[Federal Register: January 15, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 10)]
[Notices]               
[Page 2415]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr15ja98-85]

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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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