81_FR_26546 81 FR 26461 - Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program

81 FR 26461 - Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Housing Service

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 85 (May 3, 2016)

Page Range26461-26465
FR Document2016-10217

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 85 (Tuesday, May 3, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 85 (Tuesday, May 3, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 26461-26465]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-10217]



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Rules and Regulations
                                                Federal Register
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having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed 
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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 85 / Tuesday, May 3, 2016 / Rules and 
Regulations

[[Page 26461]]



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 June 2, 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 [email protected].

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, Public 
Law 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 26462]]

American Coordinator at (720) 544-2911 or [email protected].

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 
[email protected].
    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 26463]]

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 26464]]

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 (Pub. 
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, 42 U.S.C. 1471, et seq.


0
2. Amend Sec.  3555.10 by adding definitions of Default and 
Streamlined-assist refinance in alphabetical order 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 occupants or the structural 
integrity of the property;

[[Page 26465]]

    (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)(2)(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: March 29, 2016.
Tony Hernandez,
Administrator, Rural Housing Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-10217 Filed 5-2-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3410-XV-P



                                                                                                                                                                                            26461

                                           Rules and Regulations                                                                                         Federal Register
                                                                                                                                                         Vol. 81, No. 85

                                                                                                                                                         Tuesday, May 3, 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                                                                    quality of the human environment, and,
                                           new books are listed in the first FEDERAL               Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice                  in accordance with the National
                                           REGISTER issue of each week.                            Reform                                                Environmental Policy Act of 1969,
                                                                                                     This rule has been reviewed under                   Public Law 91–190, neither an
                                           DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE                               Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice                  Environmental Assessment nor an
                                                                                                   Reform. Except where specified, all                   Environmental Impact Statement is
                                           Rural Housing Service                                                                                         required.
                                                                                                   State and local laws and regulations that
                                                                                                   are in direct conflict with this rule will            Executive Order 13132, Federalism
                                           7 CFR Part 3555                                         be preempted. Federal funds carry                        The policies contained in this rule do
                                           RIN 0575–AD00                                           Federal requirements. No person is                    not have any substantial direct effect on
                                                                                                   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
                                                                                                   of the rule. Before any judicial action               Therefore, consultation with the States
                                           (RHS or Agency) is amending the
                                                                                                   may be brought regarding the provisions               is not required.
                                           current regulation for the Single Family
                                                                                                   of this rule, the administrative appeal
                                           Housing Guaranteed Loan Program                                                                               Regulatory Flexibility Act
                                                                                                   provisions of 7 CFR part 11 must be
                                           (SFHGLP) on the subjects of lender
                                                                                                   exhausted.                                               In compliance with the Regulatory
                                           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
                                                                                                      Title II of the Unfunded Mandates                  certified by signature of this document
                                           indemnification authority for loss
                                                                                                   Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA), Public                     that this rule change will not have a
                                           claims in the case of fraud,
                                                                                                   Law 104–4, establishes requirements for               significant impact on a substantial
                                           misrepresentation, or noncompliance
                                                                                                   Federal agencies to assess the effect of              number of small entities. This rule does
                                           with applicable loan origination
                                                                                                   their regulatory actions on State, local,             not impose any significant new
                                           requirements. This action is taken to
                                                                                                   and tribal governments and the private                requirements on Agency applicants and
                                           continue the Agency’s efforts to improve
                                                                                                   sector. Under section 202 of the UMRA,                borrowers, and the regulatory changes
                                           and expand the risk management of the
                                                                                                                                                         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 June 2, 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
                                           Guaranteed Loan Division, STOP 0784,                    of the rule. This final rule contains no              Federal Government and Indian Tribes.
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                                           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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                                           26462                Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 85 / Tuesday, May 3, 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
                                           found online at http://                                 guarantee fee; and (3) limit refinance                indemnification does not affect the
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                                           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. 85 / Tuesday, May 3, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                           26463

                                           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
                                              One respondent indicated that the use                defective originations may occur several              existing Section 502 direct or
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                                           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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                                           26464                Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 85 / Tuesday, May 3, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                           mortgage into more affordable terms                       For the reason stated in the preamble,              financed, if any, when using the non-
                                           difficult or impossible. Due to the                     Chapter XVIII, Title 7 of the Code of                 streamlined option.
                                           success of the pilot program, RHS will                  Federal Regulations is amended as                        (C) A streamlined-assist refinance
                                           adopt the pilot policy as a refinance                   follows:                                              loan is a special refinance option
                                           option for existing Section 502 direct or                                                                     available to existing Section 502 direct
                                           guaranteed loan borrowers nationwide                    PART 3555—GUARANTEED RURAL                            and guaranteed loan borrowers.
                                           in addition to the two traditional                      HOUSING PROGRAM                                       Applicants must meet the income
                                           refinance loan options of streamlined                                                                         eligibility requirements of § 3555.151(a),
                                           and non-streamlined. The special                        ■ 1. The authority citation for Part 3555             and must not have had any defaults
                                           refinance loan option will be called                    continues to read as follows:                         during the 12 month period prior to the
                                           ‘‘streamlined-assist.’’                                    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301, 42 U.S.C. 1471,           refinance loan application. There are no
                                              This rule amends 7 CFR                               et seq.                                               debt-to-income calculation
                                           3555.101(d)(3)(vi) to include                                                                                 requirements, no credit report
                                                                                                   ■ 2. Amend § 3555.10 by adding
                                           ‘‘streamlined-assist’’ as one of three                                                                        requirements, no property inspection
                                                                                                   definitions of Default and Streamlined-
                                           available refinance loan options in                                                                           requirements, and no loan-to-value
                                                                                                   assist refinance in alphabetical order to
                                           addition to the traditional                                                                                   requirements. There is no appraisal
                                                                                                   read as follows:                                      requirement except for Section 502
                                           ‘‘streamlined’’ and ‘‘non-streamlined’’
                                           refinance loans. Section                                § 3555.10    Definitions and abbreviations.           direct loan borrowers who have
                                           3555.101(d)(3)(vi) discusses eligibility                *      *    *      *    *                             received a subsidy.
                                           requirements for each streamlined and                      Default. A loan is considered in                      (ii) The interest rate of the new loan
                                           non-streamlined refinance loan. The                     default when a payment has not been                   must be fixed and must not exceed the
                                           streamlined-assist refinance will have                  paid after 30 days from the date it was               interest rate of the original loan being
                                           the same features as the Rural Refinance                due.                                                  refinanced.
                                           Pilot described above. Additional                                                                             *       *    *     *     *
                                                                                                   *      *    *      *    *
                                           eligibility criteria for refinance loans is                                                                      (iv) The loan security must include
                                                                                                      Streamlined-assist refinance. A
                                           discussed in Section 3555.101(d)(3).                                                                          the same property as the original loan
                                                                                                   streamlined-assist refinance is an
                                              Qualified Mortgage: The agency is                                                                          and be owned and occupied by the
                                                                                                   abbreviated method of refinancing
                                           changing Section 3555.109, to indicate                                                                        borrowers as their principal residence.
                                                                                                   which does not require a credit report,
                                           that a loan guaranteed by RHS meeting                   or the calculation of loan-to-value or                *       *    *     *     *
                                           certain CFPB requirements is a                          debt-to-income ratios. Lenders must                   ■ 4. Amend § 3555.108 by revising
                                           ‘‘Qualified Mortgage.’’                                 verify that the borrower has been                     paragraph (d) to read as follows:
                                              The CFPB published a ‘‘Qualified                     current on their existing loan for the                § 3555.108   Full faith and credit.
                                           Mortgage’’ rule (12 CFR part 1026)                      preceding 12 month period.
                                           which became effective January 10,                                                                            *       *    *     *     *
                                                                                                   *      *    *      *    *                                (d) Indemnification. The loan note
                                           2014 and implemented in part the                        ■ 3. Section 3555.101 is amended by                   guarantee will remain in effect for any
                                           Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and                       revising paragraphs (d)(3)(i), (ii), and              holder of the loan who acquired it from
                                           Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (Pub.                   (iv) to read as follows:                              an originating lender. If the Agency
                                           L. 111–203). This rule requires creditors
                                                                                                                                                         determines that a lender did not
                                           to make a reasonable, good faith                        § 3555.101    Loan purposes.
                                                                                                                                                         originate a loan in accordance with the
                                           determination of a consumer’s                           *      *    *     *     *                             requirements in this part, and the
                                           repayment ability for any consumer                         (d) * * *                                          Agency pays a claim under the loan
                                           credit transaction secured by a dwelling,                  (3) * * *                                          guarantee, the Agency may revoke the
                                           and establishes a safe harbor from                         (i) Three options for refinancing may              originating lender’s eligibility status in
                                           liability for transactions that meet the                be offered: Streamlined, non-                         accordance with subpart B of this part
                                           requirements for ‘‘qualified mortgages.’’               streamlined, and streamlined-assist.                  and may also require the originating
                                           Currently, SFHGLP loans are considered                  Other than provided in this paragraph,                lender:
                                           to be qualified mortgages if they meet                  no cash out is permitted for any                         (1) To indemnify the Agency for the
                                           the requirements in 12 CFR                              refinance. Documentation costs and                    loss, if the default leading to the
                                           1026.43(e)(2)(i)–(iii) and the points and               underwriting requirements of subparts                 payment of loss claim occurred within
                                           fees limits in 12 CFR 1026.43(e)(3) until               D, E, and F of this part apply to                     five (5) years of loan closing, when one
                                           RHS promulgates its own rules                           streamlined and non-streamlined                       or more of the following conditions is
                                           regarding qualified mortgages, or                       refinances.                                           satisfied:
                                           January 10, 2021, whichever is earlier.                    (A) Lenders may offer a streamlined                   (i) The originating lender utilized
                                           (See 12 CFR 1026.43(e)(4)).                             refinance for existing Section 502                    unsupported data or omitted material
                                              RHS guaranteed loans currently meet                  Guaranteed loans, which does not                      information when submitting the
                                           these requirements. Therefore, section                  require a new appraisal. The lender will              request for a conditional commitment to
                                           3555.109 is clarifying that RHS                         pay off the balance of the existing                   the Agency;
                                           guaranteed loans which meet the CFPB                    Section 502 Guaranteed loan.                             (ii) The originating lender failed to
                                           requirements in 12 CFR                                     (B) Lenders may offer non-                         properly verify and analyze the
                                           1026.43(e)(2)(i)–(iii) and 12 CFR                       streamlined refinancing for existing                  applicant’s income and employment
                                           1026.43(e)(3) are considered qualified                  Section 502 Guaranteed or Direct loans,               history in accordance with Agency
                                           mortgages.                                              which requires a new and current                      guidelines;
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                                                                                                   market value appraisal. The amount of                    (iii) The originating lender failed to
                                           List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 3555
                                                                                                   the new loan must be supported by                     address property deficiencies identified
                                             Home improvement, Loan programs—                      sufficient equity in the property as                  in the appraisal or inspection report that
                                           Housing and community development,                      determined by an appraisal. The                       affect the health and safety of the
                                           Mortgage insurance, Mortgages, Rural                    appraised value may be exceeded by the                occupants or the structural integrity of
                                           areas.                                                  amount of up-front guarantee fee                      the property;


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                                                                     Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 85 / Tuesday, May 3, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                                                   26465

                                             (iv) The originating lender used an                              altitudes and changeover points for                             effective date of this amendment reflects
                                           appraiser that was not properly licensed                           certain Federal airways, jet routes, or                         those considerations. In view of the
                                           or certified, as appropriate, to make                              direct routes for which a minimum or                            close and immediate relationship
                                           residential real estate appraisal in                               maximum en route authorized IFR                                 between these regulatory changes and
                                           accordance with § 3555.103(a); or,                                 altitude is prescribed. This regulatory                         safety in air commerce, I find that notice
                                             (2) To indemnify the Agency for the                              action is needed because of changes                             and public procedure before adopting
                                           loss regardless of how long ago the loan                           occurring in the National Airspace                              this amendment are impracticable and
                                           closed or the default occurred, if the                             System. These changes are designed to                           contrary to the public interest and that
                                           Agency determines that fraud or                                    provide for the safe and efficient use of                       good cause exists for making the
                                           misrepresentation was involved with                                the navigable airspace under instrument                         amendment effective in less than 30
                                           the origination of the loan.                                       conditions in the affected areas.                               days.
                                             (3) In addition, the Agency may use                              DATES: Effective Date: 0901 UTC, May
                                           any other legal remedies it has against                                                                                            Conclusion
                                                                                                              26, 2016.
                                           the originating lender.                                            FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                                   The FAA has determined that this
                                           ■ 5. Add § 3555.109 to read as follows:                            Richard A. Dunham, Flight Procedure                             regulation only involves an established
                                                                                                              Standards Branch (AMCAFS–420),                                  body of technical regulations for which
                                           § 3555.109       Qualified mortgage.
                                                                                                              Flight Technologies and Programs                                frequent and routine amendments are
                                              A qualified mortgage is a guaranteed                            Division, Flight Standards Service,                             necessary to keep them operationally
                                           loan meeting the requirements of this                              Federal Aviation Administration, Mike                           current. It, therefore—(1) is not a
                                           part and applicable Agency guidance, as                            Monroney Aeronautical Center, 6500                              ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under
                                           well as the requirements in 12 CFR                                 South MacArthur Blvd., Oklahoma City,                           Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a
                                           1026.43(e)(2)(i) through (iii) and 12 CFR                          OK 73169 (Mail Address: P.O. Box                                ‘‘significant rule’’ under DOT
                                           1026.43(e)(3). An extension of credit                              25082, Oklahoma City, OK 73125)                                 Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44
                                           made pursuant to a program                                         telephone: (405) 954–4164.                                      FR 11034; February 26, 1979); and (3)
                                           administered by a State Housing                                    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This                                 does not warrant preparation of a
                                           Finance Agency is exempt from this                                 amendment to part 95 of the Federal                             regulatory evaluation as the anticipated
                                           requirement as defined in 12 CFR                                   Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 95)                           impact is so minimal. For the same
                                           1026.43(a)(3)(iv). Lenders will be                                 amends, suspends, or revokes IFR                                reason, the FAA certifies that this
                                           allowed to cure unintentional errors and                           altitudes governing the operation of all                        amendment will not have a significant
                                           retain the qualified mortgage status if                            aircraft in flight over a specified route                       economic impact on a substantial
                                           the conditions set in 12 CFR 1026.31(h)                            or any portion of that route, as well as                        number of small entities under the
                                           are met.                                                           the changeover points (COPs) for                                criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
                                             Dated: March 29, 2016.                                           Federal airways, jet routes, or direct
                                                                                                              routes as prescribed in part 95.                                List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 95
                                           Tony Hernandez,
                                           Administrator, Rural Housing Service.                              The Rule                                                            Airspace, Navigation (air).
                                           [FR Doc. 2016–10217 Filed 5–2–16; 8:45 am]                                                                                           Issued in Washington, DC, on April 22,
                                                                                                                 The specified IFR altitudes, when
                                           BILLING CODE 3410–XV–P
                                                                                                              used in conjunction with the prescribed                         2016.
                                                                                                              changeover points for those routes,                             John Duncan,
                                                                                                              ensure navigation aid coverage that is                          Director, Flight Standards Service.
                                           DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                                       adequate for safe flight operations and                         Adoption of the Amendment
                                           Federal Aviation Administration                                    free of frequency interference. The
                                                                                                              reasons and circumstances that create                             Accordingly, pursuant to the
                                           14 CFR Part 95                                                     the need for this amendment involve                             authority delegated to me by the
                                                                                                              matters of flight safety and operational                        Administrator, part 95 of the Federal
                                           [Docket No. 31075; Amdt. No. 526]                                  efficiency in the National Airspace                             Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 95) is
                                                                                                              System, are related to published                                amended as follows effective at 0901
                                           IFR Altitudes; Miscellaneous                                       aeronautical charts that are essential to                       UTC, May 26, 2016.
                                           Amendments                                                         the user, and provide for the safe and
                                                                                                                                                                              ■ 1. The authority citation for part 95
                                           AGENCY:  Federal Aviation                                          efficient use of the navigable airspace.
                                                                                                                                                                              continues to read as follows:
                                           Administration (FAA), DOT.                                         In addition, those various reasons or
                                                                                                              circumstances require making this                                 Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40103, 40106,
                                           ACTION: Final rule.                                                                                                                40113, 40114, 40120, 44502, 44514, 44719,
                                                                                                              amendment effective before the next
                                                                                                                                                                              44721.
                                           SUMMARY:  This amendment adopts                                    scheduled charting and publication date
                                           miscellaneous amendments to the                                    of the flight information to assure its                         ■ 2. Part 95 is amended to read as
                                           required IFR (instrument flight rules)                             timely availability to the user. The                            follows:

                                                                                                  REVISIONS TO IFR ALTITUDES & CHANGEOVER POINT
                                                                                                              [Amendment 526 effective date May 26, 2016]

                                                                                   From                                                                                      To                                          MEA

                                                                                                                   § 95.6001 Victor Routes-U.S.
Lhorne on DSK30JT082PROD with RULES




                                                                                              § 95.6196       VOR Federal Airway V196 is Amended to Read in Part

                                           Utica, NY VORTAC .......................................................................     * Saranac Lake, NY VOR/DME ...................................................    5,400
                                                * 6500—MCA
                                           Saranac Lake, NY VOR/DME, E BND
                                           Saranac Lake, NY VOR/DME .......................................................             RIGID, NY FIX.



                                      VerDate Sep<11>2014      13:43 May 02, 2016       Jkt 238001     PO 00000     Frm 00005         Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\03MYR1.SGM        03MYR1



Document Created: 2016-05-03 00:30:20
Document Modified: 2016-05-03 00:30:20
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 June 2, 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 26461 
RIN Number0575-AD00
CFR AssociatedHome Improvement; Loan Programs-Housing and Community Development; Mortgage Insurance; Mortgages and Rural Areas

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