80_FR_48027 80 FR 47874 - Retrospective Review-Improving the Previous Participation Reviews of Prospective Multifamily Housing and Healthcare Programs Participants

80 FR 47874 - Retrospective Review-Improving the Previous Participation Reviews of Prospective Multifamily Housing and Healthcare Programs Participants

DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 153 (August 10, 2015)

Page Range47874-47880
FR Document2015-19529

This proposed rule would revise HUD's regulations for reviewing the previous participation in federal programs of certain participants seeking to take part in multifamily housing and healthcare programs administered by HUD's Office of Housing. Specifically, the proposed rule would clarify and simplify the process by which HUD reviews the previous participation of participants that have decision- making authority over their projects as one component of HUD's responsibility to assess financial and operational risk to the projects in these programs. The proposed rule would clarify which individuals and entities will be reviewed, HUD's purpose in conducting such review, and describe the review to be undertaken. By targeting more closely the individuals and actions that would be subject to prior participation review, HUD not only brings greater certainty and clarity to the process but provides HUD with flexibility as to the necessary previous participation review for entities and individuals that is not possible in a one-size fits all approach. Through this rule, HUD proposes to replace the current previous participation regulations in their entirety.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 153 (Monday, August 10, 2015)
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 153 (Monday, August 10, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 47874-47880]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-19529]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

24 CFR Part 200

[Docket No. FR-5850-P-01]
RIN 2502-AJ28


Retrospective Review--Improving the Previous Participation 
Reviews of Prospective Multifamily Housing and Healthcare Programs 
Participants

AGENCY: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Housing--Federal Housing 
Commissioner, HUD.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: This proposed rule would revise HUD's regulations for 
reviewing the previous participation in federal programs of certain 
participants seeking to take part in multifamily housing and healthcare 
programs administered by HUD's Office of Housing. Specifically, the 
proposed rule would clarify and simplify the process by which HUD 
reviews the previous participation of participants that have decision-
making authority over their projects as one component of HUD's 
responsibility to assess financial and operational risk to the projects 
in these programs. The proposed rule would clarify which individuals 
and entities will be reviewed, HUD's purpose in conducting such review, 
and describe the review to be undertaken. By targeting more closely the 
individuals and actions that would be subject to prior participation 
review, HUD not only brings greater certainty and clarity to the 
process but provides HUD with flexibility as to the necessary previous 
participation review for entities and individuals that is not possible 
in a one-size fits all approach. Through this rule, HUD proposes to 
replace the current previous participation regulations in their 
entirety.

DATES: Comment Due Date: October 9, 2015.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments regarding 
this proposed rule to the Regulations Division, Office of General 
Counsel, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 7th Street 
SW., Room 10276, Washington, DC 20410-0500. Communications must refer 
to the above docket number and title. There are two methods for 
submitting public comments. All submissions must refer to the above 
docket number and title.
    1. Submission of Comments by Mail. Comments may be submitted by 
mail to the Regulations Division, Office of General Counsel, Department 
of Housing and Urban Development, 451 7th Street SW., Room 10276, 
Washington, DC 20410-0500.
    2. Electronic Submission of Comments. Interested persons may submit 
comments electronically through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at 
www.regulations.gov. HUD strongly encourages commenters to submit 
comments electronically. Electronic submission of comments allows the 
commenter maximum time to prepare and submit a comment, ensures timely 
receipt by HUD, and enables HUD to make them immediately available to 
the public. Comments submitted electronically through the 
www.regulations.gov Web site can be viewed by other commenters and 
interested members of the public. Commenters should follow the 
instructions provided on that site to submit comments electronically.

    Note: To receive consideration as public comments, comments must 
be submitted through one of the two methods specified above. Again, 
all submissions must refer to the docket number and title of the 
rule.

    No Facsimile Comments. Facsimile (fax) comments are not acceptable.
    Public Inspection of Public Comments. All properly submitted 
comments and communications submitted to HUD will be available for 
public inspection and copying between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., weekdays, at 
the above address. Due to security measures at the HUD Headquarters 
building, an appointment to review the public comments must be 
scheduled in advance by calling the Regulations Division at 202-708-
3055 (this is not a toll-free number). Individuals with speech or 
hearing impairments may access this number via TTY by calling the 
Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339. Copies of all comments submitted 
are available for inspection and downloading at www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Aaron Hutchinson, Office of Housing, 
Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 7th Street SW., Room 
6178, Washington, DC 20410; telephone number 202-708-3994 (this is not 
a toll-free number). Individuals with speech or hearing impairments may 
access this number through TTY by calling the toll-free Federal Relay 
Service at 800-877-8339 (this is not a toll-free number).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    Currently, applicants seeking to participate in HUD's multifamily 
housing and healthcare programs must certify that all principals 
involved in a proposed project have acted responsibly and have honored 
their legal, financial, and contractual obligations in their previous 
participation in HUD programs, in certain programs administered by the 
U.S. Department of Agriculture, and in projects assisted or insured by 
state and local government housing finance agencies. HUD's regulations 
governing the assessment of previous participation are codified in 24 
CFR part 200, subpart H (Subpart H), and require applicants to complete 
a very detailed and lengthy certification form (HUD Form 2530).\1\
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    \1\ See http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/huddoc?id=2530.pdf.
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    The 2530 form currently requires disclosure of all principals to be 
involved in the proposed project, a list of projects in which those 
principals have previously participated or currently participate in, a 
detailed account of the principals' involvement in the listed 
project(s), and assurances that the principals have upheld their

[[Page 47875]]

responsibilities while participating in those programs. The regulations 
in Subpart H govern not only the content of the certification submitted 
by applicants, but the types of parties that must certify, the process 
for submitting the certification, the standards by which submissions 
are evaluated, and the delegations and duties of HUD officials involved 
in the evaluation of the certifications. The regulations in Subpart H 
also contain procedures by which applicants can appeal adverse 
determinations.
    Since the regulations were last revised, with the changing deal 
structures and transaction practices, it has become apparent that the 
current regulations are both over-inclusive and under-inclusive, 
creating unnecessary burdens for participants and HUD alike. For 
example, the current review and certification process requires 
submittal of information about the entities' organizational structures 
and detailed information about each entity in the organizational 
structure. This information is often duplicative of information that 
HUD collects elsewhere in program application procedures. The previous 
participation review process set forth in the current regulations can 
obfuscate what entities and individuals exercise true control over a 
project. Applicants are often highly complex entities. Current 
procedures have not kept step with contemporary organizational 
structures or transactional practices. For example, the current 
regulations' definitions pre-date the development of limited liability 
companies as an organizational entity.
    Participants in HUD's multifamily housing and healthcare programs 
have long complained about the delays with HUD's previous participation 
process because of the overly detailed information required to be 
submitted. Complaints focused on the difficulties associated with 
obtaining information from all the limited partner investors in 
individual projects and in duplicating information for multiple levels 
of affiliates. Current regulations require that HUD field offices send 
certain requests for determination to HUD headquarters instead of 
resolving them at the field office level, which contributes to further 
delays. The process set forth in the current regulations for appealing 
adverse determinations is cumbersome and yet fails to specify that 
participants can participate in the appeal or submit information they 
deem relevant to the appeal. Participants in HUD's multifamily housing 
and healthcare programs also stated that the previous participation 
process requires participants to complete a Form 2530 for each project, 
regardless of the number of Forms 2530 each participant completed in 
the recent past, regardless of how many projects the participant is 
involved in each year, and regardless of whether the participant is a 
well-established, experienced institutional entity already familiar to 
HUD. Moreover, the Form 2530 is not tailored to any particular program 
or set of circumstances. Yet, the current regulations require its use 
for all programs requiring previous participation review.
    Over the years, HUD has made efforts to improve the process and 
minimize the time and collection burden it takes to undergo the 
previous participation review process. In 1998, a housing re-
engineering task force met with members of the multifamily housing 
industry to discuss suggestions for improving HUD's previous 
participation process.\2\ In 2004, HUD convened a working group 
consisting of multifamily housing industry partners to improve the 
process.\3\ In 2004 through 2005, HUD undertook rulemaking to replace 
the Form 2530 paper submission requirement with an electronic review 
system, which HUD named the Active Partner Performance System (APPS). 
HUD published its final rule on April 13, 2005, at 70 FR 19660, which 
became effective on May 13, 2005, and provided for transition to the 
new system, six months following publication of the final rule.\4\ 
Unfortunately, electronic processing did not work as HUD envisioned due 
to bugs in the now outdated, 2006 version of the electronic system, and 
the Preservation Approval Process Act of 2007 (Public Law 110-35, 
approved June 25, 2007) directed HUD to suspend the mandatory 
electronic filing of previous participations certificates in order to 
permit paper filings of Form 2530 at the participant's option.\5\
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    \2\ See http://www.hud-consultant.com/2530.html.
    \3\ See http://www.ncsha.org/node/923.
    \4\ See http://www.thefederalregister.org/fdsys/pkg/FR-2005-04-13/pdf/05-7351.pdf.
    \5\ See http://www.thefederalregister.org/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-110publ35/pdf/PLAW-110publ35.pdf.
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    Since 2007, HUD has not undertaken further rulemaking to improve 
the previous participation process, but has taken incremental steps 
designed to minimize burden. On January 22, 2010, HUD issued Housing 
Notice H2010-04, which revised the previous participation process with 
respect to placing ``flags'' for certain conditions pertaining to the 
multifamily housing and healthcare programs process. A flag generally 
will necessitate additional review by HUD. The 2010-04 notice issued by 
HUD limited the appropriateness of flags related to failing scores 
under the Real Estate Assessment Center (REAC) physical inspection 
process to those situations in which a property has a REAC score below 
60 but above 30. Under the notice, such properties are no longer 
required to be flagged in APPS, but instead the owner of the property 
is provided the opportunity to meet with the applicable HUB or Program 
Center to discuss the identified physical deficiencies, and work out a 
plan to correct the deficiency or deficiencies.\6\ HUD maintained this 
process through Housing notices 2011-24 \7\ and 2012-16.\8\ On March 6, 
2013, HUD posted a fillable portable document form (pdf) version of 
Form 2530.\9\ In issuing this new form, HUD did make some changes to 
reduce burden. Schedule A of the form requires a listing of previous 
projects for only the past 10 years. The form no longer requires 
alphabetizing the list of the organization's principals, and the 
organization may attach a significant authority document for principals 
who have authority to sign on behalf of the organization.
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    \6\ See http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/hudclips/notices/hsg/10hsgnotices.cfm.
    \7\ See http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/huddoc?id=11-24hsgn.pdf.
    \8\ See http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/huddoc?id=12-16hsgn.pdf.
    \9\ See http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/huddoc?id=2530.pdf.
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    While the guidance provided in the Housing notices and the new Form 
2530 PDF with fillable sections have provided some improvement to the 
previous participation review process, significant improvement is not 
achieved by solely changing the form by which information is submitted. 
HUD recognizes that to achieve the improvement that HUD and HUD's 
multifamily housing and healthcare programs industry partners seek, HUD 
must change the process. In this regard, HUD is continuing to review 
its previous participation review practices for potential improvements. 
These revised regulations are one piece of those continuing efforts.
    In soliciting public comment on regulations on which HUD should 
focus on streamlining and reducing burden, through notice published on 
March 2, 2011, at 76 FR 11395,\10\ commenters raised the regulations 
governing the previous participation process as regulations that HUD 
should address as

[[Page 47876]]

part of the retrospective review process.\11\
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    \10\ See http://www.thefederalregister.org/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-03-02/pdf/2011-4563.pdf.
    \11\ See http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketBrowser;rpp=25;po=0;s=2530%252Bprocess;dct=PS;D=HUD-2011-
0037.
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    Changes to the regulations governing the previous participation 
process would benefit both HUD's multifamily housing and healthcare 
participants and HUD. The detailed prescriptive procedure in the 
current regulations is at once overly inclusive and under-inclusive, in 
some instances making it difficult for HUD to review the previous 
participation of certain controlling entities and individuals with 
control, while at other times requiring HUD to review the previous 
participation of entities and individuals that will not exercise 
control over a proposed project.

II. This Proposed Rule

    The proposed rule would revise the Subpart H regulations in their 
entirety, replacing the current prior participation review process. 
While the current regulations mandate that Form HUD 2530 be used, the 
proposed rule would shift the emphasis of the regulations from this 
specific form to the substance of what is being asked from whom. This 
would provide HUD with flexibility to develop form(s) specifically 
tailored to certain programs, which seek information relevant to those 
programs, and expand electronic data practices for gathering 
information. This approach would further decrease the burden of 
information collection imposed on applicants. The proposed revised 
process would also clarify when past participation review is triggered. 
Furthermore, the proposed rule streamlines the appeals process for 
applicants who receive adverse determinations and specifies that they 
have a right to participate in the appeal and submit information they 
may feel is helpful in their circumstances.
    Because the instructions of the 2530 form mirror the requirements 
of the existing regulations, it is assumed that the instructions will 
need to be revised once the regulations are finalized, following 
consideration of public comments received in response to this proposed 
rule. Although the proposed regulations envision greatly reducing the 
burden of completing the 2530 form, because information will be 
collected from substantially fewer entities, the substance of the 
information collected is anticipated to remain largely the same. The 
information sought by the 2530 form is directed to obtaining core 
performance information that is needed of an entity that has control 
over the project. The APPs system will continue to be available for 
use.

A. Consolidation of Key Concepts

    The proposed rule would consolidate the central concepts currently 
codified in Subpart H into four regulatory sections. These proposed 
sections are: Sec.  200.214 (Covered Projects), Sec.  200.216 
(Controlling Participants), Sec.  200.218 (Triggering Events), and 
Sec.  200.220 (Previous Participation).
    First, proposed Sec.  200.214 establishes the new term ``Covered 
Project'' to refer to the types of proposed projects that subject 
certain entities and individuals to previous participation review. The 
definition of Covered Project would include many of the categories of 
projects currently listed in Sec.  200.217, which describes the types 
of projects that require principals to submit their previous 
participation certification. It also includes a category for projects 
insured under sections 542(b) and 542(c) of the Housing and Community 
Development Act of 1992 (12 U.S.C. 17107 note), which sections provide 
HUD with insurance authority independent of the National Housing Act 
and authorizes certain risk-sharing arrangements with certain entities.
    Proposed Sec.  200.216 would identify the individuals and entities 
that are subject to previous participation review. This concept is 
currently captured in HUD's existing codified regulations in the 
definition for ``Principal'' in Sec.  200.215(e) as well as in Sec.  
200.218, which sets out who must certify and sign Form 2530. Proposed 
Sec.  200.216 would establish the new term ``Controlling Participant,'' 
in order to clarify that HUD will only seek information pertaining to 
the previous participation of those individuals or entities who will 
exercise control over the proposed project. The definition for 
Controlling Participant would be narrower than the specific types of 
individuals and entities included in the existing definition for 
``principal''; instead of including any individuals or entities who 
have any interest in the project other than an arms-length fee 
arrangement for professional services. Instead of including long lists 
of enumerated individuals and affiliate entities, the definition for 
Controlling Participant would include the persons or entities 
determined by HUD to have control over the finances or operation of a 
proposed project. As required by the Preservation Approval Process Act 
of 2007, investor entities with limited liability in Covered Projects 
benefiting from low-income housing tax credits, that do not have 
operational or policy control or influence over a Controlling 
Participant are all specifically excluded from previous participation 
review. The proposed regulation would expand this exemption to 
investors in other kinds of tax credits who also do not exercise 
control of the project.
    Proposed Sec.  200.218 would establish the concept of a 
``Triggering Event,'' which specifically identifies which actions taken 
by a Controlling Participant would require the submission of materials 
for the purpose of undergoing previous participant review.
    Proposed Sec.  200.220 would describe what is involved in a 
previous participation review. The purpose of the review is to focus on 
the prior performance of Covered Projects in which the Controlling 
Partner exercised actual or constructive control and to determine 
whether any serious findings reflect adversely on the Controlling 
Participants' integrity, competency, or ability to exercise control of 
a Covered Project responsibly.
    In addition, the proposed rule would add the term ``Commissioner'' 
to the definitions for Subpart H. The subpart H regulations would be 
revised to clarify that HUD's decision making authority in the review 
process resides with the Assistant Secretary for Housing--Federal 
Housing Commissioner (Commissioner), and the Commissioner's designees.

B. Determining Risk

    Under the current regulations, HUD is required to evaluate 
applicants' prior performance using specific criteria set out in the 
definition for ``risk'' in Sec.  200.215 and using the standards for 
disapproval outlined in Sec.  200.230. HUD has found these criteria and 
standards to be constraining and, at times, have presented an 
unnecessarily high bar to participation by qualified applicants. In 
other instances, HUD has found these criteria and standards to 
insufficiently cover a circumstance that HUD determines should 
constitute an impermissible risk to the Department. Nor is previous 
participation review the primary avenue for the Department to assess 
the risk of a project; various application and underwriting procedures 
assess different components of risk. Previous participation review is 
merely one component of assessing risk, and the proposed rule more 
accurately reflects its purpose.
    Controlling Participants who are debarred, suspended, subject to 
restrictions under 2 CFR part 2424, or prohibited from doing business 
with any other federal department or federal agency are automatically 
precluded from participation in federal programs,

[[Page 47877]]

and the proposed rule would deny the participation of such Controlling 
Participants from the current Triggering Event for which they are 
applying. The proposed rule would also allow the Commissioner to 
require that other unacceptable risks be mitigated before the 
Controlling Participant could participate in the current Triggering 
Event. Proposed Sec.  200.220(c) would provide the Commissioner this 
discretion to disapprove an applicant, conditionally accept an 
applicant, temporarily withhold approval of an applicant until more 
information can be gathered, or require the Controlling Participant to 
remedy or mitigate certain conditions to the Commissioner's 
satisfaction. Examples of unacceptable risk would typically include 
those deficiencies currently codified at Sec.  200.230, such as but not 
limited to: (1) Mortgage defaults, assignments or foreclosures; (2) 
suspension or termination of payments under any HUD assistance 
contract; (3) significant work stoppages; and (4) instances of 
noncompliance with the regulations, programmatic or contractual 
requirements of HUD or State or local government's Housing Finance 
Agency in connection with an insured or assisted project.
    Collectively, these changes would significantly reduce the initial 
paperwork burden for applicants and would allow the Department to 
undertake a targeted review to those who control the finances and/or 
operation of a project.

C. Other Proposed Changes

    In addition to the proposed regulatory changes discussed above, the 
proposed rule would make several other streamlining and clarifying 
changes. For example, Sec.  200.230 of the currently codified 
regulations requires HUD to consider particular kinds of events or 
flags in its evaluation of applicants, even when these may not be 
relevant or indicative of real risk. Any flag is enough to delay a 
project and can stand as an obstacle to the applicant's participation. 
The proposed rule refocuses the purpose of this previous participation 
review. If a violation rises to the level of indicating unacceptable 
risk, in accordance with contemporary transactional practices, the 
violation must be mitigated. If not, HUD and the participant have more 
flexibility in how and when to mitigate the violation. In addition, 
Sec. Sec.  200.241-200.245 in the currently codified regulations 
establish a detailed appeals process for applicants who receive an 
adverse determination. The proposed rule would streamline these 
regulations addressing the appeals process by consolidating them into a 
single section. Proposed Sec.  200.222 would substitute the opportunity 
for a hearing before the standing Multifamily Participation Review 
Committee with the opportunity for reconsideration before a review 
committee or a reviewing officer, as established by the Commissioner. 
Further, the proposed rule explicitly provides that the applicant have 
an opportunity to participate in this reconsideration process and 
submit information on their behalf; the current regulations lack these 
provisions.
    HUD believes these proposed changes significantly reduce the burden 
of the previous participation process, which has long been subject to 
complaints of being too burdensome a process. HUD welcomes comments on 
how this process may be further streamlined but preserves HUD's right 
and need to determine the suitability of applicants to participate in 
HUD's multifamily housing and healthcare programs.

III. Findings and Certifications

Regulatory Review--Executive Orders 12866 and 13563

    Under Executive Order 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review), a 
determination must be made whether a regulatory action is significant 
and, therefore, subject to review by the Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB) in accordance with the requirements of the order. 
Executive Order 13563 (Improving Regulations and Regulatory Review) 
directs executive agencies to analyze regulations that are ``outmoded, 
ineffective, insufficient, or excessively burdensome, and to modify, 
streamline, expand, or repeal them in accordance with what has been 
learned.'' Executive Order 13563 also directs that, where relevant, 
feasible, and consistent with regulatory objectives, and to the extent 
permitted by law, agencies are to identify and consider regulatory 
approaches that reduce burdens and maintain flexibility and freedom of 
choice for the public.
    This rule was determined not to be a ``significant regulatory 
action'' as defined in section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866, nor was 
it found to be an economically significant regulatory action, as 
provided under section 3(f)(1) of the Executive Order.
    This rule responds to the direction of Executive Order 13563 to 
reduce burden. As discussed in this preamble, HUD stakeholders have 
long complained about the previous participation process, and HUD has 
offered measures over the past to improve this process. However these 
measures were not successful in providing a significant overhaul of the 
previous participation review process sufficient to remedy the common 
complaints. HUD believes that this proposal to streamline the previous 
participation review process strikes the appropriate balance between 
allowing HUD to effectively assess the suitability of applicants to 
participate in HUD's multifamily housing and healthcare programs, while 
interjecting sufficient flexibility into the process in order to remove 
a one-size-fits-all review process. Such a balance best allows HUD to 
make determinations of suitability in order to accurately access risk.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) 
generally requires an agency to conduct a regulatory flexibility 
analysis of any rule subject to notice and comment rulemaking 
requirements, unless the agency certifies that the rule would not have 
a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities.
    As has been discussed in this preamble, this rule proposes to 
greatly streamline HUD's previous participation review process. As 
noted earlier in this preamble, and discussed in more detail in the 
preceding section, this process has long been the subject of complaint 
by HUD participants as an overly burdensome process. HUD believes that 
the changes proposed by this rule would allow HUD to better consider 
the differences of any applicant and tailor requested information to 
that applicant, including whether the applicant is a small entity. For 
these reasons, HUD has determined that this rule would not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
    Notwithstanding HUD's determination that this rule will not have a 
significant effect on a substantial number of small entities, HUD 
specifically invites comments regarding any less burdensome 
alternatives to this rule that will meet HUD's objectives as described 
in this preamble.

Environmental Impact

    This proposed rule does not direct, provide for assistance or loan 
and mortgage insurance for, or otherwise govern, or regulate, real 
property acquisition, disposition, leasing, rehabilitation, alteration, 
demolition, or new construction, or establish, revise or provide for 
standards for construction or construction materials, manufactured 
housing, or occupancy. Accordingly, under 24 CFR 50.19(c)(1), this 
proposed rule is categorically excluded from

[[Page 47878]]

environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act of 
1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321).

Federalism Impact

    Executive Order 13132 (entitled ``Federalism'') prohibits an agency 
from publishing any rule that has federalism implications if the rule 
either imposes substantial direct compliance costs on state and local 
governments and is not required by statute, or preempts state law, 
unless the agency meets the consultation and funding requirements of 
section 6 of the Order. This rule does not have federalism implications 
and would not impose substantial direct compliance costs on state and 
local governments nor preempts state law within the meaning of the 
Order.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 
1531-1538) (UMRA) establishes requirements for federal agencies to 
assess the effects of their regulatory actions on state, local, and 
tribal governments, and on the private sector. This rule does not 
impose any federal mandates on any state, local, or tribal governments, 
or on the private sector, within the meaning of UMRA.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    The information collection requirements contained in this proposed 
rule have been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 
under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520). In 
accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, an agency may not conduct 
or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of 
information unless the collection displays a currently valid OMB 
control number. The burden of information collection in this proposed 
rule is estimated as follows:

                                                Information Collection Under Current 2530 Review Process
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                                        Number of      Approximate number of                     Total annual
       Information collection          forms filed     respondents  needed to    Burden hours    burden hours     Hourly cost     Total annual cost per
                                        annually         complete the form      per respondent    per filing    per respondent           filing
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HUD-2530 (paper), Electronic.......          10,000  8 per filing.............               1               8             $20  $160.00.
rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
    Total Annual Burden per All              10,000  80,000...................  ..............          80,000  ..............  $1.6 Million.
     Filings.
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                                           Information Collection Under Proposed Participation Review Process
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Number of      Approximate number of                     Total annual
       Information collection         reviews done       respondents to be       Burden hours    burden hours     Hourly cost     Total annual cost per
                                        annually              reviewed          per respondent    per filing    per respondent           filing
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Previous Participation Review......          10,000  3 per filing.............               1               3             $20  $60.00
rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
    Total Annual Burden per All              10,000  30,000...................  ..............          30,000  ..............  600,000
     Filings.
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    In accordance with 5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1), HUD is soliciting comments 
from members of the public and affected agencies concerning the 
information collection requirements in the proposed rule regarding:
    (1) 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;
    (2) The accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the 
proposed collection of information;
    (3) Whether the proposed collection of information enhances the 
quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and
    (4) Whether the proposed information collection minimizes the 
burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond; 
including through the use of appropriate automated collection 
techniques or other forms of information technology (e.g., permitting 
electronic submission of responses).
    Interested persons are invited to submit comments regarding the 
information collection requirements in this rule. Under the provisions 
of 5 CFR part 1320, OMB is required to make a decision concerning this 
collection of information between 30 and 60 days after today's 
publication date. Therefore, a comment on the information collection 
requirements is best assured of having its full effect if OMB receives 
the comment within 30 days of today's publication. This time frame does 
not affect the deadline for comments to the agency on the proposed 
rule, however. Comments must refer to the proposal by name and docket 
number (FR-5850-P-01) and must be sent to: HUD Desk Officer, Office of 
Management and Budget, New Executive Office Building, Washington, DC 
20503, Fax number: (202) 395-6947 and Colette Pollard, HUD Reports 
Liaison Officer, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 7th 
Street, SW., Room 2204, Washington, DC 20410.
    Interested persons may submit comments regarding the information 
collection requirements electronically through the Federal eRulemaking 
Portal at http://www.regulations.gov. HUD strongly encourages 
commenters to submit comments electronically. Electronic submission of 
comments allows the commenter maximum time to prepare and submit a 
comment, ensures timely receipt by HUD, and enables HUD to make them 
immediately available to the public. Comments submitted electronically 
through the http://www.regulations.gov Web site can be viewed by other 
commenters and interested members of the public. Commenters should 
follow the instructions provided on that site to submit comments 
electronically.

List of Subjects in 24 CFR Part 200

    Administrative practice and procedure, Claims, Equal employment 
opportunity, Fair housing, Housing standards, Lead poisoning, Loan 
programs--housing and community development, Mortgage insurance, 
Organization and functions (Government agencies), Penalties, Reporting 
and recordkeeping

[[Page 47879]]

requirements, Social security, Unemployment compensation, Wages.

    Accordingly, for the reasons stated in the preamble above, and in 
accordance with HUD's authority under 42 U.S.C. 3535(d), HUD proposes 
to amend 24 CFR part 200 as follows:

PART 200--INTRODUCTION TO FHA PROGRAMS

0
1. The authority citation for 24 CFR part 200 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority:  12 U.S.C. 1702-1715z-21; 42 U.S.C. 3535(d).

0
2. Revise subpart H to read as follows:
Subpart H--Participation and Compliance Requirements
Sec.
200.210 Policy.
200.212 Definitions.
200.214 Covered Projects.
200.216 Controlling Participant.
200.218 Triggering Events.
200.220 Previous Participation review.
200.222 Request for reconsideration.

Subpart H--Participation and Compliance Requirements


Sec.  200.210  Policy.

    It is HUD's policy that, in accordance with the intent of the 
National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) and with other applicable 
federal statutes, participants in HUD's housing and healthcare programs 
be responsible individuals and organizations who will honor their 
legal, financial and contractual obligations. Accordingly, as provided 
in this subpart, HUD will review the prior participation of Controlling 
Participants, as defined in Sec.  200.212 and Sec.  200.216, as a 
prerequisite to participation in HUD's multifamily housing and 
healthcare programs listed in Sec.  200.214.


Sec.  200.212  Definitions.

    As used in this subpart:
    Commissioner means the Assistant Secretary for Housing-Federal 
Housing Commissioner, or the Commissioner's delegates and designees.
    Controlling Participant means an individual or entity serving in a 
capacity for a Covered Project that makes the individual or entity 
subject to previous participation review under this subpart, as further 
described in Sec.  200.216.
    Covered Project means a HUD-held, FHA-insured, or HUD-assisted 
project on which the participation of a Controlling Participant is 
conditioned on previous participation review under this subpart, as 
further described in Sec.  200.214.
    Previous Participation means a Controlling Participant's previous 
participation in federal programs, as further described in Sec.  
200.220.
    Triggering Event means an occurrence in connection with a Covered 
Project that subjects a Controlling Participant to Previous 
Participation review under this subpart, as further described in Sec.  
200.218.


Sec.  200.214  Covered Projects.

    The following types of multifamily and healthcare projects are 
Covered Projects subject to the requirements of this subpart, provided 
however that single family projects are excluded from the definition of 
Covered Projects:
    (a) FHA insured projects. A project financed or which is proposed 
to be financed with a mortgage insured under the National Housing Act, 
a project subject to a mortgage held by the Secretary under the 
National Housing Act, or a project acquired by the Secretary under the 
National Housing Act.
    (b) Housing for the elderly or persons with disabilities. Housing 
for the elderly financed or to be financed with direct loans or capital 
advances under section 202 of the Housing Act of 1959, as amended; and 
housing for persons with disabilities under section 811 of the 
Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act.
    (c) Risk Share projects. A project that is insured under section 
542(b) or 542(c) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 
(12 U.S.C. 17107 note).
    (d) Projects subject to continuing HUD requirements. A project that 
is subject to a Use Agreement or any other continuing HUD requirements 
or affordability restrictions.
    (e) Subsidized projects. Any project in which 20 percent or more of 
the units now receive or will receive a subsidy in the form of:
    (1) Interest reduction payments under section 236 of the National 
Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1715z-1);
    (2) Rent Supplement payments under section 101 of the Housing and 
Urban Development Act of 1965 (12 U.S.C. 1701s); or
    (3) Project-based housing assistance payment contracts under 
section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f), 
excluding those issued pursuant to section 8(o)(13) of the United 
States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f(o)(13).


Sec.  200.216  Controlling Participant.

    (a) Definition. An individual or entity serving in any of the 
following capacities for a Covered Project is a Controlling Participant 
subject to the requirements of this subpart:
    (1) An owner of a Covered Project;
    (2) A borrower of a loan financing a Covered Project;
    (3) A management agent;
    (4) An operator (in connection with healthcare projects insured 
under the following section of the National Housing Act: section 232 
(12 U.S.C. 1715w) and section 242 (12 U.S.C. 1715z-7));
    (5) A master tenant (in connection with any multifamily housing 
project insured under the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1701 et 
seq.), and in connection with certain healthcare projects insured under 
sections 232 and 242 of the National Housing Act);
    (6) A general contractor;
    (7) In connection with a hospital project insured under section 242 
of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1715z-7), members of a hospital 
Board of Directors (or similar body) and executive management (such as 
the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer) that HUD 
determines to have control over the finances or operation of a Covered 
Project; and
    (8) Any other person or entity determined by HUD to have control 
over the finances or operation of a Covered Project.
    (b) Control of entities. To the extent any Controlling Participant 
listed in paragraph (a) of this section is an entity, any individual(s) 
determined by HUD to control the financial or operational decisions of 
such Controlling Participant shall also be considered Controlling 
Participants. For purposes of this section, ``control'' shall mean 
ownership of at least 25 percent of such entity or the ability to bind 
such entity in the Triggering Event that necessitates review of 
Previous Participation.
    (c) Exclusions from definition. The following individuals or 
entities are not Controlling Participants for purposes of this subpart:
    (1) Investor entities with limited liability in Covered Projects 
benefiting from tax credits, including but not limited to low-income 
housing tax credits pursuant to section 42 of title 26 of the United 
States Code, whether such investors are syndicators, direct investors 
or investors in such syndicators and/or investors;
    (2) Individuals or entities that do not have operational or policy 
control or influence over an entity that is a Controlling Participant;
    (3) Mortgagees acting in their capacity as such; and
    (4) Public housing agencies (PHAs), where the PHA is acting in its 
capacity as a PHA owning or operating public housing.

[[Page 47880]]

Sec.  200.218  Triggering Events.

    Each of the following is a Triggering Event that may subject a 
Controlling Participant to Previous Participation review under Sec.  
200.220:
    (a) An application for FHA mortgage insurance, excluding 
applications already approved by HUD;
    (b) An application for funds provided by HUD, such as but not 
limited to supplemental loans or flexible subsidy loans;
    (c) A request to change any Controlling Participant with respect to 
a Covered Project;
    (d) A request for consent to an assignment of a housing assistance 
payment contract under section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 
1937 or of another contract pursuant to which a Controlling Participant 
will receive funds in connection with a Covered Project;
    (e) A bid to purchase a Covered Project or mortgage note held by 
the Commissioner; or
    (f) A sale of a HUD-held mortgage affecting a Covered Project, or a 
sale of any HUD-held Covered Project that is now or will be subject to 
a Use Agreement or any other continuing HUD requirements or 
affordability restrictions. Notwithstanding the foregoing, HUD may 
elect to refrain from conducting Previous Participation review under 
this subsection where a bidder's Previous Participation has already 
been reviewed under paragraph (e) of this section, in order to avoid a 
duplicative review.


Sec.  200.220  Previous Participation review.

    (a) Scope of review. (1) Upon the occurrence of a Triggering Event, 
as provided in Sec.  200.218, the Commissioner shall review the 
Previous Participation of the relevant Controlling Participants in 
considering whether to approve the participation of the Controlling 
Participants in connection with the Triggering Event. The 
Commissioner's review of a Controlling Participant's previous 
participation shall include previous financial and operational 
performance in federal programs that may indicate a financial or 
operating risk in approving the Controlling Participant's participation 
in the subject Triggering Event. The Commissioner's review shall 
consider financial stability; previous performance in accordance with 
HUD statutes, regulations and program requirements; general business 
practices and other factors that indicate that the Controlling 
Participant could not be expected to operate the project in a manner 
consistent with furthering the Department's purpose of supporting and 
providing decent, safe and affordable housing for the public. At the 
Commissioner's discretion, as necessary to determine financial or 
operating risk, this review may include the Controlling Participant's 
participation and performance in any federal program and may exclude 
previous participation in which the Controlling Participant did not 
exercise, actually or constructively, control.
    (2) The Commissioner will not review Previous Participation for 
interests acquired by inheritance or by court decree.
    (3) In connection with the submittal of an application for any 
Triggering Event, applicants shall identify the Controlling 
Participants and, to the extent requested by HUD, make available to HUD 
the Controlling Participant's Previous Participation in Covered 
Projects.
    (b) Results of review. (1) Based upon the review under paragraph 
(a) of this section, the Commissioner will approve, disapprove, limit, 
or otherwise condition the continued participation of the Controlling 
Participant in the Triggering Event, in accordance with paragraphs (c) 
and (d) of this section.
    (2) The Commissioner shall provide notice of the determination to 
the Controlling Participant including the reasons for disapproval or 
limitation. The Commissioner may provide notice of the determination to 
other parties, as well, such the FHA-approved lender in the 
transaction.
    (c) Basis for disapproval. (1) The Commissioner must disapprove a 
Controlling Participant if the Commissioner determines that the 
Controlling Participant is suspended, debarred or subject to other 
restriction under 2 CFR part 2424;
    (2) The Commissioner may disapprove a Controlling Participant if 
the Commissioner determines:
    (i) The Controlling Participant is restricted from doing business 
with any other department or agency of the federal government; or
    (ii) The Controlling Participant's record of Previous Participation 
reveals significant risk to proceeding with the Triggering Event.
    (d) Alternatives to disapproval. In lieu of disapproval, the 
Commissioner may:
    (1) Condition or limit the Controlling Participant's participation;
    (2) Temporarily withhold issuing a determination in order to gather 
more necessary information; or
    (3) Require the Controlling Participant to remedy or mitigate 
outstanding violations of HUD requirements to the Commissioner's 
satisfaction in order to participate in the Triggering Event.


Sec.  200.222  Request for reconsideration.

    (a) Where participation in a Triggering Event has been disapproved, 
otherwise limited or conditioned because of Previous Participation 
review, the Controlling Participant may request reconsideration of such 
determination by a review committee or reviewing officer as established 
by the Commissioner.
    (b) The Controlling Participant shall submit requests for such 
reconsideration in writing within 30 days of receipt of the 
Commissioner's notice of the determination under Sec.  200.220.
    (c) The review committee or reviewing officer shall schedule a 
review of such requests for reconsideration. The Controlling 
Participant shall be provided advance written notification of such a 
review. The Controlling Participant shall be provided the opportunity 
to submit such supporting materials as the Controlling Participant 
desires or as the review committee or reviewing officer requests.
    (d) Before making its decision, the review committee or reviewing 
officer will analyze the reasons for the decision(s) for which 
reconsideration is being requested, as well as the documents and 
arguments presented by the Controlling Participant. The review 
committee or reviewing officer may affirm, modify, or reverse the 
initial decision. Upon making its decision, the review committee or 
reviewing officer will provide written notice of its determination to 
the Controlling Participant setting forth the reasons for the 
determination(s).

    Dated: August 3, 2015.
Edward L. Golding,
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Housing.
[FR Doc. 2015-19529 Filed 8-7-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4210-67-P



                                               47874                  Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 153 / Monday, August 10, 2015 / Proposed Rules

                                               collection is 2120–0056. Public reporting for           simplify the process by which HUD                     above. Again, all submissions must refer to
                                               this collection of information is estimated to          reviews the previous participation of                 the docket number and title of the rule.
                                               be approximately 5 minutes per response,                participants that have decision-making
                                               including the time for reviewing instructions,                                                                   No Facsimile Comments. Facsimile
                                                                                                       authority over their projects as one                  (fax) comments are not acceptable.
                                               completing and reviewing the collection of
                                               information. All responses to this collection           component of HUD’s responsibility to                     Public Inspection of Public
                                               of information are mandatory. Comments                  assess financial and operational risk to              Comments. All properly submitted
                                               concerning the accuracy of this burden and              the projects in these programs. The                   comments and communications
                                               suggestions for reducing the burden should              proposed rule would clarify which                     submitted to HUD will be available for
                                               be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence             individuals and entities will be                      public inspection and copying between
                                               Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn:                   reviewed, HUD’s purpose in conducting                 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., weekdays, at the
                                               Information Collection Clearance Officer,               such review, and describe the review to
                                               AES–200.                                                                                                      above address. Due to security measures
                                                                                                       be undertaken. By targeting more                      at the HUD Headquarters building, an
                                               (h) Related Information                                 closely the individuals and actions that              appointment to review the public
                                                 Refer to MCAI EASA AD No.: 2015–0116,                 would be subject to prior participation               comments must be scheduled in
                                               dated June 24, 2015; GROB Luft Und                      review, HUD not only brings greater                   advance by calling the Regulations
                                               Raumfahrt Service Bulletin 315–45/2, dated              certainty and clarity to the process but              Division at 202–708–3055 (this is not a
                                               December 21, 1995; and Fiberglas-Technik                provides HUD with flexibility as to the               toll-free number). Individuals with
                                               Rudolf Lindner Technische Mitteilung                    necessary previous participation review
                                               (English translation: Service Bulletin), (TM–
                                                                                                                                                             speech or hearing impairments may
                                                                                                       for entities and individuals that is not              access this number via TTY by calling
                                               G07)/(SB–G07), Ausgabe (English translation:            possible in a one-size fits all approach.
                                               Edition) April 24, 2015, for related                                                                          the Federal Relay Service at 800–877–
                                                                                                       Through this rule, HUD proposes to                    8339. Copies of all comments submitted
                                               information. You may examine the MCAI on
                                               the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by           replace the current previous                          are available for inspection and
                                               searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–              participation regulations in their                    downloading at www.regulations.gov.
                                               2015–3300. For service information related to           entirety.
                                                                                                                                                             FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                               this AD, contact Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf               DATES: Comment Due Date: October 9,
                                               Lindner GmbH & Co. KG, Steige 3, D–88487                                                                      Aaron Hutchinson, Office of Housing,
                                                                                                       2015.                                                 Department of Housing and Urban
                                               Walpertshofen, Germany; phone: ++49 (0)
                                               7353/22 43; fax: ++49 (0) 7353/30 96; email:            ADDRESSES: Interested persons are                     Development, 451 7th Street SW., Room
                                               info@LTB-Lindner.com; internet: http://                 invited to submit comments regarding                  6178, Washington, DC 20410; telephone
                                               www.ltb-lindner.com/. You may review this               this proposed rule to the Regulations                 number 202–708–3994 (this is not a toll-
                                               referenced service information at the FAA,              Division, Office of General Counsel,                  free number). Individuals with speech
                                               Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust,                 Department of Housing and Urban                       or hearing impairments may access this
                                               Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information            Development, 451 7th Street SW., Room                 number through TTY by calling the toll-
                                               on the availability of this material at the
                                                                                                       10276, Washington, DC 20410–0500.                     free Federal Relay Service at 800–877–
                                               FAA, call (816) 329–4148.
                                                                                                       Communications must refer to the above                8339 (this is not a toll-free number).
                                                 Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 31,          docket number and title. There are two                SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                               2015.                                                   methods for submitting public
                                               Earl Lawrence,                                          comments. All submissions must refer                  I. Background
                                               Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft           to the above docket number and title.                   Currently, applicants seeking to
                                               Certification Service.                                    1. Submission of Comments by Mail.                  participate in HUD’s multifamily
                                               [FR Doc. 2015–19323 Filed 8–7–15; 8:45 am]              Comments may be submitted by mail to                  housing and healthcare programs must
                                               BILLING CODE 4910–13–P                                  the Regulations Division, Office of                   certify that all principals involved in a
                                                                                                       General Counsel, Department of                        proposed project have acted responsibly
                                                                                                       Housing and Urban Development, 451                    and have honored their legal, financial,
                                               DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND                               7th Street SW., Room 10276,                           and contractual obligations in their
                                               URBAN DEVELOPMENT                                       Washington, DC 20410–0500.                            previous participation in HUD
                                                                                                         2. Electronic Submission of                         programs, in certain programs
                                               24 CFR Part 200                                         Comments. Interested persons may                      administered by the U.S. Department of
                                                                                                       submit comments electronically through                Agriculture, and in projects assisted or
                                               [Docket No. FR–5850–P–01]
                                                                                                       the Federal eRulemaking Portal at                     insured by state and local government
                                               RIN 2502–AJ28                                           www.regulations.gov. HUD strongly                     housing finance agencies. HUD’s
                                                                                                       encourages commenters to submit                       regulations governing the assessment of
                                               Retrospective Review—Improving the                      comments electronically. Electronic
                                               Previous Participation Reviews of                                                                             previous participation are codified in 24
                                                                                                       submission of comments allows the                     CFR part 200, subpart H (Subpart H),
                                               Prospective Multifamily Housing and                     commenter maximum time to prepare
                                               Healthcare Programs Participants                                                                              and require applicants to complete a
                                                                                                       and submit a comment, ensures timely                  very detailed and lengthy certification
                                               AGENCY:  Office of the Assistant                        receipt by HUD, and enables HUD to                    form (HUD Form 2530).1
                                               Secretary for Housing—Federal Housing                   make them immediately available to the                  The 2530 form currently requires
                                               Commissioner, HUD.                                      public. Comments submitted                            disclosure of all principals to be
                                               ACTION: Proposed rule.
                                                                                                       electronically through the                            involved in the proposed project, a list
                                                                                                       www.regulations.gov Web site can be                   of projects in which those principals
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                                               SUMMARY:   This proposed rule would                     viewed by other commenters and                        have previously participated or
                                               revise HUD’s regulations for reviewing                  interested members of the public.                     currently participate in, a detailed
                                               the previous participation in federal                   Commenters should follow the                          account of the principals’ involvement
                                               programs of certain participants seeking                instructions provided on that site to                 in the listed project(s), and assurances
                                               to take part in multifamily housing and                 submit comments electronically.                       that the principals have upheld their
                                               healthcare programs administered by                       Note: To receive consideration as public
                                               HUD’s Office of Housing. Specifically,                  comments, comments must be submitted                    1 See http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/

                                               the proposed rule would clarify and                     through one of the two methods specified              huddoc?id=2530.pdf.



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                                                                      Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 153 / Monday, August 10, 2015 / Proposed Rules                                                 47875

                                               responsibilities while participating in                 participants to complete a Form 2530                  review by HUD. The 2010–04 notice
                                               those programs. The regulations in                      for each project, regardless of the                   issued by HUD limited the
                                               Subpart H govern not only the content                   number of Forms 2530 each participant                 appropriateness of flags related to
                                               of the certification submitted by                       completed in the recent past, regardless              failing scores under the Real Estate
                                               applicants, but the types of parties that               of how many projects the participant is               Assessment Center (REAC) physical
                                               must certify, the process for submitting                involved in each year, and regardless of              inspection process to those situations in
                                               the certification, the standards by which               whether the participant is a well-                    which a property has a REAC score
                                               submissions are evaluated, and the                      established, experienced institutional                below 60 but above 30. Under the
                                               delegations and duties of HUD officials                 entity already familiar to HUD.                       notice, such properties are no longer
                                               involved in the evaluation of the                       Moreover, the Form 2530 is not tailored               required to be flagged in APPS, but
                                               certifications. The regulations in                      to any particular program or set of                   instead the owner of the property is
                                               Subpart H also contain procedures by                    circumstances. Yet, the current                       provided the opportunity to meet with
                                               which applicants can appeal adverse                     regulations require its use for all                   the applicable HUB or Program Center
                                               determinations.                                         programs requiring previous                           to discuss the identified physical
                                                  Since the regulations were last                      participation review.                                 deficiencies, and work out a plan to
                                               revised, with the changing deal                            Over the years, HUD has made efforts               correct the deficiency or deficiencies.6
                                               structures and transaction practices, it                to improve the process and minimize
                                               has become apparent that the current                                                                          HUD maintained this process through
                                                                                                       the time and collection burden it takes               Housing notices 2011–24 7 and 2012–
                                               regulations are both over-inclusive and                 to undergo the previous participation
                                               under-inclusive, creating unnecessary                                                                         16.8 On March 6, 2013, HUD posted a
                                                                                                       review process. In 1998, a housing re-                fillable portable document form (pdf)
                                               burdens for participants and HUD alike.                 engineering task force met with
                                               For example, the current review and                                                                           version of Form 2530.9 In issuing this
                                                                                                       members of the multifamily housing                    new form, HUD did make some changes
                                               certification process requires submittal                industry to discuss suggestions for
                                               of information about the entities’                                                                            to reduce burden. Schedule A of the
                                                                                                       improving HUD’s previous participation
                                               organizational structures and detailed                                                                        form requires a listing of previous
                                                                                                       process.2 In 2004, HUD convened a
                                               information about each entity in the                                                                          projects for only the past 10 years. The
                                                                                                       working group consisting of multifamily
                                               organizational structure. This                                                                                form no longer requires alphabetizing
                                                                                                       housing industry partners to improve
                                               information is often duplicative of                                                                           the list of the organization’s principals,
                                                                                                       the process.3 In 2004 through 2005,
                                               information that HUD collects                                                                                 and the organization may attach a
                                                                                                       HUD undertook rulemaking to replace
                                               elsewhere in program application                        the Form 2530 paper submission                        significant authority document for
                                               procedures. The previous participation                  requirement with an electronic review                 principals who have authority to sign on
                                               review process set forth in the current                 system, which HUD named the Active                    behalf of the organization.
                                               regulations can obfuscate what entities                 Partner Performance System (APPS).                       While the guidance provided in the
                                               and individuals exercise true control                   HUD published its final rule on April                 Housing notices and the new Form 2530
                                               over a project. Applicants are often                    13, 2005, at 70 FR 19660, which became                PDF with fillable sections have
                                               highly complex entities. Current                        effective on May 13, 2005, and provided               provided some improvement to the
                                               procedures have not kept step with                      for transition to the new system, six                 previous participation review process,
                                               contemporary organizational structures                  months following publication of the                   significant improvement is not achieved
                                               or transactional practices. For example,                final rule.4 Unfortunately, electronic                by solely changing the form by which
                                               the current regulations’ definitions pre-
                                                                                                       processing did not work as HUD                        information is submitted. HUD
                                               date the development of limited liability
                                                                                                       envisioned due to bugs in the now                     recognizes that to achieve the
                                               companies as an organizational entity.
                                                  Participants in HUD’s multifamily                    outdated, 2006 version of the electronic              improvement that HUD and HUD’s
                                               housing and healthcare programs have                    system, and the Preservation Approval                 multifamily housing and healthcare
                                               long complained about the delays with                   Process Act of 2007 (Public Law 110–35,               programs industry partners seek, HUD
                                               HUD’s previous participation process                    approved June 25, 2007) directed HUD                  must change the process. In this regard,
                                               because of the overly detailed                          to suspend the mandatory electronic                   HUD is continuing to review its
                                               information required to be submitted.                   filing of previous participations                     previous participation review practices
                                               Complaints focused on the difficulties                  certificates in order to permit paper                 for potential improvements. These
                                               associated with obtaining information                   filings of Form 2530 at the participant’s             revised regulations are one piece of
                                               from all the limited partner investors in               option.5                                              those continuing efforts.
                                               individual projects and in duplicating                     Since 2007, HUD has not undertaken                    In soliciting public comment on
                                               information for multiple levels of                      further rulemaking to improve the                     regulations on which HUD should focus
                                               affiliates. Current regulations require                 previous participation process, but has               on streamlining and reducing burden,
                                               that HUD field offices send certain                     taken incremental steps designed to
                                                                                                                                                             through notice published on March 2,
                                               requests for determination to HUD                       minimize burden. On January 22, 2010,
                                                                                                                                                             2011, at 76 FR 11395,10 commenters
                                               headquarters instead of resolving them                  HUD issued Housing Notice H2010–04,
                                                                                                                                                             raised the regulations governing the
                                               at the field office level, which                        which revised the previous
                                                                                                                                                             previous participation process as
                                               contributes to further delays. The                      participation process with respect to
                                                                                                                                                             regulations that HUD should address as
                                               process set forth in the current                        placing ‘‘flags’’ for certain conditions
                                               regulations for appealing adverse                       pertaining to the multifamily housing                   6 See http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/hudclips/
                                                                                                       and healthcare programs process. A flag
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                                               determinations is cumbersome and yet                                                                          notices/hsg/10hsgnotices.cfm.
                                               fails to specify that participants can                  generally will necessitate additional                   7 See http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/

                                               participate in the appeal or submit                                                                           huddoc?id=11-24hsgn.pdf.
                                                                                                         2 See http://www.hud-consultant.com/2530.html.        8 See http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/
                                               information they deem relevant to the                     3 See http://www.ncsha.org/node/923.                huddoc?id=12-16hsgn.pdf.
                                               appeal. Participants in HUD’s                             4 See http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2005-04-        9 See http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/
                                               multifamily housing and healthcare                      13/pdf/05-7351.pdf.                                   huddoc?id=2530.pdf.
                                               programs also stated that the previous                    5 See http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-              10 See http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-03-

                                               participation process requires                          110publ35/pdf/PLAW-110publ35.pdf.                     02/pdf/2011-4563.pdf.



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                                               47876                  Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 153 / Monday, August 10, 2015 / Proposed Rules

                                               part of the retrospective review                        project. The APPs system will continue                Participant are all specifically excluded
                                               process.11                                              to be available for use.                              from previous participation review. The
                                                  Changes to the regulations governing                                                                       proposed regulation would expand this
                                                                                                       A. Consolidation of Key Concepts
                                               the previous participation process                                                                            exemption to investors in other kinds of
                                               would benefit both HUD’s multifamily                       The proposed rule would consolidate                tax credits who also do not exercise
                                               housing and healthcare participants and                 the central concepts currently codified               control of the project.
                                               HUD. The detailed prescriptive                          in Subpart H into four regulatory                        Proposed § 200.218 would establish
                                               procedure in the current regulations is                 sections. These proposed sections are:                the concept of a ‘‘Triggering Event,’’
                                                                                                       § 200.214 (Covered Projects), § 200.216               which specifically identifies which
                                               at once overly inclusive and under-
                                                                                                       (Controlling Participants), § 200.218                 actions taken by a Controlling
                                               inclusive, in some instances making it
                                                                                                       (Triggering Events), and § 200.220                    Participant would require the
                                               difficult for HUD to review the previous
                                                                                                       (Previous Participation).                             submission of materials for the purpose
                                               participation of certain controlling                       First, proposed § 200.214 establishes
                                               entities and individuals with control,                                                                        of undergoing previous participant
                                                                                                       the new term ‘‘Covered Project’’ to refer             review.
                                               while at other times requiring HUD to                   to the types of proposed projects that                   Proposed § 200.220 would describe
                                               review the previous participation of                    subject certain entities and individuals              what is involved in a previous
                                               entities and individuals that will not                  to previous participation review. The                 participation review. The purpose of the
                                               exercise control over a proposed project.               definition of Covered Project would                   review is to focus on the prior
                                               II. This Proposed Rule                                  include many of the categories of                     performance of Covered Projects in
                                                                                                       projects currently listed in § 200.217,               which the Controlling Partner exercised
                                                  The proposed rule would revise the                   which describes the types of projects                 actual or constructive control and to
                                               Subpart H regulations in their entirety,                that require principals to submit their               determine whether any serious findings
                                               replacing the current prior participation               previous participation certification. It              reflect adversely on the Controlling
                                               review process. While the current                       also includes a category for projects                 Participants’ integrity, competency, or
                                               regulations mandate that Form HUD                       insured under sections 542(b) and                     ability to exercise control of a Covered
                                               2530 be used, the proposed rule would                   542(c) of the Housing and Community                   Project responsibly.
                                               shift the emphasis of the regulations                   Development Act of 1992 (12 U.S.C.                       In addition, the proposed rule would
                                               from this specific form to the substance                17107 note), which sections provide                   add the term ‘‘Commissioner’’ to the
                                               of what is being asked from whom. This                  HUD with insurance authority                          definitions for Subpart H. The subpart H
                                               would provide HUD with flexibility to                   independent of the National Housing                   regulations would be revised to clarify
                                               develop form(s) specifically tailored to                Act and authorizes certain risk-sharing               that HUD’s decision making authority in
                                               certain programs, which seek                            arrangements with certain entities.                   the review process resides with the
                                               information relevant to those programs,                    Proposed § 200.216 would identify                  Assistant Secretary for Housing—
                                               and expand electronic data practices for                the individuals and entities that are                 Federal Housing Commissioner
                                               gathering information. This approach                    subject to previous participation review.             (Commissioner), and the
                                               would further decrease the burden of                    This concept is currently captured in                 Commissioner’s designees.
                                               information collection imposed on                       HUD’s existing codified regulations in
                                               applicants. The proposed revised                        the definition for ‘‘Principal’’ in                   B. Determining Risk
                                               process would also clarify when past                    § 200.215(e) as well as in § 200.218,                    Under the current regulations, HUD is
                                               participation review is triggered.                      which sets out who must certify and                   required to evaluate applicants’ prior
                                               Furthermore, the proposed rule                          sign Form 2530. Proposed § 200.216                    performance using specific criteria set
                                               streamlines the appeals process for                     would establish the new term                          out in the definition for ‘‘risk’’ in
                                               applicants who receive adverse                          ‘‘Controlling Participant,’’ in order to              § 200.215 and using the standards for
                                               determinations and specifies that they                  clarify that HUD will only seek                       disapproval outlined in § 200.230. HUD
                                               have a right to participate in the appeal               information pertaining to the previous                has found these criteria and standards to
                                               and submit information they may feel is                 participation of those individuals or                 be constraining and, at times, have
                                               helpful in their circumstances.                         entities who will exercise control over               presented an unnecessarily high bar to
                                                  Because the instructions of the 2530                 the proposed project. The definition for              participation by qualified applicants. In
                                               form mirror the requirements of the                     Controlling Participant would be                      other instances, HUD has found these
                                               existing regulations, it is assumed that                narrower than the specific types of                   criteria and standards to insufficiently
                                               the instructions will need to be revised                individuals and entities included in the              cover a circumstance that HUD
                                               once the regulations are finalized,                     existing definition for ‘‘principal’’;                determines should constitute an
                                               following consideration of public                       instead of including any individuals or               impermissible risk to the Department.
                                               comments received in response to this                   entities who have any interest in the                 Nor is previous participation review the
                                               proposed rule. Although the proposed                    project other than an arms-length fee                 primary avenue for the Department to
                                               regulations envision greatly reducing                   arrangement for professional services.                assess the risk of a project; various
                                               the burden of completing the 2530 form,                 Instead of including long lists of                    application and underwriting
                                               because information will be collected                   enumerated individuals and affiliate                  procedures assess different components
                                               from substantially fewer entities, the                  entities, the definition for Controlling              of risk. Previous participation review is
                                               substance of the information collected is               Participant would include the persons                 merely one component of assessing risk,
                                               anticipated to remain largely the same.                 or entities determined by HUD to have                 and the proposed rule more accurately
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                                               The information sought by the 2530                      control over the finances or operation of             reflects its purpose.
                                               form is directed to obtaining core                      a proposed project. As required by the                   Controlling Participants who are
                                               performance information that is needed                  Preservation Approval Process Act of                  debarred, suspended, subject to
                                               of an entity that has control over the                  2007, investor entities with limited                  restrictions under 2 CFR part 2424, or
                                                                                                       liability in Covered Projects benefiting              prohibited from doing business with
                                                 11 See http://www.regulations.gov/#!docket            from low-income housing tax credits,                  any other federal department or federal
                                               Browser;rpp=25;po=0;s=2530%252Bprocess;dct=             that do not have operational or policy                agency are automatically precluded
                                               PS;D=HUD-2011-0037.                                     control or influence over a Controlling               from participation in federal programs,


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                                                                      Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 153 / Monday, August 10, 2015 / Proposed Rules                                            47877

                                               and the proposed rule would deny the                    process by consolidating them into a                  measures were not successful in
                                               participation of such Controlling                       single section. Proposed § 200.222                    providing a significant overhaul of the
                                               Participants from the current Triggering                would substitute the opportunity for a                previous participation review process
                                               Event for which they are applying. The                  hearing before the standing Multifamily               sufficient to remedy the common
                                               proposed rule would also allow the                      Participation Review Committee with                   complaints. HUD believes that this
                                               Commissioner to require that other                      the opportunity for reconsideration                   proposal to streamline the previous
                                               unacceptable risks be mitigated before                  before a review committee or a                        participation review process strikes the
                                               the Controlling Participant could                       reviewing officer, as established by the              appropriate balance between allowing
                                               participate in the current Triggering                   Commissioner. Further, the proposed                   HUD to effectively assess the suitability
                                               Event. Proposed § 200.220(c) would                      rule explicitly provides that the                     of applicants to participate in HUD’s
                                               provide the Commissioner this                           applicant have an opportunity to                      multifamily housing and healthcare
                                               discretion to disapprove an applicant,                  participate in this reconsideration                   programs, while interjecting sufficient
                                               conditionally accept an applicant,                      process and submit information on their               flexibility into the process in order to
                                               temporarily withhold approval of an                     behalf; the current regulations lack these            remove a one-size-fits-all review
                                               applicant until more information can be                 provisions.                                           process. Such a balance best allows
                                               gathered, or require the Controlling                      HUD believes these proposed changes                 HUD to make determinations of
                                               Participant to remedy or mitigate certain               significantly reduce the burden of the                suitability in order to accurately access
                                               conditions to the Commissioner’s                        previous participation process, which                 risk.
                                               satisfaction. Examples of unacceptable                  has long been subject to complaints of                Regulatory Flexibility Act
                                               risk would typically include those                      being too burdensome a process. HUD
                                               deficiencies currently codified at                      welcomes comments on how this                            The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)
                                               § 200.230, such as but not limited to: (1)              process may be further streamlined but                (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) generally requires
                                               Mortgage defaults, assignments or                       preserves HUD’s right and need to                     an agency to conduct a regulatory
                                               foreclosures; (2) suspension or                         determine the suitability of applicants               flexibility analysis of any rule subject to
                                               termination of payments under any                       to participate in HUD’s multifamily                   notice and comment rulemaking
                                               HUD assistance contract; (3) significant                housing and healthcare programs.                      requirements, unless the agency certifies
                                               work stoppages; and (4) instances of                                                                          that the rule would not have a
                                               noncompliance with the regulations,                     III. Findings and Certifications                      significant economic impact on a
                                               programmatic or contractual                             Regulatory Review—Executive Orders                    substantial number of small entities.
                                               requirements of HUD or State or local                                                                            As has been discussed in this
                                                                                                       12866 and 13563
                                               government’s Housing Finance Agency                                                                           preamble, this rule proposes to greatly
                                               in connection with an insured or                           Under Executive Order 12866                        streamline HUD’s previous participation
                                               assisted project.                                       (Regulatory Planning and Review), a                   review process. As noted earlier in this
                                                  Collectively, these changes would                    determination must be made whether a                  preamble, and discussed in more detail
                                               significantly reduce the initial                        regulatory action is significant and,                 in the preceding section, this process
                                               paperwork burden for applicants and                     therefore, subject to review by the Office            has long been the subject of complaint
                                               would allow the Department to                           of Management and Budget (OMB) in                     by HUD participants as an overly
                                               undertake a targeted review to those                    accordance with the requirements of the               burdensome process. HUD believes that
                                               who control the finances and/or                         order. Executive Order 13563                          the changes proposed by this rule would
                                               operation of a project.                                 (Improving Regulations and Regulatory                 allow HUD to better consider the
                                                                                                       Review) directs executive agencies to                 differences of any applicant and tailor
                                               C. Other Proposed Changes                               analyze regulations that are ‘‘outmoded,              requested information to that applicant,
                                                  In addition to the proposed regulatory               ineffective, insufficient, or excessively             including whether the applicant is a
                                               changes discussed above, the proposed                   burdensome, and to modify, streamline,                small entity. For these reasons, HUD has
                                               rule would make several other                           expand, or repeal them in accordance                  determined that this rule would not
                                               streamlining and clarifying changes. For                with what has been learned.’’ Executive               have a significant economic impact on
                                               example, § 200.230 of the currently                     Order 13563 also directs that, where                  a substantial number of small entities.
                                               codified regulations requires HUD to                    relevant, feasible, and consistent with                  Notwithstanding HUD’s
                                               consider particular kinds of events or                  regulatory objectives, and to the extent              determination that this rule will not
                                               flags in its evaluation of applicants,                  permitted by law, agencies are to                     have a significant effect on a substantial
                                               even when these may not be relevant or                  identify and consider regulatory                      number of small entities, HUD
                                               indicative of real risk. Any flag is                    approaches that reduce burdens and                    specifically invites comments regarding
                                               enough to delay a project and can stand                 maintain flexibility and freedom of                   any less burdensome alternatives to this
                                               as an obstacle to the applicant’s                       choice for the public.                                rule that will meet HUD’s objectives as
                                               participation. The proposed rule                           This rule was determined not to be a               described in this preamble.
                                               refocuses the purpose of this previous                  ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ as
                                               participation review. If a violation rises              defined in section 3(f) of Executive                  Environmental Impact
                                               to the level of indicating unacceptable                 Order 12866, nor was it found to be an                  This proposed rule does not direct,
                                               risk, in accordance with contemporary                   economically significant regulatory                   provide for assistance or loan and
                                               transactional practices, the violation                  action, as provided under section 3(f)(1)             mortgage insurance for, or otherwise
                                               must be mitigated. If not, HUD and the                  of the Executive Order.                               govern, or regulate, real property
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                                               participant have more flexibility in how                   This rule responds to the direction of             acquisition, disposition, leasing,
                                               and when to mitigate the violation. In                  Executive Order 13563 to reduce                       rehabilitation, alteration, demolition, or
                                               addition, §§ 200.241–200.245 in the                     burden. As discussed in this preamble,                new construction, or establish, revise or
                                               currently codified regulations establish                HUD stakeholders have long                            provide for standards for construction or
                                               a detailed appeals process for applicants               complained about the previous                         construction materials, manufactured
                                               who receive an adverse determination.                   participation process, and HUD has                    housing, or occupancy. Accordingly,
                                               The proposed rule would streamline                      offered measures over the past to                     under 24 CFR 50.19(c)(1), this proposed
                                               these regulations addressing the appeals                improve this process. However these                   rule is categorically excluded from


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                                               47878                  Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 153 / Monday, August 10, 2015 / Proposed Rules

                                               environmental review under the                           compliance costs on state and local                           Paperwork Reduction Act
                                               National Environmental Policy Act of                     governments nor preempts state law
                                               1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321).                                   within the meaning of the Order.                                The information collection
                                                                                                                                                                      requirements contained in this proposed
                                               Federalism Impact                                        Unfunded Mandates Reform Act                                  rule have been submitted to the Office
                                                  Executive Order 13132 (entitled                                                                                     of Management and Budget (OMB)
                                               ‘‘Federalism’’) prohibits an agency from                   Title II of the Unfunded Mandates                           under the Paperwork Reduction Act of
                                               publishing any rule that has federalism                  Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531–                            1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501–3520). In
                                               implications if the rule either imposes                  1538) (UMRA) establishes requirements                         accordance with the Paperwork
                                               substantial direct compliance costs on                   for federal agencies to assess the effects                    Reduction Act, an agency may not
                                               state and local governments and is not                   of their regulatory actions on state,                         conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
                                               required by statute, or preempts state                   local, and tribal governments, and on                         required to respond to, a collection of
                                               law, unless the agency meets the                         the private sector. This rule does not                        information unless the collection
                                               consultation and funding requirements                    impose any federal mandates on any                            displays a currently valid OMB control
                                               of section 6 of the Order. This rule does                state, local, or tribal governments, or on                    number. The burden of information
                                               not have federalism implications and                     the private sector, within the meaning of                     collection in this proposed rule is
                                               would not impose substantial direct                      UMRA.                                                         estimated as follows:

                                                                                     INFORMATION COLLECTION UNDER CURRENT 2530 REVIEW PROCESS
                                                                                                                      Approximate
                                                                                                                       number of
                                                                                                    Number of                                 Burden                 Total annual          Hourly
                                                                                                                      respondents                                                                                Total annual
                                                          Information collection                    forms filed                              hours per               burden hours         cost per
                                                                                                                       needed to                                                                                 cost per filing
                                                                                                     annually                               respondent                 per filing       respondent
                                                                                                                      complete the
                                                                                                                          form

                                               HUD–2530 (paper), Electronic ................              10,000    8 per filing ......                        1                8                       $20      $160.00.

                                                    Total Annual Burden per All Filings                   10,000    80,000 ............   ........................         80,000     ........................   $1.6 Million.


                                                                           INFORMATION COLLECTION UNDER PROPOSED PARTICIPATION REVIEW PROCESS
                                                                                                                     Approximate
                                                                                                   Number of re-                              Burden                 Total annual          Hourly
                                                                                                                     number of re-                                                                               Total annual
                                                          Information collection                    views done                               hours per               burden hours         cost per
                                                                                                                     spondents to                                                                                cost per filing
                                                                                                      annually                              respondent                 per filing       respondent
                                                                                                                      be reviewed

                                               Previous Participation Review .................            10,000    3 per filing ......                        1                3                       $20      $60.00

                                                    Total Annual Burden per All Filings                   10,000    30,000 ............   ........................         30,000     ........................   600,000



                                                 In accordance with 5 CFR                               information collection requirements in                        through the Federal eRulemaking Portal
                                               1320.8(d)(1), HUD is soliciting                          this rule. Under the provisions of 5 CFR                      at http://www.regulations.gov. HUD
                                               comments from members of the public                      part 1320, OMB is required to make a                          strongly encourages commenters to
                                               and affected agencies concerning the                     decision concerning this collection of                        submit comments electronically.
                                               information collection requirements in                   information between 30 and 60 days                            Electronic submission of comments
                                               the proposed rule regarding:                             after today’s publication date. Therefore,                    allows the commenter maximum time to
                                                 (1) Whether the proposed collection                    a comment on the information                                  prepare and submit a comment, ensures
                                               of information is necessary for the                      collection requirements is best assured                       timely receipt by HUD, and enables
                                               proper performance of the functions of                   of having its full effect if OMB receives                     HUD to make them immediately
                                               the agency, including whether the                        the comment within 30 days of today’s                         available to the public. Comments
                                               information will have practical utility;                 publication. This time frame does not                         submitted electronically through the
                                                 (2) The accuracy of the agency’s                       affect the deadline for comments to the                       http://www.regulations.gov Web site can
                                               estimate of the burden of the proposed                   agency on the proposed rule, however.                         be viewed by other commenters and
                                               collection of information;                               Comments must refer to the proposal by                        interested members of the public.
                                                 (3) Whether the proposed collection                    name and docket number (FR–5850–P–                            Commenters should follow the
                                               of information enhances the quality,                     01) and must be sent to: HUD Desk                             instructions provided on that site to
                                               utility, and clarity of the information to               Officer, Office of Management and                             submit comments electronically.
                                               be collected; and
                                                                                                        Budget, New Executive Office Building,                        List of Subjects in 24 CFR Part 200
                                                 (4) Whether the proposed information
                                                                                                        Washington, DC 20503, Fax number:                               Administrative practice and
                                               collection minimizes the burden of the
                                                                                                        (202) 395–6947 and Colette Pollard,
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                                               collection of information on those who                                                                                 procedure, Claims, Equal employment
                                               are to respond; including through the                    HUD Reports Liaison Officer,                                  opportunity, Fair housing, Housing
                                               use of appropriate automated collection                  Department of Housing and Urban                               standards, Lead poisoning, Loan
                                               techniques or other forms of information                 Development, 451 7th Street, SW.,                             programs—housing and community
                                               technology (e.g., permitting electronic                  Room 2204, Washington, DC 20410.                              development, Mortgage insurance,
                                               submission of responses).                                   Interested persons may submit                              Organization and functions
                                                 Interested persons are invited to                      comments regarding the information                            (Government agencies), Penalties,
                                               submit comments regarding the                            collection requirements electronically                        Reporting and recordkeeping


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                                                                      Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 153 / Monday, August 10, 2015 / Proposed Rules                                            47879

                                               requirements, Social security,                          participation in federal programs, as                    (1) An owner of a Covered Project;
                                               Unemployment compensation, Wages.                       further described in § 200.220.                          (2) A borrower of a loan financing a
                                                 Accordingly, for the reasons stated in                  Triggering Event means an occurrence                Covered Project;
                                               the preamble above, and in accordance                   in connection with a Covered Project                     (3) A management agent;
                                               with HUD’s authority under 42 U.S.C.                    that subjects a Controlling Participant to               (4) An operator (in connection with
                                               3535(d), HUD proposes to amend 24                       Previous Participation review under this              healthcare projects insured under the
                                               CFR part 200 as follows:                                subpart, as further described in                      following section of the National
                                                                                                       § 200.218.                                            Housing Act: section 232 (12 U.S.C.
                                               PART 200—INTRODUCTION TO FHA                                                                                  1715w) and section 242 (12 U.S.C.
                                               PROGRAMS                                                § 200.214    Covered Projects.
                                                                                                                                                             1715z–7));
                                                                                                          The following types of multifamily                    (5) A master tenant (in connection
                                               ■ 1. The authority citation for 24 CFR                  and healthcare projects are Covered                   with any multifamily housing project
                                               part 200 continues to read as follows:                  Projects subject to the requirements of               insured under the National Housing Act
                                                 Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1702–1715z–21; 42                this subpart, provided however that                   (12 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.), and in
                                               U.S.C. 3535(d).                                         single family projects are excluded from              connection with certain healthcare
                                               ■   2. Revise subpart H to read as follows:             the definition of Covered Projects:                   projects insured under sections 232 and
                                                                                                          (a) FHA insured projects. A project                242 of the National Housing Act);
                                               Subpart H—Participation and Compliance                  financed or which is proposed to be
                                               Requirements                                                                                                     (6) A general contractor;
                                                                                                       financed with a mortgage insured under                   (7) In connection with a hospital
                                               Sec.                                                    the National Housing Act, a project
                                               200.210 Policy.                                                                                               project insured under section 242 of the
                                                                                                       subject to a mortgage held by the                     National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1715z–
                                               200.212 Definitions.
                                               200.214 Covered Projects.
                                                                                                       Secretary under the National Housing                  7), members of a hospital Board of
                                               200.216 Controlling Participant.                        Act, or a project acquired by the                     Directors (or similar body) and
                                               200.218 Triggering Events.                              Secretary under the National Housing                  executive management (such as the
                                               200.220 Previous Participation review.                  Act.                                                  Chief Executive Officer and Chief
                                               200.222 Request for reconsideration.                       (b) Housing for the elderly or persons
                                                                                                                                                             Financial Officer) that HUD determines
                                                                                                       with disabilities. Housing for the elderly
                                               Subpart H—Participation and                                                                                   to have control over the finances or
                                                                                                       financed or to be financed with direct
                                               Compliance Requirements                                                                                       operation of a Covered Project; and
                                                                                                       loans or capital advances under section
                                                                                                                                                                (8) Any other person or entity
                                               § 200.210   Policy.                                     202 of the Housing Act of 1959, as
                                                                                                                                                             determined by HUD to have control over
                                                                                                       amended; and housing for persons with
                                                 It is HUD’s policy that, in accordance                                                                      the finances or operation of a Covered
                                                                                                       disabilities under section 811 of the
                                               with the intent of the National Housing                                                                       Project.
                                                                                                       Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable
                                               Act (12 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) and with                                                                            (b) Control of entities. To the extent
                                               other applicable federal statutes,                      Housing Act.
                                                                                                                                                             any Controlling Participant listed in
                                                                                                          (c) Risk Share projects. A project that
                                               participants in HUD’s housing and                                                                             paragraph (a) of this section is an entity,
                                                                                                       is insured under section 542(b) or 542(c)
                                               healthcare programs be responsible                                                                            any individual(s) determined by HUD to
                                                                                                       of the Housing and Community
                                               individuals and organizations who will                                                                        control the financial or operational
                                               honor their legal, financial and                        Development Act of 1992 (12 U.S.C.
                                                                                                                                                             decisions of such Controlling
                                               contractual obligations. Accordingly, as                17107 note).
                                                                                                          (d) Projects subject to continuing HUD             Participant shall also be considered
                                               provided in this subpart, HUD will                                                                            Controlling Participants. For purposes
                                                                                                       requirements. A project that is subject to
                                               review the prior participation of                                                                             of this section, ‘‘control’’ shall mean
                                               Controlling Participants, as defined in                 a Use Agreement or any other
                                                                                                       continuing HUD requirements or                        ownership of at least 25 percent of such
                                               § 200.212 and § 200.216, as a                                                                                 entity or the ability to bind such entity
                                               prerequisite to participation in HUD’s                  affordability restrictions.
                                                                                                          (e) Subsidized projects. Any project in            in the Triggering Event that necessitates
                                               multifamily housing and healthcare                                                                            review of Previous Participation.
                                               programs listed in § 200.214.                           which 20 percent or more of the units
                                                                                                       now receive or will receive a subsidy in                 (c) Exclusions from definition. The
                                               § 200.212   Definitions.                                the form of:                                          following individuals or entities are not
                                                                                                          (1) Interest reduction payments under              Controlling Participants for purposes of
                                                 As used in this subpart:
                                                 Commissioner means the Assistant                      section 236 of the National Housing Act               this subpart:
                                               Secretary for Housing-Federal Housing                   (12 U.S.C. 1715z–1);                                     (1) Investor entities with limited
                                               Commissioner, or the Commissioner’s                        (2) Rent Supplement payments under                 liability in Covered Projects benefiting
                                               delegates and designees.                                section 101 of the Housing and Urban                  from tax credits, including but not
                                                 Controlling Participant means an                      Development Act of 1965 (12 U.S.C.                    limited to low-income housing tax
                                               individual or entity serving in a                       1701s); or                                            credits pursuant to section 42 of title 26
                                               capacity for a Covered Project that                        (3) Project-based housing assistance               of the United States Code, whether such
                                               makes the individual or entity subject to               payment contracts under section 8 of                  investors are syndicators, direct
                                               previous participation review under this                the United States Housing Act of 1937                 investors or investors in such
                                               subpart, as further described in                        (42 U.S.C. 1437f), excluding those                    syndicators and/or investors;
                                               § 200.216.                                              issued pursuant to section 8(o)(13) of                   (2) Individuals or entities that do not
                                                 Covered Project means a HUD-held,                     the United States Housing Act of 1937                 have operational or policy control or
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                                               FHA-insured, or HUD-assisted project                    (42 U.S.C. 1437f(o)(13).                              influence over an entity that is a
                                               on which the participation of a                                                                               Controlling Participant;
                                               Controlling Participant is conditioned                  § 200.216    Controlling Participant.                    (3) Mortgagees acting in their capacity
                                               on previous participation review under                    (a) Definition. An individual or entity             as such; and
                                               this subpart, as further described in                   serving in any of the following                          (4) Public housing agencies (PHAs),
                                               § 200.214.                                              capacities for a Covered Project is a                 where the PHA is acting in its capacity
                                                 Previous Participation means a                        Controlling Participant subject to the                as a PHA owning or operating public
                                               Controlling Participant’s previous                      requirements of this subpart:                         housing.


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                                               47880                  Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 153 / Monday, August 10, 2015 / Proposed Rules

                                               § 200.218   Triggering Events.                          providing decent, safe and affordable                 § 200.222   Request for reconsideration.
                                                  Each of the following is a Triggering                housing for the public. At the                           (a) Where participation in a Triggering
                                               Event that may subject a Controlling                    Commissioner’s discretion, as necessary               Event has been disapproved, otherwise
                                               Participant to Previous Participation                   to determine financial or operating risk,             limited or conditioned because of
                                               review under § 200.220:                                 this review may include the Controlling               Previous Participation review, the
                                                  (a) An application for FHA mortgage                  Participant’s participation and                       Controlling Participant may request
                                               insurance, excluding applications                       performance in any federal program and                reconsideration of such determination
                                               already approved by HUD;                                may exclude previous participation in                 by a review committee or reviewing
                                                  (b) An application for funds provided                which the Controlling Participant did                 officer as established by the
                                               by HUD, such as but not limited to                      not exercise, actually or constructively,             Commissioner.
                                               supplemental loans or flexible subsidy                  control.                                                 (b) The Controlling Participant shall
                                               loans;                                                    (2) The Commissioner will not review                submit requests for such reconsideration
                                                  (c) A request to change any                          Previous Participation for interests                  in writing within 30 days of receipt of
                                               Controlling Participant with respect to a               acquired by inheritance or by court                   the Commissioner’s notice of the
                                               Covered Project;                                        decree.                                               determination under § 200.220.
                                                  (d) A request for consent to an                        (3) In connection with the submittal                   (c) The review committee or
                                               assignment of a housing assistance                      of an application for any Triggering                  reviewing officer shall schedule a
                                               payment contract under section 8 of the                 Event, applicants shall identify the                  review of such requests for
                                               United States Housing Act of 1937 or of                 Controlling Participants and, to the                  reconsideration. The Controlling
                                               another contract pursuant to which a                    extent requested by HUD, make                         Participant shall be provided advance
                                               Controlling Participant will receive                    available to HUD the Controlling                      written notification of such a review.
                                               funds in connection with a Covered                      Participant’s Previous Participation in               The Controlling Participant shall be
                                               Project;                                                Covered Projects.                                     provided the opportunity to submit
                                                  (e) A bid to purchase a Covered                        (b) Results of review. (1) Based upon               such supporting materials as the
                                               Project or mortgage note held by the                    the review under paragraph (a) of this                Controlling Participant desires or as the
                                               Commissioner; or                                        section, the Commissioner will approve,               review committee or reviewing officer
                                                  (f) A sale of a HUD-held mortgage                    disapprove, limit, or otherwise                       requests.
                                               affecting a Covered Project, or a sale of               condition the continued participation of                 (d) Before making its decision, the
                                               any HUD-held Covered Project that is                    the Controlling Participant in the                    review committee or reviewing officer
                                               now or will be subject to a Use                         Triggering Event, in accordance with                  will analyze the reasons for the
                                               Agreement or any other continuing HUD                   paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section.               decision(s) for which reconsideration is
                                               requirements or affordability                             (2) The Commissioner shall provide                  being requested, as well as the
                                               restrictions. Notwithstanding the                       notice of the determination to the                    documents and arguments presented by
                                               foregoing, HUD may elect to refrain                     Controlling Participant including the                 the Controlling Participant. The review
                                               from conducting Previous Participation                  reasons for disapproval or limitation.                committee or reviewing officer may
                                               review under this subsection where a                    The Commissioner may provide notice                   affirm, modify, or reverse the initial
                                               bidder’s Previous Participation has                     of the determination to other parties, as             decision. Upon making its decision, the
                                               already been reviewed under paragraph                   well, such the FHA-approved lender in                 review committee or reviewing officer
                                               (e) of this section, in order to avoid a                the transaction.                                      will provide written notice of its
                                               duplicative review.                                       (c) Basis for disapproval. (1) The                  determination to the Controlling
                                                                                                       Commissioner must disapprove a                        Participant setting forth the reasons for
                                               § 200.220   Previous Participation review.                                                                    the determination(s).
                                                                                                       Controlling Participant if the
                                                  (a) Scope of review. (1) Upon the                    Commissioner determines that the                        Dated: August 3, 2015.
                                               occurrence of a Triggering Event, as                    Controlling Participant is suspended,
                                               provided in § 200.218, the                                                                                    Edward L. Golding,
                                                                                                       debarred or subject to other restriction              Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for
                                               Commissioner shall review the Previous                  under 2 CFR part 2424;
                                               Participation of the relevant Controlling                                                                     Housing.
                                                                                                         (2) The Commissioner may                            [FR Doc. 2015–19529 Filed 8–7–15; 8:45 am]
                                               Participants in considering whether to                  disapprove a Controlling Participant if
                                               approve the participation of the                        the Commissioner determines:
                                                                                                                                                             BILLING CODE 4210–67–P

                                               Controlling Participants in connection                    (i) The Controlling Participant is
                                               with the Triggering Event. The                          restricted from doing business with any
                                               Commissioner’s review of a Controlling                                                                        ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
                                                                                                       other department or agency of the
                                               Participant’s previous participation                                                                          AGENCY
                                                                                                       federal government; or
                                               shall include previous financial and                      (ii) The Controlling Participant’s
                                               operational performance in federal                                                                            40 CFR Part 52
                                                                                                       record of Previous Participation reveals
                                               programs that may indicate a financial                  significant risk to proceeding with the               [EPA–R10–OAR–2015–0483; FRL–9931–84–
                                               or operating risk in approving the                      Triggering Event.                                     Region 10]
                                               Controlling Participant’s participation                   (d) Alternatives to disapproval. In lieu
                                               in the subject Triggering Event. The                    of disapproval, the Commissioner may:                 Approval and Promulgation of
                                               Commissioner’s review shall consider                      (1) Condition or limit the Controlling              Implementation Plans; Washington:
                                               financial stability; previous performance               Participant’s participation;                          Update to the Spokane Regional Clean
                                                                                                                                                             Air Agency Solid Fuel Burning Device
Lhorne on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS




                                               in accordance with HUD statutes,                          (2) Temporarily withhold issuing a
                                               regulations and program requirements;                   determination in order to gather more                 Standards
                                               general business practices and other                    necessary information; or                             AGENCY:  Environmental Protection
                                               factors that indicate that the Controlling                (3) Require the Controlling Participant             Agency.
                                               Participant could not be expected to                    to remedy or mitigate outstanding                     ACTION: Proposed rule.
                                               operate the project in a manner                         violations of HUD requirements to the
                                               consistent with furthering the                          Commissioner’s satisfaction in order to               SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection
                                               Department’s purpose of supporting and                  participate in the Triggering Event.                  Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve a


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Document Created: 2015-12-15 12:12:41
Document Modified: 2015-12-15 12:12:41
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionProposed Rules
ActionProposed rule.
ContactAaron Hutchinson, Office of Housing, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 7th Street SW., Room 6178, Washington, DC 20410; telephone number 202-708-3994 (this is not a toll-free number). Individuals with speech or hearing impairments may access this number through TTY by calling the toll-free Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339 (this is not a toll-free number).
FR Citation80 FR 47874 
RIN Number2502-AJ28
CFR AssociatedAdministrative Practice and Procedure; Claims; Equal Employment Opportunity; Fair Housing; Housing Standards; Lead Poisoning; Loan Programs-Housing and Community Development; Mortgage Insurance; Organization and Functions (government Agencies); Penalties; Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements; Social Security; Unemployment Compensation and Wages

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