FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                    2000-90

Proposal To Modernize Auditor Independence Rules Available On SEC
                             Website
                                
          First Public Hearing To Be Held July 26, 2000

     Washington, DC, June 30, 2000 -- The Securities and Exchange
Commission today announced that its proposal to modernize the
current rules governing auditor independence is now available on
the Commission's website at www.sec.gov/rules/proposed/34-
42994.htm.

     The Commission also will hold its first public hearing on
the proposed rules on Wednesday, July 26, 2000.  Details on
format, participants, and testimony presentation will be
available soon.

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