FMC to Tweak Rules for Small Claims Adjudication

The Federal Maritime Commission will change its rules for claims of Shipping Act violations involving less than $50,000, it said. "The current rules provide that claims less than $50,000 will be decided by a Settlement Officer appointed by the Commission’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Specialist," said the FMC in a notice. The new rules provide that claims in the amount of $50,000 or less will be decided by a Small Claims Officer appointed by the Commission’s Chief Administrative Law Judge." The change will be effective Nov. 7, unless "unless significant adverse comment is received" by Sept. 8, it said. Because the change is not a "major rule," a proposed rulemaking notice is not required, said the agency.