Proposed Collection; Comment Request

Upon Written Request, Copies Available From: Securities and Exchange Commission, Office of FOIA Services, 100 F Street NE, Washington, DC 20549-2736

Extension:

Rule 19h-1

Notice is hereby given that pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (“PRA”) (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Securities and Exchange Commission (“Commission”) is soliciting comments on the existing collection of information provided for in Rule 19h-1 (17 CFR 240.19h-1), under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78a et seq.). The Commission plans to submit this existing collection of information to the Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”) for extension and approval.

Rule 19h-1 prescribes the form and content of notices and applications by self-regulatory organizations (“SROs”) regarding proposed admissions to, or continuances in, membership, participation or association with a member of any person subject to a statutory disqualification.

The Commission uses the information provided in the submissions filed pursuant to Rule 19h-1 to review decisions by SROs to permit the entry into or continuance in the securities business of persons who have committed serious misconduct. The filings submitted pursuant to the Rule also permit inclusion of an application to the Commission for consent to associate with a member of an SRO notwithstanding a Commission order barring such association.

The Commission reviews filings made pursuant to the Rule to ascertain whether it is in the public interest to permit the employment in the securities business of persons subject to statutory disqualification. The filings contain information that is essential to the staff's review and ultimate determination on whether an association or employment is in the public interest and consistent with investor protection.

It is estimated that approximately 20 respondents will make submissions pursuant to this Rule annually. With respect to submissions for Rule 19h-1(a) notices, and based upon past submissions, the staff estimates that respondents will make a total of 11 submissions per year. The staff estimates that the average number of hours necessary to complete a submission pursuant to Rule 19h-1(a) notices is 80 hours (for a total annual burden for all respondents in the amount of 17,600 hours). With respect to submissions for Rule 19h-1(a)(4) notifications, and based upon past submissions, the staff estimates that respondents will make a total of 9 submissions per year. The staff estimates that the average number of hours necessary to complete a submission pursuant to Rule 19h-1(a)(4) notifications is 80 hours (for a total annual burden for all respondents in the amount of 14,400 hours). With respect to submissions for Rule 19h-1(b), and based upon past submissions, the staff estimates that respondents will make a total of 28 submissions per year. The staff estimates that the average number of hours necessary to complete a submission pursuant to Rule 19h-1(b) is 13 hours (for a total annual burden for all respondents in the amount of 7,280 hours). With respect to submissions for Rule 19h-1(d), and based upon past submissions, the staff estimates that respondents will make a total of 5 submissions per year. The staff estimates that the average number of hours necessary to complete a submission pursuant to Rule 19h-1(d) is 80 hours (for a total annual burden for all respondents in the amount of 8,000 hours). The aggregate annual burden for all respondents is thus 47,280 hours (17,600 +14,400 + 7,280 + 8,000).

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.

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information under the PRA unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

Please direct your written comments to: Charles Riddle, Acting Director/Chief Information Officer, Securities and Exchange Commission, c/o Candace Kenner, 100 F Street NE, Washington, DC 20549, or send an email to: PRA_Mailbox@sec.gov.