2014-19802. Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Extension of the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), (HAVA Narrative Annual Report)

AGENCY:

Administration on Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities, Administration for Community Living, HHS.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (the PRA), Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of an existing collection of information, and to allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on the information collection requirements relating to the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), Public Law 107-252, Title II, Subtitle D, Part 2, Sections 261 to 265 (HAVA Narrative Annual Report).

DATES:

Submit written or electronic comments on the collection of information by September 19, 2014.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information by fax [phone] or by email to [e-mail], Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Clare Barnett, Program Specialist, Administration for Community Living, Washington, DC 20201.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Under the PRA (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. “Collection of information” is defined in 44 U.S.C. 3502(3) and 5 CFR 1320.3(c) and includes agency request or requirements that members of the public submit reports, keep records, or provide information to a third party. Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)) requires Federal agencies to provide a 60-day notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of an existing collection of information, before submitting the collection to OMB for approval. To comply with this requirement, ACL is publishing notice of the proposed collection of information set forth in this document. With respect to the following collection of information, ACL invites comments on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of ACL's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of ACL's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (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 when appropriate, and other forms of information technology.

The Help America Vote Act (HAVA) Narrative Report from States and Units of Local Government is required by federal statute and regulation, the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), Public Law 107-252, Title II, Subtitle D, Part 2, Sections 261 to 265, Payments to States and Units of Local Government to Assure Access for Individuals with Disabilities (42 U.S.C. 15421-25). The report is provided in writing to the Administration for Community Living, Administration on Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities. Each State or Unit of Local Government must prepare and submit an annual report at the end of every fiscal year. The report addresses the activities conducted with the funds provided during the year. The information collected from the annual report will be aggregated into an annual profile of how States have utilized the funds and establish best practices for election officials. It will also provide an overview of the State election goals and accomplishments and permit the Administration on Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities to track voting progress to monitor grant activities. ACL estimates the burden of this collection of information as follows: 55 Chief Election officials respond annually which should be an average burden of 20 hours per State per year or a total of 2,750 hours for all states annually.

Dated: August 14, 2014.

Kathy Greenlee,

Administrator and Assistant Secretary for Aging.