99-20120. Proposed Extension of Information Collection Request Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations; ERISA Procedure 76-1, Advisory Opinion Procedure  

  • [Federal Register Volume 64, Number 150 (Thursday, August 5, 1999)]
    [Notices]
    [Page 42717]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 99-20120]
    
    
    
    [[Page 42717]]
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
    
    Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration
    
    
    Proposed Extension of Information Collection Request Submitted 
    for Public Comment and Recommendations; ERISA Procedure 76-1, Advisory 
    Opinion Procedure
    
    AGENCY: Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, DOL.
    
    ACTION: Notice.
    
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    SUMMARY: The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing effort to 
    reduce paperwork and respondent burden, provides the general public and 
    Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed and/or 
    continuing collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork 
    Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA 95) (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)). This program 
    helps to ensure that requested data can be provided in the desired 
    format, reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized, 
    collection instruments are clearly understood, and the impact of 
    collection requirements on respondents can be properly assessed. 
    Currently, the Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration is 
    soliciting comments concerning the proposed extension of a currently 
    approved collection of information included in ERISA Procedure 76-1, 
    Advisory Opinion Procedure. A copy of the proposed information 
    collection request (ICR) can be obtained by contacting the individual 
    listed below in the addresses section of this notice.
    
    DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before October 4, 1999.
    
    ADDRESSES: Gerald B. Lindrew, Department of Labor, Pension and Welfare 
    Benefits Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 
    20210, (202) 219-4782, FAX (202) 219-4745 (not toll-free numbers).
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    
    I. Background
    
        Under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, 29 
    U.S.C. 1001 et seq. (ERISA), the Secretary of Labor has 
    responsibilities for administering reporting, disclosure, fiduciary and 
    other standards for pension and welfare benefit plans. ERISA Procedure 
    76-1, Advisory Opinion Procedure (ERISA Procedure) sets forth the 
    administrative procedures to be used by the public (e.g., plan 
    administrators) when requesting a legal interpretation from the 
    Department regarding specific facts and circumstances (an advisory 
    opinion). The ERISA Procedure informs individuals, organizations, and 
    their authorized representatives of the procedures to be followed when 
    requesting an advisory opinion. The ERISA Procedure promotes efficient 
    handling of these requests. The information required by the ERISA 
    Procedure is used by the Department to determine the substance of the 
    response and to determine whether the Department's response should be 
    in the form of an advisory opinion or information letter. Advisory 
    opinions and information letters issued under this ERISA Procedure help 
    fiduciaries, employers, and other interested parties understand a 
    particular provision of the law and promote compliance with ERISA. 
    Advisory opinions are also useful to the Department as a means of 
    clarifying Departmental policy on certain issues.
    
    II. Review Focus
    
        The Department of Labor (Department) is particularly interested in 
    comments which:
         Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is 
    necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, 
    including whether the information will have practical utility;
         Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the 
    burden of the proposed collection of information, including the 
    validity of the methodology and assumptions used;
         Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
    information to be collected; and
         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, e.g., permitting 
    electronic submissions of responses.
    
    III. Current Actions
    
        The Office of Management and Budget's approval of this ICR will 
    expire on November 30, 1999. The existing collection of information 
    should be continued because the individuals or organizations affected 
    directly or indirectly by ERISA from time to time need legal 
    interpretations from the Department as to their status under ERISA and 
    as to the effect of certain actions and transactions. Requests for 
    advisory opinions are voluntary. The information is used by the 
    Department to determine the substance of the response and to determine 
    whether the Department's response should be in the form of an advisory 
    opinion or information letter.
        Agency: Department of Labor, pension and Welfare Benefits 
    Administration.
        Title: ERISA Procedure 76-1, Advisory Opinion Procedure.
        Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.
        OMB Number: 1210-0066.
        Affected Public: Business or other for-profit, Not-for-profit 
    institutions, Individuals or households.
        Total Respondents: 83.
        Total Responses: 83.
        Frequency of Response: On occasion.
        Average Time Per Response: 12\2/3\ hours.
        Estimated Total Burden Hours: 101 hours.
        Total Burden Cost (Operating and Maintenance): $87,883.
        Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized 
    and/or included in the request for Office of Management and Budget 
    approval of the information collection request; they will also become a 
    matter of public record.
    
        Dated: July 29, 1999.
    Gerald B. Lindrew,
    Deputy Director, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, Office of 
    Policy and Research.
    [FR Doc. 99-20120 Filed 8-4-99; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4510-29-M
    
    
    

Document Information

Published:
08/05/1999
Department:
Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration
Entry Type:
Notice
Action:
Notice.
Document Number:
99-20120
Dates:
Written comments must be submitted on or before October 4, 1999.
Pages:
42717-42717 (1 pages)
PDF File:
99-20120.pdf