2024-18506. Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

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2. the number of the CFR title and the number of each part the document amends, proposes to amend, or is directly related to
3. the agency docket number / agency internal file number
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Department of Agriculture

The Department of Agriculture has submitted the following information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13. Comments are requested regarding: whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; the accuracy of the agency's estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Comments regarding this information collection received by September 18, 2024 will be considered. Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be submitted within 30 days of the publication of this notice on the following website www.reginfo.gov/​public/​do/​PRAMain. Find this particular information collection by selecting “Currently under 30-day Review—Open for Public Comments” or by using the search function.

An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to respond to the collection of information that such persons are not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

Rural Housing Service

Title:7 CFR 1927-B, “Real Estate Title Clearance and Loan Closing”.

OMB Control Number: 0575-0147.

Summary of Collection: The Rural Housing Service (RHS) is the credit agency for rural housing and community development within the Rural Development mission area of the United States Department of Agriculture. This regulation prescribes the policies and responsibilities including the collection and use of information necessary to complete real estate title clearance and loan closing of Rural Housing (RH) loans. Section 501 of title V of the Housing Act of 1949, as amended, authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to extend financial assistance to construct, improve, alter, repair, replace or rehabilitate dwellings, farm buildings, and/or related facilities to provide decent, safe, and sanitary living conditions and adequate farm buildings and other structures in rural areas. The secretary is authorized to prescribe regulations to ensure that these loans, made with Federal funds, are legally secured.

Need and Use of the Information: The approved attorney/title company (closing agent) and the field office staff collect the required information. Forms and or guidelines are provided to assist in the collection, certification and submission of this information. Most of the forms collect information that is standard in the industry. If the information is collected less frequently, the agency would not obtain the proper security position on the properties being taken as security and would have no evidence that the closing agents and agency meet the requirements of this regulations.

Description of Respondents: Individuals or households; Business or other for-profit, Not-for-profit institutions; Farms.

Number of Respondents: 12,285.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.

Total Burden Hours: 3,316.

Rural Housing Service

Title:7 CFR 1902-A, Supervised Bank Accounts.

OMB Control Number: 0575-0158.

Summary of Collection:7 CFR 1902-A, Supervised Bank Accounts (SBA), prescribes the policies and procedures for disbursing loan and grant funds, establishing and closing supervised accounts, and placing Multi-Family housing reserve accounts in supervised accounts. The Rural Business Service extends financial assistance to applicants that do not qualify for loans under commercial rates and terms. The Rural Housing Service (RHS) is the credit agency for agriculture and rural development in USDA. Supervised accounts are accounts with a financial institution in the names of a borrower and the United States Government, represented by Rural Housing Service, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Utilities Service, (Agency). Section 339 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, 7 U.S.C. 1989 and section 510 of the Housing Act of 1949, as amended, (42 U.S.C. 1480) is the legislative authorities requiring the use of supervised accounts.

Need and Use of the Information: The agency's state and field offices will collect information from borrowers and financial institutions. The Agency use SBA as a mechanism to (1) ensure correct disbursement and expenditure of all funds designated for a project; (2) help a borrower properly manage its financial affairs; (3) ensure that the Government's security is protected adequately from fraud, waste and abuse. The consequence to Federal program and policy activities if the collection of information was not conducted would be detrimental to both the Government and to borrowers.

Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit.

Number of Respondents: 13,052.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.

Total Burden Hours: 4,781.

Levi S. Harrell,

Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.