[Federal Register: March 19, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 53)] [Notices] [Page 13326-13327] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr19mr03-109] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Employee Benefits Security Administration Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Comment Request; Prohibited Transaction Class Exemption 91-38, Bank Collective Investment Funds ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Department of Labor (Department), as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a preclearance consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed and continuing collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA 95) (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)). This 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 Employee Benefits Security Administration is soliciting comments concerning the proposed extension of the information collection provisions of the Prohibited Transaction Class Exemption 91-38. A copy of the Information Collection Request (ICR) may be obtained by contacting the office listed in the addresses section of this notice. DATES: Written comments must be submitted to the office shown in the addresses section below on or before May 19, 2003. ADDRESSES: Joseph S. Piacentini, Office of Policy and Research, U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Room N-5718, Washington, DC 20210. Telephone: (202) 693-8410; Fax: (202) 219-5333. These are not toll-free numbers. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background Prohibited Transaction Class Exemption 91-38 provides an exemption from the prohibited transaction provisions of ERISA for certain transactions between a bank collective investment fund and persons who are parties in interest with respect to an employee benefit plan provided that the plan's participation in the collective investment fund does not exceed a specified percentage of the total assets in the fund. Without this exemption, such transactions might be prohibited by sections 406 and 407(a) of ERISA and section 4975(c)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code. In order to ensure that the rights of participants and beneficiaries are protected, and that bank collective funds can demonstrate compliance with the terms of the exemption, the Department requires a bank to maintain records regarding the exempted transaction for six years. II. Desired Focus of Comments The Department is particularly interested in comments that: [sbull] 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; [sbull] 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; [sbull] Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and [sbull] 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 submission of responses. III. Current Action This notice requests comments on the extension of the ICR included in the Exemption for Certain Transactions Involving Bank Collective Investment Funds. The Department is not proposing or implementing changes to the existing ICR at this time. Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection of information. Agency:Employee Benefits Security Administration, Department of Labor. Titles: Exemption for Certain Transactions Involving Bank Collective Investment Funds; Prohibited Transaction Class Exemption 91- 38. [[Page 13327]] OMB Number: 1210-0082. Affected Public: Individuals or households; business or other for- profit; not-for-profit institutions. Estimated total burden hours: 90. Respondents: 1,036. Frequency of Response: On occasion. Responses: 1,036. Estimated Total Burden Hours: 86. Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval of the information collection request; they will also become a matter of public record. Dated: March 13, 2003. Joseph S. Piacentini, Deputy Director, Office of Policy and Research, Employee Benefits Security Administration. [FR Doc. 03-6556 Filed 3-18-03; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4510-29-P