Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 64 / Tuesday, April 6, 2021 / Notices17883      Privacy Act In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments from the public to better inform its rulemaking process. DOT posts these comments, without edit, including any personal information the commenter provides, to www.regulations.gov, as described in the system of records notice (DOT/ALL– 14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at www.transportation.gov/privacy. II. Background Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), FMCSA may grant an exemption from the FMCSRs for no longer than a 5-year period if it finds such exemption would likely achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level that would be achieved absent such exemption. The statute also allows the Agency to renew exemptions at the end of the 5-year period. FMCSA grants medical exemptions from the FMCSRs for a 2-year period to align with the maximum duration of a driver’s medical certification. The physical qualification standard for drivers regarding hearing found in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11) states that a person is physically qualified to drive a CMV if that person first perceives a forced whispered voice in the better ear at not less than 5 feet with or without the use of a hearing aid or, if tested by use of an audiometric device, does not have an average hearing loss in the better ear greater than 40 decibels at 500 Hz, 1,000 Hz, and 2,000 Hz with or without a hearing aid when the audiometric device is calibrated to American National Standard (formerly ASA Standard) Z24.5—1951. This standard was adopted in 1970 and was revised in 1971 to allow drivers to be qualified under this standard while wearing a hearing aid, 35 FR 6458, 6463 (April 22, 1970) and 36 FR 12857 (July 3, 1971). The 15 individuals listed in this notice have requested renewal of their exemptions from the hearing standard in § 391.41(b)(11), in accordance with FMCSA procedures. Accordingly, FMCSA has evaluated these applications for renewal on their merits and decided to extend each exemption for a renewable 2-year period. III. Request for Comments Interested parties or organizations possessing information that would otherwise show that any, or all, of these drivers are not currently achieving the statutory level of safety should immediately notify FMCSA. The Agency will evaluate any adverse  evidence submitted and, if safety is being compromised or if continuation of the exemption would not be consistent with the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), FMCSA will take immediate steps to revoke the exemption of a driver. IV. Basis for Renewing Exemptions In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), each of the 15 applicants has satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the hearing requirement. The 15 drivers in this notice remain in good standing with the Agency. In addition, for Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) holders, the Commercial Driver’s License Information System and the Motor Carrier Management Information System are searched for crash and violation data. For non-CDL holders, the Agency reviews the driving records from the State Driver’s Licensing Agency. These factors provide an adequate basis for predicting each driver’s ability to continue to safely operate a CMV in interstate commerce. Therefore, FMCSA concludes that extending the exemption for each of these drivers for a period of 2 years is likely to achieve a level of safety equal to that existing without the exemption.  As of April 21, 2021, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), the following 15 individuals have satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the hearing requirement in the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers: Maurice N. Abenchuchan (FL)Ron Adkins (MO)Prince K. Bempong (TX)Keith Byrd (TN)Perry Cobb (TN)Kevin Dent (MS)Nathaniel Godfrey (KY)Daniel Grossinger (MD)Dwayne Johnson (IL)Paul Langlois (OH)Reynaldo Martinez (TX)Floyd McClain (OH)Brian Peek (GA)Lon E. Smith (MS)John Turner, III (CO) The drivers were included in docket number FMCSA–2013–0121, FMCSA– 2014–0103, FMCSA–2014–0105, FMCSA–2014–0106, FMCSA–2014– 0107, FMCSA–2014–0385, FMCSA– 2015–0327, FMCSA–2015–0329, FMCSA–2016–0002, or FMCSA–2018– 0137. Their exemptions are applicable as of April 21, 2021, and will expire on April 21, 2023. V. Conditions and Requirements The exemptions are extended subject to the following conditions: (1) Each  driver must report any crashes or accidents as defined in § 390.5; and (2) report all citations and convictions for disqualifying offenses under 49 CFR 383 and 49 CFR 391 to FMCSA; and (3) each driver prohibited from operating a motorcoach or bus with passengers in interstate commerce. The driver must also have a copy of the exemption when driving, for presentation to a duly authorized Federal, State, or local enforcement official. In addition, the exemption does not exempt the individual from meeting the applicable CDL testing requirements. Each exemption will be valid for 2 years unless rescinded earlier by FMCSA. The exemption will be rescinded if: (1) The person fails to comply with the terms and conditions of the exemption; (2) the exemption has resulted in a lower level of safety than was maintained before it was granted; or (3) continuation of the exemption would not be consistent with the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b).  VI. Preemption During the period the exemption is in effect, no State shall enforce any law or regulation that conflicts with this exemption with respect to a person operating under the exemption. VII. Conclusion Based upon its evaluation of the 15 exemption applications, FMCSA renews the exemptions of the aforementioned drivers from the hearing requirement in §391.41(b)(11). In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), each exemption will be valid for two years unless revoked earlier by FMCSA. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2021–07075 Filed 4–5–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P    DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Internal Revenue Service Recruitment Notice for the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Notice.  SUMMARY: Notice of Open Season for Recruitment of IRS Taxpayer Advocacy Panel (TAP) Members. DATES: April 5, 2021 through May 14, 2021. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lisa Billups at 214–413–6523 (not a toll-free call). 17884Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 64 / Tuesday, April 6, 2021 / Notices    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is hereby given that the Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) are inviting individuals to help improve the nation’s tax agency by applying to be members of the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel (TAP). The mission of the TAP is to listen to taxpayers, identify issues that affect taxpayers, and make suggestions for improving IRS service and customer satisfaction. The TAP serves as an advisory body to the Secretary of the Treasury, the Commissioner of Internal Revenue, and the National Taxpayer Advocate. TAP members will participate in subcommittees that channel their feedback to the IRS through the Panel’s parent committee. The IRS is seeking applicants who have an interest in good government, a personal commitment to volunteer approximately 200 to 300 hours a year, and a desire to help improve IRS customer service. As a federal advisory committee, TAP is required to have a fairly balanced membership in terms of the points of view represented. Thus, TAP membership represents a cross-section of the taxpaying public with at least one member from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, in addition to one member representing international taxpayers. For application purposes, ‘‘international taxpayers’’ are defined broadly to include U.S. citizens working, living, or doing business abroad or in a U.S. territory. Potential candidates must be U.S. citizens, not a current employee of any Bureau of the Treasury Department or have worked for any Bureau of the Treasury Department within the three years of December 1 of the current year and must pass a federal tax compliance check and a Federal Bureau of Investigation criminal background investigation. Applicants who practice before the IRS must be in good standing with the IRS (meaning not currently under suspension or disbarment). Federally-registered lobbyists cannot be members of the TAP. The IRS is seeking members or alternates in the following locations Alabama, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, International, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Minnesota, Michigan, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, Oklahoma, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island Tennessee, Texas Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming. TAP members are a diverse group of citizens who represent the interests of taxpayers, from their respective  geographic locations as well as taxpayers overall. Members provide feedback from a taxpayer’s perspective on ways to improve IRS customer service and administration of the federal tax system, by identifying grassroots taxpayer issues. Members should have good communication skills and be able to speak to taxpayers about TAP and its activities, while clearly distinguishing between TAP positions and their personal viewpoints. Interested applicants should visit the TAP website at www.improveirs.org for more information about TAP. Applications may be submitted online at www.usajobs.gov. For questions about TAP membership, call the TAP toll-free number, 1–888–912–1227 and select prompt 5. Callers who are outside of the U.S. should call 214–413–6523 (not a toll-free call). The opening date for submitting applications is April 5, 2021 and the deadline for submitting applications is May 14, 2021. Interviews will be held. The Department of the Treasury will review the recommended candidates and make final selections. New TAP members will serve a three-year term starting in December 2021. (Note: highly-ranked applicants not selected as members may be placed on a roster of alternates who will be eligible to fill future vacancies that may occur on the Panel.) Questions regarding the selection of TAP members may be directed to Lisa Billups, Taxpayer Advocacy Panel, Internal Revenue Service, 1111 Constitution Avenue NW, TA:TAP Room 1509, Washington, DC 20224, or 214–413–6523 (not a toll-free call). Dated: March 31, 2021. Kevin Brown, Acting Director, Taxpayer Advocacy Panel. [FR Doc. 2021–06998 Filed 4–5–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4830–01–P  DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Internal Revenue Service Open Meeting of the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel’s Toll-Free Phone Lines Project Committee AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Notice of meeting.  SUMMARY: An open meeting of the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel’s Toll-Free Phone Lines Project Committee will be conducted. The Taxpayer Advocacy Panel is soliciting public comments, ideas, and suggestions on improving  customer service at the Internal Revenue Service. DATES: The meeting will be held Tuesday, May 11, 2021. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rosalind Matherne at 1–888–912–1227 or 202–317–4115. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is hereby given pursuant to Section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. App. (1988) that an open meeting of the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel Toll-Free Phone Lines Project Committee will be held Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The public is invited to make oral comments or submit written statements for consideration. Due to limited time and structure of meeting, notification of intent to participate must be made with Rosalind Matherne. For more information please contact Rosalind Matherne at 1–888–912–1227 or 202– 317–4115, or write TAP Office, 1111 Constitution Ave. NW, Room 1509, Washington, DC 20224 or contact us at the website: http://www.improveirs.org. The agenda will include various IRS issues.  Dated: April 1, 2021. Kevin Brown, Acting Director, Taxpayer Advocacy Panel. [FR Doc. 2021–07059 Filed 4–5–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4830–01–P  DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Internal Revenue Service Open Meeting of the TaxpayerAdvocacy Panel’s Notices andCorrespondence Project Committee AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Notice of meeting.  SUMMARY: An open meeting of the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel’s Notices and Correspondence Project Committee will be conducted. The Taxpayer Advocacy Panel is soliciting public comments, ideas, and suggestions on improving customer service at the Internal Revenue Service. Due to a processing error, we will not be able to meet the 15-calendar notice threshold, but this meeting will still be open. This meeting will still be held via teleconference. DATES: The meeting will be held Wednesday, May 12, 2021. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Rosalia at 1–888–912–1227 or (718) 834–2203. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is hereby given pursuant to Section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory

<p>IRS Seeks Members for Taxpayer Advocacy Panel</p>

IRS Seeks Members for Taxpayer Advocacy Panel

Internal Revenue Service

The IRS has announced that it will be accepting applications for membership in its Taxpayer Advocacy Panel from April 5 through May 14.

<p>The IRS has announced that it will be accepting applications for membership in its Taxpayer Advocacy Panel from April 5 through May 14.</p>