In an effort to make its deliberation and rule-making processes more efficient and transparent, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed a number of changes to its practices and procedures.
In the first instance, the Commission has proposed changes to its rules concerning the reconsideration of agency proceedings. In brief, the proposed changes would delegate authority to bureau and office chiefs to dismiss or deny those defective or repetitious petitions for reconsideration that do not warrant consideration by the full Commission.
Further, the proposed changes would delegate to the staff the authority to use electronic means (i.e., e-mail) to serve parties to FCC proceedings, as well as the authority to terminate inactive dockets.
In the second instance, the Commission has proposed changes to its disclosure of so-called ex parte communications, when all parties to a proceeding are not present. Here, the proposed changes would include steps to improve the completeness, accuracy and timeliness of its disclosures.
View the Commission’s press release announcing the proposed rulemaking changes.
