New regs for Wednesday: Cybersecurity, prisoners, illegal immigrants

Wednesday’s edition of the Federal Register contains new rules for prisoners seeking drug abuse treatment, more waivers for illegal immigrants, and cybersecurity measures for the electric grid.

Here’s what is happening:

Immigration: The Department of Homeland Security is proposing to expand a program that allows illegal immigrants to live in the United States while they are applying for visas.

Homeland Security would expand the number of waivers it offers to illegal immigrants.

Some illegal immigrants can already request waivers while they are applying for a visa, but Homeland Security would expand the eligibility requirements.

The public has 60 days to comment.

Prison: The Department of Justice (DOJ) is proposing to expand access to a drug abuse treatment program for prisoners.

The Justice Department’s Bureau of Prisons is looking to encourage “greater inmate participation in the program,” which it believes will reduce the likelihood that they fall back into a life of crime after they are released.

The public has 60 days to comment.

Cuba: The Obama administration is formally removing Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism.

Secretary of State John Kerry announced the move in May, but the Commerce Department is just now taking steps to update its export regulations with regard to Cuba.

The Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security says it will remove anti-terrorism license requirements and eliminate references to Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism.

The changes go into effect immediately.

Cybersecurity: The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is proposing new cybersecurity measures.

The agency is looking at seven new cybersecurity reliability standards for critical infrastructure to protect the bulk electric system.

The public has 60 days to comment.