The Federal Register

Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Comment Request Disclosures by Insurers to General Account

Fri, Nov 21 2008 11:00:00 GMT

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA 95) (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), the Department of Labor (the Department) conducts a preclearance consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed and continuing collections of information. This program helps to ensure that the data the Department gathers can be provided in the desired format, that the reporting burden on the public (time and financial resources) is minimized, that the public understands the Department's collection instruments, and that the Department can accurately assess the impact of collection requirements on respondents.

By this notice, the Department is soliciting comments concerning the information collection provisions of the regulation pertaining to section 401(c) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA). The statute and the regulatory provisions codified at 29 CFR 2550.401c1 require insurers that issue certain

Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Comment Request; ERISA Technical Release 91-1

Fri, Nov 21 2008 11:00:00 GMT

The Department of Labor (the Department), as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a preclearance consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed and continuing collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA 95) (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)). This program helps to ensure that the data the Department gathers can be provided in the desired format, that the reporting burden on the public (time and financial resources) is minimized, that the public understands the Department's collection instruments, and that the Department can accurately assess the impact of collection requirements on respondents.

Currently, the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) is soliciting comments concerning an extension of the information collections in ERISA Technical Release 911, issued in 1991. Technical Release 911 provides guidance on permitted transfers of e

Proposed Extension of Information Collection Request; Submitted for Public Comment; Multiemployer Plan Annual Funding

Fri, Nov 21 2008 11:00:00 GMT

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA 95) (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), the Department of Labor (the Department) conducts a preclearance consultation program so that the general public and other federal agencies can comment on proposed and continuing collections of information. This program helps to ensure that the data the Department gathers arrive in the desired format, that the reporting burden on the public (time and financial resources) is minimized, that the public understands the
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collection instruments, and that the Department can accurately assess the impact of collection requirements on respondents.

By this notice, the Department is soliciting comments on the information collection provisions of regulations pertaining to section 101(f) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA). The statute and the regulatory provisions codified at 29 CFR 2520.1014 require the administrator of a defined benefit plan which is a multiem

[Application Nos. and Proposed Exemptions; Heico Holding Inc. Pension Plan, D-11428; D-11450, Brewster Dairy, Inc.

Thu, Nov 20 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This document contains notices of pendency before the Department of Labor (the Department) of proposed exemptions from certain of the prohibited transaction restrictions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA or the Act) and/or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the Code).

Written Comments and Hearing Requests

All interested persons are invited to submit written comments or requests for a hearing on the pending exemptions, unless otherwise stated in the Notice of Proposed Exemption, within 45 days from the date of publication of this Federal Register Notice. Comments and requests for a hearing should state: (1) The name, address, and telephone number of the person making the comment or request, and (2) the nature of the person's interest in the exemption and the manner in which the person would be adversely affected by the exemption. A request for a hearing must also state the issues to be addressed and include a general description of the evidence to be presented at t

Prohibited Transaction Exemptions 2008-13 Through 2008-14; Grant of Individual Exemptions Involving: Banc One

Thu, Nov 20 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This document contains exemptions issued by the Department of Labor (the Department) from certain of the prohibited transaction restrictions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA or the Act) and/or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the Code).

A notice was published in the Federal Register of the pendency before the Department of a proposal to grant such exemption. The notice set forth a summary of facts and representations contained in the application for exemption and referred interested persons to the application for a complete statement of the facts and representations. The application has been available for public inspection at the Department in Washington, DC. The notice also invited interested persons to submit comments on the requested exemption to the Department. In addition the notice stated that any interested person might submit a written request that a public hearing be held (where appropriate). The applicant has represented that it has complied with the

[Application Nos. and Proposed Exemptions; D-11481, Citigroup, Inc.; D- 11484; Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated;

Fri, Nov 7 2008 11:00:00 GMT

Written Comments and Hearing Requests

Notice of Proposed Amendment; Prohibited Transaction Exemption (PTE) 99-34 Involving the Chase Manhattan

Thu, Oct 23 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This document contains a notice of pendency before the Department of Labor (the Department) of a proposed individual exemption, which, if granted, would amend PTE 9934 (64 FR 46419, August 25, 1999), an exemption granted to The Chase Manhattan Bank (CMB). PTE 9934 permits the lending of securities to affiliates of The Chase Manhattan Corporation (CMC) by employee benefit plans, including commingled investment funds holding plan assets for which CMC affiliates act as directed trustee or custodian and securities lending agent or subagent, and the receipt of compensation in connection with the transactions. The amendment, if granted, would apply to JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association (JPMCB), a successor organization to CMB, and would extend the provisions of PTE 9934 to certain transactions with affiliates of the Bear Stearns Companies Inc. (Bear Stearns). If granted, the proposed amendment would affect participants and beneficiaries and fiduciaries of employee benefit plans to which affil

Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans; Notice of Meeting

Mon, Oct 20 2008 11:00:00 GMT

Pursuant to the authority contained in Section 512 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), 29 U.S.C. 1142, the 144th open meeting of the full Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans will be held on November 6, 2008.

The meeting will run from 9:30 a.m. to approximately 4:30 p.m., with a break for lunch. The morning session will take place in C5515, Room 3, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20210. The afternoon session will take place in Room S 2508 at the same address. The purpose of the open meeting is for the chairpersons of the three Advisory Council Working Groups to submit their findings and recommendations on their individual study topics for the full Advisory Council's review, acceptance, and presentation to the Secretary of Labor.

In addition, the Working Groups assigned by the Advisory Council to study the issues of (1) The ``spend down'' of retirement assets, (2), phased retirement, and (3) ha

Interpretive Bulletin Relating to Exercise of Shareholder Rights

Fri, Oct 17 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This document sets forth the views of the Department of Labor concerning the legal standards imposed by sections 402, 403 and 404 of Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) with respect to the exercise of shareholder rights and written statements of investment policy, including proxy voting policies or guidelines. These guidelines affect fiduciaries of employee benefit plans, including trustees, investment managers and others responsible for the management of employee benefit plan assets.

Interpretive Bulletin Relating to Investing in Economically Targeted Investments

Fri, Oct 17 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This document sets forth the views of the Department of Labor concerning the legal standards imposed on fiduciaries of employee benefit plans by sections 403 and 404 of Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) when considering investments in ``economically targeted investments.'' These guidelines affect fiduciaries of employee benefit plans, including trustees, investment managers and others responsible for the management of employee benefit plan assets.

Investment Advice--Participants and Benficiaries; Hearing

Tue, Oct 14 2008 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that the Department of Labor will hold a hearing on the Department's proposed regulation under provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA, or the Act), and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (Code), relating to the provision of investment advice to participants and beneficiaries of selfdirected individual account plans and individual retirement accounts (IRAs).

Hearing on Proposed Class Exemption for Investment Advice

Tue, Oct 14 2008 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that the Department of Labor will hold a hearing on the Department's proposed class exemption from certain prohibited transaction restrictions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA, or the Act), and from certain taxes imposed by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (Code), for the provision of investment advice to participants and beneficiaries of selfdirected individual account plans and individual retirement accounts (IRAs).

Notice of Proposed Individual Exemption Involving BlackRock, Inc. (BlackRock), and the PNC Financial Services Group,

Fri, Oct 10 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This document contains a notice of pendency before the Department of Labor (the Department) of a proposed individual exemption from certain prohibited transaction restrictions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA or the Act) and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the Code). If granted, the proposed exemption would permit the purchase of certain securities (the Securities), during the existence of an underwriting or selling syndicate with respect to such Securities, by PNC or BlackRock or a related entity (collectively, a PNC/BlackRock Related Entity), which is acting as a fiduciary (Asset Manager) on behalf of certain employee benefit plans (Client Plans and InHouse Plans), including such plans invested in pooled funds, from any person other than such Asset Manager or any other PNC/BlackRock Related Entity, under the following circumstances: (a) Where a related brokerdealer (a PNC/BlackRock Related BrokerDealer) is a manager or member of such syndicate (AUT)); or (b) w

Amendments to Safe Harbor for Distributions From Terminated Individual Account Plans and Termination of Abandoned

Tue, Oct 7 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This document contains a final rule amending regulations under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 that provide guidance and a fiduciary safe harbor for the distribution of benefits on behalf of participants or beneficiaries in
[[Page 58460]]
terminated and abandoned individual account plans. The Department is amending these regulations to reflect changes enacted as part of the Pension Protection Act of 2006 to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the Code), under which a distribution of a deceased plan participant's benefit from an eligible retirement plan may be directly transferred to an individual retirement plan established on behalf of the designated nonspouse beneficiary of such participant. Specifically, the amended regulations require as a condition of relief under the fiduciary safe harbor that benefits for a missing, designated nonspouse beneficiary be directly rolled over to an individual retirement plan that fully complies with Code requirements. This final rule will a

Amendment to Interpretive Bulletin 95-1

Tue, Oct 7 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This document contains a final rule that amends Interpretive Bulletin 951 to limit the application of the Bulletin to the selection of annuity providers for defined benefit plans. Also appearing in today's Federal Register is a final regulation, entitled ``Selection of Annuity ProvidersSafe Harbor for Individual Account Plans'', which establishes a safe harbor for the selection of annuity providers for the purpose of benefit distributions from individual account plans covered by title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). The amendment to Interpretive Bulletin 951, as well as the safe harbor for annuity selections, will affect plan sponsors and fiduciaries of individual account plans, and the participants and beneficiaries covered by such plans.

Selection of Annuity Providers--Safe Harbor for Individual Account Plans

Tue, Oct 7 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This document contains a final regulation that establishes a safe harbor for the selection of annuity providers for the purpose of benefit distributions from individual account plans covered by title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). This regulation will affect plan sponsors and fiduciaries of individual account plans and the participants and beneficiaries covered by such plans. Also appearing in today's Federal Register is a final rule amending Interpretive Bulletin 951 to limit the application of the Bulletin to the selection of annuity providers for defined benefit plans.

Statutory Exemption for Cross-Trading of Securities

Tue, Oct 7 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This document contains a final rule that implements the content requirements for the written crosstrading policies and procedures required under section 408(b)(19)(H) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA or the Act). Section 611(g) of the Pension Protection Act of 2006, Public Law No. 109280, 120 Stat. 780, 972, amended section 408(b) of ERISA by adding a new subsection (19) that exempts the purchase and sale of a security between a plan and any other account managed by the same investment manager if certain conditions are satisfied. Among other requirements, section 408(b)(19)(H) stipulates that the investment manager must adopt, and effect crosstrades in accordance with, written cross trading policies and procedures that are fair and equitable to all accounts participating in the crosstrading program. This final rule affects employee benefit plans, investment managers, plan fiduciaries and plan participants and beneficiaries.

Adoption of Amendment to Prohibited Transaction Exemption 2006- 06; (PTE 2006-06) For Services Provided in Connection

Tue, Oct 7 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This document amends PTE 2006-06 (71 FR 20856, Apr. 21, 2006), a prohibited transaction class exemption issued under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Among other things, PTE 200606 permits a ``qualified termination administrator'' (QTA) of an individual account plan that has been abandoned by its sponsoring employer to select itself to provide services to the plan in connection with the plan's termination, and to pay itself fees for those services. In response to changes to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the Code) enacted as part of the Pension Protection Act (PPA) of 2006, PTE 2006 06 is amended to require, as a condition of relief under the exemption, that benefits for a missing, designated nonspouse beneficiary be directly rolled over into an inherited individual retirement plan that fully complies with Code requirements. This amendment also conforms to the Department's final rule amending regulations concerning the Termination of Abandoned Individual Account P

Prohibited Transaction Exemptions 2008-09 thru 2008-12; Grant of Individual Exemptions Involving D-11416, Wholesale

Thu, Sep 25 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This document contains an exemption issued by the Department of Labor (the Department) from certain of the prohibited transaction restrictions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (the Act) and/or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the Code).

Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans; Notice of Meeting

Thu, Sep 11 2008 11:00:00 GMT

Pursuant to the authority contained in Section 512 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), 29 U.S.C. 1142, the Working Groups assigned by the Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans to study the issues of (1) The spend down of retirement assets, (2) hard to value assets/target date funds, and (3) phased retirement, will hold a public teleconference meeting on September 29, 2008.

Members of the public wishing to listen to the teleconference may attend in Room C5515B, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC. The purpose of the open meeting is for each Working Group to discuss its draft report with the full Advisory Council with respect to its recommendations to the Secretary of Labor. The meeting will run from 10 a.m. to approximately 4 p.m., in the order listed above for the Working Groups. All recommendations are subject to discussion and approval by the full Advisory Council at its meeting on November 56.

Proposed Exemptions Involving D-11396--Popular, Inc.; D-11424-- Fidelity Brokerage Services, LLC; D-11459--Calpine

Wed, Sep 3 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This document contains a notice of pendency before the Department of Labor (the Department) of proposed exemptions from certain of the prohibited transaction restrictions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA or the Act) and/or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the Code).

Written Comments and Hearing Requests

Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans; Notice of Meeting

Wed, Aug 20 2008 11:00:00 GMT

Pursuant to the authority contained in Section 512 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), 29 U.S.C. 1142, the 143rd open meeting of the full Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans will be held on September 10, 2008. In addition, the Working Groups assigned by the Advisory Council to study the issues of (1) Phased retirement, (2), spenddown of retirement assets, and (3) hard to value assets/target date funds, will hold public meetings on September 9, 10, and 11. All of the meetings will take place in Room S3215 AB, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20210.

The purpose of the open meeting of the full Council, which will run from 8:30 a.m. to approximately 9 a.m., is for members to be updated on activities of the Employee Benefits Security Administration and for chairs of this year's Working Groups to provide progress reports on their individual study topics.

The purpose of the open Working Group meeting

Proposed Extension of Information Collection Request Submitted for Public Comment; Furnishing Documents to the

Wed, Aug 13 2008 11:00:00 GMT

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA 95) (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), the Department of Labor (the Department) conducts a preclearance consultation program so that the general public and other federal agencies can comment on proposed and continuing collections of information. This program helps to ensure that the data the Department gathers arrive in the desired format, that the reporting burden on the public (time and financial resources) is minimized, that the public understands the collection instruments, and that the Department can accurately assess the impact of collection requirements on respondents.

By this notice, the Department is soliciting comments on the information collection provisions of regulations pertaining to section 104(a)(6) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA). The statute and the regulatory provisions codified at 29 CFR 2520.104a8 require the administrator of an employee benefit plan subject to Part 1 of Title

Proposed Extension of Information Collection Request Submitted for Public Comment; Proposed Amendment to PTE 84-14

Thu, Jul 24 2008 11:00:00 GMT

Correction

In notice document E815848 appearing on page 40384 in the issue of Monday, July 14, 2008 make the following correction:

In the first column, in the second paragraph, in the DATES section is corrected to read: ``Written comments must be submitted to the office shown in the ADDRESSES section on or before September 12, 2008.''
[FR Doc. Z815848 Filed 72308; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 150501D

Proposed Exemptions Involving; General Motors Corporation and Its Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries (Together GM)

Wed, Jul 23 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This document contains a notice of pendency before the Department of Labor (the Department) of proposed exemption from certain of the prohibited transaction restrictions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA or the Act) and/or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the Code).

Written Comments and Hearing Requests

All interested persons are invited to submit written comments or requests for a hearing on the pending exemption, unless otherwise stated in the Notice of Proposed Exemption, within 60 days from the date of publication of this Federal Register Notice. Comments and requests for a hearing should state: (1) The name, address, and telephone number of the person making the comment or request, and (2) the nature of the person's interest in the exemption and the manner in which the person would be adversely affected by the exemption. A request for a hearing must also state the issues to be addressed and include a general description of the evidence to be presented at th

Proposed Extension of Information Collection Request Submitted for Public Comment; Proposed Amendment to PTE 84-14

Mon, Jul 14 2008 11:00:00 GMT

The Department of Labor (the Department), in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA 95) (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), provides the general public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed and continuing collections of information. This helps the Department assess the impact of its information collection requirements and minimize the reporting burden on the public and helps the public understand the Department's information collection requirements and provide the requested data in the desired format. Currently, the Employee Benefits Security Administration is soliciting comments on the proposed extension of the information collection provisions of Proposed Amendment to PTE 8414 for Plan Asset Transactions Determined by Independent Qualified Professional Asset Managers. A copy of the information collection request (ICR) may be obtained by contacting the office listed in the ADDRESSES section of this notice.

Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans; Working Group on Hard to Value Assets/Target Date

Mon, Jun 30 2008 11:00:00 GMT

Pursuant to the authority contained in Section 512 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), 29 U.S.C. 1142, the Working Group assigned by the Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans to study the issues of hard to value assets and target date funds will hold an open public meeting on July 15, 2008.

The session will take place in C5515, Room 4, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20210. The purpose of the open meeting, which will run from 9 a.m. to approximately 5 p.m., with a one hour break for lunch, is for Working Group members to hear testimony from invited witnesses. The Working Group will study potential risks and the roles of fiduciaries, trustees, investment managers, accountants/auditors and participants when employee benefit plans invest in hard to value assets, a review of regulatory policy involving assets for which there is not a generally recognized market, and challenges and risks associated wit

Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans; 142nd Full Council Meeting; Notice of Meeting

Mon, Jun 30 2008 11:00:00 GMT

Pursuant to the authority contained in Section 512 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), 29 U.S.C. 1142, the 142nd open meeting of the full Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans will be held on July 16, 2008.

The session will take place in C5515, Room 4, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20210. The purpose of the open meeting, which will run from 8:30 a.m. to approximately 9 a.m., is for members to be updated on activities of the
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Employee Benefits Security Administration and for chairs of this year's Working Groups to provide progress reports on their individual study topics.

Organizations or members of the public wishing to submit a written statement may do so by submitting 25 copies on or before July 9, 2008 to Larry Good, Executive Secretary, ERISA Advisory Council, U.S. Department of Labor, Suite N5623, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20210. Statements also may be su

Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans; Nominations for Vacancies

Mon, Jun 30 2008 11:00:00 GMT

Section 512 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), 88 Stat. 895, 29 U.S.C. 1142, provides for the establishment of an Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans (the Council), which is to consist of 15 members to be appointed by the Secretary of Labor (the Secretary) as follows: Three representatives of employee organizations (at least one of whom shall be a representative of an organization whose members are participants in a multiemployer plan); three representatives of employers (at least one of whom shall be a representative of employers maintaining or contributing to multiemployer plans); one representative each from the fields of insurance, corporate trust, actuarial counseling, investment counseling, investment management, and accounting; and three representatives from the general public (one of whom shall be a person representing those receiving benefits from a pension plan). No more than eight members of the Council shall be members of the same politi

Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans, Working Group on Spend Down of Defined Contribution

Mon, Jun 30 2008 11:00:00 GMT

Pursuant to the authority contained in Section 512 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), 29 U.S.C. 1142, the Working Group assigned by the Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans to study the issue of spending down defined contribution assets at retirement will hold an open public meeting on July 16, 2008.

The session will take place in C5515, Room 4, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20210. The purpose of the open meeting, which will run from 9 a.m. to approximately 6 p.m., with a one hour break for lunch, is for Working Group members to hear testimony from invited witnesses. The Working Group will study the issues and barriers facing plan fiduciaries, plan sponsors, and plan participants as they attempt to evaluate approaches that guarantee periodic income levels at retirement.

[[Page 36902]]

Organizations or members of the public wishing to submit a written statement pertaining to the topic may d

Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans; Working Group on Phased Retirement; Notice of Meeting

Mon, Jun 30 2008 11:00:00 GMT

Pursuant to the authority contained in Section 512 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), 29 U.S.C. 1142, the Working Group assigned by the Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans to study the issue of phased retirement will hold an open public meeting on July 17, 2008.

The session will take place in C5515, Room 4, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20210. The purpose of the open meeting, which will run from 9 a.m. to approximately 5 p.m., with a one hour break for lunch, is for Working Group members to hear testimony from invited witnesses. The Working Group will study the issues facing employers who wish to create phased retirement plans as well as the issues facing employees who wish to take part in phased retirement programs, and whether there are any legal impediments that discourage American workers from continuing to work in their retirement years.

Organizations or members of the public wishing

Proposed Exemptions Involving: D-11363--Citation Box and Paper Co. Profit Sharing Plan and Retirement Trust; and

Fri, May 9 2008 11:00:00 GMT

Written Comments and Hearing Requests

All interested persons are invited to submit written comments or requests for a hearing on the pending exemption, unless otherwise stated in the Notice of Proposed Exemption, within 45 days from the date of publication of this Federal Register Notice. Comments and requests for a hearing should state: (1) The name, address, and telephone number of the person making the comment or request, and (2) the nature of the person's interest in the exemption and the manner in which the person would be adversely affected by the exemption. A request for a hearing must also state the issues to be addressed and include a general description of the evidence to be presented at t

Default Investment Alternatives Under Participant Directed Individual Account Plans

Wed, Apr 30 2008 11:00:00 GMT

The Department published in the Federal Register of October 24, 2007 (72 FR 60452), a final regulation providing relief from certain fiduciary responsibilities for fiduciaries of participant directed individual account plans who, in the absence of directions from a participant, invest the participant's account in a qualified default investment alternative. The final regulation implemented recent amendments to title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) enacted as part of the Pension Protection Act of 2006, Public Law 109280. The Department has determined that two paragraphs in the final regulation, and one statement in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION, require correction. Accordingly, this document corrects the final regulation by revising these paragraphs.

Proposed Extension of Information Collection Request Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations; PTE 86-128

Wed, Apr 23 2008 11:00:00 GMT

The Department of Labor (Department), as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a preclearance consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed and continuing collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA 95). This program helps to ensure that requested data can be provided in the desired format, reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized, collection instruments are clearly understood, and the impact of collection requirements on respondents can be properly assessed. Currently, the Employee Benefits Security Administration is soliciting comments concerning the proposed extension of a currently approved collection of information, Prohibited Transaction Class Exemption 86128 for certain transactions involving employee benefit plans and securities brokerdealers.

A copy of the proposed information collection request (ICR) can be

141st Meeting of the Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans; Notice of Meeting

Fri, Apr 11 2008 11:00:00 GMT

Pursuant to the authority contained in section 512 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), 29 U.S.C. 1142, the 141st open meeting of the full Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans will be held on May 6, 2008.

The session will take place in Room S2508, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20210. The purpose of the open meeting, which will run from 1:30 p.m. to approximately 4:30 p.m., is to swear in the new members, introduce the Council Chair and Vice Chair, receive an update from the Assistant Secretary of Labor for the Employee Benefits
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Security Administration, and determine the topics to be addressed by the Council in 2008.

Organizations or members of the public wishing to submit a written statement may do so by submitting 25 copies on or before April 29, 2008 to Larry Good, Executive Secretary, ERISA Advisory Council, U.S. Department of Labor, Suite N5623, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW.

Proposed Extension of Information Collection Request Submitted for Public Comment; Procedure for Application for

Thu, Apr 3 2008 11:00:00 GMT

The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a preclearance consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed and continuing collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA 95). This program helps to ensure that requested data can be provided in the desired format, reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized, collection instruments are clearly understood, and the impact of collection requirements on respondents can be properly assessed. Currently, the Employee Benefits Security Administration is soliciting comments on the proposed extension of the information collection provisions included in the procedure for applications for exemption from the prohibited transaction provisions of section 408(a) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) (29 CFR 2570.30, et seq.). A copy of the information

Proposed Extension of Information Collection Request Submitted for Public Comment; Consent To Receive Employee

Wed, Apr 2 2008 11:00:00 GMT

The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a preclearance consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed and continuing collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA 95). This program helps to ensure that requested data can be provided in the desired format, reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized, collection instruments are clearly understood, and the impact of collection requirements on respondents can be properly assessed. Currently, the Employee Benefits Security Administration is soliciting comments on the proposed extension of an information collection request (ICR) incorporated in the Final Rules relating to the use of electronic communication and recordkeeping technologies by employee pension and welfare benefit plans (29 CFR 2520.104b1).

A copy of the information collection request (ICR)

Proposed Extension of Information Collection Request Submitted for Public Comment; Application for EFAST Electronic

Wed, Apr 2 2008 11:00:00 GMT

The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a preclearance consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed and continuing collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA 95). This program helps to ensure that requested data can be provided in the desired format, reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized, collection instruments are clearly understood, and the impact of collection requirements on respondents can be properly assessed. Currently, the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) is soliciting comments on the proposed extension of the Application for EFAST Electronic Signature and Codes for EFAST Transmitters and Software Developers (Form EFAST1).

A copy of the proposed information collection request (ICR) can be obtained by contacting the office listed below in the addresses section of t

Proposed Extension of Information Collection Request Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations; Alternative

Wed, Apr 2 2008 11:00:00 GMT

The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a preclearance consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed and continuing collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA 95). This program helps to ensure that requested data can be provided in the desired format, reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized, collection instruments are clearly understood, and the impact of collection requirements on respondents can be properly assessed. Currently, the Employee Benefits Security Administration is soliciting comments on the proposed extension of the collection of information included in the alternative method of compliance for certain simplified employee pensions regulation (29 CFR 2520.10449).

A copy of the information collection request (ICR) can be obtained by contacting the individual shown in the Addresse

Model Notice of Multiemployer Plan in Critical Status

Tue, Mar 25 2008 11:00:00 GMT

The Pension Protection Act of 2006 amended the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and the Internal Revenue Code (Code) to require that sponsors of multiemployer defined benefit pension plans that are in, or will be in, endangered or critical status for a plan year provide notice of this status to participants, beneficiaries, the bargaining parties, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and the Department of Labor. This document contains a model notice that is intended to facilitate compliance with this notification requirement under ERISA and the Code.

Notice of a Proposed Amendment to PTE 93-31; Proposed Amendment to Prohibited Transaction Exemption (PTE) 93-31, 58

Thu, Mar 13 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This document contains a notice of pendency before the Department of Labor (the Department) of a proposed amendment to PTE 93 31, an Underwriter Exemption.\1\ The Underwriter Exemptions are individual exemptions that provide relief for the origination and operation of certain asset pool investment trusts and the acquisition, holding and disposition by employee benefit plans (Plans) of certain assetbacked passthrough certificates representing undivided interests in those investment trusts. The proposed amendment to PTE 9331, if granted, would provide a six month period to resolve certain affiliations between LaSalle Bank, N.A., the Trustee, and Bank of America, N.A. as members of the Restricted Group, as those terms are defined in the Underwriter Exemptions (the Proposed Amendment). The Proposed Amendment, if granted, would affect the participants and beneficiaries of the Plans participating in such transactions and the fiduciaries with respect to such plans.
\1\ The ``Underwriter Exemptions'

Prohibited Transaction Exemptions; 2008-03, 2008-04, and 2008-05 Grant of Individual Exemptions Involving; D-11343,

Thu, Mar 13 2008 11:00:00 GMT

Proposed Exemption Involving; Wholesale Electronic Supply Employees Profit Sharing Plan and Trust

Thu, Mar 13 2008 11:00:00 GMT

Written Comments and Hearing Requests

All interested persons are invited to submit written comments or requests for a hearing on the pending exemption, unless otherwise stated in the Notice of Proposed Exemption, within 45 days from the date of publication of this Federal Register Notice. Comments and requests for a hearing should state: (1) The name, address, and telephone number of the person making the comment or request, and (2) the nature of the person's interest in the exemption and the manner in which the person would be adversely affected by the exemption. A request for a hearing must also state the issues to be addressed and include a general description of the evidence to be presented at t

Hearing on Reasonable Contracts or Arrangements Under Section 408(b)(2)--Fee Disclosure

Tue, Mar 11 2008 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that the U.S. Department of Labor (the Department) is changing the date for the previously scheduled public hearing on the proposed regulation under section 408(b)(2) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the related proposed class exemption. The notice that originally scheduled the public hearing for March 20, 2008, and March 21 (if necessary) was published in the Federal Register on February 27, 2008, at 73 FR 10405.

Amendment of Regulation Relating to Definition of ``Plan Assets''--Participant Contributions

Fri, Feb 29 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This document would, upon adoption, establish a safe harbor period of 7 business days during which amounts that an employer has received from employees or withheld from wages for contribution to employee benefit plans with fewer than 100 participants would not constitute ``plan assets'' for purposes of Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA), and the related prohibited transaction provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. This amendment would provide greater certainty concerning when participant contributions held by an employer do not constitute ``plan assets.'' The proposed rule, if adopted, would affect the sponsors and fiduciaries of contributory group welfare and pension plans covered by ERISA, including 401(k) plans, as well as the participants and beneficiaries covered by such plans and recordkeepers, and other service providers to such plans.

Hearing on Reasonable Contracts or Arrangements Under Section 408(b)(2)--Fee Disclosure

Wed, Feb 27 2008 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that the Department of Labor will hold a hearing on the Department's proposed regulation under section 408(b)(2) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the related proposed class exemption.

[Exemption Application Nos. and Grant of Individual Exemptions involving; D-11318, Barclays Global Investors, N.A.,

Thu, Jan 17 2008 11:00:00 GMT

Application Nos. and Proposed Exemptions; D-11421, Toeruna Widge IRA (the IRA); and D-11434, Credit Suisse (CS) and

Thu, Jan 17 2008 11:00:00 GMT