PUBLIC LAW 105-244—OCT. 7, 1998 112 STAT. 1755 Department, and report to Congress regarding such modernization on not less than an annusJ basis, including recommendations for improvement; "(2) assess the adequacy of current methods for disseminating information about programs under this title and recommend improvements, as appropriate, regarding early needs assessment and information for first-year secondary school students; "(3) assess and make recommendations concerning the feasibility and degree of use of appropriate technology in the application for, and delivery and management of, financial assistance under this title, as well as policies that promote use of such technology to reduce cost and enhance service and program integrity, including electronic application and reapplication, just-in-time delivery of funds, reporting of disbursements and reconciliation; "(4) assess the implications of distance education on student eligibility and other requirements for financial assistance under this title, and make recommendations that will enhance access to postsecondary education through distance education while maintaining access, through on-campus instruction at eligible institutions, and program integrity; and "(5) make recommendations to the Secretary regarding redundant or outdated provisions of and regulations under this Act, consistent with the Secretary's requirements under section 4986."; (7) in subsection (k), by striking "1998" and inserting " 2004"; and (8) by repealing subsection (1). SEC. 490D. MEETINGS AND NEGOTIATED RULEMAKING. (a) MEETINGS. —Section 492(a) (20 U.S.C. 1098a) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)— (A) by striking "convene regional meetings to"; (B) by striking "parts B, G, and H of this title," and inserting "this title;"; and (C) by striking "Such meetings shall include" and inserting "The Secretary shall obtain the advice of and recommendations from"; and (2) in paragraph (2)— (A) by striking "During such meetings the" and inserting "The"; (B) by striking "parts B, G, and H" and inserting "this title'^ (C) by striking "1992" and inserting "1998 through such mechanisms as regional meetings and electronic exchanges of information"; and (D) by striking "at such meetings" and inserting "through such mechanisms". (b) DRAFT REGULATIONS.— Section 492(b) is amended— (1) by striking "After" and inserting the following: "(1) IN GENERAL. — After"; (2) in paragraph (1) (as redesignated by paragraph (1))— (A) by striking "holding regional meetings" and inserting "obtaining the advice and recommendations described in subsection (a)(1)"; (B) by striking "parts B, G, and H of this title" and inserting "this title";
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