[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 234 (Wednesday, December 6, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Page 70795]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-20590]



[[Page 70795]]

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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment Standards Administration


Proposed Collection; Comment Request

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing effort to 
reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a preclearance 
consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies 
with an opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing 
collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction 
Act of 1995 (PRA95) [44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)]. This program helps to 
ensure that requested data can be provided in the desired format, 
reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized, 
collection instruments are clearly understood, and the impact of 
collection requirements on respondents can be properly assessed. 
Currently, the Employment Standards Administration is soliciting 
comments concerning the proposed collection: Maintenance of Receipts 
for Benefits Paid by a Coal Mine Operator. A copy of the proposed 
information collection request can be obtained by contacting the office 
listed below in the addresses section of this Notice.

DATES: Written comments must be submitted to the office listed in the 
addresses section below on or before February 5, 2007.

ADDRESSES: Ms. Hazel M. Bell, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 
Constitution Ave., NW., Room S-3201, Washington, DC 20210, telephone 
(202) 693-0418, fax (202) 693-1451, E-mail [email protected]. Please 
use only one method of transmission for comments (mail, fax, or E-
mail).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    The Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) administers the 
Federal Black Lung Benefits Act (FBLBA). 30 U.S.C. 933(a) requires coal 
mine operators to secure the payment of benefits for which they may 
become liable by: (a) qualifying as a self-insurer in accordance with 
regulations prescribed by the Secretary, or (b) insuring the payment of 
such benefits with any stock or mutual company or association, or with 
any other person or fund, including any state fund, while such company, 
association, person or fund is authorized under the laws of any state 
to insure workers' compensation. 30 U.S.C. 933(d) includes a civil 
penalty of not more than $1,000 which may be assessed to coal mine 
operators by the Secretary for each day during which the operator fails 
to secure the payment of benefits. 20 CFR 725.531, requires self-
insured operators or insurance carriers to retain receipts for black 
lung benefit payments made for five years after the date on which the 
receipt was executed. A canceled check is considered adequate receipt 
of payment. This information collection is currently approved for use 
through June 30, 2007.

II. Review Focus

    The Department of Labor is particularly interested in comments 
which:
     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;
     Evaluate 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;
     Enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the 
information to be collected; and
     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 submissions of responses.

III. Current Actions

    The Department of Labor seeks approval for the extension of this 
information collection in order that coal mine operators and insurers 
can provide evidence, as necessary, that payment to claimants has been 
made and received.
    Type of Review: Extension.
    Agency: Employment Standards Administration.
    Title: Maintenance of Receipts for Benefits Paid by a Coal Mine 
Operator.
    OMB Number: 1215-0124.
    Affected Public: Business or other for profit and State, Local or 
Tribal Government.
    Recordkeeping: On occasion.
    Total Respondents: 140.
    Total Responses: 140.
    Estimated Total Burden Hours: 1.
    Total Burden Cost (capital/startup): $0.
    Total Burden Cost (operating/maintenance): $0.
    Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized 
and/or included in the request for Office of Management and Budget 
approval of the information collection request; they will also become a 
matter of public record.

    Dated: November 30, 2006.
Ruben Wiley,
Chief, Branch of Management Review and Internal Control, Division of 
Financial Management, Office of Management, Administration and 
Planning, Employment Standards Administration.
 [FR Doc. E6-20590 Filed 12-5-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-27-P