00-7361. Proposed Information Collection Activity: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

AGENCY:

Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed revision of a currently approved collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments for information needed to report changes in a student enrollment status.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before May 26, 2000.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information to Nancy J. Kessinger, Veterans Benefits Administration (20S52), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0156” in any correspondence.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Nancy J. Kessinger at [phone] or FAX [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Under the PRA of 1995 (Public Law 104-13; 44 U.S.C., 3501—3520), Federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. This request for comment is being made pursuant to Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA.

With respect to the following collection of information, VBA invites comments on: (1) whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of VBA's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of VBA's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of information technology.

Title: Notice of Change in Student Status, VA Form 22-1999b.

OMB Control Number: 2900-0156.

Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: VA Form 22-1999b is used by educational institution to report changes in the enrollment of students in receipt of VA education benefits. The information is used to determine a student's entitlement to educational benefits or whether the benefit should be increased, decreased, or terminated. Without this information, VA might underpay or overpay benefits.

Affected Public: State, Local or Tribal Government, Business or other for-profit, and Not-for-profit institutions.

Estimated Annual Burden: 68,716 hours.

Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 5 minutes.

Frequency of Response: On occasion.

Estimated Annual Responses: 824,588.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 7,514.

Dated: March 3, 2000.

By direction of the Secretary.

Donald L. Neilson,

Director, Information Management Service.