Megan Kindelan

Communications Director

202.480.2091

mkindelan@acus.gov 

 

The 61st Plenary Session of the Administrative Conference of the United States was held December 4-5, 2014. During the session, Conference Chairman Paul R. Verkuil and the Conference Assembly passed three recommendations:

 

1. Recommendation 2014-5: Retrospective Review of Agency Rules: This recommendation examines agencies’ procedures for reanalyzing and amending existing regulations and offers recommendations designed to promote a culture of retrospective review at agencies.  Among other things, it urges agencies to plan for retrospective review when drafting new regulations; highlights considerations germane to selecting regulations for reevaluation; identifies factors relevant to ensuring robust review; and encourages agencies to coordinate with the Office of Management and Budget, other agencies, and outside entities (including stakeholders and foreign regulators) when designing and conducting retrospective reviews.

> www.acus.gov/2014-5

 

2. Recommendation 2014-6: Petitions for Rulemaking: This recommendation identifies agency procedures and best practices for accepting, processing, and responding to petitions for rulemaking. It seeks to ensure that the public's right to petition is a meaningful one, while still respecting the need for agencies to retain decisional autonomy. Building upon ACUS's previous work on the subject, it provides additional guidance that may make the petitioning process more useful for agencies, petitioners, and the public.

> www.acus.gov/2014-6

 

3. Recommendation 2014-7: Best Practices for Using Video Teleconferencing for Hearings: This recommendation offers practical guidance regarding how best to conduct video hearings, and addresses the following subjects: Equipment and environment, training, financial considerations, procedural practices, fairness and satisfaction, and collaboration among agencies. It also provides for the development of a video hearings handbook by ACUS's Office of the Chairman.

> www.acus.gov/2014-7

 

Twice a year, the full membership of the Administrative Conference meets in plenary session and debates and votes on recommendations received from Conference committees. 

 

About ACUS

The Administrative Conference of the United States is an independent federal agency dedicated to improving the administrative process through consensus-driven applied research, providing nonpartisan expert advice and recommendations for improvement of federal agency procedures.  Its membership is composed of innovative federal officials and experts with diverse views and backgrounds from both the private sector and academia.   

 

The Conference is committed to promoting effective public participation and efficiency in the rulemaking process by leveraging interactive technologies and encouraging open communication with the public as well as making improvements to the regulatory process by reducing unnecessary litigation, and improving the use of science and the effectiveness of applicable laws.  Learn more at www.acus.gov.