Rules & Regulations

Comments by the Office of the Architect of the Capitol on the Office of Compliance Proposed Amendments to the “Office of Compliance Procedural Rules”

The Office of Compliance (Office) has issued proposed amendments to the Office of Compliance Procedural Rules (OCPR) and has requested comments from interested parties. The Office of the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) submits the comments below regarding the proposed amendments. The proposed amendments (or amendments) are to specific sections of the OCPR. The comments identify the specific section of the OCPR that the comments address.

OCPR 103(a) and proposed (d): This amendment provides in (a) for electronic filing of documents when specifically authorized by the Executive Director and in new section (d) for service or filing of documents by express mail or other forms of expedited delivery which provide proof of delivery to the addressee whenever the rules permit or require service or filing by certified mail, return receipt requested.

1.03 Filing and Computation of Time.

(a) Method of Filing. Documents may be filed in person or by mail, including express, overnight and other expedited delivery. When specifically authorized by the Executive Director, any document may also be filed by electronic transmittal in a designated format. Requests for counseling under section 2.03, requests for mediation under section 2.04 and complaints under section 5.01 of these rules may also be filed by facsimile (FAX) transmission…

(d) Service or filing of documents by certified mail, return receipt requested. Whenever these rules permit or require service or filing of documents by certified mail, return receipt requested, such documents may also be served or filed by express mail or other forms of expedited delivery in which proof of delivery to the addressee is provided.

The amendment does not indicate what will trigger the Executive Director’s consideration to authorize electronic filing or if any types of matters would be excluded from consideration. The AOC is generally in favor of the inclusion of electronic transmittal as a filing method, as well as the expanded service options when proof of delivery is required.