[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 109 (Wednesday, June 6, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Page 30405]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-14259]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Food and Nutrition Service


Agency Information Collection: Proposed Collection; Comment 
Request; FNS-46, Issuance Reconciliation Report

AGENCY: Food and Nutrition 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 proposed information collection contained in Form FNS-46, Issuance 
Reconciliation Report.

DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before August 6, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Send comments and requests for copies of this information 
collection to: Jeffrey N. Cohen, Branch Chief, Electronic Benefit 
Transfer Branch, Benefit Redemption Division, Food and Nutrition 
Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Alexandria, VA 22302.
    Pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507), 
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 will have 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; 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.
    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: Jeffrey N. Cohen, (703) 305-2523.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Title: Issuance Reconciliation Report.
    OMB Number: 0584-0080.
    Form Number: FNS-46.
    Expiration Date: 07/31/2001.
    Type of Request: Revision of a currently approved collection.
    Abstract: Section 7(d) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977, as amended, 
requires the Secretary to require State agencies to report on their 
issuance operations not less than monthly. (7 U.S.C. 2016(d)) Section 
11(a) of the Act requires State agencies to assume responsibility for 
the issuance, control and accountability of benefits. (7 U.S.C. 
2020(a)) Regulations at 7 CFR 274.4(a) and 274.4(b)(2) require State 
agencies to account for all issuance through the reconciliation process 
and submit a report on such issuance using Form FNS-46, Issuance 
Reconciliation Report. These reports must be submitted to the Food and 
Nutrition Service monthly and must reach FNS no later than 90 days 
following the end of each report month. The FNS-46 report reflects the 
total issuance, returns, and unauthorized issuance amounts resulting in 
the net Federal obligation.
    Affected Public: State and local government employees or 
contractors.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 238.
    Estimated Number of Responses per respondent: 12.
    Estimated Time per Response: 8 hours.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden: 22,848 hours annually.

    Dated: May 31, 2001.
George A. Braley,
Acting Administrator.
[FR Doc. 01-14259 Filed 6-5-01; 8:45 am]
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