[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 209 (Monday, October 29, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 65477-65478]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-26554]
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DEPARTMENT OF STATE
22 CFR Part 52
[Public Notice 8074]
RIN 1400-AD27
Repeal of Regulations on Marriages
AGENCY: Department of State.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: In accordance with Executive Order 13563, the Bureau of
Consular Affairs is repealing the regulations on marriages. The current
regulations are outdated and duplicative of other authorities that
detail procedures for authentications and documentation of life events.
Further, in light of other authorities, it is unnecessary to
specifically state in the regulations how consular authority is
limited.
DATES: Effective Date: This rule is effective October 29, 2012.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dara Morenoff, Office of Legal
Affairs, Overseas Citizen Services, U.S. Department of State, 2201 C
Street NW., SA-29, Washington, DC 20520, (202) 736-4995,
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This rule removes Part 52 of the Code of
Federal Regulations, which relates to the consular role in marriages.
The Department is removing Part 52 because it is outdated and
duplicative of other federal laws and regulations. For example:
--Section 52.1 provides that consular officers may not conduct
marriages or serve as witnesses to a marriage. The law authorizing
consular officers to act in this capacity, 22 U.S.C. 4192, was repealed
in 1990.
--Section 52.2 relates to authentication of marriage documents. This
section is unnecessary because the laws and regulations that apply to
authentications in general also apply to marriage documents, and these
functions are already covered in 22 CFR 92.41.
--Finally, Section 52.3 is unnecessary because there is no longer
demand for official certificates with respect to marriage laws in
foreign countries.
Regulatory Analysis and Notices
Administrative Procedure Act
This action is being taken as a final rule pursuant to the ``good
cause'' provision of 5 U.S.C. 553(b). It is the position of the
Department that notice and comment are not necessary in light of the
fact that Part 52 is obsolete or duplicative of other authorities.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
It is hereby certified that the repeal of these regulations will
not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small
entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C.
605(b), because the issues addressed are not of an economic nature. In
addition, the repeal of this regulation does not have federalism
implications under E.O. 13132.
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
Section 202 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995, 2 U.S.C.
1532, generally requires agencies to prepare a statement before
proposing any rule that may result in an annual expenditure of $100
million or more by State, local, or tribal governments, or by the
private sector. This rule will not result in any such expenditure, nor
will it significantly or uniquely affect small governments.
Executive Orders 12866 and 13563
The Department of State has reviewed this rule to ensure its
consistency with the regulatory philosophy and principles set forth in
Executive Order 12866 and has determined that the benefits of this
regulation justify its costs. The Department does not consider this
rule to be an economically significant action within the scope of
section 3(f)(1) of the Executive Order since it is not likely to have
an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more or to adversely
affect in a material way the economy, a sector of the economy,
competition, jobs, the environment, public health or safety, or State,
local or tribal governments or communities. The Department has
considered this rule in light of Executive Order 13563, dated January
18, 2011, and affirms that this regulation is consistent with the
guidance therein.
Federalism
This regulation will not have substantial direct effects on the
States, on the relationship between the national government and the
States, or the distribution of power and responsibilities among the
various levels of government. Nor will the rule have federalism
implications warranting the application of Executive Orders No. 12372
and No. 13132.
Civil Justice Reform
The Department has reviewed the regulations in light of sections
3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive Order No. 12988 to eliminate ambiguity,
minimize litigation, establish clear legal standards, and reduce
burden.
[[Page 65478]]
Consultations With Tribal Governments
The Department has determined that this rulemaking will not have
Tribal implications, will not impose substantial direct compliance
costs on Indian Tribal governments, and will not pre-empt Tribal law.
Accordingly, the requirements of Executive Order 13175 do not apply to
this rulemaking.
Paperwork Reduction Act
This rule does not impose information collection requirements under
the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. Chapter 35.
List of Subjects in 22 CFR Part 52
Authentication of marriage, Marriage and divorce, Marriage laws.
0
Accordingly, under the authority of 22 U.S.C. 2651a, and because the
statutory authority for Part 52 has been repealed, 22 CFR Chapter I,
Subchapter F is amended by removing Part 52.
Dated: October 2, 2012.
Janice L. Jacobs,
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Department of State.
[FR Doc. 2012-26554 Filed 10-26-12; 8:45 am]
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