Organization and Functions; Rules of Practice and Procedure; Attorney Fees

Document Headings Document headings vary by document type but may contain the following: the agency or agencies that issued and signed a document the number of the CFR title and the number of each part the document amends, proposes to amend, or is directly related to the agency docket number / agency internal file number the RIN which identifies each regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions See the Document Drafting Handbook for more details. Federal Maritime Commission 46 CFR Parts 501 and 502 [Docket No. 15-06] RIN 3072-AC61 AGENCY: Federal Maritime Commission. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: The Federal Maritime Commission amends its Rules of Practice and Procedure governing the award of attorney fees in Shipping Act complaint proceedings, and its regulations related to Commissioner terms and vacancies. The regulatory changes implement statutory amendments made by the Howard Coble Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2014. DATES: This final rule is effective: March 1, 2016. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karen V. Gregory, Secretary, Federal Maritime Commission, 800 North Capitol Street NW., Washington, DC 20573-0001, Phone: (202) 523-5725, Email: secretary@fmc.gov . For legal questions, contact William H. Shakely, General Counsel, Phone: (202) 523-5740. Email: generalcounsel@fmc.gov . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Table of Contents I. Executive Summary II. Background III. Summary of July 2, 2015, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking A. Conforming Amendments B. Implementing the Amended Attorney-Fee Provision IV. Overview of Comments V. Final Rule and Response to Comments A. Conforming Amendments B. Implementing the Amended Attorney-Fee Provision 1. Who is eligible to recover attorney fees? a. Proceedings b. Parties 2. How will the commission exercise its discretion? a. General b. Treatment of Prevailing Complainants vs. Prevailing Respondents c. Factors for Consideration When Determining Entitlement d. Different …