being) a qualified domestic relations order, or

(ii) taking action under subparagraph (H),

then the plan's obligation to the participant and each alternate payee shall be discharged to the extent of any payment made pursuant to such Act.

(J) A person who is an alternate payee under a qualified domestic relations order shall be considered for purposes of any provision of this chapter a beneficiary under the plan. Nothing in the preceding sentence shall permit a requirement under section 1301 of this title of the payment of more than 1 premium with respect to a participant for any period.

(K) The term "alternate payee" means any spouse, former spouse, child, or other dependent of a participant who is recognized by a domestic relations order as having a right to receive all, or a portion of, the benefits payable under a plan with respect to such participant.

(L) This paragraph shall not apply to any plan to which paragraph (1) does not apply.

(M) Payment of benefits by a pension plan in accordance with the applicable requirements of a qualified domestic relations order shall not be treated as garnishment for purposes of section 1673(a) of title 15.

(N) In prescribing regulations under this paragraph, the Secretary shall consult with the Secretary of the Treasury.

(4) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to any offset of a participant's benefits provided under an employee pension benefit plan against an amount that the participant is ordered or required to pay to the plan if—

(A) the order or requirement to pay arises—

(i) under a judgment of conviction for a crime involving such plan,

(ii) under a civil judgment (including a consent order or decree) entered by a court in an action brought in connection with a violation (or alleged violation) of part 4 of this subtitle, or

(iii) pursuant to a settlement agreement between the Secretary and the participant, or a settlement agreement between the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and the participant, in connection with a violation (or alleged violation) of part 4 of this subtitle by a fiduciary or any other person,

(B) the judgment, order, decree, or settlement agreement expressly provides for the offset of all or part of the amount ordered or required to be paid to the plan against the participant's benefits provided under the plan, and

(C) in a case in which the survivor annuity requirements of section 1055 of this title apply with respect to distributions from the plan to the participant, if the participant has a spouse at the time at which the offset is to be made—

(i) either—

(I) such spouse has consented in writing to such offset and such consent is witnessed by a notary public or representative of the plan (or it is established to the satisfaction of a plan representative that such consent may not be obtained by reason of circumstances described in section 1055(c)(2)(B) of this title), or

(II) an election to waive the right of the spouse to a qualified joint and survivor annuity or a qualified preretirement survivor annuity is in effect in accordance with the requirements of section 1055(c) of this title,

(ii) such spouse is ordered or required in such judgment, order, decree, or settlement to pay an amount to the plan in connection with a violation of part 4 of this subtitle, or

(iii) in such judgment, order, decree, or settlement, such spouse retains the right to receive the survivor annuity under a qualified joint and survivor annuity provided pursuant to section 1055(a)(1) of this title and under a qualified preretirement survivor annuity provided pursuant to section 1055(a)(2) of this title, determined in accordance with paragraph (5).

A plan shall not be treated as failing to meet the requirements of section 1055 of this title solely by reason of an offset under this paragraph.

(5)(A) The survivor annuity described in paragraph (4)(C)(iii) shall be determined as if—

(i) the participant terminated employment on the date of the offset,

(ii) there was no offset,

(iii) the plan permitted commencement of benefits only on or after normal retirement age,

(iv) the plan provided only the minimum-required qualified joint and survivor annuity, and

(v) the amount of the qualified preretirement survivor annuity under the plan is equal to the amount of the survivor annuity payable under the minimum-required qualified joint and survivor annuity.

(B) For purposes of this paragraph, the term "minimum-required qualified joint and survivor annuity" means the qualified joint and survivor annuity which is the actuarial equivalent of the participant's accrued benefit (within the meaning of section 1002(23) of this title) and under which the survivor annuity is 50 percent of the amount of the annuity which is payable during the joint lives of the participant and the spouse.

(e) Limitation on distributions other than life annuities paid by plan

(1) In general

Notwithstanding any other provision of this part, the fiduciary of a pension plan that is subject to the additional funding requirements of section 1083(j)(4) of this title shall not permit a prohibited payment to be made from a plan during a period in which such plan has a liquidity shortfall (as defined in section 1083(j)(4)(E)(i) of this title).

(2) Prohibited payment

For purposes of paragraph (1), the term "prohibited payment" means—

(A) any payment, in excess of the monthly amount paid under a single life annuity (plus any social security supplements described in the last sentence of section 1054(b)(1)(G) of this title), to a participant or beneficiary whose annuity starting date (as defined in section 1055(h)(2) of this title), that occurs during the period referred to in paragraph (1),

(B) any payment for the purchase of an irrevocable commitment from an insurer to pay benefits, and

(C) any other payment specified by the Secretary of the Treasury by regulations.

(3) Period of shortfall

For purposes of this subsection, a plan has a liquidity shortfall during the period that there is an underpayment of an installment under section 1083(j)(3) of this title by reason of section 1083(j)(4)(A) of this title.

(4) Coordination with other provisions

Compliance with this subsection shall not constitute a violation of any other provision of this chapter.

(f) Missing participants in terminated plans

In the case of a plan covered by section 1350 of this title, upon termination of the plan, benefits of missing participants shall be treated in accordance with section 1350 of this title.

(g) Funding-based limits on benefits and benefit accruals under single-employer plans

(1) Funding-based limitation on shutdown benefits and other unpredictable contingent event benefits under single-employer plans

(A) In general

If a participant of a defined benefit plan which is a single-employer plan is entitled to an unpredictable contingent event benefit payable with respect to any event occurring during any plan year, the plan shall provide that such benefit may not be provided if the adjusted funding target attainment percentage for such plan year—

(i) is less than 60 percent, or

(ii) would be less than 60 percent taking into account such occurrence.

(B) Exemption

Subparagraph (A) shall cease to apply with respect to any plan year, effective as of the first day of the plan year, upon payment by the plan sponsor of a contribution (in addition to any minimum required contribution under section 1083 of this title) equal to—

(i) in the case of subparagraph (A)(i), the amount of the increase in the funding target of the plan (under section 1083 of this title) for the plan year attributable to the occurrence referred to in subparagraph (A), and

(ii) in the case of subparagraph (A)(ii), the amount sufficient to result in an adjusted funding target attainment percentage of 60 percent.

(C) Unpredictable contingent event benefit

For purposes of this paragraph, the term "unpredictable contingent event benefit" means any benefit payable solely by reason of—

(i) a plant shutdown (or similar event, as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury), or

(ii) an event other than the attainment of any age, performance of any service, receipt or derivation of any compensation, or occurrence of death or disability.

(2) Limitations on plan amendments increasing liability for benefits

(A) In general

No amendment to a defined benefit plan which is a single-employer plan which has the effect of increasing liabilities of the plan by reason of increases in benefits, establishment of new benefits, changing the rate of benefit accrual, or changing the rate at which benefits become nonforfeitable may take effect during any plan year if the adjusted funding target attainment percentage for such plan year is—

(i) less than 80 percent, or

(ii) would be less than 80 percent taking into account such amendment.

(B) Exemption

Subparagraph (A) shall cease to apply with respect to any plan year, effective as of the first day of the plan year (or if later, the effective date of the amendment), upon payment by the plan sponsor of a contribution (in addition to any minimum required contribution under section 1083 of this title) equal to—

(i) in the case of subparagraph (A)(i), the amount of the increase in the funding target of the plan (under section 1083 of this title) for the plan year attributable to the amendment, and

(ii) in the case of subparagraph (A)(ii), the amount sufficient to result in an adjusted funding target attainment percentage of 80 percent.

(C) Exception for certain benefit increases

Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to any amendment which provides for an increase in benefits under a formula which is not based on a participant's compensation, but only if the rate of such increase is not in excess of the contemporaneous rate of increase in average wages of participants covered by the amendment.

(3) Limitations on accelerated benefit distributions

(A) Funding percentage less than 60 percent

A defined benefit plan which is a single-employer plan shall provide that, in any case in which the plan's adjusted funding target attainment percentage for a plan year is less than 60 percent, the plan may not pay any prohibited payment after the valuation date for the plan year.

(B) Bankruptcy

A defined benefit plan which is a single-employer plan shall provide that, during any period in which the plan sponsor is a debtor in a case under title 11 or similar Federal or State law, the plan may not pay any prohibited payment. The preceding sentence shall not apply on or after the date on which the enrolled actuary of the plan certifies that the adjusted funding target attainment percentage of such plan (determined by not taking into account any adjustment of segment rates under section 1083(h)(2)(C)(iv) of this title) is not less than 100 percent.

(C) Limited payment if percentage at least 60 percent but less than 80 percent

(i) In general

A defined benefit plan which is a single-employer plan shall provide that, in any case in which the plan's adjusted funding target attainment percentage for a plan year is 60 percent or greater but less than 80 percent, the plan may not pay any prohibited payment after the valuation date for the plan year to the extent the amount of the payment exceeds the lesser of—

(I) 50 percent of the amount of the payment which could be made without regard to this subsection, or

(II) the present value (determined under guidance prescribed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, using the interest and mortality assumptions under section 1055(g) of this title) of the maximum guarantee with respect to the participant under section 1322 of this title.

(ii) One-time application

(I) In general

The plan shall also provide that only 1 prohibited payment meeting the requirements of clause (i) may be made with respect to any participant during any period of consecutive plan years to which the limitations under either subparagraph (A) or (B) or this subparagraph applies.

(II) Treatment of beneficiaries

For purposes of this clause, a participant and any beneficiary on his behalf (including an alternate payee, as defined in subsection (d)(3)(K)) shall be treated as 1 participant. If the accrued benefit of a participant is allocated to such an alternate payee and 1 or more other persons, the amount under clause (i) shall be allocated among such persons in the same manner as the accrued benefit is allocated unless the qualified domestic relations order (as defined in subsection (d)(3)(B)(i)) provides otherwise.

(D) Exception

This paragraph shall not apply to any plan for any plan year if the terms of such plan (as in effect for the period beginning on September 1, 2005, and ending with such plan year) provide for no benefit accruals with respect to any participant during such period.

(E) Prohibited payment

For purpose ² of this paragraph, the term "prohibited payment" means—

(i) any payment, in excess of the monthly amount paid under a single life annuity (plus any social security supplements described in the last sentence of section 1054(b)(1)(G) of this title), to a participant or beneficiary whose annuity starting date (as defined in section 1055(h)(2) of this title) occurs during any period a limitation under subparagraph (A) or (B) is in effect,

(ii) any payment for the purchase of an irrevocable commitment from an insurer to pay benefits, and

(iii) any other payment specified by the Secretary of the Treasury by regulations.

Such term shall not include the payment of a benefit which under section 1053(e) of this title may be immediately distributed without the consent of the participant.

(4) Limitation on benefit accruals for plans with severe funding shortfalls

(A) In general

A defined benefit plan which is a single-employer plan shall provide that, in any case in which the plan's adjusted funding target attainment percentage for a plan year is less than 60 percent, benefit accruals under the plan shall cease as of the valuation date for the plan year.

(B) Exemption

Subparagraph (A) shall cease to apply with respect to any plan year, effective as of the first day of the plan year, upon payment by the plan sponsor of a contribution (in addition to any minimum required contribution under section 1083 of this title) equal to the amount sufficient to result in an adjusted funding target attainment percentage of 60 percent.

(5) Rules relating to contributions required to avoid benefit limitations

(A) Security may be provided

(i) In general

For purposes of this subsection, the adjusted funding target attainment percentage shall be determined by treating as an asset of the plan any security provided by a plan sponsor in a form meeting the requirements of clause (ii).

(ii) Form of security

The security required under clause (i) shall consist of—

(I) a bond issued by a corporate surety company that is an acceptable surety for purposes of section 1112 of this title,

(II) cash, or United States obligations which mature in 3 years or less, held in escrow by a bank or similar financial institution, or

(III) such other form of security as is satisfactory to the Secretary of the Treasury and the parties involved.

(iii) Enforcement

Any security provided under clause (i) may be perfected and enforced at any time after the earlier of—

(I) the date on which the plan terminates,

(II) if there is a failure to make a payment of the minimum required contribution for any plan year beginning after the security is provided, the due date for the payment under section 1083(j) of this title, or

(III) if the adjusted funding target attainment percentage is less than 60 percent for a consecutive period of 7 years, the valuation date for the last year in the period.

(iv) Release of security

The security shall be released (and any amounts thereunder shall be refunded together with any interest accrued thereon) at such time as the Secretary of the Treasury may prescribe in regulations, including regulations for partial releases of the security by reason of increases in the adjusted funding target attainment percentage.

(B) Prefunding balance or funding standard carryover balance may not be used

No prefunding balance or funding standard carryover balance under section 1083(f) of this title may be used under paragraph (1), (2), or (4) to satisfy any payment an employer may make under any such paragraph to avoid or terminate the application of any limitation under such paragraph.

(C) Deemed reduction of funding balances

(i) In general

Subject to clause (iii), in any case in which a benefit limitation under paragraph (1), (2), (3), or (4) would (but for this subparagraph and determined without regard to paragraph (1)(B), (2)(B), or (4)(B)) apply to such plan for the plan year, the plan sponsor of such plan shall be treated for purposes of this chapter as having made an election under section 1083(f) of this title to reduce the prefunding balance or funding standard carryover balance by such amount as is necessary for such benefit limitation to not apply to the plan for such plan year.

(ii) Exception for insufficient funding balances

Clause (i) shall not apply with respect to a benefit limitation for any plan year if the application of clause (i) would not result in the benefit limitation not applying for such plan year.

(iii) Restrictions of certain rules to collectively bargained plans

With respect to any benefit limitation under paragraph (1), (2), or (4), clause (i) shall only apply in the case of a plan maintained pursuant to 1 or more collective bargaining agreements between employee representatives and 1 or more employers.

(6) New plans

Paragraphs (1), (2), and (4) shall not apply to a plan for the first 5 plan years of the plan. For purposes of this paragraph, the reference in this paragraph to a plan shall include a reference to any predecessor plan.

(7) Presumed underfunding for purposes of benefit limitations

(A) Presumption of continued underfunding

In any case in which a benefit limitation under paragraph (1), (2), (3), or (4) has been applied to a plan with respect to the plan year preceding the current plan year, the adjusted funding target attainment percentage of the plan for the current plan year shall be presumed to be equal to the adjusted funding target attainment percentage of the plan for the preceding plan year until the enrolled actuary of the plan certifies the actual adjusted funding target attainment percentage of the plan for the current plan year.

(B) Presumption of underfunding after 10th month

In any case in which no certification of the adjusted funding target attainment percentage for the current plan year is made with respect to the plan before the first day of the 10th month of such year, for purposes of paragraphs (1), (2), (3), and (4), such first day shall be deemed, for purposes of such paragraph, to be the valuation date of the plan for the current plan year and the plan's adjusted funding target attainment percentage shall be conclusively presumed to be less than 60 percent as of such first day.

(C) Presumption of underfunding after 4th month for nearly underfunded plans

In any case in which—

(i) a benefit limitation under paragraph (1), (2), (3), or (4) did not apply to a plan with respect to the plan year preceding the current plan year, but the adjusted funding target attainment percentage of the plan for such preceding plan year was not more than 10 percentage points greater than the percentage which would have caused such paragraph to apply to the plan with respect to such preceding plan year, and

(ii) as of the first day of the 4th month of the current plan year, the enrolled actuary of the plan has not certified the actual adjusted funding target attainment percentage of the plan for the current plan year,

until the enrolled actuary so certifies, such first day shall be deemed, for purposes of such paragraph, to be the valuation date of the plan for the current plan year and the adjusted funding target attainment percentage of the plan as of such first day shall, for purposes of such paragraph, be presumed to be equal to 10 percentage points less than the adjusted funding target attainment percentage of the plan for such preceding plan year.

(8) Treatment of plan as of close of prohibited or cessation period

For purposes of applying this part—

(A) Operation of plan after period

Unless the plan provides otherwise, payments and accruals will resume effective as of the day following the close of the period for which any limitation of payment or accrual of benefits under paragraph (3) or (4) applies.

(B) Treatment of affected benefits

Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as affecting the plan's treatment of benefits which would have been paid or accrued but for this subsection.

(9) Terms relating to funding target attainment percentage

For purposes of this subsection—

(A) In general

The term "funding target attainment percentage" has the same meaning given such term by section 1083(d)(2) of this title.

(B) Adjusted funding target attainment percentage

The term "adjusted funding target attainment percentage" means the funding target attainment percentage which is determined under subparagraph (A) by increasing each of the amounts under subparagraphs (A) and (B) of section 1083(d)(2) of this title by the aggregate amount of purchases of annuities for employees other than highly compensated employees (as defined in section 414(q) of title 26) which were made by the plan during the preceding 2 plan years.

(C) Application to plans which are fully funded without regard to reductions for funding balances

In the case of a plan for any plan year, if the funding target attainment percentage is 100 percent or more (determined without regard to the reduction in the value of assets under section 1083(f)(4) of this title), the funding target attainment percentage for purposes of subparagraphs (A) and (B) shall be determined without regard to such reduction.

(10) Secretarial authority for plans with alternate valuation date

In the case of a plan which has designated a valuation date other than the first day of the plan year, the Secretary of the Treasury may prescribe rules for the application of this subsection which are necessary to reflect the alternate valuation date.

[(11) Repealed. Pub. L. 113–295, div. A, title II, §221(a)(57)(G)(ii), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 4047]

(12) CSEC plans

This subsection shall not apply to a CSEC plan (as defined in section 1060(f) of this title).

(h) Special rules applicable to benefit overpayments

(1) General rule

In the case of an inadvertent benefit overpayment by any pension plan, the responsible plan fiduciary shall not be considered to have failed to comply with the requirements of this subchapter merely because such fiduciary determines, in the exercise of its discretion, not to seek recovery of all or part of such overpayment from—

(A) any participant or beneficiary,

(B) any plan sponsor of, or contributing employer to—

(i) an individual account plan, provided that the amount needed to prevent or restore any impermissible forfeiture from any participant's or beneficiary's account arising in connection with the overpayment is, separately from and independently of the overpayment, allocated to such account pursuant to the nonforfeitability requirements of section 1053 of this title (for example, out of the plan's forfeiture account, additional employer contributions, or recoveries from those responsible for the overpayment), or

(ii) a defined benefit pension plan subject to the funding rules in part 3 of this subtitle B, unless the responsible plan fiduciary determines, in the exercise of its fiduciary discretion, that failure to recover all or part of the overpayment faster than required under such funding rules would materially affect the plan's ability to pay benefits due to other participants and beneficiaries, or

(C) any fiduciary of the plan, other than a fiduciary (including a plan sponsor or contributing employer acting in a fiduciary capacity) whose breach of its fiduciary duties resulted in such overpayment, provided that if the plan has established prudent procedures to prevent and minimize overpayment of benefits and the relevant plan fiduciaries have followed such procedures, an inadvertent benefit overpayment will not give rise to a breach of fiduciary duty.

(2) Reduction in future benefit payments and recovery from responsible party

Paragraph (1) shall not fail to apply with respect to any inadvertent benefit overpayment merely because, after discovering such overpayment, the responsible plan fiduciary—

(A) reduces future benefit payments to the correct amount provided for under the terms of the plan, or

(B) seeks recovery from the person or persons responsible for the overpayment.

(3) Employer funding obligations

Nothing in this subsection shall relieve an employer of any obligation imposed on it to make contributions to a plan to meet the minimum funding standards under part 3 of this subtitle B or to prevent or restore an impermissible forfeiture in accordance with section 1053 of this title.

(4) Recoupment from participants and beneficiaries

If the responsible plan fiduciary, in the exercise of its fiduciary discretion, decides to seek recoupment from a participant or beneficiary of all or part of an inadvertent benefit overpayment made by the plan to such participant or beneficiary, it may do so, subject to the following conditions:

(A) No interest or other additional amounts (such as collection costs or fees) are sought on overpaid amounts for any period.

(B) If the plan seeks to recoup past overpayments of a non-decreasing annuity by reducing future benefit payments—

(i) the reduction ceases after the plan has recovered the full dollar amount of the overpayment,

(ii) the amount recouped each calendar year does not exceed 10 percent of the full dollar amount of the overpayment, and

(iii) future benefit payments are not reduced to below 90 percent of the periodic amount otherwise payable under the terms of the plan.

Alternatively, if the plan seeks to recoup past overpayments of a non-decreasing annuity through one or more installment payments, the sum of such installment payments in any calendar year does not exceed the sum of the reductions that would be permitted in such year under the preceding sentence.

(C) If the plan seeks to recoup past overpayments of a benefit other than a non-decreasing annuity, the plan satisfies requirements developed by the Secretary of Labor for purposes of this subparagraph.

(D) Efforts to recoup overpayments are—

(i) not accompanied by threats of litigation, unless the responsible plan fiduciary makes a determination that there is a reasonable likelihood of success to recover an amount greater than the cost of recovery, and

(ii) not made through a collection agency or similar third party, unless the participant or beneficiary ignores or rejects efforts to recoup the overpayment following either a final judgment in Federal or State court or a settlement between the participant or beneficiary and the plan, in either case authorizing such recoupment.

(E) Recoupment of past overpayments to a participant is not sought from any beneficiary of the participant, including a spouse, surviving spouse, former spouse, or other beneficiary.

(F) Recoupment may not be sought if the first overpayment occurred more than 3 years before the participant or beneficiary is first notified in writing of the error, except in the case of fraud or misrepresentation by the participant.

(G) A participant or beneficiary from whom recoupment is sought is entitled to contest all or part of the recoupment pursuant to the claims procedures of the plan that made the overpayment to the extent such procedures are consistent with section 1133 of this title and in the case of an inadvertent benefit overpayment from a plan to which paragraph (1) applies that is transferred to an eligible retirement plan (as defined in section 402(c)(8)(B) of title 26) by or on behalf of a participant or beneficiary—

(i) such plan shall notify the plan receiving the rollover of such dispute,

(ii) the plan receiving the rollover shall retain such overpayment on behalf of the participant or beneficiary (and shall be entitled to treat such overpayment as plan assets) pending the outcome of such procedures, and

(iii) the portion of such overpayment with respect to which recoupment is sought on behalf of the plan shall be permitted to be returned to such plan if it is determined to be an overpayment (and the plans making and receiving such transfer shall be treated as permitting such transfer).

(H) In determining the amount of recoupment to seek, the responsible plan fiduciary may take into account the hardship that recoupment likely would impose on the participant or beneficiary.

(5) Effect of culpability

Subparagraphs (A) through (F) of paragraph (4) shall not apply to protect a participant or beneficiary who is culpable. For purposes of this paragraph, a participant or beneficiary is culpable if the individual bears responsibility for the overpayment (such as through misrepresentations or omissions that led to the overpayment), or if the individual knew that the benefit payment or payments were materially in excess of the correct amount. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, an individual is not culpable merely because the individual believed the benefit payment or payments were or might be in excess of the correct amount, if the individual raised that question with an authorized plan representative and was told the payment or payments were not in excess of the correct amount.

(Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §206, Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 864; Pub. L. 98–397, title I, §104(a), Aug. 23, 1984, 98 Stat. 1433; Pub. L. 99–514, title XVIII, §1898(c)(2)(B), (4)(B), (5), (6)(B), (7)(B), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2952–2954; Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §§7891(a)(1), 7894(c)(8), (9)(A), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2445, 2449; Pub. L. 103–465, title VII, §§761(a)(9)(B)(i), 776(c)(2), Dec. 8, 1994, 108 Stat. 5033, 5048; Pub. L. 105–34, title XV, §1502(a), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 1058; Pub. L. 109–280, title I, §§103(a), 108(a)(9), (10), formerly §107(a)(9), (10), title IV, §410(b), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 809, 819, 935, renumbered Pub. L. 111–192, title II, §202(a), June 25, 2010, 124 Stat. 1297; Pub. L. 110–458, title I, §101(c)(1)(B)–(G), Dec. 23, 2008, 122 Stat. 5097; Pub. L. 111–192, title II, §203(a)(1), June 25, 2010, 124 Stat. 1299; Pub. L. 113–97, title I, §102(b)(3), Apr. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 1116; Pub. L. 113–159, title II, §2003(c)(2), Aug. 8, 2014, 128 Stat. 1850; Pub. L. 113–295, div. A, title II, §221(a)(57)(E)(ii), (F)(ii), (G)(ii), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 4046, 4047; Pub. L. 117–328, div. T, title III, §§301(a), 339(b), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5335, 5375.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Social Security Act, referred to in subsec. (b), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620. Title II of the Social Security Act is classified generally to subchapter II (§401 et seq.) of chapter 7 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of Title 42 and Tables.

The Railroad Retirement Act of 1937, referred to in subsec. (b), is act Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, 49 Stat. 967, as amended generally by act June 24, 1937, ch. 382, part I, 50 Stat. 307, and which was classified principally to subchapter III (§228a et seq.) of chapter 9 of Title 45, Railroads. The Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 was amended generally and redesignated the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 by Pub. L. 93–445, title I, Oct. 16, 1974, 88 Stat. 1305. The Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 is classified generally to subchapter IV (§231 et seq.) of chapter 9 of Title 45. For complete classification of these acts to the Code, see Tables.

This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (e)(4) and (g)(5)(C)(i), was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 93–406, known as the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Titles I, III, and IV of such Act are classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1001 of this title and Tables.

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (d)(3)(B). Pub. L. 117–328, §339(b)(2), inserted concluding provisions.

Subsec. (d)(3)(B)(ii)(II). Pub. L. 117–328, §339(b)(1), inserted "or Tribal" after "State".

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 117–328, §301(a), added subsec. (h).

2014—Subsec. (g)(3)(B). Pub. L. 113–159 substituted "of such plan (determined by not taking into account any adjustment of segment rates under section 1083(h)(2)(C)(iv) of this title)" for "of such plan".

Subsec. (g)(9)(C). Pub. L. 113–295, §221(a)(57)(E)(ii), struck out cl. (i) designation and heading and struck out cls. (ii) and (iii) which related to transition rule for plan years 2008 to 2010 and limitation on transition rule, respectively.

Subsec. (g)(9)(D). Pub. L. 113–295, §221(a)(57)(F)(ii), struck out subpar. (D) which related to special rule for certain years.

Subsec. (g)(11). Pub. L. 113–295, §221(a)(57)(G)(ii), struck out par. (11). Text read as follows: "For purposes of this subsection, in the case of plan years beginning in 2008, the funding target attainment percentage for the preceding plan year may be determined using such methods of estimation as the Secretary of the Treasury may provide."

Subsec. (g)(12). Pub. L. 113–97 added par. (12).

2010—Subsec. (g)(9)(D). Pub. L. 111–192, §203(a)(1), added subpar. (D).

2008—Subsec. (g)(1)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 110–458, §101(c)(1)(B), substituted "an adjusted funding" for "a funding".

Subsec. (g)(1)(C). Pub. L. 110–458, §101(c)(1)(C), inserted "benefit" after "event" in heading.

Subsec. (g)(3)(E). Pub. L. 110–458, §101(c)(1)(D), inserted concluding provisions.

Subsec. (g)(5)(A)(iv). Pub. L. 110–458, §101(c)(1)(E), inserted "adjusted" before "funding".

Subsec. (g)(9)(C). Pub. L. 110–458, §101(c)(1)(F), in cl. (i), struck out "without regard to this subparagraph and" before "without regard to the reduction" and, in cl. (iii), substituted "without regard to the reduction in the value of assets under section 1083(f)(4) of this title" for "without regard to this subparagraph" and inserted "beginning" before "after" in two places.

Subsec. (g)(10), (11). Pub. L. 110–458, §101(c)(1)(G), added par. (10) and redesignated former par. (10) as (11).

2006—Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 109–280, §108(a)(9), formerly §107(a)(9), as renumbered by Pub. L. 111–192, §202(a), substituted "1083(j)(4)" for "1082(d)" and "1083(j)(4)(E)(i)" for "1082(e)(5)".

Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 109–280, §108(a)(10), formerly §107(a)(10), as renumbered by Pub. L. 111–192, §202(a), substituted "section 1083(j)(3) of this title by reason of section 1083(j)(4)(A) of this title" for "section 1082(e) of this title by reason of paragraph (5)(A) thereof".

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 109–280, §410(b), substituted "section 1350 of this title" for "subchapter III of this chapter, the plan shall provide that".

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 109–280, §103(a), added subsec. (g).

1997—Subsec. (d)(4), (5). Pub. L. 105–34 added pars. (4) and (5).

1994—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 103–465, §761(a)(9)(B)(i), added subsec. (e).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 103–465, §776(c)(2), added subsec. (f).

1989—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 101–239, §7894(c)(8), inserted "occurs" before "the date".

Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 101–239, §7891(a)(1), substituted "Internal Revenue Code of 1986" for "Internal Revenue Code of 1954", which for purposes of codification was translated as "title 26" thus requiring no change in text.

Subsec. (d)(3)(I). Pub. L. 101–239, §7894(c)(9)(A), substituted "such Act" for "such act".

1986—Subsec. (d)(3)(E)(i). Pub. L. 99–514, §1898(c)(7)(B)(iii), substituted "A" for "In the case of any payment before a participant has separated from service, a" in introductory provisions and inserted "in the case of any payment before a participant has separated from service," in subcl. (I).

Subsec. (d)(3)(E)(ii). Pub. L. 99–514, §1898(c)(7)(B)(iv), amended cl. (ii) generally. Prior to amendment, cl. (ii) read as follows: "For purposes of this subparagraph, the term 'earliest retirement age' has the meaning given such term by section 1055(h)(3) of this title, except that in the case of any individual account plan, the earliest retirement age shall be the date which is 10 years before the normal retirement age."

Subsec. (d)(3)(F)(i). Pub. L. 99–514, §1898(c)(6)(B), inserted "(and any spouse of the participant shall not be treated as a spouse of the participant for such purposes)".

Subsec. (d)(3)(F)(ii). Pub. L. 99–514, §1898(c)(7)(B)(i), inserted "surviving" before "former spouse".

Subsec. (d)(3)(G)(i)(I). Pub. L. 99–514, §1898(c)(7)(B)(ii), substituted "each" for "any other".

Subsec. (d)(3)(H)(i). Pub. L. 99–514, §1898(c)(2)(B)(i), substituted "shall separately account for the amounts (hereinafter in this subparagraph referred to as the 'segregated amounts')" for "shall segregate in a separate account in the plan or in an escrow account the amounts".

Subsec. (d)(3)(H)(ii), (iii). Pub. L. 99–514, §1898(c)(2)(B)(ii), (iii), substituted "the 18-month period described in clause (v)" for "18 months" and "including any interest" for "plus any interest".

Subsec. (d)(3)(H)(iv). Pub. L. 99–514, §1898(c)(2)(B)(iv), inserted "described in clause (v)".

Subsec. (d)(3)(H)(v). Pub. L. 99–514, §1898(c)(2)(B)(v), added cl. (v).

Subsec. (d)(3)(L). Pub. L. 99–514, §1898(c)(4)(B), added subpar. (L) and redesignated former subpar. (L) as (N).

Subsec. (d)(3)(M). Pub. L. 99–514, §1898(c)(5), added subpar. (M).

Subsec. (d)(3)(N). Pub. L. 99–514, §1898(c)(4)(B), redesignated subpar. (L) as (N).

1984—Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 98–397 added par. (3).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2022 Amendment

Amendment by section 339(b) of Pub. L. 117–328 applicable to domestic relations orders received by plan administrators after Dec. 31, 2022, including any such order which is submitted for reconsideration after such date, see section 339(c) of Pub. L. 117–328, set out as a note under section 414 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 2014 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 113–295 effective Dec. 19, 2014, subject to a savings provision, see section 221(b) of Pub. L. 113–295, set out as a note under section 1 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Amendment by Pub. L. 113–159 applicable to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2014, except as otherwise provided, see section 2003(c)(3) of Pub. L. 113–159, set out as a note under section 436 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Amendment by Pub. L. 113–97 applicable to years beginning after Dec. 31, 2013, see section 3 of Pub. L. 113–97, set out as a note under section 401 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 110–458 effective as if included in the provisions of Pub. L. 109–280 to which the amendment relates, except as otherwise provided, see section 112 of Pub. L. 110–458, set out as a note under section 72 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 2006 Amendment

Amendment by section 103(a) of Pub. L. 109–280 applicable to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2007, with collective bargaining exception, see section 103(c) of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as a note under section 1021 of this title.

Amendment by section 108(a)(9), (10) of Pub. L. 109–280 applicable to plan years beginning after 2007, see section 108(e) of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as a note under section 1021 of this title.

Pub. L. 109–280, title IV, §410(c), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 935, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 1350 of this title] shall apply to distributions made after final regulations implementing subsections (c) and (d) of section 4050 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 [29 U.S.C. 1350(c), (d)] (as added by subsection (a)), respectively, are prescribed."

Effective Date of 1997 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 105–34 applicable to judgments, orders, and decrees issued, and settlement agreements entered into, on or after Aug. 5, 1997, see section 1502(c) of Pub. L. 105–34, set out as a note under section 401 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Pub. L. 103–465, title VII, §761(b), Dec. 8, 1994, 108 Stat. 5034, provided that:

"(1) In general.—Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 1082, 1132, and 1301 of this title] shall apply to plan years beginning after December 31, 1994.

"(2) Contributing sponsor.—The amendment made by subsection (a)(11) [amending section 1301 of this title] shall be effective as if included in the Pension Protection Act [Pub. L. 100–203, title IX, subtitle D, part II, §§9302–9346]."

Pub. L. 103–465, title VII, §776(e), Dec. 8, 1994, 108 Stat. 5048, provided that: "The provisions of this section [enacting section 1350 of this title and amending this section and sections 1303, 1305, and 1341 of this title and section 401 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code] shall be effective with respect to distributions that occur in plan years commencing after final regulations implementing these provisions are prescribed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation." [Final implementing regulations were issued Nov. 22, 1995, effective for distributions in plan years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 1996. See 60 F.R. 61740.]

Effective Date of 1989 Amendment

Amendment by section 7891(a)(1) of Pub. L. 101–239 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if included in the provision of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, Pub. L. 99–514, to which such amendment relates, see section 7891(f) of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 1002 of this title.

Amendment by section 7894(c)(8) of Pub. L. 101–239 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if originally included in the provision of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, Pub. L. 93–406, to which such amendment relates, see section 7894(i) of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 1002 of this title.

Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §7894(c)(9)(B), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2449, provided that: "The amendment made by subparagraph (A) [amending this section] shall take effect as if included in section 104 of the Retirement Equity Act of 1984 [Pub. L. 98–397]."

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 99–514 effective as if included in the provision of the Retirement Equity Act of 1984, Pub. L. 98–397, to which such amendment relates, except as otherwise provided, see section 1898(j) of Pub. L. 99–514, set out as a note under section 401 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–397 effective Jan. 1, 1985, except as otherwise provided, see section 303(d) of Pub. L. 98–397, set out as a note under section 1001 of this title.

Applicability of Amendments by Subtitles A and B of Title I of Pub. L. 109–280

For special rules on applicability of amendments by subtitles A (§§101–108) and B (§§111–116) of title I of Pub. L. 109–280 to certain eligible cooperative plans, PBGC settlement plans, and eligible government contractor plans, see sections 104, 105, and 106 of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as notes under section 401 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Plan Amendments Not Required Until January 1, 1989

For provisions directing that if any amendments made by subtitle A or subtitle C of title XI [§§1101–1147 and 1171–1177] or title XVIII [§§1800–1899A] of Pub. L. 99–514 require an amendment to any plan, such plan amendment shall not be required to be made before the first plan year beginning on or after Jan. 1, 1989, see section 1140 of Pub. L. 99–514, set out as a note under section 401 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

¹ So in original. The word "of" probably should not appear.

² So in original. Probably should be "purposes".

§1057. Repealed. Pub. L. 109–280, title I, §108(d), formerly §107(d), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 820, renumbered Pub. L. 111–192, title II, §202(a), June 25, 2010, 124 Stat. 1297

Section, Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §207, Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 865, related to temporary variances from certain vesting requirements.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of Repeal

Repeal applicable to plan years beginning after 2007, see section 108(e) of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as an Effective Date of 2006 Amendment note under section 1021 of this title.

§1058. Mergers and consolidations of plans or transfers of plan assets

A pension plan may not merge or consolidate with, or transfer its assets or liabilities to, any other plan after September 2, 1974, unless each participant in the plan would (if the plan then terminated) receive a benefit immediately after the merger, consolidation, or transfer which is equal to or greater than the benefit he would have been entitled to receive immediately before the merger, consolidation, or transfer (if the plan had then terminated). The preceding sentence shall not apply to any transaction to the extent that participants either before or after the transaction are covered under a multiemployer plan to which subchapter III of this chapter applies.

(Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §208, Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 865; Pub. L. 96–364, title IV, §402(b)(1), Sept. 26, 1980, 94 Stat. 1299.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1980—Pub. L. 96–364 substituted provisions respecting applicability of preceding sentence to transactions under a covered multiemployer plan to which subchapter III applies, for provisions relating to applicability of paragraph to a multiemployer plan only to extent determined by Corporation.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–364 effective Sept. 26, 1980, except as specifically provided, see section 1461(e) of this title.

§1059. Recordkeeping and reporting requirements

(a)(1) Except as provided by paragraph (2) every employer shall, in accordance with such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe, maintain records with respect to each of his employees sufficient to determine the benefits due or which may become due to such employees. The plan administrator shall make a report, in such manner and at such time as may be provided in regulations prescribed by the Secretary, to each employee who is a participant under the plan and who—

(A) requests such report, in such manner and at such time as may be provided in such regulations,

(B) terminates his service with the employer, or

(C) has a 1-year break in service (as defined in section 1053(b)(3)(A) of this title).

The employer shall furnish to the plan administrator the information necessary for the administrator to make the reports required by the preceding sentence. Not more than one report shall be required under subparagraph (A) in any 12-month period. Not more than one report shall be required under subparagraph (C) with respect to consecutive 1-year breaks in service. The report required under this paragraph shall be in the same form, and contain the same information, as periodic benefit statements under section 1025(a) of this title.

(2) If more than one employer adopts a plan, each such employer shall furnish to the plan administrator the information necessary for the administrator to maintain the records, and make the reports, required by paragraph (1). Such administrator shall maintain the records, and make the reports, required by paragraph (1).

(b) If any person who is required, under subsection (a), to furnish information or maintain records for any plan year fails to comply with such requirement, he shall pay to the Secretary a civil penalty of $10 for each employee with respect to whom such failure occurs, unless it is shown that such failure is due to reasonable cause.

(Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §209, Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 865; Pub. L. 110–458, title I, §105(f), Dec. 23, 2008, 122 Stat. 5105.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2008—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 110–458, §105(f)(1), in introductory provisions, substituted "such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe" for "regulations prescribed by the Secretary" and, in concluding provisions, inserted last sentence and struck out former last sentence which read as follows: "The report required under this paragraph shall be sufficient to inform the employee of his accrued benefits under the plan and the percentage of such benefits which are nonforfeitable under the plan."

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 110–458, §105(f)(2), added par. (2) and struck out former par. (2) which read as follows: "If more than one employer adopts a plan, each such employer shall, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary, furnish to the plan administrator the information necessary for the administrator to maintain the records and make the reports required by paragraph (1). Such administrator shall maintain the records and, to the extent provided under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, make the reports, required by paragraph (1)."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 110–458 effective as if included in the provisions of Pub. L. 109–280 to which the amendment relates, except as otherwise provided, see section 112 of Pub. L. 110–458, set out as a note under section 72 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Regulations

Secretary authorized, effective Sept. 2, 1974, to promulgate regulations wherever provisions of this subchapter call for the promulgation of regulations, see section 1031 of this title.

§1060. Multiple employer plans and other special rules

(a) Plan maintained by more than one employer

Notwithstanding any other provision of this part or part 3, the following provisions of this subsection shall apply to a plan maintained by more than one employer:

(1) Section 1052 of this title shall be applied as if all employees of each of the employers were employed by a single employer.

(2) Sections 1053 and 1054 of this title shall be applied as if all such employers constituted a single employer, except that the application of any rules with respect to breaks in service shall be made under regulations prescribed by the Secretary.

(3) The minimum funding standard provided by section 1082 of this title shall be determined as if all participants in the plan were employed by a single employer.

(b) Maintenance of plan of predecessor employer

For purposes of this part and part 3—

(1) in any case in which the employer maintains a plan of a predecessor employer, service for such predecessor shall be treated as service for the employer, and

(2) in any case in which the employer maintains a plan which is not the plan maintained by a predecessor employer, service for such predecessor shall, to the extent provided in regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury, be treated as service for the employer.

(c) Plan maintained by controlled group of corporations

For purposes of sections 1052, 1053, and 1054 of this title, all employees of all corporations which are members of a controlled group of corporations (within the meaning of section 1563(a) of title 26, determined without regard to section 1563(a)(4) and (e)(3)(C) of title 26) shall be treated as employed by a single employer. With respect to a plan adopted by more than one such corporation, the minimum funding standard of section 1082 of this title shall be determined as if all such employers were a single employer, and allocated to each employer in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury.

(d) Plan of trades or businesses under common control

For purposes of sections 1052, 1053, and 1054 of this title, under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury, all employees of trades or businesses (whether or not incorporated) which are under common control shall be treated as employed by a single employer. The regulations prescribed under this subsection shall be based on principles similar to the principles which apply in the case of subsection (c).

(e) Special rules for eligible combined defined benefit plans and qualified cash or deferred arrangements

(1) General rule

Except as provided in this subsection, this chapter shall be applied to any defined benefit plan or applicable individual account plan which are ¹ part of an eligible combined plan in the same manner as if each such plan were not a part of the eligible combined plan. In the case of a termination of the defined benefit plan and the applicable defined contribution plan forming part of an eligible combined plan, the plan administrator shall terminate each such plan separately.

(2) Eligible combined plan

For purposes of this subsection—

(A) In general

The term "eligible combined plan" means a plan—

(i) which is maintained by an employer which, at the time the plan is established, is a small employer,

(ii) which consists of a defined benefit plan and an applicable individual account plan each of which qualifies under section 401(a) of title 26,

(iii) the assets of which are held in a single trust forming part of the plan and are clearly identified and allocated to the defined benefit plan and the applicable individual account plan to the extent necessary for the separate application of this chapter under paragraph (1), and

(iv) with respect to which the benefit, contribution, vesting, and nondiscrimination requirements of subparagraphs (B), (C), (D), (E), and (F) are met.

For purposes of this subparagraph, the term "small employer" has the meaning given such term by section 4980D(d)(2) of title 26, except that such section shall be applied by substituting "500" for "50" each place it appears.

(B) Benefit requirements

(i) In general

The benefit requirements of this subparagraph are met with respect to the defined benefit plan forming part of the eligible combined plan if the accrued benefit of each participant derived from employer contributions, when expressed as an annual retirement benefit, is not less than the applicable percentage of the participant's final average pay. For purposes of this clause, final average pay shall be determined using the period of consecutive years (not exceeding 5) during which the participant had the greatest aggregate compensation from the employer.

(ii) Applicable percentage

For purposes of clause (i), the applicable percentage is the lesser of—

(I) 1 percent multiplied by the number of years of service with the employer, or

(II) 20 percent.

(iii) Special rule for applicable defined benefit plans

If the defined benefit plan under clause (i) is an applicable defined benefit plan as defined in section 1053(f)(3)(B) of this title which meets the interest credit requirements of section 1054(b)(5)(B)(i) of this title, the plan shall be treated as meeting the requirements of clause (i) with respect to any plan year if each participant receives pay credit for the year which is not less than the percentage of compensation determined in accordance with the following table:

If the participant's age as of the    beginning of the year is—	The percentage is—
30 or less	2
Over 30 but less than 40	4
40 or over but less than 50	6
50 or over	8.

(iv) Years of service

For purposes of this subparagraph, years of service shall be determined under the rules of paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of section 1053(b) of this title, except that the plan may not disregard any year of service because of a participant making, or failing to make, any elective deferral with respect to the qualified cash or deferred arrangement to which subparagraph (C) applies.

(C) Contribution requirements

(i) In general

The contribution requirements of this subparagraph with respect to any applicable individual account plan forming part of an eligible combined plan are met if—

(I) the qualified cash or deferred arrangement included in such plan constitutes an automatic contribution arrangement, and

(II) the employer is required to make matching contributions on behalf of each employee eligible to participate in the arrangement in an amount equal to 50 percent of the elective contributions of the employee to the extent such elective contributions do not exceed 4 percent of compensation.

 Rules similar to the rules of clauses (ii) and (iii) of section 401(k)(12)(B) of title 26 shall apply for purposes of this clause.

(ii) Nonelective contributions

An applicable individual account plan shall not be treated as failing to meet the requirements of clause (i) because the employer makes nonelective contributions under the plan but such contributions shall not be taken into account in determining whether the requirements of clause (i)(II) are met.

(D) Vesting requirements

The vesting requirements of this subparagraph are met if—

(i) in the case of a defined benefit plan forming part of an eligible combined plan an employee who has completed at least 3 years of service has a nonforfeitable right to 100 percent of the employee's accrued benefit under the plan derived from employer contributions, and

(ii) in the case of an applicable individual account plan forming part of eligible combined plan—

(I) an employee has a nonforfeitable right to any matching contribution made under the qualified cash or deferred arrangement included in such plan by an employer with respect to any elective contribution, including matching contributions in excess of the contributions required under subparagraph (C)(i)(II), and

(II) an employee who has completed at least 3 years of service has a nonforfeitable right to 100 percent of the employee's accrued benefit derived under the arrangement from nonelective contributions of the employer.

 For purposes of this subparagraph, the rules of section 1053 of this title shall apply to the extent not inconsistent with this subparagraph.

(E) Uniform provision of contributions and benefits

In the case of a defined benefit plan or applicable individual account plan forming part of an eligible combined plan, the requirements of this subparagraph are met if all contributions and benefits under each such plan, and all rights and features under each such plan, must be provided uniformly to all participants.

(F) Requirements must be met without taking into account social security and similar contributions and benefits or other plans

(i) In general

The requirements of this subparagraph are met if the requirements of clauses (ii) and (iii) are met.

(ii) Social security and similar contributions

The requirements of this clause are met if—

(I) the requirements of subparagraphs (B) and (C) are met without regard to section 401(l) of title 26, and

(II) the requirements of sections 401(a)(4) and 410(b) of title 26 are met with respect to both the applicable defined contribution plan and defined benefit plan forming part of an eligible combined plan without regard to section 401(l) of title 26.

(iii) Other plans and arrangements

The requirements of this clause are met if the applicable defined contribution plan and defined benefit plan forming part of an eligible combined plan meet the requirements of sections 401(a)(4) and 410(b) of title 26 without being combined with any other plan.

(3) Automatic contribution arrangement

For purposes of this subsection—

(A) In general

A qualified cash or deferred arrangement shall be treated as an automatic contribution arrangement if the arrangement—

(i) provides that each employee eligible to participate in the arrangement is treated as having elected to have the employer make elective contributions in an amount equal to 4 percent of the employee's compensation unless the employee specifically elects not to have such contributions made or to have such contributions made at a different rate, and

(ii) meets the notice requirements under subparagraph (B).

(B) Notice requirements

(i) In general

The requirements of this subparagraph are met if the requirements of clauses (ii) and (iii) are met.

(ii) Reasonable period to make election

The requirements of this clause are met if each employee to whom subparagraph (A)(i) applies—

(I) receives a notice explaining the employee's right under the arrangement to elect not to have elective contributions made on the employee's behalf or to have the contributions made at a different rate, and

(II) has a reasonable period of time after receipt of such notice and before the first elective contribution is made to make such election.

(iii) Annual notice of rights and obligations

The requirements of this clause are met if each employee eligible to participate in the arrangement is, within a reasonable period before any year, given notice of the employee's rights and obligations under the arrangement.

The requirements of this subparagraph shall not be treated as met unless the requirements of clauses (i) and (ii) of section 401(k)(12)(D) of title 26 are met with respect to the notices described in clauses (ii) and (iii) of this subparagraph.

(4) Coordination with other requirements

(A) Treatment of separate plans

The except clause in section 1002(35) of this title shall not apply to an eligible combined plan.

(B) Reporting

An eligible combined plan shall be treated as a single plan for purposes of section 1023 of this title.

(5) Applicable individual account plan

For purposes of this subsection—

(A) In general

The term "applicable individual account plan" means an individual account plan which includes a qualified cash or deferred arrangement.

(B) Qualified cash or deferred arrangement

The term "qualified cash or deferred arrangement" has the meaning given such term by section 401(k)(2) of title 26.

(f) Cooperative and small employer charity pension plans

(1) In general

For purposes of this subchapter, except as provided in this subsection, a CSEC plan is an employee pension benefit plan (other than a multiemployer plan) that is a defined benefit plan—

(A) to which section 104 of the Pension Protection Act of 2006 applies, without regard to—

(i) section 104(a)(2) of such Act;

(ii) the amendments to such section 104 by section 202(b) of the Preservation of Access to Care for Medicare Beneficiaries and Pension Relief Act of 2010; and

(iii) paragraph (3)(B);

(B) that, as of June 25, 2010, was maintained by more than one employer and all of the employers were organizations described in section 501(c)(3) of title 26;

(C) that, as of June 25, 2010, was maintained by an employer—

(i) described in section 501(c)(3) of such title,

(ii) chartered under part B of subtitle II of title 36,

(iii) with employees in at least 40 States, and

(iv) whose primary exempt purpose is to provide services with respect to children; or

(D) that, as of January 1, 2000, was maintained by an employer—

(i) described in section 501(c)(3) of title 26,

(ii) who has been in existence since at least 1938,

(iii) who conducts medical research directly or indirectly through grant making, and

(iv) whose primary exempt purpose is to provide services with respect to mothers and children.

(2) Aggregation

All employers that are treated as a single employer under subsection (b) or (c) of section 414 of title 26 shall be treated as a single employer for purposes of determining if a plan was maintained by more than one employer under subparagraph ² (B) and (C) of paragraph (1).

(3) Election

(A) In general

If a plan falls within the definition of a CSEC plan under this subsection (without regard to this paragraph), such plan shall be a CSEC plan unless the plan sponsor elects not later than the close of the first plan year of the plan beginning after December 31, 2013, not to be treated as a CSEC plan. An election under the preceding sentence shall take effect for such plan year and, once made, may be revoked only with the consent of the Secretary of the Treasury.

(B) Special rule

If a plan described in subparagraph (A) is treated as a CSEC plan, section 104 of the Pension Protection Act of 2006, as amended by the Preservation of Access to Care for Medicare Beneficiaries and Pension Relief Act of 2010, shall cease to apply to such plan as of the first date as of which such plan is treated as a CSEC plan.

(Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §210, Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 866; Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §§7891(a)(1), 7894(c)(10), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2445, 2449; Pub. L. 109–280, title IX, §903(b)(1), (2)(A), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 1044, 1048; Pub. L. 110–458, title I, §109(c)(2), Dec. 23, 2008, 122 Stat. 5111; Pub. L. 113–97, title I, §§101, 103(a), Apr. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 1102, 1117; Pub. L. 113–235, div. P, §3(a), Dec. 16, 2014, 128 Stat. 2829; Pub. L. 116–136, div. A, title III, §3609(a), Mar. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 413.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in subsec. (e)(1), (2)(A)(iii), was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 93–406, known as the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Titles I, III, and IV of such Act are classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1001 of this title and Tables.

Section 104 of the Pension Protection Act of 2006, referred to in subsec. (f)(1)(A), (3)(B), is section 104 of Pub. L. 109–280, which is set out as a note under section 401 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

The Preservation of Access to Care for Medicare Beneficiaries and Pension Relief Act of 2010, referred to in subsec. (f)(3)(B), is Pub. L. 111–192, June 25, 2010, 124 Stat. 1280. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 2010 Amendment note set out under section 1001 of this title and Tables.

Amendments

2020—Subsec. (f)(1)(D). Pub. L. 116–136 added subpar. (D).

2014—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 113–97, §101, added subsec. (f).

Subsec. (f)(1)(C). Pub. L. 113–235, §3(a)(1), added subpar. (C).

Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 113–235, §3(a)(2), substituted "subparagraph (B) and (C) of paragraph (1)" for "paragraph (1)(B)".

Subsec. (f)(3). Pub. L. 113–97, §103(a), added par. (3).

2008—Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 110–458, §109(c)(2)(A), inserted at end "In the case of a termination of the defined benefit plan and the applicable defined contribution plan forming part of an eligible combined plan, the plan administrator shall terminate each such plan separately."

Subsec. (e)(3) to (6). Pub. L. 110–458, §109(c)(2)(B), struck out par. (3) and redesignated pars. (4) to (6) as (3) to (5), respectively. Former par. (3) related to nondiscrimination requirements for qualified cash or deferred arrangement.

2006—Pub. L. 109–280, §903(b)(2)(A), inserted "and other special rules" after "plans" in section catchline.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 109–280, §903(b)(1), added subsec. (e).

1989—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 101–239, §7894(c)(10), substituted "and (e)(3)(C) of such Code" for "and (e)(3)(C) of such code", which for purposes of codification was translated as "and (e)(3)(C) of title 26" thus requiring no change in text.

Pub. L. 101–239, §7891(a)(1), substituted "Internal Revenue Code of 1986" for "Internal Revenue Code of 1954", which for purposes of codification was translated as "title 26" thus requiring no change in text.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2020 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 116–136 applicable to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2018, see section 3609(c) of Pub. L. 116–136, set out as a note under section 414 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 2014 Amendment

Amendments by Pub. L. 113–235 effective as if included in the amendments made by the Cooperative and Small Employer Charity Pension Flexibility Act, Pub. L. 113–97, see section 3(c) of Pub. L. 113–235, set out as a note under section 414 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Amendment by section 101 of Pub. L. 113–97 applicable to years beginning after Dec. 31, 2013, see section 3 of Pub. L. 113–97, set out as a note under section 401 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Pub. L. 113–97, title I, §103(d), Apr. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 1120, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and provisions set out as a note under section 401 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code] shall apply as of the date of enactment of this Act [Apr. 7, 2014]."

Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 110–458 effective as if included in the provisions of Pub. L. 109–280 to which the amendment relates, except as otherwise provided, see section 112 of Pub. L. 110–458, set out as a note under section 72 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 2006 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 109–280 applicable to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2009, see section 903(c) of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as a note under section 414 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 1989 Amendment

Amendment by section 7891(a)(1) of Pub. L. 101–239 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if included in the provision of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, Pub. L. 99–514, to which such amendment relates, see section 7891(f) of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 1002 of this title.

Amendment by section 7894(c)(10) of Pub. L. 101–239 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if originally included in the provision of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, Pub. L. 93–406, to which such amendment relates, see section 7894(i) of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 1002 of this title.

Regulations

Secretary authorized, effective Sept. 2, 1974, to promulgate regulations wherever provisions of this subchapter call for the promulgation of regulations, see section 1031 of this title.

¹ So in original. Probably should be "is".

² So in original. Probably should be "subparagraphs".

§1061. Effective dates

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, this part shall apply in the case of plan years beginning after September 2, 1974.

(b)(1) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (d), sections 1055, 1056(d) and 1058 of this title shall apply with respect to plan years beginning after December 31, 1975.

(2) Except as otherwise provided in subsections (c) and (d) in the case of a plan in existence on January 1, 1974, this part shall apply in the case of plan years beginning after December 31, 1975.

(c)(1) In the case of a plan maintained on January 1, 1974, pursuant to one or more agreements which the Secretary finds to be collective bargaining agreements between employee organizations and one or more employers, no plan shall be treated as not meeting the requirements of sections 1054 and 1055 of this title by reason of a supplementary or special plan provision (within the meaning of paragraph (2)) for any plan year before the year which begins after the earlier of—

(A) the date on which the last of such agreements relating to the plan terminates (determined without regard to any extension thereof agreed to after September 2, 1974), or

(B) December 31, 1980.

For purposes of subparagraph (A) and section 1086(c) ¹ of this title, any plan amendment made pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement relating to the plan which amends the plan solely to conform to any requirement contained in this chapter or title 26 shall not be treated as a termination of such collective bargaining agreement. This paragraph shall not apply unless the Secretary determines that the participation and vesting rules in effect on September 2, 1974, are not less favorable to participants, in the aggregate, than the rules provided under sections 1052, 1053, and 1054 of this title.

(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), the term "supplementary or special plan provision" means any plan provision which—

(A) provides supplementary benefits, not in excess of one-third of the basic benefit, in the form of an annuity for the life of the participant, or

(B) provides that, under a contractual agreement based on medical evidence as to the effects of working in an adverse environment for an extended period of time, a participant having 25 years of service is to be treated as having 30 years of service.

(3) This subsection shall apply with respect to a plan if (and only if) the application of this subsection results in a later effective date for this part than the effective date required by subsection (b).

(d) If the administrator of a plan elects under section 1017(d) of this Act to make applicable to a plan year and to all subsequent plan years the provisions of title 26 relating to participation, vesting, funding, and form of benefit, this part shall apply to the first plan year to which such election applies and to all subsequent plan years.

(e)(1) No pension plan to which section 1052 of this title applies may make effective any plan amendment with respect to breaks in service (which amendment is made or becomes effective after January 1, 1974, and before the date on which section 1052 of this title first becomes effective with respect to such plan) which provides that any employee's participation in the plan would commence at any date later than the later of—

(A) the date on which his participation would commence under the break in service rules of section 1052(b) of this title, or

(B) the date on which his participation would commence under the plan as in effect on January 1, 1974.

(2) No pension plan to which section 1053 of this title applies may make effective any plan amendment with respect to breaks in service (which amendment is made or becomes effective after January 1, 1974, and before the date on which section 1053 of this title first becomes effective with respect to such plan) if such amendment provides that the nonforfeitable benefit derived from employer contributions to which any employee would be entitled is less than the lesser of the nonforfeitable benefit derived from employer contributions to which he would be entitled under—

(A) the break in service rules of section 1052(b)(3) of this title, or

(B) the plan as in effect on January 1, 1974.

Subparagraph (B) shall not apply if the break in service rules under the plan would have been in violation of any law or rule of law in effect on January 1, 1974.

(f) The preceding provisions of this section shall not apply with respect to amendments made to this part in provisions enacted after September 2, 1974.

(Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §211, Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 867; Pub. L. 99–272, title XI, §11015(a)(1)(B), Apr. 7, 1986, 100 Stat. 265; Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §§7891(a)(1), 7894(h)(2), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2445, 2451.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 1086(c) of this title, referred to in subsec. (c)(1), was in the original "section 307(c)", meaning section 307(c) of Pub. L. 93–406, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Section 307(c) was renumbered section 308(c) by Pub. L. 100–203, title IX, §9341(b)(1), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–370 and subsequently was repealed by Pub. L. 109–280, title I, §101(a), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 784.

This chapter, referred to in subsec. (c)(1), was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 93–406, known as the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Titles I, III, and IV of such Act are classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1001 of this title and Tables.

Section 1017(d) of this Act, referred to in subsec. (d), is section 1017 of Pub. L. 93–406, which is set out as an Effective Date; Transitional Rules note under section 410 of Title 26.

Amendments

1989—Subsecs. (c)(1), (d). Pub. L. 101–239, §7891(a)(1), substituted "Internal Revenue Code of 1986" for "Internal Revenue Code of 1954", which for purposes of codification was translated as "title 26".

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 101–239, §7894(h)(2), added subsec. (f).

1986—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 99–272 made a technical amendment to the reference to section 1086(c) of this title to reflect the renumbering of the corresponding section of the original act.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1989 Amendment

Amendment by section 7891(a)(1) of Pub. L. 101–239 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if included in the provision of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, Pub. L. 99–514, to which such amendment relates, see section 7891(f) of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 1002 of this title.

Amendment by section 7894(h)(2) of Pub. L. 101–239 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if originally included in the provision of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, Pub. L. 93–406, to which such amendment relates, see section 7894(i) of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 1002 of this title.

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 99–272 applicable with respect to applications for waivers, extensions, and modifications filed on or after Apr. 7, 1986, see section 11015(a)(3) of Pub. L. 99–272, set out as an Effective Date note under section 412 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

¹ See References in Text note below.

part 3—funding

§1081. Coverage

(a) Plans excepted from applicability of this part

This part shall apply to any employee pension benefit plan described in section 1003(a) of this title, (and not exempted under section 1003(b) of this title), other than—

(1) an employee welfare benefit plan;

(2) an insurance contract plan described in subsection (b);

(3) a plan which is unfunded and is maintained by an employer primarily for the purpose of providing deferred compensation for a select group of management or highly compensated employees;

(4)(A) a plan which is established and maintained by a society, order, or association described in section 501(c)(8) or (9) of title 26, if no part of the contributions to or under such plan are made by employers of participants in such plan; or

(B) a trust described in section 501(c)(18) of title 26;

(5) a plan which has not at any time after September 2, 1974, provided for employer contributions;

(6) an agreement providing payments to a retired partner or deceased partner or a deceased partner's successor in interest as described in section 736 of title 26;

(7) an individual retirement account or annuity as described in section 408(a) of title 26, or a retirement bond described in section 409 of title 26 (as effective for obligations issued before January 1, 1984);

(8) an individual account plan (other than a money purchase plan) and a defined benefit plan to the extent it is treated as an individual account plan (other than a money purchase plan) under section 1002(35)(B) of this title;

(9) an excess benefit plan; or

(10) any plan, fund or program under which an employer, all of whose stock is directly or indirectly owned by employees, former employees or their beneficiaries, proposes through an unfunded arrangement to compensate retired employees for benefits which were forfeited by such employees under a pension plan maintained by a former employer prior to the date such pension plan became subject to this chapter.

(b) "Insurance contract plan" defined

For the purposes of paragraph (2) of subsection (a) a plan is an "insurance contract plan" if—

(1) the plan is funded exclusively by the purchase of individual insurance contracts,

(2) such contracts provide for level annual premium payments to be paid extending not later than the retirement age for each individual participating in the plan, and commencing with the date the individual became a participant in the plan (or, in the case of an increase in benefits, commencing at the time such increase became effective),

(3) benefits provided by the plan are equal to the benefits provided under each contract at normal retirement age under the plan and are guaranteed by an insurance carrier (licensed under the laws of a State to do business with the plan) to the extent premiums have been paid,

(4) premiums payable for the plan year, and all prior plan years under such contracts have been paid before lapse or there is reinstatement of the policy,

(5) no rights under such contracts have been subject to a security interest at any time during the plan year, and

(6) no policy loans are outstanding at any time during the plan year.

A plan funded exclusively by the purchase of group insurance contracts which is determined under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury to have the same characteristics as contracts described in the preceding sentence shall be treated as a plan described in this subsection.

(c) Applicability of this part to terminated multiemployer plans

This part applies, with respect to a terminated multiemployer plan to which section 1321 of this title applies, until the last day of the plan year in which the plan terminates, within the meaning of section 1341a(a)(2) of this title.

(Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §301, Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 868; Pub. L. 96–364, title III, §304(a), title IV, §411(b), Sept. 26, 1980, 94 Stat. 1293, 1308; Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §§7891(a)(1), 7894(d)(1)(A), (4)(A), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2445, 2449; Pub. L. 109–280, title II, §201(c)(1), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 868.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 409 of title 26, referred to in subsec. (a)(7), means section 409 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code, prior to its repeal by Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title IV, §491(b), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 848, applicable to obligations issued after Dec. 31, 1983.

This chapter, referred to in subsec. (a)(10), was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 93–406, known as the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Titles I, III, and IV of such Act are classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1001 of this title and Tables.

Amendments

2006—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 109–280 struck out heading and text of subsec. (d). Text read as follows: "Any amount of any financial assistance from the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation to any plan, and any repayment of such amount, shall be taken into account under this section in such manner as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury."

1989—Subsec. (a)(4)(A), (6). Pub. L. 101–239, §7891(a)(1), substituted "Internal Revenue Code of 1986" for "Internal Revenue Code of 1954", which for purposes of codification was translated as "title 26" thus requiring no change in text.

Subsec. (a)(7). Pub. L. 101–239, §7894(d)(4)(A), substituted "section 409 of title 26 (as effective for obligations issued before January 1, 1984)" for "section 409 of title 26".

Subsec. (a)(8). Pub. L. 101–239, §7894(d)(1)(A)(i), struck out "or" after semicolon at end.

Subsec. (a)(9). Pub. L. 101–239, §7894(d)(1)(A)(ii), substituted "; or" for period at end.

Subsec. (a)(10). Pub. L. 101–239, §7894(d)(1)(A)(iii), substituted "any" for "Any".

1980—Subsec. (a)(10). Pub. L. 96–364, §411(b), added par. (10).

Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 96–364, §304(a), added subsecs. (c) and (d).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2006 Amendment

Pub. L. 109–280, title II, §201(d), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 868, provided that:

"(1) In general.—The amendments made by this section [enacting section 1084 of this title and amending this section] shall apply to plan years beginning after 2007.

"(2) Special rule for certain amortization extensions.—If the Secretary of the Treasury grants an extension under section 304 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 [29 U.S.C. 1084] and section 412(e) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [former 26 U.S.C. 412(e)] with respect to any application filed with the Secretary of the Treasury on or before June 30, 2005, the extension (and any modification thereof) shall be applied and administered under the rules of such sections as in effect before the enactment of this Act [Aug. 17, 2006], including the use of the rate of interest determined under section 6621(b) of such Code [26 U.S.C. 6621(b)]."

Effective Date of 1989 Amendment

Amendment by section 7891(a)(1) of Pub. L. 101–239 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if included in the provision of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, Pub. L. 99–514, to which such amendment relates, see section 7891(f) of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 1002 of this title.

Section 7894(d)(1)(B) of Pub. L. 101–239 provided that: "The amendments made by subparagraph (A) [amending this section] shall take effect as if included in section 411 of the Multiemployer Pension Plan Amendments Act of 1980 [Pub. L. 96–364]."

Section 7894(d)(4)(B) of Pub. L. 101–239 provided that: "The amendment made by subparagraph (A) [amending this section] shall take effect as if originally included in section 491(b) of Public Law 98–369."

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–364 effective Sept. 26, 1980, except as specifically provided, see section 1461(e) of this title.

Regulations

Secretary authorized, effective Sept. 2, 1974, to promulgate regulations wherever provisions of this subchapter call for the promulgation of regulations, see section 1031 of this title.

Special Rule for Certain Benefits Funded Under an Agreement Approved by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation

For applicability of amendment by Pub. L. 109–280 to a multiemployer plan that is a party to an agreement that was approved by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation prior to June 30, 2005, and that increases benefits and provides for certain withdrawal liability rules, see section 206 of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as a note under section 412 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

§1082. Minimum funding standards

(a) Requirement to meet minimum funding standard

(1) In general

A plan to which this part applies shall satisfy the minimum funding standard applicable to the plan for any plan year.

(2) Minimum funding standard

For purposes of paragraph (1), a plan shall be treated as satisfying the minimum funding standard for a plan year if—

(A) in the case of a defined benefit plan which is a single-employer plan (other than a CSEC plan), the employer makes contributions to or under the plan for the plan year which, in the aggregate, are not less than the minimum required contribution determined under section 1083 of this title for the plan for the plan year,

(B) in the case of a money purchase plan which is a single-employer plan, the employer makes contributions to or under the plan for the plan year which are required under the terms of the plan,

(C) in the case of a multiemployer plan, the employers make contributions to or under the plan for any plan year which, in the aggregate, are sufficient to ensure that the plan does not have an accumulated funding deficiency under section 1084 of this title as of the end of the plan year, and

(D) in the case of a CSEC plan, the employers make contributions to or under the plan for any plan year which, in the aggregate, are sufficient to ensure that the plan does not have an accumulated funding deficiency under section 1085a of this title as of the end of the plan year.

(b) Liability for contributions

(1) In general

Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amount of any contribution required by this section (including any required installments under paragraphs (3) and (4) of section 1083(j) of this title or under section 1085a(f) of this title) shall be paid by the employer responsible for making contributions to or under the plan.

(2) Joint and several liability where employer member of controlled group

If the employer referred to in paragraph (1) is a member of a controlled group, each member of such group shall be jointly and severally liable for payment of such contributions.

(3) Multiemployer plans in critical status

Paragraph (1) shall not apply in the case of a multiemployer plan for any plan year in which the plan is in critical status pursuant to section 1085 of this title. This paragraph shall only apply if the plan sponsor adopts a rehabilitation plan in accordance with section 1085(e) of this title and complies with the terms of such rehabilitation plan (and any updates or modifications of the plan).

(c) Variance from minimum funding standards

(1) Waiver in case of business hardship

(A) In general

If—

(i) an employer is (or in the case of a multiemployer plan or a CSEC plan, 10 percent or more of the number of employers contributing to or under the plan are) unable to satisfy the minimum funding standard for a plan year without temporary substantial business hardship (substantial business hardship in the case of a multiemployer plan), and

(ii) application of the standard would be adverse to the interests of plan participants in the aggregate,

the Secretary of the Treasury may, subject to subparagraph (C), waive the requirements of subsection (a) for such year with respect to all or any portion of the minimum funding standard. The Secretary of the Treasury shall not waive the minimum funding standard with respect to a plan for more than 3 of any 15 (5 of any 15 in the case of a multiemployer plan) consecutive plan years.

(B) Effects of waiver

If a waiver is granted under subparagraph (A) for any plan year—

(i) in the case of a single-employer plan (other than a CSEC plan), the minimum required contribution under section 1083 of this title for the plan year shall be reduced by the amount of the waived funding deficiency and such amount shall be amortized as required under section 1083(e) of this title,

(ii) in the case of a multiemployer plan, the funding standard account shall be credited under section 1084(b)(3)(C) of this title with the amount of the waived funding deficiency and such amount shall be amortized as required under section 1084(b)(2)(C) of this title, and

(iii) in the case of a CSEC plan, the funding standard account shall be credited under section 1085a(b)(3)(C) of this title with the amount of the waived funding deficiency and such amount shall be amortized as required under section 1085a(b)(2)(C) of this title.

(C) Waiver of amortized portion not allowed

The Secretary of the Treasury may not waive under subparagraph (A) any portion of the minimum funding standard under subsection (a) for a plan year which is attributable to any waived funding deficiency for any preceding plan year.

(2) Determination of business hardship

For purposes of this subsection, the factors taken into account in determining temporary substantial business hardship (substantial business hardship in the case of a multiemployer plan) shall include (but shall not be limited to) whether or not—

(A) the employer is operating at an economic loss,

(B) there is substantial unemployment or underemployment in the trade or business and in the industry concerned,

(C) the sales and profits of the industry concerned are depressed or declining, and

(D) it is reasonable to expect that the plan will be continued only if the waiver is granted.

(3) Waived funding deficiency

For purposes of this part, the term "waived funding deficiency" means the portion of the minimum funding standard under subsection (a) (determined without regard to the waiver) for a plan year waived by the Secretary of the Treasury and not satisfied by employer contributions.

(4) Security for waivers for single-employer plans, consultations

(A) Security may be required

(i) In general

Except as provided in subparagraph (C), the Secretary of the Treasury may require an employer maintaining a defined benefit plan which is a single-employer plan (within the meaning of section 1301(a)(15) of this title) to provide security to such plan as a condition for granting or modifying a waiver under paragraph (1) or for granting an extension under section 1085a(d) of this title.

(ii) Special rules

Any security provided under clause (i) may be perfected and enforced only by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, or at the direction of the Corporation, by a contributing sponsor (within the meaning of section 1301(a)(13) of this title), or a member of such sponsor's controlled group (within the meaning of section 1301(a)(14) of this title).

(B) Consultation with the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation

Except as provided in subparagraph (C), the Secretary of the Treasury shall, before granting or modifying a waiver under this subsection or an extension under 1085a(d) ¹ of this title with respect to a plan described in subparagraph (A)(i)—

(i) provide the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation with—

(I) notice of the completed application for any waiver, modification, or extension, and

(II) an opportunity to comment on such application within 30 days after receipt of such notice, and

(ii) consider—

(I) any comments of the Corporation under clause (i)(II), and

(II) any views of any employee organization (within the meaning of section 1002(4) of this title) representing participants in the plan which are submitted in writing to the Secretary of the Treasury in connection with such application.

Information provided to the Corporation under this subparagraph shall be considered tax return information and subject to the safeguarding and reporting requirements of section 6103(p) of title 26.

(C) Exception for certain waivers or extensions

(i) In general

The preceding provisions of this paragraph shall not apply to any plan with respect to which the sum of—

(I) the aggregate unpaid minimum required contributions for the plan year and all preceding plan years, or the accumulated funding deficiency under section 1085a of this title, whichever is applicable,

(II) the present value of all waiver amortization installments determined for the plan year and succeeding plan years under section 1083(e)(2) or 1085a(b)(2)(C) of this title, whichever is applicable, and

(III) the total amounts not paid by reason of an extension in effect under section 1085a(d) of this title,

 is less than $1,000,000.

(ii) Treatment of waivers or extensions for which applications are pending

The amount described in clause (i)(I) shall include any increase in such amount which would result if all applications for waivers or extensions with respect to the minimum funding standard under this subsection which are pending with respect to such plan were denied.

(iii) Unpaid minimum required contribution

For purposes of this subparagraph—

(I) In general

The term "unpaid minimum required contribution" means, with respect to any plan year, any minimum required contribution under section 1083 of this title for the plan year which is not paid on or before the due date (as determined under section 1083(j)(1) of this title) for the plan year.

(II) Ordering rule

For purposes of subclause (I), any payment to or under a plan for any plan year shall be allocated first to unpaid minimum required contributions for all preceding plan years on a first-in, first-out basis and then to the minimum required contribution under section 1083 of this title for the plan year.

(5) Special rules for single-employer plans

(A) Application must be submitted before date 2½ months after close of year

In the case of a single-employer plan, no waiver may be granted under this subsection with respect to any plan for any plan year unless an application therefor is submitted to the Secretary of the Treasury not later than the 15th day of the 3rd month beginning after the close of such plan year.

(B) Special rule if employer is member of controlled group

In the case of a single-employer plan, if an employer is a member of a controlled group, the temporary substantial business hardship requirements of paragraph (1) shall be treated as met only if such requirements are met—

(i) with respect to such employer, and

(ii) with respect to the controlled group of which such employer is a member (determined by treating all members of such group as a single employer).

The Secretary of the Treasury may provide that an analysis of a trade or business or industry of a member need not be conducted if such Secretary determines such analysis is not necessary because the taking into account of such member would not significantly affect the determination under this paragraph.

(6) Advance notice

(A) In general

The Secretary of the Treasury shall, before granting a waiver under this subsection, require each applicant to provide evidence satisfactory to such Secretary that the applicant has provided notice of the filing of the application for such waiver to each affected party (as defined in section 1301(a)(21) of this title). Such notice shall include a description of the extent to which the plan is funded for benefits which are guaranteed under subchapter III and for benefit liabilities.

(B) Consideration of relevant information

The Secretary of the Treasury shall consider any relevant information provided by a person to whom notice was given under subparagraph (A).

(7) Restriction on plan amendments

(A) In general

No amendment of a plan which increases the liabilities of the plan by reason of any increase in benefits, any change in the accrual of benefits, or any change in the rate at which benefits become nonforfeitable under the plan shall be adopted if a waiver under this subsection or an extension of time under section 1084(d) of this title or section 1085a(d) of this title is in effect with respect to the plan, or if a plan amendment described in subsection (d)(2) which reduces the accrued benefit of any participant has been made at any time in the preceding 12 months (24 months in the case of a multiemployer plan). If a plan is amended in violation of the preceding sentence, any such waiver, or extension of time, shall not apply to any plan year ending on or after the date on which such amendment is adopted.

(B) Exception

Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to any plan amendment which—

(i) the Secretary of the Treasury determines to be reasonable and which provides for only de minimis increases in the liabilities of the plan,

(ii) only repeals an amendment described in subsection (d)(2), or

(iii) is required as a condition of qualification under part I of subchapter D of chapter 1 of title 26.

(8) Cross reference

For corresponding duties of the Secretary of the Treasury with regard to implementation of title 26, see section 412(c) of title 26.

(d) Miscellaneous rules

(1) Change in method or year

If the funding method or a plan year for a plan is changed, the change shall take effect only if approved by the Secretary of the Treasury.

(2) Certain retroactive plan amendments

For purposes of this section, any amendment applying to a plan year which—

(A) is adopted after the close of such plan year but no later than 2½ months after the close of the plan year (or, in the case of a multiemployer plan, no later than 2 years after the close of such plan year),

(B) does not reduce the accrued benefit of any participant determined as of the beginning of the first plan year to which the amendment applies, and

(C) does not reduce the accrued benefit of any participant determined as of the time of adoption except to the extent required by the circumstances,

shall, at the election of the plan administrator, be deemed to have been made on the first day of such plan year. No amendment described in this paragraph which reduces the accrued benefits of any participant shall take effect unless the plan administrator files a notice with the Secretary of the Treasury notifying him of such amendment and such Secretary has approved such amendment, or within 90 days after the date on which such notice was filed, failed to disapprove such amendment. No amendment described in this subsection shall be approved by the Secretary of the Treasury unless such Secretary determines that such amendment is necessary because of a temporary substantial business hardship (as determined under subsection (c)(2)) or a substantial business hardship (as so determined) in the case of a multiemployer plan and that a waiver under subsection (c) (or, in the case of a multiemployer plan or a CSEC plan, any extension of the amortization period under section 1084(d) of this title or section 1085a(d) of this title) is unavailable or inadequate.

(3) Controlled group

For purposes of this section, the term "controlled group" means any group treated as a single employer under subsection (b), (c), (m), or (o) of section 414 of title 26.

(Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §302, as added and amended Pub. L. 109–280, title I, §101(b), title II, §202(d), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 784, 885; Pub. L. 110–458, title I, §§101(a)(1), 102(b)(1)(A), Dec. 23, 2008, 122 Stat. 5093, 5100; Pub. L. 113–97, title I, §102(b)(1), (2), Apr. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 1115.)

Prior Provisions

A prior section 1082, Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §302, Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 869; Pub. L. 96–364, title III, §304(b), Sept. 26, 1980, 94 Stat. 1293; Pub. L. 100–203, title IX, §§9301(b), 9303(b), (d)(2), 9304(a)(2), (b)(2), (e)(2), 9305(b)(2), 9307(a)(2), (b)(2), (e)(2), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–332, 1330-337, 1330-342, 1330-344, 1330-346, 1330-349, 1330-352, 1330-356 to 1330-358; Pub. L. 100–647, title II, §2005(a)(2)(B), (d)(2), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3610, 3612; Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §§7881(a)(1)(B), (2)(B), (3)(B), (4)(B), (5)(B), (6)(B), (b)(1)(B), (2)(B), (3)(B), (4)(B), (6)(B)(i), (d)(1)(B), (2), (4), 7891(a)(1), 7892(b), 7894(d)(2), (5), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2435–2439, 2445, 2447, 2449, 2450; Pub. L. 101–508, title XII, §12012(c), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–572; Pub. L. 103–465, title VII, §§761(a)(1)–(9)(A), (10), 762(a), 763(a), 764(a), 768(b), Dec. 8, 1994, 108 Stat. 5024–5031, 5033-5036, 5041; Pub. L. 105–34, title XV, §1521(b), (c)(2), (3)(B), title XVI, §1604(b)(2)(B), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 1069, 1070, 1097; Pub. L. 107–16, title VI, §§651(b), 661(b), June 7, 2001, 115 Stat. 129, 142; Pub. L. 107–147, title IV, §§405(b), 411(v)(2), Mar. 9, 2002, 116 Stat. 42, 52; Pub. L. 108–218, title I, §§101(a)(1)–(3), 102(a), 104(a)(1), Apr. 10, 2004, 118 Stat. 596, 597, 599, 604; Pub. L. 109–135, title IV, §412(x)(2), Dec. 21, 2005, 119 Stat. 2638; Pub. L. 109–280, title III, §301(a)(1), (2), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 919, related to minimum funding standards, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 109–280, title I, §101(a), (d), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 784, 789, applicable to plan years beginning after 2007.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (a)(2)(A). Pub. L. 113–97, §102(b)(2)(M), substituted "single-employer plan (other than a CSEC plan)" for "single-employer plan".

Subsec. (a)(2)(D). Pub. L. 113–97, §102(b)(1), added subpar. (D).

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 113–97, §102(b)(2)(B), substituted "section 1083(j) of this title or under section 1085a(f) of this title" for "section 1083(j) of this title".

Subsec. (c)(1)(A)(i). Pub. L. 113–97, §102(b)(2)(A), substituted "multiemployer plan or a CSEC plan, 10 percent" for "multiemployer plan, 10 percent".

Subsec. (c)(1)(B)(i). Pub. L. 113–97, §102(b)(2)(M), substituted "single-employer plan (other than a CSEC plan)" for "single-employer plan".

Subsec. (c)(1)(B)(iii). Pub. L. 113–97, §102(b)(2)(C), added cl. (iii).

Subsec. (c)(4)(A)(i). Pub. L. 113–97, §102(b)(2)(D), substituted "under paragraph (1) or for granting an extension under section 1085a(d) of this title" for "under paragraph (1)".

Subsec. (c)(4)(B). Pub. L. 113–97, §102(b)(2)(E), substituted "waiver under this subsection or an extension under 1085a(d) of this title" for "waiver under this subsection" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (c)(4)(B)(i)(I). Pub. L. 113–97, §102(b)(2)(F), substituted "waiver, modification, or extension" for "waiver or modification".

Subsec. (c)(4)(C). Pub. L. 113–97, §102(b)(2)(G), substituted "waivers or extensions" for "waivers" in heading.

Subsec. (c)(4)(C)(i)(I). Pub. L. 113–97, §102(b)(2)(I), substituted "or the accumulated funding deficiency under section 1085a of this title, whichever is applicable," for "and" at end.

Subsec. (c)(4)(C)(i)(II). Pub. L. 113–97, §102(b)(2)(J), substituted "section 1083(e)(2) or 1085a(b)(2)(C) of this title, whichever is applicable, and" for "section 1083(e)(2) of this title,".

Subsec. (c)(4)(C)(i)(III). Pub. L. 113–97, §102(b)(2)(K), added subcl. (III).

Subsec. (c)(4)(C)(ii). Pub. L. 113–97, §102(b)(2)(L), substituted "for waivers or extensions with respect to" for "for waivers of".

Pub. L. 113–97, §102(b)(2)(G), substituted "waivers or extensions" for "waivers" in heading.

Subsec. (c)(7)(A). Pub. L. 113–97, §102(b)(2)(H), substituted "section 1084(d) of this title or section 1085a(d) of this title" for "section 1084(d) of this title".

Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 113–97, §102(b)(2)(H), substituted "section 1084(d) of this title or section 1085a(d) of this title" for "section 1084(d) of this title" in concluding provisions.

Pub. L. 113–97, §102(b)(2)(A), substituted "multiemployer plan or a CSEC plan" for "multiemployer plan" in concluding provisions.

2008—Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 110–458, §102(b)(1)(A), substituted "the plan sponsor adopts" for "the plan adopts".

Subsec. (c)(1)(A)(i). Pub. L. 110–458, §101(a)(1)(A), substituted "the plan are" for "the plan is".

Subsec. (c)(7)(A). Pub. L. 110–458, §101(a)(1)(B), inserted "which reduces the accrued benefit of any participant" after "subsection (d)(2)".

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 110–458, §101(a)(1)(C), struck out ", the valuation date," after "funding method".

2006—Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 109–280, §202(d), added par. (3).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2014 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 113–97 applicable to years beginning after Dec. 31, 2013, see section 3 of Pub. L. 113–97, set out as a note under section 401 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 110–458 effective as if included in the provisions of Pub. L. 109–280 to which the amendment relates, except as otherwise provided, see section 112 of Pub. L. 110–458, set out as a note under section 72 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 2006 Amendment

Pub. L. 109–280, title II, §202(f), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 885, provided that:

"(1) In general.—The amendments made by this section [enacting section 1085 of this title and amending this section and section 1132 of this title] shall apply with respect to plan years beginning after 2007.

"(2) Special rule for certain notices.—In any case in which a plan's actuary certifies that it is reasonably expected that a multiemployer plan will be in critical status under section 305(b)(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 [29 U.S.C. 1085(b)(3)], as added by this section, with respect to the first plan year beginning after 2007, the notice required under subparagraph (D) of such section may be provided at any time after the date of enactment [Aug. 17, 2006], so long as it is provided on or before the last date for providing the notice under such subparagraph.

"(3) Special rule for certain restored benefits.—In the case of a multiemployer plan—

"(A) with respect to which benefits were reduced pursuant to a plan amendment adopted on or after January 1, 2002, and before June 30, 2005, and

"(B) which, pursuant to the plan document, the trust agreement, or a formal written communication from the plan sponsor to participants provided before June 30, 2005, provided for the restoration of such benefits,

the amendments made by this section shall not apply to such benefit restorations to the extent that any restriction on the providing or accrual of such benefits would otherwise apply by reason of such amendments."

Effective Date

Pub. L. 109–280, title I, §101(d), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 789, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [enacting this section and repealing former section 1082 of this title and sections 1083 to 1085, 1085a, 1085b, and 1086 of this title] shall apply to plan years beginning after 2007."

Regulations

Secretary authorized, effective Sept. 2, 1974, to promulgate regulations wherever provisions of this subchapter call for the promulgation of regulations, see section 1031 of this title.

Applicability of Amendments by Subtitles A and B of Title I of Pub. L. 109–280

For special rules on applicability of amendments by subtitles A (§§101–108) and B (§§111–116) of title I of Pub. L. 109–280 to certain eligible cooperative plans, PBGC settlement plans, and eligible government contractor plans, see sections 104, 105, and 106 of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as notes under section 401 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Special Rule for Certain Benefits Funded Under an Agreement Approved by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation

For applicability of amendment by section 202(d) of Pub. L. 109–280 to a multiemployer plan that is a party to an agreement that was approved by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation prior to June 30, 2005, and that increases benefits and provides for certain withdrawal liability rules, see section 206 of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as a note under section 412 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

¹ So in original. Probably should be preceded by "section".

§1083. Minimum funding standards for single-employer defined benefit pension plans

(a) Minimum required contribution

For purposes of this section and section 1082(a)(2)(A) of this title, except as provided in subsection (f), the term "minimum required contribution" means, with respect to any plan year of a single-employer plan—

(1) in any case in which the value of plan assets of the plan (as reduced under subsection (f)(4)(B)) is less than the funding target of the plan for the plan year, the sum of—

(A) the target normal cost of the plan for the plan year,

(B) the shortfall amortization charge (if any) for the plan for the plan year determined under subsection (c), and

(C) the waiver amortization charge (if any) for the plan for the plan year as determined under subsection (e); or

(2) in any case in which the value of plan assets of the plan (as reduced under subsection (f)(4)(B)) equals or exceeds the funding target of the plan for the plan year, the target normal cost of the plan for the plan year reduced (but not below zero) by such excess.

(b) Target normal cost

For purposes of this section:

(1) In general

Except as provided in subsection (i)(2) with respect to plans in at-risk status, the term "target normal cost" means, for any plan year, the excess of—

(A) the sum of—

(i) the present value of all benefits which are expected to accrue or to be earned under the plan during the plan year, plus

(ii) the amount of plan-related expenses expected to be paid from plan assets during the plan year, over

(B) the amount of mandatory employee contributions expected to be made during the plan year.

(2) Special rule for increase in compensation

For purposes of this subsection, if any benefit attributable to services performed in a preceding plan year is increased by reason of any increase in compensation during the current plan year, the increase in such benefit shall be treated as having accrued during the current plan year.

(c) Shortfall amortization charge

(1) In general

For purposes of this section, the shortfall amortization charge for a plan for any plan year is the aggregate total (not less than zero) of the shortfall amortization installments for such plan year with respect to any shortfall amortization base which has not been fully amortized under this subsection.

(2) Shortfall amortization installment

For purposes of paragraph (1)—

(A) Determination

The shortfall amortization installments are the amounts necessary to amortize the shortfall amortization base of the plan for any plan year in level annual installments over the 7-plan-year period beginning with such plan year.

(B) Shortfall installment

The shortfall amortization installment for any plan year in the 7-plan-year period under subparagraph (A) with respect to any shortfall amortization base is the annual installment determined under subparagraph (A) for that year for that base.

(C) Segment rates

In determining any shortfall amortization installment under this paragraph, the plan sponsor shall use the segment rates determined under subparagraph (C) of subsection (h)(2), applied under rules similar to the rules of subparagraph (B) of subsection (h)(2).

(D) Special election for eligible plan years

(i) In general

If a plan sponsor elects to apply this subparagraph with respect to the shortfall amortization base of a plan for any eligible plan year (in this subparagraph and paragraph (7) referred to as an "election year"), then, notwithstanding subparagraphs (A) and (B)—

(I) the shortfall amortization installments with respect to such base shall be determined under clause (ii) or (iii), whichever is specified in the election, and

(II) the shortfall amortization installment for any plan year in the 9-plan-year period described in clause (ii) or the 15-plan-year period described in clause (iii), respectively, with respect to such shortfall amortization base is the annual installment determined under the applicable clause for that year for that base.

(ii) 2 plus 7 amortization schedule

The shortfall amortization installments determined under this clause are—

(I) in the case of the first 2 plan years in the 9-plan-year period beginning with the election year, interest on the shortfall amortization base of the plan for the election year (determined using the effective interest rate for the plan for the election year), and

(II) in the case of the last 7 plan years in such 9-plan-year period, the amounts necessary to amortize the remaining balance of the shortfall amortization base of the plan for the election year in level annual installments over such last 7 plan years (using the segment rates under subparagraph (C) for the election year).

(iii) 15-year amortization

The shortfall amortization installments determined under this subparagraph are the amounts necessary to amortize the shortfall amortization base of the plan for the election year in level annual installments over the 15-plan-year period beginning with the election year (using the segment rates under subparagraph (C) for the election year).

(iv) Election

(I) In general

The plan sponsor of a plan may elect to have this subparagraph apply to not more than 2 eligible plan years with respect to the plan, except that in the case of a plan described in section 106 of the Pension Protection Act of 2006, the plan sponsor may only elect to have this subparagraph apply to a plan year beginning in 2011.

(II) Amortization schedule

Such election shall specify whether the amortization schedule under clause (ii) or (iii) shall apply to an election year, except that if a plan sponsor elects to have this subparagraph apply to 2 eligible plan years, the plan sponsor must elect the same schedule for both years.

(III) Other rules

Such election shall be made at such time, and in such form and manner, as shall be prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury, and may be revoked only with the consent of the Secretary of the Treasury. The Secretary of the Treasury shall, before granting a revocation request, provide the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation an opportunity to comment on the conditions applicable to the treatment of any portion of the election year shortfall amortization base that remains unamortized as of the revocation date.

(v) Eligible plan year

For purposes of this subparagraph, the term "eligible plan year" means any plan year beginning in 2008, 2009, 2010, or 2011, except that a plan year shall only be treated as an eligible plan year if the due date under subsection (j)(1) for the payment of the minimum required contribution for such plan year occurs on or after June 25, 2010.

(vi) Reporting

A plan sponsor of a plan who makes an election under clause (i) shall—

(I) give notice of the election to participants and beneficiaries of the plan, and

(II) inform the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation of such election in such form and manner as the Director of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation may prescribe.

(vii) Increases in required installments in certain cases

For increases in required contributions in cases of excess compensation or extraordinary dividends or stock redemptions, see paragraph (7).

(3) Shortfall amortization base

For purposes of this section, the shortfall amortization base of a plan for a plan year is—

(A) the funding shortfall of such plan for such plan year, minus

(B) the present value (determined using the segment rates determined under subparagraph (C) of subsection (h)(2), applied under rules similar to the rules of subparagraph (B) of subsection (h)(2)) of the aggregate total of the shortfall amortization installments and waiver amortization installments which have been determined for such plan year and any succeeding plan year with respect to the shortfall amortization bases and waiver amortization bases of the plan for any plan year preceding such plan year.

(4) Funding shortfall

For purposes of this section, the funding shortfall of a plan for any plan year is the excess (if any) of—

(A) the funding target of the plan for the plan year, over

(B) the value of plan assets of the plan (as reduced under subsection (f)(4)(B)) for the plan year which are held by the plan on the valuation date.

(5) Exemption from new shortfall amortization base

In any case in which the value of plan assets of the plan (as reduced under subsection (f)(4)(A)) is equal to or greater than the funding target of the plan for the plan year, the shortfall amortization base of the plan for such plan year shall be zero.

(6) Early deemed amortization upon attainment of funding target

In any case in which the funding shortfall of a plan for a plan year is zero, for purposes of determining the shortfall amortization charge for such plan year and succeeding plan years, the shortfall amortization bases for all preceding plan years (and all shortfall amortization installments determined with respect to such bases) shall be reduced to zero.

(7) Increases in alternate required installments in cases of excess compensation or extraordinary dividends or stock redemptions

(A) In general

If there is an installment acceleration amount with respect to a plan for any plan year in the restriction period with respect to an election year under paragraph (2)(D), then the shortfall amortization installment otherwise determined and payable under such paragraph for such plan year shall, subject to the limitation under subparagraph (B), be increased by such amount.

(B) Total installments limited to shortfall base

Subject to rules prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury, if a shortfall amortization installment with respect to any shortfall amortization base for an election year is required to be increased for any plan year under subparagraph (A)—

(i) such increase shall not result in the amount of such installment exceeding the present value of such installment and all succeeding installments with respect to such base (determined without regard to such increase but after application of clause (ii)), and

(ii) subsequent shortfall amortization installments with respect to such base shall, in reverse order of the otherwise required installments, be reduced to the extent necessary to limit the present value of such subsequent shortfall amortization installments (after application of this paragraph) to the present value of the remaining unamortized shortfall amortization base.

(C) Installment acceleration amount

For purposes of this paragraph—

(i) In general

The term "installment acceleration amount" means, with respect to any plan year in a restriction period with respect to an election year, the sum of—

(I) the aggregate amount of excess employee compensation determined under subparagraph (D) with respect to all employees for the plan year, plus

(II) the aggregate amount of extraordinary dividends and redemptions determined under subparagraph (E) for the plan year.

(ii) Annual limitation

The installment acceleration amount for any plan year shall not exceed the excess (if any) of—

(I) the sum of the shortfall amortization installments for the plan year and all preceding plan years in the amortization period elected under paragraph (2)(D) with respect to the shortfall amortization base with respect to an election year, determined without regard to paragraph (2)(D) and this paragraph, over

(II) the sum of the shortfall amortization installments for such plan year and all such preceding plan years, determined after application of paragraph (2)(D) (and in the case of any preceding plan year, after application of this paragraph).

(iii) Carryover of excess installment acceleration amounts

(I) In general

If the installment acceleration amount for any plan year (determined without regard to clause (ii)) exceeds the limitation under clause (ii), then, subject to subclause (II), such excess shall be treated as an installment acceleration amount with respect to the succeeding plan year.

(II) Cap to apply

If any amount treated as an installment acceleration amount under subclause (I) or this subclause with respect ¹ any succeeding plan year, when added to other installment acceleration amounts (determined without regard to clause (ii)) with respect to the plan year, exceeds the limitation under clause (ii), the portion of such amount representing such excess shall be treated as an installment acceleration amount with respect to the next succeeding plan year.

(III) Limitation on years to which amounts carried for

No amount shall be carried under subclause (I) or (II) to a plan year which begins after the first plan year following the last plan year in the restriction period (or after the second plan year following such last plan year in the case of an election year with respect to which 15-year amortization was elected under paragraph (2)(D)).

(IV) Ordering rules

For purposes of applying subclause (II), installment acceleration amounts for the plan year (determined without regard to any carryover under this clause) shall be applied first against the limitation under clause (ii) and then carryovers to such plan year shall be applied against such limitation on a first-in, first-out basis.

(D) Excess employee compensation

For purposes of this paragraph—

(i) In general

The term "excess employee compensation" means, with respect to any employee for any plan year, the excess (if any) of—

(I) the aggregate amount includible in income under chapter 1 of title 26 for remuneration during the calendar year in which such plan year begins for services performed by the employee for the plan sponsor (whether or not performed during such calendar year), over

(II) $1,000,000.

(ii) Amounts set aside for nonqualified deferred compensation

If during any calendar year assets are set aside or reserved (directly or indirectly) in a trust (or other arrangement as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury), or transferred to such a trust or other arrangement, by a plan sponsor for purposes of paying deferred compensation of an employee under a nonqualified deferred compensation plan (as defined in section 409A of such title) of the plan sponsor, then, for purposes of clause (i), the amount of such assets shall be treated as remuneration of the employee includible in income for the calendar year unless such amount is otherwise includible in income for such year. An amount to which the preceding sentence applies shall not be taken into account under this paragraph for any subsequent calendar year.

(iii) Only remuneration for certain post-2009 services counted

Remuneration shall be taken into account under clause (i) only to the extent attributable to services performed by the employee for the plan sponsor after February 28, 2010.

(iv) Exception for certain equity payments

(I) In general

There shall not be taken into account under clause (i)(I) any amount includible in income with respect to the granting after February 28, 2010, of service recipient stock (within the meaning of section 409A of title 26) that, upon such grant, is subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture (as defined under section 83(c)(1) of such title) for at least 5 years from the date of such grant.

(II) Secretarial authority

The Secretary of the Treasury may by regulation provide for the application of this clause in the case of a person other than a corporation.

(v) Other exceptions

The following amounts includible in income shall not be taken into account under clause (i)(I):

(I) Commissions

Any remuneration payable on a commission basis solely on account of income directly generated by the individual performance of the individual to whom such remuneration is payable.

(II) Certain payments under existing contracts

Any remuneration consisting of nonqualified deferred compensation, restricted stock, stock options, or stock appreciation rights payable or granted under a written binding contract that was in effect on March 1, 2010, and which was not modified in any material respect before such remuneration is paid.

(vi) Self-employed individual treated as employee

The term "employee" includes, with respect to a calendar year, a self-employed individual who is treated as an employee under section 401(c) of such title for the taxable year ending during such calendar year, and the term "compensation" shall include earned income of such individual with respect to such self-employment.

(vii) Indexing of amount

In the case of any calendar year beginning after 2010, the dollar amount under clause (i)(II) shall be increased by an amount equal to—

(I) such dollar amount, multiplied by

(II) the cost-of-living adjustment determined under section 1(f)(3) of such title for the calendar year, determined by substituting "calendar year 2009" for "calendar year 1992" in subparagraph (B) thereof.

 If the amount of any increase under clause (i) is not a multiple of $1,000, such increase shall be rounded to the next lowest multiple of $1,000.

(E) Extraordinary dividends and redemptions

(i) In general

The amount determined under this subparagraph for any plan year is the excess (if any) of the sum of the dividends declared during the plan year by the plan sponsor plus the aggregate amount paid for the redemption of stock of the plan sponsor redeemed during the plan year over the greater of—

(I) the adjusted net income (within the meaning of section 1343 of this title) of the plan sponsor for the preceding plan year, determined without regard to any reduction by reason of interest, taxes, depreciation, or amortization, or

(II) in the case of a plan sponsor that determined and declared dividends in the same manner for at least 5 consecutive years immediately preceding such plan year, the aggregate amount of dividends determined and declared for such plan year using such manner.

(ii) Only certain post-2009 dividends and redemptions counted

For purposes of clause (i), there shall only be taken into account dividends declared, and redemptions occurring, after February 28, 2010.

(iii) Exception for intra-group dividends

Dividends paid by one member of a controlled group (as defined in section 1082(d)(3) of this title) to another member of such group shall not be taken into account under clause (i).

(iv) Exception for certain redemptions

Redemptions that are made pursuant to a plan maintained with respect to employees, or that are made on account of the death, disability, or termination of employment of an employee or shareholder, shall not be taken into account under clause (i).

(v) Exception for certain preferred stock

(I) In general

Dividends and redemptions with respect to applicable preferred stock shall not be taken into account under clause (i) to the extent that dividends accrue with respect to such stock at a specified rate in all events and without regard to the plan sponsor's income, and interest accrues on any unpaid dividends with respect to such stock.

(II) Applicable preferred stock

For purposes of subclause (I), the term "applicable preferred stock" means preferred stock which was issued before March 1, 2010 (or which was issued after such date and is held by an employee benefit plan subject to the provisions of this subchapter).

(F) Other definitions and rules

For purposes of this paragraph—

(i) Plan sponsor

The term "plan sponsor" includes any member of the plan sponsor's controlled group (as defined in section 1082(d)(3) of this title).

(ii) Restriction period

The term "restriction period" means, with respect to any election year—

(I) except as provided in subclause (II), the 3-year period beginning with the election year (or, if later, the first plan year beginning after December 31, 2009), and

(II) if the plan sponsor elects 15-year amortization for the shortfall amortization base for the election year, the 5-year period beginning with the election year (or, if later, the first plan year beginning after December 31, 2009).

(iii) Elections for multiple plans

If a plan sponsor makes elections under paragraph (2)(D) with respect to 2 or more plans, the Secretary of the Treasury shall provide rules for the application of this paragraph to such plans, including rules for the ratable allocation of any installment acceleration amount among such plans on the basis of each plan's relative reduction in the plan's shortfall amortization installment for the first plan year in the amortization period described in subparagraph (A) (determined without regard to this paragraph).

(iv) Mergers and acquisitions

The Secretary of the Treasury shall prescribe rules for the application of paragraph (2)(D) and this paragraph in any case where there is a merger or acquisition involving a plan sponsor making the election under paragraph (2)(D).

(8) 15-year amortization

With respect to plan years beginning after December 31, 2021 (or, at the election of the plan sponsor, plan years beginning after December 31, 2018, December 31, 2019, or December 31, 2020)—

(A) the shortfall amortization bases for all plan years preceding the first plan year beginning after December 31, 2021 (or after whichever earlier date is elected pursuant to this paragraph), and all shortfall amortization installments determined with respect to such bases, shall be reduced to zero, and

(B) subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (2) shall each be applied by substituting "15-plan-year period" for "7-plan-year period".

(d) Rules relating to funding target

For purposes of this section—

(1) Funding target

Except as provided in subsection (i)(1) with respect to plans in at-risk status, the funding target of a plan for a plan year is the present value of all benefits accrued or earned under the plan as of the beginning of the plan year.

(2) Funding target attainment percentage

The "funding target attainment percentage" of a plan for a plan year is the ratio (expressed as a percentage) which—

(A) the value of plan assets for the plan year (as reduced under subsection (f)(4)(B)), bears to

(B) the funding target of the plan for the plan year (determined without regard to subsection (i)(1)).

(e) Waiver amortization charge

(1) Determination of waiver amortization charge

The waiver amortization charge (if any) for a plan for any plan year is the aggregate total of the waiver amortization installments for such plan year with respect to the waiver amortization bases for each of the 5 preceding plan years.

(2) Waiver amortization installment

For purposes of paragraph (1)—

(A) Determination

The waiver amortization installments are the amounts necessary to amortize the waiver amortization base of the plan for any plan year in level annual installments over a period of 5 plan years beginning with the succeeding plan year.

(B) Waiver installment

The waiver amortization installment for any plan year in the 5-year period under subparagraph (A) with respect to any waiver amortization base is the annual installment determined under subparagraph (A) for that year for that base.

(3) Interest rate

In determining any waiver amortization installment under this subsection, the plan sponsor shall use the segment rates determined under subparagraph (C) of subsection (h)(2), applied under rules similar to the rules of subparagraph (B) of subsection (h)(2).

(4) Waiver amortization base

The waiver amortization base of a plan for a plan year is the amount of the waived funding deficiency (if any) for such plan year under section 1082(c) of this title.

(5) Early deemed amortization upon attainment of funding target

In any case in which the funding shortfall of a plan for a plan year is zero, for purposes of determining the waiver amortization charge for such plan year and succeeding plan years, the waiver amortization bases for all preceding plan years (and all waiver amortization installments determined with respect to such bases) shall be reduced to zero.

(f) Reduction of minimum required contribution by prefunding balance and funding standard carryover balance

(1) Election to maintain balances

(A) Prefunding balance

The plan sponsor of a single-employer plan may elect to maintain a prefunding balance.

(B) Funding standard carryover balance

(i) In general

In the case of a single-employer plan described in clause (ii), the plan sponsor may elect to maintain a funding standard carryover balance, until such balance is reduced to zero.

(ii) Plans maintaining funding standard account in 2007

A plan is described in this clause if the plan—

(I) was in effect for a plan year beginning in 2007, and

(II) had a positive balance in the funding standard account under section 1082(b) of this title as in effect for such plan year and determined as of the end of such plan year.

(2) Application of balances

A prefunding balance and a funding standard carryover balance maintained pursuant to this paragraph—

(A) shall be available for crediting against the minimum required contribution, pursuant to an election under paragraph (3),

(B) shall be applied as a reduction in the amount treated as the value of plan assets for purposes of this section, to the extent provided in paragraph (4), and

(C) may be reduced at any time, pursuant to an election under paragraph (5).

(3) Election to apply balances against minimum required contribution

(A) In general

Except as provided in subparagraphs (B) and (C), in the case of any plan year in which the plan sponsor elects to credit against the minimum required contribution for the current plan year all or a portion of the prefunding balance or the funding standard carryover balance for the current plan year (not in excess of such minimum required contribution), the minimum required contribution for the plan year shall be reduced as of the first day of the plan year by the amount so credited by the plan sponsor. For purposes of the preceding sentence, the minimum required contribution shall be determined after taking into account any waiver under section 1082(c) of this title.

(B) Coordination with funding standard carryover balance

To the extent that any plan has a funding standard carryover balance greater than zero, no amount of the prefunding balance of such plan may be credited under this paragraph in reducing the minimum required contribution.

(C) Limitation for underfunded plans

The preceding provisions of this paragraph shall not apply for any plan year if the ratio (expressed as a percentage) which—

(i) the value of plan assets for the preceding plan year (as reduced under paragraph (4)(C)), bears to

(ii) the funding target of the plan for the preceding plan year (determined without regard to subsection (i)(1)),

is less than 80 percent. In the case of plan years beginning in 2008, the ratio under this subparagraph may be determined using such methods of estimation as the Secretary of the Treasury may prescribe.

(D) Special rule for certain years of plans maintained by charities

(i) In general

For purposes of applying subparagraph (C) for plan years beginning after August 31, 2009, and before September 1, 2011, the ratio determined under such subparagraph for the preceding plan year shall be the greater of—

(I) such ratio, as determined without regard to this subparagraph, or

(II) the ratio for such plan for the plan year beginning after August 31, 2007, and before September 1, 2008, as determined under rules prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury.

(ii) Special rule

In the case of a plan for which the valuation date is not the first day of the plan year—

(I) clause (i) shall apply to plan years beginning after December 31, 2008, and before January 1, 2011, and

(II) clause (i)(II) shall apply based on the last plan year beginning before September 1, 2007, as determined under rules prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury.

(iii) Limitation to charities

This subparagraph shall not apply to any plan unless such plan is maintained exclusively by one or more organizations described in section 501(c)(3) of title 26.

(4) Effect of balances on amounts treated as value of plan assets

In the case of any plan maintaining a prefunding balance or a funding standard carryover balance pursuant to this subsection, the amount treated as the value of plan assets shall be deemed to be such amount, reduced as provided in the following subparagraphs:

(A) Applicability of shortfall amortization base

For purposes of subsection (c)(5), the value of plan assets is deemed to be such amount, reduced by the amount of the prefunding balance, but only if an election under paragraph (3) applying any portion of the prefunding balance in reducing the minimum required contribution is in effect for the plan year.

(B) Determination of excess assets, funding shortfall, and funding target attainment percentage

(i) In general

For purposes of subsections (a), (c)(4)(B), and (d)(2)(A), the value of plan assets is deemed to be such amount, reduced by the amount of the prefunding balance and the funding standard carryover balance.

(ii) Special rule for certain binding agreements with PBGC

For purposes of subsection (c)(4)(B), the value of plan assets shall not be deemed to be reduced for a plan year by the amount of the specified balance if, with respect to such balance, there is in effect for a plan year a binding written agreement with the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation which provides that such balance is not available to reduce the minimum required contribution for the plan year. For purposes of the preceding sentence, the term "specified balance" means the prefunding balance or the funding standard carryover balance, as the case may be.

(C) Availability of balances in plan year for crediting against minimum required contribution

For purposes of paragraph (3)(C)(i) of this subsection, the value of plan assets is deemed to be such amount, reduced by the amount of the prefunding balance.

(5) Election to reduce balance prior to determinations of value of plan assets and crediting against minimum required contribution

(A) In general

The plan sponsor may elect to reduce by any amount the balance of the prefunding balance and the funding standard carryover balance for any plan year (but not below zero). Such reduction shall be effective prior to any determination of the value of plan assets for such plan year under this section and application of the balance in reducing the minimum required contribution for such plan for such plan year pursuant to an election under paragraph (2).²

(B) Coordination between prefunding balance and funding standard carryover balance

To the extent that any plan has a funding standard carryover balance greater than zero, no election may be made under subparagraph (A) with respect to the prefunding balance.

(6) Prefunding balance

(A) In general

A prefunding balance maintained by a plan shall consist of a beginning balance of zero, increased and decreased to the extent provided in subparagraphs (B) and (C), and adjusted further as provided in paragraph (8).

(B) Increases

(i) In general

As of the first day of each plan year beginning after 2008, the prefunding balance of a plan shall be increased by the amount elected by the plan sponsor for the plan year. Such amount shall not exceed the excess (if any) of—

(I) the aggregate total of employer contributions to the plan for the preceding plan year, over—

(II) the minimum required contribution for such preceding plan year.

(ii) Adjustments for interest

Any excess contributions under clause (i) shall be properly adjusted for interest accruing for the periods between the first day of the current plan year and the dates on which the excess contributions were made, determined by using the effective interest rate for the preceding plan year and by treating contributions as being first used to satisfy the minimum required contribution.

(iii) Certain contributions necessary to avoid benefit limitations disregarded

The excess described in clause (i) with respect to any preceding plan year shall be reduced (but not below zero) by the amount of contributions an employer would be required to make under paragraph (1), (2), or (4) of section 1056(g) of this title to avoid a benefit limitation which would otherwise be imposed under such paragraph for the preceding plan year. Any contribution which may be taken into account in satisfying the requirements of more than 1 of such paragraphs shall be taken into account only once for purposes of this clause.

(C) Decrease

The prefunding balance of a plan shall be decreased (but not below zero) by—

(i) as of the first day of each plan year after 2008, the amount of such balance credited under paragraph (2) (if any) in reducing the minimum required contribution of the plan for the preceding plan year, and

(ii) as of the time specified in paragraph (5)(A), any reduction in such balance elected under paragraph (5).

(7) Funding standard carryover balance

(A) In general

A funding standard carryover balance maintained by a plan shall consist of a beginning balance determined under subparagraph (B), decreased to the extent provided in subparagraph (C), and adjusted further as provided in paragraph (8).

(B) Beginning balance

The beginning balance of the funding standard carryover balance shall be the positive balance described in paragraph (1)(B)(ii)(II).

(C) Decreases

The funding standard carryover balance of a plan shall be decreased (but not below zero) by—

(i) as of the first day of each plan year after 2008, the amount of such balance credited under paragraph (2) (if any) in reducing the minimum required contribution of the plan for the preceding plan year, and

(ii) as of the time specified in paragraph (5)(A), any reduction in such balance elected under paragraph (5).

(8) Adjustments for investment experience

In determining the prefunding balance or the funding standard carryover balance of a plan as of the first day of the plan year, the plan sponsor shall, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury, adjust such balance to reflect the rate of return on plan assets for the preceding plan year. Notwithstanding subsection (g)(3), such rate of return shall be determined on the basis of fair market value and shall properly take into account, in accordance with such regulations, all contributions, distributions, and other plan payments made during such period.

(9) Elections

Elections under this subsection shall be made at such times, and in such form and manner, as shall be prescribed in regulations of the Secretary of the Treasury.

(g) Valuation of plan assets and liabilities

(1) Timing of determinations

Except as otherwise provided under this subsection, all determinations under this section for a plan year shall be made as of the valuation date of the plan for such plan year.

(2) Valuation date

For purposes of this section—

(A) In general

Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the valuation date of a plan for any plan year shall be the first day of the plan year.

(B) Exception for small plans

If, on each day during the preceding plan year, a plan had 100 or fewer participants, the plan may designate any day during the plan year as its valuation date for such plan year and succeeding plan years. For purposes of this subparagraph, all defined benefit plans which are single-employer plans and are maintained by the same employer (or any member of such employer's controlled group) shall be treated as 1 plan, but only participants with respect to such employer or member shall be taken into account.

(C) Application of certain rules in determination of plan size

For purposes of this paragraph—

(i) Plans not in existence in preceding year

In the case of the first plan year of any plan, subparagraph (B) shall apply to such plan by taking into account the number of participants that the plan is reasonably expected to have on days during such first plan year.

(ii) Predecessors

Any reference in subparagraph (B) to an employer shall include a reference to any predecessor of such employer.

(3) Determination of value of plan assets

For purposes of this section—

(A) In general

Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the value of plan assets shall be the fair market value of the assets.

(B) Averaging allowed

A plan may determine the value of plan assets on the basis of the averaging of fair market values, but only if such method—

(i) is permitted under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury,

(ii) does not provide for averaging of such values over more than the period beginning on the last day of the 25th month preceding the month in which the valuation date occurs and ending on the valuation date (or a similar period in the case of a valuation date which is not the 1st day of a month), and

(iii) does not result in a determination of the value of plan assets which, at any time, is lower than 90 percent or greater than 110 percent of the fair market value of such assets at such time.

Any such averaging shall be adjusted for contributions, distributions, and expected earnings (as determined by the plan's actuary on the basis of an assumed earnings rate specified by the actuary but not in excess of the third segment rate applicable under subsection (h)(2)(C)(iii)), as specified by the Secretary of the Treasury.

(4) Accounting for contribution receipts

For purposes of determining the value of assets under paragraph (3)—

(A) Prior year contributions

If—

(i) an employer makes any contribution to the plan after the valuation date for the plan year in which the contribution is made, and

(ii) the contribution is for a preceding plan year,

the contribution shall be taken into account as an asset of the plan as of the valuation date, except that in the case of any plan year beginning after 2008, only the present value (determined as of the valuation date) of such contribution may be taken into account. For purposes of the preceding sentence, present value shall be determined using the effective interest rate for the preceding plan year to which the contribution is properly allocable.

(B) Special rule for current year contributions made before valuation date

If any contributions for any plan year are made to or under the plan during the plan year but before the valuation date for the plan year, the assets of the plan as of the valuation date shall not include—

(i) such contributions, and

(ii) interest on such contributions for the period between the date of the contributions and the valuation date, determined by using the effective interest rate for the plan year.

(h) Actuarial assumptions and methods

(1) In general

Subject to this subsection, the determination of any present value or other computation under this section shall be made on the basis of actuarial assumptions and methods—

(A) each of which is reasonable (taking into account the experience of the plan and reasonable expectations), and

(B) which, in combination, offer the actuary's best estimate of anticipated experience under the plan.

(2) Interest rates

(A) Effective interest rate

For purposes of this section, the term "effective interest rate" means, with respect to any plan for any plan year, the single rate of interest which, if used to determine the present value of the plan's accrued or earned benefits referred to in subsection (d)(1), would result in an amount equal to the funding target of the plan for such plan year.

(B) Interest rates for determining funding target

For purposes of determining the funding target and normal cost of a plan for any plan year, the interest rate used in determining the present value of the benefits of the plan shall be—

(i) in the case of benefits reasonably determined to be payable during the 5-year period beginning on the valuation date for the plan year, the first segment rate with respect to the applicable month,

(ii) in the case of benefits reasonably determined to be payable during the 15-year period beginning at the end of the period described in clause (i), the second segment rate with respect to the applicable month, and

(iii) in the case of benefits reasonably determined to be payable after the period described in clause (ii), the third segment rate with respect to the applicable month.

(C) Segment rates

For purposes of this paragraph—

(i) First segment rate

The term "first segment rate" means, with respect to any month, the single rate of interest which shall be determined by the Secretary of the Treasury for such month on the basis of the corporate bond yield curve for such month, taking into account only that portion of such yield curve which is based on bonds maturing during the 5-year period commencing with such month.

(ii) Second segment rate

The term "second segment rate" means, with respect to any month, the single rate of interest which shall be determined by the Secretary of the Treasury for such month on the basis of the corporate bond yield curve for such month, taking into account only that portion of such yield curve which is based on bonds maturing during the 15-year period beginning at the end of the period described in clause (i).

(iii) Third segment rate

The term "third segment rate" means, with respect to any month, the single rate of interest which shall be determined by the Secretary of the Treasury for such month on the basis of the corporate bond yield curve for such month, taking into account only that portion of such yield curve which is based on bonds maturing during periods beginning after the period described in clause (ii).

(iv) Segment rate stabilization

(I) In general

If a segment rate described in clause (i), (ii), or (iii) with respect to any applicable month (determined without regard to this clause) is less than the applicable minimum percentage, or more than the applicable maximum percentage, of the average of the segment rates described in such clause for years in the 25-year period ending with September 30 of the calendar year preceding the calendar year in which the plan year begins, then the segment rate described in such clause with respect to the applicable month shall be equal to the applicable minimum percentage or the applicable maximum percentage of such average, whichever is closest. The Secretary of the Treasury shall determine such average on an annual basis and may prescribe equivalent rates for years in any such 25-year period for which the rates described in any such clause are not available. Notwithstanding anything in this subclause, if the average of the first, second, or third segment rate for any 25-year period is less than 5 percent, such average shall be deemed to be 5 percent.

(II) Applicable minimum percentage; applicable maximum percentage

For purposes of subclause (I), the applicable minimum percentage and the applicable maximum percentage for a plan year beginning in a calendar year shall be determined in accordance with the following table:

If the calendar year is:	The applicable minimum percentage is:	The applicable maximum percentage is:
Any year in the period starting in 2012 and ending in 2019	90%	110%
Any year in the period starting in 2020 and ending in 2030	95%	105%
2031	90%	110%
2032	85%	115%
2033	80%	120%
2034	75%	125%
After 2034	70%	130%.

(D) Corporate bond yield curve

For purposes of this paragraph—

(i) In general

The term "corporate bond yield curve" means, with respect to any month, a yield curve which is prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury for such month and which reflects the average, for the 24-month period ending with the month preceding such month, of monthly yields on investment grade corporate bonds with varying maturities and that are in the top 3 quality levels available.

(ii) Election to use yield curve

Solely for purposes of determining the minimum required contribution under this section, the plan sponsor may, in lieu of the segment rates determined under subparagraph (C), elect to use interest rates under the corporate bond yield curve. For purposes of the preceding sentence such curve shall be determined without regard to the 24-month averaging described in clause (i). Such election, once made, may be revoked only with the consent of the Secretary of the Treasury.

(E) Applicable month

For purposes of this paragraph, the term "applicable month" means, with respect to any plan for any plan year, the month which includes the valuation date of such plan for such plan year or, at the election of the plan sponsor, any of the 4 months which precede such month. Any election made under this subparagraph shall apply to the plan year for which the election is made and all succeeding plan years, unless the election is revoked with the consent of the Secretary of the Treasury.

(F) Publication requirements

The Secretary of the Treasury shall publish for each month the corporate bond yield curve (and the corporate bond yield curve reflecting the modification described in section 1055(g)(3)(B)(iii)(I) ³ of this title for such month) and each of the rates determined under subparagraph (C) and the averages determined under subparagraph (C)(iv) for such month. The Secretary of the Treasury shall also publish a description of the methodology used to determine such yield curve and such rates which is sufficiently detailed to enable plans to make reasonable projections regarding the yield curve and such rates for future months based on the plan's projection of future interest rates.

(3) Mortality tables

(A) In general

Except as provided in subparagraph (C) or (D), the Secretary of the Treasury shall by regulation prescribe mortality tables to be used in determining any present value or making any computation under this section. Such tables shall be based on the actual experience of pension plans and projected trends in such experience. In prescribing such tables, the Secretary of the Treasury shall take into account results of available independent studies of mortality of individuals covered by pension plans.

(B) Periodic revision

The Secretary of the Treasury shall (at least every 10 years) make revisions in any table in effect under subparagraph (A) to reflect the actual experience of pension plans and projected trends in such experience.

(C) Substitute mortality table

(i) In general

Upon request by the plan sponsor and approval by the Secretary of the Treasury, a mortality table which meets the requirements of clause (iii) shall be used in determining any present value or making any computation under this section during the period of consecutive plan years (not to exceed 10) specified in the request.

(ii) Early termination of period

Notwithstanding clause (i), a mortality table described in clause (i) shall cease to be in effect as of the earliest of—

(I) the date on which there is a significant change in the participants in the plan by reason of a plan spinoff or merger or otherwise, or

(II) the date on which the plan actuary determines that such table does not meet the requirements of clause (iii).

(iii) Requirements

A mortality table meets the requirements of this clause if—

(I) there is a sufficient number of plan participants, and the pension plans have been maintained for a sufficient period of time, to have credible information necessary for purposes of subclause (II), and

(II) such table reflects the actual experience of the pension plans maintained by the sponsor and projected trends in general mortality experience.

(iv) All plans in controlled group must use separate table

Except as provided by the Secretary of the Treasury, a plan sponsor may not use a mortality table under this subparagraph for any plan maintained by the plan sponsor unless—

(I) a separate mortality table is established and used under this subparagraph for each other plan maintained by the plan sponsor and if the plan sponsor is a member of a controlled group, each member of the controlled group, and

(II) the requirements of clause (iii) are met separately with respect to the table so established for each such plan, determined by only taking into account the participants of such plan, the time such plan has been in existence, and the actual experience of such plan.

(v) Deadline for submission and disposition of application

(I) Submission

The plan sponsor shall submit a mortality table to the Secretary of the Treasury for approval under this subparagraph at least 7 months before the 1st day of the period described in clause (i).

(II) Disposition

Any mortality table submitted to the Secretary of the Treasury for approval under this subparagraph shall be treated as in effect as of the 1st day of the period described in clause (i) unless the Secretary of the Treasury, during the 180-day period beginning on the date of such submission, disapproves of such table and provides the reasons that such table fails to meet the requirements of clause (iii). The 180-day period shall be extended upon mutual agreement of the Secretary of the Treasury and the plan sponsor.

(D) Separate mortality tables for the disabled

Notwithstanding subparagraph (A)—

(i) In general

The Secretary of the Treasury shall establish mortality tables which may be used (in lieu of the tables under subparagraph (A)) under this subsection for individuals who are entitled to benefits under the plan on account of disability. The Secretary of the Treasury shall establish separate tables for individuals whose disabilities occur in plan years beginning before January 1, 1995, and for individuals whose disabilities occur in plan years beginning on or after such date.

(ii) Special rule for disabilities occurring after 1994

In the case of disabilities occurring in plan years beginning after December 31, 1994, the tables under clause (i) shall apply only with respect to individuals described in such subclause who are disabled within the meaning of title II of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.] and the regulations thereunder.

(iii) Periodic revision

The Secretary of the Treasury shall (at least every 10 years) make revisions in any table in effect under clause (i) to reflect the actual experience of pension plans and projected trends in such experience.

(4) Probability of benefit payments in the form of lump sums or other optional forms

For purposes of determining any present value or making any computation under this section, there shall be taken into account—

(A) the probability that future benefit payments under the plan will be made in the form of optional forms of benefits provided under the plan (including lump sum distributions, determined on the basis of the plan's experience and other related assumptions), and

(B) any difference in the present value of such future benefit payments resulting from the use of actuarial assumptions, in determining benefit payments in any such optional form of benefits, which are different from those specified in this subsection.

(5) Approval of large changes in actuarial assumptions

(A) In general

No actuarial assumption used to determine the funding target for a plan to which this paragraph applies may be changed without the approval of the Secretary of the Treasury.

(B) Plans to which paragraph applies

This paragraph shall apply to a plan only if—

(i) the plan is a single-employer plan to which subchapter III applies,

(ii) the aggregate unfunded vested benefits as of the close of the preceding plan year (as determined under section 1306(a)(3)(E)(iii) of this title) of such plan and all other plans maintained by the contributing sponsors (as defined in section 1301(a)(13) of this title) and members of such sponsors' controlled groups (as defined in section 1301(a)(14) of this title) which are covered by subchapter III (disregarding plans with no unfunded vested benefits) exceed $50,000,000, and

(iii) the change in assumptions (determined after taking into account any changes in interest rate and mortality table) results in a decrease in the funding shortfall of the plan for the current plan year that exceeds $50,000,000, or that exceeds $5,000,000 and that is 5 percent or more of the funding target of the plan before such change.

(i) Special rules for at-risk plans

(1) Funding target for plans in at-risk status

(A) In general

In the case of a plan which is in at-risk status for a plan year, the funding target of the plan for the plan year shall be equal to the sum of—

(i) the present value of all benefits accrued or earned under the plan as of the beginning of the plan year, as determined by using the additional actuarial assumptions described in subparagraph (B), and

(ii) in the case of a plan which also has been in at-risk status for at least 2 of the 4 preceding plan years, a loading factor determined under subparagraph (C).

(B) Additional actuarial assumptions

The actuarial assumptions described in this subparagraph are as follows:

(i) All employees who are not otherwise assumed to retire as of the valuation date but who will be eligible to elect benefits during the plan year and the 10 succeeding plan years shall be assumed to retire at the earliest retirement date under the plan but not before the end of the plan year for which the at-risk funding target and at-risk target normal cost are being determined.

(ii) All employees shall be assumed to elect the retirement benefit available under the plan at the assumed retirement age (determined after application of clause (i)) which would result in the highest present value of benefits.

(C) Loading factor

The loading factor applied with respect to a plan under this paragraph for any plan year is the sum of—

(i) $700, times the number of participants in the plan, plus

(ii) 4 percent of the funding target (determined without regard to this paragraph) of the plan for the plan year.

(2) Target normal cost of at-risk plans

In the case of a plan which is in at-risk status for a plan year, the target normal cost of the plan for such plan year shall be equal to the sum of—

(A) the excess of—

(i) the sum of—

(I) the present value of all benefits which are expected to accrue or to be earned under the plan during the plan year, determined using the additional actuarial assumptions described in paragraph (1)(B), plus

(II) the amount of plan-related expenses expected to be paid from plan assets during the plan year, over

(ii) the amount of mandatory employee contributions expected to be made during the plan year, plus

(B) in the case of a plan which also has been in at-risk status for at least 2 of the 4 preceding plan years, a loading factor equal to 4 percent of the amount determined under subsection (b)(1)(A)(i) with respect to the plan for the plan year.

(3) Minimum amount

In no event shall—

(A) the at-risk funding target be less than the funding target, as determined without regard to this subsection, or

(B) the at-risk target normal cost be less than the target normal cost, as determined without regard to this subsection.

(4) Determination of at-risk status

For purposes of this subsection—

(A) In general

A plan is in at-risk status for a plan year if—

(i) the funding target attainment percentage for the preceding plan year (determined under this section without regard to this subsection) is less than 80 percent, and

(ii) the funding target attainment percentage for the preceding plan year (determined under this section by using the additional actuarial assumptions described in paragraph (1)(B) in computing the funding target) is less than 70 percent.

(B) Transition rule

In the case of plan years beginning in 2008, 2009, and 2010, subparagraph (A)(i) shall be applied by substituting the following percentages for "80 percent":

(i) 65 percent in the case of 2008.

(ii) 70 percent in the case of 2009.

(iii) 75 percent in the case of 2010.

In the case of plan years beginning in 2008, the funding target attainment percentage for the preceding plan year under subparagraph (A) may be determined using such methods of estimation as the Secretary of the Treasury may provide.

(C) Special rule for employees offered early retirement in 2006

(i) In general

For purposes of subparagraph (A)(ii), the additional actuarial assumptions described in paragraph (1)(B) shall not be taken into account with respect to any employee if—

(I) such employee is employed by a specified automobile manufacturer,

(II) such employee is offered a substantial amount of additional cash compensation, substantially enhanced retirement benefits under the plan, or materially reduced employment duties on the condition that by a specified date (not later than December 31, 2010) the employee retires (as defined under the terms of the plan),

(III) such offer is made during 2006 and pursuant to a bona fide retirement incentive program and requires, by the terms of the offer, that such offer can be accepted not later than a specified date (not later than December 31, 2006), and

(IV) such employee does not elect to accept such offer before the specified date on which the offer expires.

(ii) Specified automobile manufacturer

For purposes of clause (i), the term "specified automobile manufacturer" means—

(I) any manufacturer of automobiles, and

(II) any manufacturer of automobile parts which supplies such parts directly to a manufacturer of automobiles and which, after a transaction or series of transactions ending in 1999, ceased to be a member of a controlled group which included such manufacturer of automobiles.

(5) Transition between applicable funding targets and between applicable target normal costs

(A) In general

In any case in which a plan which is in at-risk status for a plan year has been in such status for a consecutive period of fewer than 5 plan years, the applicable amount of the funding target and of the target normal cost shall be, in lieu of the amount determined without regard to this paragraph, the sum of—

(i) the amount determined under this section without regard to this subsection, plus

(ii) the transition percentage for such plan year of the excess of the amount determined under this subsection (without regard to this paragraph) over the amount determined under this section without regard to this subsection.

(B) Transition percentage

For purposes of subparagraph (A), the transition percentage shall be determined in accordance with the following table:

If the consecutive number of years   (including the plan year) the   plan is in at-risk status is—	The transition percentage is—
1	20
2	40
3	60
4	80.

(C) Years before effective date

For purposes of this paragraph, plan years beginning before 2008 shall not be taken into account.

(6) Small plan exception

If, on each day during the preceding plan year, a plan had 500 or fewer participants, the plan shall not be treated as in at-risk status for the plan year. For purposes of this paragraph, all defined benefit plans (other than multiemployer plans) maintained by the same employer (or any member of such employer's controlled group) shall be treated as 1 plan, but only participants with respect to such employer or member shall be taken into account and the rules of subsection (g)(2)(C) shall apply.

(j) Payment of minimum required contributions

(1) In general

For purposes of this section, the due date for any payment of any minimum required contribution for any plan year shall be 8½ months after the close of the plan year.

(2) Interest

Any payment required under paragraph (1) for a plan year that is made on a date other than the valuation date for such plan year shall be adjusted for interest accruing for the period between the valuation date and the payment date, at the effective rate of interest for the plan for such plan year.

(3) Accelerated quarterly contribution schedule for underfunded plans

(A) Failure to timely make required installment

In any case in which the plan has a funding shortfall for the preceding plan year, the employer maintaining the plan shall make the required installments under this paragraph and if the employer fails to pay the full amount of a required installment for the plan year, then the amount of interest charged under paragraph (2) on the underpayment for the period of underpayment shall be determined by using a rate of interest equal to the rate otherwise used under paragraph (2) plus 5 percentage points. In the case of plan years beginning in 2008, the funding shortfall for the preceding plan year may be determined using such methods of estimation as the Secretary of the Treasury may provide.

(B) Amount of underpayment, period of underpayment

For purposes of subparagraph (A)—

(i) Amount

The amount of the underpayment shall be the excess of—

(I) the required installment, over

(II) the amount (if any) of the installment contributed to or under the plan on or before the due date for the installment.

(ii) Period of underpayment

The period for which any interest is charged under this paragraph with respect to any portion of the underpayment shall run from the due date for the installment to the date on which such portion is contributed to or under the plan.

(iii) Order of crediting contributions

For purposes of clause (i)(II), contributions shall be credited against unpaid required installments in the order in which such installments are required to be paid.

(C) Number of required installments; due dates

For purposes of this paragraph—

(i) Payable in 4 installments

There shall be 4 required installments for each plan year.

(ii) Time for payment of installments

The due dates for required installments are set forth in the following table:

In the case of the following required installment:	The due date is:
1st	April 15
2nd	July 15
3rd	October 15
4th	January 15 of the following year.

(D) Amount of required installment

For purposes of this paragraph—

(i) In general

The amount of any required installment shall be 25 percent of the required annual payment.

(ii) Required annual payment

For purposes of clause (i), the term "required annual payment" means the lesser of—

(I) 90 percent of the minimum required contribution (determined without regard to this subsection) to the plan for the plan year under this section, or

(II) 100 percent of the minimum required contribution (determined without regard to this subsection or to any waiver under section 1082(c) of this title) to the plan for the preceding plan year.

 Subclause (II) shall not apply if the preceding plan year referred to in such clause ⁴ was not a year of 12 months.

(E) Fiscal years, short years, and years with alternate valuation date

(i) Fiscal years

In applying this paragraph to a plan year beginning on any date other than January 1, there shall be substituted for the months specified in this paragraph, the months which correspond thereto.

(ii) Short plan year

This subparagraph shall be applied to plan years of less than 12 months in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury.

(iii) Plan with alternate valuation date

The Secretary of the Treasury shall prescribe regulations for the application of this paragraph in the case of a plan which has a valuation date other than the first day of the plan year.

(F) Quarterly contributions not to include certain increased contributions

Subparagraph (D) shall be applied without regard to any increase under subsection (c)(7).

(4) Liquidity requirement in connection with quarterly contributions

(A) In general

A plan to which this paragraph applies shall be treated as failing to pay the full amount of any required installment under paragraph (3) to the extent that the value of the liquid assets paid in such installment is less than the liquidity shortfall (whether or not such liquidity shortfall exceeds the amount of such installment required to be paid but for this paragraph).

(B) Plans to which paragraph applies

This paragraph shall apply to a plan (other than a plan described in subsection (g)(2)(B)) which—

(i) is required to pay installments under paragraph (3) for a plan year, and

(ii) has a liquidity shortfall for any quarter during such plan year.

(C) Period of underpayment

For purposes of paragraph (3)(A), any portion of an installment that is treated as not paid under subparagraph (A) shall continue to be treated as unpaid until the close of the quarter in which the due date for such installment occurs.

(D) Limitation on increase

If the amount of any required installment is increased by reason of subparagraph (A), in no event shall such increase exceed the amount which, when added to prior installments for the plan year, is necessary to increase the funding target attainment percentage of the plan for the plan year (taking into account the expected increase in funding target due to benefits accruing or earned during the plan year) to 100 percent.

(E) Definitions

For purposes of this paragraph—

(i) Liquidity shortfall

The term "liquidity shortfall" means, with respect to any required installment, an amount equal to the excess (as of the last day of the quarter for which such installment is made) of—

(I) the base amount with respect to such quarter, over

(II) the value (as of such last day) of the plan's liquid assets.

(ii) Base amount

(I) In general

The term "base amount" means, with respect to any quarter, an amount equal to 3 times the sum of the adjusted disbursements from the plan for the 12 months ending on the last day of such quarter.

(II) Special rule

If the amount determined under subclause (I) exceeds an amount equal to 2 times the sum of the adjusted disbursements from the plan for the 36 months ending on the last day of the quarter and an enrolled actuary certifies to the satisfaction of the Secretary of the Treasury that such excess is the result of nonrecurring circumstances, the base amount with respect to such quarter shall be determined without regard to amounts related to those nonrecurring circumstances.

(iii) Disbursements from the plan

The term "disbursements from the plan" means all disbursements from the trust, including purchases of annuities, payments of single sums and other benefits, and administrative expenses.

(iv) Adjusted disbursements

The term "adjusted disbursements" means disbursements from the plan reduced by the product of—

(I) the plan's funding target attainment percentage for the plan year, and

(II) the sum of the purchases of annuities, payments of single sums, and such other disbursements as the Secretary of the Treasury shall provide in regulations.

(v) Liquid assets

The term "liquid assets" means cash, marketable securities, and such other assets as specified by the Secretary of the Treasury in regulations.

(vi) Quarter

The term "quarter" means, with respect to any required installment, the 3-month period preceding the month in which the due date for such installment occurs.

(F) Regulations

The Secretary of the Treasury may prescribe such regulations as are necessary to carry out this paragraph.

(k) Imposition of lien where failure to make required contributions

(1) In general

In the case of a plan to which this subsection applies (as provided under paragraph (2)), if—

(A) any person fails to make a contribution payment required by section 1082 of this title and this section before the due date for such payment, and

(B) the unpaid balance of such payment (including interest), when added to the aggregate unpaid balance of all preceding such payments for which payment was not made before the due date (including interest), exceeds $1,000,000,

then there shall be a lien in favor of the plan in the amount determined under paragraph (3) upon all property and rights to property, whether real or personal, belonging to such person and any other person who is a member of the same controlled group of which such person is a member.

(2) Plans to which subsection applies

This subsection shall apply to a single-employer plan covered under section 1321 of this title for any plan year for which the funding target attainment percentage (as defined in subsection (d)(2)) of such plan is less than 100 percent.

(3) Amount of lien

For purposes of paragraph (1), the amount of the lien shall be equal to the aggregate unpaid balance of contribution payments required under this section and section 1082 of this title for which payment has not been made before the due date.

(4) Notice of failure; lien

(A) Notice of failure

A person committing a failure described in paragraph (1) shall notify the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation of such failure within 10 days of the due date for the required contribution payment.

(B) Period of lien

The lien imposed by paragraph (1) shall arise on the due date for the required contribution payment and shall continue until the last day of the first plan year in which the plan ceases to be described in paragraph (1)(B). Such lien shall continue to run without regard to whether such plan continues to be described in paragraph (2) during the period referred to in the preceding sentence.

(C) Certain rules to apply

Any amount with respect to which a lien is imposed under paragraph (1) shall be treated as taxes due and owing the United States and rules similar to the rules of subsections (c), (d), and (e) of section 1368 of this title shall apply with respect to a lien imposed by subsection (a) ⁵ and the amount with respect to such lien.

(5) Enforcement

Any lien created under paragraph (1) may be perfected and enforced only by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, or at the direction of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, by the contributing sponsor (or any member of the controlled group of the contributing sponsor).

(6) Definitions

For purposes of this subsection—

(A) Contribution payment

The term "contribution payment" means, in connection with a plan, a contribution payment required to be made to the plan, including any required installment under paragraphs (3) and (4) of subsection (j).

(B) Due date; required installment

The terms "due date" and "required installment" have the meanings given such terms by subsection (j).

(C) Controlled group

The term "controlled group" means any group treated as a single employer under subsections (b), (c), (m), and (o) of section 414 of title 26.

(l) Qualified transfers to health benefit accounts

In the case of a qualified transfer (as defined in section 420 of title 26), any assets so transferred shall not, for purposes of this section, be treated as assets in the plan.

(m) Special rules for community newspaper plans

(1) In general

An eligible newspaper plan sponsor of a plan under which no participant has had the participant's accrued benefit increased (whether because of service or compensation) after April 2, 2019, may elect to have the alternative standards described in paragraph (4) apply to such plan.

(2) Eligible newspaper plan sponsor

The term "eligible newspaper plan sponsor" means the plan sponsor of—

(A) any community newspaper plan, or

(B) any other plan sponsored, as of April 2, 2019, by a member of the same controlled group of a plan sponsor of a community newspaper plan if such member is in the trade or business of publishing 1 or more newspapers.

(3) Election

An election under paragraph (1) shall be made at such time and in such manner as prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury. Such election, once made with respect to a plan year, shall apply to all subsequent plan years unless revoked with the consent of the Secretary of the Treasury.

(4) Alternative minimum funding standards

The alternative standards described in this paragraph are the following:

(A) Interest rates

(i) In general

Notwithstanding subsection (h)(2)(C) and except as provided in clause (ii), the first, second, and third segment rates in effect for any month for purposes of this section shall be 8 percent.

(ii) New benefit accruals

Notwithstanding subsection (h)(2), for purposes of determining the funding target and normal cost of a plan for any plan year, the present value of any benefits accrued or earned under the plan for a plan year with respect to which an election under paragraph (1) is in effect shall be determined on the basis of the United States Treasury obligation yield curve for the day that is the valuation date of such plan for such plan year.

(iii) United States Treasury obligation yield curve

For purposes of this subsection, the term "United States Treasury obligation yield curve" means, with respect to any day, a yield curve which shall be prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury for such day on interest-bearing obligations of the United States.

(B) Shortfall amortization base

(i) Previous shortfall amortization bases

The shortfall amortization bases determined under subsection (c)(3) for all plan years preceding the first plan year to which the election under paragraph (1) applies (and all shortfall amortization installments determined with respect to such bases) shall be reduced to zero under rules similar to the rules of subsection (c)(6).

(ii) New shortfall amortization base

Notwithstanding subsection (c)(3), the shortfall amortization base for the first plan year to which the election under paragraph (1) applies shall be the funding shortfall of such plan for such plan year (determined using the interest rates as modified under subparagraph (A)).

(C) Determination of shortfall amortization installments

(i) 30-year period

Subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection (c)(2) shall be applied by substituting "30-plan-year" for "7-plan-year" each place it appears.

(ii) No special election

The election under subparagraph (D) of subsection (c)(2) shall not apply to any plan year to which the election under paragraph (1) applies.

(D) Exemption from at-risk treatment

Subsection (i) shall not apply.

(5) Community newspaper plan

For purposes of this subsection—

(A) In general

The term "community newspaper plan" means a plan to which this section applies maintained as of December 31, 2018, by an employer which—

(i) maintains the plan on behalf of participants and beneficiaries with respect to employment in the trade or business of publishing 1 or more newspapers which were published by the employer at any time during the 11-year period ending on December 20, 2019,

(ii)(I) is not a company the stock of which is publicly traded (on a stock exchange or in an over-the-counter market), and is not controlled, directly or indirectly, by such a company, or

(II) is controlled, directly, or indirectly, during the entire 30-year period ending on December 20, 2019, by individuals who are members of the same family, and does not publish or distribute a daily newspaper that is carrier-distributed in printed form in more than 5 States, and

(iii) is controlled, directly, or indirectly—

(I) by 1 or more persons residing primarily in a State in which the community newspaper has been published on newsprint or carrier-distributed,

(II) during the entire 30-year period ending on December 20, 2019, by individuals who are members of the same family,

(III) by 1 or more trusts, the sole trustees of which are persons described in subclause (I) or (II), or

(IV) by a combination of persons described in subclause (I), (II), or (III).

(B) Newspaper

The term "newspaper" does not include any newspaper (determined without regard to this subparagraph) to which any of the following apply:

(i) Is not in general circulation.

(ii) Is published (on newsprint or electronically) less frequently than 3 times per week.

(iii) Has not ever been regularly published on newsprint.

(iv) Does not have a bona fide list of paid subscribers.

(C) Control

A person shall be treated as controlled by another person if such other person possesses, directly or indirectly, the power to direct or cause the direction and management of such person (including the power to elect a majority of the members of the board of directors of such person) through the ownership of voting securities.

(6) Controlled group

For purposes of this subsection, the term "controlled group" means all persons treated as a single employer under subsection (b), (c), (m), or (o) of section 414 of title 26 as of December 20, 2019.

(7) Effect on premium rate calculation

In the case of a plan for which an election is made to apply the alternative standards described in paragraph (3), the additional premium under section 1306(a)(3)(E) of this title shall be determined as if such election had not been made.

(Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §303, as added Pub. L. 109–280, title I, §102(a), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 789; amended Pub. L. 110–458, title I, §§101(b)(1), 121(a), title II, §202(a), Dec. 23, 2008, 122 Stat. 5093, 5113, 5117; Pub. L. 111–192, title II, §§201(a), 204(a), June 25, 2010, 124 Stat. 1283, 1300; Pub. L. 112–141, div. D, title II, §40211(b)(1), (3)(A), July 6, 2012, 126 Stat. 847, 849; Pub. L. 113–159, title II, §2003(b)(1), (d)(2), Aug. 8, 2014, 128 Stat. 1849, 1851; Pub. L. 113–295, div. A, title II, §221(a)(57)(C)(ii), (D)(ii), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 4046; Pub. L. 114–74, title V, §504(b)(1), Nov. 2, 2015, 129 Stat. 593; Pub. L. 116–94, div. O, title I, §115(b), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 3158; Pub. L. 117–2, title IX, §§9705(b), 9706(b)(1), (2), 9707(b), Mar. 11, 2021, 135 Stat. 200, 201, 204; Pub. L. 117–58, div. H, title VI, §80602(b)(1), Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 1339.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 106 of the Pension Protection Act of 2006, referred to in subsec. (c)(2)(D)(iv)(I), is section 106 of Pub. L. 109–280, which is set out as a note under section 401 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Section 1055(g)(3)(B)(iii)(I) of this title, referred to in subsec. (h)(2)(F), was redesignated section 1055(g)(3)(B)(iii) of this title by Pub. L. 113–295, div. A, title II, §221(a)(57)(B)(ii), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 4046.

The Social Security Act, referred to in subsec. (h)(3)(D)(ii), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620. Title II of the Act is classified generally to subchapter II (§401 et seq.) of chapter 7 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of Title 42 and Tables.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 1083, Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §303, Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 872; Pub. L. 99–272, title XI, §§11015(b)(1)(A), 11016(c)(2), Apr. 7, 1986, 100 Stat. 267, 273; Pub. L. 100–203, title IX, §9306(a)(2), (b)(2), (c)(2)(A), (d)(2), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–353 to 1330-355; Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §§7881(b)(6)(B)(ii), (7), (8), (c)(2), 7891(a)(1), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2438, 2439, 2445, related to variance from minimum funding standard, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 109–280, title I, §101(a), (d), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 784, 789, applicable to plan years beginning after 2007.

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (c)(8). Pub. L. 117–2, §9705(b), added par. (8).

Subsec. (h)(2)(C)(iv)(I). Pub. L. 117–2, §9706(b)(2), inserted at end "Notwithstanding anything in this subclause, if the average of the first, second, or third segment rate for any 25-year period is less than 5 percent, such average shall be deemed to be 5 percent."

Subsec. (h)(2)(C)(iv)(II). Pub. L. 117–58 amended table generally. Prior to amendment, table related to applicable minimum and maximum percentages for each calendar year from 2020 to 2029 and for calendar years after 2029.

Pub. L. 117–2, §9706(b)(1), amended table generally. Prior to amendment, table related to applicable minimum and maximum percentages for each calendar year from 2012 to 2023 and for calendar years after 2023.

Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 117–2, §9707(b), amended subsec. (m) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (m) set out special rules for community newspaper plans under which no participant has had the participant's accrued benefit increased after December 31, 2017.

2019—Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 116–94 added subsec. (m).

2015—Subsec. (h)(2)(C)(iv)(II). Pub. L. 114–74 amended table generally. Prior to amendment, table related to applicable minimum and maximum percentages for each calendar year from 2012 to 2020 and for calendar years after 2020.

2014—Subsec. (c)(5). Pub. L. 113–295, §221(a)(57)(C)(ii), struck out subpar. (A) designation and heading and struck out subpar. (B) which related to transition rule and availability of transition relief.

Subsec. (h)(2)(B)(i). Pub. L. 113–159, §2003(d)(2), substituted "the valuation date for the plan year" for "the first day of the plan year".

Subsec. (h)(2)(C)(iv)(II). Pub. L. 113–159, §2003(b)(1), amended table generally. Prior to amendment, table related to applicable minimum and maximum percentages for each calendar year from 2012 to 2015 and for calendar years after 2015.

Subsec. (h)(2)(G). Pub. L. 113–295, §221(a)(57)(D)(ii), struck out subpar. (G) which related to transition rule for plan years beginning in 2008 or 2009.

2012—Subsec. (h)(2)(C)(iv). Pub. L. 112–141, §40211(b)(1), added cl. (iv).

Subsec. (h)(2)(F). Pub. L. 112–141, §40211(b)(3)(A), inserted "and the averages determined under subparagraph (C)(iv)" after "subparagraph (C)".

2010—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 111–192, §201(a)(3)(A), substituted "any shortfall amortization base which has not been fully amortized under this subsection" for "the shortfall amortization bases for such plan year and each of the 6 preceding plan years".

Subsec. (c)(2)(D). Pub. L. 111–192, §201(a)(1), added subpar. (D).

Subsec. (c)(7). Pub. L. 111–192, §201(a)(2), added par. (7).

Subsec. (f)(3)(D). Pub. L. 111–192, §204(a), added subpar. (D).

Subsec. (j)(3)(F). Pub. L. 111–192, §201(a)(3)(B), added subpar. (F).

2008—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 110–458, §101(b)(1)(A), amended subsec. (b) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "For purposes of this section, except as provided in subsection (i)(2) with respect to plans in at-risk status, the term 'target normal cost' means, for any plan year, the present value of all benefits which are expected to accrue or to be earned under the plan during the plan year. For purposes of this subsection, if any benefit attributable to services performed in a preceding plan year is increased by reason of any increase in compensation during the current plan year, the increase in such benefit shall be treated as having accrued during the current plan year."

Subsec. (c)(5)(B)(i). Pub. L. 110–458, §202(a)(2), added cl. (i) and struck out former cl. (i). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Except as provided in clauses (iii) and (iv), in the case of plan years beginning after 2007 and before 2011, only the applicable percentage of the funding target shall be taken into account under paragraph (3)(A) in determining the funding shortfall for the plan year for purposes of subparagraph (A)."

Subsec. (c)(5)(B)(iii). Pub. L. 110–458, §202(a)(1), redesignated cl. (iv) as (iii) and struck out former cl. (iii). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Clause (i) shall not apply with respect to any plan year beginning after 2008 unless the shortfall amortization base for each of the preceding years beginning after 2007 was zero (determined after application of this subparagraph)."

Pub. L. 110–458, §101(b)(1)(B), inserted "beginning" before "after 2008".

Subsec. (c)(5)(B)(iv). Pub. L. 110–458, §202(a)(1), redesignated cl. (iv) as (iii).

Subsec. (c)(5)(B)(iv)(II). Pub. L. 110–458, §101(b)(1)(C), inserted "for such year" after "beginning in 2007)".

Subsec. (f)(4)(A). Pub. L. 110–458, §101(b)(1)(D), substituted "paragraph (3)" for "paragraph (2)".

Subsec. (g)(3)(B). Pub. L. 110–458, §121(a), amended concluding provisions generally. Prior to amendment, concluding provisions read as follows: "Any such averaging shall be adjusted for contributions and distributions (as provided by the Secretary of the Treasury)."

Subsec. (h)(2)(F). Pub. L. 110–458, §101(b)(1)(E), substituted "section 1055(g)(3)(B)(iii)(I) of this title for such month)" for "section 1055(g)(3)(B)(iii)(I) of this title) for such month" and "subparagraph (C)" for "subparagraph (B)".

Subsec. (i)(2)(A). Pub. L. 110–458, §101(b)(1)(F)(i)(I), added subpar. (A) and struck out former subpar. (A) which read as follows: "the present value of all benefits which are expected to accrue or be earned under the plan during the plan year, determined using the additional actuarial assumptions described in paragraph (1)(B), plus".

Subsec. (i)(2)(B). Pub. L. 110–458, §101(b)(1)(F)(i)(II), substituted "the amount determined under subsection (b)(1)(A)(i) with respect to the plan for the plan year" for "the target normal cost (determined without regard to this paragraph) of the plan for the plan year".

Subsec. (i)(4)(B). Pub. L. 110–458, §101(b)(1)(F)(ii), substituted "subparagraph (A)" for "subparagraph (A)(ii)" in concluding provisions.

Subsec. (j)(3)(A). Pub. L. 110–458, §101(b)(1)(G)(i), inserted last sentence.

Subsec. (j)(3)(E). Pub. L. 110–458, §101(b)(1)(G)(ii), (iii), substituted ", short years, and years with alternate valuation date" for "and short years" in heading and added cl. (iii).

Subsec. (k)(6)(B). Pub. L. 110–458, §101(b)(1)(H), struck out ", except that in the case of a payment other than a required installment, the due date shall be the date such payment is required to be made under this section" after "subsection (j)".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2021 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 117–58 applicable to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2021, see section 80602(c) of Pub. L. 117–58, set out as a note under section 430 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Amendment by section 9705(b) of Pub. L. 117–2 applicable to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2018, see section 9705(c) of Pub. L. 117–2, set out as a note under section 430 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Amendment by section 9706(b)(1), (2) of Pub. L. 117–2 applicable with respect to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2019, with certain exceptions, see section 9706(c) of Pub. L. 117–2, set out as a note under section 430 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Amendment by section 9707(b) of Pub. L. 117–2 applicable to plan years ending after Dec. 31, 2017, see section 9707(c) of Pub. L. 117–2, set out as a note under section 430 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 2019 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 116–94 applicable to plan years ending after Dec. 31, 2017, see section 115(c) of Pub. L. 116–94, set out as a note under section 430 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 2015 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–74 applicable with respect to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2015, see section 504(c) of Pub. L. 114–74, set out as a note under section 430 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 2014 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 113–295 effective Dec. 19, 2014, subject to a savings provision, see section 221(b) of Pub. L. 113–295, set out as a note under section 1 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Amendment by Pub. L. 113–159 applicable with respect to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2012, except as otherwise provided, see section 2003(e) of Pub. L. 113–159, set out as a note under section 430 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 2012 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 112–141 applicable with respect to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2011, except as otherwise provided, see section 40211(c) of Pub. L. 112–141, set out as a note under section 404 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 2010 Amendment

Amendment by section 201(a) of Pub. L. 111–192 applicable to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2007, see section 201(c) of Pub. L. 111–192, set out as a note under section 430 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Amendment by section 204(a) of Pub. L. 111–192 applicable to plan years beginning after Aug. 31, 2009, with certain exceptions, see section 204(c) of Pub. L. 111–192, set out as a note under section 430 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Amendment by section 101(b)(1)(A), (F)(i) of Pub. L. 110–458 applicable to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2008, and applicable to a plan for the first plan year beginning after Dec. 31, 2007, under certain conditions, see section 101(b)(3) of Pub. L. 110–458, set out as a note under section 430 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Amendment by section 101(b)(1)(B)–(E), (F)(ii)–(H) of Pub. L. 110–458 effective as if included in the provisions of Pub. L. 109–280 to which the amendment relates, except as otherwise provided, see section 112 of Pub. L. 110–458, set out as a note under section 72 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Amendment by section 121(a) of Pub. L. 110–458 effective as if included in the provisions of Pub. L. 109–280 to which the amendment relates, see section 121(c) of Pub. L. 110–458, set out as a note under section 430 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Amendment by section 202(a) of Pub. L. 110–458 applicable as if included in the enactment of this section, see section 202(c) of Pub. L. 110–458, set out as a note under section 430 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date

Pub. L. 109–280, title I, §102(c), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 809, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [enacting this section] shall apply with respect to plan years beginning after 2007."

Applicability of Amendments by Subtitles A and B of Title I of Pub. L. 109–280

For special rules on applicability of amendments by subtitles A (§§101–108) and B (§§111–116) of title I of Pub. L. 109–280 to certain eligible cooperative plans, PBGC settlement plans, and eligible government contractor plans, see sections 104, 105, and 106 of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as notes under section 401 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Modification of Transition Rule to Pension Funding Requirements

For modification of transition rule to pension funding requirements in the case of a plan that was not required to pay a variable rate premium for the plan year beginning in 1996, has not, in any plan year beginning after 1995, merged with another plan (other than a plan sponsored by an employer that was in 1996 within the controlled group of the plan sponsor), and is sponsored by a company that is engaged primarily in the interurban or interstate passenger bus service, see section 115(a)–(c) of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as a note under section 430 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

¹ So in original. Probably should be followed by "to".

² So in original. Probably should be "paragraph (3)."

³ See References in Text note below.

⁴ So in original. Probably should be "subclause".

⁵ So in original. Probably should be "paragraph (1)".

§1084. Minimum funding standards for multiemployer plans

(a) In general

For purposes of section 1082 of this title, the accumulated funding deficiency of a multiemployer plan for any plan year is the amount, determined as of the end of the plan year, equal to the excess (if any) of the total charges to the funding standard account of the plan for all plan years (beginning with the first plan year for which this part applies to the plan) over the total credits to such account for such years.

(b) Funding standard account

(1) Account required

Each multiemployer plan to which this part applies shall establish and maintain a funding standard account. Such account shall be credited and charged solely as provided in this section.

(2) Charges to account

For a plan year, the funding standard account shall be charged with the sum of—

(A) the normal cost of the plan for the plan year,

(B) the amounts necessary to amortize in equal annual installments (until fully amortized)—

(i) in the case of a plan which comes into existence on or after January 1, 2008, the unfunded past service liability under the plan on the first day of the first plan year to which this section applies, over a period of 15 plan years,

(ii) separately, with respect to each plan year, the net increase (if any) in unfunded past service liability under the plan arising from plan amendments adopted in such year, over a period of 15 plan years,

(iii) separately, with respect to each plan year, the net experience loss (if any) under the plan, over a period of 15 plan years, and

(iv) separately, with respect to each plan year, the net loss (if any) resulting from changes in actuarial assumptions used under the plan, over a period of 15 plan years,

(C) the amount necessary to amortize each waived funding deficiency (within the meaning of section 1082(c)(3) of this title) for each prior plan year in equal annual installments (until fully amortized) over a period of 15 plan years,

(D) the amount necessary to amortize in equal annual installments (until fully amortized) over a period of 5 plan years any amount credited to the funding standard account under section 1082(b)(3)(D) of this title (as in effect on the day before August 17, 2006), and

(E) the amount necessary to amortize in equal annual installments (until fully amortized) over a period of 20 years the contributions which would be required to be made under the plan but for the provisions of section 1082(c)(7)(A)(i)(I) of this title (as in effect on the day before August 17, 2006).

(3) Credits to account

For a plan year, the funding standard account shall be credited with the sum of—

(A) the amount considered contributed by the employer to or under the plan for the plan year,

(B) the amount necessary to amortize in equal annual installments (until fully amortized)—

(i) separately, with respect to each plan year, the net decrease (if any) in unfunded past service liability under the plan arising from plan amendments adopted in such year, over a period of 15 plan years,

(ii) separately, with respect to each plan year, the net experience gain (if any) under the plan, over a period of 15 plan years, and

(iii) separately, with respect to each plan year, the net gain (if any) resulting from changes in actuarial assumptions used under the plan, over a period of 15 plan years,

(C) the amount of the waived funding deficiency (within the meaning of section 1082(c)(3) of this title) for the plan year, and

(D) in the case of a plan year for which the accumulated funding deficiency is determined under the funding standard account if such plan year follows a plan year for which such deficiency was determined under the alternative minimum funding standard under section 1085 of this title (as in effect on the day before August 17, 2006), the excess (if any) of any debit balance in the funding standard account (determined without regard to this subparagraph) over any debit balance in the alternative minimum funding standard account.

(4) Special rule for amounts first amortized in plan years before 2008

In the case of any amount amortized under section 1082(b) of this title (as in effect on the day before August 17, 2006) over any period beginning with a plan year beginning before 2008, in lieu of the amortization described in paragraphs (2)(B) and (3)(B), such amount shall continue to be amortized under such section as so in effect.

(5) Combining and offsetting amounts to be amortized

Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury, amounts required to be amortized under paragraph (2) or paragraph (3), as the case may be—

(A) may be combined into one amount under such paragraph to be amortized over a period determined on the basis of the remaining amortization period for all items entering into such combined amount, and

(B) may be offset against amounts required to be amortized under the other such paragraph, with the resulting amount to be amortized over a period determined on the basis of the remaining amortization periods for all items entering into whichever of the two amounts being offset is the greater.

(6) Interest

The funding standard account (and items therein) shall be charged or credited (as determined under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury) with interest at the appropriate rate consistent with the rate or rates of interest used under the plan to determine costs.

(7) Special rules relating to charges and credits to funding standard account

For purposes of this part—

(A) Withdrawal liability

Any amount received by a multiemployer plan in payment of all or part of an employer's withdrawal liability under part 1 of subtitle E of subchapter III shall be considered an amount contributed by the employer to or under the plan. The Secretary of the Treasury may prescribe by regulation additional charges and credits to a multiemployer plan's funding standard account to the extent necessary to prevent withdrawal liability payments from being unduly reflected as advance funding for plan liabilities.

(B) Adjustments when a multiemployer plan leaves reorganization

If a multiemployer plan is not in reorganization in the plan year but was in reorganization in the immediately preceding plan year, any balance in the funding standard account at the close of such immediately preceding plan year—

(i) shall be eliminated by an offsetting credit or charge (as the case may be), but

(ii) shall be taken into account in subsequent plan years by being amortized in equal annual installments (until fully amortized) over 30 plan years.

The preceding sentence shall not apply to the extent of any accumulated funding deficiency under section 1423(a) ¹ of this title as of the end of the last plan year that the plan was in reorganization.

(C) Plan payments to supplemental program or withdrawal liability payment fund

Any amount paid by a plan during a plan year to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation pursuant to section 1402 of this title or to a fund exempt under section 501(c)(22) of title 26 pursuant to section 1403 of this title shall reduce the amount of contributions considered received by the plan for the plan year.

(D) Interim withdrawal liability payments

Any amount paid by an employer pending a final determination of the employer's withdrawal liability under part 1 of subtitle E of subchapter III and subsequently refunded to the employer by the plan shall be charged to the funding standard account in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury.

(E) Election for deferral of charge for portion of net experience loss

If an election is in effect under section 1082(b)(7)(F) of this title (as in effect on the day before August 17, 2006) for any plan year, the funding standard account shall be charged in the plan year to which the portion of the net experience loss deferred by such election was deferred with the amount so deferred (and paragraph (2)(B)(iii) shall not apply to the amount so charged).

(F) Financial assistance

Any amount of any financial assistance from the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation to any plan, and any repayment of such amount, shall be taken into account under this section and section 1082 of this title in such manner as is determined by the Secretary of the Treasury.

(G) Short-term benefits

To the extent that any plan amendment increases the unfunded past service liability under the plan by reason of an increase in benefits which are not payable as a life annuity but are payable under the terms of the plan for a period that does not exceed 14 years from the effective date of the amendment, paragraph (2)(B)(ii) shall be applied separately with respect to such increase in unfunded past service liability by substituting the number of years of the period during which such benefits are payable for "15".

(8) Special relief rules

Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection—

(A) Amortization of net investment losses

(i) In general

A multiemployer plan with respect to which the solvency test under subparagraph (C) is met may treat the portion of any experience loss or gain attributable to net investment losses incurred in either or both of the first two plan years ending after August 31, 2008, as an item separate from other experience losses, to be amortized in equal annual installments (until fully amortized) over the period—

(I) beginning with the plan year in which such portion is first recognized in the actuarial value of assets, and

(II) ending with the last plan year in the 30-plan year period beginning with the plan year in which such net investment loss was incurred.

(ii) Coordination with extensions

If this subparagraph applies for any plan year—

(I) no extension of the amortization period under clause (i) shall be allowed under subsection (d), and

(II) if an extension was granted under subsection (d) for any plan year before the election to have this subparagraph apply to the plan year, such extension shall not result in such amortization period exceeding 30 years.

(iii) Net investment losses

For purposes of this subparagraph—

(I) In general

Net investment losses shall be determined in the manner prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury on the basis of the difference between actual and expected returns (including any difference attributable to any criminally fraudulent investment arrangement).

(II) Criminally fraudulent investment arrangements

The determination as to whether an arrangement is a criminally fraudulent investment arrangement shall be made under rules substantially similar to the rules prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury for purposes of section 165 of title 26.

(B) Expanded smoothing period

(i) In general

A multiemployer plan with respect to which the solvency test under subparagraph (C) is met may change its asset valuation method in a manner which—

(I) spreads the difference between expected and actual returns for either or both of the first 2 plan years ending after August 31, 2008, over a period of not more than 10 years,

(II) provides that for either or both of the first 2 plan years beginning after August 31, 2008, the value of plan assets at any time shall not be less than 80 percent or greater than 130 percent of the fair market value of such assets at such time, or

(III) makes both changes described in subclauses (I) and (II) to such method.

(ii) Asset valuation methods

If this subparagraph applies for any plan year—

(I) the Secretary of the Treasury shall not treat the asset valuation method of the plan as unreasonable solely because of the changes in such method described in clause (i), and

(II) such changes shall be deemed approved by such Secretary under section 1082(d)(1) of this title and section 412(d)(1) of title 26.

(iii) Amortization of reduction in unfunded accrued liability

If this subparagraph and subparagraph (A) both apply for any plan year, the plan shall treat any reduction in unfunded accrued liability resulting from the application of this subparagraph as a separate experience amortization base, to be amortized in equal annual installments (until fully amortized) over a period of 30 plan years rather than the period such liability would otherwise be amortized over.

(C) Solvency test

The solvency test under this paragraph is met only if the plan actuary certifies that the plan is projected to have sufficient assets to timely pay expected benefits and anticipated expenditures over the amortization period, taking into account the changes in the funding standard account under this paragraph.

(D) Restriction on benefit increases

If subparagraph (A) or (B) apply to a multiemployer plan for any plan year, then, in addition to any other applicable restrictions on benefit increases, a plan amendment increasing benefits may not go into effect during either of the 2 plan years immediately following such plan year unless—

(i) the plan actuary certifies that—

(I) any such increase is paid for out of additional contributions not allocated to the plan immediately before the application of this paragraph to the plan, and

(II) the plan's funded percentage and projected credit balances for such 2 plan years are reasonably expected to be at least as high as such percentage and balances would have been if the benefit increase had not been adopted, or

(ii) the amendment is required as a condition of qualification under part I of subchapter D of chapter 1 of title 26 or to comply with other applicable law.

(E) Reporting

A plan sponsor of a plan to which this paragraph applies shall—

(i) give notice of such application to participants and beneficiaries of the plan, and

(ii) inform the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation of such application in such form and manner as the Director of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation may prescribe.

(F) Relief for 2020 and 2021

A multiemployer plan with respect to which the solvency test under subparagraph (C) is met as of February 29, 2020, may elect to apply this paragraph (without regard to whether such plan previously elected the application of this paragraph)—

(i) by substituting "February 29, 2020" for "August 31, 2008" each place it appears in subparagraphs (A)(i), (B)(i)(I), and (B)(i)(II),

(ii) by inserting "and other losses related to the virus SARS–CoV–2 or coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID–19) (including experience losses related to reductions in contributions, reductions in employment, and deviations from anticipated retirement rates, as determined by the plan sponsor)" after "net investment losses" in subparagraph (A)(i), and

(iii) by substituting "this subparagraph or subparagraph (A)" for "this subparagraph and subparagraph (A) both" in subparagraph (B)(iii).

The preceding sentence shall not apply to a plan to which special financial assistance is granted under section 1432 of this title. For purposes of the application of this subparagraph, the Secretary of the Treasury shall rely on the plan sponsor's calculations of plan losses unless such calculations are clearly erroneous.

(c) Additional rules

(1) Determinations to be made under funding method

For purposes of this part, normal costs, accrued liability, past service liabilities, and experience gains and losses shall be determined under the funding method used to determine costs under the plan.

(2) Valuation of assets

(A) In general

For purposes of this part, the value of the plan's assets shall be determined on the basis of any reasonable actuarial method of valuation which takes into account fair market value and which is permitted under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury.

(B) Election with respect to bonds

The value of a bond or other evidence of indebtedness which is not in default as to principal or interest may, at the election of the plan administrator, be determined on an amortized basis running from initial cost at purchase to par value at maturity or earliest call date. Any election under this subparagraph shall be made at such time and in such manner as the Secretary of the Treasury shall by regulations provide, shall apply to all such evidences of indebtedness, and may be revoked only with the consent of such Secretary.

(3) Actuarial assumptions must be reasonable

For purposes of this section, all costs, liabilities, rates of interest, and other factors under the plan shall be determined on the basis of actuarial assumptions and methods—

(A) each of which is reasonable (taking into account the experience of the plan and reasonable expectations), and

(B) which, in combination, offer the actuary's best estimate of anticipated experience under the plan.

(4) Treatment of certain changes as experience gain or loss

For purposes of this section, if—

(A) a change in benefits under the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 301 et seq.] or in other retirement benefits created under Federal or State law, or

(B) a change in the definition of the term "wages" under section 3121 of title 26, or a change in the amount of such wages taken into account under regulations prescribed for purposes of section 401(a)(5) of title 26,

results in an increase or decrease in accrued liability under a plan, such increase or decrease shall be treated as an experience loss or gain.

(5) Full funding

If, as of the close of a plan year, a plan would (without regard to this paragraph) have an accumulated funding deficiency in excess of the full funding limitation—

(A) the funding standard account shall be credited with the amount of such excess, and

(B) all amounts described in subparagraphs (B), (C), and (D) of subsection (b) (2) and subparagraph (B) of subsection (b)(3) which are required to be amortized shall be considered fully amortized for purposes of such subparagraphs.

(6) Full-funding limitation

(A) In general

For purposes of paragraph (5), the term "full-funding limitation" means the excess (if any) of—

(i) the accrued liability (including normal cost) under the plan (determined under the entry age normal funding method if such accrued liability cannot be directly calculated under the funding method used for the plan), over

(ii) the lesser of—

(I) the fair market value of the plan's assets, or

(II) the value of such assets determined under paragraph (2).

(B) Minimum amount

(i) In general

In no event shall the full-funding limitation determined under subparagraph (A) be less than the excess (if any) of—

(I) 90 percent of the current liability of the plan (including the expected increase in current liability due to benefits accruing during the plan year), over

(II) the value of the plan's assets determined under paragraph (2).

(ii) Assets

For purposes of clause (i), assets shall not be reduced by any credit balance in the funding standard account.

(C) Full funding limitation

For purposes of this paragraph, unless otherwise provided by the plan, the accrued liability under a multiemployer plan shall not include benefits which are not nonforfeitable under the plan after the termination of the plan (taking into consideration section 411(d)(3) of title 26).

(D) Current liability

For purposes of this paragraph—

(i) In general

The term "current liability" means all liabilities to employees and their beneficiaries under the plan.

(ii) Treatment of unpredictable contingent event benefits

For purposes of clause (i), any benefit contingent on an event other than—

(I) age, service, compensation, death, or disability, or

(II) an event which is reasonably and reliably predictable (as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury),

 shall not be taken into account until the event on which the benefit is contingent occurs.

(iii) Interest rate used

The rate of interest used to determine current liability under this paragraph shall be the rate of interest determined under subparagraph (E).

(iv) Mortality tables

(I) Commissioners' standard table

In the case of plan years beginning before the first plan year to which the first tables prescribed under subclause (II) apply, the mortality table used in determining current liability under this paragraph shall be the table prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury which is based on the prevailing commissioners' standard table (described in section 807(d)(5)(A) of title 26) ¹ used to determine reserves for group annuity contracts issued on January 1, 1993.

(II) Secretarial authority

The Secretary of the Treasury may by regulation prescribe for plan years beginning after December 31, 1999, mortality tables to be used in determining current liability under this subsection. Such tables shall be based upon the actual experience of pension plans and projected trends in such experience. In prescribing such tables, such Secretary shall take into account results of available independent studies of mortality of individuals covered by pension plans.

(v) Separate mortality tables for the disabled

Notwithstanding clause (iv)—

(I) In general

The Secretary of the Treasury shall establish mortality tables which may be used (in lieu of the tables under clause (iv)) to determine current liability under this subsection for individuals who are entitled to benefits under the plan on account of disability. Such Secretary shall establish separate tables for individuals whose disabilities occur in plan years beginning before January 1, 1995, and for individuals whose disabilities occur in plan years beginning on or after such date.

(II) Special rule for disabilities occurring after 1994

In the case of disabilities occurring in plan years beginning after December 31, 1994, the tables under subclause (I) shall apply only with respect to individuals described in such subclause who are disabled within the meaning of title II of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.] and the regulations thereunder.

(vi) Periodic review

The Secretary of the Treasury shall periodically (at least every 5 years) review any tables in effect under this subparagraph and shall, to the extent such Secretary determines necessary, by regulation update the tables to reflect the actual experience of pension plans and projected trends in such experience.

(E) Required change of interest rate

For purposes of determining a plan's current liability for purposes of this paragraph—

(i) In general

If any rate of interest used under the plan under subsection (b)(6) to determine cost is not within the permissible range, the plan shall establish a new rate of interest within the permissible range.

(ii) Permissible range

For purposes of this subparagraph—

(I) In general

Except as provided in subclause (II), the term "permissible range" means a rate of interest which is not more than 5 percent above, and not more than 10 percent below, the weighted average of the rates of interest on 30-year Treasury securities during the 4-year period ending on the last day before the beginning of the plan year.

(II) Secretarial authority

If the Secretary of the Treasury finds that the lowest rate of interest permissible under subclause (I) is unreasonably high, such Secretary may prescribe a lower rate of interest, except that such rate may not be less than 80 percent of the average rate determined under such subclause.

(iii) Assumptions

Notwithstanding paragraph (3)(A), the interest rate used under the plan shall be—

(I) determined without taking into account the experience of the plan and reasonable expectations, but

(II) consistent with the assumptions which reflect the purchase rates which would be used by insurance companies to satisfy the liabilities under the plan.

(7) Annual valuation

(A) In general

For purposes of this section, a determination of experience gains and losses and a valuation of the plan's liability shall be made not less frequently than once every year, except that such determination shall be made more frequently to the extent required in particular cases under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury.

(B) Valuation date

(i) Current year

Except as provided in clause (ii), the valuation referred to in subparagraph (A) shall be made as of a date within the plan year to which the valuation refers or within one month prior to the beginning of such year.

(ii) Use of prior year valuation

The valuation referred to in subparagraph (A) may be made as of a date within the plan year prior to the year to which the valuation refers if, as of such date, the value of the assets of the plan are not less than 100 percent of the plan's current liability (as defined in paragraph (6)(D) without regard to clause (iv) thereof).

(iii) Adjustments

Information under clause (ii) shall, in accordance with regulations, be actuarially adjusted to reflect significant differences in participants.

(iv) Limitation

A change in funding method to use a prior year valuation, as provided in clause (ii), may not be made unless as of the valuation date within the prior plan year, the value of the assets of the plan are not less than 125 percent of the plan's current liability (as defined in paragraph (6)(D) without regard to clause (iv) thereof).

(8) Time when certain contributions deemed made

For purposes of this section, any contributions for a plan year made by an employer after the last day of such plan year, but not later than two and one-half months after such day, shall be deemed to have been made on such last day. For purposes of this subparagraph, such two and one-half month period may be extended for not more than six months under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury.

(d) Extension of amortization periods for multiemployer plans

(1) Automatic extension upon application by certain plans

(A) In general

If the plan sponsor of a multiemployer plan—

(i) submits to the Secretary of the Treasury an application for an extension of the period of years required to amortize any unfunded liability described in any clause of subsection (b)(2)(B) or described in subsection (b)(4), and

(ii) includes with the application a certification by the plan's actuary described in subparagraph (B),

the Secretary of the Treasury shall extend the amortization period for the period of time (not in excess of 5 years) specified in the application. Such extension shall be in addition to any extension under paragraph (2).

(B) Criteria

A certification with respect to a multiemployer plan is described in this subparagraph if the plan's actuary certifies that, based on reasonable assumptions—

(i) absent the extension under subparagraph (A), the plan would have an accumulated funding deficiency in the current plan year or any of the 9 succeeding plan years,

(ii) the plan sponsor has adopted a plan to improve the plan's funding status,

(iii) the plan is projected to have sufficient assets to timely pay expected benefits and anticipated expenditures over the amortization period as extended, and

(iv) the notice required under paragraph (3)(A) has been provided.

(2) Alternative extension

(A) In general

If the plan sponsor of a multiemployer plan submits to the Secretary of the Treasury an application for an extension of the period of years required to amortize any unfunded liability described in any clause of subsection (b)(2)(B) or described in subsection (b)(4), the Secretary of the Treasury may extend the amortization period for a period of time (not in excess of 10 years reduced by the number of years of any extension under paragraph (1) with respect to such unfunded liability) if the Secretary of the Treasury makes the determination described in subparagraph (B). Such extension shall be in addition to any extension under paragraph (1).

(B) Determination

The Secretary of the Treasury may grant an extension under subparagraph (A) if such Secretary determines that—

(i) such extension would carry out the purposes of this chapter and would provide adequate protection for participants under the plan and their beneficiaries, and

(ii) the failure to permit such extension would—

(I) result in a substantial risk to the voluntary continuation of the plan, or a substantial curtailment of pension benefit levels or employee compensation, and

(II) be adverse to the interests of plan participants in the aggregate.

(C) Action by Secretary of the Treasury

The Secretary of the Treasury shall act upon any application for an extension under this paragraph within 180 days of the submission of such application. If such Secretary rejects the application for an extension under this paragraph, such Secretary shall provide notice to the plan detailing the specific reasons for the rejection, including references to the criteria set forth above.

(3) Advance notice

(A) In general

The Secretary of the Treasury shall, before granting an extension under this subsection, require each applicant to provide evidence satisfactory to such Secretary that the applicant has provided notice of the filing of the application for such extension to each affected party (as defined in section 1301(a)(21) of this title) with respect to the affected plan. Such notice shall include a description of the extent to which the plan is funded for benefits which are guaranteed under subchapter III and for benefit liabilities.

(B) Consideration of relevant information

The Secretary of the Treasury shall consider any relevant information provided by a person to whom notice was given under paragraph (1).

(Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §304, as added Pub. L. 109–280, title II, §201(a), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 858; amended Pub. L. 111–192, title II, §211(a)(1), June 25, 2010, 124 Stat. 1302; Pub. L. 113–235, div. O, title I, §§101(b)(1), 108(a)(3)(B), Dec. 16, 2014, 128 Stat. 2774, 2787; Pub. L. 113–295, div. A, title I, §171(b), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 4023; Pub. L. 117–2, title IX, §9703(a)(1), Mar. 11, 2021, 135 Stat. 188.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 1423(a) of this title, referred to in subsec. (b)(7)(B), was repealed by Pub. L. 113–235, div. O, title I, §108(a)(1), Dec. 16, 2014, 128 Stat. 2786.

The Social Security Act, referred to in subsec. (c)(4)(A), (6)(D)(v)(II), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620, which is classified generally to chapter 7 (§301 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. Title II of the Act is classified generally to subchapter II (§401 et seq.) of chapter 7 of Title 42. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of Title 42 and Tables.

Section 807(d)(5) of title 26, referred to in subsec. (c)(6)(D)(iv)(I), was repealed by Pub. L. 115–97, title I, §13517(a)(2)(A), Dec. 22, 2017, 131 Stat. 2144.

This chapter, referred to in subsec. (d)(2)(B)(i), was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 93–406, known as the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Titles I, III, and IV of such Act are classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1001 of this title and Tables.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 1084, Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §304, Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 873; Pub. L. 99–272, title XI, §§11015(b)(1)(B), 11016(c)(3), Apr. 7, 1986, 100 Stat. 267, 273; Pub. L. 100–203, title IX, §9306(c)(2)(B), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–355; Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §§7891(a)(1), 7894(d)(3), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2445, 2449, related to extension of amortization periods, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 109–280, title I, §101(a), (d), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 784, 789, applicable to plan years beginning after 2007.

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (b)(8)(F). Pub. L. 117–2 added subpar. (F).

2014—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 113–235, §108(a)(3)(B), amended subsec. (a) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (a) related to accumulated funding deficiencies of multiemployer plans.

Subsec. (d)(1)(C). Pub. L. 113–295, which directed substitution of "December 31, 2015" for "December 31, 2014", was not executed in view of the amendment by Pub. L. 113–235, §101(b)(1), which struck out subpar. (C). See note below.

Pub. L. 113–235, §101(b)(1), struck out subpar. (C). Text read as follows: "The preceding provisions of this paragraph shall not apply with respect to any application submitted after December 31, 2014."

2010—Subsec. (b)(8). Pub. L. 111–192 added par. (8).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2021 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 117–2 effective as of the first day of the first plan year ending on or after February 29, 2020, with exceptions and restrictions, see section 9703(b) of Pub. L. 117–2, set out as an Effective Date note under section 431 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 2014 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 113–295 applicable to applications submitted under subsec. (d)(1)(C) of this section after Dec. 31, 2014, see section 171(c) of Pub. L. 113–295, set out as a note under section 431 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Amendment by section 108(a)(3)(B) of Pub. L. 113–235 applicable with respect to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2014, see section 108(c) of Pub. L. 113–235, set out as an Effective Date of Repeal note under section 418 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 2010 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 111–192 effective as of the first day of the first plan year ending after Aug. 31, 2008, with certain exceptions, see section 211(b) of Pub. L. 111–192, set out as a note under section 431 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date

Section applicable to plan years beginning after 2007, with special rule for certain amortization extensions, see section 201(d) of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as an Effective Date of 2006 Amendment note under section 1081 of this title.

Shortfall Funding Method

Pub. L. 109–280, title II, §201(b), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 867, as amended by Pub. L. 110–458, title I, §102(a), Dec. 23, 2008, 122 Stat. 5100, provided that:

"(1) In general.—A multiemployer plan meeting the criteria of paragraph (2) may adopt, use, or cease using, the shortfall funding method and such adoption, use, or cessation of use of such method, shall be deemed approved by the Secretary of the Treasury under section 302(d)(1) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 [29 U.S.C. 1082(d)(1)] and section 412(d)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [26 U.S.C. 412(d)(1)].

"(2) Criteria.—A multiemployer pension plan meets the criteria of this clause if—

"(A) the plan has not adopted, or ceased using, the shortfall funding method during the 5-year period ending on the day before the date the plan is to use the method under paragraph (1); and

"(B) the plan is not operating under an amortization period extension under section 304(d) of such Act [29 U.S.C. 1084(d)] and did not operate under such an extension during such 5-year period.

"(3) Shortfall funding method defined.—For purposes of this subsection, the term 'shortfall funding method' means the shortfall funding method described in Treasury Regulations section 1.412(c)(1)–2 (26 CFR 1.412(c)(1)–2).

"(4) Benefit restrictions to apply.—The benefit restrictions under section 302(c)(7) of such Act [29 U.S.C. 1082(c)(7)] and section 412(c)(7) of such Code [26 U.S.C. 412(c)(7)] shall apply during any period a multiemployer plan is on the shortfall funding method pursuant to this subsection.

"(5) Use of shortfall method not to preclude other options.—Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to affect a multiemployer plan's ability to adopt the shortfall funding method with the Secretary's permission under otherwise applicable regulations or to affect a multiemployer plan's right to change funding methods, with or without the Secretary's consent, as provided in applicable rules and regulations."

[Pub. L. 109–280, §201(b), set out above, applicable to plan years beginning after 2007, with special rule for certain amortization extensions, see section 201(d) of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as an Effective Date of 2006 Amendment note under section 1081 of this title.]

Special Rule for Certain Benefits Funded Under an Agreement Approved by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation

For applicability of this section to a multiemployer plan that is a party to an agreement that was approved by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation prior to June 30, 2005, and that increases benefits and provides for certain withdrawal liability rules, see section 206 of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as a note under section 412 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

¹ See References in Text note below.

§1085. Additional funding rules for multiemployer plans in endangered status or critical status

(a) General rule

For purposes of this part, in the case of a multiemployer plan in effect on July 16, 2006—

(1) if the plan is in endangered status—

(A) the plan sponsor shall adopt and implement a funding improvement plan in accordance with the requirements of subsection (c), and

(B) the requirements of subsection (d) shall apply during the funding plan adoption period and the funding improvement period,

(2) if the plan is in critical status—

(A) the plan sponsor shall adopt and implement a rehabilitation plan in accordance with the requirements of subsection (e), and

(B) the requirements of subsection (f) shall apply during the rehabilitation plan adoption period and the rehabilitation period, and

(3) if the plan is in critical and declining status—

(A) the requirements of paragraph (2) shall apply to the plan; and

(B) the plan sponsor may, by plan amendment, suspend benefits in accordance with the requirements of subsection (e)(9).

(b) Determination of endangered and critical status

For purposes of this section—

(1) Endangered status

A multiemployer plan is in endangered status for a plan year if, as determined by the plan actuary under paragraph (3), the plan is not in critical status for the plan year and is not described in paragraph (5), and, as of the beginning of the plan year, either—

(A) the plan's funded percentage for such plan year is less than 80 percent, or

(B) the plan has an accumulated funding deficiency for such plan year, or is projected to have such an accumulated funding deficiency for any of the 6 succeeding plan years, taking into account any extension of amortization periods under section 1084(d) of this title.

For purposes of this section, a plan shall be treated as in seriously endangered status for a plan year if the plan is described in both subparagraphs (A) and (B).

(2) Critical status

A multiemployer plan is in critical status for a plan year if, as determined by the plan actuary under paragraph (3), the plan is described in 1 or more of the following subparagraphs as of the beginning of the plan year:

(A) A plan is described in this subparagraph if—

(i) the funded percentage of the plan is less than 65 percent, and

(ii) the sum of—

(I) the fair market value of plan assets, plus

(II) the present value of the reasonably anticipated employer contributions for the current plan year and each of the 6 succeeding plan years, assuming that the terms of all collective bargaining agreements pursuant to which the plan is maintained for the current plan year continue in effect for succeeding plan years,

 is less than the present value of all nonforfeitable benefits projected to be payable under the plan during the current plan year and each of the 6 succeeding plan years (plus administrative expenses for such plan years).

(B) A plan is described in this subparagraph if—

(i) the plan has an accumulated funding deficiency for the current plan year, not taking into account any extension of amortization periods under section 1084(d) of this title, or

(ii) the plan is projected to have an accumulated funding deficiency for any of the 3 succeeding plan years (4 succeeding plan years if the funded percentage of the plan is 65 percent or less), not taking into account any extension of amortization periods under section 1084(d) of this title.

(C) A plan is described in this subparagraph if—

(i)(I) the plan's normal cost for the current plan year, plus interest (determined at the rate used for determining costs under the plan) for the current plan year on the amount of unfunded benefit liabilities under the plan as of the last date of the preceding plan year, exceeds

(II) the present value of the reasonably anticipated employer and employee contributions for the current plan year,

(ii) the present value, as of the beginning of the current plan year, of nonforfeitable benefits of inactive participants is greater than the present value of nonforfeitable benefits of active participants, and

(iii) the plan has an accumulated funding deficiency for the current plan year, or is projected to have such a deficiency for any of the 4 succeeding plan years, not taking into account any extension of amortization periods under section 1084(d) of this title.

(D) A plan is described in this subparagraph if the sum of—

(i) the fair market value of plan assets, plus

(ii) the present value of the reasonably anticipated employer contributions for the current plan year and each of the 4 succeeding plan years, assuming that the terms of all collective bargaining agreements pursuant to which the plan is maintained for the current plan year continue in effect for succeeding plan years,

is less than the present value of all benefits projected to be payable under the plan during the current plan year and each of the 4 succeeding plan years (plus administrative expenses for such plan years).

(3) Annual certification by plan actuary

(A) In general

Not later than the 90th day of each plan year of a multiemployer plan, the plan actuary shall certify to the Secretary of the Treasury and to the plan sponsor—

(i) whether or not the plan is in endangered status for such plan year, or would be in endangered status for such plan year but for paragraph (5),,¹ whether or not the plan is or will be in critical status for such plan year or for any of the succeeding 5 plan years, and whether or not the plan is or will be in critical and declining status for such plan year, and

(ii) in the case of a plan which is in a funding improvement or rehabilitation period, whether or not the plan is making the scheduled progress in meeting the requirements of its funding improvement or rehabilitation plan.

(B) Actuarial projections of assets and liabilities

(i) In general

Except as provided in clause (iv), in making the determinations and projections under this subsection, the plan actuary shall make projections required for the current and succeeding plan years of the current value of the assets of the plan and the present value of all liabilities to participants and beneficiaries under the plan for the current plan year as of the beginning of such year. The actuary's projections shall be based on reasonable actuarial estimates, assumptions, and methods that, except as provided in clause (iii), offer the actuary's best estimate of anticipated experience under the plan. The projected present value of liabilities as of the beginning of such year shall be determined based on the most recent of either—

(I) the actuarial statement required under section 1023(d) of this title with respect to the most recently filed annual report, or

(II) the actuarial valuation for the preceding plan year.

(ii) Determinations of future contributions

Any actuarial projection of plan assets shall assume—

(I) reasonably anticipated employer contributions for the current and succeeding plan years, assuming that the terms of the one or more collective bargaining agreements pursuant to which the plan is maintained for the current plan year continue in effect for succeeding plan years, or

(II) that employer contributions for the most recent plan year will continue indefinitely, but only if the plan actuary determines there have been no significant demographic changes that would make such assumption unreasonable.

(iii) Projected industry activity

Any projection of activity in the industry or industries covered by the plan, including future covered employment and contribution levels, shall be based on information provided by the plan sponsor, which shall act reasonably and in good faith.

(iv) ² Projections relating to critical status in succeeding plan years

Clauses (i) and (ii) (other than the 2nd sentence of clause (i)) may be disregarded by a plan actuary in the case of any certification of whether a plan will be in critical status in a succeeding plan year, except that a plan sponsor may not elect to be in critical status for a plan year under paragraph (4) in any case in which the certification upon which such election would be based is made without regard to such clauses.

(iv) ² Projections of critical and declining status

In determining whether a plan is in critical and declining status as described in subsection (e)(9), clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) shall apply, except that—

(I) if reasonable, the plan actuary shall assume that each contributing employer in compliance continues to comply through the end of the rehabilitation period or such later time as provided in subsection (e)(3)(A)(ii) with the terms of the rehabilitation plan that correspond to the schedule adopted or imposed under subsection (e), and

(II) the plan actuary shall take into account any suspensions of benefits described in subsection (e)(9) adopted in a prior plan year that are still in effect.

(C) Penalty for failure to secure timely actuarial certification

Any failure of the plan's actuary to certify the plan's status under this subsection by the date specified in subparagraph (A) shall be treated for purposes of section 1132(c)(2) of this title as a failure or refusal by the plan administrator to file the annual report required to be filed with the Secretary under section 1021(b)(1) of this title.

(D) Notice

(i) In general

In any case in which it is certified under subparagraph (A) that a multiemployer plan is or will be in endangered or critical status for a plan year or in which a plan sponsor elects to be in critical status for a plan year under paragraph (4), the plan sponsor shall, not later than 30 days after the date of the certification, provide notification of the endangered or critical status to the participants and beneficiaries, the bargaining parties, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, and the Secretary. In any case in which a plan sponsor elects to be in critical status for a plan year under paragraph (4), the plan sponsor shall notify the Secretary of the Treasury of such election not later than 30 days after the date of such certification or such other time as the Secretary of the Treasury may prescribe by regulations or other guidance.

(ii) Plans in critical status

If it is certified under subparagraph (A) that a multiemployer plan is or will be in critical status, the plan sponsor shall include in the notice under clause (i) an explanation of the possibility that—

(I) adjustable benefits (as defined in subsection (e)(8)) may be reduced, and

(II) such reductions may apply to participants and beneficiaries whose benefit commencement date is on or after the date such notice is provided for the first plan year in which the plan is in critical status.

(iii) In the case of a multiemployer plan that would be in endangered status but for paragraph (5), the plan sponsor shall provide notice to the bargaining parties and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation that the plan would be in endangered status but for such paragraph.

(iv) Model notice

The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary ³ shall prescribe a model notice that a multiemployer plan may use to satisfy the requirements under clauses (ii) and (iii).

(v) Notice of projection to be in critical status in a future plan year

In any case in which it is certified under subparagraph (A)(i) that a multiemployer plan will be in critical status for any of 5 succeeding plan years (but not for the current plan year) and the plan sponsor of such plan has not made an election to be in critical status for the plan year under paragraph (4), the plan sponsor shall, not later than 30 days after the date of the certification, provide notification of the projected critical status to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.

(4) Election to be in critical status

Notwithstanding paragraph (2) and subject to paragraph (3)(B)(iv)—

(A) the plan sponsor of a multiemployer plan that is not in critical status for a plan year but that is projected by the plan actuary, pursuant to the determination under paragraph (3), to be in critical status in any of the succeeding 5 plan years may, not later than 30 days after the date of the certification under paragraph (3)(A), elect to be in critical status effective for the current plan year,

(B) the plan year in which the plan sponsor elects to be in critical status under subparagraph (A) shall be treated for purposes of this section as the first year in which the plan is in critical status, regardless of the date on which the plan first satisfies the criteria for critical status under paragraph (2), and

(C) a plan that is in critical status under this paragraph shall not emerge from critical status except in accordance with subsection (e)(4)(B).

(5) Special rule

A plan is described in this paragraph if—

(A) as part of the actuarial certification of endangered status under paragraph (3)(A) for the plan year, the plan actuary certifies that the plan is projected to no longer be described in either paragraph (1)(A) or paragraph (1)(B) as of the end of the tenth plan year ending after the plan year to which the certification relates, and

(B) the plan was not in critical or endangered status for the immediately preceding plan year.

(6) Critical and declining status

For purposes of this section, a plan in critical status shall be treated as in critical and declining status if the plan is described in one or more of subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), and (D) of paragraph (2) and the plan is projected to become insolvent within the meaning of section 1426 of this title during the current plan year or any of the 14 succeeding plan years (19 succeeding plan years if the plan has a ratio of inactive participants to active participants that exceeds 2 to 1 or if the funded percentage of the plan is less than 80 percent).

(c) Funding improvement plan must be adopted for multiemployer plans in endangered status

(1) In general

In any case in which a multiemployer plan is in endangered status for a plan year, the plan sponsor, in accordance with this subsection—

(A) shall adopt a funding improvement plan not later than 240 days following the required date for the actuarial certification of endangered status under subsection (b)(3)(A), and

(B) within 30 days after the adoption of the funding improvement plan—

(i) shall provide to the bargaining parties 1 or more schedules showing revised benefit structures, revised contribution structures, or both, which, if adopted, may reasonably be expected to enable the multiemployer plan to meet the applicable benchmarks in accordance with the funding improvement plan, including—

(I) one proposal for reductions in the amount of future benefit accruals necessary to achieve the applicable benchmarks, assuming no amendments increasing contributions under the plan (other than amendments increasing contributions necessary to achieve the applicable benchmarks after amendments have reduced future benefit accruals to the maximum extent permitted by law), and

(II) one proposal for increases in contributions under the plan necessary to achieve the applicable benchmarks, assuming no amendments reducing future benefit accruals under the plan, and

(ii) may, if the plan sponsor deems appropriate, prepare and provide the bargaining parties with additional information relating to contribution rates or benefit reductions, alternative schedules, or other information relevant to achieving the applicable benchmarks in accordance with the funding improvement plan.

For purposes of this section, the term "applicable benchmarks" means the requirements applicable to the multiemployer plan under paragraph (3) (as modified by paragraph (5)).

(2) Exception for years after process begins

Paragraph (1) shall not apply to a plan year if such year is in a funding plan adoption period or funding improvement period by reason of the plan being in endangered status for a preceding plan year. For purposes of this section, such preceding plan year shall be the initial determination year with respect to the funding improvement plan to which it relates.

(3) Funding improvement plan

For purposes of this section—

(A) In general

A funding improvement plan is a plan which consists of the actions, including options or a range of options to be proposed to the bargaining parties, formulated to provide, based on reasonably anticipated experience and reasonable actuarial assumptions, for the attainment by the plan during the funding improvement period of the following requirements:

(i) Increase in plan's funding percentage

The plan's funded percentage as of the close of the funding improvement period equals or exceeds a percentage equal to the sum of—

(I) such percentage as of the beginning of the first plan year for which the plan is certified to be in endangered status pursuant to paragraph (b)(3), plus

(II) 33 percent of the difference between 100 percent and the percentage under subclause (I).

(ii) Avoidance of accumulated funding deficiencies

No accumulated funding deficiency for the last plan year during the funding improvement period (taking into account any extension of amortization periods under section 1084(d) of this title).

(B) Seriously endangered plans

In the case of a plan in seriously endangered status, except as provided in paragraph (5), subparagraph (A)(i)(II) shall be applied by substituting "20 percent" for "33 percent".

(4) Funding improvement period

For purposes of this section—

(A) In general

The funding improvement period for any funding improvement plan adopted pursuant to this subsection is the 10-year period beginning on the first day of the first plan year of the multiemployer plan beginning after the earlier of—

(i) the second anniversary of the date of the adoption of the funding improvement plan, or

(ii) the expiration of the collective bargaining agreements in effect on the due date for the actuarial certification of endangered status for the initial determination year under subsection (b)(3)(A) and covering, as of such due date, at least 75 percent of the active participants in such multiemployer plan.

(B) Seriously endangered plans

In the case of a plan in seriously endangered status, except as provided in paragraph (5), subparagraph (A) shall be applied by substituting "15-year period" for "10-year period".

(C) Coordination with changes in status

(i) Plans no longer in endangered status

If the plan's actuary certifies under subsection (b)(3)(A) for a plan year in any funding plan adoption period or funding improvement period that the plan is no longer in endangered status and is not in critical status, the funding plan adoption period or funding improvement period, whichever is applicable, shall end as of the close of the preceding plan year.

(ii) Plans in critical status

If the plan's actuary certifies under subsection (b)(3)(A) for a plan year in any funding plan adoption period or funding improvement period that the plan is in critical status, the funding plan adoption period or funding improvement period, whichever is applicable, shall end as of the close of the plan year preceding the first plan year in the rehabilitation period with respect to such status.

(D) Plans in endangered status at end of period

If the plan's actuary certifies under subsection (b)(3)(A) for the first plan year following the close of the period described in subparagraph (A) that the plan is in endangered status, the provisions of this subsection and subsection (d) shall be applied as if such first plan year were an initial determination year, except that the plan may not be amended in a manner inconsistent with the funding improvement plan in effect for the preceding plan year until a new funding improvement plan is adopted.

(5) Special rules for seriously endangered plans more than 70 percent funded

(A) In general

If the funded percentage of a plan in seriously endangered status was more than 70 percent as of the beginning of the initial determination year—

(i) paragraphs (3)(B) and (4)(B) shall apply only if the plan's actuary certifies, within 30 days after the certification under subsection (b)(3)(A) for the initial determination year, that, based on the terms of the plan and the collective bargaining agreements in effect at the time of such certification, the plan is not projected to meet the requirements of paragraph (3)(A) (without regard to paragraphs (3)(B) and (4)(B)), and

(ii) if there is a certification under clause (i), the plan may, in formulating its funding improvement plan, only take into account the rules of paragraph ⁴ (3)(B) and (4)(B) for plan years in the funding improvement period beginning on or before the date on which the last of the collective bargaining agreements described in paragraph (4)(A)(ii) expires.

(B) Special rule after expiration of agreements

Notwithstanding subparagraph (A)(ii), if, for any plan year ending after the date described in subparagraph (A)(ii), the plan actuary certifies (at the time of the annual certification under subsection (b)(3)(A) for such plan year) that, based on the terms of the plan and collective bargaining agreements in effect at the time of that annual certification, the plan is not projected to be able to meet the requirements of paragraph (3)(A) (without regard to paragraphs (3)(B) and (4)(B)), paragraphs (3)(B) and (4)(B) shall continue to apply for such year.

(6) Updates to funding improvement plan and schedules

(A) Funding improvement plan

The plan sponsor shall annually update the funding improvement plan and shall file the update with the plan's annual report under section 1024 of this title.

(B) Schedules

The plan sponsor shall annually update any schedule of contribution rates provided under this subsection to reflect the experience of the plan.

(C) Duration of schedule

A schedule of contribution rates provided by the plan sponsor and relied upon by bargaining parties in negotiating a collective bargaining agreement shall remain in effect for the duration of that collective bargaining agreement.

(7) Imposition of schedule where failure to adopt funding improvement plan

(A) Initial contribution schedule

If—

(i) a collective bargaining agreement providing for contributions under a multiemployer plan that was in effect at the time the plan entered endangered status expires, and

(ii) after receiving one or more schedules from the plan sponsor under paragraph (1)(B), the bargaining parties with respect to such agreement fail to adopt a contribution schedule with terms consistent with the funding improvement plan and a schedule from the plan sponsor,

the plan sponsor shall implement the schedule described in paragraph (1)(B)(i)(I) beginning on the date specified in subparagraph (C).

(B) Subsequent contribution schedule

If—

(i) a collective bargaining agreement providing for contributions under a multiemployer plan in accordance with a schedule provided by the plan sponsor pursuant to a funding improvement plan (or imposed under subparagraph (A)) expires while the plan is still in endangered status, and

(ii) after receiving one or more updated schedules from the plan sponsor under paragraph (6)(B), the bargaining parties with respect to such agreement fail to adopt a contribution schedule with terms consistent with the updated funding improvement plan and a schedule from the plan sponsor,

then the contribution schedule applicable under the expired collective bargaining agreement, as updated and in effect on the date the collective bargaining agreement expires, shall be implemented by the plan sponsor beginning on the date specified in subparagraph (C).

(C) Date of implementation

The date specified in this subparagraph is the date which is 180 days after the date on which the collective bargaining agreement described in subparagraph (A) or (B) expires.

(D) Failure to make scheduled contributions

Any failure to make a contribution under a schedule of contribution rates provided under this paragraph shall be treated as a delinquent contribution under section 1145 of this title and shall be enforceable as such.

(8) Funding plan adoption period

For purposes of this section, the term "funding plan adoption period" means the period beginning on the date of the certification under subsection (b)(3)(A) for the initial determination year and ending on the day before the first day of the funding improvement period.

(d) Rules for operation of plan during adoption and improvement periods

(1) Compliance with funding improvement plan

(A) In general

A plan may not be amended after the date of the adoption of a funding improvement plan under subsection (c) so as to be inconsistent with the funding improvement plan.

(B) Special rules for benefit increases

A plan may not be amended after the date of the adoption of a funding improvement plan under subsection (c) so as to increase benefits, including future benefit accruals, unless the plan actuary certifies that such increase is paid for out of additional contributions not contemplated by the funding improvement plan, and, after taking into account the benefit increase, the multiemployer plan still is reasonably expected to meet the applicable benchmark on the schedule contemplated in the funding improvement plan.

(2) Special rules for plan adoption period

During the period beginning on the date of the certification under subsection (b)(3)(A) for the initial determination year and ending on the date of the adoption of a funding improvement plan—

(A) the plan sponsor may not accept a collective bargaining agreement or participation agreement with respect to the multiemployer plan that provides for—

(i) a reduction in the level of contributions for any participants,

(ii) a suspension of contributions with respect to any period of service, or

(iii) any new direct or indirect exclusion of younger or newly hired employees from plan participation, and

(B) no amendment of the plan which increases the liabilities of the plan by reason of any increase in benefits, any change in the accrual of benefits, or any change in the rate at which benefits become nonforfeitable under the plan may be adopted unless the amendment is required as a condition of qualification under part I of subchapter D of chapter 1 of title 26 or to comply with other applicable law.

(e) Rehabilitation plan must be adopted for multiemployer plans in critical status

(1) In general

In any case in which a multiemployer plan is in critical status for a plan year, the plan sponsor, in accordance with this subsection—

(A) shall adopt a rehabilitation plan not later than 240 days following the required date for the actuarial certification of critical status under subsection (b)(3)(A), and

(B) within 30 days after the adoption of the rehabilitation plan—

(i) shall provide to the bargaining parties 1 or more schedules showing revised benefit structures, revised contribution structures, or both, which, if adopted, may reasonably be expected to enable the multiemployer plan to emerge from critical status in accordance with the rehabilitation plan, and

(ii) may, if the plan sponsor deems appropriate, prepare and provide the bargaining parties with additional information relating to contribution rates or benefit reductions, alternative schedules, or other information relevant to emerging from critical status in accordance with the rehabilitation plan.

The schedule or schedules described in subparagraph (B)(i) shall reflect reductions in future benefit accruals and adjustable benefits, and increases in contributions, that the plan sponsor determines are reasonably necessary to emerge from critical status. One schedule shall be designated as the default schedule and such schedule shall assume that there are no increases in contributions under the plan other than the increases necessary to emerge from critical status after future benefit accruals and other benefits (other than benefits the reduction or elimination of which are not permitted under section 1054(g) of this title) have been reduced to the maximum extent permitted by law.

(2) Exception for years after process begins

Paragraph (1) shall not apply to a plan year if such year is in a rehabilitation plan adoption period or rehabilitation period by reason of the plan being in critical status for a preceding plan year. For purposes of this section, such preceding plan year shall be the initial critical year with respect to the rehabilitation plan to which it relates.

(3) Rehabilitation plan

For purposes of this section—

(A) In general

A rehabilitation plan is a plan which consists of—

(i) actions, including options or a range of options to be proposed to the bargaining parties, formulated, based on reasonably anticipated experience and reasonable actuarial assumptions, to enable the plan to cease to be in critical status by the end of the rehabilitation period and may include reductions in plan expenditures (including plan mergers and consolidations), reductions in future benefit accruals or increases in contributions, if agreed to by the bargaining parties, or any combination of such actions, or

(ii) if the plan sponsor determines that, based on reasonable actuarial assumptions and upon exhaustion of all reasonable measures, the plan can not reasonably be expected to emerge from critical status by the end of the rehabilitation period, reasonable measures to emerge from critical status at a later time or to forestall possible insolvency (within the meaning of section 1426 of this title).

A rehabilitation plan must provide annual standards for meeting the requirements of such rehabilitation plan. Such plan shall also include the schedules required to be provided under paragraph (1)(B)(i) and if clause (ii) applies, shall set forth the alternatives considered, explain why the plan is not reasonably expected to emerge from critical status by the end of the rehabilitation period, and specify when, if ever, the plan is expected to emerge from critical status in accordance with the rehabilitation plan.

(B) Updates to rehabilitation plan and schedules

(i) Rehabilitation plan

The plan sponsor shall annually update the rehabilitation plan and shall file the update with the plan's annual report under section 1024 of this title.

(ii) Schedules

The plan sponsor shall annually update any schedule of contribution rates provided under this subsection to reflect the experience of the plan.

(iii) Duration of schedule

A schedule of contribution rates provided by the plan sponsor and relied upon by bargaining parties in negotiating a collective bargaining agreement shall remain in effect for the duration of that collective bargaining agreement.

(C) Imposition of schedule where failure to adopt rehabilitation plan

(i) Initial contribution schedule

If—

(I) a collective bargaining agreement providing for contributions under a multiemployer plan that was in effect at the time the plan entered critical status expires, and

(II) after receiving one or more schedules from the plan sponsor under paragraph (1)(B), the bargaining parties with respect to such agreement fail to adopt a contribution schedule with terms consistent with the rehabilitation plan and a schedule from the plan sponsor under paragraph (1)(B)(i),

 the plan sponsor shall implement the schedule described in the last sentence of paragraph (1) beginning on the date specified in clause (iii).

(ii) Subsequent contribution schedule

If—

(I) a collective bargaining agreement providing for contributions under a multiemployer plan in accordance with a schedule provided by the plan sponsor pursuant to a rehabilitation plan (or imposed under subparagraph (C)(i)) expires while the plan is still in critical status, and

(II) after receiving one or more updated schedules from the plan sponsor under subparagraph (B)(ii), the bargaining parties with respect to such agreement fail to adopt a contribution schedule with terms consistent with the updated rehabilitation plan and a schedule from the plan sponsor,

 then the contribution schedule applicable under the expired collective bargaining agreement, as updated and in effect on the date the collective bargaining agreement expires, shall be implemented by the plan sponsor beginning on the date specified in clause (iii).

(iii) Date of implementation

The date specified in this subparagraph ⁵ is the date which is 180 days after the date on which the collective bargaining agreement described in clause (i) or (ii) expires.

(iv) Failure to make scheduled contributions

Any failure to make a contribution under a schedule of contribution rates provided under this subsection shall be treated as a delinquent contribution under section 1145 of this title and shall be enforceable as such.

(4) Rehabilitation period

For purposes of this section—

(A) In general

The rehabilitation period for a plan in critical status is the 10-year period beginning on the first day of the first plan year of the multiemployer plan following the earlier of—

(i) the second anniversary of the date of the adoption of the rehabilitation plan, or

(ii) the expiration of the collective bargaining agreements in effect on the due date for the actuarial certification of critical status for the initial critical year under subsection (a)(1) and covering, as of such date ⁶ at least 75 percent of the active participants in such multiemployer plan.

If a plan emerges from critical status as provided under subparagraph (B) before the end of such 10-year period, the rehabilitation period shall end with the plan year preceding the plan year for which the determination under subparagraph (B) is made.

(B) Emergence

(i) In general

A plan in critical status shall remain in such status until a plan year for which the plan actuary certifies, in accordance with subsection (b)(3)(A), that—

(I) the plan is not described in one or more of the subparagraphs in subsection (b)(2) as of the beginning of the plan year;

(II) the plan is not projected to have an accumulated funding deficiency for the plan year or any of the 9 succeeding plan years, without regard to the use of the shortfall method but taking into account any extension of amortization periods under section 1084(d)(2) of this title or section 1084 of this title (as in effect prior to the enactment of the Pension Protection Act of 2006); and

(III) the plan is not projected to become insolvent within the meaning of section 1426 of this title for any of the 30 succeeding plan years.

(ii) Plans with certain amortization extensions

(I) Special emergence rule

Notwithstanding clause (i), a plan in critical status that has an automatic extension of amortization periods under section 1084(d)(1) of this title shall no longer be in critical status if the plan actuary certifies for a plan year, in accordance with subsection (b)(3)(A), that—

(aa) the plan is not projected to have an accumulated funding deficiency for the plan year or any of the 9 succeeding plan years, without regard to the use of the shortfall method but taking into account any extension of amortization periods under section 1084(d)(1) of this title; and

(bb) the plan is not projected to become insolvent within the meaning of section 1426 of this title for any of the 30 succeeding plan years,

 regardless of whether the plan is described in one or more of the subparagraphs in subsection (b)(2) as of the beginning of the plan year.

(II) Reentry into critical status

A plan that emerges from critical status under subclause (I) shall not reenter critical status for any subsequent plan year unless—

(aa) the plan is projected to have an accumulated funding deficiency for the plan year or any of the 9 succeeding plan years, without regard to the use of the shortfall method but taking into account any extension of amortization periods under section 1084(d) of this title; or

(bb) the plan is projected to become insolvent within the meaning of section 1426 of this title for any of the 30 succeeding plan years.

(5) Rehabilitation plan adoption period

For purposes of this section, the term "rehabilitation plan adoption period" means the period beginning on the date of the certification under subsection (b)(3)(A) for the initial critical year and ending on the day before the first day of the rehabilitation period.

(6) Limitation on reduction in rates of future accruals

Any reduction in the rate of future accruals under the default schedule described in the last sentence of paragraph (1) shall not reduce the rate of future accruals below—

(A) a monthly benefit (payable as a single life annuity commencing at the participant's normal retirement age) equal to 1 percent of the contributions required to be made with respect to a participant, or the equivalent standard accrual rate for a participant or group of participants under the collective bargaining agreements in effect as of the first day of the initial critical year, or

(B) if lower, the accrual rate under the plan on such first day.

The equivalent standard accrual rate shall be determined by the plan sponsor based on the standard or average contribution base units which the plan sponsor determines to be representative for active participants and such other factors as the plan sponsor determines to be relevant. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as limiting the ability of the plan sponsor to prepare and provide the bargaining parties with alternative schedules to the default schedule that establish lower or higher accrual and contribution rates than the rates otherwise described in this paragraph.

(7) Automatic employer surcharge

(A) Imposition of surcharge

Each employer otherwise obligated to make contributions for the initial critical year shall be obligated to pay to the plan for such year a surcharge equal to 5 percent of the contributions otherwise required under the applicable collective bargaining agreement (or other agreement pursuant to which the employer contributes). For each succeeding plan year in which the plan is in critical status for a consecutive period of years beginning with the initial critical year, the surcharge shall be 10 percent of the contributions otherwise so required.

(B) Enforcement of surcharge

The surcharges under subparagraph (A) shall be due and payable on the same schedule as the contributions on which the surcharges are based. Any failure to make a surcharge payment shall be treated as a delinquent contribution under section 1145 of this title and shall be enforceable as such.

(C) Surcharge to terminate upon collective bargaining agreement renegotiation

The surcharge under this paragraph shall cease to be effective with respect to employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement (or other agreement pursuant to which the employer contributes), beginning on the effective date of a collective bargaining agreement (or other such agreement) that includes terms consistent with a schedule presented by the plan sponsor under paragraph (1)(B)(i), as modified under subparagraph (B) of paragraph (3).

(D) Surcharge not to apply until employer receives notice

The surcharge under this paragraph shall not apply to an employer until 30 days after the employer has been notified by the plan sponsor that the plan is in critical status and that the surcharge is in effect.

(E) Surcharge not to generate increased benefit accruals

Notwithstanding any provision of a plan to the contrary, the amount of any surcharge under this paragraph shall not be the basis for any benefit accrual under the plan.

(8) Benefit adjustments

(A) Adjustable benefits

(i) In general

Notwithstanding section 1054(g) of this title, the plan sponsor shall, subject to the notice requirements in subparagraph (C), make any reductions to adjustable benefits which the plan sponsor deems appropriate, based upon the outcome of collective bargaining over the schedule or schedules provided under paragraph (1)(B)(i).

(ii) Exception for retirees

Except in the case of adjustable benefits described in clause (iv)(III), the plan sponsor of a plan in critical status shall not reduce adjustable benefits of any participant or beneficiary whose benefit commencement date is before the date on which the plan provides notice to the participant or beneficiary under subsection (b)(3)(D) for the initial critical year.

(iii) Plan sponsor flexibility

The plan sponsor shall include in the schedules provided to the bargaining parties an allowance for funding the benefits of participants with respect to whom contributions are not currently required to be made, and shall reduce their benefits to the extent permitted under this subchapter and considered appropriate by the plan sponsor based on the plan's then current overall funding status.

(iv) Adjustable benefit defined

For purposes of this paragraph, the term "adjustable benefit" means—

(I) benefits, rights, and features under the plan, including post-retirement death benefits, 60-month guarantees, disability benefits not yet in pay status, and similar benefits,

(II) any early retirement benefit or retirement-type subsidy (within the meaning of section 1054(g)(2)(A) of this title) and any benefit payment option (other than the qualified joint and survivor annuity), and

(III) benefit increases that would not be eligible for a guarantee under section 1322a of this title on the first day of initial critical year because the increases were adopted (or, if later, took effect) less than 60 months before such first day.

(B) Normal retirement benefits protected

Except as provided in subparagraph (A)(iv)(III), nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to permit a plan to reduce the level of a participant's accrued benefit payable at normal retirement age.

(C) Notice requirements

(i) In general

No reduction may be made to adjustable benefits under subparagraph (A) unless notice of such reduction has been given at least 30 days before the general effective date of such reduction for all participants and beneficiaries to—

(I) plan participants and beneficiaries,

(II) each employer who has an obligation to contribute (within the meaning of section 1392(a) of this title) under the plan, and

(III) each employee organization which, for purposes of collective bargaining, represents plan participants employed by such an employer.

(ii) Content of notice

The notice under clause (i) shall contain—

(I) sufficient information to enable participants and beneficiaries to understand the effect of any reduction on their benefits, including an estimate (on an annual or monthly basis) of any affected adjustable benefit that a participant or beneficiary would otherwise have been eligible for as of the general effective date described in clause (i), and

(II) information as to the rights and remedies of plan participants and beneficiaries as well as how to contact the Department of Labor for further information and assistance where appropriate.

(iii) Form and manner

Any notice under clause (i)—

(I) shall be provided in a form and manner prescribed in regulations of the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary,

(II) shall be written in a manner so as to be understood by the average plan participant, and

(III) may be provided in written, electronic, or other appropriate form to the extent such form is reasonably accessible to persons to whom the notice is required to be provided.

 The Secretary of the Treasury shall in the regulations prescribed under subclause (I) establish a model notice that a plan sponsor may use to meet the requirements of this subparagraph.

(9) Benefit suspensions for multiemployer plans in critical and declining status

(A) In general

Notwithstanding section 1054(g) of this title and subject to subparagraphs (B) through (I), the plan sponsor of a plan in critical and declining status may, by plan amendment, suspend benefits which the sponsor deems appropriate.

(B) Suspension of benefits

(i) Suspension of benefits defined

For purposes of this subsection, the term "suspension of benefits" means the temporary or permanent reduction of any current or future payment obligation of the plan to any participant or beneficiary under the plan, whether or not in pay status at the time of the suspension of benefits.

(ii) Length of suspensions

Any suspension of benefits made under subparagraph (A) shall remain in effect until the earlier of when the plan sponsor provides benefit improvements in accordance with subparagraph (E) or the suspension of benefits expires by its own terms.

(iii) No liability

The plan shall not be liable for any benefit payments not made as a result of a suspension of benefits under this paragraph.

(iv) Applicability

For purposes of this paragraph, all references to suspensions of benefits, increases in benefits, or resumptions of suspended benefits with respect to participants shall also apply with respect to benefits of beneficiaries or alternative payees of participants.

(v) Retiree representative

(I) In general

In the case of a plan with 10,000 or more participants, not later than 60 days prior to the plan sponsor submitting an application to suspend benefits, the plan sponsor shall select a participant of the plan in pay status to act as a retiree representative. The retiree representative shall advocate for the interests of the retired and deferred vested participants and beneficiaries of the plan throughout the suspension approval process.

(II) Reasonable expenses from plan

The plan shall provide for reasonable expenses by the retiree representative, including reasonable legal and actuarial support, commensurate with the plan's size and funded status.

(III) Special rule relating to fiduciary status

Duties performed pursuant to subclause (I) shall not be subject to section 1104(a) of this title. The preceding sentence shall not apply to those duties associated with an application to suspend benefits pursuant to subparagraph (G) that are performed by the retiree representative who is also a plan trustee.

(C) Conditions for suspensions

The plan sponsor of a plan in critical and declining status for a plan year may suspend benefits only if the following conditions are met:

(i) Taking into account the proposed suspensions of benefits (and, if applicable, a proposed partition of the plan under section 1413 of this title), the plan actuary certifies that the plan is projected to avoid insolvency within the meaning of section 1426 of this title, assuming the suspensions of benefits continue until the suspensions of benefits expire by their own terms or if no such expiration date is set, indefinitely.

(ii) The plan sponsor determines, in a written record to be maintained throughout the period of the benefit suspension, that the plan is still projected to become insolvent unless benefits are suspended under this paragraph, although all reasonable measures to avoid insolvency have been taken (and continue to be taken during the period of the benefit suspension). In its determination, the plan sponsor may take into account factors including the following:

(I) Current and past contribution levels.

(II) Levels of benefit accruals (including any prior reductions in the rate of benefit accruals).

(III) Prior reductions (if any) of adjustable benefits.

(IV) Prior suspensions (if any) of benefits under this subsection.

(V) The impact on plan solvency of the subsidies and ancillary benefits available to active participants.

(VI) Compensation levels of active participants relative to employees in the participants' industry generally.

(VII) Competitive and other economic factors facing contributing employers.

(VIII) The impact of benefit and contribution levels on retaining active participants and bargaining groups under the plan.

(IX) The impact of past and anticipated contribution increases under the plan on employer attrition and retention levels.

(X) Measures undertaken by the plan sponsor to retain or attract contributing employers.

(D) Limitations on suspensions

Any suspensions of benefits made by a plan sponsor pursuant to this paragraph shall be subject to the following limitations:

(i) The monthly benefit of any participant or beneficiary may not be reduced below 110 percent of the monthly benefit which is guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation under section 1322a of this title on the date of the suspension.

(ii)(I) In the case of a participant or beneficiary who has attained 75 years of age as of the effective date of the suspension, not more than the applicable percentage of the maximum suspendable benefits of such participant or beneficiary may be suspended under this paragraph.

(II) For purposes of subclause (I), the maximum suspendable benefits of a participant or beneficiary is the portion of the benefits of such participant or beneficiary that would be suspended pursuant to this paragraph without regard to this clause;

(III) For purposes of subclause (I), the applicable percentage is a percentage equal to the quotient obtained by dividing—

(aa) the number of months during the period beginning with the month after the month in which occurs the effective date of the suspension and ending with the month during which the participant or beneficiary attains the age of 80, by

(bb) 60 months.

(iii) No benefits based on disability (as defined under the plan) may be suspended under this paragraph.

(iv) Any suspensions of benefits, in the aggregate (and, if applicable, considered in combination with a partition of the plan under section 1413 of this title), shall be reasonably estimated to achieve, but not materially exceed, the level that is necessary to avoid insolvency.

(v) In any case in which a suspension of benefits with respect to a plan is made in combination with a partition of the plan under section 1413 of this title, the suspension of benefits may not take effect prior to the effective date of such partition.

(vi) Any suspensions of benefits shall be equitably distributed across the participant and beneficiary population, taking into account factors, with respect to participants and beneficiaries and their benefits, that may include one or more of the following:

(I) Age and life expectancy.

(II) Length of time in pay status.

(III) Amount of benefit.

(IV) Type of benefit: survivor, normal retirement, early retirement.

(V) Extent to which participant or beneficiary is receiving a subsidized benefit.

(VI) Extent to which participant or beneficiary has received post-retirement benefit increases.

(VII) History of benefit increases and reductions.

(VIII) Years to retirement for active employees.

(IX) Any discrepancies between active and retiree benefits.

(X) Extent to which active participants are reasonably likely to withdraw support for the plan, accelerating employer withdrawals from the plan and increasing the risk of additional benefit reductions for participants in and out of pay status.

(XI) Extent to which benefits are attributed to service with an employer that failed to pay its full withdrawal liability.

(vii) In the case of a plan that includes the benefits described in clause (III), benefits suspended under this paragraph shall—

(I) first, be applied to the maximum extent permissible to benefits attributable to a participant's service for an employer which withdrew from the plan and failed to pay (or is delinquent with respect to paying) the full amount of its withdrawal liability under section 1381(b)(1) of this title or an agreement with the plan,

(II) second, except as provided by subclause (III), be applied to all other benefits that may be suspended under this paragraph, and

(III) third, be applied to benefits under a plan that are directly attributable to a participant's service with any employer which has, prior to December 16, 2014—

(aa) withdrawn from the plan in a complete withdrawal under section 1383 of this title and has paid the full amount of the employer's withdrawal liability under section 1381(b)(1) of this title or an agreement with the plan, and

(bb) pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement, assumed liability for providing benefits to participants and beneficiaries of the plan under a separate, single-employer plan sponsored by the employer, in an amount equal to any amount of benefits for such participants and beneficiaries reduced as a result of the financial status of the plan.

(E) Benefit improvements

(i) In general

The plan sponsor may, in its sole discretion, provide benefit improvements while any suspension of benefits under the plan remains in effect, except that the plan sponsor may not increase the liabilities of the plan by reason of any benefit improvement for any participant or beneficiary not in pay status by the first day of the plan year for which the benefit improvement takes effect, unless—

(I) such action is accompanied by equitable benefit improvements in accordance with clause (ii) for all participants and beneficiaries whose benefit commencement dates were before the first day of the plan year for which the benefit improvement for such participant or beneficiary not in pay status took effect; and

(II) the plan actuary certifies that after taking into account such benefits improvements the plan is projected to avoid insolvency indefinitely under section 1426 of this title.

(ii) Equitable distribution of benefit improvements

(I) Limitation

The projected value of the total liabilities for benefit improvements for participants and beneficiaries not in pay status by the date of the first day of the plan year in which the benefit improvements are proposed to take effect, as determined as of such date, may not exceed the projected value of the liabilities arising from benefit improvements for participants and beneficiaries with benefit commencement dates prior to the first day of such plan year, as so determined.

(II) Equitable distribution of benefits

The plan sponsor shall equitably distribute any increase in total liabilities for benefit improvements in clause (i) to some or all of the participants and beneficiaries whose benefit commencement date is before the date of the first day of the plan year in which the benefit improvements are proposed to take effect, taking into account the relevant factors described in subparagraph (D)(vi) and the extent to which the benefits of the participants and beneficiaries were suspended.

(iii) Special rule for resumptions of benefits only for participants in pay status

The plan sponsor may increase liabilities of the plan through a resumption of benefits for participants and beneficiaries in pay status only if the plan sponsor equitably distributes the value of resumed benefits to some or all of the participants and beneficiaries in pay status, taking into account the relevant factors described in subparagraph (D)(vi).

(iv) Special rule for certain benefit increases

This subparagraph shall not apply to a resumption of suspended benefits or plan amendment which increases liabilities with respect to participants and beneficiaries not in pay status by the first day of the plan year in which the benefit improvements took effect which—

(I) the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and the Secretary of Labor, determines to be reasonable and which provides for only de minimis increases in the liabilities of the plan, or

(II) is required as a condition of qualification under part I of subchapter D of chapter 1 of subtitle A of title 26 or to comply with other applicable law, as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury.

(v) Additional limitations

Except for resumptions of suspended benefits described in clause (iii), the limitations on benefit improvements while a suspension of benefits is in effect under this paragraph shall be in addition to any other applicable limitations on increases in benefits imposed on a plan.

(vi) Definition of benefit improvement

For purposes of this subparagraph, the term "benefit improvement" means, with respect to a plan, a resumption of suspended benefits, an increase in benefits, an increase in the rate at which benefits accrue, or an increase in the rate at which benefits become nonforfeitable under the plan.

(F) Notice requirements

(i) In general

No suspension of benefits may be made pursuant to this paragraph unless notice of such proposed suspension has been given by the plan sponsor concurrently with an application for approval of such suspension submitted under subparagraph (G) to the Secretary of the Treasury to—

(I) such plan participants and beneficiaries who may be contacted by reasonable efforts,

(II) each employer who has an obligation to contribute (within the meaning of section 1392(a) of this title) under the plan, and

(III) each employee organization which, for purposes of collective bargaining, represents plan participants employed by such an employer.

(ii) Content of notice

The notice under clause (i) shall contain—

(I) sufficient information to enable participants and beneficiaries to understand the effect of any suspensions of benefits, including an individualized estimate (on an annual or monthly basis) of such effect on each participant or beneficiary,

(II) a description of the factors considered by the plan sponsor in designing the benefit suspensions,

(III) a statement that the application for approval of any suspension of benefits shall be available on the website of the Department of the Treasury and that comments on such application will be accepted,

(IV) information as to the rights and remedies of plan participants and beneficiaries,

(V) if applicable, a statement describing the appointment of a retiree representative, the date of appointment of such representative, identifying information about the retiree representative (including whether the representative is a plan trustee), and how to contact such representative, and

(VI) information on how to contact the Department of the Treasury for further information and assistance where appropriate.

(iii) Form and manner

Any notice under clause (i)—

(I) shall be provided in a form and manner prescribed in guidance by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and the Secretary of Labor, notwithstanding any other provision of law,

(II) shall be written in a manner so as to be understood by the average plan participant, and

(III) may be provided in written, electronic, or other appropriate form to the extent such form is reasonably accessible to persons to whom the notice is required to be provided.

(iv) Other notice requirement

Any notice provided under clause (i) shall fulfill the requirement for notice of a significant reduction in benefits described in section 1054(h) of this title.

(v) Model notice

The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and the Secretary of Labor, shall in the guidance prescribed under clause (iii)(I) establish a model notice that a plan sponsor may use to meet the requirements of this subparagraph.

(G) Approval process by the Secretary of the Treasury in consultation with the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and the Secretary of Labor

(i) In general

The plan sponsor of a plan in critical and declining status for a plan year that seeks to suspend benefits must submit an application to the Secretary of the Treasury for approval of the suspensions of benefits. If the plan sponsor submits an application for approval of the suspensions, the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and the Secretary of Labor, shall approve the application upon finding that the plan is eligible for the suspensions and has satisfied the criteria of subparagraphs (C), (D), (E), and (F).

(ii) Solicitation of comments

Not later than 30 days after receipt of the application under clause (i), the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and the Secretary of Labor, shall publish a notice in the Federal Register soliciting comments from contributing employers, employee organizations, and participants and beneficiaries of the plan for which an application was made and other interested parties. The application for approval of the suspension of benefits shall be published on the website of the Secretary of the Treasury.

(iii) Required action; deemed approval

The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and the Secretary of Labor, shall approve or deny any application for suspensions of benefits under this paragraph within 225 days after the submission of such application. An application for suspension of benefits shall be deemed approved unless, within such 225 days, the Secretary of the Treasury notifies the plan sponsor that it has failed to satisfy one or more of the criteria described in this paragraph. If the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and the Secretary of Labor, rejects a plan sponsor's application, the Secretary of the Treasury shall provide notice to the plan sponsor detailing the specific reasons for the rejection, including reference to the specific requirement not satisfied. Approval or denial by the Secretary of the Treasury of an application shall be treated as a final agency action for purposes of section 704 of title 5.

(iv) Agency review

In evaluating whether the plan sponsor has met the criteria specified in clause (ii) of subparagraph (C), the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and the Secretary of Labor, shall review the plan sponsor's consideration of factors under such clause.

(v) Standard for accepting plan sponsor determinations

In evaluating the plan sponsor's application, the Secretary of the Treasury shall accept the plan sponsor's determinations unless it concludes, in consultation with the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and the Secretary of Labor, that the plan sponsor's determinations were clearly erroneous.

(H) Participant ratification process

(i) In general

No suspension of benefits may take effect pursuant to this paragraph prior to a vote of the participants of the plan with respect to the suspension.

(ii) Administration of vote

Not later than 30 days after approval of the suspension by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and the Secretary of Labor, under subparagraph (G), the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and the Secretary of Labor, shall administer a vote of participants and beneficiaries of the plan. Except as provided in clause (v), the suspension shall go into effect following the vote unless a majority of all participants and beneficiaries of the plan vote to reject the suspension. The plan sponsor may submit a new suspension application to the Secretary of the Treasury for approval in any case in which a suspension is prohibited from taking effect pursuant to a vote under this subparagraph.

(iii) Ballots

The plan sponsor shall provide a ballot for the vote (subject to approval by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and the Secretary of Labor) that includes the following:

(I) A statement from the plan sponsor in support of the suspension.

(II) A statement in opposition to the suspension compiled from comments received pursuant to subparagraph (G)(ii).

(III) A statement that the suspension has been approved by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and the Secretary of Labor.

(IV) A statement that the plan sponsor has determined that the plan will become insolvent unless the suspension takes effect.

(V) A statement that insolvency of the plan could result in benefits lower than benefits paid under the suspension.

(VI) A statement that insolvency of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation would result in benefits lower than benefits paid in the case of plan insolvency.

(iv) Communication by plan sponsor

It is the sense of Congress that, depending on the size and resources of the plan and geographic distribution of the plan's participants, the plan sponsor should take such steps as may be necessary to inform participants about proposed benefit suspensions through in-person meetings, telephone or internet-based communications, mailed information, or by other means.

(v) Systemically important plans

(I) In general

Not later than 14 days after a vote under this subparagraph rejecting a suspension, the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and the Secretary of Labor, shall determine whether the plan is a systemically important plan. If the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and the Secretary of Labor, determines that the plan is a systemically important plan, not later than the end of the 90-day period beginning on the date the results of the vote are certified, the Secretary of the Treasury shall, notwithstanding such adverse vote—

(aa) permit the implementation of the suspension proposed by the plan sponsor; or

(bb) permit the implementation of a modification by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and the Secretary of Labor, of such suspension (so long as the plan is projected to avoid insolvency within the meaning of section 1426 of this title under such modification).

(II) Recommendations

Not later than 30 days after a determination by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and the Secretary of Labor, that the plan is systemically important, the Participant and Plan Sponsor Advocate selected under section 1304 of this title may submit recommendations to the Secretary of the Treasury with respect to the suspension or any revisions to the suspension.

(III) Systemically important plan defined

(aa) In general

For purposes of this subparagraph, a systemically important plan is a plan with respect to which the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation projects the present value of projected financial assistance payments exceeds $1,000,000,000 if suspensions are not implemented.

(bb) Indexing

For calendar years beginning after 2015, there shall be substituted for the dollar amount specified in item (aa) an amount equal to the product of such dollar amount and a fraction, the numerator of which is the contribution and benefit base (determined under section 430 of title 42) for the preceding calendar year and the denominator of which is such contribution and benefit base for calendar year 2014. If the amount otherwise determined under this item is not a multiple of $1,000,000, such amount shall be rounded to the next lowest multiple of $1,000,000.

(vi) Final authorization to suspend

In any case in which a suspension goes into effect following a vote pursuant to clause (ii) (or following a determination under clause (v) that the plan is a systemically important plan), the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and the Secretary of Labor, shall issue a final authorization to suspend with respect to the suspension not later than 7 days after such vote (or, in the case of a suspension that goes into effect under clause (v), at a time sufficient to allow the implementation of the suspension prior to the end of the 90-day period described in clause (v)(I)).

(I) Judicial review

(i) Denial of application

An action by the plan sponsor challenging the denial of an application for suspension of benefits by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and the Secretary of Labor, may only be brought following such denial.

(ii) Approval of suspension of benefits

(I) Timing of action

An action challenging a suspension of benefits under this paragraph may only be brought following a final authorization to suspend by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and the Secretary of Labor, under subparagraph (H)(vi).

(II) Standards of review

(aa) In general

A court shall review an action challenging a suspension of benefits under this paragraph in accordance with section 706 of title 5.

(bb) Temporary injunction

A court reviewing an action challenging a suspension of benefits under this paragraph may not grant a temporary injunction with respect to such suspension unless the court finds a clear and convincing likelihood that the plaintiff will prevail on the merits of the case.

(iii) Restricted cause of action

A participant or beneficiary affected by a benefit suspension under this paragraph shall not have a cause of action under this subchapter.

(iv) Limitation on action to suspend benefits

No action challenging a suspension of benefits following the final authorization to suspend or the denial of an application for suspension of benefits pursuant to this paragraph may be brought after one year after the earliest date on which the plaintiff acquired or should have acquired actual knowledge of the existence of such cause of action.

(J) Special rule for emergence from critical status

A plan certified to be in critical and declining status pursuant to projections made under subsection (b)(3) for which a suspension of benefits has been made by the plan sponsor pursuant to this paragraph shall not emerge from critical status under paragraph (4)(B), until such time as—

(i) the plan is no longer certified to be in critical or endangered status under paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (b), and

(ii) the plan is projected to avoid insolvency under section 1426 of this title.

(f) Rules for operation of plan during adoption and rehabilitation period

(1) Compliance with rehabilitation plan

(A) In general

A plan may not be amended after the date of the adoption of a rehabilitation plan under subsection (e) so as to be inconsistent with the rehabilitation plan.

(B) Special rules for benefit increases

A plan may not be amended after the date of the adoption of a rehabilitation plan under subsection (e) so as to increase benefits, including future benefit accruals, unless the plan actuary certifies that such increase is paid for out of additional contributions not contemplated by the rehabilitation plan, and, after taking into account the benefit increase, the multiemployer plan still is reasonably expected to emerge from critical status by the end of the rehabilitation period on the schedule contemplated in the rehabilitation plan.

(2) Restriction on lump sums and similar benefits

(A) In general

Effective on the date the notice of certification of the plan's critical status for the initial critical year under subsection (b)(3)(D) is sent, and notwithstanding section 1054(g) of this title, the plan shall not pay—

(i) any payment, in excess of the monthly amount paid under a single life annuity (plus any social security supplements described in the last sentence of section 1054(b)(1)(G) of this title), to a participant or beneficiary whose annuity starting date (as defined in section 1055(h)(2) of this title) occurs after the date such notice is sent,

(ii) any payment for the purchase of an irrevocable commitment from an insurer to pay benefits, and

(iii) any other payment specified by the Secretary of the Treasury by regulations.

(B) Exception

Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to a benefit which under section 1053(e) of this title may be immediately distributed without the consent of the participant or to any makeup payment in the case of a retroactive annuity starting date or any similar payment of benefits owed with respect to a prior period.

(3) Special rules for plan adoption period

During the period beginning on the date of the certification under subsection (b)(3)(A) for the initial critical year and ending on the date of the adoption of a rehabilitation plan—

(A) the plan sponsor may not accept a collective bargaining agreement or participation agreement with respect to the multiemployer plan that provides for—

(i) a reduction in the level of contributions for any participants,

(ii) a suspension of contributions with respect to any period of service, or

(iii) any new direct or indirect exclusion of younger or newly hired employees from plan participation, and

(B) no amendment of the plan which increases the liabilities of the plan by reason of any increase in benefits, any change in the accrual of benefits, or any change in the rate at which benefits become nonforfeitable under the plan may be adopted unless the amendment is required as a condition of qualification under part I of subchapter D of chapter 1 of title 26 or to comply with other applicable law.

(g) Adjustments disregarded in withdrawal liability determination

(1) Benefit reduction

Any benefit reductions under subsection (e)(8) or (f) or benefit reductions or suspensions while in critical and declining status under subsection (e)(9)),⁷ unless the withdrawal occurs more than ten years after the effective date of a benefit suspension by a plan in critical and declining status, shall be disregarded in determining a plan's unfunded vested benefits for purposes of determining an employer's withdrawal liability under section 1381 of this title.

(2) Surcharges

Any surcharges under subsection (e)(7) shall be disregarded in determining the allocation of unfunded vested benefits to an employer under section 1391 of this title and in determining the highest contribution rate under section 1399(c) of this title, except for purposes of determining the unfunded vested benefits attributable to an employer under section 1391(c)(4) of this title or a comparable method approved under section 1391(c)(5) of this title.

(3) Contribution increases required by funding improvement or rehabilitation plan

(A) In general

Any increase in the contribution rate (or other increase in contribution requirements unless due to increased levels of work, employment, or periods for which compensation is provided) that is required or made in order to enable the plan to meet the requirement of the funding improvement plan or rehabilitation plan shall be disregarded in determining the allocation of unfunded vested benefits to an employer under section 1391 of this title and in determining the highest contribution rate under section 1399(c) of this title, except for purposes of determining the unfunded vested benefits attributable to an employer under section 1391(c)(4) of this title or a comparable method approved under section 1391(c)(5) of this title.

(B) Special rules

For purposes of this paragraph, any increase in the contribution rate (or other increase in contribution requirements) shall be deemed to be required or made in order to enable the plan to meet the requirement of the funding improvement plan or rehabilitation plan except for increases in contribution requirements due to increased levels of work, employment, or periods for which compensation is provided or additional contributions are used to provide an increase in benefits, including an increase in future benefit accruals, permitted by subsection (d)(1)(B) or (f)(1)(B).

(4) Emergence from endangered or critical status

In the case of increases in the contribution rate (or other increases in contribution requirements unless due to increased levels of work, employment, or periods for which compensation is provided) disregarded pursuant to paragraph (3), this subsection shall cease to apply as of the expiration date of the collective bargaining agreement in effect when the plan emerges from endangered or critical status. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, once the plan emerges from critical or endangered status, increases in the contribution rate disregarded pursuant to paragraph (3) shall continue to be disregarded in determining the highest contribution rate under section 1399(c) of this title for plan years during which the plan was in endangered or critical status.

(5) Simplified calculations

The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation shall prescribe simplified methods for the application of this subsection in determining withdrawal liability and payment amounts under section 1399(c) of this title.

(h) Expedited resolution of plan sponsor decisions

If, within 60 days of the due date for adoption of a funding improvement plan under subsection (c) or a rehabilitation plan under subsection (e), the plan sponsor of a plan in endangered status or a plan in critical status has not agreed on a funding improvement plan or rehabilitation plan, then any member of the board or group that constitutes the plan sponsor may require that the plan sponsor enter into an expedited dispute resolution procedure for the development and adoption of a funding improvement plan or rehabilitation plan.

(i) Nonbargained participation

(1) Both bargained and nonbargained employee-participants

In the case of an employer that contributes to a multiemployer plan with respect to both employees who are covered by one or more collective bargaining agreements and employees who are not so covered, if the plan is in endangered status or in critical status, benefits of and contributions for the nonbargained employees, including surcharges on those contributions, shall be determined as if those nonbargained employees were covered under the first to expire of the employer's collective bargaining agreements in effect when the plan entered endangered or critical status.

(2) Nonbargained employees only

In the case of an employer that contributes to a multiemployer plan only with respect to employees who are not covered by a collective bargaining agreement, this section shall be applied as if the employer were the bargaining party, and its participation agreement with the plan were a collective bargaining agreement with a term ending on the first day of the plan year beginning after the employer is provided the schedule or schedules described in subsections (c) and (e).

(j) Definitions; actuarial method

For purposes of this section—

(1) Bargaining party

The term "bargaining party" means—

(A)(i) except as provided in clause (ii), an employer who has an obligation to contribute under the plan; or

(ii) in the case of a plan described under section 404(c) of title 26, or a continuation of such a plan, the association of employers that is the employer settlor of the plan; and

(B) an employee organization which, for purposes of collective bargaining, represents plan participants employed by an employer who has an obligation to contribute under the plan.

(2) Funded percentage

The term "funded percentage" means the percentage equal to a fraction—

(A) the numerator of which is the value of the plan's assets, as determined under section 1084(c)(2) of this title, and

(B) the denominator of which is the accrued liability of the plan, determined using actuarial assumptions described in section 1084(c)(3) of this title.

(3) Accumulated funding deficiency

The term "accumulated funding deficiency" has the meaning given such term in section 1084(a) of this title.

(4) Active participant

The term "active participant" means, in connection with a multiemployer plan, a participant who is in covered service under the plan.

(5) Inactive participant

The term "inactive participant" means, in connection with a multiemployer plan, a participant, or the beneficiary or alternate payee of a participant, who—

(A) is not in covered service under the plan, and

(B) is in pay status under the plan or has a nonforfeitable right to benefits under the plan.

(6) Pay status

A person is in pay status under a multiemployer plan if—

(A) at any time during the current plan year, such person is a participant or beneficiary under the plan and is paid an early, late, normal, or disability retirement benefit under the plan (or a death benefit under the plan related to a retirement benefit), or

(B) to the extent provided in regulations of the Secretary of the Treasury, such person is entitled to such a benefit under the plan.

(7) Obligation to contribute

The term "obligation to contribute" has the meaning given such term under section 1392(a) of this title.

(8) Actuarial method

Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the actuary's determinations with respect to a plan's normal cost, actuarial accrued liability, and improvements in a plan's funded percentage under this section shall be based upon the unit credit funding method (whether or not that method is used for the plan's actuarial valuation).

(9) Plan sponsor

In the case of a plan described under section 404(c) of title 26, or a continuation of such a plan, the term "plan sponsor" means the bargaining parties described under paragraph (1).

(10) Benefit commencement date

The term "benefit commencement date" means the annuity starting date (or in the case of a retroactive annuity starting date, the date on which benefit payments begin).

(Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §305, as added Pub. L. 109–280, title II, §202(a), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 868; amended Pub. L. 110–458, title I, §102(b)(1)(B)–(G), Dec. 23, 2008, 122 Stat. 5100, 5101; Pub. L. 113–235, div. O, title I, §§102(a), 103(a), 104(a), 105(a), 106(a), 107(a), 109(a), title II, §201(a)(1)–(3), (5)–(7)(A), Dec. 16, 2014, 128 Stat. 2774, 2777, 2779, 2781, 2783, 2789, 2798, 2799-2809.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The enactment of the Pension Protection Act of 2006, referred to in subsec. (e)(4)(B)(i)(II), means the enactment of Pub. L. 109–280, which was approved Aug. 17, 2006.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 1085, Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §305, Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 873, related to alternative minimum funding standard, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 109–280, title I, §101(a), (d), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 784, 789, applicable to plan years beginning after 2007.

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 113–235, §201(a)(1), added par. (3).

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 113–235, §104(a)(1)(A), substituted "the plan is not in critical status for the plan year and is not described in paragraph (5)," for "the plan is not in critical status for the plan year".

Subsec. (b)(3)(A)(i). Pub. L. 113–235, §201(a)(3), substituted ", whether" for "and whether" and inserted ", and whether or not the plan is or will be in critical and declining status for such plan year" before ", and" at end.

Pub. L. 113–235, §104(a)(3), which directed insertion of ", or would be in endangered status for such plan year but for paragraph (5)," after "endangered status for a plan year", was executed by making the insertion after "endangered status for such plan year" to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Pub. L. 113–235, §102(a)(2)(A), substituted "or for any of the succeeding 5 plan years, and" for ", and" at end.

Subsec. (b)(3)(B)(i). Pub. L. 113–235, §102(a)(2)(B)(i), substituted "Except as provided in clause (iv), in making the determinations" for "In making the determinations".

Subsec. (b)(3)(B)(iv). Pub. L. 113–235, §201(a)(5), added cl. (iv) relating to projections of critical and declining status.

Pub. L. 113–235, §102(a)(2)(B)(ii), added cl. (iv) relating to projections relating to critical status in succeeding plan years.

Subsec. (b)(3)(D)(i). Pub. L. 113–235, §102(a)(3)(A)(ii), inserted at end "In any case in which a plan sponsor elects to be in critical status for a plan year under paragraph (4), the plan sponsor shall notify the Secretary of the Treasury of such election not later than 30 days after the date of such certification or such other time as the Secretary of the Treasury may prescribe by regulations or other guidance."

Pub. L. 113–235, §102(a)(3)(A)(i), inserted "or in which a plan sponsor elects to be in critical status for a plan year under paragraph (4)" after "endangered or critical status for a plan year".

Subsec. (b)(3)(D)(iii). Pub. L. 113–235, §104(a)(2)(B), added cl. (iii). Former cl. (iii) redesignated (iv).

Subsec. (b)(3)(D)(iv). Pub. L. 113–235, §104(a)(2)(C), substituted "clauses (ii) and (iii)" for "clause (ii)".

Pub. L. 113–235, §104(a)(2)(A), redesignated cl. (iii) as (iv). Former cl. (iv) redesignated (v).

Pub. L. 113–235, §102(a)(3)(B), added cl. (iv).

Subsec. (b)(3)(D)(v). Pub. L. 113–235, §104(a)(2)(A), redesignated cl. (iv) as (v).

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 113–235, §102(a)(1), added par. (4).

Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 113–235, §104(a)(1)(B), added par. (5).

Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 113–235, §201(a)(2), added par. (6).

Subsec. (c)(3)(A)(i)(I). Pub. L. 113–235, §105(a)(1), substituted "of the first plan year for which the plan is certified to be in endangered status pursuant to paragraph (b)(3)" for "of such period".

Subsec. (c)(3)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 113–235, §105(a)(2), substituted "the last plan year" for "any plan year".

Subsec. (c)(7). Pub. L. 113–235, §107(a)(1), amended par. (7) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (7) related to imposition of default schedule where failure to adopt funding improvement plan.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 113–235, §106(a), amended subsec. (d) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (d) related to rules for operation of plan during adoption and improvement periods.

Subsec. (e)(3)(C). Pub. L. 113–235, §107(a)(2), amended subpar. (C) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (C) related to imposition of default schedule where failure to adopt rehabilitation plan.

Subsec. (e)(4)(B). Pub. L. 113–235, §103(a), amended subpar. (B) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (B) related to emergence of plan from critical status.

Subsec. (e)(9). Pub. L. 113–235, §201(a)(6), added par. (9).

Pub. L. 113–235, §109(a)(1), struck out par. (9) which related to adjustments disregarded in withdrawal liability determination.

Subsec. (f)(3), (4). Pub. L. 113–235, §109(a)(2), redesignated par. (4) as (3), substituted "During the period beginning on the date of the certification under subsection (b)(3)(A) for the initial critical year and ending on the date of the adoption of a rehabilitation plan—" for "During the rehabilitation plan adoption period—" in introductory provisions, and struck out former par. (3). Text read as follows "Any benefit reductions under this subsection shall be disregarded in determining a plan's unfunded vested benefits for purposes of determining an employer's withdrawal liability under section 1381 of this title."

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 113–235, §109(a)(4), added subsec. (g). Former subsec. (g) redesignated (h).

Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 113–235, §201(a)(7)(A), inserted "or benefit reductions or suspensions while in critical and declining status under subsection (e)(9)), unless the withdrawal occurs more than ten years after the effective date of a benefit suspension by a plan in critical and declining status," after "benefit reductions under subsection (e)(8) or (f)".

Subsecs. (h) to (j). Pub. L. 113–235, §109(a)(3), redesignated subsecs. (g), (h), and (i) as (h), (i), and (j), respectively.

2008—Subsec. (b)(3)(C). Pub. L. 110–458, §102(b)(1)(B), substituted "section 1021(b)(1)" for "section 1021(b)(4)".

Subsec. (b)(3)(D)(iii). Pub. L. 110–458, §102(b)(1)(C), substituted "The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary" for "The Secretary".

Subsec. (c)(7)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 110–458, §102(b)(1)(D)(i), substituted "to adopt a contribution schedule with terms consistent with the funding improvement plan and a schedule from the plan sponsor," for "to agree on changes to contribution or benefit schedules necessary to meet the applicable benchmarks in accordance with the funding improvement plan,".

Subsec. (c)(7)(B), (C). Pub. L. 110–458, §102(b)(1)(D)(ii), (iii), added subpars. (B) and (C) and struck out former subpar. (B). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "The date specified in this subparagraph is the earlier of the date—

"(i) on which the Secretary certifies that the parties are at an impasse, or

"(ii) which is 180 days after the date on which the collective bargaining agreement described in subparagraph (A) expires."

Subsec. (e)(3)(C)(i)(II). Pub. L. 110–458, §102(b)(1)(E)(i)(I), substituted "to adopt a contribution schedule with terms consistent with the rehabilitation plan and a schedule from the plan sponsor under paragraph (1)(B)(i)," for "contribution or benefit schedules with terms consistent with the rehabilitation plan and the schedule from the plan sponsor under paragraph (1)(B)(i),".

Subsec. (e)(3)(C)(ii), (iii). Pub. L. 110–458, §102(b)(1)(E)(i)(II), (III), added cls. (ii) and (iii) and struck out former cl. (ii). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "The date specified in this clause is the earlier of the date—

"(I) on which the Secretary certifies that the parties are at an impasse, or

"(II) which is 180 days after the date on which the collective bargaining agreement described in clause (i) expires."

Subsec. (e)(4)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 110–458, §102(b)(1)(E)(ii)(I), struck out "the date of" before "the due date".

Subsec. (e)(4)(B). Pub. L. 110–458, §102(b)(1)(E)(ii)(II), substituted "but taking" for "and taking".

Subsec. (e)(6). Pub. L. 110–458, §102(b)(1)(E)(iii), substituted "the last sentence of paragraph (1)" for "paragraph (1)(B)(i)" in introductory provisions and "establish" for "established" in concluding provisions.

Subsec. (e)(8)(C)(iii). Pub. L. 110–458, §102(b)(1)(E)(iv), substituted "the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary" for "the Secretary" in subcl. (I) and "Secretary of the Treasury" for "Secretary" in concluding provisions.

Subsec. (e)(9)(B). Pub. L. 110–458, §102(b)(1)(E)(v), substituted "the allocation of unfunded vested benefits to an employer" for "an employer's withdrawal liability".

Subsec. (f)(2)(A)(i). Pub. L. 110–458, §102(b)(1)(F), inserted at end "to a participant or beneficiary whose annuity starting date (as defined in section 1055(h)(2) of this title) occurs after the date such notice is sent,".

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 110–458, §102(b)(1)(G), inserted "under subsection (c)" before "or a rehabilitation plan under subsection (e)".