Notice2022-25690
Department of Defense (DoD) Science and Technology Reinvention Laboratory (STRL) Personnel Demonstration Project
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
November 25, 2022
Issuing agencies
Defense Department
Abstract
STRLs with published demonstration project plans may implement the flexibility of a supplemental pay provision based on criteria as defined by the STRL director.
Full Text
<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 226 (Friday, November 25, 2022)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 226 (Friday, November 25, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 72462-72465]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-25690]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Office of the Secretary
Department of Defense (DoD) Science and Technology Reinvention
Laboratory (STRL) Personnel Demonstration Project
AGENCY: Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and
Engineering (OUSD(R&E)), DoD.
ACTION: This notice provides a new authority to all STRL Personnel
Demonstration Projects.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: STRLs with published demonstration project plans may implement
the flexibility of a supplemental pay provision based on criteria as
defined by the STRL director.
DATES: Implementation of this Federal Register notice will begin no
earlier than November 25, 2022.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Department of Defense:
<bullet> Office of Under Secretary of Defense (Research and
Engineering), DoD Laboratories, Federally Funded Research and
Development Centers, and University-Affiliated Research Centers Office:
Dr. James Petro, 571-286-6265, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e7ad868a8294c9a5c9b782939588c9848e91a78a868e8bc98a8e8b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="eaa08b878f99c4a8c4ba8f9e9885c489839caa878b8386c4878386">[email protected]</span></a>.
Department of the Air Force:
<bullet> Air Force Research Laboratory: Ms. Rosalyn Jones-Byrd,
937-656-9747, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6a3805190b061304442005040f19472813180e2a1f19440b0c44070306"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="70221f03111c091e5e3a1f1e15035d320902143005035e11165e1d191c">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Joint Warfare Analysis Center: Ms. Amy Balmaz, 540-653-
8598, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#9fdef2e6b1cbb1ddfef3f2fee5b1fcf6e9dff2fef6f3b1f2f6f3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c081adb9ee94ee82a1acada1baeea3a9b680ada1a9aceeada9ac">[email protected]</span></a>.
Department of the Army:
<bullet> Army Futures Command: Ms. Marlowe Richmond, 512-726-4397,
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b6fbd7c4dad9c1d398e4dfd5dedbd9d8d298d5dfc0f6d7c4dbcf98dbdfda"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4d002c3f21223a28631f242e2520222329632e243b0d2c3f203463202421">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social
Sciences: Dr. Scott Shadrick, 254-288-3800,
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#85d6e6eaf1f1ece0abc7abd6ede4e1f7ece6eeabe6ecf3c5e4f7e8fcabe8ece9"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6b3808041f1f020e45294538030a0f190208004508021d2b0a19061245060207">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Combat Capabilities Development Command's Armaments
Center: Mr. Mike Nicotra, 973-724-7764, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c588aca6ada4a0a9eb8feb8baca6aab1b7a4eba6acb385a8a4aca9eba8aca9"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="dc91b5bfb4bdb9b0f296f292b5bfb3a8aebdf2bfb5aa9cb1bdb5b0f2b1b5b0">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Combat Capabilities Development Command's Army Research
Laboratory: Mr. Christopher Tahaney, 410-278-9069,
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#55163d273c26213a253d30277b067b01343d343b302c7b363c23153427382c7b383c39"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="501338223923243f203835227e037e043138313e35297e3339261031223d297e3d393c">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Combat Capabilities Development Command's Aviation and
Missile Center: Ms. Nancy Salmon, 256-876-9647,
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#ffb19e919c86d1bcd1ac9e93929091cdd19c9689bf9e8d9286d1929693"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8ac4ebe4e9f3a4c9a4d9ebe6e7e5e4b8a4e9e3fccaebf8e7f3a4e7e3e6">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Combat Capabilities Development Command's Chemical
Biological Center: Ms. Patricia Milwicz, 410-417-2343,
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6b3b0a1f190208020a4527452602071c0208114508021d2b0a19061245060207"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="92c2f3e6e0fbf1fbf3bcdebcdffbfee5fbf1e8bcf1fbe4d2f3e0ffebbcfffbfe">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Combat Capabilities Development Command's Command,
Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance,
and Reconnaissance Center: Ms. Angela Clybourn, 443-395-2110,
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#febf90999b929fd0b3d0bd92879c918c90d09d9788be9f8c9387d0939792"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="de9fb0b9bbb2bff093f09db2a7bcb1acb0f0bdb7a89ebfacb3a7f0b3b7b2">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Combat Capabilities Development Command's Ground Vehicle
Systems Center: Ms. Jennifer Davis, 586-306-4166,
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2a604f4444434c4f580466046e4b5c43591b0449435c6a4b58475304474346"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f8b29d9696919e9d8ad6b4d6bc998e918bc9d69b918eb8998a9581d6959194">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Combat Capabilities Development Command's Soldier Center:
Ms. Joelle Montecalvo, 508-206-3421, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#cd87a2a8a1a1a8e386e380a2a3b9a8aeaca1bba2e3aea4bb8dacbfa0b4e3a0a4a1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6b21040e07070e4520452604051f0e080a071d044508021d2b0a19061245060207">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Engineer Research and Development Center: Ms. Patricia
Sullivan, 601-634-3065, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7d2d1c090f141e141c5330532e081111140b1c133d080e1c1e18531c0f100453101411"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4111203533282228206f0c6f12342d2d2837202f0134322022246f20332c386f2c282d">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Medical Research and Development Command: Ms. Linda Krout,
301-619-7276, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f1bd989f9590dfbbdfba839e8485df929887b19c90989ddf9c989d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4c002522282d620662073e233938622f253a0c212d252062212520">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Technical Center, Space, and Missile Defense Command: Dr.
Chad Marshall, 256-955-5697, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#40032821246e0a6e0d21323328212c2c6e2329360021322d396e2d292c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="26654e4742086c086b4754554e474a4a08454f506647544b5f084b4f4a">[email protected]</span></a>.
Department of the Navy:
<bullet> Naval Air Warfare Center, Weapons Division and Aircraft
Division: Mr. Richard Cracraft, 760-939-8115,
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#bceed5dfd4ddced892fd92ffcedddfcedddac88e92dfd5cafcc9cf92d2ddcac592d1d5d0"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e7b58e848f869583c9a6c9a495868495868193d5c9848e91a79294c98986919ec98a8e8b">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Naval Facilities Engineering Command Engineering and
Expeditionary Warfare Center: Ms. Lori Leigh, 805-901-5917,
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0c40637e65224d224069656b644c797f22626d7a7522616560"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2a66455843046b04664f434d426a5f5904444b5c5304474346">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Naval Information Warfare Centers:
[cir] Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic: Mr. Michael
Gagnon, 843-218-3871, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0a476369626b6f662446244d6b6d646564382469637c4a7f7924646b7c7324676366"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2b664248434a4e470567056c4a4c454445190548425d6b5e5805454a5d5205464247">[email protected]</span></a>.
[cir] Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific: Ms. Angela Hanson,
619-553-0833, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5d1c333a38313c730473153c332e3233733e342b1d282e73333c2b2473303431"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="75341b121019145b2c5b3d141b061a1b5b161c033500065b1b14030c5b181c19">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Naval Medical Research Center: Dr. Jill Phan, 301-319-
7645, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7d37141111533e532d151c13531e140b3d101c141153101411"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="95dffcf9f9bbd6bbc5fdf4fbbbf6fce3d5f8f4fcf9bbf8fcf9">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Naval Research Laboratory: Ms. Ginger Kisamore, 202-767-
3792, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#abecc2c5ccced985e0c2d8cac6c4d9ceebc5d9c785c5caddd285c6c2c7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="36715f58515344187d5f45575b5944537658445a185857404f185b5f5a">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Naval Sea Systems Command Warfare Centers: Ms. Diane
Brown, 215-897-1619, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#90d4f9f1fef5bedabed2e2ffe7febef3f9e6d0e5e3befef1e6e9befdf9fc"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="87c3eee6e9e2a9cda9c5f5e8f0e9a9e4eef1c7f2f4a9e9e6f1fea9eaeeeb">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Office of Naval Research: Ms. Margaret J. Mitchell, 703-
588-2364, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#561b37243137243322781c781b3f22353e333a3a163837202f783b3f3a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="cc81adbeabadbea9b8e286e281a5b8afa4a9a0a08ca2adbab5e2a1a5a0">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
1. Background
Title 10 United States Code (U.S.C.) 4121 authorizes the Secretary
of Defense, through the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for
Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)), to exercise the authorities
granted to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) under 5 U.S.C. 4703
to conduct personnel demonstration projects at DoD laboratories
designated as Science and Technology Reinvention Laboratories (STRLs).
All STRLs authorized pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 4121 may use the provisions
described in this Federal Register Notice (FRN). STRLs implementing
these flexibilities must have an approved personnel demonstration
project plan published in an FRN and fulfill any collective bargaining
obligations. Each STRL will establish internal operating procedures as
appropriate.
The 21 current STRLs are:
<bullet> Air Force Research Laboratory
<bullet> Joint Warfare Analysis Center
<bullet> Army Futures Command
<bullet> Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences
<bullet> U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command's Armaments
Center
<bullet> U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command's Army
Research Laboratory
<bullet> U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command's Aviation
and Missile Center
<bullet> U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command's Chemical
Biological Center
<bullet> U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command's Command,
[[Page 72463]]
Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance,
and Reconnaissance Center
<bullet> U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command's Ground
Vehicle Systems Center
<bullet> U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command's Soldier
Center
<bullet> U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center
<bullet> U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command
<bullet> U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command's Technical Center
<bullet> Naval Air Systems Command Warfare Centers
<bullet> Naval Facilities Engineering Command Systems Engineering and
Expeditionary Warfare Center
<bullet> Naval Information Warfare Centers, Atlantic and Pacific
<bullet> Naval Medical Research Center
<bullet> Naval Research Laboratory
<bullet> Naval Sea Systems Command Warfare Centers
<bullet> Office of Naval Research
2. Summary of Comments
On May 12, 2022, the Department of Defense published a notice (87
FR 29134-29137) concerning this new flexibility, for a 30-day public
comment period. The public comment period ended on June 13, 2022. One
commenter posed several questions concerning safeguards to ensure
equitable administration of the supplemental pay authority.
Specifically, the commenter inquired about how supplemental pay
determinations will be made, how employees will be notified about
opportunities to receive such pay, and who will review and evaluate the
appropriateness of the determinations. In addition, the commenter
inquired about whether and how a disparate impact analysis would be
conducted to determine whether the supplemental pay flexibility results
in unintentional discrimination based on race, gender, age, or another
protected category.
In response, the Department notes that the criteria in Section
II.A. concerning supplemental pay rate determinations are based on the
criteria in 5 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 530.304. STRL directors
will evaluate the need for establishing, increasing, decreasing, or
discontinuing supplemental pay rate schedules, using these factors. The
frequency and results of such evaluations will be documented in
Internal Operating Procedures. As provided in the individual STRL
personnel demonstration project plans and DoD instructions, STRL
personnel demonstration projects are continually evaluated by external
offices. Along with information about other STRL flexibilities,
information about the supplemental pay flexibility will be collected
and analyzed to determine whether it is a model personnel practice. In
addition, each STRL may conduct internal evaluations to ensure its
flexibilities are appropriately administered.
Additional changes were made to clarify which positions within the
STRL are eligible for use of this flexibility. Finally, the provision
concerning treatment of supplemental pay as locality pay for purposes
of determining basic pay was removed.
3. Overview
I. Introduction
A. Purpose
Some STRLs have adopted supplemental pay flexibilities that are
based on the OPM special salary rate tables that provide for higher
salaries than the General Schedule (GS) tables. This supplemental pay
flexibility permits STRLs to independently establish supplemental pay
rates based on market conditions to help STRLs attract, recruit, and
retain a high caliber workforce. Competing with private sector
compensation is particularly challenging, especially in emerging
mission areas such as hypersonics, autonomy, cybersecurity, and data
science.
B. Required Waivers to Law and Regulation
Waivers and adaptations of certain title 5 U.S.C. and title 5 CFR
provisions are required only to the extent that these statutory and
regulatory provisions limit or are inconsistent with the actions
authorized under these demonstration projects. Title 10 U.S.C.
4121(a)(5) states that the limitations on pay fixed by administrative
action in 5 U.S.C. 5373 do not apply to the STRL demonstration project
authority to prescribe salary schedules and other related benefits.
Appendix A lists waivers needed to enact authorities described in this
FRN. Nothing in this plan is intended to preclude the STRLs from
adopting or incorporating any law or regulation enacted, adopted, or
amended after the effective date of this FRN.
C. Participating Organizations and Employees
All DoD laboratories designated as STRLs pursuant to 10 U.S.C.
4121(b), as well as any additional laboratories designated as STRLs by
the Secretary of Defense, through the USD(R&E), with approved personnel
demonstration project plans published in FRNs may use the supplemental
pay rate provisions described in this FRN. The supplemental pay
flexibility may be applied to all STRL employees included within the
personnel demonstration project pursuant to subsection (c) of 10 U.S.C.
4121. It may be necessary to review written agreements with respect to
the project, between the STRL and a labor organization which is
accorded exclusive recognition under 5 U.S.C. 7101 et seq., to
determine whether certain STRL employees (e.g., employees whose pay is
set in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 5332 or the ``General Schedule'') are
included in the project and are therefore eligible for supplemental pay
using this authority. Prevailing rate employees (as defined by section
5342(a)(2) of title 5 U.S.C. and senior executives (as defined by
section 3132(a)(3) of such title) are not included within personnel
demonstration projects and may not receive supplemental pay pursuant to
this FRN.
II. Personnel System Changes
A. Description and Implementation
STRL directors may establish supplemental pay rates to be paid bi-
weekly, as other pay, for those positions which warrant higher
compensation than that provided by the established broadband salary
ranges, STRL staffing supplements or differentials, or other
recruitment or retention authorities. The STRL director may establish
supplemental pay rates by occupational series, specialty, competency,
broadband level, and/or geographical area. In establishing such rates,
the STRL director may consider: rates of pay offered by non-Federal or
other alternative pay system employers that are considerably higher
than rates payable by the STRL; the remoteness of the area or location
involved; the undesirability of the working conditions or nature of the
work involved; evidence that the position is of such a specialized
nature that very few candidates exist; numbers of existing vacant
positions and the length of time vacant; numbers of employees who have
voluntarily left positions; evidence to support a conclusion that
recruitment or retention problems likely will develop (if such problems
do not already exist) or will worsen; consideration of use of other pay
flexibilities as well as the use of non-pay solutions; or any other
circumstances the STRL director considers appropriate. Documentation of
the determination will be maintained by the STRL.
This supplemental pay is in addition to any other pay, such as
locality-based comparability payments authorized
[[Page 72464]]
under 5 U.S.C. 5304 and may result in maximum salary above Level IV of
the Executive Schedule but may not exceed Level I of the Executive
Schedule.
The STRL director has an ongoing responsibility to evaluate the
need for continuing payment of the supplemental pay and shall terminate
or reduce the amount if conditions warrant. Conditions to be considered
include: changes in labor-market factors; whether the need for the
services or skills of the employee has decreased such that it is no
longer necessary to incentivize employee recruitment or retention; and
budgetary considerations. The reduction or termination of the payment
is not considered an adverse action and may not be appealed or grieved.
The applicant or employee will sign a statement of understanding
outlining that the supplement may be reduced or terminated at any time
based on conditions as determined by the STRL director. The
documentation of the determination will be maintained by the STRL.
B. Evaluation
Procedures for evaluating this authority will be incorporated into
the STRL demonstration project evaluation processes conducted by the
STRLs, OUSD(R&E), or Component headquarters, as appropriate.
C. Reports
STRLs will track and provide information and data on the use of
this authority when requested by the Component headquarters or
OUSD(R&E).
III. Required Waivers to Law and Regulations
Appendix A--Waivers to Title 5, U.S.C.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title 5, Code of Federal
Title 5, United States Code Regulations
------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 U.S.C. 5303(f)--Annual Adjustments to 5 CFR Part 530, subpart B--
pay schedules. Waived to allow pay Aggregate Limitation on Pay.
(disregarding comparability pay) to Waived in its entirety to
exceed level V of the Executive allow STRL director to
Schedule. authorize supplemental pay as
defined in this FRN.
5 U.S.C. 5304(g)(1)--Locality-based 5 CFR Part 530.203--
comparability payments. Waived to Administration of aggregate
allow pay in excess of level IV of the limitation on pay. Waived to
Executive Schedule. allow pay and allowances,
differentials, bonuses,
awards, or other similar cash
payments, including
supplemental pay in excess of
level I of the Executive
Schedule.
5 U.S.C. 5304(h)(1)(D)--Locality-based 5 CFR Part 531.606(a)--Maximum
comparability payments. Waived to limits on locality rates.
allow pay in excess of level IV of the Waived to allow pay in excess
Executive Schedule. of level IV of the Executive
Schedule.
5 U.S.C. 5305--Special Pay Authority. 5 CFR Part 531.606(b)(3)--
Waived in its entirety as to allow the Maximum limits on locality
STRL director to establish rates. Waived to allow pay in
supplemental pay and to allow pay in excess of level IV of the
excess of level IV of the Executive Executive Schedule.
Schedule.
5 U.S.C. 5307--Limitation on certain 5 CFR Part 531.608--
payments. Waived to allow pay and Relationship of locality rates
allowances,\, differentials, bonuses, to other pay rates. Waived to
awards, or other similar cash apply the provisions of this
payments, including supplemental pay FRN.
in excess of Level I of the Executive
Schedule.
5 U.S.C 5373--Limitation on pay fixed ...............................
by administrative action. Waived to
the extent necessary to allow basic
pay and supplemental pay to exceed
level IV of the Executive Schedule.
5 U.S.C. 5547--Limitation on premium 5 CFR Part 550.105--Premium Pay
pay. Waived to the extent necessary to Biweekly maximum earnings
allow basic pay and supplemental pay limitation. Waived to the
to exceed level IV of the Executive extent necessary to allow
Schedule. basic pay and supplemental pay
to exceed level IV of the
Executive Schedule.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appendix B--Authorized STRLs and Federal Register Notices
------------------------------------------------------------------------
STRL Federal Register notice
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air Force Research Laboratory.......... 61 FR 60400 amended by 75 FR
53076.
Joint Warfare Analysis Center.......... 85 FR 29414.
Army Futures Command................... Not yet published.
Army Research Institute for Behavioral 85 FR 76038.
and Social Sciences.
U.S. Army Combat Capabilities 76 FR 3744.
Development Command's Armaments Center.
U.S. Army Combat Capabilities 63 FR 10680.
Development Command's Army Research
Laboratory.
U.S. Army Combat Capabilities 62 FR 34906 and 62 FR 34876
Development Command's Aviation and amended by 65 FR 53142 (AVRDEC
Missile Center. and AMRDEC merged).
U.S. Army Combat Capabilities 74 FR 68936.
Development Command's Chemical
Biological Center.
U.S. Army Combat Capabilities 66 FR 54872.
Development Command's Command,
Control, Communications, Cyber,
Intelligence, Surveillance, and
Reconnaissance Center.
U.S. Army Combat Capabilities 76 FR 12508.
Development Command's Ground Vehicle
Systems Center.
U.S. Army Combat Capabilities 74 FR 68448.
Development Command's Soldier Center.
U.S. Army Engineer Research and 63 FR 14580 amended by 65 FR
Development Center. 32135.
U.S. Army Medical Research and 63 FR 10440.
Development Command.
U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense 85 FR 3339.
Command's Technical Center.
Naval Air Systems Command Warfare 76 FR 8530.
Centers.
Naval Facilities Engineering Command 86 FR 14084.
Systems Engineering and Expeditionary
Warfare Center.
[[Page 72465]]
Naval Information Warfare Centers, 76 FR 1924.
Atlantic and Pacific.
Naval Medical Research Center.......... Not yet published.
Naval Research Laboratory.............. 64 FR 33970.
Naval Sea Systems Command Warfare 62 FR 64050.
Centers.
Office of Naval Research............... 75 FR 77380.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dated: November 18, 2022.
Aaron T. Siegel,
Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense.
[FR Doc. 2022-25690 Filed 11-23-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 5001-06-P
</pre><script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script></body>
</html>Indexed from Federal Register on November 25, 2022.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.