2025-12494: Civil Monetary Penalties Inflation Adjustments for 2025

A. Administrative Procedure Act

The BBA provides that, for each annual adjustment made after the initial adjustments of civil penalties in 2016, the head of an agency shall adjust the civil monetary penalties each year notwithstanding 5 U.S.C. 553. Accordingly, this rule is being issued as a final rule without prior notice and public comment, and without a delayed effective date.

B. Regulatory Flexibility Act

Only those entities that are determined to have violated Federal law and regulations would be affected by the increase in the civil penalty amounts made by this rule. A Regulatory Flexibility Act analysis is not required for this rule because publication of a notice of proposed rulemaking was not required. See 5 U.S.C. 603(a).

C. Executive Order 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review), Executive

Order 13563 (Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review), and Executive Order 14192 (Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation) This final rule has been drafted in accordance with Executive Order 12866, ``Regulatory Planning and Review,'' section 1(b), The Principles of Regulation, and in accordance with Executive Order 13563, ``Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review,'' section 1, General Principles of Regulation. The Department of Justice has determined that this rule is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866, ``Regulatory Planning and Review,'' section 3(f), and, accordingly, this rule has not been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget. This final rule implements the BBA by making an across-the-board adjustment of the civil penalty amounts in 28 CFR 85.5 to account for inflation since the adoption of the Department's final rule published on January 30, 2023 (88 FR 5776). Further, as this rule is not a ``significant regulatory action'' pursuant to Executive Order 12866, it is not an ``Executive Order 14192 action'' and, accordingly, it is it is fully exempt from the numerical 10-for-1 and cost offset requirements of Executive Order 14192.

D. Executive Order 13132--Federalism

This rule will not have substantial direct effects on the States, on the relationship between the National Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. Therefore, in accordance with Executive Order 13132, it is determined that this rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

E. Executive Order 12988--Civil Justice Reform

This rule meets the applicable standards set forth in sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive Order 12988.

F. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995

This rule will not result in the expenditure by State, local, and tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector, of $100 million or more in any one year (as adjusted for inflation), and it will not significantly or uniquely affect small governments. Therefore, no actions were deemed necessary under the provisions of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995.

G. Congressional Review Act

This rule is not a major rule as defined by the Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 804. List of Subjects in 28 CFR Part 85 Administrative practice and procedure, Penalties. [[Page 29447]] Under rulemaking authority vested in the Attorney General in 5 U.S.C. 301; 28 U.S.C. 509, 510 and delegated to the Assistant Attorney General, Office of Legal Policy, by A.G. Order No. 5328-2022, and for the reasons set forth in the preamble, chapter I of title 28 of the Code of Federal Regulations is amended as follows: PART 85--CIVIL MONETARY PENALTIES INFLATION ADJUSTMENT 0

1. The authority citation for part 85 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301, 28 U.S.C. 503; Pub. L. 101-410, 104 Stat. 890, as amended by Pub. L. 104-134, 110 Stat. 1321; Pub. L. 114-74, section 701, 28 U.S.C. 2461 note. 0

2. Section 85.5 is revised to read as follows:

Sec. 85.5 Adjustments to penalties for violations occurring after November 2, 2015. (a) For civil penalties assessed after July 3, 2025, whose associated violations occurred after November 2, 2015, the civil monetary penalties provided by law within the jurisdiction of the Department are adjusted as set forth in the fifth column of table 1 to this section. (b) For civil penalties assessed after February 12, 2024, and on or before July 3, 2025 whose associated violations occurred after November 2, 2015, the civil monetary penalties provided by law within the jurisdiction of the Department are adjusted as set forth in the fourth column of table 1 to this section. (c) All figures set forth in table 1 to this section are maximum penalties, unless otherwise indicated. Table 1 to Sec. 85.5 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DOJ penalty DOJ penalty assessed after U.S.C. citation Name/description CFR citation assessed after 2/ July 3, 2025 \2\ 12/2024 \1\ ($) ($) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ATF ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18 U.S.C. 922(t)(5)............. Brady Law--Nat'l .................. 10,557............ 10,831 Instant Criminal Check System (NICS); Transfer of firearm without checking NICS. 18 U.S.C. 924(p)................ Child Safety Lock .................. 3,861............. 3,961 Act; Secure gun storage or safety device, violation. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Civil Division ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12 U.S.C. 1833a(b)(1)........... Financial 28 CFR 85.3(a)(6). 2,449,575......... 2,513,215 Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act (FIRREA) Violation. 12 U.S.C. 1833a(b)(2)........... FIRREA Violation 28 CFR 85.3(a)(7). 2,449,575......... 2,513,215 (continuing) (per day). 12 U.S.C. 1833a(b)(2)........... FIRREA Violation 28 CFR 85.3(a)(7). 12,247,886........ 12,566,086 (continuing). 22 U.S.C. 2399b(a)(3)(A)........ Foreign Assistance 28 CFR 85.3(a)(8). 7,114............. 7,299 Act; Fraudulent Claim for Assistance (per act). 31 U.S.C. 3729(a)............... False Claims Act; 28 CFR 85.3(a)(9). Min 13,946, Max Min 14,308, Max \3\ Violations. 27,894. 28,619 31 U.S.C. 3802(a)(1)............ Program Fraud 28 CFR 71.3(a).... 13,946............ 14,308 Civil Remedies Act; Violations Involving False Claim (per claim). 31 U.S.C. 3802(a)(2)............ Program Fraud 28 CFR 71.3(f).... 13,946............ 14,308 Civil Remedies Act; Violation Involving False Statement (per statement). 40 U.S.C. 123(a)(1)(A).......... Federal Property 28 CFR 85.3(a)(12) 7,114............. 7,299 and Administrative Services Act; Violation Involving Surplus Government Property (per act). 41 U.S.C. 8706(a)(1)(B)......... Anti-Kickback Act; 28 CFR 85.3(a)(13) 27,894............ 28,619 Violation Involving Kickbacks \4\ (per occurrence). 18 U.S.C. 2723(b)............... Driver's Privacy .................. 10,289............ 10,556 Protection Act of 1994; Prohibition on Release and Use of Certain Personal Information from State Motor Vehicle Records-- Substantial Non- compliance (per day). 18 U.S.C. 216(b)................ Ethics Reform Act 28 CFR 85.3(c).... 122,480........... 125,662 of 1989; Penalties for Conflict of Interest Crimes \5\ (per violation). 41 U.S.C. 2105(b)(1)............ Office of Federal .................. 127,983........... 131,308 Procurement Policy Act; \6\ Violation by an individual (per violation). 41 U.S.C. 2105(b)(2)............ Office of Federal .................. 1,279,819......... 1,313,069 Procurement Policy Act; \6\ Violation by an organization (per violation). 42 U.S.C. 5157(d)............... Disaster Relief .................. 16,170............ 16,590 Act of 1974; \7\ Violation (per violation). ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Civil Rights Division (excluding immigration-related penalties) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18 U.S.C. 248(c)(2)(B)(i)....... Freedom of Access 28 CFR 20,516............ 21,049 to Clinic 85.3(b)(1)(i). Entrances Act of 1994 (``FACE Act''); Nonviolent physical obstruction, first violation. 18 U.S.C. 248(c)(2)(B)(ii)...... FACE Act; 28 CFR 30,868............ 31,670 Nonviolent 85.3(b)(1)(ii). physical obstruction, subsequent violation. [[Page 29448]] 18 U.S.C. 248(c)(2)(B)(i)....... FACE Act; 28 CFR 30,868............ 31,670 Violation other 85.3(b)(2)(i). than a nonviolent physical obstruction, first violation. 18 U.S.C. 248(c)(2)(B)(ii)...... FACE Act; 28 CFR 51,449............ 52,786 Violation other 85.3(b)(2)(ii). than a nonviolent physical violation). 42 U.S.C. 3614(d)(1)(C)(i)...... Fair Housing Act 28 CFR 127,983........... 131,308 of 1968; first 85.3(b)(3)(i). violation. 42 U.S.C. 3614(d)(1)(C)(ii)..... Fair Housing Act 28 CFR 255,964........... 262,614 of 1968; 85.3(b)(3)(ii). subsequent violation. 42 U.S.C. 12188(b)(2)(C)(i)..... Americans With 28 CFR 115,231........... 118,225 Disabilities Act; 36.504(a)(3)(i). Public accommodations for individuals with disabilities, first violation. 42 U.S.C. 12188(b)(2)(C)(ii).... Americans With 28 CFR 230,464........... 236,451 Disabilities Act; 36.504(a)(3)(ii). Public accommodations for individuals with disabilities subsequent violation. 50 U.S.C. 4041(b)(3)............ Servicemembers 28 CFR 77,370............ 79,380 Civil Relief Act 85.3(b)(4)(i). of 2003; first violation. 50 U.S.C. 4041(b)(3)............ Servicemembers 28 CFR 154,741........... 158,761 Civil Relief Act 85.3(b)(4)(ii). of 2003; subsequent violation. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Criminal Division ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18 U.S.C. 983(h)(1)............. Civil Asset .................. Min 442, Max 8,842 Min 453, Max 9,072 Forfeiture Reform Act of 2000; Penalty for Frivolous Assertion of Claim. 18 U.S.C. 1956(b)............... Money Laundering .................. 27,894............ 28,619 Control Act of 1986; Violation \8\. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DEA ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21 U.S.C. 844a(a)............... Anti-Drug Abuse 28 CFR 76.3(a).... 25,597............ 26,262 Act of 1988; Possession of small amounts of controlled substances (per violation). 21 U.S.C. 961(1)................ Controlled 28 CFR 85.3(d).... 88,934............ 91,245 Substance Import Export Act; Drug abuse, import or export. 21 U.S.C. 842(c)(1)(A).......... Controlled .................. 80,850............ 82,950 Substances Act (``CSA''); Violations of 842(a)--other than (5), (10), (16) and (17)-- Prohibited acts re: controlled substances (per violation). 21 U.S.C. 842(c)(1)(B)(i)....... CSA; Violations of .................. 18,759............ 19,246 842(a)(5), (10), and (17)-- Prohibited acts re: controlled substances. 21 U.S.C. 842(c)(1)(B)(ii)...... SUPPORT for .................. 121,664........... 124,825 Patients and Communities Act; Violations of 842(b)(ii)--Failu res re: opioids. 21 U.S.C. 842(c)(1)(C).......... CSA; Violation of .................. 647,907........... 664,740 825(e) by importer, exporter, manufacturer, or distributor--Fals e labeling of anabolic steroids (per violation). 21 U.S.C. 842(c)(1)(D).......... CSA; Violation of .................. 1,296............. 1,330 825(e) at the retail level-- False labeling of anabolic steroids (per violation). 21 U.S.C. 842(c)(2)(C).......... CSA; Violation of .................. 485,893........... 498,517 842(a)(11) by a business--Distrib ution of laboratory supply with reckless disregard \9\. 21 U.S.C. 842(c)(2)(D).......... SUPPORT for .................. 608,319........... 624,123 Patients and Communities Act; Violations of 842(a)(5), (10) and (17) by a registered manufacture or distributor of opioids. Failures re: opioids. 21 U.S.C. 856(d)................ Illicit Drug Anti- .................. 448,047........... 459,687 Proliferation Act of 2003; Maintaining drug- involved premises \10\. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Immigration-Related Penalties ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8 U.S.C. 1324a(e)(4)(A)(i)...... Immigration Reform 28 CFR Min 698, Max 5,579 Min 716, Max 5,724 and Control Act 68.52(c)(1)(i). of 1986 (``IRCA''); Unlawful employment of aliens, first order (per unauthorized alien). 8 U.S.C. 1324a(e)(4)(A)(ii)..... IRCA; Unlawful 28 CFR Min 5,579, Max Min 5,724, Max employment of 68.52(c)(1)(ii). 13,946. 14,308 aliens, second order (per such alien). [[Page 29449]] 8 U.S.C. 1324a(e)(4)(A)(iii).... IRCA; Unlawful 28 CFR Min 8,369, Max Min 8,586, Max employment of 68.52(c)(1)(iii). 27,894. 28,619 aliens, subsequent order (per such alien). 8 U.S.C. 1324a(e)(5)............ IRCA; Paperwork 28 CFR 68.52(c)(5) Min 281, Max 2,789 Min 288, Max 2,861 violation (per relevant individual). 8 U.S.C. 1324a (note)........... IRCA; Violation 28 CFR 68.52(c)(6) Min 973, Max 1,942 Min 998, Max 1,992 relating to participating employer's failure to notify of final nonconfirmation of employee's employment eligibility (per relevant individual). 8 U.S.C. 1324a(g)(2)............ IRCA; Violation/ 28 CFR 68.52(c)(7) 2,789............. 2,861 prohibition of indemnity bonds (per violation). 8 U.S.C. 1324b(g)(2)(B)(iv)(I).. IRCA; Unfair 28 CFR Min 575, Max 4,610 Min 590, Max 4,730 immigration- 68.52(d)(1)(viii). related employment practices, first order (per individual discriminated against). 8 U.S.C. 1324b(g)(2)(B)(iv)(II). IRCA; Unfair 28 CFR Min 4,610, Max Min 4,730, Max immigration- 68.52(d)(1)(ix). 11,524. 11,823 related employment practices, second order (per individual discriminated against). 8 U.S.C. 1324b(g)(2)(B)(iv)(III) IRCA; Unfair 28 CFR Min 6,913, Max Min 7,093, Max immigration- 68.52(d)(1)(x). 23,048. 23,647 related employment practices, subsequent order (per individual discriminated against). 8 U.S.C. 1324b(g)(2)(B)(iv)(I V) IRCA; Unfair 28 CFR Min 230, Max 2,304 Min 236, Max 2,364 immigration- 68.52(d)(1)(xii). related employment practices, unfair documentary practices (per individual discriminated against). 8 U.S.C. 1324c(d)(3)(A)......... IRCA; Document 28 CFR Min 575, Max 4,610 Min 590, Max 4,730 fraud, first 68.52(e)(1)(i). order--for violations described in U.S.C. 1324c(a)(1)-(4) (per document). 8 U.S.C. 1324c(d)(3)(B)......... IRCA; Document 28 CFR Min 4,610, Max Min 4,730, Max fraud, subsequent 68.52(e)(1)(iii). 11,524. 11,823 order--for violations described in U.S.C. 1324c(a)(1)-(4) (per document). 8 U.S.C. 1324c(d)(3)(A)......... IRCA; Document 28 CFR Min 487, Max 3,887 Min 500, Max 3,988 fraud, first 68.52(e)(1)(ii). order--for violations described in U.S.C. 1324c(a)(5)-(6) (per document). 8 U.S.C. 1324c(d)(3)(B)......... IRCA; Document 28 CFR Min 3,887, Max Min 3,988, Max fraud, subsequent 68.52(e)(1)(iv). 9,718. 9,970 order--for violations described in U.S.C. 1324c(a)(5)-(6) (per document). ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FBI ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 49 U.S.C. 30505(a).............. National Motor .................. 2,058............. 2,111 Vehicle Title Identification System; Violation (per violation). ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Office of Justice Programs ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 34 U.S.C. 10231(d).............. Confidentiality of 28 CFR 20.25...... 35,574............ 36,498 information; State and Local Criminal History Record Information Systems--Right to Privacy Violation. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ The figures set forth in this column represent the penalty as last adjusted by Department of Justice regulation on February 12, 2024. \2\ All figures set forth in this table are maximum penalties, unless otherwise indicated. \3\ Section 3729(a)(1) of Title 31 provides that any person who violates this section is liable to the United States Government for a civil penalty of not less than $5,000 and not more than $10,000, as adjusted by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990, plus 3 times the amount of damages which the Government sustains because of the act of that person. 31 U.S.C. 3729(a)(1) (2015). Section 3729(a)(2) permits the court to reduce the damages under certain circumstances to not less than 2 times the amount of damages which the Government sustains because of the act of that person. Id. section 3729(a)(2). The adjustment made by this regulation is only applicable to the specific statutory penalty amounts stated in subsection (a)(1), which is only one component of the civil penalty imposed under section 3729(a)(1). \4\ Section 8706(a)(1) of Title 41 provides that the Federal Government in a civil action may recover from a person that knowingly engages in conduct prohibited by section 8702 of Title 44 a civil penalty equal to twice the amount of each kickback involved in the violation and not more than $10,000 for each occurrence of prohibited conduct. 41 U.S.C. 8706(a)(1) (2015). The adjustment made by this regulation is only applicable to the specific statutory penalty amount stated in subsection (a)(1)(B), which is only one component of the civil penalty imposed under section 8706. \5\ Section 216(b) of Title 18 provides that the civil penalty should be no more than $50,000 for each violation or the amount of compensation which the person received or offered for the prohibited conduct, whichever amount is greater. 18 U.S.C. 216(b) (2015). Therefore, the adjustment made by this regulation is only applicable to the specific statutory penalty amount stated in subsection (b), which is only one aspect of the possible civil penalty imposed under section 216(b). \6\ Section 2105(b) of Title 41 provides that the Attorney General may bring a civil action in an appropriate district court of the United States against a person that engages in conduct that violates section 2102, 2103, or 2104 of Title 41. 41 U.S.C. 2105(b) (2015). Section 2105(b) further provides that on proof of that conduct by a preponderance of the evidence, an individual is liable to the Federal Government for a civil penalty of not more than $50,000 for each violation plus twice the amount of compensation that the individual received or offered for the prohibited conduct, and an organization is liable to the Federal Government for a civil penalty of not more than $500,000 for each violation plus twice the amount of compensation that the organization received or offered for the prohibited conduct. Id. section 2105(b). The adjustments made by this regulation are only applicable to the specific statutory penalty amounts stated in subsections (b)(1) and (b)(2), which are each only one component of the civil penalties imposed under sections 2105(b)(1) and (b)(2). [[Page 29450]] \7\ The Attorney General has authority to bring a civil action when a person has violated or is about to violate a provision under this statute. 42 U.S.C. 5157(b) (2015). The Federal Emergency Management Agency has promulgated regulations regarding this statute and has adjusted the penalty in its regulation. 44 CFR 206.14(d) (2015). The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has also promulgated a regulation regarding the penalty under this statute. 42 CFR 38.8 (2015). \8\ Section 1956(b)(1) of Title 18 provides that whoever conducts or attempts to conduct a transaction described in subsection (a)(1) or (a)(3), or section 1957, or a transportation, transmission, or transfer described in subsection (a)(2), is liable to the United States for a civil penalty of not more than the greater of the value of the property, funds, or monetary instruments involved in the transaction; or $10,000. 18 U.S.C. 1956(b)(1) (2015). The adjustment made by this regulation is only applicable to the specific statutory penalty amount stated in subsection (b)(1)(B), which is only one aspect of the possible civil penalty imposed under section 1956(b). \9\ Section 842(c)(2)(C) of Title 21 provides that in addition to the penalties set forth elsewhere in the subchapter or subchapter II of the chapter, any business that violates paragraph (11) of subsection (a) of the section shall, with respect to the first such violation, be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $250,000, but shall not be subject to criminal penalties under the section, and shall, for any succeeding violation, be subject to a civil fine of not more than $250,000 or double the last previously imposed penalty, whichever is greater. 21 U.S.C. 842(c)(2)(C) (2015). The adjustment made by this regulation regarding the penalty for a succeeding violation is only applicable to the specific statutory penalty amount stated in subsection (c)(2)(C), which is only one aspect of the possible civil penalty for a succeeding violation imposed under section 842(c)(2)(C). \10\ Section 856(d)(1) of Title 21 provides that any person who violates subsection (a) of the section shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than the greater of $250,000; or 2 times the gross receipts, either known or estimated, that were derived from each violation that is attributable to the person. 21 U.S.C. 856(d)(1) (2015). The adjustment made by this regulation is only applicable to the specific statutory penalty amount stated in subsection (d)(1)(A), which is only one aspect of the possible civil penalty imposed under section 856(d)(1). \11\ The SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, Public Law 115-221 was enacted Oct. 24, 2018. Dated: June 30, 2025. Nicholas Schilling Jr., Supervisory Official, Office of Legal Policy. [FR Doc. 2025-12494 Filed 7-2-25; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4410-BB-P