DEPARTMENT OF LABOR REQUESTS COMMENTS ON DATA COLLECTION OF INFORMATION FOR VARIOUS REGULATIONS AND EXEMPTIONS

[10090] July 2, 1998 TO: PENSION COMMITTEE No. 42-98 RE: DEPARTMENT OF LABOR REQUESTS COMMENTS ON DATA COLLECTION OF INFORMATION FOR VARIOUS REGULATIONS AND EXEMPTIONS ______________________________________________________________________________ The Department of Labor has requested comments on its data collection in connection with certain regulations and exemptions. The Department’s request is in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The Department requests comments on the following:
The proposed extension of the collection of information included in the alternative method of compliance for certain simplified employee pensions regulation, i.e., non-model SEPs. Written comments are due on or before August 17, 1998. See 63 Fed. Reg. 33094 (June 17, 1998).
The proposed extension of the collection of information included in the suspension of pension benefits regulation, which governs the circumstances under which pension plans may suspend pension benefit payments to retirees that return to work, or of participants that continue to work beyond normal retirement age. Written comments are due on or before August 21, 1998. See 63 Fed. Reg. 33960 (June 22, 1998).
The proposed extension of a currently approved collection of information relating to Prohibited Transaction Class Exemption 77-4 for certain transactions between investment companies and employee benefit plans. Comments are due on or before August 21, 1998. See 63 Fed. Reg. 33960 (June 22, 1998).
The proposed extension of a currently approved collection of information regarding Prohibited Transaction Class Exemption 86-128 for certain transactions involving employee benefit plans and securities broker-dealers. Comments are due on or before August 24, 1998. See 63 Fed. Reg. 34194 (June 23, 1998).
The proposed extension/reinstatement of approval of the collection of information for the Form 5500 Series, Annual Return/Report of Employee Benefit Plan, for the 1998 plan year. Written comments are due on or before August 24, 1998. See 63 Fed. Reg. 34487 (June 24, 1998).
The proposed extension of currently approved collection of information included in rules regarding participant-directed individual account plans under section 404(c) of ERISA. Written comments are due on or before August 24, 1998. See 63 Fed. Reg. 34665 (June 25, 1998). Written comments must be addressed to Mr. Gerald B. Lindrew, Office of Policy and Research, U.S. Department of Labor, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room N-5647, Washington, D.C. 20210. Questions concerning the data collection requests may be made to Mr. Lindrew at (202) 219-4782. Mr. Lindrew’s fax number is (202) 219-4745. Copies of the Department’s data collection requests are attached. Kathryn A. Ricard Assistant Counsel Attachments