[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 199 (Wednesday, October 15, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Page 59424]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-25972]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION


Proposed Collection; Comment Request

Upon Written Request, Copies Available From: Securities and Exchange 
Commission, Office of Filings and Information Services, Washington, DC 
20549.

Extension:
    Rule 17f-2(a) SEC File No. 270-34 OMB Control No. 3235-0034.

    Notice is hereby given that pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act 
of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Securities and Exchange 
Commission (``Commission'') is soliciting comments on the collection of 
information summarized below. The Commission plans to submit this 
existing collection of information to the Office of Management and 
Budget for extension and approval.
    Rule 17f-2(a) Fingerprinting Requirements for Securities 
Professionals. Rule 17f-2(a) requires that securities professionals be 
fingerprinted. This requirement serves to identify security risk 
personnel, to allow an employer to make fully informed employment 
decisions, and to deter possible wrongdoers from seeking employment in 
the securities industry. Partners, directors, officers, and employees 
of exchanges, brokers, dealers, transfer agents, and clearing agencies 
are included.
    It is estimated that approximately 10,000 respondents will submit 
fingerprint cards. It is also estimated that each respondent will 
submit 55 fingerprint cards. The staff estimates that the average 
number of hours necessary to comply with the Rule 17f-2(a) is one-half 
hour. The total burden is 275,000 hours for respondents, based upon 
past submissions. The average cost per hour is approximately $50. 
Therefore, the total cost of compliance for respondents is $13,750,000.
    Written 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 shall 
have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimates of 
the burden of the proposed collection of information; (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 respondents, including through the use of automated 
collection techniques or other forms of information technology. 
Consideration will be given to comments and suggestions submitted in 
writing within 60 days of this publication.
    Please direct your written comments to Kenneth A. Fogash, Acting 
Associate Executive Director, Office of Information Technology, 
Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 5th Street, NW., Washington, DC 
20549.

    Dated: October 6, 2003.
Margaret H. McFarland,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 03-25972 Filed 10-14-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8010-01-P