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This rule implements section 626 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Pub. L. 117-81) to establish standard definitions, for use across the military departments, of the terms "gold star family" and "gold star survivor."

Overall Description of Deadline: Section 626 of the NDAA 2022 (Pub, L. 117-81) requires publication of an interim final rule no later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Statement of Need:

The objective of the rule is to establish standard definitions, for use across the military departments, of the terms gold star family and gold star survivor.  

Summary of the Legal Basis:

This rule is proposed under the authorities of section 626(c) of Public Law 117-81, FY 2022 NDAA.

Alternatives:

The alternative is to take no action. 

Anticipated Costs and Benefits:

The cost to publish this new rule and update the Defense Department’s policies is estimated at $900,000. This includes the public’s time to review the proposed rule and resources needed to respond to any public comments, publish the interim rule, revise policies, and possibly revamp the Navy and Coast Guard’s long-term case management programs.

Risks:

This action does not reduce risks to public health, safety, or the environment, or effect other risks within the jurisdiction of the Defense Department.