Rule 20a-1 requires that the solicitation of a proxy, consent or authorization with respect to a security issued by an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 be in compliance with the Commission's proxy rules (e.g., Regulation 14A and Schedule 14A) to enable security holders to make informed voting decisions. Also, rule 20a-1 instructs registered investment companies, that have made a public offering of securities and that hold security holder votes for which proxies, consents, or authorizations are not being solicited, to refer to the Commission's rules governing information statements (e.g. Regulation 14C and Schedule 14C).
The rule amendments in Release No. 33-9108 would allow an issuer or other soliciting person to include explanatory materials with the Notice. The increase in the burden associated with Rule 20a-1 for investment companies reflects burden estimates for complying with the existing notice and access rules as well as estimates for the increase necessary in order to permit a soliciting person to include materials to improve the notice and access model for furnishing proxy materials to shareholders. We estimate the revised burden estimates along with the rule amendments will result in an increase of 15,312 burden hours and an increase in the cost burden of $796,250 for services of outside professionals. These estimates are the same as those submitted with the proposed amendments, as no changes were deemed warranted. For a more detailed discussion, please refer to the supporting statement.
$50,000
No
No
No
Uncollected
No
Uncollected
Alberto Zapata 202 551-6944
No
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.