Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comments Requested

ACTION:

30-day notice of information collection under review: Permanent Provisions of the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act.

The Department of Justice (DOJ), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) has submitted the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The proposed information collection is published to obtain comments from the public and affected agencies. This proposed information collection was previously published in the Federal Register volume 69, number 125, on page 39499 on June 30, 2004, allowing for a 60-day comment period.

The purpose of this notice is to allow for an additional 30 days for public comment until October 7, 2004. This process is conducted in accordance with 5 CFR 1320.10.

Written comments and/or suggestions regarding the items contained in this notice, especially the estimated public burden and associated response time, should be directed to The Office of Management and Budget, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attention Department of Justice Desk Officer, Washington, DC 20503. Additionally, comments may be submitted to OMB via facsimile to (202) 395-5806.

Written comments and suggestions from the public and affected agencies concerning the proposed collection of information are encouraged. Your comments should address one or more of the following four points:

• 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 agencies 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 submission of responses.

Overview of This Information Collection

(1) Type of Information Collection: Extension of a currently approved collection.

(2) Title of the Form/Collection: Permanent Provisions of the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act.

(3) Agency form number, if any, and the applicable component of the Department of Justice sponsoring the collection: Form Number: None. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

(4) Affected public who will be asked or required to respond, as well as a brief abstract: Primary: Business or other for-profit. Other: Individuals or households. The information collection is submitted to implement the permanent provisions of the Brady Law. These provisions provide for the establishment of a National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) that requires a firearms licensee must contact NICS before transferring any firearm to unlicensed individuals. Section 478.150 provides for an alternative to NICS in certain geographical locations.

(5) An estimate of the total number of respondents and the amount of time estimated for an average respondent to respond: It is estimated that 106,000 respondents will comply with the provisions of the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act.

(6) An estimate of the total burden (in hours) associated with the collection: Since 1994, no licensee has qualified for an exception from the provisions of Brady based on geographical location. Therefore, the total annual burden associated with this information collection is 1 hour.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Brenda E. Dyer, Department Clearance Officer, United States Department of Justice, Policy and Planning Staff, Justice Management Division, Suite 1600, Patrick Henry Building, 601 D Street, NW., Washington, DC 20530.