Request for Public Comment

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

Extension:

Rule 19b-4 and Form 19b-4, SEC File No. 270-38, OMB Control No. 3235-0045

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.

Section 19(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Act”) (15 U.S.C. 78s(b)) requires each self-regulatory organization (“SRO”) to file with the Commission copies of any proposed rule, or any proposed change in, addition to, or deletion from the rules of such SRO. Rule 19b-4 (17 CFR 240.19b-4) implements the requirements of Section 19(b) by requiring the SROs to file their proposed rule changes on Form 19b-4 and by clarifying which actions taken by SROs are deemed proposed rule changes and so must be filed pursuant to Section 19(b).

The collection of information is designed to provide the Commission with the information necessary to determine, as required by the Act, whether the proposed rule change is consistent with the Act and the rules thereunder. The information is used to determine if the proposed rule change should be approved or if proceedings should be instituted to determine whether the proposed rule change should be disapproved.

The respondents to the collection of information are self-regulatory organizations (as defined by the Act), including national securities exchanges, national securities associations, registered clearing agencies and the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board.

Twenty-four respondents file an average total of 500 responses per year, which corresponds to an estimated annual response burden of 17,500 hours. At an average cost per response of $2,175, the resultant total related cost of compliance for these respondents is $1,087,500 per year (500 responses × $2,175/response = $1,087,500).

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 estimate 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.

Direct your written comments to Michael E. Bartell, Associate Executive Director, Office of Information Technology, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549.