[Federal Register: December 6, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 234)] [Notices] [Page 70795] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr06de06-97] [[Page 70795]] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Employment Standards Administration Proposed Collection; Comment Request ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Department of Labor, 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/or continuing collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA95) [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 Employment Standards Administration is soliciting comments concerning the proposed collection: Maintenance of Receipts for Benefits Paid by a Coal Mine Operator. A copy of the proposed information collection request can be obtained by contacting the office listed below in the addresses section of this Notice. DATES: Written comments must be submitted to the office listed in the addresses section below on or before February 5, 2007. ADDRESSES: Ms. Hazel M. Bell, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave., NW., Room S-3201, Washington, DC 20210, telephone (202) 693-0418, fax (202) 693-1451, E-mail bell.hazel@dol.gov. Please use only one method of transmission for comments (mail, fax, or E- mail). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background The Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) administers the Federal Black Lung Benefits Act (FBLBA). 30 U.S.C. 933(a) requires coal mine operators to secure the payment of benefits for which they may become liable by: (a) qualifying as a self-insurer in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary, or (b) insuring the payment of such benefits with any stock or mutual company or association, or with any other person or fund, including any state fund, while such company, association, person or fund is authorized under the laws of any state to insure workers' compensation. 30 U.S.C. 933(d) includes a civil penalty of not more than $1,000 which may be assessed to coal mine operators by the Secretary for each day during which the operator fails to secure the payment of benefits. 20 CFR 725.531, requires self- insured operators or insurance carriers to retain receipts for black lung benefit payments made for five years after the date on which the receipt was executed. A canceled check is considered adequate receipt of payment. This information collection is currently approved for use through June 30, 2007. II. Review Focus The Department of Labor 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 Department of Labor seeks approval for the extension of this information collection in order that coal mine operators and insurers can provide evidence, as necessary, that payment to claimants has been made and received. Type of Review: Extension. Agency: Employment Standards Administration. Title: Maintenance of Receipts for Benefits Paid by a Coal Mine Operator. OMB Number: 1215-0124. Affected Public: Business or other for profit and State, Local or Tribal Government. Recordkeeping: On occasion. Total Respondents: 140. Total Responses: 140. Estimated Total Burden Hours: 1. Total Burden Cost (capital/startup): $0. Total Burden Cost (operating/maintenance): $0. 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: November 30, 2006. Ruben Wiley, Chief, Branch of Management Review and Internal Control, Division of Financial Management, Office of Management, Administration and Planning, Employment Standards Administration. [FR Doc. E6-20590 Filed 12-5-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4510-27-P