81_FR_17421 81 FR 17361 - Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program

81 FR 17361 - Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Housing Service

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 60 (March 29, 2016)

Page Range17361-17365
FR Document2016-07049

The Rural Housing Service (RHS or Agency) is amending the current regulation for the Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program (SFHGLP) on the subjects of lender indemnification, refinancing, and qualified mortgage requirements. The Agency is expanding its lender indemnification authority for loss claims in the case of fraud, misrepresentation, or noncompliance with applicable loan origination requirements. This action is taken to continue the Agency's efforts to improve and expand the risk management of the SFHGLP. The Agency is amending its refinancing provisions to simply require that the new interest rate not exceed the interest rate on the original loan and to add a new refinance option, ``streamlined-assist.'' Finally, the agency is amending its regulation to indicate that a loan guaranteed by RHS is a Qualified Mortgage if it meets certain requirements set forth by the Consumer Protection Finance Bureau (CFPB).

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 60 (Tuesday, March 29, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 60 (Tuesday, March 29, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 17361-17365]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-07049]



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Rules and Regulations
                                                Federal Register
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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 60 / Tuesday, March 29, 2016 / Rules 
and Regulations

[[Page 17361]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Housing Service

7 CFR Part 3555

RIN 0575-AD00


Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program

AGENCY: Rural Housing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Rural Housing Service (RHS or Agency) is amending the 
current regulation for the Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan 
Program (SFHGLP) on the subjects of lender indemnification, 
refinancing, and qualified mortgage requirements. The Agency is 
expanding its lender indemnification authority for loss claims in the 
case of fraud, misrepresentation, or noncompliance with applicable loan 
origination requirements. This action is taken to continue the Agency's 
efforts to improve and expand the risk management of the SFHGLP. The 
Agency is amending its refinancing provisions to simply require that 
the new interest rate not exceed the interest rate on the original loan 
and to add a new refinance option, ``streamlined-assist.'' Finally, the 
agency is amending its regulation to indicate that a loan guaranteed by 
RHS is a Qualified Mortgage if it meets certain requirements set forth 
by the Consumer Protection Finance Bureau (CFPB).

DATES: Effective April 28, 2016.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lilian Lipton, Finance and Loan 
Analyst, Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Division, STOP 0784, 
Room 2250, USDA Rural Development, South Agriculture Building, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-0784, telephone: (202) 
260-8012, email is lilian.lipton@wdc.usda.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Classification

    This final rule has been determined to be non-significant by the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under Executive Order 12866.

Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform

    This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, Civil 
Justice Reform. Except where specified, all State and local laws and 
regulations that are in direct conflict with this rule will be 
preempted. Federal funds carry Federal requirements. No person is 
required to apply for funding under this program, but if they do apply 
and are selected for funding, they must comply with the requirements 
applicable to the Federal program funds. This rule is not retroactive. 
It will not affect agreements entered into prior to the effective date 
of the rule. Before any judicial action may be brought regarding the 
provisions of this rule, the administrative appeal provisions of 7 CFR 
part 11 must be exhausted.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA), Public 
Law 104-4, establishes requirements for Federal agencies to assess the 
effect of their regulatory actions on State, local, and tribal 
governments and the private sector. Under section 202 of the UMRA, the 
Agency generally must prepare a written statement, including a cost-
benefit analysis, for proposed and final rules with ``Federal 
mandates'' that may result in expenditures to State, local, or tribal 
governments, in the aggregate, or to the private sector, of $100 
million, or more, in any one year. When such a statement is needed for 
a rule, section 205 of the UMRA generally requires the Agency to 
identify and consider a reasonable number of regulatory alternatives 
and adopt the least costly, most cost-effective, or least burdensome 
alternative that achieves the objectives of the rule. This final rule 
contains no Federal mandates (under the regulatory provisions of Title 
II of the UMRA) for State, local, and tribal governments or the private 
sector. Therefore, this rule is not subject to the requirements of 
sections 202 and 205 of the UMRA.

Environmental Impact Statement

    This document has been reviewed in accordance with 7 CFR part 1940, 
subpart G, ``Environmental Program.'' It is the determination of the 
Agency that this action does not constitute a major Federal action 
significantly affecting the quality of the human environment, and, in 
accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, Pub. L. 
91-190, neither an Environmental Assessment nor an Environmental Impact 
Statement is required.

Executive Order 13132, Federalism

    The policies contained in this rule do not have any substantial 
direct effect on States, on the relationship between the national 
government and States, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government. Nor does this 
rule impose substantial direct compliance costs on State and local 
governments. Therefore, consultation with the States is not required.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    In compliance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et 
seq.) the undersigned has determined and certified by signature of this 
document that this rule change will not have a significant impact on a 
substantial number of small entities. This rule does not impose any 
significant new requirements on Agency applicants and borrowers, and 
the regulatory changes affect only Agency determination of program 
benefits for guarantees of loans made to individuals.

Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal 
Governments

    This executive order imposes requirements on RD in the development 
of regulatory policies that have Tribal implications or preempt tribal 
laws. RD has determined that the final rule does not have a substantial 
direct effect on one or more Indian Tribe(s) or on either the 
relationship or the distribution of powers and responsibilities between 
the Federal Government and Indian Tribes. Thus, this rule is not 
subject to the requirements of Executive Order 13175. If a Tribe 
determines that this rule has implications of which RD is not aware and 
would like to engage with RD on this rule, please contact RD's Native

[[Page 17362]]

American Coordinator at (720) 544-2911 or AIAN@wdc.usda.gov.

Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental Consultation

    This program/activity is not subject to the provisions of Executive 
Order 12372, which require intergovernmental consultation with State 
and local officials. (See the Notice related to 7 CFR part 3015, 
subpart V, at 48 FR 29112, June 24, 1983; 49 FR 22675, May 31, 1984; 50 
FR 14088, April 10, 1985).

Programs Affected

    This program is listed in the Catalog of Federal Domestic 
Assistance under Number 10.410, Very Low to Moderate Income Housing 
Loans (Section 502 Rural Housing Loans).

Paperwork Reduction Act

    The information collection and record keeping requirements 
contained in this regulation have been approved by OMB in accordance 
with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). The 
assigned OMB control number is 0575-0179.

E-Government Act Compliance

    The Rural Housing Service is committed to complying with the E-
Government Act, to promote the use of the Internet and other 
information technologies to provide increased opportunities for citizen 
access to Government information and services, and for other purposes.

Non-Discrimination Policy

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination 
against its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the 
bases of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender 
identity, religion, reprisal, and where applicable, political beliefs, 
marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or all 
or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance 
program, or protected genetic information in employment or in any 
program or activity conducted or funded by the Department. (Not all 
prohibited bases will apply to all programs and/or employment 
activities.)
    If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of 
discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form 
(PDF), found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-
9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of 
the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint 
form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, 
Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., 
Washington, DC 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at 
program.intake@usda.gov.
    Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech 
disabilities and you wish to file either an EEO or program complaint 
please contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339 
or (800) 845-6136 (in Spanish).
    Persons with disabilities, who wish to file a program complaint, 
please see information above on how to contact us by mail directly or 
by email. If you require alternative means of communication for program 
information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) please 
contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).

Background Information

    On March 5, 2015, RHS published a proposed rule with request for 
comments for the Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program (SFHGLP) 
(80 FR 11950-11954). Rural Development received comments from seventeen 
respondents. Comments were from lenders, secondary market sources, 
builders, and other interest groups. Specific public comments and 
substantive changes from the proposed rule are addressed below in 
general order of appearance in the regulation, not based in the order 
of importance.
    One respondent requested the Agency to clarify when the rule would 
become effective and what the trigger events will be for the effective 
date of the various requirements for loan applications received by 
lenders on or after the effective date of the final rule. The final 
rule will become effective 60 days after its publication in the Federal 
Register.

Refinancing (Sec.  3555.101(d))

    Five respondents fully supported the Agency's proposal to amend its 
refinancing provisions and add the Streamlined-Assist Refinance option.
    One respondent supported the Streamlined-Assist Refinance program 
but requested that the Agency: (1) Add repayment requirements for 
remaining borrowers; (2) limit costs to principal and current interest 
charges due, reasonable and customary re-conveyance fee, and the 
upfront guarantee fee; and (3) limit refinance balance to original 
purchase loan amount. The Agency believes the Streamlined-Assist 
Refinance's purpose is to increase affordability for current borrowers 
and implementing the suggested changes will defeat the purpose of this 
option. No change is made in this provision.
    One respondent supported the addition of the Streamlined-Assist 
Refinance option but requested clarification with regards to the 
inclusion of the guarantee fee and eligible closing costs. Eligible 
loan purposes, including fees and closing costs, will remain the same 
as described on Sec.  3555.101(d) for all refinancing transactions. 
Closing costs may be included in the refinance loan amount. No change 
is made in this provision.
    One respondent requested the eligibility of non-section 502 loans 
to be refinanced through the program, such as balloon or ARM mortgage 
products, if they meet USDA eligibility requirements. The Agency does 
not have statutory authority as this request does not conform with the 
Housing Act of 1949 limits on refinancing in this program. No change is 
made in this provision.

Indemnification (Sec.  3555.108(d))

    Two respondents believe a five-year indemnification period is too 
long and requested the Agency to maintain the current lender 
indemnification period of 24 months. The Agency will continue to pursue 
a five-year indemnification period, similar to those of other federal 
agencies and as recommended by the Office of Inspector General (OIG) 
Report 04703-003-HY. The rule has been amended to clarify that the loan 
originator will be required to indemnify the Agency and not a 
subsequent holder or acquirer of the loan. No other change is made in 
this provision.
    Two respondents requested the Agency to amend its definition of 
default accounts from 30 days delinquent to 60 days. The Agency will 
maintain the 30-day definition, consistent with other federal agencies. 
No change is made in this provision.
    One respondent encouraged the Agency to add a standard of 
materiality for the underwriting defect and to specify that there must 
be a connection between the defect and the cause of default by adding 
that ``The Agency may seek indemnification if fraud or 
misrepresentation occurs in connection with the origination and the 
lender knew, or should have known about the occurrence.'' It also 
recommended the Agency to clarify that an indemnification does not 
affect the guaranty status of the loan. RHS will include the standard 
of materiality and a provision that the loan note guarantee of the 
holder will not be affected by indemnification by the originating 
lender.

[[Page 17363]]

Qualified Mortgage (Sec.  3555.109)

    Six respondents requested RHS to update program guidance to 
incorporate different points and fee limitations than those proposed. 
The Agency will remain consistent with the Consumer Financial 
Protection Bureau (CFPB) and other federal agencies in its points and 
fees limitations. No change is made in this provision.
    Two respondents requested the Agency to not adopt CFPB's 43-percent 
debt-to-income limit. The Agency had not included any debt-to-income 
limitation in the proposed rule. The CFPB debt ratio limitations do not 
apply to loans guaranteed by the Agency. Until January 20, 2021 or the 
date on which an agency rule defining qualified mortgages becomes 
effective (whichever is earlier), loans guaranteed by RHS are presumed 
to be qualified mortgages under 12 CFR 1026.43(e)(4).
    Four respondents noted that Housing Finance Agencies (HFA) loans 
are exempt from the Qualified Mortgage requirements and are 
automatically classified as Qualified Mortgages eligible for insurance 
through the SFHGLP. The Agency is amending its rule and will include 
language exempting HFAs from the Qualified Mortgage requirements.

Principal Reduction (Sec.  3555.304(d))

    One respondent wrote that the Mortgage Recovery Advance (MRA) 
already provides for principal reductions, and that by separating 
principal reduction from the MRA would complicate the process because 
loan servicers would now have to take two steps instead of only one. 
The respondent pointed out that if the PRA is eventually forgiven, it 
would become a tax liability to borrowers because the Internal Revenue 
Service (IRS) considers forgiven debt to be taxable income. Struggling 
low or moderate income borrowers may not be able to handle the 
additional tax bill. The respondent also indicated that since the PRA 
results in an unsecured loan which would not be forgiven if the 
borrower re-defaulted on their mortgage, mortgage loan servicers would 
be in a position of collecting on an unsecured loan. Mortgage loan 
servicers do not want to collect unsecured loans, and the respondent 
suggested that the agency should collect the unsecured loans.
    One respondent indicated that the use of separate notes, one for an 
MRA and one for a PRA, would complicate special loan servicing workouts 
and may confuse or overwhelm eligible borrowers. The respondent 
indicated that the Agency should consider keeping both the MRA and PRA 
amounts as secured loans to avoid the likelihood of borrower confusion. 
The respondent also questioned how the PRA would be impacted should the 
borrower attempt to pay off the loan before the three year period prior 
to eligibility for debt forgiveness. Should the PRA be forgiven, the 
respondent suggested that the Agency should report the forgiveness 
amount to the IRS, and not the servicer. The respondent wrote that 
should the PRA not be forgiven, attempts to collect the unsecured loan 
would be detrimental to borrowers recovering from financial 
difficulties. Attempts to collect unsecured PRAs, suggested the 
respondent, could ultimately be more costly to the Agency than simply 
forgiving the amounts advanced. Finally, the respondent questioned 
whether the MRA and PRA claims should be filed separately or whether 
both amounts may be submitted in the same claim. Separate filings would 
be especially complicated according to the respondent.
    Two respondents requested the Agency to eliminate the January 1, 
2001 to January 1, 2010 timeframe restriction on PRAs.
    One respondent supported the Principal Reduction Advance (PRA) 
proposal but requested that lenders have at least six months to 
implement the policy in order to allow for internal system integrations 
related to this process.
    After careful review and consideration, the Agency agrees with all 
the comments submitted, and has decided to not implement the PRA 
transaction as it had been proposed. The original MRA procedure will 
remain unaltered and the PRA will not become a separate transaction.
    Indemnification: In the Office of Inspector General (OIG) Report 
04703-003-HY, SFH GL Loss Claims, the Agency was requested to re-
evaluate the timeframe in which the Government can seek indemnification 
for noncompliance with regulations in loan origination. Present 
language in 7 CFR 3555.108(d)(1) limits the indemnification to losses 
if the payment under the guarantee was made within 24 months of loan 
closing. Origination defects which depart from Agency requirements, 
however, may cause defaults beyond 24 months from loan closing. 
Similarly, claims arising from defective originations may occur several 
years after loan closing. The change will trigger indemnification if 
the default occurs within five years from origination and the Agency 
concludes the default arose because the originator did not underwrite 
the loan according to Agency standards and guidelines, regardless of 
when the claim is paid. This is similar to how HUD and other federal 
agencies operate.
    The Agency may also seek indemnification if the Agency determines 
that fraud or misrepresentation occurred in connection with the 
origination of the loan, regardless of when the loan closed. 7 CFR 
3555.108(d)(2). This provision is being clarified to state that the 
Agency may seek indemnification in cases of fraud or misrepresentation 
regardless of when the loan closed or when the default occurred.
    In addition, the definition of ``default'' has been added to 
section 3555.10 to clarify that default is when an account is more than 
30 days overdue. This is consistent with how the term is used in the 
mortgage industry.
    Refinance: There are currently two refinance options available to 
Section 502 borrowers, and the Agency is adding a third option which 
has been successfully tested in a pilot. The Agency is amending section 
3555.101(d)(3)(i) to remove the requirement that the interest rate of a 
refinanced loan be at least 100 basis points below the original rate, 
and instead to require that the new interest rate not exceed the 
original interest loan's interest rate. The interest rate reduction 
requirement has proven problematic in rising rate environments. For 
example, in the case of divorce, the borrower may not be able to 
refinance as required by their divorce decree or judgment because they 
cannot secure an interest rate at least 1 percent lower than the first 
one.
    The definition of ``streamlined-assist refinance'' is being added 
to 7 CFR 3555.10. On February 1, 2012 RHS created a refinancing pilot 
known as the ``Rural Refinance Pilot.'' The streamlined-assist 
refinance differs from the traditional refinance options in that there 
is no appraisal or credit report requirement in most instances, as long 
as the borrower has been current on their first mortgage for the 
previous 12 months and their new interest rate is at least 1 percent 
lower than their first one. A new appraisal is required for direct loan 
borrowers who received a subsidy for the purposes of calculating 
subsidy recapture.
    The pilot was designed to assist existing Section 502 direct or 
guaranteed loan borrowers in refinancing their homes with greater ease 
in thirty-five eligible states where steep home price declines, 
unemployment and persistent poverty rates made refinancing a current

[[Page 17364]]

mortgage into more affordable terms difficult or impossible. Due to the 
success of the pilot program, RHS will adopt the pilot policy as a 
refinance option for existing Section 502 direct or guaranteed loan 
borrowers nationwide in addition to the two traditional refinance loan 
options of streamlined and non-streamlined. The special refinance loan 
option will be called ``streamlined-assist.''
    This rule amends 7 CFR 3555.101(d)(3)(vi) to include ``streamlined-
assist'' as one of three available refinance loan options in addition 
to the traditional ``streamlined'' and ``non-streamlined'' refinance 
loans. Section 3555.101(d)(3)(vi) discusses eligibility requirements 
for each streamlined and non-streamlined refinance loan. The 
streamlined-assist refinance will have the same features as the Rural 
Refinance Pilot described above. Additional eligibility criteria for 
refinance loans is discussed in Section 3555.101(d)(3).
    Qualified Mortgage: The agency is changing Section 3555.109, to 
indicate that a loan guaranteed by RHS meeting certain CFPB 
requirements is a ``Qualified Mortgage.''
    The CFPB published a ``Qualified Mortgage'' rule (12 CFR part 1026) 
which became effective January 10, 2014 and implemented in part the 
Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (P.L. 
111-203). This rule requires creditors to make a reasonable, good faith 
determination of a consumer's repayment ability for any consumer credit 
transaction secured by a dwelling, and establishes a safe harbor from 
liability for transactions that meet the requirements for ``qualified 
mortgages.'' Currently, SFHGLP loans are considered to be qualified 
mortgages if they meet the requirements in 12 CFR 1026.43(e)(2)(i)-
(iii) and the points and fees limits in 12 CFR 1026.43(e)(3) until RHS 
promulgates its own rules regarding qualified mortgages, or January 10, 
2021, whichever is earlier. (See 12 CFR 1026.43(e)(4)).
    RHS guaranteed loans currently meet these requirements. Therefore, 
section 3555.109 is clarifying that RHS guaranteed loans which meet the 
CFPB requirements in 12 CFR 1026.43(e)(2)(i)-(iii) and 12 CFR 
1026.43(e)(3) are considered qualified mortgages.

List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 3555

    Home improvement, Loan programs--Housing and community development, 
Mortgage insurance, Mortgages, Rural areas.

    For the reason stated in the preamble, Chapter XVIII, Title 7 of 
the Code of Federal Regulations is amended as follows:

PART 3555--GUARANTEED RURAL HOUSING PROGRAM

0
1. The authority citation for part 3555 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  5 U.S.C. 301, 7 U.S.C. 1989, 42 U.S.C. 1480, and 
Subpart E of 7 U.S.C. 1932(a).

Subpart C--Loan Requirements

0
2. Amend Sec.  3555.10 by adding definitions for ``Default''and 
``Streamlined-assist refinance'' to read as follows:


Sec.  3555.10  Definitions and abbreviations.

* * * * *
    Default. A loan is considered in default when a payment has not 
been paid after 30 days from the date it was due.
* * * * *
    Streamlined-assist refinance. A streamlined-assist refinance is an 
abbreviated method of refinancing which does not require a credit 
report, or the calculation of loan-to-value or debt-to-income ratios. 
Lenders must verify that the borrower has been current on their 
existing loan for the preceding 12 month period.
* * * * *

0
3. Section 3555.101 is amended by revising paragraphs (d)(3)(i), (ii), 
and (iv) to read as follows:


Sec.  3555.101  Loan purposes.

* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (3) * * *
    (i) Three options for refinancing may be offered: streamlined, non-
streamlined, and streamlined-assist. Other than provided in this 
paragraph, no cash out is permitted for any refinance. Documentation 
costs and underwriting requirements of subparts D, E, and F of this 
part apply to streamlined and non-streamlined refinances.
    (A) Lenders may offer a streamlined refinance for existing Section 
502 Guaranteed loans, which does not require a new appraisal. The 
lender will pay off the balance of the existing Section 502 Guaranteed 
loan.
    (B) Lenders may offer non-streamlined refinancing for existing 
Section 502 Guaranteed or Direct loans, which requires a new and 
current market value appraisal. The amount of the new loan must be 
supported by sufficient equity in the property as determined by an 
appraisal. The appraised value may be exceeded by the amount of up-
front guarantee fee financed, if any, when using the non-streamlined 
option.
    (C) A streamlined-assist refinance loan is a special refinance 
option available to existing Section 502 direct and guaranteed loan 
borrowers. Applicants must meet the income eligibility requirements of 
Sec.  3555.151(a), and must not have had any defaults during the 12 
month period prior to the refinance loan application. There are no 
debt-to-income calculation requirements, no credit report requirements, 
no property inspection requirements, and no loan-to-value requirements. 
There is no appraisal requirement except for Section 502 direct loan 
borrowers who have received a subsidy.
    (ii) The interest rate of the new loan must be fixed and must not 
exceed the interest rate of the original loan being refinanced.
* * * * *
    (iv) The loan security must include the same property as the 
original loan and be owned and occupied by the borrowers as their 
principal residence.
* * * * *

0
4. Amend Sec.  3555.108 by revising paragraph (d) to read as follows:


Sec.  3555.108  Full faith and credit.

* * * * *
    (d) Indemnification. The loan note guarantee will remain in effect 
for any holder of the loan who acquired it from an originating lender. 
If the Agency determines that a lender did not originate a loan in 
accordance with the requirements in this part, and the Agency pays a 
claim under the loan guarantee, the Agency may revoke the originating 
lender's eligibility status in accordance with subpart B of this part 
and may also require the originating lender:
    (1) To indemnify the Agency for the loss, if the default leading to 
the payment of loss claim occurred within five (5) years of loan 
closing, when one or more of the following conditions is satisfied:
    (i) The originating lender utilized unsupported data or omitted 
material information when submitting the request for a conditional 
commitment to the Agency;
    (ii) The originating lender failed to properly verify and analyze 
the applicant's income and employment history in accordance with Agency 
guidelines;
    (iii) The originating lender failed to address property 
deficiencies identified in the appraisal or inspection report that 
affect the health and safety of the

[[Page 17365]]

occupants or the structural integrity of the property;
    (iv) The originating lender used an appraiser that was not properly 
licensed or certified, as appropriate, to make residential real estate 
appraisal in accordance with Sec.  3555.103(a); or,
    (2) To indemnify the Agency for the loss regardless of how long ago 
the loan closed or the default occurred, if the Agency determines that 
fraud or misrepresentation was involved with the origination of the 
loan.
    (3) In addition, the Agency may use any other legal remedies it has 
against the originating lender.
* * * * *

0
5. Add Sec.  3555.109 to read as follows:


Sec.  3555.109  Qualified Mortgage

    A qualified mortgage is a guaranteed loan meeting the requirements 
of this part and applicable Agency guidance, as well as the 
requirements in 12 CFR 1026.43(e)(i) through (iii) and 12 CFR 
1026.43(e)(3). An extension of credit made pursuant to a program 
administered by a State Housing Finance Agency is exempt from this 
requirement as defined in 12 CFR 1026.43(a)(3)(iv). Lenders will be 
allowed to cure unintentional errors and retain the qualified mortgage 
status if the conditions set in 12 CFR 1026.31(h) are met.

     Dated: February 18, 2016.
Tony Hernandez,
Administrator, Rural Housing Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-07049 Filed 3-28-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XV-P



                                                                                                                                                                                                 17361

                                                Rules and Regulations                                                                                         Federal Register
                                                                                                                                                              Vol. 81, No. 60

                                                                                                                                                              Tuesday, March 29, 2016



                                                This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER                    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                            Environmental Impact Statement
                                                contains regulatory documents having general
                                                applicability and legal effect, most of which           Classification                                           This document has been reviewed in
                                                are keyed to and codified in the Code of                                                                      accordance with 7 CFR part 1940,
                                                Federal Regulations, which is published under             This final rule has been determined to              subpart G, ‘‘Environmental Program.’’ It
                                                50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.                   be non-significant by the Office of                   is the determination of the Agency that
                                                                                                        Management and Budget (OMB) under                     this action does not constitute a major
                                                The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by              Executive Order 12866.                                Federal action significantly affecting the
                                                the Superintendent of Documents. Prices of
                                                new books are listed in the first FEDERAL               Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice                  quality of the human environment, and,
                                                REGISTER issue of each week.                            Reform                                                in accordance with the National
                                                                                                                                                              Environmental Policy Act of 1969, Pub.
                                                                                                          This rule has been reviewed under                   L. 91–190, neither an Environmental
                                                DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE                               Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice                  Assessment nor an Environmental
                                                                                                        Reform. Except where specified, all                   Impact Statement is required.
                                                Rural Housing Service                                   State and local laws and regulations that             Executive Order 13132, Federalism
                                                                                                        are in direct conflict with this rule will
                                                7 CFR Part 3555                                         be preempted. Federal funds carry                        The policies contained in this rule do
                                                                                                        Federal requirements. No person is                    not have any substantial direct effect on
                                                RIN 0575–AD00
                                                                                                        required to apply for funding under this              States, on the relationship between the
                                                Single Family Housing Guaranteed                        program, but if they do apply and are                 national government and States, or on
                                                Loan Program                                            selected for funding, they must comply                the distribution of power and
                                                                                                        with the requirements applicable to the               responsibilities among the various
                                                AGENCY:    Rural Housing Service, USDA.                 Federal program funds. This rule is not               levels of government. Nor does this rule
                                                ACTION:   Final rule.                                   retroactive. It will not affect agreements            impose substantial direct compliance
                                                                                                        entered into prior to the effective date              costs on State and local governments.
                                                SUMMARY:   The Rural Housing Service                                                                          Therefore, consultation with the States
                                                                                                        of the rule. Before any judicial action
                                                (RHS or Agency) is amending the                                                                               is not required.
                                                                                                        may be brought regarding the provisions
                                                current regulation for the Single Family
                                                                                                        of this rule, the administrative appeal               Regulatory Flexibility Act
                                                Housing Guaranteed Loan Program
                                                                                                        provisions of 7 CFR part 11 must be
                                                (SFHGLP) on the subjects of lender                                                                               In compliance with the Regulatory
                                                                                                        exhausted.
                                                indemnification, refinancing, and                                                                             Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) the
                                                qualified mortgage requirements. The                    Unfunded Mandates Reform Act                          undersigned has determined and
                                                Agency is expanding its lender                                                                                certified by signature of this document
                                                indemnification authority for loss                         Title II of the Unfunded Mandates                  that this rule change will not have a
                                                claims in the case of fraud,                            Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA), Public                     significant impact on a substantial
                                                misrepresentation, or noncompliance                     Law 104–4, establishes requirements for               number of small entities. This rule does
                                                with applicable loan origination                        Federal agencies to assess the effect of              not impose any significant new
                                                requirements. This action is taken to                   their regulatory actions on State, local,             requirements on Agency applicants and
                                                continue the Agency’s efforts to improve                and tribal governments and the private                borrowers, and the regulatory changes
                                                and expand the risk management of the                   sector. Under section 202 of the UMRA,                affect only Agency determination of
                                                SFHGLP. The Agency is amending its                      the Agency generally must prepare a                   program benefits for guarantees of loans
                                                refinancing provisions to simply require                written statement, including a cost-                  made to individuals.
                                                that the new interest rate not exceed the               benefit analysis, for proposed and final
                                                interest rate on the original loan and to               rules with ‘‘Federal mandates’’ that may              Executive Order 13175, Consultation
                                                add a new refinance option,                             result in expenditures to State, local, or            and Coordination With Indian Tribal
                                                ‘‘streamlined-assist.’’ Finally, the agency             tribal governments, in the aggregate, or              Governments
                                                is amending its regulation to indicate                  to the private sector, of $100 million, or               This executive order imposes
                                                that a loan guaranteed by RHS is a                      more, in any one year. When such a                    requirements on RD in the development
                                                Qualified Mortgage if it meets certain                  statement is needed for a rule, section               of regulatory policies that have Tribal
                                                requirements set forth by the Consumer                  205 of the UMRA generally requires the                implications or preempt tribal laws. RD
                                                Protection Finance Bureau (CFPB).                       Agency to identify and consider a                     has determined that the final rule does
                                                DATES: Effective April 28, 2016.                        reasonable number of regulatory                       not have a substantial direct effect on
                                                FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                        alternatives and adopt the least costly,              one or more Indian Tribe(s) or on either
                                                Lilian Lipton, Finance and Loan                         most cost-effective, or least burdensome              the relationship or the distribution of
                                                Analyst, Single Family Housing                          alternative that achieves the objectives              powers and responsibilities between the
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                                                Guaranteed Loan Division, STOP 0784,                    of the rule. This final rule contains no              Federal Government and Indian Tribes.
                                                Room 2250, USDA Rural Development,                      Federal mandates (under the regulatory                Thus, this rule is not subject to the
                                                South Agriculture Building, 1400                        provisions of Title II of the UMRA) for               requirements of Executive Order 13175.
                                                Independence Avenue SW.,                                State, local, and tribal governments or               If a Tribe determines that this rule has
                                                Washington, DC 20250–0784, telephone:                   the private sector. Therefore, this rule is           implications of which RD is not aware
                                                (202) 260–8012, email is lilian.lipton@                 not subject to the requirements of                    and would like to engage with RD on
                                                wdc.usda.gov.                                           sections 202 and 205 of the UMRA.                     this rule, please contact RD’s Native


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                                                17362              Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 60 / Tuesday, March 29, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                                American Coordinator at (720) 544–                      letter to us by mail at U.S. Department               purpose of this option. No change is
                                                2911 or AIAN@wdc.usda.gov.                              of Agriculture, Director, Office of                   made in this provision.
                                                                                                        Adjudication, 1400 Independence                          One respondent supported the
                                                Executive Order 12372,
                                                                                                        Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250–                     addition of the Streamlined-Assist
                                                Intergovernmental Consultation
                                                                                                        9410, by fax (202) 690–7442 or email at               Refinance option but requested
                                                  This program/activity is not subject to               program.intake@usda.gov.                              clarification with regards to the
                                                the provisions of Executive Order                          Individuals who are deaf, hard of                  inclusion of the guarantee fee and
                                                12372, which require intergovernmental                  hearing or have speech disabilities and               eligible closing costs. Eligible loan
                                                consultation with State and local                       you wish to file either an EEO or                     purposes, including fees and closing
                                                officials. (See the Notice related to 7                 program complaint please contact                      costs, will remain the same as described
                                                CFR part 3015, subpart V, at 48 FR                      USDA through the Federal Relay                        on § 3555.101(d) for all refinancing
                                                29112, June 24, 1983; 49 FR 22675, May                  Service at (800) 877–8339 or (800) 845–               transactions. Closing costs may be
                                                31, 1984; 50 FR 14088, April 10, 1985).                 6136 (in Spanish).                                    included in the refinance loan amount.
                                                                                                           Persons with disabilities, who wish to             No change is made in this provision.
                                                Programs Affected                                       file a program complaint, please see                     One respondent requested the
                                                  This program is listed in the Catalog                 information above on how to contact us                eligibility of non-section 502 loans to be
                                                of Federal Domestic Assistance under                    by mail directly or by email. If you                  refinanced through the program, such as
                                                Number 10.410, Very Low to Moderate                     require alternative means of                          balloon or ARM mortgage products, if
                                                Income Housing Loans (Section 502                       communication for program information                 they meet USDA eligibility
                                                Rural Housing Loans).                                   (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.)         requirements. The Agency does not
                                                Paperwork Reduction Act                                 please contact USDA’s TARGET Center                   have statutory authority as this request
                                                                                                        at (202) 720–2600 (voice and TDD).                    does not conform with the Housing Act
                                                   The information collection and record
                                                keeping requirements contained in this                  Background Information                                of 1949 limits on refinancing in this
                                                regulation have been approved by OMB                       On March 5, 2015, RHS published a                  program. No change is made in this
                                                in accordance with the Paperwork                        proposed rule with request for                        provision.
                                                Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501                   comments for the Single Family                        Indemnification (§ 3555.108(d))
                                                et seq.). The assigned OMB control                      Housing Guaranteed Loan Program
                                                                                                                                                                 Two respondents believe a five-year
                                                number is 0575–0179.                                    (SFHGLP) (80 FR 11950–11954). Rural
                                                                                                                                                              indemnification period is too long and
                                                                                                        Development received comments from
                                                E-Government Act Compliance                                                                                   requested the Agency to maintain the
                                                                                                        seventeen respondents. Comments were
                                                  The Rural Housing Service is                                                                                current lender indemnification period of
                                                                                                        from lenders, secondary market sources,
                                                committed to complying with the E-                                                                            24 months. The Agency will continue to
                                                                                                        builders, and other interest groups.
                                                Government Act, to promote the use of                                                                         pursue a five-year indemnification
                                                                                                        Specific public comments and
                                                the Internet and other information                                                                            period, similar to those of other federal
                                                                                                        substantive changes from the proposed
                                                technologies to provide increased                                                                             agencies and as recommended by the
                                                                                                        rule are addressed below in general
                                                opportunities for citizen access to                                                                           Office of Inspector General (OIG) Report
                                                                                                        order of appearance in the regulation,
                                                Government information and services,                                                                          04703–003–HY. The rule has been
                                                                                                        not based in the order of importance.
                                                and for other purposes.                                    One respondent requested the Agency                amended to clarify that the loan
                                                                                                        to clarify when the rule would become                 originator will be required to indemnify
                                                Non-Discrimination Policy                                                                                     the Agency and not a subsequent holder
                                                                                                        effective and what the trigger events
                                                   The U.S. Department of Agriculture                   will be for the effective date of the                 or acquirer of the loan. No other change
                                                (USDA) prohibits discrimination against                 various requirements for loan                         is made in this provision.
                                                its customers, employees, and                           applications received by lenders on or                   Two respondents requested the
                                                applicants for employment on the bases                  after the effective date of the final rule.           Agency to amend its definition of
                                                of race, color, national origin, age,                   The final rule will become effective 60               default accounts from 30 days
                                                disability, sex, gender identity, religion,             days after its publication in the Federal             delinquent to 60 days. The Agency will
                                                reprisal, and where applicable, political               Register.                                             maintain the 30-day definition,
                                                beliefs, marital status, familial or                                                                          consistent with other federal agencies.
                                                parental status, sexual orientation, or all             Refinancing (§ 3555.101(d))                           No change is made in this provision.
                                                or part of an individual’s income is                       Five respondents fully supported the                  One respondent encouraged the
                                                derived from any public assistance                      Agency’s proposal to amend its                        Agency to add a standard of materiality
                                                program, or protected genetic                           refinancing provisions and add the                    for the underwriting defect and to
                                                information in employment or in any                     Streamlined-Assist Refinance option.                  specify that there must be a connection
                                                program or activity conducted or funded                    One respondent supported the                       between the defect and the cause of
                                                by the Department. (Not all prohibited                  Streamlined-Assist Refinance program                  default by adding that ‘‘The Agency may
                                                bases will apply to all programs and/or                 but requested that the Agency: (1) Add                seek indemnification if fraud or
                                                employment activities.)                                 repayment requirements for remaining                  misrepresentation occurs in connection
                                                   If you wish to file a Civil Rights                   borrowers; (2) limit costs to principal               with the origination and the lender
                                                program complaint of discrimination,                    and current interest charges due,                     knew, or should have known about the
                                                complete the USDA Program                               reasonable and customary re-                          occurrence.’’ It also recommended the
                                                Discrimination Complaint Form (PDF),                    conveyance fee, and the upfront                       Agency to clarify that an
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                                                found online at http://                                 guarantee fee; and (3) limit refinance                indemnification does not affect the
                                                www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_                     balance to original purchase loan                     guaranty status of the loan. RHS will
                                                cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call               amount. The Agency believes the                       include the standard of materiality and
                                                (866) 632–9992 to request the form. You                 Streamlined-Assist Refinance’s purpose                a provision that the loan note guarantee
                                                may also write a letter containing all of               is to increase affordability for current              of the holder will not be affected by
                                                the information requested in the form.                  borrowers and implementing the                        indemnification by the originating
                                                Send your completed complaint form or                   suggested changes will defeat the                     lender.


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                                                                   Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 60 / Tuesday, March 29, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                          17363

                                                Qualified Mortgage (§ 3555.109)                         keeping both the MRA and PRA                          Agency standards and guidelines,
                                                   Six respondents requested RHS to                     amounts as secured loans to avoid the                 regardless of when the claim is paid.
                                                update program guidance to incorporate                  likelihood of borrower confusion. The                 This is similar to how HUD and other
                                                different points and fee limitations than               respondent also questioned how the                    federal agencies operate.
                                                                                                        PRA would be impacted should the                         The Agency may also seek
                                                those proposed. The Agency will remain
                                                                                                        borrower attempt to pay off the loan                  indemnification if the Agency
                                                consistent with the Consumer Financial
                                                                                                        before the three year period prior to                 determines that fraud or
                                                Protection Bureau (CFPB) and other
                                                                                                        eligibility for debt forgiveness. Should              misrepresentation occurred in
                                                federal agencies in its points and fees
                                                                                                        the PRA be forgiven, the respondent                   connection with the origination of the
                                                limitations. No change is made in this
                                                                                                        suggested that the Agency should report               loan, regardless of when the loan closed.
                                                provision.                                                                                                    7 CFR 3555.108(d)(2). This provision is
                                                                                                        the forgiveness amount to the IRS, and
                                                   Two respondents requested the
                                                                                                        not the servicer. The respondent wrote                being clarified to state that the Agency
                                                Agency to not adopt CFPB’s 43-percent                                                                         may seek indemnification in cases of
                                                                                                        that should the PRA not be forgiven,
                                                debt-to-income limit. The Agency had                                                                          fraud or misrepresentation regardless of
                                                                                                        attempts to collect the unsecured loan
                                                not included any debt-to-income                                                                               when the loan closed or when the
                                                                                                        would be detrimental to borrowers
                                                limitation in the proposed rule. The                                                                          default occurred.
                                                                                                        recovering from financial difficulties.
                                                CFPB debt ratio limitations do not apply                                                                         In addition, the definition of
                                                                                                        Attempts to collect unsecured PRAs,
                                                to loans guaranteed by the Agency.                                                                            ‘‘default’’ has been added to section
                                                                                                        suggested the respondent, could
                                                Until January 20, 2021 or the date on                                                                         3555.10 to clarify that default is when
                                                                                                        ultimately be more costly to the Agency
                                                which an agency rule defining qualified                 than simply forgiving the amounts                     an account is more than 30 days
                                                mortgages becomes effective (whichever                  advanced. Finally, the respondent                     overdue. This is consistent with how
                                                is earlier), loans guaranteed by RHS are                questioned whether the MRA and PRA                    the term is used in the mortgage
                                                presumed to be qualified mortgages                      claims should be filed separately or                  industry.
                                                under 12 CFR 1026.43(e)(4).                             whether both amounts may be                              Refinance: There are currently two
                                                   Four respondents noted that Housing                  submitted in the same claim. Separate                 refinance options available to Section
                                                Finance Agencies (HFA) loans are                        filings would be especially complicated               502 borrowers, and the Agency is
                                                exempt from the Qualified Mortgage                      according to the respondent.                          adding a third option which has been
                                                requirements and are automatically                         Two respondents requested the                      successfully tested in a pilot. The
                                                classified as Qualified Mortgages                       Agency to eliminate the January 1, 2001               Agency is amending section
                                                eligible for insurance through the                      to January 1, 2010 timeframe restriction              3555.101(d)(3)(i) to remove the
                                                SFHGLP. The Agency is amending its                      on PRAs.                                              requirement that the interest rate of a
                                                rule and will include language                             One respondent supported the                       refinanced loan be at least 100 basis
                                                exempting HFAs from the Qualified                       Principal Reduction Advance (PRA)                     points below the original rate, and
                                                Mortgage requirements.                                  proposal but requested that lenders have              instead to require that the new interest
                                                Principal Reduction (§ 3555.304(d))                     at least six months to implement the                  rate not exceed the original interest
                                                                                                        policy in order to allow for internal                 loan’s interest rate. The interest rate
                                                   One respondent wrote that the                        system integrations related to this                   reduction requirement has proven
                                                Mortgage Recovery Advance (MRA)                         process.                                              problematic in rising rate environments.
                                                already provides for principal                             After careful review and                           For example, in the case of divorce, the
                                                reductions, and that by separating                      consideration, the Agency agrees with                 borrower may not be able to refinance
                                                principal reduction from the MRA                        all the comments submitted, and has                   as required by their divorce decree or
                                                would complicate the process because                    decided to not implement the PRA                      judgment because they cannot secure an
                                                loan servicers would now have to take                   transaction as it had been proposed. The              interest rate at least 1 percent lower
                                                two steps instead of only one. The                      original MRA procedure will remain                    than the first one.
                                                respondent pointed out that if the PRA                  unaltered and the PRA will not become                    The definition of ‘‘streamlined-assist
                                                is eventually forgiven, it would become                 a separate transaction.                               refinance’’ is being added to 7 CFR
                                                a tax liability to borrowers because the                   Indemnification: In the Office of                  3555.10. On February 1, 2012 RHS
                                                Internal Revenue Service (IRS)                          Inspector General (OIG) Report 04703–                 created a refinancing pilot known as the
                                                considers forgiven debt to be taxable                   003–HY, SFH GL Loss Claims, the                       ‘‘Rural Refinance Pilot.’’ The
                                                income. Struggling low or moderate                      Agency was requested to re-evaluate the               streamlined-assist refinance differs from
                                                income borrowers may not be able to                     timeframe in which the Government can                 the traditional refinance options in that
                                                handle the additional tax bill. The                     seek indemnification for noncompliance                there is no appraisal or credit report
                                                respondent also indicated that since the                with regulations in loan origination.                 requirement in most instances, as long
                                                PRA results in an unsecured loan which                  Present language in 7 CFR                             as the borrower has been current on
                                                would not be forgiven if the borrower                   3555.108(d)(1) limits the                             their first mortgage for the previous 12
                                                re-defaulted on their mortgage, mortgage                indemnification to losses if the payment              months and their new interest rate is at
                                                loan servicers would be in a position of                under the guarantee was made within                   least 1 percent lower than their first one.
                                                collecting on an unsecured loan.                        24 months of loan closing. Origination                A new appraisal is required for direct
                                                Mortgage loan servicers do not want to                  defects which depart from Agency                      loan borrowers who received a subsidy
                                                collect unsecured loans, and the                        requirements, however, may cause                      for the purposes of calculating subsidy
                                                respondent suggested that the agency                    defaults beyond 24 months from loan                   recapture.
                                                should collect the unsecured loans.                     closing. Similarly, claims arising from                  The pilot was designed to assist
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                                                   One respondent indicated that the use                defective originations may occur several              existing Section 502 direct or
                                                of separate notes, one for an MRA and                   years after loan closing. The change will             guaranteed loan borrowers in
                                                one for a PRA, would complicate special                 trigger indemnification if the default                refinancing their homes with greater
                                                loan servicing workouts and may                         occurs within five years from                         ease in thirty-five eligible states where
                                                confuse or overwhelm eligible                           origination and the Agency concludes                  steep home price declines,
                                                borrowers. The respondent indicated                     the default arose because the originator              unemployment and persistent poverty
                                                that the Agency should consider                         did not underwrite the loan according to              rates made refinancing a current


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                                                17364              Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 60 / Tuesday, March 29, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                                mortgage into more affordable terms                     Federal Regulations is amended as                     amount of up-front guarantee fee
                                                difficult or impossible. Due to the                     follows:                                              financed, if any, when using the non-
                                                success of the pilot program, RHS will                                                                        streamlined option.
                                                adopt the pilot policy as a refinance                   PART 3555—GUARANTEED RURAL                               (C) A streamlined-assist refinance
                                                option for existing Section 502 direct or               HOUSING PROGRAM                                       loan is a special refinance option
                                                guaranteed loan borrowers nationwide                                                                          available to existing Section 502 direct
                                                in addition to the two traditional                      ■ 1. The authority citation for part 3555             and guaranteed loan borrowers.
                                                refinance loan options of streamlined                   continues to read as follows:                         Applicants must meet the income
                                                and non-streamlined. The special                          Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301, 7 U.S.C. 1989, 42          eligibility requirements of § 3555.151(a),
                                                refinance loan option will be called                    U.S.C. 1480, and Subpart E of 7 U.S.C.                and must not have had any defaults
                                                ‘‘streamlined-assist.’’                                 1932(a).                                              during the 12 month period prior to the
                                                   This rule amends 7 CFR                                                                                     refinance loan application. There are no
                                                3555.101(d)(3)(vi) to include                           Subpart C—Loan Requirements
                                                                                                                                                              debt-to-income calculation
                                                ‘‘streamlined-assist’’ as one of three                  ■  2. Amend § 3555.10 by adding                       requirements, no credit report
                                                available refinance loan options in                                                                           requirements, no property inspection
                                                                                                        definitions for ‘‘Default’’and
                                                addition to the traditional                                                                                   requirements, and no loan-to-value
                                                                                                        ‘‘Streamlined-assist refinance’’ to read
                                                ‘‘streamlined’’ and ‘‘non-streamlined’’                                                                       requirements. There is no appraisal
                                                                                                        as follows:
                                                refinance loans. Section                                                                                      requirement except for Section 502
                                                3555.101(d)(3)(vi) discusses eligibility                § 3555.10    Definitions and abbreviations.           direct loan borrowers who have
                                                requirements for each streamlined and                   *      *    *      *    *                             received a subsidy.
                                                non-streamlined refinance loan. The                        Default. A loan is considered in                      (ii) The interest rate of the new loan
                                                streamlined-assist refinance will have                  default when a payment has not been                   must be fixed and must not exceed the
                                                the same features as the Rural Refinance                paid after 30 days from the date it was               interest rate of the original loan being
                                                Pilot described above. Additional                       due.                                                  refinanced.
                                                eligibility criteria for refinance loans is                                                                   *       *    *     *     *
                                                                                                        *      *    *      *    *
                                                discussed in Section 3555.101(d)(3).                                                                             (iv) The loan security must include
                                                   Qualified Mortgage: The agency is                       Streamlined-assist refinance. A
                                                                                                        streamlined-assist refinance is an                    the same property as the original loan
                                                changing Section 3555.109, to indicate
                                                                                                        abbreviated method of refinancing                     and be owned and occupied by the
                                                that a loan guaranteed by RHS meeting
                                                                                                        which does not require a credit report,               borrowers as their principal residence.
                                                certain CFPB requirements is a
                                                ‘‘Qualified Mortgage.’’                                 or the calculation of loan-to-value or                *       *    *     *     *
                                                   The CFPB published a ‘‘Qualified                     debt-to-income ratios. Lenders must                   ■ 4. Amend § 3555.108 by revising
                                                Mortgage’’ rule (12 CFR part 1026)                      verify that the borrower has been                     paragraph (d) to read as follows:
                                                which became effective January 10,                      current on their existing loan for the
                                                2014 and implemented in part the                        preceding 12 month period.                            § 3555.108   Full faith and credit.
                                                Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and                       *      *    *      *    *                             *       *    *     *     *
                                                Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (P.L.                   ■ 3. Section 3555.101 is amended by                      (d) Indemnification. The loan note
                                                111–203). This rule requires creditors to               revising paragraphs (d)(3)(i), (ii), and              guarantee will remain in effect for any
                                                make a reasonable, good faith                           (iv) to read as follows:                              holder of the loan who acquired it from
                                                determination of a consumer’s                                                                                 an originating lender. If the Agency
                                                repayment ability for any consumer                      § 3555.101    Loan purposes.                          determines that a lender did not
                                                credit transaction secured by a dwelling,               *      *    *     *     *                             originate a loan in accordance with the
                                                and establishes a safe harbor from                         (d) * * *                                          requirements in this part, and the
                                                liability for transactions that meet the                   (3) * * *                                          Agency pays a claim under the loan
                                                requirements for ‘‘qualified mortgages.’’                  (i) Three options for refinancing may              guarantee, the Agency may revoke the
                                                Currently, SFHGLP loans are considered                  be offered: streamlined, non-                         originating lender’s eligibility status in
                                                to be qualified mortgages if they meet                  streamlined, and streamlined-assist.                  accordance with subpart B of this part
                                                the requirements in 12 CFR                              Other than provided in this paragraph,                and may also require the originating
                                                1026.43(e)(2)(i)–(iii) and the points and               no cash out is permitted for any                      lender:
                                                fees limits in 12 CFR 1026.43(e)(3) until               refinance. Documentation costs and                       (1) To indemnify the Agency for the
                                                RHS promulgates its own rules                           underwriting requirements of subparts                 loss, if the default leading to the
                                                regarding qualified mortgages, or                       D, E, and F of this part apply to                     payment of loss claim occurred within
                                                January 10, 2021, whichever is earlier.                 streamlined and non-streamlined                       five (5) years of loan closing, when one
                                                (See 12 CFR 1026.43(e)(4)).                             refinances.                                           or more of the following conditions is
                                                   RHS guaranteed loans currently meet                     (A) Lenders may offer a streamlined                satisfied:
                                                these requirements. Therefore, section                  refinance for existing Section 502                       (i) The originating lender utilized
                                                3555.109 is clarifying that RHS                         Guaranteed loans, which does not                      unsupported data or omitted material
                                                guaranteed loans which meet the CFPB                    require a new appraisal. The lender will              information when submitting the
                                                requirements in 12 CFR 1026.43(e)(2)(i)-                pay off the balance of the existing                   request for a conditional commitment to
                                                (iii) and 12 CFR 1026.43(e)(3) are                      Section 502 Guaranteed loan.                          the Agency;
                                                considered qualified mortgages.                            (B) Lenders may offer non-                            (ii) The originating lender failed to
                                                                                                        streamlined refinancing for existing                  properly verify and analyze the
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                                                List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 3555                     Section 502 Guaranteed or Direct loans,               applicant’s income and employment
                                                  Home improvement, Loan programs—                      which requires a new and current                      history in accordance with Agency
                                                Housing and community development,                      market value appraisal. The amount of                 guidelines;
                                                Mortgage insurance, Mortgages, Rural                    the new loan must be supported by                        (iii) The originating lender failed to
                                                areas.                                                  sufficient equity in the property as                  address property deficiencies identified
                                                  For the reason stated in the preamble,                determined by an appraisal. The                       in the appraisal or inspection report that
                                                Chapter XVIII, Title 7 of the Code of                   appraised value may be exceeded by the                affect the health and safety of the


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                                                                     Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 60 / Tuesday, March 29, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                             17365

                                                occupants or the structural integrity of                  ensure efficient sealing. This AD                     Discussion
                                                the property;                                             requires modifying the BDDVs having
                                                                                                                                                                  We issued a notice of proposed
                                                  (iv) The originating lender used an                     certain part numbers; modifying the
                                                                                                                                                                rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
                                                appraiser that was not properly licensed                  drain hose of the BDDV; checking for
                                                                                                                                                                part 39 by adding an AD that would
                                                or certified, as appropriate, to make                     the presence of water, ice, and hydraulic
                                                                                                                                                                apply to certain Airbus Model A319,
                                                residential real estate appraisal in                      fluid; re-identifying the BDDV; and
                                                                                                                                                                A320, and A321 series airplanes. The
                                                accordance with § 3555.103(a); or,                        doing related investigative and                       NPRM published in the Federal
                                                  (2) To indemnify the Agency for the                     corrective actions if necessary. We are               Register on November 19, 2015 (80 FR
                                                loss regardless of how long ago the loan                  issuing this AD to prevent damage to the              72401) (‘‘the NPRM’’).
                                                closed or the default occurred, if the                    BDDV, which could lead to water
                                                Agency determines that fraud or                                                                                   The European Aviation Safety Agency
                                                                                                          ingestion in the BDDV and freezing of
                                                misrepresentation was involved with                                                                             (EASA), which is the Technical Agent
                                                                                                          the BDDV in flight, possibly resulting in
                                                the origination of the loan.                                                                                    for the Member States of the European
                                                                                                          loss of braking system function after
                                                  (3) In addition, the Agency may use                                                                           Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness
                                                                                                          landing.
                                                any other legal remedies it has against                                                                         Directive 2014–0251R1, dated December
                                                the originating lender.                                   DATES:  This AD is effective May 3, 2016.             17, 2014 (referred to after this as the
                                                                                                                                                                Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness
                                                *     *     *     *     *                                   The Director of the Federal Register                Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct
                                                ■ 5. Add § 3555.109 to read as follows:                   approved the incorporation by reference               an unsafe condition for certain Airbus
                                                                                                          of a certain publication listed in this AD            Model A319, A320, and A321 series
                                                § 3555.109       Qualified Mortgage                       as of May 3, 2016.                                    airplanes. The MCAI states:
                                                   A qualified mortgage is a guaranteed
                                                                                                          ADDRESSES:   For service information                     In 1998, an operator experienced a dual
                                                loan meeting the requirements of this
                                                                                                          identified in this final rule, contact                loss of braking systems. Investigation results
                                                part and applicable Agency guidance, as
                                                                                                          Airbus, Airworthiness Office—EIAS, 1                  revealed that the cover seal of the Brake Dual
                                                well as the requirements in 12 CFR                                                                              Distribution Valve (BDDV) was damaged and
                                                                                                          Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707
                                                1026.43(e)(i) through (iii) and 12 CFR                                                                          did not ensure the sealing efficiency.
                                                1026.43(e)(3). An extension of credit                     Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5
                                                                                                          61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email                This condition, if not corrected, could lead
                                                made pursuant to a program                                                                                      to water ingestion in the BDDV and freezing
                                                administered by a State Housing                           account.airworth-eas@airbus.com;                      of the BDDV in flight, possibly resulting in
                                                Finance Agency is exempt from this                        Internet http://www.airbus.com. You                   loss of braking system function after landing.
                                                requirement as defined in 12 CFR                          may view this referenced service                         [The Directorate General for Civil Aviation]
                                                1026.43(a)(3)(iv). Lenders will be                        information at the FAA, Transport                     (DGAC) France issued AD 2000–258–146
                                                allowed to cure unintentional errors and                  Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue                [http://ad.easa.europa.eu/blob/20002580tb_
                                                                                                          SW., Renton, WA. For information on                   superseded.pdf/AD_F-2000-258-146_1]
                                                retain the qualified mortgage status if                                                                         [which corresponds to certain actions in FAA
                                                the conditions set in 12 CFR 1026.31(h)                   the availability of this material at the
                                                                                                          FAA, call 425–227–1221. It is also                    AD 2001–15–10, Amendment 39–12344 (66
                                                are met.                                                                                                        FR 39413, July 31, 2001)] to require
                                                                                                          available on the Internet at http://                  modification of the BDDV with a new cover
                                                  Dated: February 18, 2016.                               www.regulations.gov by searching for
                                                Tony Hernandez,                                                                                                 and installation of a draining tube with a cap.
                                                                                                          and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–                        Since that French AD was issued,
                                                Administrator, Rural Housing Service.                     4816.                                                 following a new event, Airbus developed a
                                                [FR Doc. 2016–07049 Filed 3–28–16; 8:45 am]                                                                     modification of the BDDV drain tube which
                                                                                                          Examining the AD Docket                               will leave it open, ensuring continuous
                                                BILLING CODE 3410–XV–P
                                                                                                                                                                drainage of any ingested water, thereby
                                                                                                            You may examine the AD docket on                    preventing freezing of the brake system.
                                                                                                          the Internet at http://                                  For the reasons described above, EASA
                                                DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                              www.regulations.gov by searching for                  issued [another AD] * * *, to require
                                                                                                          and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–                     modification of the BDDV drain tube.
                                                Federal Aviation Administration                           4816; or in person at the Docket                         Since that [EASA] AD was issued,
                                                                                                          Management Facility between 9 a.m.                    comments were received that indicated a
                                                14 CFR Part 39                                            and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,                    need for correction and clarification.
                                                                                                          except Federal holidays. The AD docket                Consequently, this [EASA] AD is revised to
                                                [Docket No. FAA–2015–4816; Directorate                                                                          add a Note to Table 1 and to amend
                                                Identifier 2014–NM–238–AD; Amendment                      contains this AD, the regulatory
                                                                                                                                                                paragraph (3).
                                                39–18444; AD 2016–06–13]                                  evaluation, any comments received, and
                                                                                                          other information. The street address for                The modification includes a check for
                                                RIN 2120–AA64                                             the Docket Office (telephone 800–647–                 the presence of water, ice, and hydraulic
                                                                                                          5527) is Docket Management Facility,                  fluid, and related investigative and
                                                Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
                                                                                                          U.S. Department of Transportation,                    corrective actions if necessary. Related
                                                Airplanes
                                                                                                          Docket Operations, M–30, West                         investigative actions include an
                                                AGENCY:  Federal Aviation                                 Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140,                  inspection for corrosion. Corrective
                                                Administration (FAA), Department of                       1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,                           actions include replacing the BDDV.
                                                Transportation (DOT).                                     Washington, DC 20590.                                 You may examine the MCAI in the AD
                                                ACTION: Final rule.                                                                                             docket on the Internet at http://
                                                                                                          FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                                                                                                                                www.regulations.gov by searching for
                                                                                                          Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer,
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                                SUMMARY:   We are adopting a new                                                                                and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–
                                                                                                          International Branch, ANM–116,
                                                airworthiness directive (AD) for certain                                                                        4816.
                                                                                                          Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
                                                Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321
                                                                                                          1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA                      Comments
                                                series airplanes. This AD was prompted
                                                                                                          98057–3356; telephone 425–227–1405;
                                                by investigations that revealed that the                                                                          We gave the public the opportunity to
                                                                                                          fax 425–227–1149.
                                                cover seal of the brake dual distribution                                                                       participate in developing this AD. We
                                                valve (BDDV) was damaged and did not                      SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                            considered the comment received.


                                           VerDate Sep<11>2014     16:41 Mar 28, 2016   Jkt 238001   PO 00000   Frm 00005   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\29MRR1.SGM   29MRR1



Document Created: 2016-03-30 08:29:11
Document Modified: 2016-03-30 08:29:11
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionFinal rule.
DatesEffective April 28, 2016.
ContactLilian Lipton, Finance and Loan Analyst, Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Division, STOP 0784, Room 2250, USDA Rural Development, South Agriculture Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-0784, telephone: (202) 260-8012, email is [email protected]
FR Citation81 FR 17361 
RIN Number0575-AD00
CFR AssociatedHome Improvement; Loan Programs-Housing and Community Development; Mortgage Insurance; Mortgages and Rural Areas

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