Document Headings

                    Document headings vary by document type but may contain                    the following:                  
                -                       the agency or agencies that issued and signed a document                    
                -                       the number of the CFR title and the number of each part                      the document amends, proposes to amend, or is directly                      related to                    
                -                       the agency docket number / agency internal file number                    
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###### Department of Agriculture

###### Rural Housing Service

###### Rural Business-Cooperative Service

###### Rural Utilities Service

          - [Docket No.: RHS-24-NONE-0030]

# AGENCY:

Rural Housing Service, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, and Rural Utilities Service, USDA.

# ACTION:

Notice; request for comments.

# SUMMARY:

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Rural Housing Service (RHS), the Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS), and Rural Utilities Service (RUS) intention to request an extension for a currently approved information collection in support of compliance with Civil Rights laws.

# DATES:

Comments on this notice must be received by November 25, 2024 to be assured of consideration.

# ADDRESSES:

                        Comments may be submitted electronically by the Federal eRulemaking Portal,                         *http://www.regulations.gov.*                         In the “Search for dockets and documents on agency actions” box, enter the docket number “RHS-24-NONE-0030,” and click the “Search” button. From the search results: click on or locate the document title: “60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Civil Rights Compliance Requirements; OMB Control No.: 0575-0018” and select the “Comment” button. Before inputting comments, commenters may review the “Commenter's Checklist” (optional). To submit a comment: Insert comments under the “Comment” title, click “Browse” to attach files (if available), input email address, select box to opt to receive email confirmation of submission and tracking (optional), select the box “I'm not a robot,” and then select “Submit Comment.” 3.Information on using                         *Regulations.gov*, including instructions for accessing documents, submitting comments, and viewing the docket after the close of the comment period, is available through the site's “FAQ” link.                              ( print page 78280)    

                        All comments will be available for public inspection online at the Federal eRulemaking Portal (                        *https://www.regulations.gov*).                    

# FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Darren G. Kaihlanen, Acting Director, Civil Rights Office, USDA/Rural Development, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20250, Cell Phone: (405) 446-2619 (voice/text).

# SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

*Title:*7 CFR 1901-E, Civil Rights Compliance Requirements.                

*OMB Number:*                     0575-0018.                

*Expiration Date of Approval:*                     January 31, 2025.                

*Type of Request:*                     Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection.                

*Abstract:*                     The information collection under OMB Number 0575-0018 enables the RHS, RBS, and RUS, to effectively monitor a recipient's compliance with the civil rights laws, and to determine whether service and benefits are being provided to beneficiaries on an equal opportunity basis.                

The RBS, RHS, and RUS are required to provide Federal financial assistance through its housing and community and business programs on an equal opportunity basis. The laws implemented in 7 CFR part 1901, subpart E, require the recipients of RBS, RHS, and RUS Federal financial assistance to collect various types of information, including information on participants in certain of these agencies' programs, by race, color, and national origin.

The information collected and maintained by the recipients of certain programs from RBS, RHS, and RUS is used internally by these agencies for monitoring compliance with the civil rights laws and regulations. This information is made available to USDA officials, officials of other Federal agencies, and to Congress for reporting purposes. Without the required information, RBS, RHS, RUS and its recipients will lack the necessary documentation to demonstrate that their programs are being administered in a nondiscriminatory manner, and in full compliance with the civil rights laws. In addition, the RBS, RHS, RUS and their recipients would be vulnerable in lawsuits alleging discrimination in the affected programs of these agencies and would be without appropriate data and documentation to defend themselves by demonstrating that services and benefits are being provided to beneficiaries on an equal opportunity basis.

*Estimate of Burden:*                     Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 7.5 hours per response.                

*Respondents:*                     Recipients of RBS, RHS, and RUS Federal financial assistance, loan, and loan guarantee programs.                

*Estimated Number of Respondents:*                     27,000.                

*Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent:*                     2.72.                

*Estimated Number of Responses:*                     73,559.                

*Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents:*                     550,276.                

                    Copies of this information collection can be obtained from Crystal Pemberton, Rural Development Innovation Center—Regulations Management Division, at (202) 202-260-8621. Email:                     *Crystal.Pemberton@usda.gov.*

*Comments are invited on:*

(a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Rural Development, including whether the information will have practical utility;

(b) the accuracy of the Agencies' estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;

(c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and

(d) ways to 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.

                    Copies of this information collection can be obtained from Crystal Pemberton, Rural Development Innovation Center—Regulations Management Division, at (202) 260-8621. Email:                     *Crystal.Pemberton@usda.gov.*

All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will also become a matter of public record.

Darren Kaihlanen,

Acting Civil Rights Director, Rural Development.

[FR Doc. 2024-21922 Filed 9-24-24; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 3410-XV-P