[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 150 (Wednesday, August 5, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 41866]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-20940]


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DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Civil Rights Division


Agency Information Collection Activities: Extension of a 
Currently Approved Collection; Comment Request

ACTION: Notice of information collection under review; Extension of a 
currently approved collection; 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 the 5 
CFR 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 reasonable likely to 
prevent or disrupt the collection of information.
    The information collection is now published to obtain comments from 
the public and affected agencies. OMB approval has been requested by 
July 31, 1998. If granted, the emergency approval is only valid for 180 
days.
    Comments and questions about the emergency information collection 
request listed below should be forwarded to OMB, Office of Information 
and Regulatory Affairs, Attention: Department of Justice Desk Officer, 
Washington, DC 20530.
    During the first 60 days of this same period a regular review of 
this information collection is also being undertaken. Comments are 
encouraged and will be accepted until October 5, 1998. Written comments 
and suggestions from the public and affected agencies concerning the 
proposed collection of information should address one or more of the 
following four points:
    1. Evaluate whether the 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 agencies estimate of the burden of 
the collection of information, including the validity of the 
methodology and assumptions used;
    3. Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to 
be collected; and
    4. 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.
    Additionally, comments may also be submitted to the Department of 
Justice (DOJ), Justice Management Division, Information Management and 
Security Staff, Attention: Department Clearance Officer, Suite 850, 
Washington Center, 1001 G Street, NW, Washington, DC 20530.
    Overview of this information collection:
    1. Type of Information Collection: Extension of a currently 
approved collection.
    2. Title of the Form/Collection: Procedures for the Administration 
of Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
    3. Agency form number and applicable component. Form Number = None. 
Civil Rights Division, U.S. Department of Justice.
    4. Affected public who will be asked or required to respond, as 
well as a brief abstract. Primary: State, Local, and Trial Government. 
Other: None. Jurisdictions covered under the Voting Rights Act are 
required to obtain preclearance from the Attorney General (AG) before 
instituting changes affecting voting. They must convince the AG that 
voting changes are not racially discriminatory. The procedures 
facilitate that provision of information that will enable the AG to 
make the required determination.
    5. An estimate of the total number of respondents and the amount of 
time estimated for the 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, Department Clearance Officer, Department of Justice (DOJ), 
Justice Management Division, Information Management and Security Staff, 
Suite 850, Washington Center, 1001 G Street, NW, Washington, DC 20530.
    Public comment on this proposed information collection is strongly 
encouraged.

    Dated: July 30, 1998.
Robert B. Briggs,
Department Clearance Officer, United States Department of Justice.
[FR Doc. 98-20940 Filed 8-4-98; 8:45 am]
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