Agency Information Collection Activities Proposed Collection; Comment Request

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Civil Rights Division

Agency Information Collection Activities Proposed Collection;

Comment Request

ACTION: Request OMB Emergency Approval of a Reinstatement, without

change, of a previously approved collection for which approval has

expired. Procedures for the Administration of Section 5 of the Voting

Rights Act of 1965.

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The Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, has submitted the

following information collection request utilizing emergency review

procedures, to OMB for review and clearance in accordance with sections

1320.13(a)(1)(ii) and (a)(2)(iii) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of

1995. The Civil Rights Division has determined that it cannot

reasonably comply with the normal clearance procedures under this Part

of the Act because normal clearance procedures are reasonably likely to

prevent or disrupt the collection of information.

Therefore, OMB emergency approval has been requested by January 27,

1998. If granted the emergency approval is only valid for 180 days. All

comments and questions pertaining to this pending request for emergency

approval must be directed to OMB, Office of Information and Regulatory

Affairs, Attention: Department of Justice Desk Officer (Ms. Victoria

Wassmer), Washington, DC, 20503. Comments regarding the emergency

submission of this information collection may also be submitted to OMB

via facsimile at 202-395-7285.

During the first 60 days of this same review period, a regular

review of this information collection is also being undertaken. All

comments and suggestions, or questions regarding additional

information, to include obtaining a copy of the proposed information

collection instrument with instructions, should be directed to:

Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Voting Section,

Attention: David H. Hunter, (202) 307-2898, P.O. Box 66128, Washington,

DC 20035. Comments are encouraged and will be accepted until March 16,

1998. Your comments should address one or more of the following four

points:

1. 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;

2. evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of

the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the

methodology and the assumptions used;

3. enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to

be collected; and

4. evaluate whether the data collection instrument will minimize

the burden of the collection of information on those who are to

respond, including 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.

Overview of this information collection.

1. Type of Information Collection. Reinstatement, without change,

of a previously approved collection for which approval has expired.

2. Title of the Form/Collection: Procedures for the Administration

of Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

3. Agency form number, if any, and the applicable component of the

department of Justice sponsoring the collection: Form Number: None.

Civil Rights Division, United States Department of Justice.

4. Affected public who will be asked or required to respond, as

well as a brief abstract: Primary: State, Local, and Tribal Government.

Other: None. Jurisdictions specifically covered under the Voting Rights

Act are required to obtain preclearance from the Attorney General

before instituting changes affecting voting. They must convince the

Attorney General that voting changes are not racially discriminatory.

The procedures facilitate the provision of information that will enable

the Attorney General to make the required determination.

5. An estimate of the total number of respondents and the amount of

time estimated for an average respondent to respond: 10,103 respondents

with the average response at 10.021 hours.

6. An estimate of the total public burden (in hours) associated

with the collection: 47,365 annual burden hours.

If additional information is required contact: Mr. Robert B.

Briggs, Clearance Officer, Information Management and Security Staff,

Justice Management Division, United States Department of Justice, Suite

850, Washington Center Building, 1001 G Street, NW, Washington, DC,

20530.

Dated: January 12, 1998.

Robert B. Briggs,

Clearance Officer, United States Department of Justice.

[FR Doc. 98-1013 Filed 1-14-98; 8:45 am]

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