Proposed Collection; Comment Request

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

Extension

[Rule 17f-2(c), SEC File No. 270-35, OMB Control No. 3235-0029]

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.

Rule 17f-2(c) allows persons required to be fingerprinted pursuant to section 17(f)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to submit their fingerprints through a national securities exchange or a national securities association in accordance with a plan submitted to and approved by the Commission. Plans have been approved for the American, Boston, Chicago, New York, Pacific, and Philadelphia stock exchanges and for the National Association of Securities Dealers and the Chicago Board Options Exchange.

It is estimated that 85,000 registered broker-dealers submit approximately 275,000 fingerprint cards to exchanges or a registered security association on an annual basis. It is approximated that it should take 15 minutes to comply with Rule 17f-2(c). The total reporting burden is estimated to be 68,750 hours.

Because the Federal Bureau of Investigation will not accept fingerprint cards directly from submitting organizations, Commission approval of plans from certain exchanges and national securities associations is essential to the Congressional goal of fingerprint personnel in the security industry. The filing of these plans for review assures users and their personnel that fingerprint cards will be handled responsibly and with due care for confidentiality.

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 will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information 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.

Please direct your written comments to Michael E. Bartell, Associate Executive Director, Office of Information Technology, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 5th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20549.