[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 138 (Friday, July 18, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 38516-38517]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-18962]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Food and Consumer Service


Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; 
Comment Request; Form FCS-46, Issuance Reconciliation Report

AGENCY: Food and Consumer Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this 
notice invites the general public and other public agencies to comment 
on the proposed information collection. This notice announces the Food 
and Consumer Service's (FCS) intention to request that the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) review of the agency's proposal to continue 
requiring information collection on Form FCS-46, Issuance 
Reconciliation Report. Section 4(c) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (the 
Act) provides that the Secretary issue regulations deemed necessary or 
appropriate for the effective and efficient administration of the Food 
Stamp Program (FSP). Requirements in section 7 of the Act authorize the 
Secretary to prescribe procedures for food stamp benefit issuance, use, 
and accountability. Further, section 7(f) of the Act provides that 
State agencies shall be strictly liable to the Secretary for any 
financial losses involved in the acceptance, storage, and issuance of 
food stamp benefits. Form FCS-46 requires that State agencies report 
the reconciliation results from all issuance systems, for liability 
assessment and billing purposes.

DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before September 16, 
1997.

ADDRESSES: Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection 
of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions 
of the agency, including whether the information has practical utility; 
(b) 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; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and 
clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to 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. Comments may be sent to James I. Porter, Assistant Branch 
Chief, State Administration Branch, Food Stamp Program, Food and 
Consumer Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302.
    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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information 
regarding this information collection should be directed to James I. 
Porter, (703) 305-2385.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    Title: Issuance Reconciliation Report.
    OMB Number: 0584-0080.
    Form Number: FCS-46.
    Expiration Date: 11/30/97.
    Type of Request: Extension of a currently approved information 
collection.
    Abstract: Pursuant to the Act, Part 274.4(b)(2) of the FSP 
regulations requires the completion and submission of Form FCS-46, 
Issuance Reconciliation Report, by the State agencies. The report shall 
identify and report the number and value of all benefit issuances that 
reconcile and those that do not reconcile with the record-for-issuance 
and/or the master issuance file. Additionally, the report shall reflect 
the benefits that are returned, accountable issuance documents that are 
stolen and transacted for benefits, replacement benefits, and 
obligations from the exchange of coupons.
    Affected Public: State and local governments, individuals and FSP 
participants.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 445.
    Number of Responses Per Respondent: 12.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden: 42,720.


[[Page 38517]]


    Dated: July 10, 1997.
William E. Ludwig,
Administrator, Food and Consumer Service.
[FR Doc. 97-18962 Filed 7-17-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-30-U