Federal Register #Docket No. 260429-0119

Final Rule Amending Department of Commerce Regulations Implementing the HAVANA Act

This notice announces a final rule from the Department of Commerce amending its regulations under the HAVANA Act of 2021: - The rule clarifies and updates eligibility for compensation related to qualifying neurological injuries for current and former Commerce employees and their dependents - Coverage is extended to injuries dating back to September 11, 2001 - Key regulatory changes include: - Removal of the word 'sole' from the discretion clause - Updated definitions (e.g., 'other incident') - Clarified eligibility and payment rules - The amendments align Commerce's regulations with those of other agencies, such as the Department of Defense and Department of Justice - No products, services, OEMs, or vendors are being procured or mentioned in this rulemaking - The rule affects regulations at 15 CFR part 3 and is intended to ensure statutory conformity and inter-agency uniformity

Description

This final rule updates and amends the Department of Commerce's regulations implementing the Helping American Victims Afflicted by Neurological Attacks (HAVANA) Act of 2021. The amendments ensure statutory conformity, clarify and improve the regulations, and promote inter-agency uniformity without diminishing any substantive requirements, entitlements, or obligations established by the HAVANA Act. Key changes include removing the word "sole" from the discretion clause, updating definitions, clarifying eligibility rules for payments, and extending coverage to qualifying injuries dating back to September 11, 2001. The rule is effective May 4, 2026.

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