81_FR_78278 81 FR 78063 - Loans in Areas Having Special Flood Hazards-Private Flood Insurance

81 FR 78063 - Loans in Areas Having Special Flood Hazards-Private Flood Insurance

DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM
FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION
FARM CREDIT ADMINISTRATION
NATIONAL CREDIT UNION ADMINISTRATION

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 215 (November 7, 2016)

Page Range78063-78080
FR Document2016-26411

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Board), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the Farm Credit Administration (FCA), and the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) are issuing a new proposal to amend their regulations regarding loans in areas having special flood hazards to implement the private flood insurance provisions of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 (Biggert-Waters Act). Specifically, the proposed rule would require regulated lending institutions to accept policies that meet the statutory definition of private flood insurance in the Biggert-Waters Act and permit regulated lending institutions to accept flood insurance provided by private insurers that does not meet the statutory definition of ``private flood insurance'' on a discretionary basis, subject to certain restrictions.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 215 (Monday, November 7, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 215 (Monday, November 7, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 78063-78080]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-26411]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency

12 CFR Part 22

[Docket ID OCC-2016-0005]
RIN 1557-AD67

FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM

12 CFR Part 208

[Docket No. R-1549]
RIN 7100-AE60

FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION

12 CFR Part 339

RIN 3064-AE50

FARM CREDIT ADMINISTRATION

12 CFR Part 614

RIN 3052-AD11

NATIONAL CREDIT UNION ADMINISTRATION

12 CFR Part 760

RIN 3133-AE64


Loans in Areas Having Special Flood Hazards--Private Flood 
Insurance

AGENCY: Office of the Comptroller of the Currency; Board of Governors 
of the Federal Reserve System; Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; 
Farm Credit Administration; National Credit Union Administration.

ACTION: Joint notice of proposed rulemaking.

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SUMMARY: The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), the Board 
of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Board), the Federal Deposit 
Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the Farm Credit Administration (FCA), and 
the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) are issuing a new 
proposal to amend their regulations regarding loans in areas having 
special flood hazards to implement the private flood insurance 
provisions of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 
(Biggert-Waters Act). Specifically, the proposed rule would require 
regulated lending institutions to accept policies that meet the 
statutory definition of private flood insurance in the Biggert-Waters 
Act and permit regulated lending institutions to accept flood insurance 
provided by private insurers that does not meet the statutory 
definition of ``private flood insurance'' on a discretionary basis, 
subject to certain restrictions.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before January 6, 2017.

ADDRESSES: OCC: Because paper mail in the Washington, DC area and at 
the OCC is subject to delay, commenters are encouraged to submit 
comments through the Federal eRulemaking Portal or email, if possible. 
Please use the title ``Loans in Areas Having Special Flood Hazards--
Private Flood Insurance'' to facilitate the organization and 
distribution of the comments. You may submit comments by any of the 
following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal--``Regulations.gov'': Go to 
www.regulations.gov. Enter ``Docket ID OCC-2016-0005'' in the Search 
Box and click ``Search.'' Click on ``Comment Now'' to submit public 
comments.
     Click on the ``Help'' tab on the Regulations.gov home page 
to get information on using Regulations.gov, including instructions for 
submitting public comments.
     Email: [email protected].
     Mail: Legislative and Regulatory Activities Division, 
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, 400 7th Street SW., Suite 
3E-218, Mail Stop 9W-11, Washington, DC 20219.
     Hand Delivery/Courier: 400 7th Street SW., Suite 3E-218, 
Mail Stop 9W-11, Washington, DC 20219.
     Fax: (571) 465-4326.
    Instructions: You must include ``OCC'' as the agency name and 
``Docket ID OCC-2016-0005'' in your comment. In general, the OCC will 
enter all comments received into the docket and publish them on the 
Regulations.gov Web site without change, including any business or 
personal information that you provide such as name and address 
information, email addresses, or phone numbers. Comments received, 
including attachments and other supporting materials, are part of the 
public record and subject to public disclosure. Do not include any 
information in your comment or supporting materials that you consider 
confidential or inappropriate for public disclosure.
    You may review comments and other related materials that pertain to 
this rulemaking action by any of the following methods:
     Viewing Comments Electronically: Go to 
www.regulations.gov. Enter ``Docket ID OCC-2016-0005'' in the Search 
box and click ``Search.'' Click on ``Open Docket Folder'' on the right 
side of the screen and then ``Comments.'' Comments can be filtered by 
clicking on ``View All'' and then using the filtering tools on the left 
side of the screen.
     Click on the ``Help'' tab on the Regulations.gov home page 
to get information on using Regulations.gov. Supporting materials may 
be viewed by clicking on ``Open Docket Folder'' and then clicking on 
``Supporting Documents.'' The docket may be viewed after the close of 
the comment period in the same manner as during the comment period.
     Viewing Comments Personally: You may personally inspect 
and photocopy comments at the OCC, 400 7th Street SW., Washington, DC 
20219. For security reasons, the OCC requires that visitors make an 
appointment to inspect comments. You may do so by calling (202) 649-
6700 or, for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing, TTY, (202) 649-
5597. Upon arrival, visitors will be required to present valid 
government-issued photo identification and submit to security screening 
in order to inspect and photocopy comments.
    Board: You may submit comments, identified by Docket No. R-1549 or 
RIN 7100 AE 60, by any of the following methods:
     Agency Web site: http://www.federalreserve.gov. Follow the 
instructions for submitting comments at http://www.federalreserve.gov/generalinfo/foia/ProposedRegs.cfm.
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Email: [email protected]. Include the 
docket number in the subject line of the message.
     Fax: (202) 452-3819 or (202) 452-3102.
     Mail: Address to Robert deV. Frierson, Secretary, Board of 
Governors of the Federal Reserve System, 20th Street and Constitution 
Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20551.

[[Page 78064]]

    All public comments will be made available on the Board's Web site 
at http://www.federalreserve.gov/generalinfo/foia/ProposedRegs.cfm as 
submitted, unless modified for technical reasons. Accordingly, comments 
will not be edited to remove any identifying or contact information. 
Public comments may also be viewed electronically or in paper in Room 
MP-500 of the Board's Martin Building (20th and C Streets NW.) between 
9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on weekdays.
    FDIC: You may submit comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Agency Web site: http://www.fdic.gov/regulations/laws/federal/propose.html.
     Mail: Robert E. Feldman, Executive Secretary, Attention: 
Comments/Legal ESS, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, 550 17th 
Street NW., Washington, DC 20429.
     Hand Delivered/Courier: The guard station at the rear of 
the 550 17th Street Building (located on F Street), on business days 
between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
     Email: [email protected].
    Comments submitted must include ``FDIC'' and ``Loans in Areas 
Having Special Flood Hazards--Private Flood Insurance.'' Comments 
received will be posted without change to http://www.fdic.gov/regulations/laws/federal/propose.html, including any personal 
information provided.
    FCA: We offer a variety of methods for you to submit your comments. 
For accuracy and efficiency reasons, commenters are encouraged to 
submit comments by email or through the FCA's Web site. As facsimiles 
(fax) are difficult for us to process and achieve compliance with 
section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, we are no longer accepting 
comments submitted by fax. Regardless of the method you use, please do 
not submit your comments multiple times via different methods. You may 
submit comments by any of the following methods:
     Email: Send us an email at [email protected].
     Agency Web site: http://www.fca.gov. Select ``Law & 
Regulations,'' then ``FCA Regulations,'' then ``Public Comments,'' and 
follow the directions for ``Submitting a Comment.''
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Mail: Barry F. Mardock, Deputy Director, Office of 
Regulatory Policy, Farm Credit Administration, 1501 Farm Credit Drive, 
McLean, VA 22102-5090.
    You may review copies of all comments we receive at our office in 
McLean, Virginia or on our Web site at http://www.fca.gov. Once you are 
in the Web site, select ``Law & Regulations,'' then ``FCA 
Regulations,'' then ``Public Comments,'' and follow the directions for 
``Reading Submitted Public Comments.'' We will show your comments as 
submitted, including any supporting data provided, but for technical 
reasons we may omit items such as logos and special characters. 
Identifying information that you provide, such as phone numbers and 
addresses, will be publicly available. However, we will attempt to 
remove email addresses to help reduce Internet spam.
    NCUA: You may submit comments, identified by RIN 3133-AE64 by any 
of the following methods (Please send comments by one method only):
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Agency Web site: http://www.ncua.gov. Follow the 
instructions for submitting comments.
     Email: Address to [email protected]. Include [Your 
name] Comments on ``Loans in Areas Having Special Flood Hazards--
Private Flood Insurance'' in the email subject line.
     Fax: (703) 518-6319. Use the subject line described above 
for email.
     Mail: Address to Gerard S. Poliquin, Secretary of the 
Board, National Credit Union Administration, 1775 Duke Street, 
Alexandria, VA 22314-3428.
     Hand Delivery/Courier: Same as mail address.
     All public comments are available on the agency's Web site 
at http://www.ncua.gov/Legal/Regs/Pages/PropRegs.aspx as submitted, 
except when not possible for technical reasons. Public comments will 
not be edited to remove any identifying or contact information. Paper 
copies of comments may be inspected in NCUA's law library at 1775 Duke 
Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, by appointment weekdays between 9:00 a.m. 
and 3:00 p.m. To make an appointment, call (703) 518-6546 or send an 
email to [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 
    OCC: Rhonda L. Daniels, Compliance Specialist, Compliance Policy 
Division, (202) 649-5405; Margaret C. Hesse, Senior Counsel, Community 
and Consumer Law Division, (202) 649-6350; or Heidi M. Thomas, Special 
Counsel, or Melissa Lisenbee, Attorney, Legislative and Regulatory 
Activities Division, (202) 649-5490, or, for persons who are deaf or 
hard of hearing, TTY, (202) 649-5597.
    Board: Lanette Meister, Senior Supervisory Consumer Financial 
Services Analyst (202) 452-2705; Vivian W. Wong, Senior Counsel (202) 
452-3667, Division of Consumer and Community Affairs; or Daniel 
Ericson, Counsel (202) 452-3359, Legal Division; for users of 
Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) only, contact (202) 263-
4869.
    FDIC: Navid Choudhury, Counsel, Consumer Compliance Unit, Legal 
Division, (202) 898-6526; or John Jackwood, Senior Policy Analyst, 
Division of Depositor and Consumer Protection, (202) 898-3991.
    FCA: Paul K. Gibbs, Associate Director, Office of Regulatory Policy 
(703) 883-4203, TTY (703) 883-4056; or Mary Alice Donner, Senior 
Counsel, Office of General Counsel (703) 883-4020, TTY (703) 883-4056.
    NCUA: Sarah Chung, Staff Attorney, Office of General Counsel, (703) 
518-6540, or Judy Graham, Program Officer, Office of Examination and 
Insurance, (703) 518-6392.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

A. Flood Insurance Statutes

    The National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (1968 Act) \1\ and the 
Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (FDPA),\2\ as amended, 
(collectively referenced herein as the Federal flood insurance 
statutes) govern the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).\3\ These 
laws make Federally subsidized flood insurance available to owners of 
improved real estate or mobile homes located in participating 
communities and require the purchase of flood insurance in connection 
with a loan made by a regulated lending institution \4\ when the loan 
is secured by improved real estate or a mobile home located in special 
flood hazard areas (SFHA) in which flood insurance is available under 
the NFIP.\5\ The OCC,

[[Page 78065]]

Board, FDIC, FCA, and NCUA (collectively, the Agencies) each have 
issued regulations implementing these statutory requirements for the 
lending institutions they supervise.\6\ The Biggert-Waters Act \7\ 
amended the NFIP requirements that the Agencies have authority to 
implement and enforce. Among other things, the Biggert-Waters Act: (1) 
Required the Agencies to issue a rule regarding the escrow of premiums 
and fees for flood insurance; \8\ (2) clarified the requirement to 
force place insurance; \9\ and (3) required the Agencies to issue a 
rule to direct regulated lending institutions to accept ``private flood 
insurance,'' as defined by the Biggert-Waters Act, and to notify 
borrowers of the availability of private flood insurance.\10\
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    \1\ Public Law 90-448, 82 Stat. 572 (1968).
    \2\ Public Law 93-234, 87 Stat. 975 (1973).
    \3\ These statutes are codified at 42 U.S.C. 4001-4129. The 
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) administers the NFIP; its 
regulations implementing the NFIP appear at 44 CFR parts 59-77.
    \4\ The FDPA defines ``regulated lending institution'' to mean 
any bank, savings and loan association, credit union, farm credit 
bank, Federal land bank association, production credit association, 
or similar institution subject to the supervision of a Federal 
entity for lending regulation. 42 U.S.C. 4003(a)(1).
    \5\ An SFHA is an area within a flood plain having a one percent 
or greater chance of flood occurrence in any given year. 44 CFR 
59.1. SFHAs are delineated on maps issued by the FEMA for individual 
communities. 44 CFR part 65. A community establishes its eligibility 
to participate in the NFIP by adopting and enforcing flood plain 
management measures that regulate new construction and by making 
substantial improvements within its SFHAs to eliminate or minimize 
future flood damage. 44 CFR part 60.
    \6\ See 12 CFR part 22 (OCC), part 208 (Board), part 339 (FDIC), 
part 614 (FCA), and part 760 (NCUA).
    \7\ Public Law 112-141, 126 Stat. 916 (2012).
    \8\ Section 100209 of the Biggert-Waters Act, amending section 
102(d) of the FDPA (42 U.S.C. 4012a(d)).
    \9\ Section 100244 of the Act, amending section 102(e) of the 
FDPA (42 U.S.C. 4012a(e)).
    \10\ Section 100239 of the Biggert-Waters Act, amending section 
102(b) of the FDPA (42 U.S.C. 4012a(b)) and section 1364(a)(3)(C) of 
the 1968 Act (42 U.S.C. 4104a(a)(3)(C)).
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B. Regulatory History

    In October 2013, the Agencies jointly issued proposed rules to 
implement the escrow, force placement, and private flood insurance 
provisions of the Biggert-Waters Act (the October 2013 Proposed 
Rule).\11\ In March 2014, the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability 
Act (HFIAA) \12\ was enacted, which, among other things, amended the 
Biggert-Waters Act requirements regarding the escrow of flood insurance 
premiums and fees and created a new exemption from the mandatory flood 
insurance purchase requirements for certain detached structures. 
Accordingly, the Agencies jointly issued a new proposed rule in October 
2014 to implement the new escrow and detached structure provisions.\13\ 
In July 2015, the Agencies jointly issued final rules to implement the 
escrow and detached structure provisions of HFIAA and the force-placed 
flood insurance provisions of the Biggert-Waters Act.\14\ Based on 
comments received in response to the October 2013 Proposed Rule, and 
the statutory effective date for the escrow provisions, the Agencies 
decided to finalize the escrow and force-placed insurance provisions 
and to revise and re-propose the private flood insurance provisions.
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    \11\ 78 FR 65108 (Oct. 30, 2013).
    \12\ Public Law 113-89, 128 Stat. 1020 (2014).
    \13\ 79 FR 64518 (Oct. 30, 2014).
    \14\ 80 FR 43216 (July 21, 2015).
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    The October 2013 Proposed Rule would have required a regulated 
lending institution to accept all coverage meeting the statutory 
definition of ``private flood insurance'' in the Biggert-Waters Act. 
The Agencies requested comment on various issues related to this 
requirement. In particular, the Agencies sought comment on the 
inclusion of a safe harbor that would allow lenders to rely on the 
expertise of State insurance regulators to determine whether a policy 
meets the definition of private flood insurance and must be accepted by 
a lender. Additionally, the Agencies asked whether the rule should 
include a provision expressly permitting regulated lending institutions 
to accept, at their discretion, flood insurance provided by private 
insurers that does not meet the Biggert-Waters Act's definition of 
private flood insurance (discretionary acceptance). The Agencies also 
solicited comment on what criteria the Agencies might require for such 
a policy.
    The Agencies received 81 written comments on the October 2013 
Proposed Rule, including 51 comments addressing some aspect of private 
flood insurance. These commenters addressed specific issues, such as: 
The regulatory definition of ``private flood insurance,'' the use of a 
regulatory safe harbor to facilitate compliance by regulated lending 
institutions, whether private flood insurance that does not conform to 
the statutory definition of the term should be accepted by regulated 
lending institutions, whether alternative criteria for such non-
conforming private flood insurance should be developed by the Agencies, 
and whether regulated lending institutions should be permitted to 
accept certain non-traditional, non-conforming flood insurance 
coverage, such as Amish Aid plans.
    This proposal addresses the private flood insurance provisions of 
the Biggert-Waters Act.\15\ The preamble discusses comments received in 
response to the October 2013 Proposed Rule, as appropriate, in the 
section-by section analysis, below.
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    \15\ In connection with the issuance of this proposal, the 
Agencies have coordinated and consulted with the Federal Financial 
Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC), as required by certain 
provisions of the flood insurance statutes. See 42 U.S.C. 
4012a(b)(1). Four of the five Agencies (OCC, Board, FDIC, and NCUA) 
are members of the FFIEC.
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II. Section-by-Section Analysis

A. Definitions

    Mutual aid society. As discussed below, the Agencies are proposing 
a provision that would permit regulated lending institutions to accept, 
at their discretion and under certain circumstances, a flood insurance 
policy issued by a private insurer that does not meet the definition of 
``private flood insurance'' in the Biggert-Waters Act. This provision 
includes specific standards for the acceptance of flood policies issued 
by mutual aid societies. In connection with this provision, the 
Agencies are proposing to add a definition of ``mutual aid society'' to 
their rules. Under the proposed definition, to qualify as a mutual aid 
society, an organization would need to meet three criteria: (1) The 
members must share a common religious, charitable, educational, or 
fraternal bond; (2) the organization must cover losses caused by damage 
to members' property including damage caused by flooding, pursuant to 
an agreement, in accordance with this common bond; and (3) the 
organization must have a demonstrated history of fulfilling the terms 
of agreements to cover losses to members' property caused by flooding. 
This proposed definition would ensure that only established 
organizations that consist of members with similar delineated goals or 
purposes, that have agreed to cover damage caused by flooding, and that 
have adequately covered flood losses in the past could be considered a 
``mutual aid society.''
    The Agencies request specific comment on whether the terms of this 
proposed definition adequately cover the types of organizations that 
should be considered ``mutual aid societies'' for purposes of the 
discretionary acceptance provision in this proposed rule. Specifically, 
the Agencies request comment on whether the proposed criteria are too 
broad or too narrow, and, if so, whether the final rule should include 
alternative, or additional, criteria.
    Private flood insurance. The proposed rule would amend the 
Definitions section to include the definition of ``private flood 
insurance'' specified in section 100239 of the Biggert-Waters Act, 
which added a new section 102(b)(7) to the FDPA. The proposed rule 
would define ``private flood insurance'' consistent with the statutory 
definition, with some clarifying edits, to mean an insurance policy 
that:
    1. Is issued by an insurance company that is licensed, admitted, or 
otherwise approved to engage in the business of insurance by the 
insurance regulator of

[[Page 78066]]

the State or jurisdiction in which the property to be insured is 
located; or, in the case of a policy of difference in conditions, 
multiple peril, all risk, or other blanket coverage insuring 
nonresidential commercial property, is recognized, or not disapproved, 
as a surplus lines insurer by the State insurance regulator of the 
State or jurisdiction where the property to be insured is located;
    2. Provides flood insurance coverage that is at least as broad as 
the coverage provided under a standard flood insurance policy (SFIP), 
including when considering deductibles, exclusions, and conditions 
offered by the insurer; \16\
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    \16\ When determining whether coverage is at least as broad as 
coverage provided under an SFIP, regulated lenders should compare 
like policies (e.g., a policy covering a 1-4 family residence or a 
single family dwelling unit in a condominium to an SFIP dwelling 
policy, a policy covering all other buildings except residential 
condominium buildings to an SFIP general property policy, or a 
policy covering a residential condominium building to an SFIP 
Residential Condominium Building Association Policy).
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    3. Includes a requirement for the insurer to give written notice 45 
days before cancellation or non-renewal of flood insurance coverage to 
the insured and the regulated lending institution, or a servicer acting 
on the institution's behalf;
    4. Includes information about the availability of flood insurance 
coverage under the NFIP;
    5. Includes a mortgage interest clause similar to the clause 
contained in an SFIP;
    6. Includes a provision requiring an insured to file suit not later 
than one year after the date of a written denial for all or part of a 
claim under a policy; and
    7. Contains cancellation provisions that are as restrictive as the 
provisions contained in an SFIP.
    The proposed rule would define ``SFIP'' to mean a standard flood 
insurance policy issued under the NFIP in effect as of the date the 
private policy is provided to a regulated lending institution. The 
Agencies request comment on whether this is the correct time-frame for 
determining what version of the SFIP the regulated lending institution 
should use to evaluate the private policy. As discussed in more detail 
below, the proposed rule also contains criteria that regulated lending 
institutions would apply to determine whether a policy's coverage is 
``at least as broad as'' SFIP coverage.
    The Agencies received a number of general comments in response to 
this definition of ``private flood insurance'' in the October 2013 
Proposed Rule. One commenter argued that imposing a requirement on 
regulated lending institutions to evaluate a private flood insurance 
policy for compliance with the statutory definition would put such 
institutions in an untenable position: A failure to accept a compliant 
private policy would be considered a violation, while accepting a 
private policy that is later judged by an examiner to be non-compliant 
would also result in a violation with potential civil monetary 
penalties. Another commenter stated that private flood insurance is 
market-based, and that it is not realistic to require such coverage to 
duplicate NFIP terms.
    The Agencies also received comments on the specific requirements in 
the definition. One commenter stated that the definition of ``flood'' 
included in some private flood insurance policies can differ from that 
of the NFIP, which has led to private policies being rejected by 
lenders and regulators. Some commenters asserted that the higher 
deductibles offered under many private flood insurance policies 
directly conflict with NFIP maximum deductibles. One of these 
commenters further noted that there are many instances when a higher 
deductible is reasonable on a policy purchased by a commercial business 
that has the financial capability to handle such a deductible. Another 
commenter noted that private flood insurance policies typically include 
a provision that details the maximum coverage amount, or aggregate 
limit, payable during the policy term. The statutory definition does 
not permit such maximum limits, which the commenter characterized as a 
major change that may not be acceptable to private insurers. One 
commenter also stated that the statute of limitations provision in the 
definition should be amended to allow for filing suit within two years 
after date of loss for commercial properties, not one year as in the 
definition.
    The Agencies also received comments regarding the cancellation 
provision in the definition. One commenter asserted that the 
cancellation provision in the proposed definition is problematic 
because nothing in an SFIP provides a basis to cancel a policy. Another 
commenter recommended that the definition be amended to recognize the 
notice of cancellation standards for commercial properties (typically 
10 or 30 days). A commenter also stated that notice of cancellation 
provisions should be allowed that are no more restrictive than 
provisions in commercial property forms. Another commenter noted that 
the requirement to provide 45 days written notice of cancellation or 
non-renewal of flood insurance coverage is problematic because very few 
private flood policies require this type of notice. This commenter 
specifically noted that lenders would be unable to accept private flood 
policies under this definition going forward, including those policies 
lenders have historically considered acceptable.
    The Agencies note that the definition of ``private flood 
insurance'' included in the October 2013 Proposed Rule and in this 
current proposal is mandated by the Biggert-Waters Act. Therefore, the 
Agencies may not make substantive changes to this definition in our 
regulations. However, the issues raised in connection with this 
definition by commenters influenced the Agencies' development and 
inclusion of a proposed provision that would permit institutions at 
their discretion to accept a private flood policy that does not meet 
the definition of ``private flood insurance'' in the Biggert-Waters 
Act, as discussed below.
    ``At least as broad as.'' Many commenters on the October 2013 
Proposed Rule also asserted that it would be difficult for institutions 
to determine whether private flood insurance coverage is ``at least as 
broad as'' the coverage provided under the SFIP, as required by 
statute. In response to these comments, the Agencies have proposed to 
clarify the meaning of this phrase. Specifically, the proposed 
definition of ``private flood insurance'' would provide that a policy 
is ``at least as broad as'' the coverage provided under an SFIP if the 
policy, at a minimum: (1) Defines the term ``flood'' to include the 
events defined as a ``flood'' in an SFIP; (2) covers both the 
mortgagor(s) and the mortgagee(s) as loss payees; (3) contains the 
coverage provisions specified in an SFIP, including those relating to 
building property coverage; personal property coverage, if purchased by 
the insured mortgagor(s); other coverages; and the increased cost of 
compliance; (4) for any total policy coverage amount up to the maximum 
available under the NFIP at the time the policy is provided to the 
lender, contains deductibles no higher than the specified NFIP maximum 
for the same type of property, and includes similar non-applicability 
provisions as under an SFIP; (5) provides coverage for direct physical 
loss caused by a flood and may exclude other causes of loss identified 
in an SFIP; any additional or different exclusions than those in an 
SFIP may only pertain to coverage that is in addition to the amount and 
type of coverage that could be provided by an SFIP; and (6) does not 
contain conditions that narrow the coverage that would be provided in 
an SFIP.

[[Page 78067]]

    The Agencies believe these criteria would ensure that a private 
flood insurance policy provides coverage that would protect the 
collateral securing the mortgage loan, thereby protecting both the 
property owner and the regulated lending institution making the loan, 
to the same extent as a policy issued under the NFIP. The Agencies 
specifically request comment on whether these criteria facilitate a 
regulated lending institution's determination of whether flood 
insurance coverage is ``at least as broad as'' the coverage provided 
under the SFIP.

B. Requirement To Purchase Flood Insurance

    This section currently sets forth the general requirement that a 
regulated lending institution shall not make, increase, extend, or 
renew any designated loan unless the building or mobile home and any 
personal property securing the loan is covered by flood insurance for 
the term of the loan. The coverage amount must at least equal the 
lesser of the outstanding principal balance of the designated loan or 
the maximum limit of coverage available for the particular type of 
property under the 1968 Act (mandatory purchase requirement). It 
further provides that flood insurance coverage under the FDPA is 
limited to the building or mobile home and any personal property that 
secures a loan and not the land itself. A ``designated loan'' means a 
loan secured by a building or mobile home that is located or to be 
located in an SFHA in which flood insurance is available under the 1968 
Act, as amended.
    As in the October 2013 Proposed Rule, the Agencies are proposing to 
amend this section to implement section 102(b)(1)(B) of the FDPA, as 
added by section 100239(a)(1) of the Biggert-Waters Act, which requires 
that all regulated lending institutions accept ``private flood 
insurance,'' as defined in the statute, if certain conditions are met. 
Specifically, the proposed rule includes a new provision that would 
require a regulated lending institution to accept a private flood 
insurance policy that meets both: (1) The statutory definition of 
``private flood insurance,'' and (2) the mandatory purchase 
requirement, described above.

C. Compliance Aid for Mandatory Acceptance

    The October 2013 Proposed Rule proposed to add to the flood 
insurance regulations a safe harbor that would have allowed lenders to 
rely on a State insurance regulator's written determination that a 
particular private insurance policy satisfies the rule's definition of 
``private flood insurance'' and, therefore, must be accepted by the 
lender in satisfaction of the mandatory purchase requirement. The 
Agencies included this safe harbor because of concern that many 
regulated lending institutions, especially small institutions, would 
have difficulty evaluating whether a flood insurance policy meets the 
definition of ``private flood insurance'' that must be accepted, given 
their lack of technical insurance expertise regarding flood insurance 
policies.
    Commenters on the October 2013 Proposed Rule expressed considerable 
support for the inclusion of a safe harbor, with many noting that few 
lenders have the capacity to determine whether policies meet the 
required standards. However, some commenters criticized the specific 
safe harbor included in the proposal and suggested alternatives.
    In particular, many commenters raised concerns about the 
feasibility of State insurance regulators determining if private flood 
insurance is compliant with the Biggert-Waters Act, a Federal statute. 
Commenters noted there currently is no mechanism or process for a State 
insurance regulator to make such a determination. They further noted 
that even if such a mechanism is developed, States might not implement 
it consistently and it could lead to fifty different State standards. 
Many commenters also indicated that a State insurance regulator does 
not directly supervise providers of surplus lines insurance and, 
therefore, the safe harbor would not be available for surplus lines 
insurers.
    State insurance regulators raised many of the concerns regarding 
the proposed safe harbor. One State insurance regulatory agency stated 
that the proposed safe harbor should provide only a rebuttable 
presumption that the lender must accept the private flood insurance 
policy. Accordingly, the lender would not have to accept the policy if 
the lender or the lender's Federal supervisory agency determines that 
the policy does not meet the Federal legal standards for ``private 
flood insurance.'' This commenter also noted that a State insurance 
regulator lacks the legal authority to certify that a private flood 
insurance policy complies with Federal law, but could inform the 
insurer if it sees something in the policy that would make it non-
compliant with Federal law. The National Association of State Insurance 
Commissioners (NAIC) raised a similar objection. It stated that its 
members had raised concerns about the proposed safe harbor because it 
may not be possible for some State insurance regulators to determine 
whether a private flood insurance policy satisfies the Federal 
statutory definition of the term because of the particular State laws 
under which they operate.
    Another commenter noted that, even if included in the regulation, a 
lender would not always benefit from the safe harbor because a State 
may not have made a determination regarding a particular policy. In 
this case, a lender would have to determine whether private flood 
insurance is compliant, particularly with respect to the ``as broad 
as'' requirement.
    Among the numerous alternative safe harbors suggested, some 
commenters recommended that, instead of a State insurance regulator, 
the insurance company should certify that the private flood insurance 
policy being provided meets the statutory definition. One commenter 
stated that the insurance company should not only certify compliance 
with Federal law requirements, but also indemnify the lender if the 
policy should prove not to comply with Federal law and result in a loss 
to the lender. Another commenter recommended that an insurer's 
certification should provide that the private flood insurance policy's 
coverage is ``at least as broad as'' that provided under the NFIP. 
Commenters also suggested that the Agencies provide model certification 
language or a certification checklist.
    The Agencies believe that it would be appropriate for the rule to 
include a compliance aid provision to assist consumers and regulated 
lending institutions in determining whether and how a flood insurance 
policy meets the definition of ``private flood insurance'' and is 
therefore a policy that the institution is required to accept as long 
as it otherwise meets the mandatory purchase requirement. Therefore, 
after careful consideration, and based on the comments received on the 
proposed ``safe harbor'' under the October 2013 Proposed Rule, the 
Agencies have included in this proposed rule a compliance aid 
provision, which provides that a policy is deemed to meet the 
definition of ``private flood insurance'' if the following three 
criteria are met: (1) The policy includes, or is accompanied by, a 
written summary that demonstrates how the policy meets the definition 
of private flood insurance by identifying the provisions of the policy 
that meet each criterion in the definition, and confirms that the 
insurer is regulated in accordance with that definition; (2) the 
regulated lending institution verifies in writing that the

[[Page 78068]]

policy includes the provisions identified by the insurer in its summary 
and that these provisions satisfy the criteria included in the 
definition; and (3) the policy includes the following provision within 
the policy or as an endorsement to the policy: ``This policy meets the 
definition of private flood insurance contained in 42 U.S.C. 
4012a(b)(7) and the corresponding regulation'' (assurance clause).
    The Agencies believe that the first criterion of this proposed 
compliance aid provision, an insurance company's written summary 
demonstrating how the policy meets the definition of private flood 
insurance, would assist a regulated lending institution in reviewing 
flood insurance policies, which are often lengthy and complicated. By 
identifying provisions of the policy that meet each criterion in this 
definition, this summary would enable the institution to conduct 
expeditiously the verification process described in the second 
criterion. To satisfy the second criterion, a regulated lending 
institution would be required to perform its own due diligence before 
accepting the policy instead of solely relying on the insurance 
company's claim that the policy meets the statutory and regulatory 
definition of ``private flood insurance.'' The third prong, the 
insurance company's statement that the policy complies with the 
definition of ``private flood insurance,'' could provide the 
policyholder and the regulated lending institution with recourse 
against the insurance company if the company fails to abide by the 
terms included in the definition of ``private flood insurance.''
    The Agencies recognize that this provision does not relieve a 
regulated lending institution of the requirement to accept a policy 
that meets the definition of ``private flood insurance'' and the 
mandatory purchase requirement, even if the policy is not accompanied 
by a written summary and does not include an assurance clause. However, 
the Agencies believe that this provision would facilitate the ability 
of regulated institutions, as well as consumers, to recognize policies 
that a lender must accept and may encourage insurance providers to 
issue policies that meet these criteria.\17\
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    \17\ We note that this provision is not a ``safe harbor'' as 
generally understood. Because the statute mandates that regulated 
institutions accept any private flood insurance policy that meets 
the statutory definition of ``private flood insurance'' (provided it 
meets the mandatory purchase requirement), the provision would not 
reduce or eliminate liability if a lender failed to accept a policy 
that met the requirements in the statutory definition of private 
flood insurance. Therefore, we have not used the term ``safe 
harbor'' in this proposal.
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    The Agencies request comment on all aspects of this proposed 
compliance aid provision. In particular, commenters should address 
whether the provision as proposed would assist regulated lending 
institutions in complying with the requirement to accept insurance 
policies that meet the definition of ``private flood insurance.'' 
Furthermore, commenters should address whether each of the three 
criteria in this proposed provision is necessary and feasible. 
Moreover, the Agencies request comment on whether this provision may 
provide an incentive to insurance providers to demonstrate that their 
policy meets the definition of ``private flood insurance'' and, 
therefore, must be accepted by regulated lending institutions.

D. Discretionary Acceptance

    In general. The Agencies are proposing to permit a regulated 
lending institution to exercise its discretion to accept certain types 
of flood insurance policies issued by a private insurer other than 
private flood insurance policies that an institution is required to 
accept. Although section 102(b)(1)(B) of the FDPA, as added by section 
100239(a)(1) of the Biggert-Waters Act, requires a regulated lending 
institution to accept ``private flood insurance'' as that term is 
defined by statute, the Agencies note that the statute is silent about 
whether a regulated lending institution may accept a flood insurance 
policy issued by a private insurer that does not meet the statutory 
definition. The Agencies believe that the Congressional intent of the 
statute was to stimulate the private flood insurance market and, 
therefore, the statute should be construed to permit discretionary 
acceptance of flood insurance policies issued by private insurers that 
do not meet the statutory definition requiring mandatory 
acceptance.\18\
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    \18\ The Biggert-Waters Act's reforms were designed to improve 
the NFIP's financial integrity and stability as well as to 
``increase the role of private markets in the management of flood 
insurance risk.'' H. Rep. No. 112-102, at 1 (2011); see also 158 
Cong. Rec. H4622 (daily ed. June 29, 2012) (statement of Rep. 
Biggert).
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    Additionally, in the October 2013 Proposed Rule, the Agencies 
specifically requested comment on whether the Agencies should include a 
provision allowing lenders to exercise discretion in accepting a flood 
insurance policy issued by a private insurer that does not meet the 
statutory definition, but otherwise would provide flood coverage 
consistent with the FDPA, and a majority of commenters were supportive. 
Among other reasons, commenters suggested that permitting discretionary 
acceptance would promote a diverse market for flood insurance policies 
issued by private insurers; reduce delays in lenders' analyses of 
policies; and limit the likelihood of lender confusion if NFIP 
requirements included in the definition of ``private flood insurance'' 
change. Moreover, as noted above, commenters stated that it would be 
difficult for many policies to meet the statutory definition of 
``private flood insurance'' in the Biggert-Waters Act.
    In addition to soliciting comment on whether the rule should 
specifically state that regulated lending institutions may accept flood 
insurance policies issued by private insurers that do not meet all of 
the statutory criteria for ``private flood insurance,'' the Agencies 
asked whether some criteria should be required for such policies. The 
Agencies received comments with various views on the imposition of such 
criteria. This proposed rule adds criteria intended to address some of 
the comments received.
    Consequently, in addition to requiring regulated lending 
institutions to accept private flood insurance policies that comply 
with the statutory definition of ``private flood insurance,'' the 
proposed rule would expressly permit a regulated lending institution to 
accept other types of flood insurance policies issued by private 
insurers, provided the following criteria are met.\19\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \19\ The Agencies have included this provision pursuant to their 
authority under the FDPA to issue regulations directing lending 
institutions not to make, increase, extend, or renew any loan 
secured by property located in an SFHA unless the property is 
covered by ``flood insurance.'' See 42 U.S.C. 4012a(b).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    First, under the proposed rule, the flood insurance policy issued 
by a private insurer would be required to be issued by an insurer that 
is licensed, admitted, or otherwise approved to engage in the business 
of insurance by the insurance regulator of the State in which the 
property to be insured is located. In the case of a policy of 
difference in conditions, multiple peril, all risk, or other blanket 
coverage insuring nonresidential commercial property, the flood 
insurance issued by a private insurer would be required to be issued by 
a surplus lines insurer recognized, or not disapproved, by the 
insurance regulator of the State where the property to be insured is 
located. This criterion is included in the definition of ``private 
flood insurance'' in the Biggert-Waters Act, and the Agencies believe 
it is appropriate to include it as a criterion for discretionary 
acceptance as well. Because State

[[Page 78069]]

insurance regulators, as the functional regulators of insurance 
companies, may be in the best position to evaluate the financial 
condition and ability of a private insurer to meet its obligations 
under a flood insurance policy, the Agencies believe this proposed 
criterion would safeguard both the consumer purchasing the policy and 
the regulated lending institution issuing a loan for which the insured 
property serves as collateral.
    Second, under the proposed rule, the flood insurance policy issued 
by a private insurer would be required to cover both the mortgagor(s) 
and the mortgagee(s) as loss payees. This proposed criterion would 
ensure that the flood policy protects both the property owner and the 
regulated lending institution issuing the mortgage loan.
    Third, the proposal would require that a flood insurance policy 
issued by a private insurer must provide for cancellation following 
reasonable notice to the borrower only for reasons permitted by FEMA 
for an SFIP on the Flood Insurance Cancellation Request/Nullification 
Form, in any case of non-payment, or when cancellation is mandated 
pursuant to State law. This proposed criterion would ensure that a 
policy is cancelled only for limited reasons and that the policyholder 
receives reasonable notification of cancellation.
    Finally, the proposal would require that a flood insurance policy 
issued by a private insurer must either be ``at least as broad'' as the 
coverage provided under an SFIP, as defined above, or provide coverage 
that is ``similar'' to coverage provided under an SFIP, including when 
considering deductibles, exclusions, and conditions offered by the 
insurer. In determining whether the coverage is similar to coverage 
provided under an SFIP, the proposal would require the regulated 
lending institution to: (1) Compare the private policy with an SFIP to 
determine the differences between the private policy and an SFIP; (2) 
reasonably determine that the private policy provides sufficient 
protection of the loan secured by the property located in an SFHA; and 
(3) document its findings. The Agencies believe these proposed criteria 
would provide safeguards so that a regulated lending institution does 
not accept policies that do not sufficiently protect the collateral 
securing the loan.
    The Agencies believe that the proposed discretionary acceptance 
provision provides regulated lending institutions with greater 
flexibility to accept flood insurance policies that do not contain all 
of the requirements included in the definition of ``private flood 
insurance.'' Specifically, under this provision, regulated lending 
institutions would be able to accept a flood insurance policy issued by 
a private insurer that: (1) Does not contain a mortgage interest clause 
similar to the clause contained in an SFIP, provided that the policy 
covers the mortgagor and the mortgagee; \20\ (2) does not contain 
information about the availability of flood insurance coverage under 
the NFIP; (3) provides for cancellation of the policy following 
``reasonable notice'' to the borrower instead of requiring 45 days 
prior written notice for cancellation or non-renewal; (4) permits 
cancellation of the policy for reasons of non-payment or when State law 
mandates cancellation, in addition to the reasons for cancellation 
permitted in an SFIP; and (5) does not contain a provision requiring an 
insured to file suit not later than one year after the date of a 
written denial of all or part of a claim under the policy. In addition, 
with respect to deductibles, exclusions, and conditions, coverage under 
a policy accepted pursuant to the proposed discretionary acceptance 
provision could be ``similar to'' an SFIP instead of ``at least as 
broad as'' an SFIP, provided the institution documents that it has 
compared the differences between the policy and an SFIP and that it has 
reasonably determined that the private policy provides sufficient 
protection of the loan secured by the property to be insured.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \20\ The SFIP mortgage interest clause ensures that any loss 
payable will be paid to any mortgagee named in the NFIP policy 
application and declarations page, as well as any other mortgagee or 
loss payee determined to exist at the time of the loss. We note that 
this differs from a clause covering both the mortgagor and the 
mortgagee, who are named in the policy.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Agencies solicit comment as to whether these proposed criteria 
are appropriate for regulated lending institutions accepting flood 
insurance policies issued by a private insurer that do not meet the 
statutory definition of ``private flood insurance.'' In particular, the 
Agencies seek comment on whether the proposed criteria are compatible 
with industry practice, or whether the proposed criteria would exclude 
currently accepted policies or significantly limit the growth of the 
market for flood insurance policies issued by private insurers.
    Separately, the Agencies request comment in three other areas 
related to the proposed discretionary acceptance criteria: (1) Whether 
the phrase ``sufficient protection of the loan'' is adequately clear, 
(2) whether the proposed criteria raise any safety and soundness risks 
for regulated lending institutions, and (3) whether the proposed 
criteria raise any consumer protection issues.
    Exception for mutual aid societies. The proposed rule also includes 
an exception for certain private flood coverage provided by mutual aid 
societies. This proposed exception is intended to be responsive to 
several commenters on the October 2013 Proposed Rule that supported 
adding provisions permitting regulated lending institutions to accept 
certain non-traditional coverage that does not satisfy the statutory 
definition for ``private flood insurance,'' such as Amish Aid plans, 
even though this coverage is not provided by a State-regulated 
insurance company. Under this proposed exception, flood protection 
offered by mutual aid societies that would not meet all of the above 
requirements for discretionary acceptance could continue to be offered, 
for example, to members of religious communities who do not purchase 
insurance from traditional insurance companies, provided certain 
conditions are met.
    Specifically, the proposed rule would permit a regulated lending 
institution to accept a private policy issued by a mutual aid society 
in satisfaction of the mandatory flood insurance purchase requirement 
if: (1) The institution's primary supervisory agency determines that 
such policy or types of policies meet the requirement for flood 
insurance for purposes of the Federal flood insurance statutes; (2) the 
policy meets the amount of coverage for losses and term requirements in 
the mandatory flood insurance purchase requirement; (3) the policy 
covers both the mortgagor(s) and the mortgagee(s) as loss payees; and 
(4) the regulated lending institution has determined that the policy 
provides sufficient protection of the loan secured by the property 
located in an SFHA.
    In determining whether a policy issued by a mutual aid society 
provides sufficient protection of the loan under the proposed rule, the 
regulated lending institution would be required to: (1) Verify that the 
policy is consistent with general safety and soundness principles, such 
as whether deductibles are reasonable based on the borrower's financial 
condition; (2) consider the policy provider's ability to satisfy 
claims, such as whether the policy provider has a demonstrated record 
of covering losses; and (3) document its conclusions.
    Under the proposed rule, each Agency would use its discretion 
individually to determine whether policies offered by

[[Page 78070]]

mutual aid societies qualify as flood insurance for purposes of the 
Federal flood insurance statutes. The OCC and FCA propose to conduct 
their own evaluations using the criteria that institutions are expected 
to consider under 12 CFR 22.3(c)(4) or 12 CFR 614.4930(c)(4), 
respectively. Based on their current practices regarding non-
traditional flood insurance plans, the Board, FDIC, and NCUA expect 
that cases in which they approve policies issued by mutual aid 
societies to be rare and limited.
    The OCC notes that it currently permits national banks and Federal 
savings associations to accept flood coverage issued by Amish mutual 
aid societies, such as Amish Aid plans. Amish Aid societies consist of 
members who share a common religious bond and, in accordance with this 
common bond, have a demonstrated history of fulfilling the terms of 
agreements (Amish Aid plans) to cover losses to members' property 
caused by flooding in accordance with this common bond, either by 
paying to cover the cost of damaged structures or by repairing or 
rebuilding the structures. Amish Aid plans thereby provide sufficient 
protection of the loan secured by the property and protect the lender 
as well as the borrower. The proposed rule, therefore, would maintain 
the status quo by continuing to allow national banks and Federal 
savings associations to accept flood coverage issued by mutual aid 
societies that have a demonstrated history of covering expenses caused 
by flood damage to members' property, and that is approved by the OCC, 
such as Amish Aid plans.
    The Agencies request comment on the proposed requirements for 
discretionary acceptance of polices issued by mutual aid societies, 
including the proposed criteria a regulated lending institution would 
be required to consider in determining whether the policy provides 
sufficient protection for the loan.
    Discretionary acceptance for nonresidential property. The mandatory 
flood insurance purchase requirement applies to loans secured by either 
residential or nonresidential properties. The Agencies understand that 
flood insurance policies issued by private insurers covering loans 
secured by nonresidential properties, such as commercial properties, 
may have coverage, deductibles, exclusions, and conditions that differ 
from NFIP policies based on the type, size, and number of 
nonresidential properties covered by the policy. In some instances, 
such policies are individually negotiated and tailored to the 
nonresidential property that secures a loan. The Agencies request 
comment on whether the proposed definition of ``private flood 
insurance'' or the proposed discretionary acceptance provision, both of 
which include specific requirements with respect to deductibles, 
exclusions, conditions, and cancellation, would prevent regulated 
lending institutions from accepting flood insurance policies issued by 
private insurers in the nonresidential lending context, even though 
coverage not including these requirements would be acceptable for 
policies covering another type of risk, such as fire or wind.
    Furthermore, the Agencies request comment on whether the final rule 
should include criteria for the discretionary acceptance of flood 
insurance policies issued by private insurers for nonresidential 
properties that are different from the criteria applicable to flood 
insurance policies issued by private insurers for residential 
properties. For example, the Agencies could require that the policy: 
(1) Meet the amount of coverage for losses and term requirements 
specified in the mandatory purchase requirement, (2) cover both the 
mortgagor(s) and the mortgagee(s) as loss payees, and (3) require the 
regulated institution to determine that the policy provides sufficient 
protection of the loan secured by the property, consistent with general 
safety and soundness principles, as is required for the acceptance of 
coverage provided by mutual aid societies. The Agencies request comment 
on whether a provision for flood insurance issued by private insurers 
covering nonresidential properties that includes these criteria is 
appropriate or whether different or additional criteria should be 
applied in the nonresidential context. For example, should the Agencies 
require the policy to be issued by an insurer that is licensed, 
admitted, or otherwise approved to engage in the business of insurance 
by the insurance regulator of the State where the property to be 
insured is located, or issued by a surplus lines insurer recognized, or 
not disapproved, by the insurance regulator of the State where the 
property to be insured is located?

III. Regulatory Analysis

A. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    OCC: In general, the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) requires that 
in connection with a notice of proposed rulemaking an agency prepare 
and make available for public comment an initial regulatory flexibility 
analysis that describes the impact of a proposed rule on small 
entities.\21\ Under section 605(b) of the RFA, this analysis is not 
required if an agency certifies that the rule would not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities 
and publishes its certification and a short explanatory statement in 
the Federal Register along with its rule.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \21\ See 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The OCC currently supervises approximately 1,032 small 
entities.\22\ We identified 974 OCC-supervised small entities that may 
be impacted by the proposed rule, which is a substantial number.\23\ 
The OCC classifies the economic impact of total costs on a bank as 
significant if the total costs in a single year are greater than 5 
percent of total salaries and benefits, or greater than 2.5 percent of 
total non-interest expense. The OCC estimates that the average cost per 
small bank is approximately $10,400 per year. Using this cost estimate, 
we believe the proposed rule will have a significant economic impact on 
four small banks, which is not a substantial number. Therefore, the OCC 
certifies that this regulation, if adopted, will not have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities supervised by 
the OCC. Accordingly, a regulatory flexibility analysis is not 
required.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \22\ We base our estimate of the number of small entities on the 
Small Business Administration's size thresholds for commercial banks 
and savings institutions, and trust companies, which are $550 
million and $38.5 million, respectively. Consistent with the General 
Principles of Affiliation 13 CFR 121.103(a), we count the assets of 
affiliated financial institutions when determining if we should 
classify an institution we supervise as a small entity. We used 
December 31, 2015, to determine size because a ``financial 
institution's assets are determined by averaging the assets reported 
on its four quarterly financial statements for the preceding year.'' 
See footnote 8 of the U.S. Small Business Administration's Table of 
Size Standards.
    \23\ To estimate the number of small banks that may be affected 
if the proposed rule is implemented, we determined the number of 
small banks that (a) self-identify by reporting mortgage servicing 
assets, reporting loans secured by real estate, or as originating 1-
4 family residential mortgage loans on a Call Report submitted for 
any quarter in calendar year 2015 or during the first quarter of 
2016 or (b) are identified by OCC examiners as originating 
residential mortgage loans or as Home Mortgage Disclosure Act 
filers.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Board: The RFA requires an agency to publish an initial regulatory 
flexibility analysis with a proposed rule or certify that the proposed 
rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial 
number of small entities. The Board is publishing an initial regulatory 
flexibility analysis and requests public comment on all aspects of its 
analysis. The Board will conduct a final regulatory flexibility 
analysis after considering the comments received during the public 
comment period.

[[Page 78071]]

    1. Statement of the need for, and objectives of, the proposed rule. 
The Board is proposing revisions to Regulation H to implement the 
private flood insurance provisions of the Biggert-Waters Act. 
Consistent with the Biggert-Waters Act, the proposal would require 
regulated lending institutions accept any private insurance policy that 
meets the Biggert-Waters Act's definition of ``private flood 
insurance'' in satisfaction of the mandatory flood insurance purchase 
requirement. The proposed rule would also include a compliance aid that 
would deem a policy to meet the Biggert-Waters Act definition of 
``private flood insurance'' if: (i) The policy includes, or is 
accompanied by, a written summary from the insurer that demonstrates 
how the policy meets the definition of private flood insurance; (ii) 
the lender verifies that the policy includes the provisions identified 
in the summary; and (iii) the policy includes language certifying that 
the policy meets the criteria. The Agencies are also proposing to 
permit lenders to accept, at their discretion, flood insurance policies 
issued by private insurers, and plans issued by mutual aid societies, 
that do not meet the definition of ``private flood insurance,'' 
provided they meet certain conditions.
    2. Small entities affected by the proposed rule. All State member 
banks that are subject to the Federal flood insurance statutes and the 
flood insurance provisions of Regulation H would be subject to the 
proposed rule. As of September 27, 2016, there were 821 State member 
banks. Under regulations issued by the Small Business Administration, 
banks and other depository institutions with total assets of $550 
million or less are considered small. Approximately 588 State member 
banks would be considered small entities by the Small Business 
Administration.\24\
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    \24\ The Board reviewed the number of State member banks that 
reported mortgage servicing assets, loans secured by real estate, or 
originating 1-4 family residential mortgage loans on a Call Report 
submitted for the four quarters ending on June 30, 2016, which 
included nearly all State member banks. Consequently, the Board is 
estimating that all small State member banks may be affected if the 
proposed rule is implemented.
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    The Board believes the proposal will not have a significant impact 
on small entities. First, the Board believes that most existing flood 
insurance policies issued by private insurers would not meet the 
definition of ``private flood insurance'' under the Biggert-Waters Act 
and that insurers would request that lenders accept the policies under 
the more flexible proposed discretionary acceptance provisions. The 
proposed provisions on discretionary acceptance, including plans issued 
by mutual aid societies, are at the discretion of the lender. As a 
result, regulated lending institutions may choose not to accept 
policies under those proposed provisions and would therefore have no 
compliance burden associated with those provisions.
    Second, with respect to flood insurance policies that a private 
insurer would seek to have a lender accept under the proposed mandatory 
acceptance provisions, the Board notes that for those regulated lending 
institutions, including those that are considered small entities, that 
accept flood insurance policies issued by private insurers today, such 
institutions already have experience evaluating such policies with the 
criteria in the Biggert-Waters Act definition of ``private flood 
insurance,'' which are almost identical to the criteria referenced in 
guidance issued by the Agencies and that currently govern the 
acceptance of private policies by regulated lending institutions. 
Third, as discussed in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION, the Board 
believes the proposed rule would alleviate the burden on regulated 
lending institutions, including those that are considered small 
entities, of evaluating whether a flood insurance policy issued by a 
private insurer meets the definition of ``private flood insurance'' 
under the mandatory acceptance provisions with the addition of a 
proposed compliance aid that leverages the expertise of the insurer 
issuing the policy.
    Although the proposed rule could impact a substantial number of 
small entities, the Board estimates that the costs to these entities 
will not be significant. The Board estimates that the cost for each 
covered small entity will be approximately $8,096 during the first year 
the proposal goes into effect. This estimate includes first year 
compliance costs \25\ and ongoing costs \26\ and assumes that the usage 
of private flood insurance policies by borrower, as defined by the 
proposed rule, is distributed consistently across small entities. The 
actual ongoing cost estimate may be lower than stated because the 
estimate assumes that all of the policies for properties in High Risk 
Areas will cover loans held by Board-supervised institutions when some 
of these loans may be held by institutions supervised by other 
Agencies.
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    \25\ Fixed compliance costs are estimated assuming each small 
entity requires one full-time employee working 20 hours at a rate of 
$101 an hour. The total cost of compliance for all 821 covered 
entities is approximately $1.658 million, or $2,020 for each small 
entity.
    \26\ Ongoing compliance costs are estimated based on available 
data. According to FEMA's Policy and Claim Statistics for Flood 
Insurance there are approximately 5,083,071 flood insurance policies 
nationally as of June 2016. Only 3,537,059 of these policies are 
located in ``High Risk Areas'' and would therefore require flood 
insurance. The Board estimated the future adoption rate of private 
flood insurance will be approximately 10 percent of the total of 
flood insurance policies in any given year. Further, small entities 
hold approximately 10 percent of all loans secured by real estate 
held in portfolio by all Board-supervised banks as of June 30, 2016. 
The Board therefore assumed that small entities will have to review 
a similar share of annual private flood insurance policies. Ongoing 
policy review costs are estimated to be approximately $6,076 per 
year for each small entity, assuming one labor hour per year, per 
policy, at $101 per hour.
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    3. Other Federal rules. The Board has not identified any likely 
duplication, overlap and/or potential conflict between the proposed 
rule and any Federal rule.
    4. Significant alternatives to the proposed revisions. The Board 
solicits comment on any significant alternatives that would reduce the 
regulatory burden associated with this proposed rule on small entities.
    FDIC: The RFA generally requires that, in connection with a notice 
of proposed rulemaking, an agency prepare and make available for public 
comment an initial regulatory flexibility analysis describing the 
impact of the proposed rule on small entities.\27\ A regulatory 
flexibility analysis is not required, however, if the agency certifies 
that the rule will not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities. The Small Business Administration 
has defined ``small entities'' to include banking organizations with 
total assets less than or equal to $550 million.\28\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \27\ 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.
    \28\ 13 CFR 121.201 (as amended, effective December 2, 2014).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FDIC supervises 3,204 small banking entities that have 
originated 1-4 family residential mortgage loans or have reported 
holding mortgage servicing assets or loans secured by real estate and 
may therefore be affected by the proposed rule.\29\ The FDIC estimates 
that the annual cost for each covered small entity will range between 
$2,020 and $4,500 per year, on average. This estimate includes 
compliance costs \30\ and ongoing costs \31\ and assumes that

[[Page 78072]]

the usage of private flood insurance policies by borrowers, as defined 
by the proposed rule, is distributed consistently across small 
entities. The actual ongoing cost estimates are likely to be lower than 
stated because the estimate assumes that all of the loans for 
properties in High Risk Areas are held by FDIC-supervised institutions; 
at least some of these loans are held by OCC- and Board-supervised 
institutions.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \29\ FDIC Call Reports (four quarters ending on March 31, 2016).
    \30\ Fixed compliance costs are estimated assuming each small 
entity requires one full-time employee working 20 hours at a rate of 
$101 an hour. The total cost of compliance for all 3,204 covered 
entities is approximately $6.5 million, or $2,020 for each small 
entity.
    \31\ Ongoing compliance costs are estimated based on available 
data. According to FEMA's Policy and Claim Statistics for Flood 
Insurance there are approximately 5,118,254 flood insurance policies 
nationally as of March 2016. Only 3,568,638 of these policies are 
located in ``High Risk Areas'' and would therefore require flood 
insurance. The FDIC estimated the future adoption rate of private 
flood insurance will be between 1 percent and 10 percent of the 
total of flood insurance policies in any given year. Further, small 
entities hold approximately 22 percent of all loans secured by real 
estate held in portfolio by all FDIC-supervised banks as of March 
31, 2016. The FDIC therefore assumed that small entities will have 
to review a similar share of annual private flood insurance 
policies. Ongoing policy review costs are estimated to be between 
$250 and $2,500 per year for each small entity, assuming one labor 
hour per year, per policy, at $101 per hour.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The proposed rule could impact a substantial number of small 
entities; however, the costs to those entities are not estimated to be 
significant. For this reason, the FDIC certifies that this proposed 
rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial 
number of small entities that it supervises.
    FCA: Pursuant to section 605(b) of the RFA, the FCA hereby 
certifies that the final rule will not have a significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of small entities. Each of the banks in 
the Farm Credit System, considered together with its affiliated 
associations, has assets and annual income in excess of the amounts 
that would qualify them as small entities. Therefore, Farm Credit 
System institutions are not ``small entities'' as defined in the RFA.
    NCUA: The RFA requires NCUA to prepare an analysis to describe any 
significant economic impact a regulation may have on a substantial 
number of small entities.\32\ Under section 605(b) of the RFA, this 
analysis is not required if an agency certifies that the rule would not 
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities and publishes its certification and a short explanatory 
statement in the Federal Register along with its rule.\33\ For purposes 
of this analysis, NCUA considers small credit unions to be those having 
under $100 million in assets.\34\ As of June 30, 2016, there are 4,345 
small, Federally insured credit unions, and only about 2,894 of these 
credit unions have real estate loans.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \32\ 5 U.S.C. 603(a).
    \33\ 5 U.S.C. 605(b).
    \34\ 80 FR 57512 (September 24, 2015).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    NCUA classifies the economic impact of total costs on a credit 
union as significant if the total costs in a single year are greater 
than 5 percent of total salaries and benefits, or greater than 2.5 
percent of total non-interest expense. NCUA estimates that the average 
cost per small credit union is approximately $2,020 per year. Using 
this cost estimate, NCUA believes the proposed rule will have a 
significant economic impact on 63 small credit unions, which is not a 
substantial number. Therefore, NCUA certifies that this proposed rule, 
if adopted, will not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities.

B. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995

    The OCC has analyzed the proposed rule under the factors in the 
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA).\35\ Under this analysis, 
the OCC considered whether the proposed rule includes a Federal mandate 
that may result in the expenditure by State, local, and tribal 
governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector, of $100 
million or more in any one year (adjusted annually for inflation). 
Under Title II of the UMRA, indirect costs, foregone revenues and 
opportunity costs are not included when determining if a mandate meets 
or exceeds UMRA's cost threshold. The UMRA does not apply to 
regulations that incorporate requirements specifically set forth in 
law.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \35\ Public Law 104-4, 109 Stat. 48 (1995), codified at 2 U.S.C. 
1501 et seq.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The OCC's estimated annual UMRA cost is approximately $36 million. 
Therefore, the OCC finds that the proposed rule does not trigger the 
UMRA cost threshold. Accordingly, the OCC has not prepared the written 
statement described in section 202 of the UMRA.

C. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995

    The OCC, Board, FDIC, and NCUA (the Agencies) \36\ have determined 
that this proposed rule involves a collection of information pursuant 
to the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (the PRA) (44 
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \36\ The FCA has determined that the proposed rule does not 
involve a collection of information pursuant to the PRA for System 
institutions because System institutions are Federally chartered 
instrumentalities of the United States and instrumentalities of the 
United States are specifically excepted from the definition of 
``collection of information'' contained in 44 U.S.C. 3502(3).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In accordance with the PRA (44 U.S.C. 3506; 5 CFR 1320 Appendix 
A.1), the Board reviewed the proposed rule under the authority 
delegated to the Board by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). 
The collection of information that is subject to the PRA by this 
proposed rule is found in 12 CFR 22.3, 208.25, 339.3, and 760.3.
    The Agencies may not conduct or sponsor, and an organization is not 
required to respond to, this information collection unless the 
information collection displays a currently valid OMB control number. 
The OMB control numbers are 1557-0326 (OCC), 7100-0280 (Board), and 
3133-0143 (NCUA). The FDIC will seek a new OMB control number.
    Under Sec. Sec.  22.3(c)(2), 208.25(c)(3)(ii), 339.3(c)(2), and 
760.3(c)(2), a policy is deemed to meet the definition of private flood 
insurance if, among other things, (i) it includes a written summary 
demonstrating how the policy meets the definition of private flood 
insurance, identifying the provisions of the policy that meet each 
criterion in the definition and confirms that the insurer is regulated 
in accordance with that definition and (ii) the institution verifies in 
writing that the policy includes the provisions identified by the 
insurer in the summary provided and that these provisions satisfy the 
criteria included in the definition.
    Under Sec. Sec.  22.3(c)(3)(iv)(B)(3), 
208.25(c)(3)(iii)(D)(2)(iii), 339.3(c)(3)(iv)(B)(3), and 
760.3(c)(3)(iv)(B)(3), institutions have the discretion to accept a 
flood insurance policy issued by a private insurer that is not issued 
under the NFIP, does not meet the definition of private flood 
insurance, and does not satisfy Sec. Sec.  22.3(c)(3)(iv)(A), 
208.25(c)(3)(iii)(D)(1), 339.3(c)(3)(iv)(A), and 760.3(c)(iv)(A) if, 
among other things, the institution has documented in writing that it 
has compared the private policy with an SFIP to determine the 
differences between the private policy and an SFIP and reasonably 
determines that the private policy provides sufficient protection of 
the loan.
    Under Sec. Sec.  22.3(c)(4)(iv), 208.5(c)(iv)(D), 339.3(c)(4)(iv), 
and 760.3(c)(4)(iv), institutions may accept a private policy issued by 
a mutual aid society if, among other things, it has determined that the 
policy provides sufficient protection of the loan secured by the 
property located in the SFHA and documented its conclusions.

[[Page 78073]]

Burden Estimates
    OCC:
    Number of Respondents: 1,341.
    Total Burden: 129,968 hours.
    Board:
    Number of Respondents: 846.
    Total Burden: 42,050 hours.
    FDIC:
    Number of Respondents:3,885.
    Total Burden: 136,100 hours.
    NCUA:
    Number of Respondents: 4,058.
    Total Burden: 95,211 hours.
    These collections are available to the public at www.reginfo.gov.
    Comments are invited on:
    (a) Whether the information collections are necessary for the 
proper performance of the Agencies' functions, including whether the 
information has practical utility;
    (b) The accuracy of the Agencies' estimates of the burden of the 
information collections, including the validity of the methodology and 
assumptions used;
    (c) Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected;
    (d) Ways to minimize the burden of information collections on 
respondents, including through the use of automated collection 
techniques or other forms of information technology; and
    (e) Estimates of capital or start-up costs and costs of operation, 
maintenance, and purchase of services to provide information.

D. Riegle Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994

    Section 302(a) of the Riegle Community Development and Regulatory 
Improvement Act of 1994 (RCDRIA) \37\ requires that each Federal 
banking agency,\38\ in determining the effective date and 
administrative compliance requirements for new regulations that impose 
additional reporting, disclosure, or other requirements on insured 
depository institutions, consider, consistent with principles of safety 
and soundness and the public interest, any administrative burdens that 
such regulations would place on depository institutions, including 
small depository institutions, and customers of depository 
institutions, as well as the benefits of such regulations. In addition, 
new regulations that impose additional reporting, disclosures, or other 
new requirements on insured depository institutions generally must take 
effect on the first day of a calendar quarter that begins on or after 
the date on which the regulations are published in final form.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \37\ 12 U.S.C. 4802(a).
    \38\ For purposes of RCDRIA, ``Federal banking agency'' means 
the OCC, FDIC, and Board. See 12 U.S.C. 4801.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Federal banking agencies note that comment on these matters has 
been solicited in other sections of this SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION 
section, and that the requirements of RCDRIA will be considered as part 
of the overall rulemaking process. In addition, the Federal banking 
agencies invite any other comments that further will inform the Federal 
banking agencies' consideration of RCDRIA.

List of Subjects

12 CFR Part 22

    Flood insurance, Mortgages, National banks, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Savings associations.

12 CFR Part 208

    Accounting, Agriculture, Banks, banking, Confidential business 
information, Crime, Currency, Federal Reserve System, Flood insurance, 
Mortgages, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Securities.

12 CFR Part 339

    Flood insurance, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Savings 
associations.

12 CFR Part 614

    Agriculture, Banks, banking, Flood insurance, Foreign trade, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Rural areas.

12 CFR Part 760

    Credit unions, Mortgages, Flood insurance, Reporting and 
Recordkeeping requirements.

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency

12 CFR CHAPTER I

Authority and Issuance

    For the reasons set forth in the joint preamble and under the 
authority of 12 U.S.C. 93a, the OCC proposes to amend chapter I of 
title 12 of the Code of Federal Regulations as follows:

PART 22--LOANS IN AREAS HAVING SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARDS

0
1. The authority citation for part 22 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  12 U.S.C. 93a, 1462a, 1463, 1464, and 5412(b)(2)(B); 
42 U.S.C. 4012a, 4104a, 4104b, 4106, and 4128.

0
2. Section 22.2 is amended by:
0
a. Redesignating paragraphs (h) and (i) as paragraphs (i) and (j), 
paragraphs (j) and (k) as (l) and (m), and (l) and (m) as (o) and (p); 
and
0
b. Adding new paragraphs (h), (k) and (n) to read as follows:


Sec.  22.2  Definitions.

* * * * *
    (h) Mutual aid society means an organization--
    (1) Whose members share a common religious, charitable, 
educational, or fraternal bond;
    (2) That covers losses caused by damage to members' property 
pursuant to an agreement, including damage caused by flooding, in 
accordance with this common bond; and
    (3) That has a demonstrated history of fulfilling the terms of 
agreements to cover losses to members' property caused by flooding.
* * * * *
    (k) Private flood insurance means an insurance policy that:
    (1) Is issued by an insurance company that is:
    (i) Licensed, admitted, or otherwise approved to engage in the 
business of insurance in the State or jurisdiction in which the 
property to be insured is located, by the insurance regulator of that 
State or jurisdiction; or
    (ii) Recognized, or not disapproved, as a surplus lines insurer by 
the insurance regulator of the State or jurisdiction in which the 
property to be insured is located in the case of a policy of difference 
in conditions, multiple peril, all risk, or other blanket coverage 
insuring nonresidential commercial property;
    (2) Provides flood insurance coverage that is at least as broad as 
the coverage provided under an SFIP, including when considering 
deductibles, exclusions, and conditions offered by the insurer. For 
purposes of this part, a policy is at least as broad as the coverage 
provided under an SFIP if, at a minimum, the policy:
    (i) Defines the term ``flood'' to include the events defined as a 
``flood'' in an SFIP;
    (ii) Covers both the mortgagor(s) and the mortgagee(s) as loss 
payees;
    (iii) Contains the coverage and provisions specified in an SFIP, 
including those relating to building property coverage; personal 
property coverage, if purchased by the insured mortgagor(s); other 
coverages; and the increased cost of compliance;
    (iv) Contains deductibles no higher than the specified maximum for 
the same type of property, and includes similar non-applicability 
provisions, as under an SFIP, for any total policy coverage amount up 
to the maximum

[[Page 78074]]

available under the NFIP at the time the policy is provided to the 
lender;
    (v) Provides coverage for direct physical loss caused by a flood 
and may exclude other causes of loss identified in an SFIP. Any 
additional or different exclusions than those in an SFIP may pertain 
only to coverage that is in addition to the amount and type of coverage 
that could be provided by an SFIP; and
    (vi) May not contain conditions that narrow the coverage provided 
in an SFIP;
    (3) Includes all of the following:
    (i) A requirement for the insurer to give written notice 45 days 
before cancellation or non-renewal of flood insurance coverage to:
    (A) The insured; and
    (B) The national bank or Federal savings association that made the 
designated loan secured by the property covered by the flood insurance, 
or the servicer acting on its behalf;
    (ii) Information about the availability of flood insurance coverage 
under the NFIP;
    (iii) A mortgage interest clause similar to the clause contained in 
an SFIP; and
    (iv) A provision requiring an insured to file suit not later than 
one year after the date of a written denial of all or part of a claim 
under the policy; and
    (4) Contains cancellation provisions that are as restrictive as the 
provisions contained in an SFIP.
* * * * *
    (n) SFIP means, for purposes of Sec. Sec.  22.2 and 22.3, a 
standard flood insurance policy issued under the NFIP in effect as of 
the date the private policy is provided to a national bank or Federal 
savings association.
* * * * *
0
3. Section 22.3 is amended by adding paragraph (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  22.3  Requirement to purchase flood insurance where available.

* * * * *
    (c) Private flood insurance. (1) Mandatory acceptance. A national 
bank or Federal savings association must accept private flood 
insurance, as defined in Sec.  22.2(k), in satisfaction of the flood 
insurance purchase requirement, provided that the private flood 
insurance meets the requirement for coverage under paragraph (a) of 
this section.
    (2) Compliance aid for mandatory acceptance. A flood insurance 
policy is deemed to meet the definition of private flood insurance in 
Sec.  22.2(k) for purposes of paragraph (a) of this section if:
    (i) The policy includes, or is accompanied by, a written summary 
that demonstrates how the policy meets the definition of private flood 
insurance in Sec.  22.2(k) by identifying the provisions of the policy 
that meet each criterion in the definition, and confirms that the 
insurer is regulated in accordance with that definition;
    (ii) The national bank or Federal savings association verifies in 
writing that the policy includes the provisions identified by the 
insurer in the summary provided pursuant to paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this 
section and that these provisions satisfy the criteria included in the 
definition; and
    (iii) The policy includes the following provision within the policy 
or as an endorsement to the policy: ``This policy meets the definition 
of private flood insurance contained in 42 U.S.C. 4012a(b)(7) and the 
corresponding regulation.''
    (3) Discretionary acceptance. A national bank or Federal savings 
association may accept a flood insurance policy issued by a private 
insurer that is not issued under the NFIP and does not meet the 
definition of private flood insurance, as defined in Sec.  22.2(k), in 
satisfaction of the flood insurance purchase requirement under 
paragraph (a) of this section, only if the coverage under such flood 
insurance policy meets the amount and term requirements specified in 
paragraph (a) of this section, and the policy:
    (i) Is issued by an insurer that is licensed, admitted, or 
otherwise approved to engage in the business of insurance in the State 
or jurisdiction in which the property to be insured is located by the 
insurance regulator of that State; or in the case of a policy of 
difference in conditions, multiple peril, all risk, or other blanket 
coverage insuring nonresidential commercial property, is issued by a 
surplus lines insurer recognized, or not disapproved, by the insurance 
regulator of the State where the property to be insured is located;
    (ii) Covers both the mortgagor(s) and the mortgagee(s) as loss 
payees;
    (iii) Provides for cancellation following reasonable notice to the 
borrower only for reasons permitted by FEMA for an SFIP on the Flood 
Insurance Cancellation Request/Nullification Form, in any case of non-
payment, or when cancellation is mandated pursuant to State law; and
    (iv) Either:
    (A) Meets the criteria set forth in paragraphs (k)(2)(i) and (iii) 
through (vi) of this section; or
    (B) Provides coverage that is similar to coverage provided under an 
SFIP, including when considering deductibles, exclusions, and 
conditions offered by the insurer, and the national bank or Federal 
savings association has:
    (1) Compared the private policy with an SFIP to determine the 
differences between the private policy and an SFIP;
    (2) Reasonably determined that the private policy provides 
sufficient protection of the loan secured by the property located in a 
special flood hazard area; and
    (3) Documented its findings under paragraphs (c)(3)(iv)(B)(1) and 
(2) of this section.
    (4) Exception for mutual aid societies. Notwithstanding the 
requirements of paragraph (c)(3) of this section, a national bank or 
Federal savings association may accept a private policy issued by a 
mutual aid society in satisfaction of the flood insurance purchase 
requirement under paragraph (a) of this section if:
    (i) The OCC has determined that such types of policies qualify as 
flood insurance for purposes of this Act;
    (ii) The policy meets the amount of coverage for losses and term 
requirements specified in paragraph (a) of this section;
    (iii) The policy covers both the mortgagor(s) and the mortgagee(s) 
as loss payees; and
    (iv) The national bank or Federal savings association has 
determined that the policy provides sufficient protection of the loan 
secured by the property located in a special flood hazard area. In 
making this determination, the national bank or Federal savings 
association must:
    (A) Verify that the policy is consistent with general safety and 
soundness principles, such as whether deductibles are reasonable based 
on the borrower's financial condition;
    (B) Consider the policy provider's ability to satisfy claims, such 
as whether the policy provider has a demonstrated record of covering 
losses; and
    (C) Document its conclusions.

Federal Reserve System

12 CFR CHAPTER II

Authority and Issuance

    For the reasons set forth in the joint preamble, the Board proposes 
to amend part 208 of chapter II of title 12 of the Code of Federal 
Regulations as set forth below:

PART 208--MEMBERSHIP OF STATE BANKING INSTITUTIONS IN THE FEDERAL 
RESERVE SYSTEM (REGULATION H)

0
4. The authority citation for part 208 is revised to read as follows:

    Authority: 12 U.S.C. 24, 36, 92a, 93a, 248(a), 248(c), 321-338a, 
371d, 461, 481-486,

[[Page 78075]]

601, 611, 1814, 1816, 1818, 1820(d)(9), 1823(j), 1828(o), 1831, 
1831o, 1831p-1, 1831r-1, 1831w, 1831x, 1835a, 1882, 2901-2907, 3105, 
3310, 3331-3351, 3353, and 3905-3909; 15 U.S.C. 78b, 78l(b), 78l(i), 
780-4(c)(5), 78q, 78q-1, 78w, 1681s, 1681w, 6801 and 6805; 31 U.S.C. 
5318; 42 U.S.C. 4012a, 4104b, 4106, and 4128.

0
5. Amend Sec.  208.25 by revising paragraphs (b)(7) through (b)(11) and 
adding paragraphs (b)(12) through (b)(14) and (c)(3) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  208.25  Loans in areas having special flood hazards.

* * * * *
    (b) Definitions. For purposes of this section:
* * * * *
    (7) Mutual aid society means an organization--
    (i) Whose members share a common religious, charitable, 
educational, or fraternal bond;
    (ii) That covers losses caused by damage to members' property 
pursuant to an agreement, including damage caused by flooding, in 
accordance with this common bond; and
    (iii) That has a demonstrated history of fulfilling the terms of 
agreements to cover losses to members' property caused by flooding.
    (8) NFIP means the National Flood Insurance Program authorized 
under the Act.
    (9) Private flood insurance means an insurance policy that:
    (i) Is issued by an insurance company that is:
    (A) Licensed, admitted, or otherwise approved to engage in the 
business of insurance in the State or jurisdiction in which the 
property to be insured is located, by the insurance regulator of that 
State or jurisdiction; or
    (B) Recognized, or not disapproved, as a surplus lines insurer by 
the insurance regulator of the State or jurisdiction in which the 
property to be insured is located in the case of a policy of difference 
in conditions, multiple peril, all risk, or other blanket coverage 
insuring nonresidential commercial property;
    (ii) Provides flood insurance coverage that is at least as broad as 
the coverage provided under an SFIP, including when considering 
deductibles, exclusions, and conditions offered by the insurer. For 
purposes of this part, a policy is at least as broad as the coverage 
provided under an SFIP if, at a minimum, the policy:
    (A) Defines the term ``flood'' to include the events defined as a 
``flood'' in an SFIP;
    (B) Covers both the mortgagor(s) and the mortgagee(s) as loss 
payees;
    (C) Contains the coverage and provisions specified in an SFIP, 
including those relating to building property coverage; personal 
property coverage, if purchased by the insured mortgagor(s); other 
coverages; and the increased cost of compliance;
    (D) Contains deductibles no higher than the specified maximum for 
the same type of property, and includes similar non-applicability 
provisions, as under an SFIP, for any total policy coverage amount up 
to the maximum available under the NFIP at the time the policy is 
provided to the lender;
    (E) Provides coverage for direct physical loss caused by a flood 
and may exclude other causes of loss identified in an SFIP. Any 
additional or different exclusions than those in an SFIP may pertain 
only to coverage that is in addition to the amount and type of coverage 
that could be provided by an SFIP; and
    (F) May not contain conditions that narrow the coverage provided in 
an SFIP;
    (iii) Includes all of the following:
    (A) A requirement for the insurer to give written notice 45 days 
before cancellation or non-renewal of flood insurance coverage to:
    (1) The insured; and
    (2) The member bank that made the designated loan secured by the 
property covered by the flood insurance, or the servicer acting on its 
behalf;
    (B) Information about the availability of flood insurance coverage 
under the NFIP;
    (C) A mortgage interest clause similar to the clause contained in 
an SFIP; and
    (D) A provision requiring an insured to file suit not later than 
one year after the date of a written denial of all or part of a claim 
under the policy; and
    (iv) Contains cancellation provisions that are as restrictive as 
the provisions contained in an SFIP.
    (10) Residential improved real estate means real estate upon which 
a home or other residential building is located or to be located.
    (11) Servicer means the person responsible for:
    (i) Receiving any scheduled, periodic payments from a borrower 
under the terms of a loan, including amounts for taxes, insurance 
premiums, and other charges with respect to the property securing the 
loan; and
    (ii) Making payments of principal and interest and any other 
payments from the amounts received from the borrower as may be required 
under the terms of the loan.
    (12) SFIP means, for purposes of paragraphs (b) and (c) of this 
section, a standard flood insurance policy issued under the NFIP in 
effect as of the date the private policy is provided to a member bank.
    (13) Special flood hazard area means the land in the flood plain 
within a community having at least a one percent chance of flooding in 
any given year, as designated by the Administrator of FEMA.
    (14) Table funding means a settlement at which a loan is funded by 
a contemporaneous advance of loan funds and an assignment of the loan 
to the person advancing the funds.
    (c) Requirement to purchase flood insurance where available.
* * * * *
    (3) Private flood insurance. (i) Mandatory acceptance. A member 
bank must accept private flood insurance, as defined in paragraph 
(b)(9) of this section, in satisfaction of the flood insurance purchase 
requirement, provided that the private flood insurance meets the 
requirement for coverage under paragraph (c)(1) of this section.
    (ii) Compliance aid for mandatory acceptance. A flood insurance 
policy is deemed to meet the definition of private flood insurance in 
paragraph (b)(9) of this section for purposes of paragraph (c)(1) of 
this section if:
    (A) The policy includes, or is accompanied by, a written summary 
that demonstrates how the policy meets the definition of private flood 
insurance in paragraph (b)(9) of this section by identifying the 
provisions of the policy that meet each criterion in the definition, 
and confirms that the insurer is regulated in accordance with that 
definition;
    (B) The member bank verifies in writing that the policy includes 
the provisions identified by the insurer in the summary provided 
pursuant to paragraph (c)(3)(ii)(A) of this section and that these 
provisions satisfy the criteria included in the definition; and
    (C) The policy includes the following provision within the policy 
or as an endorsement to the policy: ``This policy meets the definition 
of private flood insurance contained in 42 U.S.C. 4012a(b)(7) and the 
corresponding regulation.''
    (iii) Discretionary acceptance. A member bank may accept a flood 
insurance policy issued by a private insurer that is not issued under 
the NFIP and does not meet the definition of private flood insurance, 
as defined in paragraph (b)(9) of this section, in satisfaction of the 
flood insurance purchase requirement under paragraph (c)(1) of this 
section, only if the coverage under such flood insurance policy

[[Page 78076]]

meets the amount and term requirements specified in paragraph (c)(1) of 
this section, and the policy:
    (A) Is issued by an insurer that is licensed, admitted, or 
otherwise approved to engage in the business of insurance in the State 
or jurisdiction in which the property to be insured is located by the 
insurance regulator of that State; or in the case of a policy of 
difference in conditions, multiple peril, all risk, or other blanket 
coverage insuring nonresidential commercial property, is issued by a 
surplus lines insurer recognized, or not disapproved, by the insurance 
regulator of the State where the property to be insured is located;
    (B) Covers both the mortgagor(s) and the mortgagee(s) as loss 
payees;
    (C) Provides for cancellation following reasonable notice to the 
borrower only for reasons permitted by FEMA for an SFIP on the Flood 
Insurance Cancellation Request/Nullification Form, in any case of non-
payment, or when cancellation is mandated pursuant to State law; and
    (D) Either:
    (1) Meets the criteria set forth in paragraphs (b)(9)(ii)(A) and 
(C) through (F) of this section; or
    (2) Provides coverage that is similar to coverage provided under an 
SFIP, including when considering deductibles, exclusions, and 
conditions offered by the insurer, and the member bank has:
    (i) Compared the private policy with an SFIP to determine the 
differences between the private policy and an SFIP;
    (ii) Reasonably determined that the private policy provides 
sufficient protection of the loan secured by the property located in a 
special flood hazard area; and
    (iii) Documented its findings under paragraphs (c)(3)(iii)(D)(2)(i) 
and (ii) of this section.
    (iv) Exception for mutual aid societies. Notwithstanding the 
requirements of paragraph (c)(3)(iii) of this section, a member bank 
may accept a private policy issued by a mutual aid society in 
satisfaction of the flood insurance purchase requirement under 
paragraph (c)(1) of this section if:
    (A) The Board has determined that such types of policies qualify as 
flood insurance for purposes of this Act.
    (B) The policy meets the amount of coverage for losses and term 
requirements specified in paragraph (c)(1) of this section;
    (C) The policy covers both the mortgagor(s) and the mortgagee(s) as 
loss payees; and
    (D) The member bank has determined that the policy provides 
sufficient protection of the loan secured by the property located in a 
special flood hazard area. In making this determination, the member 
bank must:
    (1) Verify that the policy is consistent with general safety and 
soundness principles, such as whether deductibles are reasonable based 
on the borrower's financial condition;
    (2) Consider the policy provider's ability to satisfy claims, such 
as whether the policy provider has a demonstrated record of covering 
losses; and
    (3) Document its conclusions.

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

12 CFR CHAPTER III

Authority and Issuance

    For the reasons set forth in the joint preamble, the Board of 
Directors of the FDIC proposes to amend part 339 of chapter III of 
title 12 of the Code of Federal Regulations to read as follows:

PART 339--LOANS IN AREAS HAVING SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARDS

0
6. The authority citation for part 339 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1462a, 1463, 1464, 1819 (Tenth), 
5412(b)(2)(C) and 42 U.S.C. 4012a, 4104a, 4104b, 4106, and 4128.

0
7. Section 339.2 is amended by adding the definitions of ``Mutual aid 
society'', ``Private flood insurance'', and ``SFIP'' in alphabetical 
order to read as follows:


Sec.  339.2  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Mutual aid society means an organization--
    (1) Whose members share a common religious, charitable, 
educational, or fraternal bond;
    (2) That covers losses caused by damage to members' property 
pursuant to an agreement, including damage caused by flooding, in 
accordance with this common bond; and
    (3) That has a demonstrated history of fulfilling the terms of 
agreements to cover losses to members' property caused by flooding.
* * * * *
    Private flood insurance means an insurance policy that:
    (1) Is issued by an insurance company that is:
    (i) Licensed, admitted, or otherwise approved to engage in the 
business of insurance in the State or jurisdiction in which the 
property to be insured is located, by the insurance regulator of that 
State or jurisdiction; or
    (ii) Recognized, or not disapproved, as a surplus lines insurer by 
the insurance regulator of the State or jurisdiction in which the 
property to be insured is located in the case of a policy of difference 
in conditions, multiple peril, all risk, or other blanket coverage 
insuring nonresidential commercial property;
    (2) Provides flood insurance coverage that is at least as broad as 
the coverage provided under an SFIP, including when considering 
deductibles, exclusions, and conditions offered by the insurer. For 
purposes of this part, a policy is at least as broad as the coverage 
provided under an SFIP if, at a minimum, the policy:
    (i) Defines the term ``flood'' to include the events defined as a 
``flood'' in an SFIP;
    (ii) Covers both the mortgagor(s) and the mortgagee(s) as loss 
payees;
    (iii) Contains the coverage and provisions specified in an SFIP, 
including those relating to building property coverage; personal 
property coverage, if purchased by the insured mortgagor(s); other 
coverages; and the increased cost of compliance;
    (iv) Contains deductibles no higher than the specified maximum for 
the same type of property, and includes similar non-applicability 
provisions, as under an SFIP, for any total policy coverage amount up 
to the maximum available under the NFIP at the time the policy is 
provided to the lender;
    (v) Provides coverage for direct physical loss caused by a flood 
and may exclude other causes of loss identified in an SFIP. Any 
additional or different exclusions than those in an SFIP may pertain 
only to coverage that is in addition to the amount and type of coverage 
that could be provided by an SFIP; and
    (vi) May not contain conditions that narrow the coverage provided 
in an SFIP;
    (3) Includes all of the following:
    (i) A requirement for the insurer to give written notice 45 days 
before cancellation or non-renewal of flood insurance coverage to:
    (A) The insured; and
    (B) The FDIC-supervised institution that made the designated loan 
secured by the property covered by the flood insurance, or the servicer 
acting on its behalf;
    (ii) Information about the availability of flood insurance coverage 
under the NFIP;
    (iii) A mortgage interest clause similar to the clause contained in 
an SFIP; and
    (iv) A provision requiring an insured to file suit not later than 
one year after the date of a written denial of all or part of a claim 
under the policy; and

[[Page 78077]]

    (4) Contains cancellation provisions that are as restrictive as the 
provisions contained in an SFIP.
* * * * *
    SFIP means, for purposes of Sec. Sec.  339.2 and 339.3, a standard 
flood insurance policy issued under the NFIP in effect as of the date 
the private policy is provided to an FDIC-supervised institution.
* * * * *
0
8. Section 339.3 is amended by adding paragraph (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  339.3  Requirement to purchase flood insurance where available.

* * * * *
    (c) Private flood insurance. (1) Mandatory acceptance. An FDIC-
supervised institution must accept private flood insurance, as defined 
in Sec.  339.2, in satisfaction of the flood insurance purchase 
requirement, provided that the private flood insurance meets the 
requirement for coverage under paragraph (a) of this section.
    (2) Compliance aid for mandatory acceptance. A flood insurance 
policy is deemed to meet the definition of private flood insurance in 
Sec.  339.2 for purposes of paragraph (a) of this section if:
    (i) The policy includes, or is accompanied by, a written summary 
that demonstrates how the policy meets the definition of private flood 
insurance in Sec.  339.2 by identifying the provisions of the policy 
that meet each criterion in the definition, and confirms that the 
insurer is regulated in accordance with that definition;
    (ii) The FDIC-supervised institution verifies in writing that the 
policy includes the provisions identified by the insurer in the summary 
provided pursuant to paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section and that these 
provisions satisfy the criteria included in the definition; and
    (iii) The policy includes the following provision within the policy 
or as an endorsement to the policy: ``This policy meets the definition 
of private flood insurance contained in 42 U.S.C. 4012a(b)(7) and the 
corresponding regulation.''
    (3) Discretionary acceptance. An FDIC-supervised institution may 
accept a flood insurance policy issued by a private insurer that is not 
issued under the NFIP and does not meet the definition of private flood 
insurance, as defined in Sec.  339.2, in satisfaction of the flood 
insurance purchase requirement under paragraph (a) of this section, 
only if the coverage under such flood insurance policy meets the amount 
and term requirements specified in paragraph (a) of this section, and 
the policy:
    (i) Is issued by an insurer that is licensed, admitted, or 
otherwise approved to engage in the business of insurance in the State 
or jurisdiction in which the property to be insured is located by the 
insurance regulator of that State; or in the case of a policy of 
difference in conditions, multiple peril, all risk, or other blanket 
coverage insuring nonresidential commercial property, is issued by a 
surplus lines insurer recognized, or not disapproved, by the insurance 
regulator of the State where the property to be insured is located;
    (ii) Covers both the mortgagor(s) and the mortgagee(s) as loss 
payees;
    (iii) Provides for cancellation following reasonable notice to the 
borrower only for reasons permitted by FEMA for an SFIP on the Flood 
Insurance Cancellation Request/Nullification Form, in any case of non-
payment, or when cancellation is mandated pursuant to State law; and
    (iv) Either:
    (A) Meets the criteria of private flood insurance, as defined in 
Sec.  339.2, set forth in paragraphs (2)(i) and (iii) through (vi) of 
this section; or
    (B) Provides coverage that is similar to coverage provided under an 
SFIP, including when considering deductibles, exclusions, and 
conditions offered by the insurer, and the FDIC-supervised institution 
has:
    (1) Compared the private policy with an SFIP to determine the 
differences between the private policy and an SFIP;
    (2) Reasonably determined that the private policy provides 
sufficient protection of the loan secured by the property located in a 
special flood hazard area; and
    (3) Documented its findings under paragraphs (c)(3)(iv)(B)(1) and 
(2) of this section.
    (4) Exception for mutual aid societies. Notwithstanding the 
requirements of paragraph (c)(3) of this section, an FDIC-supervised 
institution may accept a private policy issued by a mutual aid society 
in satisfaction of the flood insurance purchase requirement under 
paragraph (a) of this section if:
    (i) The FDIC has determined that such types of policies qualify as 
flood insurance for purposes of this Act;
    (ii) The policy meets the amount of coverage for losses and term 
requirements specified in paragraph (a) of this section;
    (iii) The policy covers both the mortgagor(s) and the mortgagee(s) 
as loss payees; and
    (iv) The FDIC-supervised institution has determined that the policy 
provides sufficient protection of the loan secured by the property 
located in a special flood hazard area. In making this determination, 
the FDIC-supervised institution must:
    (A) Verify that the policy is consistent with general safety and 
soundness principles, such as whether deductibles are reasonable based 
on the borrower's financial condition;
    (B) Consider the policy provider's ability to satisfy claims, such 
as whether the policy provider has a demonstrated record of covering 
losses; and
    (C) Document its conclusions.

Farm Credit Administration

12 CFR CHAPTER VI

Authority and Issuance

    For the reasons set forth in the joint preamble, the FCA proposes 
to amend part 614 subpart S of chapter VI, title 12 of the Code of 
Federal Regulations as set forth below:

PART 614--LOANS IN AREAS HAVING SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARDS

0
9. The authority citation for part 614 is revised to read as follows:

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 4012a, 4104a, 4104b, 4106, and 4128; secs. 
1.3, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.9, 1.10, 2.0, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.10, 2.12, 2.13, 
2.15, 3.0, 3.1, 3.3, 3.7, 3.8, 3.10, 3.20, 3.28, 4.12, 4.12A, 4.13, 
4.13B, 4.14, 4.14A, 4.14C, 4.14D, 4.14E, 4.18, 4.19, 4.36, 4.37, 
5.9, 5.10, 5.17, 7.0, 7.2, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.12, 7.13, 8.0, 8.5 of 
Pub. L. 92-181, 85 Stat. 583 (12 U.S.C. 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 
2017, 2018, 2071, 2073, 2074, 2075, 2091, 2093, 2094, 2096, 2121, 
2122, 2124, 2128, 2129, 2131, 2141, 2149, 2183, 2184, 2199, 2201, 
2202, 2202a, 2202c, 2202d, 2202e, 2206, 2207, 2219a, 2219b, 2243, 
2244, 2252, 2279a, 2279a-2, 2279b, 2279b-1, 2279b-2, 2279f, 2279f-1, 
2279aa, 2279aa-5); sec. 413 of Pub. L. 100-233, 101 Stat. 1568, 
1639.

0
10. Section 614.4925, is amended by adding the definitions of ``mutual 
aid society'', ``private flood insurance'', and ``SFIP'' in 
alphabetical order to read as follows:


Sec.  614.4925  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Mutual aid society means an organization:
    (1) Whose members share a common religious, charitable, 
educational, or fraternal bond;
    (2) That covers losses caused by damage to members' property 
pursuant to an agreement, including damage caused by flooding, in 
accordance with this common bond; and
    (3) That has a demonstrated history of fulfilling the terms of 
agreements to cover losses to members' property caused by flooding.
* * * * *

[[Page 78078]]

    Private flood insurance means an insurance policy that:
    (1) Is issued by an insurance company that is:
    (i) Licensed, admitted, or otherwise approved to engage in the 
business of insurance in the State or jurisdiction in which the 
property to be insured is located, by the insurance regulator of that 
State or jurisdiction; or
    (ii) Recognized, or not disapproved, as a surplus lines insurer by 
the insurance regulator of the State or jurisdiction in which the 
property to be insured is located in the case of a policy of difference 
in conditions, multiple peril, all risk, or other blanket coverage 
insuring nonresidential commercial property;
    (2) Provides flood insurance coverage that is at least as broad as 
the coverage provided under an SFIP, including when considering 
deductibles, exclusions, and conditions offered by the insurer. For 
purposes of this subpart, a policy is at least as broad as the coverage 
provided under an SFIP if, at a minimum, the policy:
    (i) Defines the term ``flood'' to include the events defined as a 
``flood'' in an SFIP;
    (ii) Covers both the mortgagor(s) and the mortgagee(s) as loss 
payees;
    (iii) Contains the coverage and provisions specified in an SFIP, 
including those relating to building property coverage; personal 
property coverage, if purchased by the insured mortgagor(s); other 
coverages; and the increased cost of compliance;
    (iv) Contains deductibles no higher than the specified maximum for 
the same type of property, and includes similar non-applicability 
provisions, as under an SFIP, for any total policy coverage amount up 
to the maximum available under the NFIP at the time the policy is 
provided to the lender;
    (v) Provides coverage for direct physical loss caused by a flood 
and may exclude other causes of loss identified in an SFIP. Any 
additional or different exclusions than those in an SFIP may pertain 
only to coverage that is in addition to the amount and type of coverage 
that could be provided by an SFIP; and
    (vi) May not contain conditions that narrow the coverage provided 
in an SFIP;
    (3) Includes all of the following:
    (i) A requirement for the insurer to give written notice 45 days 
before cancellation or non-renewal of flood insurance coverage to:
    (A) The insured; and
    (B) The System institution that made the designated loan secured by 
the property covered by the flood insurance, or the servicer acting on 
its behalf;
    (ii) Information about the availability of flood insurance coverage 
under the NFIP;
    (iii) A mortgage interest clause similar to the clause contained in 
an SFIP; and
    (iv) A provision requiring an insured to file suit not later than 
one year after the date of a written denial of all or part of a claim 
under the policy; and
    (4) Contains cancellation provisions that are as restrictive as the 
provisions contained in an SFIP.
* * * * *
    SFIP means, for purposes of Sec. Sec.  614.4925 and 614.4930, a 
standard flood insurance policy issued under the NFIP in effect as of 
the date the private policy is provided to a System institution.
* * * * *
0
11. Section 614.4930 is amended by adding paragraph (c) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  614.4930  Requirement to purchase flood insurance where 
available.

* * * * *
    (c) Private flood insurance--(1) Mandatory acceptance. A System 
institution must accept private flood insurance, as defined in Sec.  
614.4925, in satisfaction of the flood insurance purchase requirement, 
provided that the private flood insurance meets the requirement for 
coverage under paragraph (a) of this section.
    (2) Compliance aid for mandatory acceptance. A flood insurance 
policy is deemed to meet the definition of private flood insurance in 
Sec.  614.4925 for purposes of paragraph (a) of this section if:
    (i) The policy includes, or is accompanied by, a written summary 
that demonstrates how the policy meets the definition of private flood 
insurance in Sec.  614.4925 by identifying the provisions of the policy 
that meet each criterion in the definition, and confirms that the 
insurer is regulated in accordance with that definition;
    (ii) The System institution verifies in writing that the policy 
includes the provisions identified by the insurer in the summary 
provided pursuant to paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section and that these 
provisions satisfy the criteria included in the definition; and
    (iii) The policy includes the following provision within the policy 
or as an endorsement to the policy: ``This policy meets the definition 
of private flood insurance contained in 42 U.S.C. 4012a(b)(7) and the 
corresponding regulation.''
    (3) Discretionary acceptance.--In general. A System institution may 
accept a flood insurance policy issued by a private insurer that is not 
issued under the NFIP and does not meet the definition of private flood 
insurance, as defined in Sec.  614.4925, in satisfaction of the flood 
insurance purchase requirement under paragraph (a) of this section, 
only if the coverage under such flood insurance policy meets the amount 
and term requirements specified in paragraph (a) of this section, and 
the policy:
    (i) Is issued by an insurer that is licensed, admitted, or 
otherwise approved to engage in the business of insurance in the State 
or jurisdiction in which the property to be insured is located by the 
insurance regulator of that State; or in the case of a policy of 
difference in conditions, multiple peril, all risk, or other blanket 
coverage insuring nonresidential commercial property, is issued by a 
surplus lines insurer recognized, or not disapproved, by the insurance 
regulator of the State where the property to be insured is located;
    (ii) Covers both the mortgagor(s) and the mortgagee(s) as loss 
payees;
    (iii) Provides for cancellation following reasonable notice to the 
borrower only for reasons permitted by FEMA for an SFIP on the Flood 
Insurance Cancellation Request/Nullification Form, in any case of non-
payment, or when cancellation is mandated pursuant to State law; and
    (iv) Either:
    (A) Meets the criteria set forth in paragraphs (2)(i) and (iii) 
through (vi) of the definition of private flood insurance in Sec.  
614.4925; or
    (B) Provides coverage that is similar to coverage provided under an 
SFIP, including when considering deductibles, exclusions, and 
conditions offered by the insurer, and the System institution has:
    (1) Compared the private policy with an SFIP to determine the 
differences between the private policy and an SFIP;
    (2) Reasonably determined that the private policy provides 
sufficient protection of the loan secured by the property located in a 
special flood hazard area; and
    (3) Documented its findings under paragraphs (c)(3)(iv)(A)(B)(1) 
and (B)(2) of this section.
    (4) Exception for mutual aid societies. Notwithstanding the 
requirements of paragraph (c)(3) of this section, a System institution 
may accept a private policy issued by a mutual aid society in 
satisfaction of the flood insurance purchase requirement under 
paragraph (a) of this section if:
    (i) The FCA has determined that such types of policies qualify as 
flood insurance for purposes of the 1968 Act;

[[Page 78079]]

    (ii) The policy meets the amount of coverage for losses and term 
requirements specified in paragraph (a) of this section;
    (iii) The policy covers both the mortgagor(s) and the mortgagee(s) 
as loss payees; and
    (iv) The System institution has determined that the policy provides 
sufficient protection of the loan secured by the property located in a 
special flood hazard area. In making this determination, the System 
institution must:
    (A) Verify that the policy is consistent with general safety and 
soundness principles, such as whether deductibles are reasonable based 
on the borrower's financial condition;
    (B) Consider the policy provider's ability to satisfy claims, such 
as whether the policy provider has a demonstrated record of covering 
losses; and
    (C) Document its conclusions.

National Credit Union Administration

12 CFR CHAPTER VII

Authority and Issuance

    For the reasons set forth in the joint preamble, the NCUA Board 
proposes to amend part 760 of chapter VII of title 12 of the Code of 
Federal Regulations to read as follows:

PART 760--LOANS IN AREAS HAVING SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARDS

0
12. The authority citation for part 760 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  12 U.S.C. 1757, 1789; 42 U.S.C. 4012a, 4104a, 4104b, 
4106, and 4128.

0
13. Section 760.2 is amended by adding the definitions of ``Mutual aid 
society'', ``Private flood insurance'', and ``SFIP'' in alphabetical 
order to read as follows:


Sec.  760.2  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Mutual aid society means an organization--
    (1) Whose members share a common religious, charitable, 
educational, or fraternal bond;
    (2) That covers losses caused by damage to members' property 
pursuant to an agreement, including damage caused by flooding, in 
accordance with this common bond; and
    (3) That has a demonstrated history of fulfilling the terms of 
agreements to cover losses to members' property caused by flooding.
* * * * *
    Private flood insurance means an insurance policy that:
    (1) Is issued by an insurance company that is:
    (i) Licensed, admitted, or otherwise approved to engage in the 
business of insurance in the State or jurisdiction in which the 
property to be insured is located, by the insurance regulator of that 
State or jurisdiction; or
    (ii) Recognized, or not disapproved, as a surplus lines insurer by 
the insurance regulator of the State or jurisdiction in which the 
property to be insured is located in the case of a policy of difference 
in conditions, multiple peril, all risk, or other blanket coverage 
insuring nonresidential commercial property;
    (2) Provides flood insurance coverage that is at least as broad as 
the coverage provided under an SFIP, including when considering 
deductibles, exclusions, and conditions offered by the insurer. For 
purposes of this part, a policy is at least as broad as the coverage 
provided under an SFIP if, at a minimum, the policy:
    (i) Defines the term ``flood'' to include the events defined as a 
``flood'' in an SFIP;
    (ii) Covers both the mortgagor(s) and the mortgagee(s) as loss 
payees;
    (iii) Contains the coverage and provisions specified in an SFIP, 
including those relating to building property coverage; personal 
property coverage, if purchased by the insured mortgagor(s); other 
coverages; and the increased cost of compliance;
    (iv) Contains deductibles no higher than the specified maximum for 
the same type of property, and includes similar non-applicability 
provisions, as under an SFIP, for any total policy coverage amount up 
to the maximum available under the NFIP at the time the policy is 
provided to the lender;
    (v) Provides coverage for direct physical loss caused by a flood 
and may exclude other causes of loss identified in an SFIP. Any 
additional or different exclusions than those in an SFIP may pertain 
only to coverage that is in addition to the amount and type of coverage 
that could be provided by an SFIP; and
    (vi) May not contain conditions that narrow the coverage provided 
in an SFIP;
    (3) Includes all of the following:
    (i) A requirement for the insurer to give written notice 45 days 
before cancellation or non-renewal of flood insurance coverage to:
    (A) The insured; and
    (B) The credit union that made the designated loan secured by the 
property covered by the flood insurance, or the servicer acting on its 
behalf;
    (ii) Information about the availability of flood insurance coverage 
under the NFIP;
    (iii) A mortgage interest clause similar to the clause contained in 
an SFIP; and
    (iv) A provision requiring an insured to file suit not later than 
one year after the date of a written denial of all or part of a claim 
under the policy; and
    (4) Contains cancellation provisions that are as restrictive as the 
provisions contained in an SFIP.
* * * * *
    SFIP means, for purposes of Sec. Sec.  760.2 and 760.3, a standard 
flood insurance policy issued under the NFIP in effect as of the date 
the private policy is provided to a credit union.
* * * * *
0
14. Section 760.3 is amended by adding paragraph (c) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  760.3  Requirement to purchase flood insurance where available.

* * * * *
    (c) Private flood insurance--(1) Mandatory acceptance. A credit 
union must accept private flood insurance, as defined in Sec.  760.2, 
in satisfaction of the flood insurance purchase requirement, provided 
that the private flood insurance meets the requirement for coverage 
under paragraph (a) of this section.
    (2) Compliance aid for mandatory acceptance. A flood insurance 
policy is deemed to meet the definition of private flood insurance in 
Sec.  760.2 for purposes of paragraph (a) of this section if:
    (i) The policy includes, or is accompanied by, a written summary 
that demonstrates how the policy meets the definition of private flood 
insurance in Sec.  760.2 by identifying the provisions of the policy 
that meet each criterion in the definition, and confirms that the 
insurer is regulated in accordance with that definition;
    (ii) The credit union verifies in writing that the policy includes 
the provisions identified by the insurer in the summary provided 
pursuant to paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section and that these 
provisions satisfy the criteria included in the definition; and
    (iii) The policy includes the following provision within the policy 
or as an endorsement to the policy: ``This policy meets the definition 
of private flood insurance contained in 42 U.S.C. 4012a(b)(7) and the 
corresponding regulation.''
    (3) Discretionary acceptance. A credit union may accept a flood 
insurance policy issued by a private insurer that is not issued under 
the NFIP and does not meet the definition of private flood insurance, 
as defined in Sec.  760.2, in satisfaction of the flood insurance 
purchase requirement under paragraph (a) of this section, only if the 
coverage under such flood insurance policy

[[Page 78080]]

meets the amount and term requirements specified in paragraph (a) of 
this section, and the policy:
    (i) Is issued by an insurer that is licensed, admitted, or 
otherwise approved to engage in the business of insurance in the State 
or jurisdiction in which the property to be insured is located by the 
insurance regulator of that State; or in the case of a policy of 
difference in conditions, multiple peril, all risk, or other blanket 
coverage insuring nonresidential commercial property, is issued by a 
surplus lines insurer recognized, or not disapproved, by the insurance 
regulator of the State where the property to be insured is located;
    (ii) Covers both the mortgagor(s) and the mortgagee(s) as loss 
payees;
    (iii) Provides for cancellation following reasonable notice to the 
borrower only for reasons permitted by FEMA for an SFIP on the Flood 
Insurance Cancellation Request/Nullification Form, in any case of non-
payment, or when cancellation is mandated pursuant to State law; and
    (iv) Either:
    (A) Meets the criteria set forth in paragraphs (2)(i) and (iii) 
through (vi) of the definition of private flood insurance in Sec.  
760.2; or
    (B) Provides coverage that is similar to coverage provided under an 
SFIP, including when considering deductibles, exclusions, and 
conditions offered by the insurer, and the credit union has:
    (1) Compared the private policy with an SFIP to determine the 
differences between the private policy and an SFIP;
    (2) Reasonably determined that the private policy provides 
sufficient protection of the loan secured by the property located in a 
special flood hazard area; and
    (3) Documented its findings under paragraphs (c)(3)(iv)(B)(1) and 
(2) of this section.
    (4) Exception for mutual aid societies. Notwithstanding the 
requirements of paragraph (c)(3) of this section, a credit union may 
accept a private policy issued by a mutual aid society in satisfaction 
of the flood insurance purchase requirement under paragraph (a) of this 
section if:
    (i) The National Credit Union Administration has determined that 
such types of policies qualify as flood insurance for purposes of this 
Act;
    (ii) The policy meets the amount of coverage for losses and term 
requirements specified in paragraph (a) of this section;
    (iii) The policy covers both the mortgagor(s) and the mortgagee(s) 
as loss payees; and
    (iv) The credit union has determined that the policy provides 
sufficient protection of the loan secured by the property located in a 
special flood hazard area. In making this determination, the credit 
union must:
    (A) Verify that the policy is consistent with general safety and 
soundness principles, such as whether deductibles are reasonable based 
on the borrower's financial condition;
    (B) Consider the policy provider's ability to satisfy claims, such 
as whether the policy provider has a demonstrated record of covering 
losses; and
    (C) Document its conclusions.

    Dated: October 19, 2016.
Thomas J. Curry,
Comptroller of the Currency.
    By order of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve 
System, October 12, 2016.
Robert deV. Frierson,
Secretary of the Board.

    By order of the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit 
Insurance Corporation.

    Dated at Washington, DC, this 19th day of October, 2016.
Robert E. Feldmanm
Executive Secretary,

    By order of the Board of the Farm Credit Administration.

    Dated at McLean, VA, this 14th day of October, 2016.
Dale L. Aultman,
Secretary.

    By order of the Board of the National Credit Union 
Administration.

    Dated at Alexandria, VA, this 27th day of October, 2016.
Gerard S. Poliquin,
Secretary of the Board.
[FR Doc. 2016-26411 Filed 11-4-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4810-33-P; 6210-01-P; 7535-01-P; 6705-01-P



                                                                    Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 215 / Monday, November 7, 2016 / Proposed Rules                                           78063

                                               the NRC’s public Web site at: http://                   Governors of the Federal Reserve                      numbers. Comments received, including
                                               meetings.nrc.gov/pmns/mtg.                              System (Board), the Federal Deposit                   attachments and other supporting
                                               Participants must register at the Internet              Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the Farm                materials, are part of the public record
                                               link in the meeting notice to participate               Credit Administration (FCA), and the                  and subject to public disclosure. Do not
                                               in the Webinar.                                         National Credit Union Administration                  include any information in your
                                                  Additional details regarding the                     (NCUA) are issuing a new proposal to                  comment or supporting materials that
                                               meeting will be posted at least 10 days                 amend their regulations regarding loans               you consider confidential or
                                               prior to the public meeting on the NRC’s                in areas having special flood hazards to              inappropriate for public disclosure.
                                               public meeting Web site at: http://                     implement the private flood insurance                    You may review comments and other
                                               meetings.nrc.gov/pmns/mtg.                              provisions of the Biggert-Waters Flood                related materials that pertain to this
                                                 Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 31st day           Insurance Reform Act of 2012 (Biggert-                rulemaking action by any of the
                                               of October 2016.                                        Waters Act). Specifically, the proposed               following methods:
                                                 For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.                rule would require regulated lending                     • Viewing Comments Electronically:
                                                                                                       institutions to accept policies that meet             Go to www.regulations.gov. Enter
                                               Louise Lund,
                                                                                                       the statutory definition of private flood             ‘‘Docket ID OCC–2016–0005’’ in the
                                               Director, Division of Policy and Rulemaking,            insurance in the Biggert-Waters Act and               Search box and click ‘‘Search.’’ Click on
                                               Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation.
                                                                                                       permit regulated lending institutions to              ‘‘Open Docket Folder’’ on the right side
                                               [FR Doc. 2016–26825 Filed 11–4–16; 8:45 am]             accept flood insurance provided by                    of the screen and then ‘‘Comments.’’
                                               BILLING CODE 7590–01–P                                  private insurers that does not meet the               Comments can be filtered by clicking on
                                                                                                       statutory definition of ‘‘private flood               ‘‘View All’’ and then using the filtering
                                                                                                       insurance’’ on a discretionary basis,                 tools on the left side of the screen.
                                               DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY                              subject to certain restrictions.                         • Click on the ‘‘Help’’ tab on the
                                                                                                       DATES: Comments must be received on                   Regulations.gov home page to get
                                               Office of the Comptroller of the                                                                              information on using Regulations.gov.
                                                                                                       or before January 6, 2017.
                                               Currency                                                                                                      Supporting materials may be viewed by
                                                                                                       ADDRESSES: OCC: Because paper mail in
                                                                                                       the Washington, DC area and at the OCC                clicking on ‘‘Open Docket Folder’’ and
                                               12 CFR Part 22                                                                                                then clicking on ‘‘Supporting
                                                                                                       is subject to delay, commenters are
                                               [Docket ID OCC–2016–0005]                               encouraged to submit comments                         Documents.’’ The docket may be viewed
                                                                                                       through the Federal eRulemaking Portal                after the close of the comment period in
                                               RIN 1557–AD67
                                                                                                       or email, if possible. Please use the title           the same manner as during the comment
                                               FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM                                  ‘‘Loans in Areas Having Special Flood                 period.
                                                                                                       Hazards—Private Flood Insurance’’ to                     • Viewing Comments Personally: You
                                               12 CFR Part 208                                         facilitate the organization and                       may personally inspect and photocopy
                                                                                                       distribution of the comments. You may                 comments at the OCC, 400 7th Street
                                               [Docket No. R–1549]                                                                                           SW., Washington, DC 20219. For
                                                                                                       submit comments by any of the
                                               RIN 7100–AE60                                           following methods:                                    security reasons, the OCC requires that
                                                                                                          • Federal eRulemaking Portal—                      visitors make an appointment to inspect
                                               FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE                               ‘‘Regulations.gov’’: Go to                            comments. You may do so by calling
                                               CORPORATION                                             www.regulations.gov. Enter ‘‘Docket ID                (202) 649–6700 or, for persons who are
                                                                                                       OCC–2016–0005’’ in the Search Box and                 deaf or hard of hearing, TTY, (202) 649–
                                               12 CFR Part 339                                         click ‘‘Search.’’ Click on ‘‘Comment                  5597. Upon arrival, visitors will be
                                               RIN 3064–AE50                                           Now’’ to submit public comments.                      required to present valid government-
                                                                                                          • Click on the ‘‘Help’’ tab on the                 issued photo identification and submit
                                               FARM CREDIT ADMINISTRATION                              Regulations.gov home page to get                      to security screening in order to inspect
                                                                                                       information on using Regulations.gov,                 and photocopy comments.
                                               12 CFR Part 614                                         including instructions for submitting                    Board: You may submit comments,
                                                                                                       public comments.                                      identified by Docket No. R–1549 or RIN
                                               RIN 3052–AD11
                                                                                                          • Email: regs.comments@                            7100 AE 60, by any of the following
                                               NATIONAL CREDIT UNION                                   occ.treas.gov.                                        methods:
                                               ADMINISTRATION                                             • Mail: Legislative and Regulatory                    • Agency Web site: http://
                                                                                                       Activities Division, Office of the                    www.federalreserve.gov. Follow the
                                               12 CFR Part 760                                         Comptroller of the Currency, 400 7th                  instructions for submitting comments at
                                                                                                       Street SW., Suite 3E–218, Mail Stop                   http://www.federalreserve.gov/
                                               RIN 3133–AE64                                           9W–11, Washington, DC 20219.                          generalinfo/foia/ProposedRegs.cfm.
                                                                                                          • Hand Delivery/Courier: 400 7th                      • Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://
                                               Loans in Areas Having Special Flood                                                                           www.regulations.gov. Follow the
                                                                                                       Street SW., Suite 3E–218, Mail Stop
                                               Hazards—Private Flood Insurance                                                                               instructions for submitting comments.
                                                                                                       9W–11, Washington, DC 20219.
                                               AGENCY:  Office of the Comptroller of the                  • Fax: (571) 465–4326.                                • Email: regs.comments@
                                               Currency; Board of Governors of the                        Instructions: You must include                     federalreserve.gov. Include the docket
                                               Federal Reserve System; Federal Deposit                 ‘‘OCC’’ as the agency name and ‘‘Docket               number in the subject line of the
                                                                                                       ID OCC–2016–0005’’ in your comment.                   message.
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                                               Insurance Corporation; Farm Credit
                                               Administration; National Credit Union                   In general, the OCC will enter all                       • Fax: (202) 452–3819 or (202) 452–
                                               Administration.                                         comments received into the docket and                 3102.
                                               ACTION: Joint notice of proposed                        publish them on the Regulations.gov                      • Mail: Address to Robert deV.
                                               rulemaking.                                             Web site without change, including any                Frierson, Secretary, Board of Governors
                                                                                                       business or personal information that                 of the Federal Reserve System, 20th
                                               SUMMARY:  The Office of the Comptroller                 you provide such as name and address                  Street and Constitution Avenue NW.,
                                               of the Currency (OCC), the Board of                     information, email addresses, or phone                Washington, DC 20551.


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                                               78064                Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 215 / Monday, November 7, 2016 / Proposed Rules

                                                  All public comments will be made                     Farm Credit Administration, 1501 Farm                 Division, (202) 649–5490, or, for persons
                                               available on the Board’s Web site at                    Credit Drive, McLean, VA 22102–5090.                  who are deaf or hard of hearing, TTY,
                                               http://www.federalreserve.gov/                             You may review copies of all                       (202) 649–5597.
                                               generalinfo/foia/ProposedRegs.cfm as                    comments we receive at our office in                    Board: Lanette Meister, Senior
                                               submitted, unless modified for technical                McLean, Virginia or on our Web site at                Supervisory Consumer Financial
                                               reasons. Accordingly, comments will                     http://www.fca.gov. Once you are in the               Services Analyst (202) 452–2705; Vivian
                                               not be edited to remove any identifying                 Web site, select ‘‘Law & Regulations,’’               W. Wong, Senior Counsel (202) 452–
                                               or contact information. Public                          then ‘‘FCA Regulations,’’ then ‘‘Public               3667, Division of Consumer and
                                               comments may also be viewed                             Comments,’’ and follow the directions                 Community Affairs; or Daniel Ericson,
                                               electronically or in paper in Room MP–                  for ‘‘Reading Submitted Public                        Counsel (202) 452–3359, Legal Division;
                                               500 of the Board’s Martin Building (20th                Comments.’’ We will show your                         for users of Telecommunications Device
                                               and C Streets NW.) between 9:00 a.m.                    comments as submitted, including any                  for the Deaf (TDD) only, contact (202)
                                               and 5:00 p.m. on weekdays.                              supporting data provided, but for                     263–4869.
                                                  FDIC: You may submit comments by                     technical reasons we may omit items                     FDIC: Navid Choudhury, Counsel,
                                               any of the following methods:                           such as logos and special characters.                 Consumer Compliance Unit, Legal
                                                  • Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://                Identifying information that you                      Division, (202) 898–6526; or John
                                               www.regulations.gov. Follow the                         provide, such as phone numbers and                    Jackwood, Senior Policy Analyst,
                                               instructions for submitting comments.                   addresses, will be publicly available.                Division of Depositor and Consumer
                                                  • Agency Web site: http://                           However, we will attempt to remove                    Protection, (202) 898–3991.
                                               www.fdic.gov/regulations/laws/federal/                  email addresses to help reduce Internet                 FCA: Paul K. Gibbs, Associate
                                               propose.html.                                           spam.                                                 Director, Office of Regulatory Policy
                                                  • Mail: Robert E. Feldman, Executive                    NCUA: You may submit comments,                     (703) 883–4203, TTY (703) 883–4056; or
                                               Secretary, Attention: Comments/Legal                    identified by RIN 3133–AE64 by any of                 Mary Alice Donner, Senior Counsel,
                                               ESS, Federal Deposit Insurance                          the following methods (Please send                    Office of General Counsel (703) 883–
                                               Corporation, 550 17th Street NW.,                       comments by one method only):                         4020, TTY (703) 883–4056.
                                               Washington, DC 20429.                                      • Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://                NCUA: Sarah Chung, Staff Attorney,
                                                  • Hand Delivered/Courier: The guard                  www.regulations.gov. Follow the                       Office of General Counsel, (703) 518–
                                               station at the rear of the 550 17th Street              instructions for submitting comments.                 6540, or Judy Graham, Program Officer,
                                               Building (located on F Street), on                         • Agency Web site: http://                         Office of Examination and Insurance,
                                               business days between 7:00 a.m. and                     www.ncua.gov. Follow the instructions                 (703) 518–6392.
                                               5:00 p.m.                                               for submitting comments.                              SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                  • Email: comments@FDIC.gov.                             • Email: Address to regcomments@                   I. Background
                                                  Comments submitted must include                      ncua.gov. Include [Your name]
                                               ‘‘FDIC’’ and ‘‘Loans in Areas Having                    Comments on ‘‘Loans in Areas Having                   A. Flood Insurance Statutes
                                               Special Flood Hazards—Private Flood                     Special Flood Hazards—Private Flood                     The National Flood Insurance Act of
                                               Insurance.’’ Comments received will be                  Insurance’’ in the email subject line.                1968 (1968 Act) 1 and the Flood Disaster
                                               posted without change to http://                           • Fax: (703) 518–6319. Use the                     Protection Act of 1973 (FDPA),2 as
                                               www.fdic.gov/regulations/laws/federal/                  subject line described above for email.               amended, (collectively referenced
                                               propose.html, including any personal                       • Mail: Address to Gerard S. Poliquin,             herein as the Federal flood insurance
                                               information provided.                                   Secretary of the Board, National Credit               statutes) govern the National Flood
                                                  FCA: We offer a variety of methods for               Union Administration, 1775 Duke                       Insurance Program (NFIP).3 These laws
                                               you to submit your comments. For                        Street, Alexandria, VA 22314–3428.                    make Federally subsidized flood
                                               accuracy and efficiency reasons,                           • Hand Delivery/Courier: Same as                   insurance available to owners of
                                               commenters are encouraged to submit                     mail address.                                         improved real estate or mobile homes
                                               comments by email or through the                           • All public comments are available                located in participating communities
                                               FCA’s Web site. As facsimiles (fax) are                 on the agency’s Web site at http://                   and require the purchase of flood
                                               difficult for us to process and achieve                 www.ncua.gov/Legal/Regs/Pages/                        insurance in connection with a loan
                                               compliance with section 508 of the                      PropRegs.aspx as submitted, except                    made by a regulated lending
                                               Rehabilitation Act, we are no longer                    when not possible for technical reasons.              institution 4 when the loan is secured by
                                               accepting comments submitted by fax.                    Public comments will not be edited to                 improved real estate or a mobile home
                                               Regardless of the method you use,                       remove any identifying or contact                     located in special flood hazard areas
                                               please do not submit your comments                      information. Paper copies of comments                 (SFHA) in which flood insurance is
                                               multiple times via different methods.                   may be inspected in NCUA’s law library                available under the NFIP.5 The OCC,
                                               You may submit comments by any of                       at 1775 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA
                                               the following methods:                                  22314, by appointment weekdays                          1 Public Law 90–448, 82 Stat. 572 (1968).
                                                  • Email: Send us an email at reg-                    between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. To                      2 Public Law 93–234, 87 Stat. 975 (1973).
                                               comm@fca.gov.                                           make an appointment, call (703) 518–                    3 These statutes are codified at 42 U.S.C. 4001–

                                                                                                       6546 or send an email to OGCMail@                     4129. The Federal Emergency Management Agency
                                                  • Agency Web site: http://                                                                                 (FEMA) administers the NFIP; its regulations
                                               www.fca.gov. Select ‘‘Law &                             ncua.gov.                                             implementing the NFIP appear at 44 CFR parts 59–
                                               Regulations,’’ then ‘‘FCA Regulations,’’                FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                      77.
                                                                                                                                                               4 The FDPA defines ‘‘regulated lending
                                               then ‘‘Public Comments,’’ and follow                      OCC: Rhonda L. Daniels, Compliance
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                                                                                                                                                             institution’’ to mean any bank, savings and loan
                                               the directions for ‘‘Submitting a                       Specialist, Compliance Policy Division,               association, credit union, farm credit bank, Federal
                                               Comment.’’                                              (202) 649–5405; Margaret C. Hesse,                    land bank association, production credit
                                                  • Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://                Senior Counsel, Community and                         association, or similar institution subject to the
                                               www.regulations.gov. Follow the                         Consumer Law Division, (202) 649–                     supervision of a Federal entity for lending
                                                                                                                                                             regulation. 42 U.S.C. 4003(a)(1).
                                               instructions for submitting comments.                   6350; or Heidi M. Thomas, Special                       5 An SFHA is an area within a flood plain having
                                                  • Mail: Barry F. Mardock, Deputy                     Counsel, or Melissa Lisenbee, Attorney,               a one percent or greater chance of flood occurrence
                                               Director, Office of Regulatory Policy,                  Legislative and Regulatory Activities                 in any given year. 44 CFR 59.1. SFHAs are



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                                                                     Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 215 / Monday, November 7, 2016 / Proposed Rules                                           78065

                                               Board, FDIC, FCA, and NCUA                              October 2013 Proposed Rule, and the                   II. Section-by-Section Analysis
                                               (collectively, the Agencies) each have                  statutory effective date for the escrow
                                                                                                                                                             A. Definitions
                                               issued regulations implementing these                   provisions, the Agencies decided to
                                               statutory requirements for the lending                  finalize the escrow and force-placed                     Mutual aid society. As discussed
                                               institutions they supervise.6 The                       insurance provisions and to revise and                below, the Agencies are proposing a
                                               Biggert-Waters Act 7 amended the NFIP                   re-propose the private flood insurance                provision that would permit regulated
                                               requirements that the Agencies have                     provisions.                                           lending institutions to accept, at their
                                               authority to implement and enforce.                        The October 2013 Proposed Rule                     discretion and under certain
                                               Among other things, the Biggert-Waters                  would have required a regulated lending               circumstances, a flood insurance policy
                                               Act: (1) Required the Agencies to issue                 institution to accept all coverage                    issued by a private insurer that does not
                                               a rule regarding the escrow of premiums                 meeting the statutory definition of                   meet the definition of ‘‘private flood
                                               and fees for flood insurance; 8 (2)                     ‘‘private flood insurance’’ in the Biggert-           insurance’’ in the Biggert-Waters Act.
                                               clarified the requirement to force place                Waters Act. The Agencies requested                    This provision includes specific
                                               insurance; 9 and (3) required the                       comment on various issues related to                  standards for the acceptance of flood
                                               Agencies to issue a rule to direct                      this requirement. In particular, the                  policies issued by mutual aid societies.
                                               regulated lending institutions to accept                Agencies sought comment on the                        In connection with this provision, the
                                               ‘‘private flood insurance,’’ as defined by              inclusion of a safe harbor that would                 Agencies are proposing to add a
                                               the Biggert-Waters Act, and to notify                   allow lenders to rely on the expertise of             definition of ‘‘mutual aid society’’ to
                                               borrowers of the availability of private                State insurance regulators to determine               their rules. Under the proposed
                                               flood insurance.10                                                                                            definition, to qualify as a mutual aid
                                                                                                       whether a policy meets the definition of
                                                                                                                                                             society, an organization would need to
                                               B. Regulatory History                                   private flood insurance and must be
                                                                                                                                                             meet three criteria: (1) The members
                                                                                                       accepted by a lender. Additionally, the
                                                  In October 2013, the Agencies jointly                                                                      must share a common religious,
                                                                                                       Agencies asked whether the rule should
                                               issued proposed rules to implement the                                                                        charitable, educational, or fraternal
                                                                                                       include a provision expressly permitting
                                               escrow, force placement, and private                                                                          bond; (2) the organization must cover
                                                                                                       regulated lending institutions to accept,
                                               flood insurance provisions of the                                                                             losses caused by damage to members’
                                                                                                       at their discretion, flood insurance
                                               Biggert-Waters Act (the October 2013                                                                          property including damage caused by
                                                                                                       provided by private insurers that does
                                               Proposed Rule).11 In March 2014, the                                                                          flooding, pursuant to an agreement, in
                                                                                                       not meet the Biggert-Waters Act’s
                                               Homeowner Flood Insurance                                                                                     accordance with this common bond;
                                               Affordability Act (HFIAA) 12 was                        definition of private flood insurance                 and (3) the organization must have a
                                               enacted, which, among other things,                     (discretionary acceptance). The                       demonstrated history of fulfilling the
                                               amended the Biggert-Waters Act                          Agencies also solicited comment on                    terms of agreements to cover losses to
                                               requirements regarding the escrow of                    what criteria the Agencies might require              members’ property caused by flooding.
                                               flood insurance premiums and fees and                   for such a policy.                                    This proposed definition would ensure
                                               created a new exemption from the                           The Agencies received 81 written                   that only established organizations that
                                               mandatory flood insurance purchase                      comments on the October 2013                          consist of members with similar
                                               requirements for certain detached                       Proposed Rule, including 51 comments                  delineated goals or purposes, that have
                                               structures. Accordingly, the Agencies                   addressing some aspect of private flood               agreed to cover damage caused by
                                               jointly issued a new proposed rule in                   insurance. These commenters addressed                 flooding, and that have adequately
                                               October 2014 to implement the new                       specific issues, such as: The regulatory              covered flood losses in the past could be
                                               escrow and detached structure                           definition of ‘‘private flood insurance,’’            considered a ‘‘mutual aid society.’’
                                               provisions.13 In July 2015, the Agencies                the use of a regulatory safe harbor to                   The Agencies request specific
                                               jointly issued final rules to implement                 facilitate compliance by regulated                    comment on whether the terms of this
                                               the escrow and detached structure                       lending institutions, whether private                 proposed definition adequately cover
                                               provisions of HFIAA and the force-                      flood insurance that does not conform to              the types of organizations that should be
                                               placed flood insurance provisions of the                the statutory definition of the term                  considered ‘‘mutual aid societies’’ for
                                               Biggert-Waters Act.14 Based on                          should be accepted by regulated lending               purposes of the discretionary
                                               comments received in response to the                    institutions, whether alternative criteria            acceptance provision in this proposed
                                                                                                       for such non-conforming private flood                 rule. Specifically, the Agencies request
                                               delineated on maps issued by the FEMA for               insurance should be developed by the                  comment on whether the proposed
                                               individual communities. 44 CFR part 65. A               Agencies, and whether regulated                       criteria are too broad or too narrow, and,
                                               community establishes its eligibility to participate    lending institutions should be permitted
                                               in the NFIP by adopting and enforcing flood plain                                                             if so, whether the final rule should
                                               management measures that regulate new                   to accept certain non-traditional, non-               include alternative, or additional,
                                               construction and by making substantial                  conforming flood insurance coverage,                  criteria.
                                               improvements within its SFHAs to eliminate or           such as Amish Aid plans.                                 Private flood insurance. The proposed
                                               minimize future flood damage. 44 CFR part 60.
                                                 6 See 12 CFR part 22 (OCC), part 208 (Board), part       This proposal addresses the private                rule would amend the Definitions
                                               339 (FDIC), part 614 (FCA), and part 760 (NCUA).        flood insurance provisions of the                     section to include the definition of
                                                 7 Public Law 112–141, 126 Stat. 916 (2012).           Biggert-Waters Act.15 The preamble                    ‘‘private flood insurance’’ specified in
                                                 8 Section 100209 of the Biggert-Waters Act,
                                                                                                       discusses comments received in                        section 100239 of the Biggert-Waters
                                               amending section 102(d) of the FDPA (42 U.S.C.          response to the October 2013 Proposed                 Act, which added a new section
                                               4012a(d)).
                                                 9 Section 100244 of the Act, amending section         Rule, as appropriate, in the section-by               102(b)(7) to the FDPA. The proposed
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                                               102(e) of the FDPA (42 U.S.C. 4012a(e)).                section analysis, below.                              rule would define ‘‘private flood
                                                 10 Section 100239 of the Biggert-Waters Act,                                                                insurance’’ consistent with the statutory
                                               amending section 102(b) of the FDPA (42 U.S.C.            15 In connection with the issuance of this          definition, with some clarifying edits, to
                                               4012a(b)) and section 1364(a)(3)(C) of the 1968 Act
                                               (42 U.S.C. 4104a(a)(3)(C)).
                                                                                                       proposal, the Agencies have coordinated and           mean an insurance policy that:
                                                 11 78 FR 65108 (Oct. 30, 2013).
                                                                                                       consulted with the Federal Financial Institutions        1. Is issued by an insurance company
                                                                                                       Examination Council (FFIEC), as required by certain
                                                 12 Public Law 113–89, 128 Stat. 1020 (2014).
                                                                                                       provisions of the flood insurance statutes. See 42
                                                                                                                                                             that is licensed, admitted, or otherwise
                                                 13 79 FR 64518 (Oct. 30, 2014).
                                                                                                       U.S.C. 4012a(b)(1). Four of the five Agencies (OCC,   approved to engage in the business of
                                                 14 80 FR 43216 (July 21, 2015).                       Board, FDIC, and NCUA) are members of the FFIEC.      insurance by the insurance regulator of


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                                               78066                 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 215 / Monday, November 7, 2016 / Proposed Rules

                                               the State or jurisdiction in which the                  institutions to evaluate a private flood              flood policies require this type of notice.
                                               property to be insured is located; or, in               insurance policy for compliance with                  This commenter specifically noted that
                                               the case of a policy of difference in                   the statutory definition would put such               lenders would be unable to accept
                                               conditions, multiple peril, all risk, or                institutions in an untenable position: A              private flood policies under this
                                               other blanket coverage insuring                         failure to accept a compliant private                 definition going forward, including
                                               nonresidential commercial property, is                  policy would be considered a violation,               those policies lenders have historically
                                               recognized, or not disapproved, as a                    while accepting a private policy that is              considered acceptable.
                                               surplus lines insurer by the State                      later judged by an examiner to be non-                   The Agencies note that the definition
                                               insurance regulator of the State or                     compliant would also result in a                      of ‘‘private flood insurance’’ included in
                                               jurisdiction where the property to be                   violation with potential civil monetary               the October 2013 Proposed Rule and in
                                               insured is located;                                     penalties. Another commenter stated                   this current proposal is mandated by the
                                                  2. Provides flood insurance coverage                 that private flood insurance is market-               Biggert-Waters Act. Therefore, the
                                               that is at least as broad as the coverage               based, and that it is not realistic to                Agencies may not make substantive
                                               provided under a standard flood                         require such coverage to duplicate NFIP               changes to this definition in our
                                               insurance policy (SFIP), including when                 terms.                                                regulations. However, the issues raised
                                               considering deductibles, exclusions,                       The Agencies also received comments                in connection with this definition by
                                               and conditions offered by the insurer; 16               on the specific requirements in the                   commenters influenced the Agencies’
                                                  3. Includes a requirement for the                    definition. One commenter stated that                 development and inclusion of a
                                               insurer to give written notice 45 days                  the definition of ‘‘flood’’ included in               proposed provision that would permit
                                               before cancellation or non-renewal of                   some private flood insurance policies                 institutions at their discretion to accept
                                               flood insurance coverage to the insured                 can differ from that of the NFIP, which               a private flood policy that does not meet
                                               and the regulated lending institution, or               has led to private policies being rejected            the definition of ‘‘private flood
                                               a servicer acting on the institution’s                  by lenders and regulators. Some                       insurance’’ in the Biggert-Waters Act, as
                                               behalf;                                                 commenters asserted that the higher                   discussed below.
                                                  4. Includes information about the                    deductibles offered under many private
                                                                                                                                                                ‘‘At least as broad as.’’ Many
                                               availability of flood insurance coverage                flood insurance policies directly conflict
                                                                                                                                                             commenters on the October 2013
                                               under the NFIP;                                         with NFIP maximum deductibles. One
                                                  5. Includes a mortgage interest clause                                                                     Proposed Rule also asserted that it
                                                                                                       of these commenters further noted that
                                               similar to the clause contained in an                                                                         would be difficult for institutions to
                                                                                                       there are many instances when a higher
                                               SFIP;                                                   deductible is reasonable on a policy                  determine whether private flood
                                                  6. Includes a provision requiring an                 purchased by a commercial business                    insurance coverage is ‘‘at least as broad
                                               insured to file suit not later than one                 that has the financial capability to                  as’’ the coverage provided under the
                                               year after the date of a written denial for             handle such a deductible. Another                     SFIP, as required by statute. In response
                                               all or part of a claim under a policy; and              commenter noted that private flood                    to these comments, the Agencies have
                                                  7. Contains cancellation provisions                  insurance policies typically include a                proposed to clarify the meaning of this
                                               that are as restrictive as the provisions               provision that details the maximum                    phrase. Specifically, the proposed
                                               contained in an SFIP.                                   coverage amount, or aggregate limit,                  definition of ‘‘private flood insurance’’
                                                  The proposed rule would define                       payable during the policy term. The                   would provide that a policy is ‘‘at least
                                               ‘‘SFIP’’ to mean a standard flood                       statutory definition does not permit                  as broad as’’ the coverage provided
                                               insurance policy issued under the NFIP                  such maximum limits, which the                        under an SFIP if the policy, at a
                                               in effect as of the date the private policy             commenter characterized as a major                    minimum: (1) Defines the term ‘‘flood’’
                                               is provided to a regulated lending                      change that may not be acceptable to                  to include the events defined as a
                                               institution. The Agencies request                       private insurers. One commenter also                  ‘‘flood’’ in an SFIP; (2) covers both the
                                               comment on whether this is the correct                  stated that the statute of limitations                mortgagor(s) and the mortgagee(s) as
                                               time-frame for determining what version                 provision in the definition should be                 loss payees; (3) contains the coverage
                                               of the SFIP the regulated lending                       amended to allow for filing suit within               provisions specified in an SFIP,
                                               institution should use to evaluate the                  two years after date of loss for                      including those relating to building
                                               private policy. As discussed in more                    commercial properties, not one year as                property coverage; personal property
                                               detail below, the proposed rule also                    in the definition.                                    coverage, if purchased by the insured
                                               contains criteria that regulated lending                   The Agencies also received comments                mortgagor(s); other coverages; and the
                                               institutions would apply to determine                   regarding the cancellation provision in               increased cost of compliance; (4) for any
                                               whether a policy’s coverage is ‘‘at least               the definition. One commenter asserted                total policy coverage amount up to the
                                               as broad as’’ SFIP coverage.                            that the cancellation provision in the                maximum available under the NFIP at
                                                  The Agencies received a number of                    proposed definition is problematic                    the time the policy is provided to the
                                               general comments in response to this                    because nothing in an SFIP provides a                 lender, contains deductibles no higher
                                               definition of ‘‘private flood insurance’’               basis to cancel a policy. Another                     than the specified NFIP maximum for
                                               in the October 2013 Proposed Rule. One                  commenter recommended that the                        the same type of property, and includes
                                               commenter argued that imposing a                        definition be amended to recognize the                similar non-applicability provisions as
                                               requirement on regulated lending                        notice of cancellation standards for                  under an SFIP; (5) provides coverage for
                                                                                                       commercial properties (typically 10 or                direct physical loss caused by a flood
                                                 16 When determining whether coverage is at least
                                                                                                       30 days). A commenter also stated that                and may exclude other causes of loss
                                               as broad as coverage provided under an SFIP,                                                                  identified in an SFIP; any additional or
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                                                                                                       notice of cancellation provisions should
                                               regulated lenders should compare like policies (e.g.,
                                               a policy covering a 1–4 family residence or a single
                                                                                                       be allowed that are no more restrictive               different exclusions than those in an
                                               family dwelling unit in a condominium to an SFIP        than provisions in commercial property                SFIP may only pertain to coverage that
                                               dwelling policy, a policy covering all other            forms. Another commenter noted that                   is in addition to the amount and type of
                                               buildings except residential condominium                the requirement to provide 45 days                    coverage that could be provided by an
                                               buildings to an SFIP general property policy, or a
                                               policy covering a residential condominium building
                                                                                                       written notice of cancellation or non-                SFIP; and (6) does not contain
                                               to an SFIP Residential Condominium Building             renewal of flood insurance coverage is                conditions that narrow the coverage that
                                               Association Policy).                                    problematic because very few private                  would be provided in an SFIP.


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                                                                    Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 215 / Monday, November 7, 2016 / Proposed Rules                                             78067

                                                  The Agencies believe these criteria                  insurance policy satisfies the rule’s                 harbor because it may not be possible
                                               would ensure that a private flood                       definition of ‘‘private flood insurance’’             for some State insurance regulators to
                                               insurance policy provides coverage that                 and, therefore, must be accepted by the               determine whether a private flood
                                               would protect the collateral securing the               lender in satisfaction of the mandatory               insurance policy satisfies the Federal
                                               mortgage loan, thereby protecting both                  purchase requirement. The Agencies                    statutory definition of the term because
                                               the property owner and the regulated                    included this safe harbor because of                  of the particular State laws under which
                                               lending institution making the loan, to                 concern that many regulated lending                   they operate.
                                               the same extent as a policy issued under                institutions, especially small                           Another commenter noted that, even
                                               the NFIP. The Agencies specifically                     institutions, would have difficulty                   if included in the regulation, a lender
                                               request comment on whether these                        evaluating whether a flood insurance                  would not always benefit from the safe
                                               criteria facilitate a regulated lending                 policy meets the definition of ‘‘private              harbor because a State may not have
                                               institution’s determination of whether                  flood insurance’’ that must be accepted,              made a determination regarding a
                                               flood insurance coverage is ‘‘at least as               given their lack of technical insurance               particular policy. In this case, a lender
                                               broad as’’ the coverage provided under                  expertise regarding flood insurance                   would have to determine whether
                                               the SFIP.                                               policies.                                             private flood insurance is compliant,
                                                                                                          Commenters on the October 2013                     particularly with respect to the ‘‘as
                                               B. Requirement To Purchase Flood                        Proposed Rule expressed considerable                  broad as’’ requirement.
                                               Insurance                                               support for the inclusion of a safe                      Among the numerous alternative safe
                                                  This section currently sets forth the                harbor, with many noting that few                     harbors suggested, some commenters
                                               general requirement that a regulated                    lenders have the capacity to determine                recommended that, instead of a State
                                               lending institution shall not make,                     whether policies meet the required                    insurance regulator, the insurance
                                               increase, extend, or renew any                          standards. However, some commenters                   company should certify that the private
                                               designated loan unless the building or                  criticized the specific safe harbor                   flood insurance policy being provided
                                               mobile home and any personal property                   included in the proposal and suggested                meets the statutory definition. One
                                               securing the loan is covered by flood                   alternatives.                                         commenter stated that the insurance
                                               insurance for the term of the loan. The                    In particular, many commenters                     company should not only certify
                                               coverage amount must at least equal the                 raised concerns about the feasibility of              compliance with Federal law
                                               lesser of the outstanding principal                     State insurance regulators determining                requirements, but also indemnify the
                                               balance of the designated loan or the                   if private flood insurance is compliant               lender if the policy should prove not to
                                               maximum limit of coverage available for                 with the Biggert-Waters Act, a Federal                comply with Federal law and result in
                                               the particular type of property under the               statute. Commenters noted there                       a loss to the lender. Another commenter
                                               1968 Act (mandatory purchase                            currently is no mechanism or process                  recommended that an insurer’s
                                               requirement). It further provides that                  for a State insurance regulator to make               certification should provide that the
                                               flood insurance coverage under the                      such a determination. They further                    private flood insurance policy’s
                                               FDPA is limited to the building or                      noted that even if such a mechanism is                coverage is ‘‘at least as broad as’’ that
                                               mobile home and any personal property                   developed, States might not implement                 provided under the NFIP. Commenters
                                               that secures a loan and not the land                    it consistently and it could lead to fifty            also suggested that the Agencies provide
                                               itself. A ‘‘designated loan’’ means a loan              different State standards. Many                       model certification language or a
                                               secured by a building or mobile home                    commenters also indicated that a State                certification checklist.
                                               that is located or to be located in an                  insurance regulator does not directly                    The Agencies believe that it would be
                                               SFHA in which flood insurance is                        supervise providers of surplus lines                  appropriate for the rule to include a
                                               available under the 1968 Act, as                        insurance and, therefore, the safe harbor             compliance aid provision to assist
                                               amended.                                                would not be available for surplus lines              consumers and regulated lending
                                                  As in the October 2013 Proposed                      insurers.                                             institutions in determining whether and
                                               Rule, the Agencies are proposing to                        State insurance regulators raised                  how a flood insurance policy meets the
                                               amend this section to implement section                 many of the concerns regarding the                    definition of ‘‘private flood insurance’’
                                               102(b)(1)(B) of the FDPA, as added by                   proposed safe harbor. One State                       and is therefore a policy that the
                                               section 100239(a)(1) of the Biggert-                    insurance regulatory agency stated that               institution is required to accept as long
                                               Waters Act, which requires that all                     the proposed safe harbor should provide               as it otherwise meets the mandatory
                                               regulated lending institutions accept                   only a rebuttable presumption that the                purchase requirement. Therefore, after
                                               ‘‘private flood insurance,’’ as defined in              lender must accept the private flood                  careful consideration, and based on the
                                               the statute, if certain conditions are met.             insurance policy. Accordingly, the                    comments received on the proposed
                                               Specifically, the proposed rule includes                lender would not have to accept the                   ‘‘safe harbor’’ under the October 2013
                                               a new provision that would require a                    policy if the lender or the lender’s                  Proposed Rule, the Agencies have
                                               regulated lending institution to accept a               Federal supervisory agency determines                 included in this proposed rule a
                                               private flood insurance policy that                     that the policy does not meet the                     compliance aid provision, which
                                               meets both: (1) The statutory definition                Federal legal standards for ‘‘private                 provides that a policy is deemed to meet
                                               of ‘‘private flood insurance,’’ and (2) the             flood insurance.’’ This commenter also                the definition of ‘‘private flood
                                               mandatory purchase requirement,                         noted that a State insurance regulator                insurance’’ if the following three criteria
                                               described above.                                        lacks the legal authority to certify that             are met: (1) The policy includes, or is
                                                                                                       a private flood insurance policy                      accompanied by, a written summary
                                               C. Compliance Aid for Mandatory                         complies with Federal law, but could                  that demonstrates how the policy meets
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                                               Acceptance                                              inform the insurer if it sees something               the definition of private flood insurance
                                                 The October 2013 Proposed Rule                        in the policy that would make it non-                 by identifying the provisions of the
                                               proposed to add to the flood insurance                  compliant with Federal law. The                       policy that meet each criterion in the
                                               regulations a safe harbor that would                    National Association of State Insurance               definition, and confirms that the insurer
                                               have allowed lenders to rely on a State                 Commissioners (NAIC) raised a similar                 is regulated in accordance with that
                                               insurance regulator’s written                           objection. It stated that its members had             definition; (2) the regulated lending
                                               determination that a particular private                 raised concerns about the proposed safe               institution verifies in writing that the


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                                               78068                 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 215 / Monday, November 7, 2016 / Proposed Rules

                                               policy includes the provisions                             The Agencies request comment on all                supportive. Among other reasons,
                                               identified by the insurer in its summary                aspects of this proposed compliance aid               commenters suggested that permitting
                                               and that these provisions satisfy the                   provision. In particular, commenters                  discretionary acceptance would
                                               criteria included in the definition; and                should address whether the provision as               promote a diverse market for flood
                                               (3) the policy includes the following                   proposed would assist regulated lending               insurance policies issued by private
                                               provision within the policy or as an                    institutions in complying with the                    insurers; reduce delays in lenders’
                                               endorsement to the policy: ‘‘This policy                requirement to accept insurance policies              analyses of policies; and limit the
                                               meets the definition of private flood                   that meet the definition of ‘‘private                 likelihood of lender confusion if NFIP
                                               insurance contained in 42 U.S.C.                        flood insurance.’’ Furthermore,                       requirements included in the definition
                                               4012a(b)(7) and the corresponding                       commenters should address whether                     of ‘‘private flood insurance’’ change.
                                               regulation’’ (assurance clause).                        each of the three criteria in this                    Moreover, as noted above, commenters
                                                  The Agencies believe that the first                  proposed provision is necessary and                   stated that it would be difficult for many
                                               criterion of this proposed compliance                   feasible. Moreover, the Agencies request              policies to meet the statutory definition
                                               aid provision, an insurance company’s                   comment on whether this provision may                 of ‘‘private flood insurance’’ in the
                                               written summary demonstrating how                       provide an incentive to insurance                     Biggert-Waters Act.
                                               the policy meets the definition of                      providers to demonstrate that their                      In addition to soliciting comment on
                                               private flood insurance, would assist a                 policy meets the definition of ‘‘private              whether the rule should specifically
                                               regulated lending institution in                        flood insurance’’ and, therefore, must be             state that regulated lending institutions
                                               reviewing flood insurance policies,                     accepted by regulated lending                         may accept flood insurance policies
                                               which are often lengthy and                             institutions.                                         issued by private insurers that do not
                                               complicated. By identifying provisions                                                                        meet all of the statutory criteria for
                                                                                                       D. Discretionary Acceptance                           ‘‘private flood insurance,’’ the Agencies
                                               of the policy that meet each criterion in
                                               this definition, this summary would                        In general. The Agencies are                       asked whether some criteria should be
                                               enable the institution to conduct                       proposing to permit a regulated lending               required for such policies. The Agencies
                                               expeditiously the verification process                  institution to exercise its discretion to             received comments with various views
                                               described in the second criterion. To                   accept certain types of flood insurance               on the imposition of such criteria. This
                                               satisfy the second criterion, a regulated               policies issued by a private insurer                  proposed rule adds criteria intended to
                                               lending institution would be required to                other than private flood insurance                    address some of the comments received.
                                                                                                       policies that an institution is required to              Consequently, in addition to requiring
                                               perform its own due diligence before
                                                                                                       accept. Although section 102(b)(1)(B) of              regulated lending institutions to accept
                                               accepting the policy instead of solely
                                                                                                       the FDPA, as added by section                         private flood insurance policies that
                                               relying on the insurance company’s
                                                                                                       100239(a)(1) of the Biggert-Waters Act,               comply with the statutory definition of
                                               claim that the policy meets the statutory
                                                                                                       requires a regulated lending institution              ‘‘private flood insurance,’’ the proposed
                                               and regulatory definition of ‘‘private
                                                                                                       to accept ‘‘private flood insurance’’ as              rule would expressly permit a regulated
                                               flood insurance.’’ The third prong, the
                                                                                                       that term is defined by statute, the                  lending institution to accept other types
                                               insurance company’s statement that the
                                                                                                       Agencies note that the statute is silent              of flood insurance policies issued by
                                               policy complies with the definition of
                                                                                                       about whether a regulated lending                     private insurers, provided the following
                                               ‘‘private flood insurance,’’ could
                                                                                                       institution may accept a flood insurance              criteria are met.19
                                               provide the policyholder and the                                                                                 First, under the proposed rule, the
                                               regulated lending institution with                      policy issued by a private insurer that
                                                                                                       does not meet the statutory definition.               flood insurance policy issued by a
                                               recourse against the insurance company                                                                        private insurer would be required to be
                                               if the company fails to abide by the                    The Agencies believe that the
                                                                                                       Congressional intent of the statute was               issued by an insurer that is licensed,
                                               terms included in the definition of                                                                           admitted, or otherwise approved to
                                               ‘‘private flood insurance.’’                            to stimulate the private flood insurance
                                                                                                       market and, therefore, the statute should             engage in the business of insurance by
                                                  The Agencies recognize that this                                                                           the insurance regulator of the State in
                                               provision does not relieve a regulated                  be construed to permit discretionary
                                                                                                       acceptance of flood insurance policies                which the property to be insured is
                                               lending institution of the requirement to                                                                     located. In the case of a policy of
                                               accept a policy that meets the definition               issued by private insurers that do not
                                                                                                       meet the statutory definition requiring               difference in conditions, multiple peril,
                                               of ‘‘private flood insurance’’ and the                                                                        all risk, or other blanket coverage
                                               mandatory purchase requirement, even                    mandatory acceptance.18
                                                                                                          Additionally, in the October 2013                  insuring nonresidential commercial
                                               if the policy is not accompanied by a                                                                         property, the flood insurance issued by
                                               written summary and does not include                    Proposed Rule, the Agencies specifically
                                                                                                       requested comment on whether the                      a private insurer would be required to
                                               an assurance clause. However, the                                                                             be issued by a surplus lines insurer
                                               Agencies believe that this provision                    Agencies should include a provision
                                                                                                       allowing lenders to exercise discretion               recognized, or not disapproved, by the
                                               would facilitate the ability of regulated                                                                     insurance regulator of the State where
                                               institutions, as well as consumers, to                  in accepting a flood insurance policy
                                                                                                       issued by a private insurer that does not             the property to be insured is located.
                                               recognize policies that a lender must                                                                         This criterion is included in the
                                               accept and may encourage insurance                      meet the statutory definition, but
                                                                                                       otherwise would provide flood coverage                definition of ‘‘private flood insurance’’
                                               providers to issue policies that meet                                                                         in the Biggert-Waters Act, and the
                                               these criteria.17                                       consistent with the FDPA, and a
                                                                                                       majority of commenters were                           Agencies believe it is appropriate to
                                                  17 We note that this provision is not a ‘‘safe
                                                                                                                                                             include it as a criterion for discretionary
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                                               harbor’’ as generally understood. Because the           have not used the term ‘‘safe harbor’’ in this        acceptance as well. Because State
                                               statute mandates that regulated institutions accept     proposal.
                                               any private flood insurance policy that meets the         18 The Biggert-Waters Act’s reforms were               19 The Agencies have included this provision

                                               statutory definition of ‘‘private flood insurance’’     designed to improve the NFIP’s financial integrity    pursuant to their authority under the FDPA to issue
                                               (provided it meets the mandatory purchase               and stability as well as to ‘‘increase the role of    regulations directing lending institutions not to
                                               requirement), the provision would not reduce or         private markets in the management of flood            make, increase, extend, or renew any loan secured
                                               eliminate liability if a lender failed to accept a      insurance risk.’’ H. Rep. No. 112–102, at 1 (2011);   by property located in an SFHA unless the property
                                               policy that met the requirements in the statutory       see also 158 Cong. Rec. H4622 (daily ed. June 29,     is covered by ‘‘flood insurance.’’ See 42 U.S.C.
                                               definition of private flood insurance. Therefore, we    2012) (statement of Rep. Biggert).                    4012a(b).



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                                                                    Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 215 / Monday, November 7, 2016 / Proposed Rules                                               78069

                                               insurance regulators, as the functional                 not contain all of the requirements                      proposed criteria raise any safety and
                                               regulators of insurance companies, may                  included in the definition of ‘‘private                  soundness risks for regulated lending
                                               be in the best position to evaluate the                 flood insurance.’’ Specifically, under                   institutions, and (3) whether the
                                               financial condition and ability of a                    this provision, regulated lending                        proposed criteria raise any consumer
                                               private insurer to meet its obligations                 institutions would be able to accept a                   protection issues.
                                               under a flood insurance policy, the                     flood insurance policy issued by a                          Exception for mutual aid societies.
                                               Agencies believe this proposed criterion                private insurer that: (1) Does not contain               The proposed rule also includes an
                                               would safeguard both the consumer                       a mortgage interest clause similar to the                exception for certain private flood
                                               purchasing the policy and the regulated                 clause contained in an SFIP, provided                    coverage provided by mutual aid
                                               lending institution issuing a loan for                  that the policy covers the mortgagor and                 societies. This proposed exception is
                                               which the insured property serves as                    the mortgagee; 20 (2) does not contain                   intended to be responsive to several
                                               collateral.                                             information about the availability of                    commenters on the October 2013
                                                  Second, under the proposed rule, the                 flood insurance coverage under the                       Proposed Rule that supported adding
                                               flood insurance policy issued by a                      NFIP; (3) provides for cancellation of                   provisions permitting regulated lending
                                               private insurer would be required to                    the policy following ‘‘reasonable notice’’               institutions to accept certain non-
                                               cover both the mortgagor(s) and the                     to the borrower instead of requiring 45                  traditional coverage that does not satisfy
                                               mortgagee(s) as loss payees. This                       days prior written notice for                            the statutory definition for ‘‘private
                                               proposed criterion would ensure that                    cancellation or non-renewal; (4) permits                 flood insurance,’’ such as Amish Aid
                                               the flood policy protects both the                      cancellation of the policy for reasons of                plans, even though this coverage is not
                                               property owner and the regulated                        non-payment or when State law                            provided by a State-regulated insurance
                                               lending institution issuing the mortgage                mandates cancellation, in addition to                    company. Under this proposed
                                               loan.                                                   the reasons for cancellation permitted in                exception, flood protection offered by
                                                  Third, the proposal would require                    an SFIP; and (5) does not contain a                      mutual aid societies that would not
                                               that a flood insurance policy issued by                 provision requiring an insured to file                   meet all of the above requirements for
                                               a private insurer must provide for                      suit not later than one year after the date              discretionary acceptance could continue
                                               cancellation following reasonable notice                of a written denial of all or part of a                  to be offered, for example, to members
                                               to the borrower only for reasons                        claim under the policy. In addition,                     of religious communities who do not
                                               permitted by FEMA for an SFIP on the                    with respect to deductibles, exclusions,                 purchase insurance from traditional
                                               Flood Insurance Cancellation Request/                   and conditions, coverage under a policy                  insurance companies, provided certain
                                               Nullification Form, in any case of non-                 accepted pursuant to the proposed                        conditions are met.
                                               payment, or when cancellation is                        discretionary acceptance provision                          Specifically, the proposed rule would
                                               mandated pursuant to State law. This                    could be ‘‘similar to’’ an SFIP instead of               permit a regulated lending institution to
                                               proposed criterion would ensure that a                  ‘‘at least as broad as’’ an SFIP, provided               accept a private policy issued by a
                                               policy is cancelled only for limited                    the institution documents that it has                    mutual aid society in satisfaction of the
                                               reasons and that the policyholder                       compared the differences between the                     mandatory flood insurance purchase
                                               receives reasonable notification of                     policy and an SFIP and that it has                       requirement if: (1) The institution’s
                                               cancellation.                                           reasonably determined that the private                   primary supervisory agency determines
                                                  Finally, the proposal would require                  policy provides sufficient protection of                 that such policy or types of policies
                                               that a flood insurance policy issued by                 the loan secured by the property to be                   meet the requirement for flood
                                               a private insurer must either be ‘‘at least             insured.                                                 insurance for purposes of the Federal
                                               as broad’’ as the coverage provided                        The Agencies solicit comment as to                    flood insurance statutes; (2) the policy
                                               under an SFIP, as defined above, or                     whether these proposed criteria are                      meets the amount of coverage for losses
                                               provide coverage that is ‘‘similar’’ to                 appropriate for regulated lending                        and term requirements in the mandatory
                                               coverage provided under an SFIP,                        institutions accepting flood insurance                   flood insurance purchase requirement;
                                               including when considering                              policies issued by a private insurer that                (3) the policy covers both the
                                               deductibles, exclusions, and conditions                 do not meet the statutory definition of                  mortgagor(s) and the mortgagee(s) as
                                               offered by the insurer. In determining                  ‘‘private flood insurance.’’ In particular,              loss payees; and (4) the regulated
                                               whether the coverage is similar to                      the Agencies seek comment on whether                     lending institution has determined that
                                               coverage provided under an SFIP, the                    the proposed criteria are compatible                     the policy provides sufficient protection
                                               proposal would require the regulated                    with industry practice, or whether the                   of the loan secured by the property
                                               lending institution to: (1) Compare the                 proposed criteria would exclude                          located in an SFHA.
                                               private policy with an SFIP to                                                                                      In determining whether a policy
                                                                                                       currently accepted policies or
                                               determine the differences between the                                                                            issued by a mutual aid society provides
                                                                                                       significantly limit the growth of the
                                               private policy and an SFIP; (2)                                                                                  sufficient protection of the loan under
                                                                                                       market for flood insurance policies
                                               reasonably determine that the private                                                                            the proposed rule, the regulated lending
                                                                                                       issued by private insurers.
                                               policy provides sufficient protection of                   Separately, the Agencies request                      institution would be required to: (1)
                                               the loan secured by the property located                comment in three other areas related to                  Verify that the policy is consistent with
                                               in an SFHA; and (3) document its                        the proposed discretionary acceptance                    general safety and soundness principles,
                                               findings. The Agencies believe these                    criteria: (1) Whether the phrase                         such as whether deductibles are
                                               proposed criteria would provide                         ‘‘sufficient protection of the loan’’ is                 reasonable based on the borrower’s
                                               safeguards so that a regulated lending                  adequately clear, (2) whether the                        financial condition; (2) consider the
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                                               institution does not accept policies that                                                                        policy provider’s ability to satisfy
                                               do not sufficiently protect the collateral                20 The SFIP mortgage interest clause ensures that      claims, such as whether the policy
                                               securing the loan.                                      any loss payable will be paid to any mortgagee           provider has a demonstrated record of
                                                  The Agencies believe that the                        named in the NFIP policy application and                 covering losses; and (3) document its
                                               proposed discretionary acceptance                       declarations page, as well as any other mortgagee        conclusions.
                                                                                                       or loss payee determined to exist at the time of the
                                               provision provides regulated lending                    loss. We note that this differs from a clause covering
                                                                                                                                                                   Under the proposed rule, each Agency
                                               institutions with greater flexibility to                both the mortgagor and the mortgagee, who are            would use its discretion individually to
                                               accept flood insurance policies that do                 named in the policy.                                     determine whether policies offered by


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                                               78070                Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 215 / Monday, November 7, 2016 / Proposed Rules

                                               mutual aid societies qualify as flood                   secures a loan. The Agencies request                  on small entities.21 Under section 605(b)
                                               insurance for purposes of the Federal                   comment on whether the proposed                       of the RFA, this analysis is not required
                                               flood insurance statutes. The OCC and                   definition of ‘‘private flood insurance’’             if an agency certifies that the rule would
                                               FCA propose to conduct their own                        or the proposed discretionary                         not have a significant economic impact
                                               evaluations using the criteria that                     acceptance provision, both of which                   on a substantial number of small entities
                                               institutions are expected to consider                   include specific requirements with                    and publishes its certification and a
                                               under 12 CFR 22.3(c)(4) or 12 CFR                       respect to deductibles, exclusions,                   short explanatory statement in the
                                               614.4930(c)(4), respectively. Based on                  conditions, and cancellation, would                   Federal Register along with its rule.
                                               their current practices regarding non-                  prevent regulated lending institutions                   The OCC currently supervises
                                               traditional flood insurance plans, the                  from accepting flood insurance policies               approximately 1,032 small entities.22
                                               Board, FDIC, and NCUA expect that                       issued by private insurers in the                     We identified 974 OCC-supervised
                                               cases in which they approve policies                    nonresidential lending context, even                  small entities that may be impacted by
                                               issued by mutual aid societies to be rare               though coverage not including these                   the proposed rule, which is a substantial
                                               and limited.                                            requirements would be acceptable for                  number.23 The OCC classifies the
                                                  The OCC notes that it currently                      policies covering another type of risk,               economic impact of total costs on a bank
                                               permits national banks and Federal                      such as fire or wind.                                 as significant if the total costs in a single
                                               savings associations to accept flood                                                                          year are greater than 5 percent of total
                                                                                                          Furthermore, the Agencies request
                                               coverage issued by Amish mutual aid                                                                           salaries and benefits, or greater than 2.5
                                                                                                       comment on whether the final rule
                                               societies, such as Amish Aid plans.                                                                           percent of total non-interest expense.
                                               Amish Aid societies consist of members                  should include criteria for the                       The OCC estimates that the average cost
                                               who share a common religious bond                       discretionary acceptance of flood                     per small bank is approximately $10,400
                                               and, in accordance with this common                     insurance policies issued by private                  per year. Using this cost estimate, we
                                               bond, have a demonstrated history of                    insurers for nonresidential properties                believe the proposed rule will have a
                                               fulfilling the terms of agreements                      that are different from the criteria                  significant economic impact on four
                                               (Amish Aid plans) to cover losses to                    applicable to flood insurance policies                small banks, which is not a substantial
                                               members’ property caused by flooding                    issued by private insurers for residential            number. Therefore, the OCC certifies
                                               in accordance with this common bond,                    properties. For example, the Agencies                 that this regulation, if adopted, will not
                                               either by paying to cover the cost of                   could require that the policy: (1) Meet               have a significant economic impact on
                                               damaged structures or by repairing or                   the amount of coverage for losses and                 a substantial number of small entities
                                               rebuilding the structures. Amish Aid                    term requirements specified in the                    supervised by the OCC. Accordingly, a
                                               plans thereby provide sufficient                        mandatory purchase requirement, (2)                   regulatory flexibility analysis is not
                                               protection of the loan secured by the                   cover both the mortgagor(s) and the                   required.
                                               property and protect the lender as well                 mortgagee(s) as loss payees, and (3)                     Board: The RFA requires an agency to
                                               as the borrower. The proposed rule,                     require the regulated institution to                  publish an initial regulatory flexibility
                                               therefore, would maintain the status quo                determine that the policy provides                    analysis with a proposed rule or certify
                                               by continuing to allow national banks                   sufficient protection of the loan secured             that the proposed rule will not have a
                                               and Federal savings associations to                     by the property, consistent with general              significant economic impact on a
                                               accept flood coverage issued by mutual                  safety and soundness principles, as is                substantial number of small entities.
                                               aid societies that have a demonstrated                  required for the acceptance of coverage               The Board is publishing an initial
                                               history of covering expenses caused by                  provided by mutual aid societies. The                 regulatory flexibility analysis and
                                               flood damage to members’ property, and                  Agencies request comment on whether                   requests public comment on all aspects
                                               that is approved by the OCC, such as                    a provision for flood insurance issued                of its analysis. The Board will conduct
                                               Amish Aid plans.                                        by private insurers covering                          a final regulatory flexibility analysis
                                                  The Agencies request comment on the                  nonresidential properties that includes               after considering the comments received
                                               proposed requirements for discretionary                 these criteria is appropriate or whether              during the public comment period.
                                               acceptance of polices issued by mutual                  different or additional criteria should be
                                               aid societies, including the proposed                   applied in the nonresidential context.                  21 See  5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.
                                               criteria a regulated lending institution                For example, should the Agencies                        22 We   base our estimate of the number of small
                                               would be required to consider in                        require the policy to be issued by an                 entities on the Small Business Administration’s size
                                                                                                                                                             thresholds for commercial banks and savings
                                               determining whether the policy                          insurer that is licensed, admitted, or                institutions, and trust companies, which are $550
                                               provides sufficient protection for the                  otherwise approved to engage in the                   million and $38.5 million, respectively. Consistent
                                               loan.                                                   business of insurance by the insurance                with the General Principles of Affiliation 13 CFR
                                                  Discretionary acceptance for                         regulator of the State where the property             121.103(a), we count the assets of affiliated
                                                                                                                                                             financial institutions when determining if we
                                               nonresidential property. The mandatory                  to be insured is located, or issued by a              should classify an institution we supervise as a
                                               flood insurance purchase requirement                    surplus lines insurer recognized, or not              small entity. We used December 31, 2015, to
                                               applies to loans secured by either                      disapproved, by the insurance regulator               determine size because a ‘‘financial institution’s
                                               residential or nonresidential properties.               of the State where the property to be                 assets are determined by averaging the assets
                                               The Agencies understand that flood                                                                            reported on its four quarterly financial statements
                                                                                                       insured is located?                                   for the preceding year.’’ See footnote 8 of the U.S.
                                               insurance policies issued by private                                                                          Small Business Administration’s Table of Size
                                               insurers covering loans secured by                      III. Regulatory Analysis
                                                                                                                                                             Standards.
                                               nonresidential properties, such as                      A. Regulatory Flexibility Act                            23 To estimate the number of small banks that

                                               commercial properties, may have                                                                               may be affected if the proposed rule is
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                                                                                                         OCC: In general, the Regulatory                     implemented, we determined the number of small
                                               coverage, deductibles, exclusions, and                                                                        banks that (a) self-identify by reporting mortgage
                                               conditions that differ from NFIP policies               Flexibility Act (RFA) requires that in                servicing assets, reporting loans secured by real
                                               based on the type, size, and number of                  connection with a notice of proposed                  estate, or as originating 1–4 family residential
                                               nonresidential properties covered by the                rulemaking an agency prepare and make                 mortgage loans on a Call Report submitted for any
                                                                                                       available for public comment an initial               quarter in calendar year 2015 or during the first
                                               policy. In some instances, such policies                                                                      quarter of 2016 or (b) are identified by OCC
                                               are individually negotiated and tailored                regulatory flexibility analysis that                  examiners as originating residential mortgage loans
                                               to the nonresidential property that                     describes the impact of a proposed rule               or as Home Mortgage Disclosure Act filers.



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                                                                      Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 215 / Monday, November 7, 2016 / Proposed Rules                                                      78071

                                                  1. Statement of the need for, and                     acceptance provisions. The proposed                     assumes that the usage of private flood
                                               objectives of, the proposed rule. The                    provisions on discretionary acceptance,                 insurance policies by borrower, as
                                               Board is proposing revisions to                          including plans issued by mutual aid                    defined by the proposed rule, is
                                               Regulation H to implement the private                    societies, are at the discretion of the                 distributed consistently across small
                                               flood insurance provisions of the                        lender. As a result, regulated lending                  entities. The actual ongoing cost
                                               Biggert-Waters Act. Consistent with the                  institutions may choose not to accept                   estimate may be lower than stated
                                               Biggert-Waters Act, the proposal would                   policies under those proposed                           because the estimate assumes that all of
                                               require regulated lending institutions                   provisions and would therefore have no                  the policies for properties in High Risk
                                               accept any private insurance policy that                 compliance burden associated with                       Areas will cover loans held by Board-
                                               meets the Biggert-Waters Act’s                           those provisions.                                       supervised institutions when some of
                                               definition of ‘‘private flood insurance’’                   Second, with respect to flood                        these loans may be held by institutions
                                               in satisfaction of the mandatory flood                   insurance policies that a private insurer               supervised by other Agencies.
                                               insurance purchase requirement. The                      would seek to have a lender accept                         3. Other Federal rules. The Board has
                                               proposed rule would also include a                       under the proposed mandatory                            not identified any likely duplication,
                                               compliance aid that would deem a                         acceptance provisions, the Board notes                  overlap and/or potential conflict
                                               policy to meet the Biggert-Waters Act                    that for those regulated lending                        between the proposed rule and any
                                               definition of ‘‘private flood insurance’’                institutions, including those that are                  Federal rule.
                                               if: (i) The policy includes, or is                       considered small entities, that accept                     4. Significant alternatives to the
                                               accompanied by, a written summary                        flood insurance policies issued by                      proposed revisions. The Board solicits
                                               from the insurer that demonstrates how                   private insurers today, such institutions               comment on any significant alternatives
                                               the policy meets the definition of                       already have experience evaluating such                 that would reduce the regulatory burden
                                               private flood insurance; (ii) the lender                 policies with the criteria in the Biggert-              associated with this proposed rule on
                                               verifies that the policy includes the                    Waters Act definition of ‘‘private flood                small entities.
                                               provisions identified in the summary;                    insurance,’’ which are almost identical                    FDIC: The RFA generally requires
                                               and (iii) the policy includes language                   to the criteria referenced in guidance                  that, in connection with a notice of
                                                                                                        issued by the Agencies and that                         proposed rulemaking, an agency prepare
                                               certifying that the policy meets the
                                                                                                        currently govern the acceptance of                      and make available for public comment
                                               criteria. The Agencies are also
                                                                                                        private policies by regulated lending                   an initial regulatory flexibility analysis
                                               proposing to permit lenders to accept, at
                                                                                                        institutions. Third, as discussed in the                describing the impact of the proposed
                                               their discretion, flood insurance policies
                                                                                                        SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION, the Board
                                                                                                                                                                rule on small entities.27 A regulatory
                                               issued by private insurers, and plans
                                                                                                        believes the proposed rule would                        flexibility analysis is not required,
                                               issued by mutual aid societies, that do
                                                                                                        alleviate the burden on regulated                       however, if the agency certifies that the
                                               not meet the definition of ‘‘private flood
                                                                                                        lending institutions, including those                   rule will not have a significant
                                               insurance,’’ provided they meet certain
                                                                                                        that are considered small entities, of                  economic impact on a substantial
                                               conditions.
                                                                                                        evaluating whether a flood insurance                    number of small entities. The Small
                                                  2. Small entities affected by the
                                                                                                        policy issued by a private insurer meets                Business Administration has defined
                                               proposed rule. All State member banks
                                                                                                        the definition of ‘‘private flood                       ‘‘small entities’’ to include banking
                                               that are subject to the Federal flood
                                                                                                                                                                organizations with total assets less than
                                               insurance statutes and the flood                         insurance’’ under the mandatory
                                                                                                                                                                or equal to $550 million.28
                                               insurance provisions of Regulation H                     acceptance provisions with the addition
                                                                                                                                                                   The FDIC supervises 3,204 small
                                               would be subject to the proposed rule.                   of a proposed compliance aid that                       banking entities that have originated
                                               As of September 27, 2016, there were                     leverages the expertise of the insurer                  1–4 family residential mortgage loans or
                                               821 State member banks. Under                            issuing the policy.                                     have reported holding mortgage
                                               regulations issued by the Small                             Although the proposed rule could
                                                                                                                                                                servicing assets or loans secured by real
                                               Business Administration, banks and                       impact a substantial number of small
                                                                                                                                                                estate and may therefore be affected by
                                               other depository institutions with total                 entities, the Board estimates that the
                                                                                                                                                                the proposed rule.29 The FDIC estimates
                                               assets of $550 million or less are                       costs to these entities will not be
                                                                                                                                                                that the annual cost for each covered
                                               considered small. Approximately 588                      significant. The Board estimates that the
                                                                                                                                                                small entity will range between $2,020
                                               State member banks would be                              cost for each covered small entity will                 and $4,500 per year, on average. This
                                               considered small entities by the Small                   be approximately $8,096 during the first                estimate includes compliance costs 30
                                               Business Administration.24                               year the proposal goes into effect. This                and ongoing costs 31 and assumes that
                                                  The Board believes the proposal will                  estimate includes first year compliance
                                               not have a significant impact on small                   costs 25 and ongoing costs 26 and                       30, 2016. The Board therefore assumed that small
                                               entities. First, the Board believes that                                                                         entities will have to review a similar share of
                                               most existing flood insurance policies                      25 Fixed compliance costs are estimated assuming     annual private flood insurance policies. Ongoing
                                                                                                        each small entity requires one full-time employee       policy review costs are estimated to be
                                               issued by private insurers would not                     working 20 hours at a rate of $101 an hour. The         approximately $6,076 per year for each small entity,
                                               meet the definition of ‘‘private flood                   total cost of compliance for all 821 covered entities   assuming one labor hour per year, per policy, at
                                               insurance’’ under the Biggert-Waters Act                 is approximately $1.658 million, or $2,020 for each     $101 per hour.
                                                                                                                                                                  27 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.
                                               and that insurers would request that                     small entity.
                                                                                                           26 Ongoing compliance costs are estimated based        28 13 CFR 121.201 (as amended, effective
                                               lenders accept the policies under the                                                                            December 2, 2014).
                                                                                                        on available data. According to FEMA’s Policy and
                                               more flexible proposed discretionary                     Claim Statistics for Flood Insurance there are            29 FDIC Call Reports (four quarters ending on

                                                                                                        approximately 5,083,071 flood insurance policies        March 31, 2016).
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                                                 24 The Board reviewed the number of State              nationally as of June 2016. Only 3,537,059 of these       30 Fixed compliance costs are estimated assuming

                                               member banks that reported mortgage servicing            policies are located in ‘‘High Risk Areas’’ and         each small entity requires one full-time employee
                                               assets, loans secured by real estate, or originating     would therefore require flood insurance. The Board      working 20 hours at a rate of $101 an hour. The
                                               1–4 family residential mortgage loans on a Call          estimated the future adoption rate of private flood     total cost of compliance for all 3,204 covered
                                               Report submitted for the four quarters ending on         insurance will be approximately 10 percent of the       entities is approximately $6.5 million, or $2,020 for
                                               June 30, 2016, which included nearly all State           total of flood insurance policies in any given year.    each small entity.
                                               member banks. Consequently, the Board is                 Further, small entities hold approximately 10             31 Ongoing compliance costs are estimated based

                                               estimating that all small State member banks may         percent of all loans secured by real estate held in     on available data. According to FEMA’s Policy and
                                               be affected if the proposed rule is implemented.         portfolio by all Board-supervised banks as of June                                                 Continued




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                                               78072                 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 215 / Monday, November 7, 2016 / Proposed Rules

                                               the usage of private flood insurance                    credit unions, and only about 2,894 of                  Act of 1995 (the PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501
                                               policies by borrowers, as defined by the                these credit unions have real estate                    et seq.).
                                               proposed rule, is distributed                           loans.                                                     In accordance with the PRA (44
                                               consistently across small entities. The                    NCUA classifies the economic impact                  U.S.C. 3506; 5 CFR 1320 Appendix A.1),
                                               actual ongoing cost estimates are likely                of total costs on a credit union as                     the Board reviewed the proposed rule
                                               to be lower than stated because the                     significant if the total costs in a single              under the authority delegated to the
                                               estimate assumes that all of the loans for              year are greater than 5 percent of total                Board by the Office of Management and
                                               properties in High Risk Areas are held                  salaries and benefits, or greater than 2.5              Budget (OMB). The collection of
                                               by FDIC-supervised institutions; at least               percent of total non-interest expense.                  information that is subject to the PRA by
                                               some of these loans are held by OCC-                    NCUA estimates that the average cost                    this proposed rule is found in 12 CFR
                                               and Board-supervised institutions.                      per small credit union is approximately                 22.3, 208.25, 339.3, and 760.3.
                                                  The proposed rule could impact a                     $2,020 per year. Using this cost                           The Agencies may not conduct or
                                               substantial number of small entities;                   estimate, NCUA believes the proposed                    sponsor, and an organization is not
                                               however, the costs to those entities are                rule will have a significant economic                   required to respond to, this information
                                               not estimated to be significant. For this               impact on 63 small credit unions, which                 collection unless the information
                                               reason, the FDIC certifies that this                    is not a substantial number. Therefore,                 collection displays a currently valid
                                               proposed rule will not have a significant               NCUA certifies that this proposed rule,                 OMB control number. The OMB control
                                               economic impact on a substantial                        if adopted, will not have a significant                 numbers are 1557–0326 (OCC), 7100–
                                               number of small entities that it                        economic impact on a substantial                        0280 (Board), and 3133–0143 (NCUA).
                                               supervises.                                             number of small entities.                               The FDIC will seek a new OMB control
                                                  FCA: Pursuant to section 605(b) of the
                                                                                                       B. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of                      number.
                                               RFA, the FCA hereby certifies that the
                                               final rule will not have a significant                  1995                                                       Under §§ 22.3(c)(2), 208.25(c)(3)(ii),
                                               economic impact on a substantial                                                                                339.3(c)(2), and 760.3(c)(2), a policy is
                                                                                                         The OCC has analyzed the proposed                     deemed to meet the definition of private
                                               number of small entities. Each of the
                                                                                                       rule under the factors in the Unfunded                  flood insurance if, among other things,
                                               banks in the Farm Credit System,
                                                                                                       Mandates Reform Act of 1995                             (i) it includes a written summary
                                               considered together with its affiliated
                                                                                                       (UMRA).35 Under this analysis, the OCC                  demonstrating how the policy meets the
                                               associations, has assets and annual
                                                                                                       considered whether the proposed rule                    definition of private flood insurance,
                                               income in excess of the amounts that
                                                                                                       includes a Federal mandate that may                     identifying the provisions of the policy
                                               would qualify them as small entities.
                                                                                                       result in the expenditure by State, local,              that meet each criterion in the definition
                                               Therefore, Farm Credit System
                                                                                                       and tribal governments, in the aggregate,               and confirms that the insurer is
                                               institutions are not ‘‘small entities’’ as
                                                                                                       or by the private sector, of $100 million               regulated in accordance with that
                                               defined in the RFA.
                                                                                                       or more in any one year (adjusted                       definition and (ii) the institution verifies
                                                  NCUA: The RFA requires NCUA to
                                                                                                       annually for inflation). Under Title II of              in writing that the policy includes the
                                               prepare an analysis to describe any
                                                                                                       the UMRA, indirect costs, foregone                      provisions identified by the insurer in
                                               significant economic impact a
                                                                                                       revenues and opportunity costs are not                  the summary provided and that these
                                               regulation may have on a substantial
                                                                                                       included when determining if a                          provisions satisfy the criteria included
                                               number of small entities.32 Under
                                                                                                       mandate meets or exceeds UMRA’s cost                    in the definition.
                                               section 605(b) of the RFA, this analysis
                                                                                                       threshold. The UMRA does not apply to
                                               is not required if an agency certifies that                                                                        Under §§ 22.3(c)(3)(iv)(B)(3),
                                                                                                       regulations that incorporate
                                               the rule would not have a significant                                                                           208.25(c)(3)(iii)(D)(2)(iii),
                                                                                                       requirements specifically set forth in
                                               economic impact on a substantial                                                                                339.3(c)(3)(iv)(B)(3), and
                                                                                                       law.
                                               number of small entities and publishes                                                                          760.3(c)(3)(iv)(B)(3), institutions have
                                               its certification and a short explanatory                 The OCC’s estimated annual UMRA                       the discretion to accept a flood
                                               statement in the Federal Register along                 cost is approximately $36 million.                      insurance policy issued by a private
                                               with its rule.33 For purposes of this                   Therefore, the OCC finds that the                       insurer that is not issued under the
                                               analysis, NCUA considers small credit                   proposed rule does not trigger the                      NFIP, does not meet the definition of
                                               unions to be those having under $100                    UMRA cost threshold. Accordingly, the                   private flood insurance, and does not
                                               million in assets.34 As of June 30, 2016,               OCC has not prepared the written                        satisfy §§ 22.3(c)(3)(iv)(A),
                                               there are 4,345 small, Federally insured                statement described in section 202 of                   208.25(c)(3)(iii)(D)(1), 339.3(c)(3)(iv)(A),
                                                                                                       the UMRA.                                               and 760.3(c)(iv)(A) if, among other
                                               Claim Statistics for Flood Insurance there are
                                                                                                       C. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995                      things, the institution has documented
                                               approximately 5,118,254 flood insurance policies                                                                in writing that it has compared the
                                               nationally as of March 2016. Only 3,568,638 of
                                               these policies are located in ‘‘High Risk Areas’’ and      The OCC, Board, FDIC, and NCUA                       private policy with an SFIP to
                                               would therefore require flood insurance. The FDIC       (the Agencies) 36 have determined that                  determine the differences between the
                                               estimated the future adoption rate of private flood     this proposed rule involves a collection                private policy and an SFIP and
                                               insurance will be between 1 percent and 10 percent      of information pursuant to the                          reasonably determines that the private
                                               of the total of flood insurance policies in any given
                                               year. Further, small entities hold approximately 22     provisions of the Paperwork Reduction                   policy provides sufficient protection of
                                               percent of all loans secured by real estate held in                                                             the loan.
                                               portfolio by all FDIC-supervised banks as of March         35 Public Law 104–4, 109 Stat. 48 (1995), codified
                                                                                                                                                                  Under §§ 22.3(c)(4)(iv),
                                               31, 2016. The FDIC therefore assumed that small         at 2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.                                208.5(c)(iv)(D), 339.3(c)(4)(iv), and
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                                               entities will have to review a similar share of            36 The FCA has determined that the proposed rule
                                               annual private flood insurance policies. Ongoing        does not involve a collection of information
                                                                                                                                                               760.3(c)(4)(iv), institutions may accept a
                                               policy review costs are estimated to be between         pursuant to the PRA for System institutions because     private policy issued by a mutual aid
                                               $250 and $2,500 per year for each small entity,         System institutions are Federally chartered             society if, among other things, it has
                                               assuming one labor hour per year, per policy, at        instrumentalities of the United States and
                                               $101 per hour.                                                                                                  determined that the policy provides
                                                                                                       instrumentalities of the United States are
                                                 32 5 U.S.C. 603(a).
                                                                                                       specifically excepted from the definition of
                                                                                                                                                               sufficient protection of the loan secured
                                                 33 5 U.S.C. 605(b).
                                                                                                       ‘‘collection of information’’ contained in 44 U.S.C.    by the property located in the SFHA and
                                                 34 80 FR 57512 (September 24, 2015).                  3502(3).                                                documented its conclusions.


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                                                                    Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 215 / Monday, November 7, 2016 / Proposed Rules                                              78073

                                               Burden Estimates                                        on the first day of a calendar quarter                and (k) as (l) and (m), and (l) and (m)
                                                 OCC:                                                  that begins on or after the date on which             as (o) and (p); and
                                                 Number of Respondents: 1,341.                         the regulations are published in final                ■ b. Adding new paragraphs (h), (k) and
                                                 Total Burden: 129,968 hours.                          form.                                                 (n) to read as follows:
                                                 Board:                                                  The Federal banking agencies note
                                                                                                                                                             § 22.2   Definitions.
                                                 Number of Respondents: 846.                           that comment on these matters has been
                                                 Total Burden: 42,050 hours.                           solicited in other sections of this                   *       *    *     *     *
                                                 FDIC:                                                 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section,                       (h) Mutual aid society means an
                                                 Number of Respondents:3,885.                          and that the requirements of RCDRIA                   organization—
                                                 Total Burden: 136,100 hours.                          will be considered as part of the overall                (1) Whose members share a common
                                                 NCUA:                                                 rulemaking process. In addition, the                  religious, charitable, educational, or
                                                 Number of Respondents: 4,058.                         Federal banking agencies invite any                   fraternal bond;
                                                 Total Burden: 95,211 hours.                           other comments that further will inform                  (2) That covers losses caused by
                                                 These collections are available to the                the Federal banking agencies’                         damage to members’ property pursuant
                                               public at www.reginfo.gov.                              consideration of RCDRIA.                              to an agreement, including damage
                                                 Comments are invited on:                                                                                    caused by flooding, in accordance with
                                                 (a) Whether the information                           List of Subjects                                      this common bond; and
                                               collections are necessary for the proper                12 CFR Part 22                                           (3) That has a demonstrated history of
                                               performance of the Agencies’ functions,                                                                       fulfilling the terms of agreements to
                                                                                                         Flood insurance, Mortgages, National                cover losses to members’ property
                                               including whether the information has
                                                                                                       banks, Reporting and recordkeeping                    caused by flooding.
                                               practical utility;
                                                                                                       requirements, Savings associations.
                                                 (b) The accuracy of the Agencies’                                                                           *       *    *     *     *
                                               estimates of the burden of the                          12 CFR Part 208                                          (k) Private flood insurance means an
                                               information collections, including the                                                                        insurance policy that:
                                                                                                         Accounting, Agriculture, Banks,
                                               validity of the methodology and                                                                                  (1) Is issued by an insurance company
                                                                                                       banking, Confidential business
                                               assumptions used;                                                                                             that is:
                                                                                                       information, Crime, Currency, Federal
                                                 (c) Ways to enhance the quality,                                                                               (i) Licensed, admitted, or otherwise
                                                                                                       Reserve System, Flood insurance,
                                               utility, and clarity of the information to                                                                    approved to engage in the business of
                                                                                                       Mortgages, Reporting and recordkeeping
                                               be collected;                                                                                                 insurance in the State or jurisdiction in
                                                                                                       requirements, Securities.
                                                 (d) Ways to minimize the burden of                                                                          which the property to be insured is
                                               information collections on respondents,                 12 CFR Part 339                                       located, by the insurance regulator of
                                               including through the use of automated                    Flood insurance, Reporting and                      that State or jurisdiction; or
                                               collection techniques or other forms of                 recordkeeping requirements, Savings                      (ii) Recognized, or not disapproved, as
                                               information technology; and                             associations.                                         a surplus lines insurer by the insurance
                                                 (e) Estimates of capital or start-up                                                                        regulator of the State or jurisdiction in
                                               costs and costs of operation,                           12 CFR Part 614                                       which the property to be insured is
                                               maintenance, and purchase of services                     Agriculture, Banks, banking, Flood                  located in the case of a policy of
                                               to provide information.                                 insurance, Foreign trade, Reporting and               difference in conditions, multiple peril,
                                               D. Riegle Community Development and                     recordkeeping requirements, Rural                     all risk, or other blanket coverage
                                               Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994                      areas.                                                insuring nonresidential commercial
                                                                                                                                                             property;
                                                  Section 302(a) of the Riegle                         12 CFR Part 760                                          (2) Provides flood insurance coverage
                                               Community Development and                                 Credit unions, Mortgages, Flood                     that is at least as broad as the coverage
                                               Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994                      insurance, Reporting and Recordkeeping                provided under an SFIP, including
                                               (RCDRIA) 37 requires that each Federal                  requirements.                                         when considering deductibles,
                                               banking agency,38 in determining the                                                                          exclusions, and conditions offered by
                                               effective date and administrative                       Office of the Comptroller of the
                                                                                                                                                             the insurer. For purposes of this part, a
                                               compliance requirements for new                         Currency
                                                                                                                                                             policy is at least as broad as the
                                               regulations that impose additional                      12 CFR CHAPTER I                                      coverage provided under an SFIP if, at
                                               reporting, disclosure, or other                                                                               a minimum, the policy:
                                               requirements on insured depository                      Authority and Issuance
                                                                                                                                                                (i) Defines the term ‘‘flood’’ to include
                                               institutions, consider, consistent with                   For the reasons set forth in the joint              the events defined as a ‘‘flood’’ in an
                                               principles of safety and soundness and                  preamble and under the authority of 12                SFIP;
                                               the public interest, any administrative                 U.S.C. 93a, the OCC proposes to amend                    (ii) Covers both the mortgagor(s) and
                                               burdens that such regulations would                     chapter I of title 12 of the Code of                  the mortgagee(s) as loss payees;
                                               place on depository institutions,                       Federal Regulations as follows:                          (iii) Contains the coverage and
                                               including small depository institutions,                                                                      provisions specified in an SFIP,
                                               and customers of depository                             PART 22—LOANS IN AREAS HAVING                         including those relating to building
                                               institutions, as well as the benefits of                SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARDS                                 property coverage; personal property
                                               such regulations. In addition, new                                                                            coverage, if purchased by the insured
                                               regulations that impose additional                      ■ 1. The authority citation for part 22
                                                                                                                                                             mortgagor(s); other coverages; and the
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                                               reporting, disclosures, or other new                    continues to read as follows:
                                                                                                                                                             increased cost of compliance;
                                               requirements on insured depository                        Authority: 12 U.S.C. 93a, 1462a, 1463,                 (iv) Contains deductibles no higher
                                               institutions generally must take effect                 1464, and 5412(b)(2)(B); 42 U.S.C. 4012a,             than the specified maximum for the
                                                                                                       4104a, 4104b, 4106, and 4128.
                                                 37 12
                                                                                                                                                             same type of property, and includes
                                                      U.S.C. 4802(a).
                                                 38 Forpurposes of RCDRIA, ‘‘Federal banking
                                                                                                       ■ 2. Section 22.2 is amended by:                      similar non-applicability provisions, as
                                               agency’’ means the OCC, FDIC, and Board. See 12         ■ a. Redesignating paragraphs (h) and (i)             under an SFIP, for any total policy
                                               U.S.C. 4801.                                            as paragraphs (i) and (j), paragraphs (j)             coverage amount up to the maximum


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                                               78074                Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 215 / Monday, November 7, 2016 / Proposed Rules

                                               available under the NFIP at the time the                the definition of private flood insurance             offered by the insurer, and the national
                                               policy is provided to the lender;                       in § 22.2(k) by identifying the provisions            bank or Federal savings association has:
                                                  (v) Provides coverage for direct                     of the policy that meet each criterion in                (1) Compared the private policy with
                                               physical loss caused by a flood and may                 the definition, and confirms that the                 an SFIP to determine the differences
                                               exclude other causes of loss identified                 insurer is regulated in accordance with               between the private policy and an SFIP;
                                               in an SFIP. Any additional or different                 that definition;                                         (2) Reasonably determined that the
                                               exclusions than those in an SFIP may                       (ii) The national bank or Federal                  private policy provides sufficient
                                               pertain only to coverage that is in                     savings association verifies in writing               protection of the loan secured by the
                                               addition to the amount and type of                      that the policy includes the provisions               property located in a special flood
                                               coverage that could be provided by an                   identified by the insurer in the summary              hazard area; and
                                               SFIP; and                                               provided pursuant to paragraph (c)(2)(i)                 (3) Documented its findings under
                                                  (vi) May not contain conditions that                 of this section and that these provisions             paragraphs (c)(3)(iv)(B)(1) and (2) of this
                                               narrow the coverage provided in an                      satisfy the criteria included in the                  section.
                                               SFIP;                                                   definition; and                                          (4) Exception for mutual aid societies.
                                                  (3) Includes all of the following:                      (iii) The policy includes the following            Notwithstanding the requirements of
                                                  (i) A requirement for the insurer to                 provision within the policy or as an                  paragraph (c)(3) of this section, a
                                               give written notice 45 days before                      endorsement to the policy: ‘‘This policy              national bank or Federal savings
                                               cancellation or non-renewal of flood                    meets the definition of private flood                 association may accept a private policy
                                               insurance coverage to:                                  insurance contained in 42 U.S.C.                      issued by a mutual aid society in
                                                  (A) The insured; and                                 4012a(b)(7) and the corresponding                     satisfaction of the flood insurance
                                                  (B) The national bank or Federal                     regulation.’’                                         purchase requirement under paragraph
                                               savings association that made the                          (3) Discretionary acceptance. A                    (a) of this section if:
                                               designated loan secured by the property                                                                          (i) The OCC has determined that such
                                                                                                       national bank or Federal savings
                                               covered by the flood insurance, or the                                                                        types of policies qualify as flood
                                                                                                       association may accept a flood
                                               servicer acting on its behalf;                                                                                insurance for purposes of this Act;
                                                                                                       insurance policy issued by a private                     (ii) The policy meets the amount of
                                                  (ii) Information about the availability
                                                                                                       insurer that is not issued under the                  coverage for losses and term
                                               of flood insurance coverage under the
                                                                                                       NFIP and does not meet the definition                 requirements specified in paragraph (a)
                                               NFIP;
                                                  (iii) A mortgage interest clause similar             of private flood insurance, as defined in             of this section;
                                               to the clause contained in an SFIP; and                 § 22.2(k), in satisfaction of the flood                  (iii) The policy covers both the
                                                  (iv) A provision requiring an insured                insurance purchase requirement under                  mortgagor(s) and the mortgagee(s) as
                                               to file suit not later than one year after              paragraph (a) of this section, only if the            loss payees; and
                                               the date of a written denial of all or part             coverage under such flood insurance                      (iv) The national bank or Federal
                                               of a claim under the policy; and                        policy meets the amount and term                      savings association has determined that
                                                  (4) Contains cancellation provisions                 requirements specified in paragraph (a)               the policy provides sufficient protection
                                               that are as restrictive as the provisions               of this section, and the policy:                      of the loan secured by the property
                                               contained in an SFIP.                                      (i) Is issued by an insurer that is                located in a special flood hazard area. In
                                                                                                       licensed, admitted, or otherwise                      making this determination, the national
                                               *       *    *     *     *
                                                  (n) SFIP means, for purposes of                      approved to engage in the business of                 bank or Federal savings association
                                               §§ 22.2 and 22.3, a standard flood                      insurance in the State or jurisdiction in             must:
                                               insurance policy issued under the NFIP                  which the property to be insured is                      (A) Verify that the policy is consistent
                                               in effect as of the date the private policy             located by the insurance regulator of                 with general safety and soundness
                                               is provided to a national bank or Federal               that State; or in the case of a policy of             principles, such as whether deductibles
                                               savings association.                                    difference in conditions, multiple peril,             are reasonable based on the borrower’s
                                                                                                       all risk, or other blanket coverage                   financial condition;
                                               *       *    *     *     *                              insuring nonresidential commercial                       (B) Consider the policy provider’s
                                               ■ 3. Section 22.3 is amended by adding
                                                                                                       property, is issued by a surplus lines                ability to satisfy claims, such as whether
                                               paragraph (c) to read as follows:                       insurer recognized, or not disapproved,               the policy provider has a demonstrated
                                               § 22.3 Requirement to purchase flood                    by the insurance regulator of the State               record of covering losses; and
                                               insurance where available.                              where the property to be insured is                      (C) Document its conclusions.
                                               *      *     *     *    *                               located;
                                                                                                                                                             Federal Reserve System
                                                  (c) Private flood insurance. (1)                        (ii) Covers both the mortgagor(s) and
                                               Mandatory acceptance. A national bank                   the mortgagee(s) as loss payees;                      12 CFR CHAPTER II
                                               or Federal savings association must                        (iii) Provides for cancellation                    Authority and Issuance
                                               accept private flood insurance, as                      following reasonable notice to the
                                                                                                       borrower only for reasons permitted by                  For the reasons set forth in the joint
                                               defined in § 22.2(k), in satisfaction of                                                                      preamble, the Board proposes to amend
                                               the flood insurance purchase                            FEMA for an SFIP on the Flood
                                                                                                       Insurance Cancellation Request/                       part 208 of chapter II of title 12 of the
                                               requirement, provided that the private                                                                        Code of Federal Regulations as set forth
                                               flood insurance meets the requirement                   Nullification Form, in any case of non-
                                                                                                       payment, or when cancellation is                      below:
                                               for coverage under paragraph (a) of this
                                               section.                                                mandated pursuant to State law; and                   PART 208—MEMBERSHIP OF STATE
                                                                                                          (iv) Either:
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                                                  (2) Compliance aid for mandatory                                                                           BANKING INSTITUTIONS IN THE
                                               acceptance. A flood insurance policy is                    (A) Meets the criteria set forth in                FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM
                                               deemed to meet the definition of private                paragraphs (k)(2)(i) and (iii) through (vi)           (REGULATION H)
                                               flood insurance in § 22.2(k) for purposes               of this section; or
                                               of paragraph (a) of this section if:                       (B) Provides coverage that is similar to           ■  4. The authority citation for part 208
                                                  (i) The policy includes, or is                       coverage provided under an SFIP,                      is revised to read as follows:
                                               accompanied by, a written summary                       including when considering                              Authority: 12 U.S.C. 24, 36, 92a, 93a,
                                               that demonstrates how the policy meets                  deductibles, exclusions, and conditions               248(a), 248(c), 321–338a, 371d, 461, 481–486,



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                                                                    Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 215 / Monday, November 7, 2016 / Proposed Rules                                              78075

                                               601, 611, 1814, 1816, 1818, 1820(d)(9),                   (C) Contains the coverage and                       under the NFIP in effect as of the date
                                               1823(j), 1828(o), 1831, 1831o, 1831p–1,                 provisions specified in an SFIP,                      the private policy is provided to a
                                               1831r–1, 1831w, 1831x, 1835a, 1882, 2901–               including those relating to building                  member bank.
                                               2907, 3105, 3310, 3331–3351, 3353, and                  property coverage; personal property                     (13) Special flood hazard area means
                                               3905–3909; 15 U.S.C. 78b, 78l(b), 78l(i), 780–
                                               4(c)(5), 78q, 78q–1, 78w, 1681s, 1681w, 6801
                                                                                                       coverage, if purchased by the insured                 the land in the flood plain within a
                                               and 6805; 31 U.S.C. 5318; 42 U.S.C. 4012a,              mortgagor(s); other coverages; and the                community having at least a one percent
                                               4104b, 4106, and 4128.                                  increased cost of compliance;                         chance of flooding in any given year, as
                                                                                                         (D) Contains deductibles no higher                  designated by the Administrator of
                                               ■ 5. Amend § 208.25 by revising                         than the specified maximum for the                    FEMA.
                                               paragraphs (b)(7) through (b)(11) and                   same type of property, and includes                      (14) Table funding means a settlement
                                               adding paragraphs (b)(12) through                       similar non-applicability provisions, as              at which a loan is funded by a
                                               (b)(14) and (c)(3) to read as follows:                  under an SFIP, for any total policy                   contemporaneous advance of loan funds
                                               § 208.25 Loans in areas having special                  coverage amount up to the maximum                     and an assignment of the loan to the
                                               flood hazards.                                          available under the NFIP at the time the              person advancing the funds.
                                               *       *     *    *     *                              policy is provided to the lender;                        (c) Requirement to purchase flood
                                                  (b) Definitions. For purposes of this                  (E) Provides coverage for direct                    insurance where available.
                                               section:                                                physical loss caused by a flood and may               *       *    *     *     *
                                                                                                       exclude other causes of loss identified                  (3) Private flood insurance. (i)
                                               *       *     *    *     *
                                                                                                       in an SFIP. Any additional or different               Mandatory acceptance. A member bank
                                                  (7) Mutual aid society means an
                                                                                                       exclusions than those in an SFIP may                  must accept private flood insurance, as
                                               organization—
                                                                                                       pertain only to coverage that is in                   defined in paragraph (b)(9) of this
                                                  (i) Whose members share a common
                                                                                                       addition to the amount and type of                    section, in satisfaction of the flood
                                               religious, charitable, educational, or
                                                                                                       coverage that could be provided by an                 insurance purchase requirement,
                                               fraternal bond;
                                                                                                       SFIP; and                                             provided that the private flood
                                                  (ii) That covers losses caused by
                                                                                                         (F) May not contain conditions that                 insurance meets the requirement for
                                               damage to members’ property pursuant
                                                                                                       narrow the coverage provided in an                    coverage under paragraph (c)(1) of this
                                               to an agreement, including damage
                                                                                                       SFIP;                                                 section.
                                               caused by flooding, in accordance with                    (iii) Includes all of the following:
                                               this common bond; and                                                                                            (ii) Compliance aid for mandatory
                                                                                                         (A) A requirement for the insurer to                acceptance. A flood insurance policy is
                                                  (iii) That has a demonstrated history                give written notice 45 days before
                                               of fulfilling the terms of agreements to                                                                      deemed to meet the definition of private
                                                                                                       cancellation or non-renewal of flood                  flood insurance in paragraph (b)(9) of
                                               cover losses to members’ property                       insurance coverage to:
                                               caused by flooding.                                                                                           this section for purposes of paragraph
                                                                                                         (1) The insured; and
                                                  (8) NFIP means the National Flood                                                                          (c)(1) of this section if:
                                                                                                         (2) The member bank that made the
                                               Insurance Program authorized under the                                                                           (A) The policy includes, or is
                                                                                                       designated loan secured by the property
                                               Act.                                                                                                          accompanied by, a written summary
                                                                                                       covered by the flood insurance, or the
                                                  (9) Private flood insurance means an                                                                       that demonstrates how the policy meets
                                                                                                       servicer acting on its behalf;
                                               insurance policy that:                                    (B) Information about the availability              the definition of private flood insurance
                                                  (i) Is issued by an insurance company                of flood insurance coverage under the                 in paragraph (b)(9) of this section by
                                               that is:                                                NFIP;                                                 identifying the provisions of the policy
                                                  (A) Licensed, admitted, or otherwise                   (C) A mortgage interest clause similar              that meet each criterion in the
                                               approved to engage in the business of                   to the clause contained in an SFIP; and               definition, and confirms that the insurer
                                               insurance in the State or jurisdiction in                 (D) A provision requiring an insured                is regulated in accordance with that
                                               which the property to be insured is                     to file suit not later than one year after            definition;
                                               located, by the insurance regulator of                  the date of a written denial of all or part              (B) The member bank verifies in
                                               that State or jurisdiction; or                          of a claim under the policy; and                      writing that the policy includes the
                                                  (B) Recognized, or not disapproved, as                 (iv) Contains cancellation provisions               provisions identified by the insurer in
                                               a surplus lines insurer by the insurance                that are as restrictive as the provisions             the summary provided pursuant to
                                               regulator of the State or jurisdiction in               contained in an SFIP.                                 paragraph (c)(3)(ii)(A) of this section
                                               which the property to be insured is                       (10) Residential improved real estate               and that these provisions satisfy the
                                               located in the case of a policy of                      means real estate upon which a home or                criteria included in the definition; and
                                               difference in conditions, multiple peril,               other residential building is located or                 (C) The policy includes the following
                                               all risk, or other blanket coverage                     to be located.                                        provision within the policy or as an
                                               insuring nonresidential commercial                        (11) Servicer means the person                      endorsement to the policy: ‘‘This policy
                                               property;                                               responsible for:                                      meets the definition of private flood
                                                  (ii) Provides flood insurance coverage                 (i) Receiving any scheduled, periodic               insurance contained in 42 U.S.C.
                                               that is at least as broad as the coverage               payments from a borrower under the                    4012a(b)(7) and the corresponding
                                               provided under an SFIP, including                       terms of a loan, including amounts for                regulation.’’
                                               when considering deductibles,                           taxes, insurance premiums, and other                     (iii) Discretionary acceptance. A
                                               exclusions, and conditions offered by                   charges with respect to the property                  member bank may accept a flood
                                               the insurer. For purposes of this part, a               securing the loan; and                                insurance policy issued by a private
                                                                                                                                                             insurer that is not issued under the
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                                               policy is at least as broad as the                        (ii) Making payments of principal and
                                               coverage provided under an SFIP if, at                  interest and any other payments from                  NFIP and does not meet the definition
                                               a minimum, the policy:                                  the amounts received from the borrower                of private flood insurance, as defined in
                                                  (A) Defines the term ‘‘flood’’ to                    as may be required under the terms of                 paragraph (b)(9) of this section, in
                                               include the events defined as a ‘‘flood’’               the loan.                                             satisfaction of the flood insurance
                                               in an SFIP;                                               (12) SFIP means, for purposes of                    purchase requirement under paragraph
                                                  (B) Covers both the mortgagor(s) and                 paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, a             (c)(1) of this section, only if the coverage
                                               the mortgagee(s) as loss payees;                        standard flood insurance policy issued                under such flood insurance policy


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                                               78076                Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 215 / Monday, November 7, 2016 / Proposed Rules

                                               meets the amount and term                               protection of the loan secured by the                 located in the case of a policy of
                                               requirements specified in paragraph                     property located in a special flood                   difference in conditions, multiple peril,
                                               (c)(1) of this section, and the policy:                 hazard area. In making this                           all risk, or other blanket coverage
                                                  (A) Is issued by an insurer that is                  determination, the member bank must:                  insuring nonresidential commercial
                                               licensed, admitted, or otherwise                           (1) Verify that the policy is consistent           property;
                                               approved to engage in the business of                   with general safety and soundness                        (2) Provides flood insurance coverage
                                               insurance in the State or jurisdiction in               principles, such as whether deductibles               that is at least as broad as the coverage
                                               which the property to be insured is                     are reasonable based on the borrower’s                provided under an SFIP, including
                                               located by the insurance regulator of                   financial condition;                                  when considering deductibles,
                                               that State; or in the case of a policy of                  (2) Consider the policy provider’s                 exclusions, and conditions offered by
                                               difference in conditions, multiple peril,               ability to satisfy claims, such as whether            the insurer. For purposes of this part, a
                                               all risk, or other blanket coverage                     the policy provider has a demonstrated                policy is at least as broad as the
                                               insuring nonresidential commercial                      record of covering losses; and                        coverage provided under an SFIP if, at
                                               property, is issued by a surplus lines                     (3) Document its conclusions.                      a minimum, the policy:
                                               insurer recognized, or not disapproved,                 Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation                    (i) Defines the term ‘‘flood’’ to include
                                               by the insurance regulator of the State                                                                       the events defined as a ‘‘flood’’ in an
                                               where the property to be insured is                     12 CFR CHAPTER III
                                                                                                                                                             SFIP;
                                               located;                                                Authority and Issuance
                                                  (B) Covers both the mortgagor(s) and                                                                          (ii) Covers both the mortgagor(s) and
                                               the mortgagee(s) as loss payees;                          For the reasons set forth in the joint              the mortgagee(s) as loss payees;
                                                  (C) Provides for cancellation                        preamble, the Board of Directors of the                  (iii) Contains the coverage and
                                               following reasonable notice to the                      FDIC proposes to amend part 339 of                    provisions specified in an SFIP,
                                               borrower only for reasons permitted by                  chapter III of title 12 of the Code of                including those relating to building
                                               FEMA for an SFIP on the Flood                           Federal Regulations to read as follows:               property coverage; personal property
                                               Insurance Cancellation Request/                                                                               coverage, if purchased by the insured
                                               Nullification Form, in any case of non-                 PART 339—LOANS IN AREAS HAVING                        mortgagor(s); other coverages; and the
                                               payment, or when cancellation is                        SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARDS                                 increased cost of compliance;
                                               mandated pursuant to State law; and                     ■ 6. The authority citation for part 339                 (iv) Contains deductibles no higher
                                                  (D) Either:                                          continues to read as follows:                         than the specified maximum for the
                                                  (1) Meets the criteria set forth in                                                                        same type of property, and includes
                                               paragraphs (b)(9)(ii)(A) and (C) through                  Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1462a, 1463, 1464,
                                                                                                       1819 (Tenth), 5412(b)(2)(C) and 42 U.S.C.
                                                                                                                                                             similar non-applicability provisions, as
                                               (F) of this section; or                                 4012a, 4104a, 4104b, 4106, and 4128.                  under an SFIP, for any total policy
                                                  (2) Provides coverage that is similar to                                                                   coverage amount up to the maximum
                                               coverage provided under an SFIP,                        ■  7. Section 339.2 is amended by adding              available under the NFIP at the time the
                                               including when considering                              the definitions of ‘‘Mutual aid society’’,            policy is provided to the lender;
                                               deductibles, exclusions, and conditions                 ‘‘Private flood insurance’’, and ‘‘SFIP’’
                                                                                                                                                                (v) Provides coverage for direct
                                               offered by the insurer, and the member                  in alphabetical order to read as follows:
                                                                                                                                                             physical loss caused by a flood and may
                                               bank has:                                               § 339.2   Definitions.                                exclude other causes of loss identified
                                                  (i) Compared the private policy with                                                                       in an SFIP. Any additional or different
                                               an SFIP to determine the differences                    *       *    *     *    *
                                                                                                          Mutual aid society means an                        exclusions than those in an SFIP may
                                               between the private policy and an SFIP;                                                                       pertain only to coverage that is in
                                                  (ii) Reasonably determined that the                  organization—
                                                                                                          (1) Whose members share a common                   addition to the amount and type of
                                               private policy provides sufficient                                                                            coverage that could be provided by an
                                               protection of the loan secured by the                   religious, charitable, educational, or
                                                                                                       fraternal bond;                                       SFIP; and
                                               property located in a special flood
                                               hazard area; and                                           (2) That covers losses caused by                      (vi) May not contain conditions that
                                                  (iii) Documented its findings under                  damage to members’ property pursuant                  narrow the coverage provided in an
                                               paragraphs (c)(3)(iii)(D)(2)(i) and (ii) of             to an agreement, including damage                     SFIP;
                                               this section.                                           caused by flooding, in accordance with                   (3) Includes all of the following:
                                                  (iv) Exception for mutual aid                        this common bond; and                                    (i) A requirement for the insurer to
                                               societies. Notwithstanding the                             (3) That has a demonstrated history of             give written notice 45 days before
                                               requirements of paragraph (c)(3)(iii) of                fulfilling the terms of agreements to                 cancellation or non-renewal of flood
                                               this section, a member bank may accept                  cover losses to members’ property                     insurance coverage to:
                                               a private policy issued by a mutual aid                 caused by flooding.
                                                                                                                                                                (A) The insured; and
                                               society in satisfaction of the flood                    *       *    *     *    *                                (B) The FDIC-supervised institution
                                               insurance purchase requirement under                       Private flood insurance means an
                                                                                                                                                             that made the designated loan secured
                                               paragraph (c)(1) of this section if:                    insurance policy that:
                                                                                                                                                             by the property covered by the flood
                                                  (A) The Board has determined that                       (1) Is issued by an insurance company
                                                                                                                                                             insurance, or the servicer acting on its
                                               such types of policies qualify as flood                 that is:
                                                                                                                                                             behalf;
                                               insurance for purposes of this Act.                        (i) Licensed, admitted, or otherwise
                                                  (B) The policy meets the amount of                   approved to engage in the business of                    (ii) Information about the availability
                                                                                                                                                             of flood insurance coverage under the
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                                               coverage for losses and term                            insurance in the State or jurisdiction in
                                               requirements specified in paragraph                     which the property to be insured is                   NFIP;
                                               (c)(1) of this section;                                 located, by the insurance regulator of                   (iii) A mortgage interest clause similar
                                                  (C) The policy covers both the                       that State or jurisdiction; or                        to the clause contained in an SFIP; and
                                               mortgagor(s) and the mortgagee(s) as                       (ii) Recognized, or not disapproved, as               (iv) A provision requiring an insured
                                               loss payees; and                                        a surplus lines insurer by the insurance              to file suit not later than one year after
                                                  (D) The member bank has determined                   regulator of the State or jurisdiction in             the date of a written denial of all or part
                                               that the policy provides sufficient                     which the property to be insured is                   of a claim under the policy; and


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                                                                    Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 215 / Monday, November 7, 2016 / Proposed Rules                                                  78077

                                                 (4) Contains cancellation provisions                  paragraph (a) of this section, and the                sufficient protection of the loan secured
                                               that are as restrictive as the provisions               policy:                                               by the property located in a special
                                               contained in an SFIP.                                      (i) Is issued by an insurer that is                flood hazard area. In making this
                                               *     *     *      *     *                              licensed, admitted, or otherwise                      determination, the FDIC-supervised
                                                 SFIP means, for purposes of §§ 339.2                  approved to engage in the business of                 institution must:
                                               and 339.3, a standard flood insurance                   insurance in the State or jurisdiction in                (A) Verify that the policy is consistent
                                               policy issued under the NFIP in effect                  which the property to be insured is                   with general safety and soundness
                                               as of the date the private policy is                    located by the insurance regulator of                 principles, such as whether deductibles
                                               provided to an FDIC-supervised                          that State; or in the case of a policy of             are reasonable based on the borrower’s
                                               institution.                                            difference in conditions, multiple peril,             financial condition;
                                                                                                       all risk, or other blanket coverage                      (B) Consider the policy provider’s
                                               *     *     *      *     *                                                                                    ability to satisfy claims, such as whether
                                                                                                       insuring nonresidential commercial
                                               ■ 8. Section 339.3 is amended by adding
                                                                                                       property, is issued by a surplus lines                the policy provider has a demonstrated
                                               paragraph (c) to read as follows:                                                                             record of covering losses; and
                                                                                                       insurer recognized, or not disapproved,
                                               § 339.3 Requirement to purchase flood                   by the insurance regulator of the State                  (C) Document its conclusions.
                                               insurance where available.                              where the property to be insured is                   Farm Credit Administration
                                               *       *    *     *    *                               located;
                                                                                                          (ii) Covers both the mortgagor(s) and              12 CFR CHAPTER VI
                                                  (c) Private flood insurance. (1)
                                               Mandatory acceptance. An FDIC-                          the mortgagee(s) as loss payees;                      Authority and Issuance
                                               supervised institution must accept                         (iii) Provides for cancellation
                                                                                                       following reasonable notice to the                      For the reasons set forth in the joint
                                               private flood insurance, as defined in                                                                        preamble, the FCA proposes to amend
                                               § 339.2, in satisfaction of the flood                   borrower only for reasons permitted by
                                                                                                       FEMA for an SFIP on the Flood                         part 614 subpart S of chapter VI, title 12
                                               insurance purchase requirement,                                                                               of the Code of Federal Regulations as set
                                               provided that the private flood                         Insurance Cancellation Request/
                                                                                                       Nullification Form, in any case of non-               forth below:
                                               insurance meets the requirement for
                                               coverage under paragraph (a) of this                    payment, or when cancellation is                      PART 614—LOANS IN AREAS HAVING
                                               section.                                                mandated pursuant to State law; and                   SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARDS
                                                  (2) Compliance aid for mandatory                        (iv) Either:
                                                                                                          (A) Meets the criteria of private flood            ■  9. The authority citation for part 614
                                               acceptance. A flood insurance policy is
                                                                                                       insurance, as defined in § 339.2, set                 is revised to read as follows:
                                               deemed to meet the definition of private
                                                                                                       forth in paragraphs (2)(i) and (iii)                    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 4012a, 4104a, 4104b,
                                               flood insurance in § 339.2 for purposes
                                                                                                       through (vi) of this section; or                      4106, and 4128; secs. 1.3, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.9,
                                               of paragraph (a) of this section if:
                                                                                                          (B) Provides coverage that is similar to           1.10, 2.0, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.10, 2.12, 2.13, 2.15,
                                                  (i) The policy includes, or is
                                                                                                       coverage provided under an SFIP,                      3.0, 3.1, 3.3, 3.7, 3.8, 3.10, 3.20, 3.28, 4.12,
                                               accompanied by, a written summary                                                                             4.12A, 4.13, 4.13B, 4.14, 4.14A, 4.14C, 4.14D,
                                                                                                       including when considering
                                               that demonstrates how the policy meets                                                                        4.14E, 4.18, 4.19, 4.36, 4.37, 5.9, 5.10, 5.17,
                                                                                                       deductibles, exclusions, and conditions
                                               the definition of private flood insurance                                                                     7.0, 7.2, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.12, 7.13, 8.0, 8.5 of
                                                                                                       offered by the insurer, and the FDIC-
                                               in § 339.2 by identifying the provisions                                                                      Pub. L. 92–181, 85 Stat. 583 (12 U.S.C. 2011,
                                                                                                       supervised institution has:
                                               of the policy that meet each criterion in                  (1) Compared the private policy with
                                                                                                                                                             2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2071, 2073,
                                               the definition, and confirms that the                                                                         2074, 2075, 2091, 2093, 2094, 2096, 2121,
                                                                                                       an SFIP to determine the differences                  2122, 2124, 2128, 2129, 2131, 2141, 2149,
                                               insurer is regulated in accordance with                 between the private policy and an SFIP;
                                               that definition;                                                                                              2183, 2184, 2199, 2201, 2202, 2202a, 2202c,
                                                                                                          (2) Reasonably determined that the                 2202d, 2202e, 2206, 2207, 2219a, 2219b,
                                                  (ii) The FDIC-supervised institution                 private policy provides sufficient                    2243, 2244, 2252, 2279a, 2279a–2, 2279b,
                                               verifies in writing that the policy                     protection of the loan secured by the                 2279b–1, 2279b–2, 2279f, 2279f–1, 2279aa,
                                               includes the provisions identified by the               property located in a special flood                   2279aa–5); sec. 413 of Pub. L. 100–233, 101
                                               insurer in the summary provided                         hazard area; and                                      Stat. 1568, 1639.
                                               pursuant to paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this                    (3) Documented its findings under                  ■  10. Section 614.4925, is amended by
                                               section and that these provisions satisfy               paragraphs (c)(3)(iv)(B)(1) and (2) of this           adding the definitions of ‘‘mutual aid
                                               the criteria included in the definition;                section.                                              society’’, ‘‘private flood insurance’’, and
                                               and                                                        (4) Exception for mutual aid societies.            ‘‘SFIP’’ in alphabetical order to read as
                                                  (iii) The policy includes the following              Notwithstanding the requirements of                   follows:
                                               provision within the policy or as an                    paragraph (c)(3) of this section, an FDIC-
                                               endorsement to the policy: ‘‘This policy                supervised institution may accept a                   § 614.4925   Definitions.
                                               meets the definition of private flood                   private policy issued by a mutual aid                 *      *     *    *     *
                                               insurance contained in 42 U.S.C.                        society in satisfaction of the flood                     Mutual aid society means an
                                               4012a(b)(7) and the corresponding                       insurance purchase requirement under                  organization:
                                               regulation.’’                                           paragraph (a) of this section if:                        (1) Whose members share a common
                                                  (3) Discretionary acceptance. An                        (i) The FDIC has determined that such              religious, charitable, educational, or
                                               FDIC-supervised institution may accept                  types of policies qualify as flood                    fraternal bond;
                                               a flood insurance policy issued by a                    insurance for purposes of this Act;                      (2) That covers losses caused by
                                               private insurer that is not issued under                   (ii) The policy meets the amount of                damage to members’ property pursuant
                                               the NFIP and does not meet the                                                                                to an agreement, including damage
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                                                                                                       coverage for losses and term
                                               definition of private flood insurance, as               requirements specified in paragraph (a)               caused by flooding, in accordance with
                                               defined in § 339.2, in satisfaction of the              of this section;                                      this common bond; and
                                               flood insurance purchase requirement                       (iii) The policy covers both the                      (3) That has a demonstrated history of
                                               under paragraph (a) of this section, only               mortgagor(s) and the mortgagee(s) as                  fulfilling the terms of agreements to
                                               if the coverage under such flood                        loss payees; and                                      cover losses to members’ property
                                               insurance policy meets the amount and                      (iv) The FDIC-supervised institution               caused by flooding.
                                               term requirements specified in                          has determined that the policy provides               *      *     *    *     *


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                                               78078                Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 215 / Monday, November 7, 2016 / Proposed Rules

                                                  Private flood insurance means an                     property covered by the flood insurance,              by a private insurer that is not issued
                                               insurance policy that:                                  or the servicer acting on its behalf;                 under the NFIP and does not meet the
                                                  (1) Is issued by an insurance company                   (ii) Information about the availability            definition of private flood insurance, as
                                               that is:                                                of flood insurance coverage under the                 defined in § 614.4925, in satisfaction of
                                                  (i) Licensed, admitted, or otherwise                 NFIP;                                                 the flood insurance purchase
                                               approved to engage in the business of                      (iii) A mortgage interest clause similar           requirement under paragraph (a) of this
                                               insurance in the State or jurisdiction in               to the clause contained in an SFIP; and               section, only if the coverage under such
                                               which the property to be insured is                        (iv) A provision requiring an insured              flood insurance policy meets the
                                               located, by the insurance regulator of                  to file suit not later than one year after            amount and term requirements specified
                                               that State or jurisdiction; or                          the date of a written denial of all or part           in paragraph (a) of this section, and the
                                                  (ii) Recognized, or not disapproved, as              of a claim under the policy; and                      policy:
                                               a surplus lines insurer by the insurance                   (4) Contains cancellation provisions                  (i) Is issued by an insurer that is
                                               regulator of the State or jurisdiction in               that are as restrictive as the provisions             licensed, admitted, or otherwise
                                               which the property to be insured is                     contained in an SFIP.                                 approved to engage in the business of
                                               located in the case of a policy of                      *       *    *     *     *                            insurance in the State or jurisdiction in
                                               difference in conditions, multiple peril,                  SFIP means, for purposes of                        which the property to be insured is
                                               all risk, or other blanket coverage                     §§ 614.4925 and 614.4930, a standard                  located by the insurance regulator of
                                               insuring nonresidential commercial                      flood insurance policy issued under the               that State; or in the case of a policy of
                                               property;                                               NFIP in effect as of the date the private             difference in conditions, multiple peril,
                                                  (2) Provides flood insurance coverage                policy is provided to a System                        all risk, or other blanket coverage
                                               that is at least as broad as the coverage               institution.                                          insuring nonresidential commercial
                                               provided under an SFIP, including                       *       *    *     *     *                            property, is issued by a surplus lines
                                               when considering deductibles,                           ■ 11. Section 614.4930 is amended by                  insurer recognized, or not disapproved,
                                               exclusions, and conditions offered by                   adding paragraph (c) to read as follows:              by the insurance regulator of the State
                                               the insurer. For purposes of this                                                                             where the property to be insured is
                                                                                                       § 614.4930 Requirement to purchase flood              located;
                                               subpart, a policy is at least as broad as               insurance where available.
                                               the coverage provided under an SFIP if,                                                                          (ii) Covers both the mortgagor(s) and
                                                                                                       *        *    *     *    *                            the mortgagee(s) as loss payees;
                                               at a minimum, the policy:
                                                                                                           (c) Private flood insurance—(1)                      (iii) Provides for cancellation
                                                  (i) Defines the term ‘‘flood’’ to include
                                                                                                       Mandatory acceptance. A System                        following reasonable notice to the
                                               the events defined as a ‘‘flood’’ in an
                                                                                                       institution must accept private flood                 borrower only for reasons permitted by
                                               SFIP;
                                                                                                       insurance, as defined in § 614.4925, in               FEMA for an SFIP on the Flood
                                                  (ii) Covers both the mortgagor(s) and                satisfaction of the flood insurance
                                               the mortgagee(s) as loss payees;                                                                              Insurance Cancellation Request/
                                                                                                       purchase requirement, provided that the               Nullification Form, in any case of non-
                                                  (iii) Contains the coverage and                      private flood insurance meets the
                                               provisions specified in an SFIP,                                                                              payment, or when cancellation is
                                                                                                       requirement for coverage under                        mandated pursuant to State law; and
                                               including those relating to building                    paragraph (a) of this section.
                                               property coverage; personal property                                                                             (iv) Either:
                                                                                                           (2) Compliance aid for mandatory                     (A) Meets the criteria set forth in
                                               coverage, if purchased by the insured                   acceptance. A flood insurance policy is               paragraphs (2)(i) and (iii) through (vi) of
                                               mortgagor(s); other coverages; and the                  deemed to meet the definition of private              the definition of private flood insurance
                                               increased cost of compliance;                           flood insurance in § 614.4925 for                     in § 614.4925; or
                                                  (iv) Contains deductibles no higher                  purposes of paragraph (a) of this section                (B) Provides coverage that is similar to
                                               than the specified maximum for the                      if:                                                   coverage provided under an SFIP,
                                               same type of property, and includes                         (i) The policy includes, or is                    including when considering
                                               similar non-applicability provisions, as                accompanied by, a written summary                     deductibles, exclusions, and conditions
                                               under an SFIP, for any total policy                     that demonstrates how the policy meets                offered by the insurer, and the System
                                               coverage amount up to the maximum                       the definition of private flood insurance             institution has:
                                               available under the NFIP at the time the                in § 614.4925 by identifying the                         (1) Compared the private policy with
                                               policy is provided to the lender;                       provisions of the policy that meet each               an SFIP to determine the differences
                                                  (v) Provides coverage for direct                     criterion in the definition, and confirms             between the private policy and an SFIP;
                                               physical loss caused by a flood and may                 that the insurer is regulated in                         (2) Reasonably determined that the
                                               exclude other causes of loss identified                 accordance with that definition;                      private policy provides sufficient
                                               in an SFIP. Any additional or different                     (ii) The System institution verifies in           protection of the loan secured by the
                                               exclusions than those in an SFIP may                    writing that the policy includes the                  property located in a special flood
                                               pertain only to coverage that is in                     provisions identified by the insurer in               hazard area; and
                                               addition to the amount and type of                      the summary provided pursuant to                         (3) Documented its findings under
                                               coverage that could be provided by an                   paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section and               paragraphs (c)(3)(iv)(A)(B)(1) and (B)(2)
                                               SFIP; and                                               that these provisions satisfy the criteria            of this section.
                                                  (vi) May not contain conditions that                 included in the definition; and                          (4) Exception for mutual aid societies.
                                               narrow the coverage provided in an                          (iii) The policy includes the following           Notwithstanding the requirements of
                                               SFIP;                                                   provision within the policy or as an                  paragraph (c)(3) of this section, a System
                                                  (3) Includes all of the following:
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                                                                                                       endorsement to the policy: ‘‘This policy              institution may accept a private policy
                                                  (i) A requirement for the insurer to                 meets the definition of private flood                 issued by a mutual aid society in
                                               give written notice 45 days before                      insurance contained in 42 U.S.C.                      satisfaction of the flood insurance
                                               cancellation or non-renewal of flood                    4012a(b)(7) and the corresponding                     purchase requirement under paragraph
                                               insurance coverage to:                                  regulation.’’                                         (a) of this section if:
                                                  (A) The insured; and                                     (3) Discretionary acceptance.—In                     (i) The FCA has determined that such
                                                  (B) The System institution that made                 general. A System institution may                     types of policies qualify as flood
                                               the designated loan secured by the                      accept a flood insurance policy issued                insurance for purposes of the 1968 Act;


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                                                                    Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 215 / Monday, November 7, 2016 / Proposed Rules                                             78079

                                                  (ii) The policy meets the amount of                     (i) Licensed, admitted, or otherwise                 (iii) A mortgage interest clause similar
                                               coverage for losses and term                            approved to engage in the business of                 to the clause contained in an SFIP; and
                                               requirements specified in paragraph (a)                 insurance in the State or jurisdiction in               (iv) A provision requiring an insured
                                               of this section;                                        which the property to be insured is                   to file suit not later than one year after
                                                  (iii) The policy covers both the                     located, by the insurance regulator of                the date of a written denial of all or part
                                               mortgagor(s) and the mortgagee(s) as                    that State or jurisdiction; or                        of a claim under the policy; and
                                               loss payees; and                                           (ii) Recognized, or not disapproved, as              (4) Contains cancellation provisions
                                                  (iv) The System institution has                      a surplus lines insurer by the insurance              that are as restrictive as the provisions
                                               determined that the policy provides                     regulator of the State or jurisdiction in             contained in an SFIP.
                                               sufficient protection of the loan secured               which the property to be insured is                   *      *     *     *     *
                                               by the property located in a special                    located in the case of a policy of                      SFIP means, for purposes of §§ 760.2
                                               flood hazard area. In making this                       difference in conditions, multiple peril,             and 760.3, a standard flood insurance
                                               determination, the System institution                   all risk, or other blanket coverage                   policy issued under the NFIP in effect
                                               must:                                                   insuring nonresidential commercial                    as of the date the private policy is
                                                  (A) Verify that the policy is consistent             property;                                             provided to a credit union.
                                               with general safety and soundness                          (2) Provides flood insurance coverage              *      *     *     *     *
                                               principles, such as whether deductibles                 that is at least as broad as the coverage             ■ 14. Section 760.3 is amended by
                                               are reasonable based on the borrower’s                  provided under an SFIP, including                     adding paragraph (c) to read as follows:
                                               financial condition;                                    when considering deductibles,
                                                  (B) Consider the policy provider’s                   exclusions, and conditions offered by                 § 760.3 Requirement to purchase flood
                                               ability to satisfy claims, such as whether              the insurer. For purposes of this part, a             insurance where available.
                                               the policy provider has a demonstrated                  policy is at least as broad as the                    *       *    *     *    *
                                               record of covering losses; and                          coverage provided under an SFIP if, at                   (c) Private flood insurance—(1)
                                                  (C) Document its conclusions.                        a minimum, the policy:                                Mandatory acceptance. A credit union
                                                                                                          (i) Defines the term ‘‘flood’’ to include          must accept private flood insurance, as
                                               National Credit Union Administration                                                                          defined in § 760.2, in satisfaction of the
                                                                                                       the events defined as a ‘‘flood’’ in an
                                               12 CFR CHAPTER VII                                      SFIP;                                                 flood insurance purchase requirement,
                                                                                                          (ii) Covers both the mortgagor(s) and              provided that the private flood
                                               Authority and Issuance                                                                                        insurance meets the requirement for
                                                                                                       the mortgagee(s) as loss payees;
                                                 For the reasons set forth in the joint                   (iii) Contains the coverage and                    coverage under paragraph (a) of this
                                               preamble, the NCUA Board proposes to                    provisions specified in an SFIP,                      section.
                                               amend part 760 of chapter VII of title 12               including those relating to building                     (2) Compliance aid for mandatory
                                               of the Code of Federal Regulations to                   property coverage; personal property                  acceptance. A flood insurance policy is
                                               read as follows:                                        coverage, if purchased by the insured                 deemed to meet the definition of private
                                                                                                       mortgagor(s); other coverages; and the                flood insurance in § 760.2 for purposes
                                               PART 760—LOANS IN AREAS HAVING                          increased cost of compliance;                         of paragraph (a) of this section if:
                                               SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARDS                                      (iv) Contains deductibles no higher                   (i) The policy includes, or is
                                               ■ 12. The authority citation for part 760               than the specified maximum for the                    accompanied by, a written summary
                                               continues to read as follows:                           same type of property, and includes                   that demonstrates how the policy meets
                                                                                                       similar non-applicability provisions, as              the definition of private flood insurance
                                                 Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1757, 1789; 42 U.S.C.                                                                  in § 760.2 by identifying the provisions
                                                                                                       under an SFIP, for any total policy
                                               4012a, 4104a, 4104b, 4106, and 4128.                                                                          of the policy that meet each criterion in
                                                                                                       coverage amount up to the maximum
                                               ■  13. Section 760.2 is amended by                      available under the NFIP at the time the              the definition, and confirms that the
                                               adding the definitions of ‘‘Mutual aid                  policy is provided to the lender;                     insurer is regulated in accordance with
                                               society’’, ‘‘Private flood insurance’’, and                (v) Provides coverage for direct                   that definition;
                                               ‘‘SFIP’’ in alphabetical order to read as               physical loss caused by a flood and may                  (ii) The credit union verifies in
                                               follows:                                                exclude other causes of loss identified               writing that the policy includes the
                                                                                                       in an SFIP. Any additional or different               provisions identified by the insurer in
                                               § 760.2   Definitions.                                                                                        the summary provided pursuant to
                                                                                                       exclusions than those in an SFIP may
                                               *      *     *     *    *                               pertain only to coverage that is in                   paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section and
                                                  Mutual aid society means an                          addition to the amount and type of                    that these provisions satisfy the criteria
                                               organization—                                           coverage that could be provided by an                 included in the definition; and
                                                  (1) Whose members share a common                     SFIP; and                                                (iii) The policy includes the following
                                               religious, charitable, educational, or                     (vi) May not contain conditions that               provision within the policy or as an
                                               fraternal bond;                                         narrow the coverage provided in an                    endorsement to the policy: ‘‘This policy
                                                  (2) That covers losses caused by                     SFIP;                                                 meets the definition of private flood
                                               damage to members’ property pursuant                       (3) Includes all of the following:                 insurance contained in 42 U.S.C.
                                               to an agreement, including damage                          (i) A requirement for the insurer to               4012a(b)(7) and the corresponding
                                               caused by flooding, in accordance with                  give written notice 45 days before                    regulation.’’
                                               this common bond; and                                   cancellation or non-renewal of flood                     (3) Discretionary acceptance. A credit
                                                  (3) That has a demonstrated history of               insurance coverage to:                                union may accept a flood insurance
                                               fulfilling the terms of agreements to                                                                         policy issued by a private insurer that
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                                                                                                          (A) The insured; and
                                               cover losses to members’ property                          (B) The credit union that made the                 is not issued under the NFIP and does
                                               caused by flooding.                                     designated loan secured by the property               not meet the definition of private flood
                                               *      *     *     *    *                               covered by the flood insurance, or the                insurance, as defined in § 760.2, in
                                                  Private flood insurance means an                     servicer acting on its behalf;                        satisfaction of the flood insurance
                                               insurance policy that:                                     (ii) Information about the availability            purchase requirement under paragraph
                                                  (1) Is issued by an insurance company                of flood insurance coverage under the                 (a) of this section, only if the coverage
                                               that is:                                                NFIP;                                                 under such flood insurance policy


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                                               78080                Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 215 / Monday, November 7, 2016 / Proposed Rules

                                               meets the amount and term                                  (iv) The credit union has determined               Bombardier, Inc. Model BD–700–1A10
                                               requirements specified in paragraph (a)                 that the policy provides sufficient                   and BD–700–1A11 airplanes. This
                                               of this section, and the policy:                        protection of the loan secured by the                 proposed AD was prompted by reports
                                                  (i) Is issued by an insurer that is                  property located in a special flood                   of aileron and rudder control cables
                                               licensed, admitted, or otherwise                        hazard area. In making this                           which may have tensions that are
                                               approved to engage in the business of                   determination, the credit union must:                 beyond allowable limits. This proposed
                                               insurance in the State or jurisdiction in                  (A) Verify that the policy is consistent           AD would require revising the
                                               which the property to be insured is                     with general safety and soundness                     maintenance or inspection program to
                                               located by the insurance regulator of                   principles, such as whether deductibles               incorporate certification maintenance
                                               that State; or in the case of a policy of               are reasonable based on the borrower’s                requirement tasks that introduce
                                               difference in conditions, multiple peril,               financial condition;                                  functional tests of the control cable
                                               all risk, or other blanket coverage                        (B) Consider the policy provider’s                 tension. We are proposing this AD to
                                               insuring nonresidential commercial                      ability to satisfy claims, such as whether            detect and correct out-of-tolerance
                                               property, is issued by a surplus lines                  the policy provider has a demonstrated                tension in the control cables, which,
                                               insurer recognized, or not disapproved,                 record of covering losses; and                        with certain system failures and
                                               by the insurance regulator of the State                    (C) Document its conclusions.                      environmental conditions, could result
                                               where the property to be insured is                       Dated: October 19, 2016.                            in reduced controllability of the
                                               located;                                                                                                      airplane.
                                                                                                       Thomas J. Curry,
                                                  (ii) Covers both the mortgagor(s) and
                                               the mortgagee(s) as loss payees;                        Comptroller of the Currency.                          DATES:  We must receive comments on
                                                  (iii) Provides for cancellation                        By order of the Board of Governors of the           this proposed AD by December 22,
                                               following reasonable notice to the                      Federal Reserve System, October 12, 2016.             2016.
                                               borrower only for reasons permitted by                  Robert deV. Frierson,                                 ADDRESSES:   You may send comments,
                                               FEMA for an SFIP on the Flood                           Secretary of the Board.                               using the procedures found in 14 CFR
                                               Insurance Cancellation Request/                           By order of the Board of Directors of the           11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
                                               Nullification Form, in any case of non-                 Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.                methods:
                                               payment, or when cancellation is                          Dated at Washington, DC, this 19th day of             • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
                                               mandated pursuant to State law; and                     October, 2016.                                        http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
                                                  (iv) Either:                                         Robert E. Feldmanm                                    instructions for submitting comments.
                                                  (A) Meets the criteria set forth in                  Executive Secretary,                                    • Fax: 202–493–2251.
                                               paragraphs (2)(i) and (iii) through (vi) of                                                                     • Mail: U.S. Department of
                                               the definition of private flood insurance                 By order of the Board of the Farm Credit
                                                                                                       Administration.                                       Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
                                               in § 760.2; or                                                                                                30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
                                                  (B) Provides coverage that is similar to               Dated at McLean, VA, this 14th day of
                                                                                                       October, 2016.                                        W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
                                               coverage provided under an SFIP,
                                                                                                       Dale L. Aultman,                                      Washington, DC 20590.
                                               including when considering
                                               deductibles, exclusions, and conditions                 Secretary.                                              • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail
                                               offered by the insurer, and the credit                                                                        address above between 9 a.m. and 5
                                                                                                         By order of the Board of the National               p.m., Monday through Friday, except
                                               union has:                                              Credit Union Administration.
                                                  (1) Compared the private policy with                                                                       Federal holidays.
                                                                                                         Dated at Alexandria, VA, this 27th day of
                                               an SFIP to determine the differences                                                                            For service information identified in
                                                                                                       October, 2016.
                                               between the private policy and an SFIP;                                                                       this NPRM, contact Bombardier, Inc.,
                                                                                                       Gerard S. Poliquin,
                                                  (2) Reasonably determined that the                                                                         400 Côte-Vertu Road West, Dorval,
                                                                                                       Secretary of the Board.                               Québec H4S 1Y9, Canada; telephone:
                                               private policy provides sufficient
                                                                                                       [FR Doc. 2016–26411 Filed 11–4–16; 8:45 am]           514–855–5000; fax: 514–855–7401;
                                               protection of the loan secured by the
                                               property located in a special flood                     BILLING CODE 4810–33–P; 6210–01–P; 7535–01–P;         email: thd.crj@aero.bombardier.com;
                                                                                                       6705–01–P
                                               hazard area; and                                                                                              Internet: http://www.bombardier.com.
                                                  (3) Documented its findings under                                                                          You may view this referenced service
                                               paragraphs (c)(3)(iv)(B)(1) and (2) of this                                                                   information at the FAA, Transport
                                               section.                                                DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                          Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue
                                                  (4) Exception for mutual aid societies.                                                                    SW., Renton, WA. For information on
                                                                                                       Federal Aviation Administration                       the availability of this material at the
                                               Notwithstanding the requirements of
                                               paragraph (c)(3) of this section, a credit                                                                    FAA, call 425–227–1221.
                                                                                                       14 CFR Part 39
                                               union may accept a private policy                                                                             Examining the AD Docket
                                               issued by a mutual aid society in                       [Docket No. FAA–2016–9304; Directorate
                                               satisfaction of the flood insurance                     Identifier 2016–NM–028–AD]                               You may examine the AD docket on
                                               purchase requirement under paragraph                                                                          the Internet at http://
                                                                                                       RIN 2120–AA64                                         www.regulations.gov by searching for
                                               (a) of this section if:
                                                  (i) The National Credit Union                                                                              and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
                                                                                                       Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier,
                                               Administration has determined that                                                                            9304; or in person at the Docket
                                                                                                       Inc. Airplanes
                                               such types of policies qualify as flood                                                                       Management Facility between 9 a.m.
                                                                                                                                                             and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
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                                               insurance for purposes of this Act;                     AGENCY: Federal Aviation
                                                  (ii) The policy meets the amount of                  Administration (FAA), Department of                   except Federal holidays. The AD docket
                                               coverage for losses and term                            Transportation (DOT).                                 contains this proposed AD, the
                                               requirements specified in paragraph (a)                 ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking                 regulatory evaluation, any comments
                                               of this section;                                        (NPRM).                                               received, and other information. The
                                                  (iii) The policy covers both the                                                                           street address for the Docket Operations
                                               mortgagor(s) and the mortgagee(s) as                    SUMMARY:  We propose to adopt a new                   office (telephone: 800–647–5527) is in
                                               loss payees; and                                        airworthiness directive (AD) for certain              the ADDRESSES section. Comments will


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Document Created: 2018-02-14 08:21:35
Document Modified: 2018-02-14 08:21:35
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionProposed Rules
ActionJoint notice of proposed rulemaking.
DatesComments must be received on or before January 6, 2017.
ContactOCC: Rhonda L. Daniels, Compliance Specialist, Compliance Policy Division, (202) 649-5405; Margaret C. Hesse, Senior Counsel, Community and Consumer Law Division, (202) 649-6350; or Heidi M. Thomas, Special Counsel, or Melissa Lisenbee, Attorney, Legislative and Regulatory Activities Division, (202) 649-5490, or, for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing, TTY, (202) 649-5597.
FR Citation81 FR 78063 
RIN Number1557-AD67, 7100-AE60, 3064-AE50, 3052-AD11 and 3133-AE64
CFR Citation12 CFR 208
12 CFR 22
12 CFR 339
12 CFR 614
12 CFR 760
CFR AssociatedAccounting; Agriculture; Banks; Banking; Confidential Business Information; Crime; Currency; Federal Reserve System; Securities; Flood Insurance; Mortgages; National Banks; Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements; Savings Associations; Foreign Trade; Rural Areas; Credit Unions and Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements

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