Significant Updates to OOC Procedural Rules

Section 303 of the Congressional Accountability Act (“CAA”) authorizes the Office of Compliance (“OOC”) Executive Director to adopt rules governing the procedures of the OOC. 2 U.S.C. § 1383. The Procedural Rules were first adopted in 1995, and were most recently amended in 2016. The chart below shows the substantive differences between the Rules as amended in 2016 and the Rules as previously amended in 2004. The complete text of the current Procedural Rules is available at www.compliance.gov.

Note: This chart does not reference minor, non-substantive changes in the 2016 Rules

§	2004	§	2016
1.01	Scope and Policy Does not list “definitions” among items addressed by rules or clarify which procedures are included under CAA Title II Parts A and B.	1.01	Scope and Policy Lists “definitions” among items addressed by rules and clarifies the specific procedures that are included under CAA Title II Parts A, B, and C.
1.02	Definitions (b)(3) and (h)(4) “Capitol Guide Service” and its employees are listed as a covered employer and covered employees, respectively. (b)(9) and (h)(5) The “General Accounting Office” and its employees are listed as a covered employer and covered employees (subject to purposes stated in subparagraph (q)). (d) “employee of the Office of the Architect of the Capitol” includes employees of the Senate Restaurants. 2016 Rule 1.02(j) is not included in the 2004 amendments. (o) “General Counsel” means the OOC General Counsel.	1.02	Definitions (b)(3) and (h)(4) “Capitol Guide Service” is replaced with “Office of Congressional Accessibility Services”. (b)(9), (h)(5), and (r) “Government Accountability Office” replaces “General Accounting Office” and its employees are listed as a covered employer and covered employees (subject to purposes stated in subparagraph (r)). (d) “employee of the Office of the Architect of the Capitol” does not include employees of the Senate Restaurants. (j) “Designated Representative” is a defined term and means an individual, firm, or other entity designated in writing by a party to represent the interests of that party in a matter filed with the Office. (p) “General Counsel” means the OOC General Counsel and any authorized representative or designee of the General Counsel.