ACUS Launches Webpage to Help Agency Adjudication Offices Navigate Coronavirus

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Harry M. Seidman
202.480.2085
hseidman@acus.gov

ACUS Launches Webpage to Help Agency Adjudication Offices Navigate Coronavirus

Washington, D.C., April 3, 2020 – The Administrative Conference of the United States (ACUS) is pleased to announce the launch of a new webpage to help federal agency adjudication offices navigate challenges posed by the ongoing national emergency surrounding COVID-19.

The new webpage compiles relevant orders, policies, news releases, and other statements related to federal agencies’ responses to the ongoing situation. It includes current policies on a topics such as receiving physical mail, e-filing, and email workarounds; submission of voluminous evidence; electronic service of documents; extending filing deadlines; electronic signatures; restrictions on in-person hearings; managing telephone and video hearings; postponements; and appeals.

ACUS will continue to update the webpage as agencies make new information available on their websites and in the Federal Register. Agencies may email additions, updates, or corrections to Jeremy Graboyes (jgraboyes@acus.gov). 

The webpage also includes general resources for agencies, including past ACUS recommendations and ACUS-commissioned reports on best practices for video hearings. Also available is the Handbook on Best Practices for Using Video Teleconferencing in Adjudicatory Hearings, commissioned by ACUS from Center for Legal & Court Technology at William & Mary Law School.

As federal agencies continue to respond to the situation while managing their other vital responsibilities, ACUS welcomes feedback on how it can best carry out its statutory charge to arrange for the “interchange among administrative agencies of information potentially useful in improving administrative procedure.”

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 and providing nonpartisan expert advice and recommendations for federal agency procedures. Its membership is composed of senior federal officials, academics, and other experts from the private sector. Except for the Chairman, all Conference Members are unpaid.

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.

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