81_FR_86490 81 FR 86260 - Truth in Lending (Regulation Z)

81 FR 86260 - Truth in Lending (Regulation Z)

FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM
BUREAU OF CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 230 (November 30, 2016)

Page Range86260-86268
FR Document2016-28718

The Board and the Bureau are finalizing amendments to the official interpretations and commentary for the agencies' regulations that implement the Truth in Lending Act (TILA). The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank Act) amended TILA by requiring that the dollar threshold for exempt consumer credit transactions be adjusted annually by the annual percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). If there is no annual percentage increase in the CPI-W, the Board and Bureau will not adjust this exemption threshold from the prior year. The final rule memorializes this as well as the agencies' calculation method for determining the adjustment in years following a year in which there is no annual percentage increase in the CPI-W. Based on the CPI-W in effect as of June 1, 2016, the exemption threshold will remain at $54,600 through 2017. The Dodd-Frank Act also requires similar adjustments in the Consumer Leasing Act's threshold for exempt consumer leases. Accordingly, the Board and the Bureau are adopting similar amendments to the commentaries to each of their respective regulations implementing the Consumer Leasing Act elsewhere in this issue of the Federal Register.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 230 (Wednesday, November 30, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 230 (Wednesday, November 30, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 86260-86268]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-28718]


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FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM

12 CFR Part 226

[Docket No. R-1546]
RIN 7100 AE-57

BUREAU OF CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION

12 CFR Part 1026

[Docket No. CFPB-2016-0037]
RIN 3170-AA67


Truth in Lending (Regulation Z)

AGENCY: Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Board); and 
Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (Bureau).

ACTION: Final rules, official interpretations and commentary.

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SUMMARY: The Board and the Bureau are finalizing amendments to the 
official interpretations and commentary for the agencies' regulations 
that implement the Truth in Lending Act (TILA). The Dodd-Frank Wall 
Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank Act) amended TILA 
by requiring that the dollar threshold for exempt consumer credit 
transactions be adjusted annually by the annual percentage increase in 
the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers 
(CPI-W). If there is no annual percentage increase in the CPI-W, the 
Board and Bureau will not adjust this exemption threshold from the 
prior year. The final rule memorializes this as well as the agencies' 
calculation method for determining the adjustment in years following a 
year in which there is no annual percentage increase in the CPI-W. 
Based on the CPI-W in effect as of June 1, 2016, the exemption 
threshold will remain at $54,600 through 2017. The Dodd-Frank Act also 
requires similar adjustments in the Consumer Leasing Act's threshold 
for exempt consumer leases. Accordingly, the Board and the Bureau are 
adopting similar amendments to the commentaries to each of their 
respective regulations implementing the Consumer Leasing Act elsewhere 
in this issue of the Federal Register.

DATES: This final rule is effective January 1, 2017.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Board: Vivian W. Wong, Senior Counsel, 
Division of Consumer and Community Affairs, Board of Governors of the 
Federal Reserve System, at (202) 452-3667; for users of 
Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) only, contact (202) 263-
4869.
    Bureau: Jaclyn Maier, Counsel, Office of Regulations, Consumer 
Financial Protection Bureau, at (202) 435-7700.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background

    The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 
2010 (Dodd-Frank Act) increased the threshold in the Truth in Lending 
Act (TILA) for exempt consumer credit transactions,\1\ and the 
threshold in the Consumer Leasing Act (CLA) for exempt consumer leases, 
from $25,000 to $50,000, effective July 21, 2011.\2\ In addition, the 
Dodd-Frank Act requires that, on and after December 31, 2011, these 
thresholds be adjusted annually for inflation by the annual percentage 
increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and 
Clerical Workers (CPI-W), as published by the Bureau of Labor 
Statistics. In April 2011, the Board issued a final rule

[[Page 86261]]

amending Regulation Z (which implements TILA) consistent with these 
provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act, along with a similar final rule 
amending Regulation M (which implements the CLA) (collectively, the 
Board Final Threshold Rules).\3\
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    \1\ Although consumer credit transactions above the threshold 
are generally exempt, loans secured by real property or by personal 
property used or expected to be used as the principal dwelling of a 
consumer and private education loans are covered by TILA regardless 
of the loan amount. See 12 CFR 226.3(b)(1)(i) (Board) and 12 CFR 
1026.3(b)(1)(i) (Bureau).
    \2\ Public Law 111-203, section 1100E, 124 Stat. 1376 (2010).
    \3\ 76 FR 18354 (Apr. 4, 2011); 76 FR 18349 (Apr. 4, 2011).
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    Title X of the Dodd-Frank Act transferred rulemaking authority for 
a number of consumer financial protection laws from the Board to the 
Bureau, effective July 21, 2011. In connection with this transfer of 
rulemaking authority, the Bureau issued its own Regulation Z 
implementing TILA in an interim final rule, 12 CFR part 1026 (Bureau 
Interim Final Rule).\4\ The Bureau Interim Final Rule substantially 
duplicated the Board's Regulation Z, including the revisions to the 
threshold for exempt transactions made by the Board in April 2011. In 
April 2016, the Bureau adopted the Bureau Interim Final Rule as final, 
subject to intervening final rules published by the Bureau.\5\ Although 
the Bureau has the authority to issue rules to implement TILA for most 
entities, the Board retains authority to issue rules under TILA for 
certain motor vehicle dealers covered by section 1029(a) of the Dodd-
Frank Act, and the Board's Regulation Z continues to apply to those 
entities.\6\
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    \4\ 76 FR 79768 (Dec. 22, 2011).
    \5\ 81 FR 25323 (April 28, 2016).
    \6\ Section 1029(a) of the Dodd-Frank Act states: ``Except as 
permitted in subsection (b), the Bureau may not exercise any 
rulemaking, supervisory, enforcement, or any other authority . . . 
over a motor vehicle dealer that is predominantly engaged in the 
sale and servicing of motor vehicles, the leasing and servicing of 
motor vehicles, or both.'' 12 U.S.C. 5519(a). Section 1029(b) of the 
Dodd-Frank Act states: ``Subsection (a) shall not apply to any 
person, to the extent that such person (1) provides consumers with 
any services related to residential or commercial mortgages or self-
financing transactions involving real property; (2) operates a line 
of business (A) that involves the extension of retail credit or 
retail leases involving motor vehicles; and (B) in which (i) the 
extension of retail credit or retail leases are provided directly to 
consumers; and (ii) the contract governing such extension of retail 
credit or retail leases is not routinely assigned to an unaffiliated 
third party finance or leasing source; or (3) offers or provides a 
consumer financial product or service not involving or related to 
the sale, financing, leasing, rental, repair, refurbishment, 
maintenance, or other servicing of motor vehicles, motor vehicle 
parts, or any related or ancillary product or service.'' 12 U.S.C. 
5519(b).
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    Section 226.3(b)(1)(ii) of the Board's Regulation Z and Sec.  
1026.3(b)(1)(ii) of the Bureau's Regulation Z, and their accompanying 
commentaries, provide that the exemption threshold will be adjusted 
annually effective January 1 of each year based on any annual 
percentage increase in the CPI-W that was in effect on the preceding 
June 1. They further provide that any increase in the threshold amount 
will be rounded to the nearest $100 increment. For example, if the 
annual percentage increase in the CPI-W would result in a $950 increase 
in the threshold amount, the threshold amount will be increased by 
$1,000. However, if the annual percentage increase in the CPI-W would 
result in a $949 increase in the threshold amount, the threshold amount 
will be increased by $900.\7\ If there is no annual percentage increase 
in the CPI-W, the Board and Bureau will not adjust the exemption 
threshold from the prior year. Since 2011, the Board and the Bureau 
have adjusted the Regulation Z exemption threshold annually, in 
accordance with these rules.
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    \7\ See comments 3(b)-1 in supplements I of 12 CFR parts 226 and 
1026.
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II. Commentary Revision

    On August 4, 2016, the Board and the Bureau published a proposed 
rule in the Federal Register to memorialize the calculation method used 
by the agencies each year to adjust the exemption threshold. See 81 FR 
51404 (Aug. 4, 2016). The proposed commentary stated that if there is 
no annual percentage increase in the CPI-W, the Board and Bureau will 
not adjust the exemption threshold from the prior year. The proposed 
commentary further set forth the calculation method the agencies would 
use in years following a year in which the exemption threshold was not 
adjusted because there was no increase in the CPI-W from the previous 
year. As the Board and the Bureau discussed in the proposal, the 
proposed calculation method would ensure that the values for the 
exemption threshold keep pace with the CPI-W as contemplated by section 
1100E(b) of the Dodd-Frank Act.
    The comment period closed on September 6, 2016. In response to the 
proposal, the Board and the Bureau received one comment from a 
consumer, supporting the proposal. The Board and the Bureau are 
adopting the commentary revisions as proposed, with some minor 
clarifying amendments. These changes will be effective on January 1, 
2017.
    Specifically, the Board and the Bureau are adopting comment 3(b)-1 
as proposed to move the text regarding the threshold amount that is in 
effect during a particular period to a new comment 3(b)-3. The 
discussion of how the agencies round the threshold calculation will 
remain in comment 3(b)-1. Current comments 3(b)-2, 3(b)-3, 3(b)-4, 
3(b)-5, and 3(b)-6 are renumbered as comments 3(b)-4, 3(b)-5, 3(b)-6, 
3(b)-7, and 3(b)-8, respectively, and cross-references to these 
comments are also renumbered accordingly, as proposed.
    Furthermore, the Board and the Bureau are adopting new comment 
3(b)-2 as proposed to provide that if the CPI-W in effect on June 1 
does not increase from the CPI-W in effect on June 1 of the previous 
year (i.e., the CPI-W in effect on June 1 is either equal to or less 
than the CPI-W in effect on June 1 of the previous year), the threshold 
amount effective the following January 1 through December 31 will not 
change from the previous year. As the Board and the Bureau discussed in 
the proposal, this position is consistent with section 1100E(b) of the 
Dodd-Frank Act, which states that the threshold must be adjusted by the 
``annual percentage increase'' in the CPI-W (emphasis added), and the 
position the agencies have previously taken.\8\ Thus, if the threshold 
in effect from January 1, 2019, through December 31, 2019, is $55,500 
and the CPI-W in effect on June 1 of 2019 indicates a 1.1 percent 
decrease from the CPI-W in effect on June 1, 2018, the threshold in 
effect for January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2020, will remain 
$55,500.
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    \8\ See, e.g., 76 FR 18354, 18355 n.1 (Apr. 4, 2011) (``[A]n 
annual period of deflation or no inflation would not require a 
change in the threshold amount.'').
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    Comment 3(b)-2 also provides that, for the years after a year in 
which the threshold did not change because the CPI-W in effect on June 
1 decreased from the CPI-W in effect on June 1 of the previous year, 
the threshold is calculated by applying the annual percentage change in 
the CPI-W to the dollar amount that would have resulted, after 
rounding, if the decreases and any subsequent increases in the CPI-W 
had been taken into account. Comment 3(b)-2.i further states that, if 
the resulting amount, after rounding, is greater than the current 
threshold, then the threshold effective January 1 the following year 
will increase accordingly.
    For example, assume that the threshold in effect from January 1, 
2019, through December 31, 2019, is $55,500 and that, due to a 1.1 
percent decrease from the CPI-W in effect on June 1, 2018, to the CPI-W 
in effect on June 1, 2019, the threshold in effect from January 1, 
2020, through December 31, 2020, remains at $55,500. If, however, the 
threshold had been adjusted downward to reflect the decrease in the 
CPI-W over that time period, the threshold in effect from January 1, 
2020, through December 31, 2020, would have

[[Page 86262]]

been $54,900, after rounding. Further assume that the CPI-W in effect 
on June 1, 2020, increased by 1.6 percent from the CPI-W in effect on 
June 1, 2019. The calculation for the threshold that will be in effect 
from January 1, 2021, through December 31, 2021, is based on the impact 
of a 1.6 percent increase in the CPI-W on $54,900, rather than $55,500, 
resulting in a 2021 threshold of $55,800.
    Furthermore, comment 3(b)-2.ii states that, if the resulting amount 
calculated, after rounding, is equal to or less than the current 
threshold, then the threshold effective January 1 the following year 
will not change, but future increases will be calculated based on the 
amount that would have resulted, after rounding. To illustrate, assume 
in the example above that the CPI-W in effect on June 1, 2020, 
increased by only 0.6 percent from the CPI-W in effect on June 1, 2019. 
The calculation for the threshold that will be in effect from January 
1, 2021, through December 31, 2021, is based on the impact of a 0.6 
percent increase in the CPI-W on $54,900. The resulting amount, after 
rounding, is $55,200, which is lower than $55,500, the threshold in 
effect from January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2020. Therefore, the 
threshold in effect from January 1, 2021, through December 31, 2021, 
will remain $55,500. However, the calculation for the threshold that 
will be in effect from January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022, will 
apply the percentage change in the CPI-W to $55,200, the amount that 
would have resulted based on the 0.6 percent change from the CPI-W in 
effect on June 1, 2019, after rounding, to the CPI-W in effect on June 
1, 2020.

III. 2017 Threshold

    Based on the calculation method detailed above, the exemption 
threshold amount for 2017 remains at $54,600. This is based on the CPI-
W in effect on June 1, 2016, which was reported on May 17, 2016. The 
Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes consumer-based indices monthly, 
but does not report a CPI change on June 1; adjustments are reported in 
the middle of the month. The CPI-W is a subset of the CPI-U index 
(based on all urban consumers) and represents approximately 28 percent 
of the U.S. population. The CPI-W reported on May 17, 2016 reflects a 
0.8 percent increase in the CPI-W from April 2015 to April 2016. 
Because the CPI-W decreased from April 2014 to April 2015, the Board 
and the Bureau are calculating the threshold based on the amount that 
would have resulted had this decrease been taken into account, which is 
$54,200. A 0.8 percent increase in the CPI-W applied to $54,200 results 
in $54,600, which is the same threshold amount for 2016. Thus, the 
exemption threshold amount that will be in effect for 2017 remains at 
$54,600. The Board and the Bureau are revising the commentaries to 
their respective regulations to add new comment 3(b)-3.viii to state 
that, from January 1, 2017, through December 31, 2017, the threshold 
amount is $54,600. These revisions are effective January 1, 2017.

IV. Regulatory Analysis

Administrative Procedure Act

    Under the Administrative Procedure Act, notice and opportunity for 
public comment are not required if the Board and the Bureau find that 
notice and public comment are impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary 
to the public interest.\9\ The 2017 threshold amount for exempt 
consumer credit transactions announced in this rule, $54,600, is 
technical and applies the calculation method set forth elsewhere in 
this final rule, for which notice and public comment were provided.\10\ 
For these reasons, the Board and the Bureau have determined that 
publishing a notice of proposed rulemaking and providing opportunity 
for public comment for purposes of the 2017 threshold adjustment are 
unnecessary. Therefore, the amendments regarding the 2017 threshold 
amount for exempt consumer credit transactions are adopted in final 
form.
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    \9\ 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B).
    \10\ See 81 FR 51404 (Aug. 4, 2016).
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Bureau's Dodd-Frank Act Section 1022(b)(2) Analysis

    In developing the final rule, the Bureau has considered potential 
benefits, costs, and impacts.\11\ In addition, the Bureau has 
consulted, or offered to consult with, the prudential regulators, the 
Securities and Exchange Commission, the Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, the Federal Trade 
Commission, and the Department of the Treasury, including regarding 
consistency with any prudential, market, or systemic objectives 
administered by such agencies.
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    \11\ Specifically, section 1022(b)(2)(A) calls for the Bureau to 
consider the potential benefits and costs of a regulation to 
consumers and covered persons, including the potential reduction of 
access by consumers to consumer financial products or services; the 
impact on depository institutions and credit unions with $10 billion 
or less in total assets as described in section 1026 of the Act; and 
the impact on consumers in rural areas.
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    The Bureau has chosen to evaluate the benefits, costs and impacts 
of the final rule against the current state of the world, which takes 
into account the current regulatory regime. The Bureau is not aware of 
any significant benefits or costs to consumers or covered persons 
associated with the final rule relative to the baseline. The Board 
previously stated that if there is no annual percentage increase in the 
CPI-W, then the Board (and now the Bureau) will not adjust the 
exemption threshold from the prior year.\12\ The final rule 
memorializes this in official commentary. The final rule also clarifies 
how the threshold is calculated for years after a year in which the 
threshold did not change. The Bureau believes that this clarification 
memorializes the method that the Bureau would be expected to use: This 
method holds the threshold fixed until a notional threshold calculated 
using the Bureau's methodology, taking into account both decreases and 
increases in the CPI-W, exceeds the actual threshold. The Bureau 
requested, but did not receive, comment on this point. Thus, the Bureau 
concludes that the final rule will not change the regulatory regime 
relative to the baseline and will create no significant benefits, 
costs, or impacts.
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    \12\ 76 FR 18354, 18355 n.1 (Apr. 4, 2011) (``[A]n annual period 
of deflation or no inflation would not require a change in the 
threshold amount.'').
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    The final rule will have no unique impact on depository 
institutions or credit unions with $10 billion or less in assets as 
described in section 1026(a) of the Dodd-Frank Act or on rural 
consumers. The Bureau does not expect this final rule to affect 
consumers' access to credit.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    Board: An initial regulatory flexibility analysis (IRFA) was 
included in the proposal in accordance with section 3(a) of the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq. (RFA). In the IRFA, 
the Board requested comments on any approaches, other than the proposed 
alternatives, that would reduce the burden on small entities. The RFA 
requires an agency to prepare a final regulatory flexibility analysis 
(FRFA) unless the agency certifies that the rule will not, if 
promulgated, have a significant economic impact on a substantial number 
of small entities. In accordance with section 3(a) of the RFA, the 
Board has reviewed the final regulation. Based on its analysis, and for 
the reasons stated below, the Board believes that the rule will not 
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities.
    1. Statement of the need for, and objectives of, the final rule. 
The final rule memorializes the calculation

[[Page 86263]]

method used by the Board each year to adjust the exemption threshold in 
accordance with section 1100E of the Dodd-Frank Act. The final rule 
also adopts the exemption threshold that will apply from January 1, 
2017, through December 31, 2017, based on the calculation method 
memorialized in this final rule.
    2. Summary of issues raised by comments in response to the initial 
regulatory flexibility analysis. The Board did not receive any comments 
on the initial regulatory flexibility analysis.
    3. Small entities affected by the final rule. This rule would 
affect motor vehicle dealers that are subject to the Board's Regulation 
Z and offer closed-end or open-end credit that may be exempt from 
Regulation Z under 12 CFR 226.3(b). While the total number of small 
entities likely to be affected by the final rule is unknown, the Board 
does not believe the final rule will have a significant economic impact 
on the entities that it affects.
    4. Recordkeeping, reporting, and compliance requirements. The final 
rule would not impose any recordkeeping, reporting, or compliance 
requirements.
    5. Significant alternatives to the final revisions. The Board has 
not identified any significant alternatives that would reduce the 
regulatory burden on small entities associated with this final rule.
    Bureau: The RFA generally requires an agency to conduct an initial 
regulatory flexibility analysis (IRFA) and a final regulatory 
flexibility analysis (FRFA) of any rule subject to notice-and-comment 
rulemaking requirements.\13\ These analyses must describe the impact of 
the proposed and final rules on small entities.\14\ An IRFA or FRFA is 
not required if the agency certifies that the rule will not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities.\15\ The Bureau also is subject to certain additional 
procedures under the RFA involving the convening of a panel to consult 
with small business representatives prior to proposing a rule for which 
an IRFA is required.\16\
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    \13\ 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.
    \14\ Id. at 603(a) and 604(a). For purposes of assessing the 
impacts of the rule on small entities, ``small entities'' is defined 
in the RFA to include small businesses, small not-for-profit 
organizations, and small government jurisdictions. Id. at 601(6). A 
``small business'' is determined by application of Small Business 
Administration regulations and reference to the North American 
Industry Classification System (NAICS) classifications and size 
standards. Id. at 601(3). A ``small organization'' is any ``not-for-
profit enterprise which is independently owned and operated and is 
not dominant in its field.'' Id. at 601(4). A ``small governmental 
jurisdiction'' is the government of a city, county, town, township, 
village, school district, or special district with a population of 
less than 50,000. Id. at 601(5).
    \15\ Id. at 605(b).
    \16\ Id. at 609.
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    A FRFA is not required for this final rule because it will not have 
a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities. As discussed in the Bureau's Section 1022(b)(2) Analysis 
above, this final rule does not introduce costs or benefits to covered 
persons because it seeks only to clarify the method of threshold 
adjustment which has already been established in previous Agency rules. 
Therefore this final rule will not have a significant impact on small 
entities.
Certification
    Accordingly, the Bureau Director, by signing below, certifies that 
this final rule will not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995,\17\ the 
agencies reviewed this final rule. No collections of information 
pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act are contained in the final 
rule.
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    \17\ 44 U.S.C. 3506; 5 CFR 1320.
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List of Subjects

12 CFR Part 226

    Advertising, Consumer protection, Federal Reserve System, Reporting 
and recordkeeping requirements, Truth in lending.

12 CFR Part 1026

    Advertising, Appraisal, Appraiser, Banking, Banks, Consumer 
protection, Credit, Credit unions, Mortgages, National banks, Reporting 
and recordkeeping requirements, Savings associations, Truth in lending.

Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System

Authority and Issuance

    For the reasons set forth in the preamble, the Board amends 
Regulation Z, 12 CFR part 226, as set forth below:

PART 226--TRUTH IN LENDING (REGULATION Z)

0
1. The authority citation for part 226 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  12 U.S.C. 3806; 15 U.S.C. 1604, 1637(c)(5), and 
1639(l); Public Law 111-24, section 2, 123 Stat. 1734; Public Law 
111-203, 124 Stat. 1376.

Subpart A--General

0
2. In supplement I to part 226, under Section 226.3--Exempt 
Transactions, the entry for 3(b) Credit over applicable threshold 
amount is revised to read as follows:

Supplement I to Part 226--Official Staff Interpretations

* * * * *

Subpart A--General

* * * * *

Section 226.3--Exempt Transactions

* * * * *
    3(b) Credit over applicable threshold amount.
    1. Threshold amount. For purposes of Sec.  226.3(b), the threshold 
amount in effect during a particular period is the amount stated in 
comment 3(b)-3 for that period. The threshold amount is adjusted 
effective January 1 of each year by any annual percentage increase in 
the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers 
(CPI-W) that was in effect on the preceding June 1. Comment 3(b)-3 will 
be amended to provide the threshold amount for the upcoming year after 
the annual percentage change in the CPI-W that was in effect on June 1 
becomes available. Any increase in the threshold amount will be rounded 
to the nearest $100 increment. For example, if the annual percentage 
increase in the CPI-W would result in a $950 increase in the threshold 
amount, the threshold amount will be increased by $1,000. However, if 
the annual percentage increase in the CPI-W would result in a $949 
increase in the threshold amount, the threshold amount will be 
increased by $900.
    2. No increase in the CPI-W. If the CPI-W in effect on June 1 does 
not increase from the CPI-W in effect on June 1 of the previous year, 
the threshold amount effective the following January 1 through December 
31 will not change from the previous year. When this occurs, for the 
years that follow, the threshold is calculated based on the annual 
percentage change in the CPI-W applied to the dollar amount that would 
have resulted, after rounding, if decreases and any subsequent 
increases in the CPI-W had been taken into account.
    i. Net increases. If the resulting amount calculated, after 
rounding, is greater than the current threshold, then the threshold 
effective January 1 the following year will increase accordingly.
    ii. Net decreases. If the resulting amount calculated, after 
rounding, is equal to or less than the current threshold, then the 
threshold effective January 1 the following year will not change, but 
future increases will be

[[Page 86264]]

calculated based on the amount that would have resulted.
    3. Threshold. For purposes of Sec.  226.3(b), the threshold amount 
in effect during a particular period is the amount stated below for 
that period.
    i. Prior to July 21, 2011, the threshold amount is $25,000.
    ii. From July 21, 2011 through December 31, 2011, the threshold 
amount is $50,000.
    iii. From January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012, the threshold 
amount is $51,800.
    iv. From January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013, the threshold 
amount is $53,000.
    v. From January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014, the threshold 
amount is $53,500.
    vi. From January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015, the threshold 
amount is $54,600.
    vii. From January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016, the threshold 
amount is $54,600.
    viii. From January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017, the threshold 
amount is $54,600.
    4. Open-end credit.
    i. Qualifying for exemption. An open-end account is exempt under 
Sec.  226.3(b) (unless secured by any real property, or by personal 
property used or expected to be used as the consumer's principal 
dwelling) if either of the following conditions is met:
    A. The creditor makes an initial extension of credit at or after 
account opening that exceeds the threshold amount in effect at the time 
the initial extension is made. If a creditor makes an initial extension 
of credit after account opening that does not exceed the threshold 
amount in effect at the time the extension is made, the creditor must 
have satisfied all of the applicable requirements of this part from the 
date the account was opened (or earlier, if applicable), including but 
not limited to the requirements of Sec.  226.6 (account-opening 
disclosures), Sec.  226.7 (periodic statements), Sec.  226.52 
(limitations on fees), and Sec.  226.55 (limitations on increasing 
annual percentages rates, fees, and charges). For example:
    (1) Assume that the threshold amount in effect on January 1 is 
$50,000. On February 1, an account is opened but the creditor does not 
make an initial extension of credit at that time. On July 1, the 
creditor makes an initial extension of credit of $60,000. In this 
circumstance, no requirements of this part apply to the account.
    (2) Assume that the threshold amount in effect on January 1 is 
$50,000. On February 1, an account is opened but the creditor does not 
make an initial extension of credit at that time. On July 1, the 
creditor makes an initial extension of credit of $50,000 or less. In 
this circumstance, the account is not exempt and the creditor must have 
satisfied all of the applicable requirements of this part from the date 
the account was opened (or earlier, if applicable).
    B. The creditor makes a firm written commitment at account opening 
to extend a total amount of credit in excess of the threshold amount in 
effect at the time the account is opened with no requirement of 
additional credit information for any advances on the account (except 
as permitted from time to time with respect to open-end accounts 
pursuant to Sec.  226.2(a)(20)).
    ii. Subsequent changes generally. Subsequent changes to an open-end 
account or the threshold amount may result in the account no longer 
qualifying for the exemption in Sec.  226.3(b). In these circumstances, 
the creditor must begin to comply with all of the applicable 
requirements of this part within a reasonable period of time after the 
account ceases to be exempt. Once an account ceases to be exempt, the 
requirements of this part apply to any balances on the account. The 
creditor, however, is not required to comply with the requirements of 
this part with respect to the period of time during which the account 
was exempt. For example, if an open-end credit account ceases to be 
exempt, the creditor must within a reasonable period of time provide 
the disclosures required by Sec.  226.6 reflecting the current terms of 
the account and begin to provide periodic statements consistent with 
Sec.  226.7. However, the creditor is not required to disclose fees or 
charges imposed while the account was exempt. Furthermore, if the 
creditor provided disclosures consistent with the requirements of this 
part while the account was exempt, it is not required to provide 
disclosures required by Sec.  226.6 reflecting the current terms of the 
account. See also comment 3(b)-6.
    iii. Subsequent changes when exemption is based on initial 
extension of credit. If a creditor makes an initial extension of credit 
that exceeds the threshold amount in effect at that time, the open-end 
account remains exempt under Sec.  226.3(b) regardless of a subsequent 
increase in the threshold amount, including an increase pursuant to 
Sec.  226.3(b)(1)(ii) as a result of an increase in the CPI-W. 
Furthermore, in these circumstances, the account remains exempt even if 
there are no further extensions of credit, subsequent extensions of 
credit do not exceed the threshold amount, the account balance is 
subsequently reduced below the threshold amount (such as through 
repayment of the extension), or the credit limit for the account is 
subsequently reduced below the threshold amount. However, if the 
initial extension of credit on an account does not exceed the threshold 
amount in effect at the time of the extension, the account is not 
exempt under Sec.  226.3(b) even if a subsequent extension exceeds the 
threshold amount or if the account balance later exceeds the threshold 
amount (for example, due to the subsequent accrual of interest).
    iv. Subsequent changes when exemption is based on firm commitment.
    A. General. If a creditor makes a firm written commitment at 
account opening to extend a total amount of credit that exceeds the 
threshold amount in effect at that time, the open-end account remains 
exempt under Sec.  226.3(b) regardless of a subsequent increase in the 
threshold amount pursuant to Sec.  226.3(b)(1)(ii) as a result of an 
increase in the CPI-W. However, see comment 3(b)-8 with respect to the 
increase in the threshold amount from $25,000 to $50,000. If an open-
end account is exempt under Sec.  226.3(b) based on a firm commitment 
to extend credit, the account remains exempt even if the amount of 
credit actually extended does not exceed the threshold amount. In 
contrast, if the firm commitment does not exceed the threshold amount 
at account opening, the account is not exempt under Sec.  226.3(b) even 
if the account balance later exceeds the threshold amount. In addition, 
if a creditor reduces a firm commitment, the account ceases to be 
exempt unless the reduced firm commitment exceeds the threshold amount 
in effect at the time of the reduction. For example:
    (1) Assume that, at account opening in year one, the threshold 
amount in effect is $50,000 and the account is exempt under Sec.  
226.3(b) based on the creditor's firm commitment to extend $55,000 in 
credit. If during year one the creditor reduces its firm commitment to 
$53,000, the account remains exempt under Sec.  226.3(b). However, if 
during year one the creditor reduces its firm commitment to $40,000, 
the account is no longer exempt under Sec.  226.3(b).
    (2) Assume that, at account opening in year one, the threshold 
amount in effect is $50,000 and the account is exempt under Sec.  
226.3(b) based on the creditor's firm commitment to extend $55,000 in 
credit. If the threshold amount is $56,000 on January 1 of year six as 
a result of increases in the CPI-W, the account remains exempt. 
However, if the creditor reduces its firm

[[Page 86265]]

commitment to $54,000 on July 1 of year six, the account ceases to be 
exempt under Sec.  226.3(b).
    B. Initial extension of credit. If an open-end account qualifies 
for a Sec.  226.3(b) exemption at account opening based on a firm 
commitment, that account may also subsequently qualify for a Sec.  
226.3(b) exemption based on an initial extension of credit. However, 
that initial extension must be a single advance in excess of the 
threshold amount in effect at the time the extension is made. In 
addition, the account must continue to qualify for an exemption based 
on the firm commitment until the initial extension of credit is made. 
For example:
    (1) Assume that, at account opening in year one, the threshold 
amount in effect is $50,000 and the account is exempt under Sec.  
226.3(b) based on the creditor's firm commitment to extend $55,000 in 
credit. The account is not used for an extension of credit during year 
one. On January 1 of year two, the threshold amount is increased to 
$51,000 pursuant to Sec.  226.3(b)(1)(ii) as a result of an increase in 
the CPI-W. On July 1 of year two, the consumer uses the account for an 
initial extension of $52,000. As a result of this extension of credit, 
the account remains exempt under Sec.  226.3(b) even if, after July 1 
of year two, the creditor reduces the firm commitment to $51,000 or 
less.
    (2) Same facts as in paragraph iv.B(1) above except that the 
consumer uses the account for an initial extension of $30,000 on July 1 
of year two and for an extension of $22,000 on July 15 of year two. In 
these circumstances, the account is not exempt under Sec.  226.3(b) 
based on the $30,000 initial extension of credit because that extension 
did not exceed the applicable threshold amount ($51,000), although the 
account remains exempt based on the firm commitment to extend $55,000 
in credit.
    (3) Same facts as in paragraph iv.B(1) above except that, on April 
1 of year two, the creditor reduces the firm commitment to $50,000, 
which is below the $51,000 threshold then in effect. Because the 
account ceases to qualify for a Sec.  226.3(b) exemption on April 1 of 
year two, the account does not qualify for a Sec.  226.3(b) exemption 
based on a $52,000 initial extension of credit on July 1 of year two.
    5. Closed-end credit.
    i. Qualifying for exemption. A closed-end loan is exempt under 
Sec.  226.3(b) (unless the extension of credit is secured by any real 
property, or by personal property used or expected to be used as the 
consumer's principal dwelling; or is a private education loan as 
defined in Sec.  226.46(b)(5)), if either of the following conditions 
is met.
    A. The creditor makes an extension of credit at consummation that 
exceeds the threshold amount in effect at the time of consummation. In 
these circumstances, the loan remains exempt under Sec.  226.3(b) even 
if the amount owed is subsequently reduced below the threshold amount 
(such as through repayment of the loan).
    B. The creditor makes a commitment at consummation to extend a 
total amount of credit in excess of the threshold amount in effect at 
the time of consummation. In these circumstances, the loan remains 
exempt under Sec.  226.3(b) even if the total amount of credit extended 
does not exceed the threshold amount.
    ii. Subsequent changes. If a creditor makes a closed-end extension 
of credit or commitment to extend closed-end credit that exceeds the 
threshold amount in effect at the time of consummation, the closed-end 
loan remains exempt under Sec.  226.3(b) regardless of a subsequent 
increase in the threshold amount. However, a closed-end loan is not 
exempt under Sec.  226.3(b) merely because it is used to satisfy and 
replace an existing exempt loan, unless the new extension of credit is 
itself exempt under the applicable threshold amount. For example, 
assume a closed-end loan that qualified for a Sec.  226.3(b) exemption 
at consummation in year one is refinanced in year ten and that the new 
loan amount is less than the threshold amount in effect in year ten. In 
these circumstances, the creditor must comply with all of the 
applicable requirements of this part with respect to the year ten 
transaction if the original loan is satisfied and replaced by the new 
loan, which is not exempt under Sec.  226.3(b). See also comment 3(b)-
6.
    6. Addition of a security interest in real property or a dwelling 
after account opening or consummation.
    i. Open-end credit. For open-end accounts, if, after account 
opening, a security interest is taken in real property, or in personal 
property used or expected to be used as the consumer's principal 
dwelling, a previously exempt account ceases to be exempt under Sec.  
226.3(b) and the creditor must begin to comply with all of the 
applicable requirements of this part within a reasonable period of 
time. See comment 3(b)-4.ii. If a security interest is taken in the 
consumer's principal dwelling, the creditor must also give the consumer 
the right to rescind the security interest consistent with Sec.  
226.15.
    ii. Closed-end credit. For closed-end loans, if, after 
consummation, a security interest is taken in any real property, or in 
personal property used or expected to be used as the consumer's 
principal dwelling, an exempt loan remains exempt under Sec.  226.3(b). 
However, the addition of a security interest in the consumer's 
principal dwelling is a transaction for purposes of Sec.  226.23, and 
the creditor must give the consumer the right to rescind the security 
interest consistent with that section. See Sec.  226.23(a)(1) and the 
accompanying commentary. In contrast, if a closed-end loan that is 
exempt under Sec.  226.3(b) is satisfied and replaced by a loan that is 
secured by any real property, or by personal property used or expected 
to be used as the consumer's principal dwelling, the new loan is not 
exempt under Sec.  226.3(b) and the creditor must comply with all of 
the applicable requirements of this part. See comment 3(b)-5.
    7. Application to extensions secured by mobile homes. Because a 
mobile home can be a dwelling under Sec.  226.2(a)(19), the exemption 
in Sec.  226.3(b) does not apply to a credit extension secured by a 
mobile home that is used or expected to be used as the principal 
dwelling of the consumer. See comment 3(b)-6.
    8. Transition rule for open-end accounts exempt prior to July 21, 
2011. Section 226.3(b)(2) applies only to open-end accounts opened 
prior to July 21, 2011. Section 226.3(b)(2) does not apply if a 
security interest is taken by the creditor in any real property, or in 
personal property used or expected to be used as the consumer's 
principal dwelling. If, on July 20, 2011, an open-end account is exempt 
under Sec.  226.3(b) based on a firm commitment to extend credit in 
excess of $25,000, the account remains exempt under Sec.  226.3(b)(2) 
until December 31, 2011 (unless the firm commitment is reduced to 
$25,000 or less). If the firm commitment is increased on or before 
December 31, 2011 to an amount in excess of $50,000, the account 
remains exempt under Sec.  226.3(b)(1) regardless of subsequent 
increases in the threshold amount as a result of increases in the CPI-
W. If the firm commitment is not increased on or before December 31, 
2011 to an amount in excess of $50,000, the account ceases to be exempt 
under Sec.  226.3(b) based on a firm commitment to extend credit. For 
example:
    i. Assume that, on July 20, 2011, the account is exempt under Sec.  
226.3(b) based on the creditor's firm commitment to extend $30,000 in 
credit. On November 1, 2011, the creditor increases the firm commitment 
on the account to $55,000. In these circumstances, the account remains

[[Page 86266]]

exempt under Sec.  226.3(b)(1) regardless of subsequent increases in 
the threshold amount as a result of increases in the CPI-W.
    ii. Same facts as paragraph i. above except, on November 1, 2011, 
the creditor increases the firm commitment on the account to $40,000. 
In these circumstances, the account ceases to be exempt under Sec.  
226.3(b)(2) after December 31, 2011, and the creditor must begin to 
comply with the applicable requirements of this part.
* * * * *

Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection

Authority and Issuance

    For the reasons set forth in the preamble, the Bureau amends 
Regulation Z, 12 CFR part 1026, as set forth below:

PART 1026--TRUTH IN LENDING (REGULATION Z)

0
3. The authority citation for part 1026 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  12 U.S.C. 2601, 2603-2605, 2607, 2609, 2617, 3353, 
5511, 5512, 5532, 5581; 15 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.


0
4. In supplement I to part 1026, under Section 1026.3--Exempt 
Transactions, the entry for 3(b)--Credit Over Applicable Threshold 
Amount is revised to read as follows:

Supplement I to Part 1026--Official Interpretations

* * * * *

Subpart A--General

* * * * *

Section 1026.3--Exempt Transactions

* * * * *
3(b) Credit Over Applicable Threshold Amount
    1. Threshold amount. For purposes of Sec.  1026.3(b), the threshold 
amount in effect during a particular period is the amount stated in 
comment 3(b)-3 below for that period. The threshold amount is adjusted 
effective January 1 of each year by any annual percentage increase in 
the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers 
(CPI-W) that was in effect on the preceding June 1. Comment 3(b)-3 will 
be amended to provide the threshold amount for the upcoming year after 
the annual percentage change in the CPI-W that was in effect on June 1 
becomes available. Any increase in the threshold amount will be rounded 
to the nearest $100 increment. For example, if the annual percentage 
increase in the CPI-W would result in a $950 increase in the threshold 
amount, the threshold amount will be increased by $1,000. However, if 
the annual percentage increase in the CPI-W would result in a $949 
increase in the threshold amount, the threshold amount will be 
increased by $900.
    2. No increase in the CPI-W. If the CPI-W in effect on June 1 does 
not increase from the CPI-W in effect on June 1 of the previous year, 
the threshold amount effective the following January 1 through December 
31 will not change from the previous year. When this occurs, for the 
years that follow, the threshold is calculated based on the annual 
percentage change in the CPI-W applied to the dollar amount that would 
have resulted, after rounding, if decreases and any subsequent 
increases in the CPI-W had been taken into account.
    i. Net increases. If the resulting amount calculated, after 
rounding, is greater than the current threshold, then the threshold 
effective January 1 the following year will increase accordingly.
    ii. Net decreases. If the resulting amount calculated, after 
rounding, is equal to or less than the current threshold, then the 
threshold effective January 1 the following year will not change, but 
future increases will be calculated based on the amount that would have 
resulted.
    3. Threshold. For purposes of Sec.  1026.3(b), the threshold amount 
in effect during a particular period is the amount stated below for 
that period.
    i. Prior to July 21, 2011, the threshold amount is $25,000.
    ii. From July 21, 2011 through December 31, 2011, the threshold 
amount is $50,000.
    iii. From January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012, the threshold 
amount is $51,800.
    iv. From January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013, the threshold 
amount is $53,000.
    v. From January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014, the threshold 
amount is $53,500.
    vi. From January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015, the threshold 
amount is $54,600.
    vii. From January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016, the threshold 
amount is $54,600.
    viii. From January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017, the threshold 
amount is $54,600.
    4. Open-end credit. i. Qualifying for exemption. An open-end 
account is exempt under Sec.  1026.3(b) (unless secured by real 
property, or by personal property used or expected to be used as the 
consumer's principal dwelling) if either of the following conditions is 
met:
    A. The creditor makes an initial extension of credit at or after 
account opening that exceeds the threshold amount in effect at the time 
the initial extension is made. If a creditor makes an initial extension 
of credit after account opening that does not exceed the threshold 
amount in effect at the time the extension is made, the creditor must 
have satisfied all of the applicable requirements of this part from the 
date the account was opened (or earlier, if applicable), including but 
not limited to the requirements of Sec.  1026.6 (account-opening 
disclosures), Sec.  1026.7 (periodic statements), Sec.  1026.52 
(limitations on fees), and Sec.  1026.55 (limitations on increasing 
annual percentage rates, fees, and charges). For example:
    1. Assume that the threshold amount in effect on January 1 is 
$50,000. On February 1, an account is opened but the creditor does not 
make an initial extension of credit at that time. On July 1, the 
creditor makes an initial extension of credit of $60,000. In this 
circumstance, no requirements of this part apply to the account.
    2. Assume that the threshold amount in effect on January 1 is 
$50,000. On February 1, an account is opened but the creditor does not 
make an initial extension of credit at that time. On July 1, the 
creditor makes an initial extension of credit of $50,000 or less. In 
this circumstance, the account is not exempt and the creditor must have 
satisfied all of the applicable requirements of this part from the date 
the account was opened (or earlier, if applicable).
    B. The creditor makes a firm written commitment at account opening 
to extend a total amount of credit in excess of the threshold amount in 
effect at the time the account is opened with no requirement of 
additional credit information for any advances on the account (except 
as permitted from time to time with respect to open-end accounts 
pursuant to Sec.  1026.2(a)(20)).
    ii. Subsequent changes generally. Subsequent changes to an open-end 
account or the threshold amount may result in the account no longer 
qualifying for the exemption in Sec.  1026.3(b). In these 
circumstances, the creditor must begin to comply with all of the 
applicable requirements of this part within a reasonable period of time 
after the account ceases to be exempt. Once an account ceases to be 
exempt, the requirements of this part apply to any balances on the 
account. The creditor, however, is not required to comply with the 
requirements of this part with respect to the period of time

[[Page 86267]]

during which the account was exempt. For example, if an open-end credit 
account ceases to be exempt, the creditor must within a reasonable 
period of time provide the disclosures required by Sec.  1026.6 
reflecting the current terms of the account and begin to provide 
periodic statements consistent with Sec.  1026.7. However, the creditor 
is not required to disclose fees or charges imposed while the account 
was exempt. Furthermore, if the creditor provided disclosures 
consistent with the requirements of this part while the account was 
exempt, it is not required to provide disclosures required by Sec.  
1026.6 reflecting the current terms of the account. See also comment 
3(b)-6.
    iii. Subsequent changes when exemption is based on initial 
extension of credit. If a creditor makes an initial extension of credit 
that exceeds the threshold amount in effect at that time, the open-end 
account remains exempt under Sec.  1026.3(b) regardless of a subsequent 
increase in the threshold amount, including an increase pursuant to 
Sec.  1026.3(b)(1)(ii) as a result of an increase in the CPI-W. 
Furthermore, in these circumstances, the account remains exempt even if 
there are no further extensions of credit, subsequent extensions of 
credit do not exceed the threshold amount, the account balance is 
subsequently reduced below the threshold amount (such as through 
repayment of the extension), or the credit limit for the account is 
subsequently reduced below the threshold amount. However, if the 
initial extension of credit on an account does not exceed the threshold 
amount in effect at the time of the extension, the account is not 
exempt under Sec.  1026.3(b) even if a subsequent extension exceeds the 
threshold amount or if the account balance later exceeds the threshold 
amount (for example, due to the subsequent accrual of interest).
    iv. Subsequent changes when exemption is based on firm commitment. 
A. General. If a creditor makes a firm written commitment at account 
opening to extend a total amount of credit that exceeds the threshold 
amount in effect at that time, the open-end account remains exempt 
under Sec.  1026.3(b) regardless of a subsequent increase in the 
threshold amount pursuant to Sec.  1026.3(b)(1)(ii) as a result of an 
increase in the CPI-W. However, see comment 3(b)-8 with respect to the 
increase in the threshold amount from $25,000 to $50,000. If an open-
end account is exempt under Sec.  1026.3(b) based on a firm commitment 
to extend credit, the account remains exempt even if the amount of 
credit actually extended does not exceed the threshold amount. In 
contrast, if the firm commitment does not exceed the threshold amount 
at account opening, the account is not exempt under Sec.  1026.3(b) 
even if the account balance later exceeds the threshold amount. In 
addition, if a creditor reduces a firm commitment, the account ceases 
to be exempt unless the reduced firm commitment exceeds the threshold 
amount in effect at the time of the reduction. For example:
    1. Assume that, at account opening in year one, the threshold 
amount in effect is $50,000 and the account is exempt under Sec.  
1026.3(b) based on the creditor's firm commitment to extend $55,000 in 
credit. If during year one the creditor reduces its firm commitment to 
$53,000, the account remains exempt under Sec.  1026.3(b). However, if 
during year one the creditor reduces its firm commitment to $40,000, 
the account is no longer exempt under Sec.  1026.3(b).
    2. Assume that, at account opening in year one, the threshold 
amount in effect is $50,000 and the account is exempt under Sec.  
1026.3(b) based on the creditor's firm commitment to extend $55,000 in 
credit. If the threshold amount is $56,000 on January 1 of year six as 
a result of increases in the CPI-W, the account remains exempt. 
However, if the creditor reduces its firm commitment to $54,000 on July 
1 of year six, the account ceases to be exempt under Sec.  1026.3(b).
    B. Initial extension of credit. If an open-end account qualifies 
for a Sec.  1026.3(b) exemption at account opening based on a firm 
commitment, that account may also subsequently qualify for a Sec.  
1026.3(b) exemption based on an initial extension of credit. However, 
that initial extension must be a single advance in excess of the 
threshold amount in effect at the time the extension is made. In 
addition, the account must continue to qualify for an exemption based 
on the firm commitment until the initial extension of credit is made. 
For example:
    1. Assume that, at account opening in year one, the threshold 
amount in effect is $50,000 and the account is exempt under Sec.  
1026.3(b) based on the creditor's firm commitment to extend $55,000 in 
credit. The account is not used for an extension of credit during year 
one. On January 1 of year two, the threshold amount is increased to 
$51,000 pursuant to Sec.  1026.3(b)(1)(ii) as a result of an increase 
in the CPI-W. On July 1 of year two, the consumer uses the account for 
an initial extension of $52,000. As a result of this extension of 
credit, the account remains exempt under Sec.  1026.3(b) even if, after 
July 1 of year two, the creditor reduces the firm commitment to $51,000 
or less.
    2. Same facts as in paragraph iv.B.1 above except that the consumer 
uses the account for an initial extension of $30,000 on July 1 of year 
two and for an extension of $22,000 on July 15 of year two. In these 
circumstances, the account is not exempt under Sec.  1026.3(b) based on 
the $30,000 initial extension of credit because that extension did not 
exceed the applicable threshold amount ($51,000), although the account 
remains exempt based on the firm commitment to extend $55,000 in 
credit.
    3. Same facts as in paragraph iv.B.1 above except that, on April 1 
of year two, the creditor reduces the firm commitment to $50,000, which 
is below the $51,000 threshold then in effect. Because the account 
ceases to qualify for a Sec.  1026.3(b) exemption on April 1 of year 
two, the account does not qualify for a Sec.  1026.3(b) exemption based 
on a $52,000 initial extension of credit on July 1 of year two.
    5. Closed-end credit. i. Qualifying for exemption. A closed-end 
loan is exempt under Sec.  1026.3(b) (unless the extension of credit is 
secured by real property, or by personal property used or expected to 
be used as the consumer's principal dwelling; or is a private education 
loan as defined in Sec.  1026.46(b)(5)), if either of the following 
conditions is met:
    A. The creditor makes an extension of credit at consummation that 
exceeds the threshold amount in effect at the time of consummation. In 
these circumstances, the loan remains exempt under Sec.  1026.3(b) even 
if the amount owed is subsequently reduced below the threshold amount 
(such as through repayment of the loan).
    B. The creditor makes a commitment at consummation to extend a 
total amount of credit in excess of the threshold amount in effect at 
the time of consummation. In these circumstances, the loan remains 
exempt under Sec.  1026.3(b) even if the total amount of credit 
extended does not exceed the threshold amount.
    ii. Subsequent changes. If a creditor makes a closed-end extension 
of credit or commitment to extend closed-end credit that exceeds the 
threshold amount in effect at the time of consummation, the closed-end 
loan remains exempt under Sec.  1026.3(b) regardless of a subsequent 
increase in the threshold amount. However, a closed-end loan is not 
exempt under Sec.  1026.3(b) merely because it is used to satisfy and 
replace an existing exempt loan, unless the new extension of credit is 
itself exempt under the applicable threshold amount. For example, 
assume a closed-end loan that qualified for a

[[Page 86268]]

Sec.  1026.3(b) exemption at consummation in year one is refinanced in 
year ten and that the new loan amount is less than the threshold amount 
in effect in year ten. In these circumstances, the creditor must comply 
with all of the applicable requirements of this part with respect to 
the year ten transaction if the original loan is satisfied and replaced 
by the new loan, which is not exempt under Sec.  1026.3(b). See also 
comment 3(b)-6.
    6. Addition of a security interest in real property or a dwelling 
after account opening or consummation. i. Open-end credit. For open-end 
accounts, if after account opening a security interest is taken in real 
property, or in personal property used or expected to be used as the 
consumer's principal dwelling, a previously exempt account ceases to be 
exempt under Sec.  1026.3(b) and the creditor must begin to comply with 
all of the applicable requirements of this part within a reasonable 
period of time. See comment 3(b)-4.ii. If a security interest is taken 
in the consumer's principal dwelling, the creditor must also give the 
consumer the right to rescind the security interest consistent with 
Sec.  1026.15.
    ii. Closed-end credit. For closed-end loans, if after consummation 
a security interest is taken in real property, or in personal property 
used or expected to be used as the consumer's principal dwelling, an 
exempt loan remains exempt under Sec.  1026.3(b). However, the addition 
of a security interest in the consumer's principal dwelling is a 
transaction for purposes of Sec.  1026.23, and the creditor must give 
the consumer the right to rescind the security interest consistent with 
that section. See Sec.  1026.23(a)(1) and its commentary. In contrast, 
if a closed-end loan that is exempt under Sec.  1026.3(b) is satisfied 
and replaced by a loan that is secured by real property, or by personal 
property used or expected to be used as the consumer's principal 
dwelling, the new loan is not exempt under Sec.  1026.3(b), and the 
creditor must comply with all of the applicable requirements of this 
part. See comment 3(b)-5.
    7. Application to extensions secured by mobile homes. Because a 
mobile home can be a dwelling under Sec.  1026.2(a)(19), the exemption 
in Sec.  1026.3(b) does not apply to a credit extension secured by a 
mobile home that is used or expected to be used as the principal 
dwelling of the consumer. See comment 3(b)-6.
    8. Transition rule for open-end accounts exempt prior to July 21, 
2011. Section 1026.3(b)(2) applies only to open-end accounts opened 
prior to July 21, 2011. Section 1026.3(b)(2) does not apply if a 
security interest is taken by the creditor in real property, or in 
personal property used or expected to be used as the consumer's 
principal dwelling. If, on July 20, 2011, an open-end account is exempt 
under Sec.  1026.3(b) based on a firm commitment to extend credit in 
excess of $25,000, the account remains exempt under Sec.  1026.3(b)(2) 
until December 31, 2011 (unless the firm commitment is reduced to 
$25,000 or less). If the firm commitment is increased on or before 
December 31, 2011 to an amount in excess of $50,000, the account 
remains exempt under Sec.  1026.3(b)(1) regardless of subsequent 
increases in the threshold amount as a result of increases in the CPI-
W. If the firm commitment is not increased on or before December 31, 
2011 to an amount in excess of $50,000, the account ceases to be exempt 
under Sec.  1026.3(b) based on a firm commitment to extend credit. For 
example:
    i. Assume that, on July 20, 2011, the account is exempt under Sec.  
1026.3(b) based on the creditor's firm commitment to extend $30,000 in 
credit. On November 1, 2011, the creditor increases the firm commitment 
on the account to $55,000. In these circumstances, the account remains 
exempt under Sec.  1026.3(b)(1) regardless of subsequent increases in 
the threshold amount as a result of increases in the CPI-W.
    ii. Same facts as paragraph i above except, on November 1, 2011, 
the creditor increases the firm commitment on the account to $40,000. 
In these circumstances, the account ceases to be exempt under Sec.  
1026.3(b)(2) after December 31, 2011, and the creditor must begin to 
comply with the applicable requirements of this part.
* * * * *

    By order of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve 
System, November 17, 2016.
Robert deV. Frierson,
Secretary of the Board.
    Dated: November 7, 2016.
Richard Cordray,
Director, Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection.
[FR Doc. 2016-28718 Filed 11-29-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6210-01-4810-AM-P



                                              86260        Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 230 / Wednesday, November 30, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                              this part if the total contractual                        i. Prior to July 21, 2011, the threshold            by the annual percentage increase in the
                                              obligation exceeds the threshold amount                 amount is $25,000.                                    Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage
                                              in effect at the time of consummation.                    ii. From July 21, 2011 through                      Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI–W).
                                              The threshold amount in effect during a                 December 31, 2011, the threshold                      If there is no annual percentage increase
                                              particular time period is the amount                    amount is $50,000.                                    in the CPI–W, the Board and Bureau
                                              stated in comment 2(e)–11 for that                        iii. From January 1, 2012 through                   will not adjust this exemption threshold
                                              period. The threshold amount is                         December 31, 2012, the threshold                      from the prior year. The final rule
                                              adjusted effective January 1 of each year               amount is $51,800.                                    memorializes this as well as the
                                              by any annual percentage increase in                      iv. From January 1, 2013 through                    agencies’ calculation method for
                                              the Consumer Price Index for Urban                      December 31, 2013, the threshold                      determining the adjustment in years
                                              Wage Earners and Clerical Workers                       amount is $53,000.                                    following a year in which there is no
                                              (CPI–W) that was in effect on the                         v. From January 1, 2014 through                     annual percentage increase in the CPI–
                                              preceding June 1. Comment 2(e)–11 will                  December 31, 2014, the threshold                      W. Based on the CPI–W in effect as of
                                              be amended to provide the threshold                     amount is $53,500.                                    June 1, 2016, the exemption threshold
                                              amount for the upcoming year after the                    vi. From January 1, 2015 through                    will remain at $54,600 through 2017.
                                              annual percentage change in the CPI–W                   December 31, 2015, the threshold                      The Dodd-Frank Act also requires
                                              that was in effect on June 1 becomes                    amount is $54,600.                                    similar adjustments in the Consumer
                                              available. Any increase in the threshold                  vii. From January 1, 2016 through                   Leasing Act’s threshold for exempt
                                              amount will be rounded to the nearest                   December 31, 2016, the threshold                      consumer leases. Accordingly, the
                                              $100 increment. For example, if the                     amount is $54,600.                                    Board and the Bureau are adopting
                                              annual percentage increase in the CPI–                    viii. From January 1, 2017 through                  similar amendments to the
                                              W would result in a $950 increase in the                December 31, 2017, the threshold                      commentaries to each of their respective
                                              threshold amount, the threshold amount                  amount is $54,600.                                    regulations implementing the Consumer
                                              will be increased by $1,000. However, if                  By order of the Board of Governors of the           Leasing Act elsewhere in this issue of
                                              the annual percentage increase in the                   Federal Reserve System, November 17, 2016.            the Federal Register.
                                              CPI–W would result in a $949 increase                   Robert deV. Frierson,                                 DATES: This final rule is effective
                                              in the threshold amount, the threshold                  Secretary of the Board.                               January 1, 2017.
                                              amount will be increased by $900. If a                    Dated: November 7, 2016.                            FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                              consumer lease is exempt from the                                                                             Board: Vivian W. Wong, Senior
                                                                                                      Richard Cordray,
                                              requirements of this part because the                                                                         Counsel, Division of Consumer and
                                              total contractual obligation exceeds the                Director, Bureau of Consumer Financial
                                                                                                      Protection.
                                                                                                                                                            Community Affairs, Board of Governors
                                              threshold amount in effect at the time of                                                                     of the Federal Reserve System, at (202)
                                                                                                      [FR Doc. 2016–28710 Filed 11–29–16; 8:45 am]
                                              consummation, the lease remains                                                                               452–3667; for users of
                                              exempt regardless of a subsequent                       BILLING CODE 6210–01–P; 4810–AM–P
                                                                                                                                                            Telecommunications Device for the Deaf
                                              increase in the threshold amount.                                                                             (TDD) only, contact (202) 263–4869.
                                                10. No increase in the CPI–W. If the                                                                           Bureau: Jaclyn Maier, Counsel, Office
                                                                                                      FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM
                                              CPI–W in effect on June 1 does not                                                                            of Regulations, Consumer Financial
                                              increase from the CPI–W in effect on                    12 CFR Part 226                                       Protection Bureau, at (202) 435–7700.
                                              June 1 of the previous year, the                                                                              SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                              threshold amount effective the                          [Docket No. R–1546]
                                              following January 1 through December                                                                          I. Background
                                                                                                      RIN 7100 AE–57
                                              31 will not change from the previous                                                                             The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform
                                              year. When this occurs, for the years                   BUREAU OF CONSUMER FINANCIAL                          and Consumer Protection Act of 2010
                                              that follow, the threshold is calculated                PROTECTION                                            (Dodd-Frank Act) increased the
                                              based on the annual percentage change                                                                         threshold in the Truth in Lending Act
                                              in the CPI–W applied to the dollar                      12 CFR Part 1026                                      (TILA) for exempt consumer credit
                                              amount that would have resulted, after                                                                        transactions,1 and the threshold in the
                                                                                                      [Docket No. CFPB–2016–0037]
                                              rounding, if decreases and any                                                                                Consumer Leasing Act (CLA) for exempt
                                              subsequent increases in the CPI–W had                   RIN 3170–AA67                                         consumer leases, from $25,000 to
                                              been taken into account.                                                                                      $50,000, effective July 21, 2011.2 In
                                                i. Net increases. If the resulting                    Truth in Lending (Regulation Z)                       addition, the Dodd-Frank Act requires
                                              amount calculated, after rounding, is                   AGENCY:  Board of Governors of the                    that, on and after December 31, 2011,
                                              greater than the current threshold, then                Federal Reserve System (Board); and                   these thresholds be adjusted annually
                                              the threshold effective January 1 the                   Bureau of Consumer Financial                          for inflation by the annual percentage
                                              following year will increase                            Protection (Bureau).                                  increase in the Consumer Price Index
                                              accordingly.                                                                                                  for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical
                                                                                                      ACTION: Final rules, official
                                                ii. Net decreases. If the resulting                                                                         Workers (CPI–W), as published by the
                                                                                                      interpretations and commentary.
                                              amount calculated, after rounding, is                                                                         Bureau of Labor Statistics. In April
                                              equal to or less than the current                       SUMMARY:   The Board and the Bureau are               2011, the Board issued a final rule
                                              threshold, then the threshold effective                 finalizing amendments to the official
                                                                                                                                                              1 Although consumer credit transactions above
                                              January 1 the following year will not                   interpretations and commentary for the
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                                                                                                                                                            the threshold are generally exempt, loans secured
                                              change, but future increases will be                    agencies’ regulations that implement the              by real property or by personal property used or
                                              calculated based on the amount that                     Truth in Lending Act (TILA). The Dodd-                expected to be used as the principal dwelling of a
                                              would have resulted.                                    Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer                 consumer and private education loans are covered
                                                11. Threshold. For purposes of                        Protection Act (Dodd-Frank Act)                       by TILA regardless of the loan amount. See 12 CFR
                                                                                                                                                            226.3(b)(1)(i) (Board) and 12 CFR 1026.3(b)(1)(i)
                                              § 1013.2(e)(1), the threshold amount in                 amended TILA by requiring that the                    (Bureau).
                                              effect during a particular period is the                dollar threshold for exempt consumer                    2 Public Law 111–203, section 1100E, 124 Stat.

                                              amount stated below for that period.                    credit transactions be adjusted annually              1376 (2010).



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                                                            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 230 / Wednesday, November 30, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                                   86261

                                              amending Regulation Z (which                              was in effect on the preceding June 1.               5, 3(b)–6, 3(b)–7, and 3(b)–8,
                                              implements TILA) consistent with these                    They further provide that any increase               respectively, and cross-references to
                                              provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act, along                   in the threshold amount will be                      these comments are also renumbered
                                              with a similar final rule amending                        rounded to the nearest $100 increment.               accordingly, as proposed.
                                              Regulation M (which implements the                        For example, if the annual percentage                   Furthermore, the Board and the
                                              CLA) (collectively, the Board Final                       increase in the CPI–W would result in                Bureau are adopting new comment 3(b)–
                                              Threshold Rules).3                                        a $950 increase in the threshold                     2 as proposed to provide that if the CPI–
                                                 Title X of the Dodd-Frank Act                          amount, the threshold amount will be                 W in effect on June 1 does not increase
                                              transferred rulemaking authority for a                    increased by $1,000. However, if the                 from the CPI–W in effect on June 1 of
                                              number of consumer financial                              annual percentage increase in the CPI–               the previous year (i.e., the CPI–W in
                                              protection laws from the Board to the                     W would result in a $949 increase in the             effect on June 1 is either equal to or less
                                              Bureau, effective July 21, 2011. In                       threshold amount, the threshold amount               than the CPI–W in effect on June 1 of
                                              connection with this transfer of                          will be increased by $900.7 If there is no           the previous year), the threshold
                                              rulemaking authority, the Bureau issued                   annual percentage increase in the CPI–               amount effective the following January
                                              its own Regulation Z implementing                         W, the Board and Bureau will not adjust              1 through December 31 will not change
                                              TILA in an interim final rule, 12 CFR                     the exemption threshold from the prior               from the previous year. As the Board
                                              part 1026 (Bureau Interim Final Rule).4                   year. Since 2011, the Board and the                  and the Bureau discussed in the
                                              The Bureau Interim Final Rule                             Bureau have adjusted the Regulation Z                proposal, this position is consistent
                                              substantially duplicated the Board’s                      exemption threshold annually, in                     with section 1100E(b) of the Dodd-Frank
                                              Regulation Z, including the revisions to                  accordance with these rules.                         Act, which states that the threshold
                                              the threshold for exempt transactions                     II. Commentary Revision                              must be adjusted by the ‘‘annual
                                              made by the Board in April 2011. In                                                                            percentage increase’’ in the CPI–W
                                              April 2016, the Bureau adopted the                           On August 4, 2016, the Board and the              (emphasis added), and the position the
                                              Bureau Interim Final Rule as final,                       Bureau published a proposed rule in the              agencies have previously taken.8 Thus,
                                              subject to intervening final rules                        Federal Register to memorialize the                  if the threshold in effect from January 1,
                                              published by the Bureau.5 Although the                    calculation method used by the agencies              2019, through December 31, 2019, is
                                              Bureau has the authority to issue rules                   each year to adjust the exemption                    $55,500 and the CPI–W in effect on June
                                              to implement TILA for most entities, the                  threshold. See 81 FR 51404 (Aug. 4,                  1 of 2019 indicates a 1.1 percent
                                              Board retains authority to issue rules                    2016). The proposed commentary stated                decrease from the CPI–W in effect on
                                              under TILA for certain motor vehicle                      that if there is no annual percentage                June 1, 2018, the threshold in effect for
                                              dealers covered by section 1029(a) of the                 increase in the CPI–W, the Board and                 January 1, 2020, through December 31,
                                              Dodd-Frank Act, and the Board’s                           Bureau will not adjust the exemption                 2020, will remain $55,500.
                                              Regulation Z continues to apply to those                  threshold from the prior year. The                      Comment 3(b)–2 also provides that,
                                              entities.6                                                proposed commentary further set forth                for the years after a year in which the
                                                 Section 226.3(b)(1)(ii) of the Board’s                 the calculation method the agencies                  threshold did not change because the
                                              Regulation Z and § 1026.3(b)(1)(ii) of the                would use in years following a year in               CPI–W in effect on June 1 decreased
                                              Bureau’s Regulation Z, and their                          which the exemption threshold was not                from the CPI–W in effect on June 1 of
                                              accompanying commentaries, provide                        adjusted because there was no increase               the previous year, the threshold is
                                              that the exemption threshold will be                      in the CPI–W from the previous year. As              calculated by applying the annual
                                              adjusted annually effective January 1 of                  the Board and the Bureau discussed in                percentage change in the CPI–W to the
                                              each year based on any annual                             the proposal, the proposed calculation               dollar amount that would have resulted,
                                              percentage increase in the CPI–W that                     method would ensure that the values for              after rounding, if the decreases and any
                                                                                                        the exemption threshold keep pace with               subsequent increases in the CPI–W had
                                                 3 76 FR 18354 (Apr. 4, 2011); 76 FR 18349 (Apr.        the CPI–W as contemplated by section                 been taken into account. Comment 3(b)–
                                              4, 2011).                                                 1100E(b) of the Dodd-Frank Act.                      2.i further states that, if the resulting
                                                 4 76 FR 79768 (Dec. 22, 2011).                            The comment period closed on                      amount, after rounding, is greater than
                                                 5 81 FR 25323 (April 28, 2016).                        September 6, 2016. In response to the                the current threshold, then the
                                                 6 Section 1029(a) of the Dodd-Frank Act states:
                                                                                                        proposal, the Board and the Bureau                   threshold effective January 1 the
                                              ‘‘Except as permitted in subsection (b), the Bureau       received one comment from a consumer,
                                              may not exercise any rulemaking, supervisory,                                                                  following year will increase
                                              enforcement, or any other authority . . . over a          supporting the proposal. The Board and               accordingly.
                                              motor vehicle dealer that is predominantly engaged        the Bureau are adopting the                             For example, assume that the
                                              in the sale and servicing of motor vehicles, the          commentary revisions as proposed, with               threshold in effect from January 1, 2019,
                                              leasing and servicing of motor vehicles, or both.’’       some minor clarifying amendments.
                                              12 U.S.C. 5519(a). Section 1029(b) of the Dodd-                                                                through December 31, 2019, is $55,500
                                              Frank Act states: ‘‘Subsection (a) shall not apply to     These changes will be effective on                   and that, due to a 1.1 percent decrease
                                              any person, to the extent that such person (1)            January 1, 2017.                                     from the CPI–W in effect on June 1,
                                              provides consumers with any services related to              Specifically, the Board and the                   2018, to the CPI–W in effect on June 1,
                                              residential or commercial mortgages or self-              Bureau are adopting comment 3(b)–1 as
                                              financing transactions involving real property; (2)                                                            2019, the threshold in effect from
                                              operates a line of business (A) that involves the         proposed to move the text regarding the              January 1, 2020, through December 31,
                                              extension of retail credit or retail leases involving     threshold amount that is in effect during            2020, remains at $55,500. If, however,
                                              motor vehicles; and (B) in which (i) the extension        a particular period to a new comment                 the threshold had been adjusted
                                              of retail credit or retail leases are provided directly   3(b)–3. The discussion of how the
                                              to consumers; and (ii) the contract governing such                                                             downward to reflect the decrease in the
                                                                                                        agencies round the threshold
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                                              extension of retail credit or retail leases is not                                                             CPI–W over that time period, the
                                              routinely assigned to an unaffiliated third party         calculation will remain in comment                   threshold in effect from January 1, 2020,
                                              finance or leasing source; or (3) offers or provides      3(b)–1. Current comments 3(b)–2, 3(b)–               through December 31, 2020, would have
                                              a consumer financial product or service not               3, 3(b)–4, 3(b)–5, and 3(b)–6 are
                                              involving or related to the sale, financing, leasing,
                                              rental, repair, refurbishment, maintenance, or other      renumbered as comments 3(b)–4, 3(b)–                    8 See, e.g., 76 FR 18354, 18355 n.1 (Apr. 4, 2011)

                                              servicing of motor vehicles, motor vehicle parts, or                                                           (‘‘[A]n annual period of deflation or no inflation
                                              any related or ancillary product or service.’’ 12           7 See comments 3(b)–1 in supplements I of 12       would not require a change in the threshold
                                              U.S.C. 5519(b).                                           CFR parts 226 and 1026.                              amount.’’).



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                                              86262        Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 230 / Wednesday, November 30, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                              been $54,900, after rounding. Further                   to $54,200 results in $54,600, which is                  world, which takes into account the
                                              assume that the CPI–W in effect on June                 the same threshold amount for 2016.                      current regulatory regime. The Bureau is
                                              1, 2020, increased by 1.6 percent from                  Thus, the exemption threshold amount                     not aware of any significant benefits or
                                              the CPI–W in effect on June 1, 2019. The                that will be in effect for 2017 remains                  costs to consumers or covered persons
                                              calculation for the threshold that will be              at $54,600. The Board and the Bureau                     associated with the final rule relative to
                                              in effect from January 1, 2021, through                 are revising the commentaries to their                   the baseline. The Board previously
                                              December 31, 2021, is based on the                      respective regulations to add new                        stated that if there is no annual
                                              impact of a 1.6 percent increase in the                 comment 3(b)–3.viii to state that, from                  percentage increase in the CPI–W, then
                                              CPI–W on $54,900, rather than $55,500,                  January 1, 2017, through December 31,                    the Board (and now the Bureau) will not
                                              resulting in a 2021 threshold of $55,800.               2017, the threshold amount is $54,600.                   adjust the exemption threshold from the
                                                 Furthermore, comment 3(b)–2.ii states                These revisions are effective January 1,                 prior year.12 The final rule memorializes
                                              that, if the resulting amount calculated,               2017.                                                    this in official commentary. The final
                                              after rounding, is equal to or less than                                                                         rule also clarifies how the threshold is
                                              the current threshold, then the                         IV. Regulatory Analysis
                                                                                                                                                               calculated for years after a year in which
                                              threshold effective January 1 the                       Administrative Procedure Act                             the threshold did not change. The
                                              following year will not change, but                                                                              Bureau believes that this clarification
                                                                                                        Under the Administrative Procedure
                                              future increases will be calculated based                                                                        memorializes the method that the
                                                                                                      Act, notice and opportunity for public
                                              on the amount that would have resulted,                                                                          Bureau would be expected to use: This
                                              after rounding. To illustrate, assume in                comment are not required if the Board
                                                                                                      and the Bureau find that notice and                      method holds the threshold fixed until
                                              the example above that the CPI–W in                                                                              a notional threshold calculated using
                                              effect on June 1, 2020, increased by only               public comment are impracticable,
                                                                                                      unnecessary, or contrary to the public                   the Bureau’s methodology, taking into
                                              0.6 percent from the CPI–W in effect on                                                                          account both decreases and increases in
                                              June 1, 2019. The calculation for the                   interest.9 The 2017 threshold amount
                                                                                                      for exempt consumer credit transactions                  the CPI–W, exceeds the actual
                                              threshold that will be in effect from                                                                            threshold. The Bureau requested, but
                                              January 1, 2021, through December 31,                   announced in this rule, $54,600, is
                                                                                                      technical and applies the calculation                    did not receive, comment on this point.
                                              2021, is based on the impact of a 0.6                                                                            Thus, the Bureau concludes that the
                                              percent increase in the CPI–W on                        method set forth elsewhere in this final
                                                                                                      rule, for which notice and public                        final rule will not change the regulatory
                                              $54,900. The resulting amount, after                                                                             regime relative to the baseline and will
                                              rounding, is $55,200, which is lower                    comment were provided.10 For these
                                                                                                      reasons, the Board and the Bureau have                   create no significant benefits, costs, or
                                              than $55,500, the threshold in effect                                                                            impacts.
                                              from January 1, 2020, through December                  determined that publishing a notice of
                                                                                                      proposed rulemaking and providing                           The final rule will have no unique
                                              31, 2020. Therefore, the threshold in                                                                            impact on depository institutions or
                                              effect from January 1, 2021, through                    opportunity for public comment for
                                                                                                      purposes of the 2017 threshold                           credit unions with $10 billion or less in
                                              December 31, 2021, will remain                                                                                   assets as described in section 1026(a) of
                                              $55,500. However, the calculation for                   adjustment are unnecessary. Therefore,
                                                                                                      the amendments regarding the 2017                        the Dodd-Frank Act or on rural
                                              the threshold that will be in effect from                                                                        consumers. The Bureau does not expect
                                              January 1, 2022, through December 31,                   threshold amount for exempt consumer
                                                                                                      credit transactions are adopted in final                 this final rule to affect consumers’
                                              2022, will apply the percentage change                                                                           access to credit.
                                              in the CPI–W to $55,200, the amount                     form.
                                              that would have resulted based on the                   Bureau’s Dodd-Frank Act Section                          Regulatory Flexibility Act
                                              0.6 percent change from the CPI–W in                    1022(b)(2) Analysis                                         Board: An initial regulatory flexibility
                                              effect on June 1, 2019, after rounding, to                                                                       analysis (IRFA) was included in the
                                              the CPI–W in effect on June 1, 2020.                      In developing the final rule, the
                                                                                                      Bureau has considered potential                          proposal in accordance with section 3(a)
                                              III. 2017 Threshold                                     benefits, costs, and impacts.11 In                       of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5
                                                                                                      addition, the Bureau has consulted, or                   U.S.C. 601 et seq. (RFA). In the IRFA,
                                                 Based on the calculation method                                                                               the Board requested comments on any
                                              detailed above, the exemption threshold                 offered to consult with, the prudential
                                                                                                      regulators, the Securities and Exchange                  approaches, other than the proposed
                                              amount for 2017 remains at $54,600.                                                                              alternatives, that would reduce the
                                              This is based on the CPI–W in effect on                 Commission, the Department of Housing
                                                                                                      and Urban Development, the Federal                       burden on small entities. The RFA
                                              June 1, 2016, which was reported on
                                                                                                      Housing Finance Agency, the Federal                      requires an agency to prepare a final
                                              May 17, 2016. The Bureau of Labor
                                                                                                      Trade Commission, and the Department                     regulatory flexibility analysis (FRFA)
                                              Statistics publishes consumer-based
                                                                                                      of the Treasury, including regarding                     unless the agency certifies that the rule
                                              indices monthly, but does not report a
                                                                                                      consistency with any prudential,                         will not, if promulgated, have a
                                              CPI change on June 1; adjustments are
                                                                                                      market, or systemic objectives                           significant economic impact on a
                                              reported in the middle of the month.
                                                                                                      administered by such agencies.                           substantial number of small entities. In
                                              The CPI–W is a subset of the CPI–U
                                                                                                        The Bureau has chosen to evaluate the                  accordance with section 3(a) of the RFA,
                                              index (based on all urban consumers)
                                                                                                      benefits, costs and impacts of the final                 the Board has reviewed the final
                                              and represents approximately 28
                                                                                                      rule against the current state of the                    regulation. Based on its analysis, and for
                                              percent of the U.S. population. The CPI–
                                                                                                                                                               the reasons stated below, the Board
                                              W reported on May 17, 2016 reflects a
                                                                                                        95  U.S.C. 553(b)(B).                                  believes that the rule will not have a
                                              0.8 percent increase in the CPI–W from
                                                                                                        10 See 81 FR 51404 (Aug. 4, 2016).                     significant economic impact on a
                                              April 2015 to April 2016. Because the
                                                                                                                                                               substantial number of small entities.
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                                                                                                        11 Specifically, section 1022(b)(2)(A) calls for the
                                              CPI–W decreased from April 2014 to                      Bureau to consider the potential benefits and costs         1. Statement of the need for, and
                                              April 2015, the Board and the Bureau                    of a regulation to consumers and covered persons,        objectives of, the final rule. The final
                                              are calculating the threshold based on                  including the potential reduction of access by
                                                                                                                                                               rule memorializes the calculation
                                              the amount that would have resulted                     consumers to consumer financial products or
                                                                                                      services; the impact on depository institutions and
                                              had this decrease been taken into                       credit unions with $10 billion or less in total assets     12 76 FR 18354, 18355 n.1 (Apr. 4, 2011) (‘‘[A]n
                                              account, which is $54,200. A 0.8                        as described in section 1026 of the Act; and the         annual period of deflation or no inflation would not
                                              percent increase in the CPI–W applied                   impact on consumers in rural areas.                      require a change in the threshold amount.’’).



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                                                            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 230 / Wednesday, November 30, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                              86263

                                              method used by the Board each year to                     representatives prior to proposing a rule                 the entry for 3(b) Credit over applicable
                                              adjust the exemption threshold in                         for which an IRFA is required.16                          threshold amount is revised to read as
                                              accordance with section 1100E of the                        A FRFA is not required for this final                   follows:
                                              Dodd-Frank Act. The final rule also                       rule because it will not have a
                                                                                                        significant economic impact on a                          Supplement I to Part 226—Official Staff
                                              adopts the exemption threshold that
                                                                                                        substantial number of small entities. As                  Interpretations
                                              will apply from January 1, 2017,
                                              through December 31, 2017, based on                       discussed in the Bureau’s Section                         *        *       *    *   *
                                              the calculation method memorialized in                    1022(b)(2) Analysis above, this final rule
                                              this final rule.                                          does not introduce costs or benefits to                   Subpart A—General
                                                 2. Summary of issues raised by                         covered persons because it seeks only to
                                                                                                                                                                  *        *       *    *   *
                                              comments in response to the initial                       clarify the method of threshold
                                              regulatory flexibility analysis. The                      adjustment which has already been                         Section 226.3—Exempt Transactions
                                              Board did not receive any comments on                     established in previous Agency rules.                     *      *     *    *      *
                                              the initial regulatory flexibility analysis.              Therefore this final rule will not have a                    3(b) Credit over applicable threshold
                                                 3. Small entities affected by the final                significant impact on small entities.                     amount.
                                              rule. This rule would affect motor                        Certification                                                1. Threshold amount. For purposes of
                                              vehicle dealers that are subject to the                                                                             § 226.3(b), the threshold amount in
                                              Board’s Regulation Z and offer closed-                      Accordingly, the Bureau Director, by
                                                                                                        signing below, certifies that this final                  effect during a particular period is the
                                              end or open-end credit that may be                                                                                  amount stated in comment 3(b)–3 for
                                              exempt from Regulation Z under 12 CFR                     rule will not have a significant
                                                                                                        economic impact on a substantial                          that period. The threshold amount is
                                              226.3(b). While the total number of                                                                                 adjusted effective January 1 of each year
                                              small entities likely to be affected by the               number of small entities.
                                                                                                                                                                  by any annual percentage increase in
                                              final rule is unknown, the Board does                     Paperwork Reduction Act                                   the Consumer Price Index for Urban
                                              not believe the final rule will have a                                                                              Wage Earners and Clerical Workers
                                                                                                          In accordance with the Paperwork
                                              significant economic impact on the                                                                                  (CPI–W) that was in effect on the
                                                                                                        Reduction Act of 1995,17 the agencies
                                              entities that it affects.                                                                                           preceding June 1. Comment 3(b)–3 will
                                                                                                        reviewed this final rule. No collections
                                                 4. Recordkeeping, reporting, and                                                                                 be amended to provide the threshold
                                                                                                        of information pursuant to the
                                              compliance requirements. The final rule                                                                             amount for the upcoming year after the
                                                                                                        Paperwork Reduction Act are contained
                                              would not impose any recordkeeping,                                                                                 annual percentage change in the CPI–W
                                                                                                        in the final rule.
                                              reporting, or compliance requirements.                                                                              that was in effect on June 1 becomes
                                                 5. Significant alternatives to the final               List of Subjects                                          available. Any increase in the threshold
                                              revisions. The Board has not identified
                                                                                                        12 CFR Part 226                                           amount will be rounded to the nearest
                                              any significant alternatives that would
                                                                                                          Advertising, Consumer protection,                       $100 increment. For example, if the
                                              reduce the regulatory burden on small
                                                                                                        Federal Reserve System, Reporting and                     annual percentage increase in the CPI–
                                              entities associated with this final rule.
                                                 Bureau: The RFA generally requires                     recordkeeping requirements, Truth in                      W would result in a $950 increase in the
                                              an agency to conduct an initial                           lending.                                                  threshold amount, the threshold amount
                                              regulatory flexibility analysis (IRFA)                                                                              will be increased by $1,000. However, if
                                                                                                        12 CFR Part 1026                                          the annual percentage increase in the
                                              and a final regulatory flexibility analysis
                                              (FRFA) of any rule subject to notice-                       Advertising, Appraisal, Appraiser,                      CPI–W would result in a $949 increase
                                              and-comment rulemaking                                    Banking, Banks, Consumer protection,                      in the threshold amount, the threshold
                                              requirements.13 These analyses must                       Credit, Credit unions, Mortgages,                         amount will be increased by $900.
                                                                                                        National banks, Reporting and                                2. No increase in the CPI–W. If the
                                              describe the impact of the proposed and
                                                                                                        recordkeeping requirements, Savings                       CPI–W in effect on June 1 does not
                                              final rules on small entities.14 An IRFA
                                                                                                        associations, Truth in lending.                           increase from the CPI–W in effect on
                                              or FRFA is not required if the agency
                                                                                                                                                                  June 1 of the previous year, the
                                              certifies that the rule will not have a                   Board of Governors of the Federal                         threshold amount effective the
                                              significant economic impact on a                          Reserve System                                            following January 1 through December
                                              substantial number of small entities.15
                                                                                                        Authority and Issuance                                    31 will not change from the previous
                                              The Bureau also is subject to certain
                                                                                                          For the reasons set forth in the                        year. When this occurs, for the years
                                              additional procedures under the RFA
                                                                                                        preamble, the Board amends Regulation                     that follow, the threshold is calculated
                                              involving the convening of a panel to
                                                                                                        Z, 12 CFR part 226, as set forth below:                   based on the annual percentage change
                                              consult with small business
                                                                                                                                                                  in the CPI–W applied to the dollar
                                                13 5  U.S.C. 601 et seq.
                                                                                                        PART 226—TRUTH IN LENDING                                 amount that would have resulted, after
                                                14 Id.  at 603(a) and 604(a). For purposes of           (REGULATION Z)                                            rounding, if decreases and any
                                              assessing the impacts of the rule on small entities,                                                                subsequent increases in the CPI–W had
                                              ‘‘small entities’’ is defined in the RFA to include       ■ 1. The authority citation for part 226                  been taken into account.
                                              small businesses, small not-for-profit organizations,     continues to read as follows:                                i. Net increases. If the resulting
                                              and small government jurisdictions. Id. at 601(6). A
                                              ‘‘small business’’ is determined by application of          Authority: 12 U.S.C. 3806; 15 U.S.C. 1604,              amount calculated, after rounding, is
                                              Small Business Administration regulations and             1637(c)(5), and 1639(l); Public Law 111–24,               greater than the current threshold, then
                                              reference to the North American Industry                  section 2, 123 Stat. 1734; Public Law 111–                the threshold effective January 1 the
                                              Classification System (NAICS) classifications and         203, 124 Stat. 1376.                                      following year will increase
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                                              size standards. Id. at 601(3). A ‘‘small organization’’
                                              is any ‘‘not-for-profit enterprise which is               Subpart A—General                                         accordingly.
                                              independently owned and operated and is not                                                                            ii. Net decreases. If the resulting
                                              dominant in its field.’’ Id. at 601(4). A ‘‘small         ■ 2. In supplement I to part 226, under                   amount calculated, after rounding, is
                                              governmental jurisdiction’’ is the government of a                                                                  equal to or less than the current
                                              city, county, town, township, village, school             Section 226.3—Exempt Transactions,
                                              district, or special district with a population of less                                                             threshold, then the threshold effective
                                              than 50,000. Id. at 601(5).                                   16 Id.   at 609.                                      January 1 the following year will not
                                                 15 Id. at 605(b).                                          17 44    U.S.C. 3506; 5 CFR 1320.                     change, but future increases will be


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                                              86264        Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 230 / Wednesday, November 30, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                              calculated based on the amount that                     extension of credit at that time. On July             is subsequently reduced below the
                                              would have resulted.                                    1, the creditor makes an initial                      threshold amount (such as through
                                                 3. Threshold. For purposes of                        extension of credit of $50,000 or less. In            repayment of the extension), or the
                                              § 226.3(b), the threshold amount in                     this circumstance, the account is not                 credit limit for the account is
                                              effect during a particular period is the                exempt and the creditor must have                     subsequently reduced below the
                                              amount stated below for that period.                    satisfied all of the applicable                       threshold amount. However, if the
                                                 i. Prior to July 21, 2011, the threshold             requirements of this part from the date               initial extension of credit on an account
                                              amount is $25,000.                                      the account was opened (or earlier, if                does not exceed the threshold amount
                                                 ii. From July 21, 2011 through                       applicable).                                          in effect at the time of the extension, the
                                              December 31, 2011, the threshold                           B. The creditor makes a firm written               account is not exempt under § 226.3(b)
                                              amount is $50,000.                                      commitment at account opening to                      even if a subsequent extension exceeds
                                                 iii. From January 1, 2012 through                    extend a total amount of credit in excess             the threshold amount or if the account
                                              December 31, 2012, the threshold                        of the threshold amount in effect at the              balance later exceeds the threshold
                                              amount is $51,800.                                      time the account is opened with no                    amount (for example, due to the
                                                 iv. From January 1, 2013 through                     requirement of additional credit                      subsequent accrual of interest).
                                              December 31, 2013, the threshold                        information for any advances on the                      iv. Subsequent changes when
                                              amount is $53,000.                                      account (except as permitted from time                exemption is based on firm
                                                 v. From January 1, 2014 through                      to time with respect to open-end                      commitment.
                                              December 31, 2014, the threshold                        accounts pursuant to § 226.2(a)(20)).                    A. General. If a creditor makes a firm
                                              amount is $53,500.                                         ii. Subsequent changes generally.                  written commitment at account opening
                                                 vi. From January 1, 2015 through                     Subsequent changes to an open-end                     to extend a total amount of credit that
                                              December 31, 2015, the threshold                        account or the threshold amount may                   exceeds the threshold amount in effect
                                              amount is $54,600.                                      result in the account no longer                       at that time, the open-end account
                                                 vii. From January 1, 2016 through                    qualifying for the exemption in                       remains exempt under § 226.3(b)
                                              December 31, 2016, the threshold                        § 226.3(b). In these circumstances, the               regardless of a subsequent increase in
                                              amount is $54,600.                                      creditor must begin to comply with all                the threshold amount pursuant to
                                                 viii. From January 1, 2017 through                   of the applicable requirements of this                § 226.3(b)(1)(ii) as a result of an increase
                                              December 31, 2017, the threshold                        part within a reasonable period of time               in the CPI–W. However, see comment
                                              amount is $54,600.                                      after the account ceases to be exempt.                3(b)–8 with respect to the increase in
                                                 4. Open-end credit.                                  Once an account ceases to be exempt,                  the threshold amount from $25,000 to
                                                 i. Qualifying for exemption. An open-                the requirements of this part apply to                $50,000. If an open-end account is
                                              end account is exempt under § 226.3(b)                  any balances on the account. The                      exempt under § 226.3(b) based on a firm
                                              (unless secured by any real property, or                creditor, however, is not required to                 commitment to extend credit, the
                                              by personal property used or expected                   comply with the requirements of this                  account remains exempt even if the
                                              to be used as the consumer’s principal                  part with respect to the period of time               amount of credit actually extended does
                                              dwelling) if either of the following                    during which the account was exempt.                  not exceed the threshold amount. In
                                              conditions is met:                                      For example, if an open-end credit                    contrast, if the firm commitment does
                                                 A. The creditor makes an initial                     account ceases to be exempt, the                      not exceed the threshold amount at
                                              extension of credit at or after account                 creditor must within a reasonable                     account opening, the account is not
                                              opening that exceeds the threshold                      period of time provide the disclosures                exempt under § 226.3(b) even if the
                                              amount in effect at the time the initial                required by § 226.6 reflecting the                    account balance later exceeds the
                                              extension is made. If a creditor makes                  current terms of the account and begin                threshold amount. In addition, if a
                                              an initial extension of credit after                    to provide periodic statements                        creditor reduces a firm commitment, the
                                              account opening that does not exceed                    consistent with § 226.7. However, the                 account ceases to be exempt unless the
                                              the threshold amount in effect at the                   creditor is not required to disclose fees             reduced firm commitment exceeds the
                                              time the extension is made, the creditor                or charges imposed while the account                  threshold amount in effect at the time of
                                              must have satisfied all of the applicable               was exempt. Furthermore, if the creditor              the reduction. For example:
                                              requirements of this part from the date                 provided disclosures consistent with the                 (1) Assume that, at account opening
                                              the account was opened (or earlier, if                  requirements of this part while the                   in year one, the threshold amount in
                                              applicable), including but not limited to               account was exempt, it is not required                effect is $50,000 and the account is
                                              the requirements of § 226.6 (account-                   to provide disclosures required by                    exempt under § 226.3(b) based on the
                                              opening disclosures), § 226.7 (periodic                 § 226.6 reflecting the current terms of               creditor’s firm commitment to extend
                                              statements), § 226.52 (limitations on                   the account. See also comment 3(b)–6.                 $55,000 in credit. If during year one the
                                              fees), and § 226.55 (limitations on                        iii. Subsequent changes when                       creditor reduces its firm commitment to
                                              increasing annual percentages rates,                    exemption is based on initial extension               $53,000, the account remains exempt
                                              fees, and charges). For example:                        of credit. If a creditor makes an initial             under § 226.3(b). However, if during
                                                 (1) Assume that the threshold amount                 extension of credit that exceeds the                  year one the creditor reduces its firm
                                              in effect on January 1 is $50,000. On                   threshold amount in effect at that time,              commitment to $40,000, the account is
                                              February 1, an account is opened but                    the open-end account remains exempt                   no longer exempt under § 226.3(b).
                                              the creditor does not make an initial                   under § 226.3(b) regardless of a                         (2) Assume that, at account opening
                                              extension of credit at that time. On July               subsequent increase in the threshold                  in year one, the threshold amount in
                                              1, the creditor makes an initial                        amount, including an increase pursuant                effect is $50,000 and the account is
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                                              extension of credit of $60,000. In this                 to § 226.3(b)(1)(ii) as a result of an                exempt under § 226.3(b) based on the
                                              circumstance, no requirements of this                   increase in the CPI–W. Furthermore, in                creditor’s firm commitment to extend
                                              part apply to the account.                              these circumstances, the account                      $55,000 in credit. If the threshold
                                                 (2) Assume that the threshold amount                 remains exempt even if there are no                   amount is $56,000 on January 1 of year
                                              in effect on January 1 is $50,000. On                   further extensions of credit, subsequent              six as a result of increases in the CPI–
                                              February 1, an account is opened but                    extensions of credit do not exceed the                W, the account remains exempt.
                                              the creditor does not make an initial                   threshold amount, the account balance                 However, if the creditor reduces its firm


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                                                           Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 230 / Wednesday, November 30, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                         86265

                                              commitment to $54,000 on July 1 of year                 as defined in § 226.46(b)(5)), if either of           interest is taken in any real property, or
                                              six, the account ceases to be exempt                    the following conditions is met.                      in personal property used or expected to
                                              under § 226.3(b).                                          A. The creditor makes an extension of              be used as the consumer’s principal
                                                 B. Initial extension of credit. If an                credit at consummation that exceeds the               dwelling, an exempt loan remains
                                              open-end account qualifies for a                        threshold amount in effect at the time of             exempt under § 226.3(b). However, the
                                              § 226.3(b) exemption at account opening                 consummation. In these circumstances,                 addition of a security interest in the
                                              based on a firm commitment, that                        the loan remains exempt under                         consumer’s principal dwelling is a
                                              account may also subsequently qualify                   § 226.3(b) even if the amount owed is                 transaction for purposes of § 226.23, and
                                              for a § 226.3(b) exemption based on an                  subsequently reduced below the                        the creditor must give the consumer the
                                              initial extension of credit. However, that              threshold amount (such as through                     right to rescind the security interest
                                              initial extension must be a single                      repayment of the loan).                               consistent with that section. See
                                              advance in excess of the threshold                         B. The creditor makes a commitment                 § 226.23(a)(1) and the accompanying
                                              amount in effect at the time the                        at consummation to extend a total                     commentary. In contrast, if a closed-end
                                              extension is made. In addition, the                     amount of credit in excess of the                     loan that is exempt under § 226.3(b) is
                                              account must continue to qualify for an                 threshold amount in effect at the time of             satisfied and replaced by a loan that is
                                              exemption based on the firm                             consummation. In these circumstances,                 secured by any real property, or by
                                              commitment until the initial extension                  the loan remains exempt under                         personal property used or expected to
                                              of credit is made. For example:                         § 226.3(b) even if the total amount of                be used as the consumer’s principal
                                                 (1) Assume that, at account opening                  credit extended does not exceed the                   dwelling, the new loan is not exempt
                                              in year one, the threshold amount in                    threshold amount.                                     under § 226.3(b) and the creditor must
                                                                                                         ii. Subsequent changes. If a creditor              comply with all of the applicable
                                              effect is $50,000 and the account is
                                                                                                      makes a closed-end extension of credit                requirements of this part. See comment
                                              exempt under § 226.3(b) based on the
                                                                                                      or commitment to extend closed-end                    3(b)–5.
                                              creditor’s firm commitment to extend
                                                                                                      credit that exceeds the threshold                        7. Application to extensions secured
                                              $55,000 in credit. The account is not
                                                                                                      amount in effect at the time of                       by mobile homes. Because a mobile
                                              used for an extension of credit during
                                                                                                      consummation, the closed-end loan                     home can be a dwelling under
                                              year one. On January 1 of year two, the                 remains exempt under § 226.3(b)
                                              threshold amount is increased to                                                                              § 226.2(a)(19), the exemption in
                                                                                                      regardless of a subsequent increase in                § 226.3(b) does not apply to a credit
                                              $51,000 pursuant to § 226.3(b)(1)(ii) as a              the threshold amount. However, a
                                              result of an increase in the CPI–W. On                                                                        extension secured by a mobile home
                                                                                                      closed-end loan is not exempt under                   that is used or expected to be used as
                                              July 1 of year two, the consumer uses                   § 226.3(b) merely because it is used to               the principal dwelling of the consumer.
                                              the account for an initial extension of                 satisfy and replace an existing exempt                See comment 3(b)–6.
                                              $52,000. As a result of this extension of               loan, unless the new extension of credit                 8. Transition rule for open-end
                                              credit, the account remains exempt                      is itself exempt under the applicable                 accounts exempt prior to July 21, 2011.
                                              under § 226.3(b) even if, after July 1 of               threshold amount. For example, assume                 Section 226.3(b)(2) applies only to open-
                                              year two, the creditor reduces the firm                 a closed-end loan that qualified for a                end accounts opened prior to July 21,
                                              commitment to $51,000 or less.                          § 226.3(b) exemption at consummation                  2011. Section 226.3(b)(2) does not apply
                                                 (2) Same facts as in paragraph iv.B(1)               in year one is refinanced in year ten and             if a security interest is taken by the
                                              above except that the consumer uses the                 that the new loan amount is less than                 creditor in any real property, or in
                                              account for an initial extension of                     the threshold amount in effect in year                personal property used or expected to
                                              $30,000 on July 1 of year two and for an                ten. In these circumstances, the creditor             be used as the consumer’s principal
                                              extension of $22,000 on July 15 of year                 must comply with all of the applicable                dwelling. If, on July 20, 2011, an open-
                                              two. In these circumstances, the account                requirements of this part with respect to             end account is exempt under § 226.3(b)
                                              is not exempt under § 226.3(b) based on                 the year ten transaction if the original              based on a firm commitment to extend
                                              the $30,000 initial extension of credit                 loan is satisfied and replaced by the                 credit in excess of $25,000, the account
                                              because that extension did not exceed                   new loan, which is not exempt under                   remains exempt under § 226.3(b)(2)
                                              the applicable threshold amount                         § 226.3(b). See also comment 3(b)–6.                  until December 31, 2011 (unless the
                                              ($51,000), although the account remains                    6. Addition of a security interest in              firm commitment is reduced to $25,000
                                              exempt based on the firm commitment                     real property or a dwelling after account             or less). If the firm commitment is
                                              to extend $55,000 in credit.                            opening or consummation.                              increased on or before December 31,
                                                 (3) Same facts as in paragraph iv.B(1)                  i. Open-end credit. For open-end                   2011 to an amount in excess of $50,000,
                                              above except that, on April 1 of year                   accounts, if, after account opening, a                the account remains exempt under
                                              two, the creditor reduces the firm                      security interest is taken in real                    § 226.3(b)(1) regardless of subsequent
                                              commitment to $50,000, which is below                   property, or in personal property used                increases in the threshold amount as a
                                              the $51,000 threshold then in effect.                   or expected to be used as the                         result of increases in the CPI–W. If the
                                              Because the account ceases to qualify                   consumer’s principal dwelling, a                      firm commitment is not increased on or
                                              for a § 226.3(b) exemption on April 1 of                previously exempt account ceases to be                before December 31, 2011 to an amount
                                              year two, the account does not qualify                  exempt under § 226.3(b) and the                       in excess of $50,000, the account ceases
                                              for a § 226.3(b) exemption based on a                   creditor must begin to comply with all                to be exempt under § 226.3(b) based on
                                              $52,000 initial extension of credit on                  of the applicable requirements of this                a firm commitment to extend credit. For
                                              July 1 of year two.                                     part within a reasonable period of time.              example:
                                                 5. Closed-end credit.                                See comment 3(b)–4.ii. If a security                     i. Assume that, on July 20, 2011, the
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                                                 i. Qualifying for exemption. A closed-               interest is taken in the consumer’s                   account is exempt under § 226.3(b)
                                              end loan is exempt under § 226.3(b)                     principal dwelling, the creditor must                 based on the creditor’s firm
                                              (unless the extension of credit is                      also give the consumer the right to                   commitment to extend $30,000 in
                                              secured by any real property, or by                     rescind the security interest consistent              credit. On November 1, 2011, the
                                              personal property used or expected to                   with § 226.15.                                        creditor increases the firm commitment
                                              be used as the consumer’s principal                        ii. Closed-end credit. For closed-end              on the account to $55,000. In these
                                              dwelling; or is a private education loan                loans, if, after consummation, a security             circumstances, the account remains


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                                              86266        Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 230 / Wednesday, November 30, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                              exempt under § 226.3(b)(1) regardless of                W would result in a $950 increase in the              either of the following conditions is
                                              subsequent increases in the threshold                   threshold amount, the threshold amount                met:
                                              amount as a result of increases in the                  will be increased by $1,000. However, if                 A. The creditor makes an initial
                                              CPI–W.                                                  the annual percentage increase in the                 extension of credit at or after account
                                                ii. Same facts as paragraph i. above                  CPI–W would result in a $949 increase                 opening that exceeds the threshold
                                              except, on November 1, 2011, the                        in the threshold amount, the threshold                amount in effect at the time the initial
                                              creditor increases the firm commitment                  amount will be increased by $900.                     extension is made. If a creditor makes
                                              on the account to $40,000. In these                       2. No increase in the CPI–W. If the                 an initial extension of credit after
                                              circumstances, the account ceases to be                 CPI–W in effect on June 1 does not                    account opening that does not exceed
                                              exempt under § 226.3(b)(2) after                        increase from the CPI–W in effect on                  the threshold amount in effect at the
                                              December 31, 2011, and the creditor                     June 1 of the previous year, the                      time the extension is made, the creditor
                                              must begin to comply with the                           threshold amount effective the                        must have satisfied all of the applicable
                                              applicable requirements of this part.                   following January 1 through December                  requirements of this part from the date
                                              *      *   *     *     *                                31 will not change from the previous                  the account was opened (or earlier, if
                                                                                                      year. When this occurs, for the years                 applicable), including but not limited to
                                              Bureau of Consumer Financial                            that follow, the threshold is calculated              the requirements of § 1026.6 (account-
                                              Protection                                              based on the annual percentage change                 opening disclosures), § 1026.7 (periodic
                                              Authority and Issuance                                  in the CPI–W applied to the dollar                    statements), § 1026.52 (limitations on
                                                                                                      amount that would have resulted, after                fees), and § 1026.55 (limitations on
                                                For the reasons set forth in the                      rounding, if decreases and any                        increasing annual percentage rates, fees,
                                              preamble, the Bureau amends                             subsequent increases in the CPI–W had                 and charges). For example:
                                              Regulation Z, 12 CFR part 1026, as set                  been taken into account.                                 1. Assume that the threshold amount
                                              forth below:                                              i. Net increases. If the resulting                  in effect on January 1 is $50,000. On
                                                                                                      amount calculated, after rounding, is                 February 1, an account is opened but
                                              PART 1026—TRUTH IN LENDING                                                                                    the creditor does not make an initial
                                              (REGULATION Z)                                          greater than the current threshold, then
                                                                                                      the threshold effective January 1 the                 extension of credit at that time. On July
                                                                                                      following year will increase                          1, the creditor makes an initial
                                              ■ 3. The authority citation for part 1026
                                                                                                      accordingly.                                          extension of credit of $60,000. In this
                                              continues to read as follows:
                                                                                                        ii. Net decreases. If the resulting                 circumstance, no requirements of this
                                                Authority: 12 U.S.C. 2601, 2603–2605,                 amount calculated, after rounding, is                 part apply to the account.
                                              2607, 2609, 2617, 3353, 5511, 5512, 5532,                                                                        2. Assume that the threshold amount
                                              5581; 15 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.
                                                                                                      equal to or less than the current
                                                                                                      threshold, then the threshold effective               in effect on January 1 is $50,000. On
                                              ■ 4. In supplement I to part 1026, under                January 1 the following year will not                 February 1, an account is opened but
                                              Section 1026.3—Exempt Transactions,                     change, but future increases will be                  the creditor does not make an initial
                                              the entry for 3(b)—Credit Over                          calculated based on the amount that                   extension of credit at that time. On July
                                              Applicable Threshold Amount is                          would have resulted.                                  1, the creditor makes an initial
                                              revised to read as follows:                               3. Threshold. For purposes of                       extension of credit of $50,000 or less. In
                                                                                                      § 1026.3(b), the threshold amount in                  this circumstance, the account is not
                                              Supplement I to Part 1026—Official                                                                            exempt and the creditor must have
                                              Interpretations                                         effect during a particular period is the
                                                                                                      amount stated below for that period.                  satisfied all of the applicable
                                              *      *     *       *      *                              i. Prior to July 21, 2011, the threshold           requirements of this part from the date
                                                                                                      amount is $25,000.                                    the account was opened (or earlier, if
                                              Subpart A—General                                                                                             applicable).
                                                                                                         ii. From July 21, 2011 through
                                              *      *     *       *      *                           December 31, 2011, the threshold                         B. The creditor makes a firm written
                                                                                                      amount is $50,000.                                    commitment at account opening to
                                              Section 1026.3—Exempt Transactions                                                                            extend a total amount of credit in excess
                                                                                                         iii. From January 1, 2012 through
                                              *      *     *       *      *                           December 31, 2012, the threshold                      of the threshold amount in effect at the
                                                                                                      amount is $51,800.                                    time the account is opened with no
                                              3(b) Credit Over Applicable Threshold
                                                                                                         iv. From January 1, 2013 through                   requirement of additional credit
                                              Amount
                                                                                                      December 31, 2013, the threshold                      information for any advances on the
                                                 1. Threshold amount. For purposes of                 amount is $53,000.                                    account (except as permitted from time
                                              § 1026.3(b), the threshold amount in                       v. From January 1, 2014 through                    to time with respect to open-end
                                              effect during a particular period is the                December 31, 2014, the threshold                      accounts pursuant to § 1026.2(a)(20)).
                                              amount stated in comment 3(b)–3 below                   amount is $53,500.                                       ii. Subsequent changes generally.
                                              for that period. The threshold amount is                   vi. From January 1, 2015 through                   Subsequent changes to an open-end
                                              adjusted effective January 1 of each year               December 31, 2015, the threshold                      account or the threshold amount may
                                              by any annual percentage increase in                    amount is $54,600.                                    result in the account no longer
                                              the Consumer Price Index for Urban                         vii. From January 1, 2016 through                  qualifying for the exemption in
                                              Wage Earners and Clerical Workers                       December 31, 2016, the threshold                      § 1026.3(b). In these circumstances, the
                                              (CPI–W) that was in effect on the                       amount is $54,600.                                    creditor must begin to comply with all
                                              preceding June 1. Comment 3(b)–3 will                      viii. From January 1, 2017 through                 of the applicable requirements of this
                                              be amended to provide the threshold                     December 31, 2017, the threshold                      part within a reasonable period of time
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                                              amount for the upcoming year after the                  amount is $54,600.                                    after the account ceases to be exempt.
                                              annual percentage change in the CPI–W                      4. Open-end credit. i. Qualifying for              Once an account ceases to be exempt,
                                              that was in effect on June 1 becomes                    exemption. An open-end account is                     the requirements of this part apply to
                                              available. Any increase in the threshold                exempt under § 1026.3(b) (unless                      any balances on the account. The
                                              amount will be rounded to the nearest                   secured by real property, or by personal              creditor, however, is not required to
                                              $100 increment. For example, if the                     property used or expected to be used as               comply with the requirements of this
                                              annual percentage increase in the CPI–                  the consumer’s principal dwelling) if                 part with respect to the period of time


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                                                           Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 230 / Wednesday, November 30, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                           86267

                                              during which the account was exempt.                    threshold amount. In contrast, if the                 two, the creditor reduces the firm
                                              For example, if an open-end credit                      firm commitment does not exceed the                   commitment to $51,000 or less.
                                              account ceases to be exempt, the                        threshold amount at account opening,                     2. Same facts as in paragraph iv.B.1
                                              creditor must within a reasonable                       the account is not exempt under                       above except that the consumer uses the
                                              period of time provide the disclosures                  § 1026.3(b) even if the account balance               account for an initial extension of
                                              required by § 1026.6 reflecting the                     later exceeds the threshold amount. In                $30,000 on July 1 of year two and for an
                                              current terms of the account and begin                  addition, if a creditor reduces a firm                extension of $22,000 on July 15 of year
                                              to provide periodic statements                          commitment, the account ceases to be                  two. In these circumstances, the account
                                              consistent with § 1026.7. However, the                  exempt unless the reduced firm                        is not exempt under § 1026.3(b) based
                                              creditor is not required to disclose fees               commitment exceeds the threshold                      on the $30,000 initial extension of credit
                                              or charges imposed while the account                    amount in effect at the time of the                   because that extension did not exceed
                                              was exempt. Furthermore, if the creditor                reduction. For example:                               the applicable threshold amount
                                              provided disclosures consistent with the                   1. Assume that, at account opening in              ($51,000), although the account remains
                                              requirements of this part while the                     year one, the threshold amount in effect              exempt based on the firm commitment
                                              account was exempt, it is not required                  is $50,000 and the account is exempt                  to extend $55,000 in credit.
                                              to provide disclosures required by                      under § 1026.3(b) based on the creditor’s                3. Same facts as in paragraph iv.B.1
                                              § 1026.6 reflecting the current terms of                firm commitment to extend $55,000 in                  above except that, on April 1 of year
                                              the account. See also comment 3(b)–6.                   credit. If during year one the creditor               two, the creditor reduces the firm
                                                 iii. Subsequent changes when                         reduces its firm commitment to $53,000,               commitment to $50,000, which is below
                                              exemption is based on initial extension                 the account remains exempt under                      the $51,000 threshold then in effect.
                                              of credit. If a creditor makes an initial               § 1026.3(b). However, if during year one              Because the account ceases to qualify
                                              extension of credit that exceeds the                    the creditor reduces its firm                         for a § 1026.3(b) exemption on April 1
                                              threshold amount in effect at that time,                commitment to $40,000, the account is                 of year two, the account does not qualify
                                              the open-end account remains exempt                     no longer exempt under § 1026.3(b).                   for a § 1026.3(b) exemption based on a
                                              under § 1026.3(b) regardless of a                                                                             $52,000 initial extension of credit on
                                                                                                         2. Assume that, at account opening in
                                              subsequent increase in the threshold                                                                          July 1 of year two.
                                                                                                      year one, the threshold amount in effect                 5. Closed-end credit. i. Qualifying for
                                              amount, including an increase pursuant                  is $50,000 and the account is exempt
                                              to § 1026.3(b)(1)(ii) as a result of an                                                                       exemption. A closed-end loan is exempt
                                                                                                      under § 1026.3(b) based on the creditor’s             under § 1026.3(b) (unless the extension
                                              increase in the CPI–W. Furthermore, in                  firm commitment to extend $55,000 in
                                              these circumstances, the account                                                                              of credit is secured by real property, or
                                                                                                      credit. If the threshold amount is                    by personal property used or expected
                                              remains exempt even if there are no
                                                                                                      $56,000 on January 1 of year six as a                 to be used as the consumer’s principal
                                              further extensions of credit, subsequent
                                                                                                      result of increases in the CPI–W, the                 dwelling; or is a private education loan
                                              extensions of credit do not exceed the
                                                                                                      account remains exempt. However, if                   as defined in § 1026.46(b)(5)), if either of
                                              threshold amount, the account balance
                                                                                                      the creditor reduces its firm                         the following conditions is met:
                                              is subsequently reduced below the
                                                                                                      commitment to $54,000 on July 1 of year                  A. The creditor makes an extension of
                                              threshold amount (such as through
                                                                                                      six, the account ceases to be exempt                  credit at consummation that exceeds the
                                              repayment of the extension), or the
                                                                                                      under § 1026.3(b).                                    threshold amount in effect at the time of
                                              credit limit for the account is
                                              subsequently reduced below the                             B. Initial extension of credit. If an              consummation. In these circumstances,
                                              threshold amount. However, if the                       open-end account qualifies for a                      the loan remains exempt under
                                              initial extension of credit on an account               § 1026.3(b) exemption at account                      § 1026.3(b) even if the amount owed is
                                              does not exceed the threshold amount                    opening based on a firm commitment,                   subsequently reduced below the
                                              in effect at the time of the extension, the             that account may also subsequently                    threshold amount (such as through
                                              account is not exempt under § 1026.3(b)                 qualify for a § 1026.3(b) exemption                   repayment of the loan).
                                              even if a subsequent extension exceeds                  based on an initial extension of credit.                 B. The creditor makes a commitment
                                              the threshold amount or if the account                  However, that initial extension must be               at consummation to extend a total
                                              balance later exceeds the threshold                     a single advance in excess of the                     amount of credit in excess of the
                                              amount (for example, due to the                         threshold amount in effect at the time                threshold amount in effect at the time of
                                              subsequent accrual of interest).                        the extension is made. In addition, the               consummation. In these circumstances,
                                                 iv. Subsequent changes when                          account must continue to qualify for an               the loan remains exempt under
                                              exemption is based on firm                              exemption based on the firm                           § 1026.3(b) even if the total amount of
                                              commitment. A. General. If a creditor                   commitment until the initial extension                credit extended does not exceed the
                                              makes a firm written commitment at                      of credit is made. For example:                       threshold amount.
                                              account opening to extend a total                          1. Assume that, at account opening in                 ii. Subsequent changes. If a creditor
                                              amount of credit that exceeds the                       year one, the threshold amount in effect              makes a closed-end extension of credit
                                              threshold amount in effect at that time,                is $50,000 and the account is exempt                  or commitment to extend closed-end
                                              the open-end account remains exempt                     under § 1026.3(b) based on the creditor’s             credit that exceeds the threshold
                                              under § 1026.3(b) regardless of a                       firm commitment to extend $55,000 in                  amount in effect at the time of
                                              subsequent increase in the threshold                    credit. The account is not used for an                consummation, the closed-end loan
                                              amount pursuant to § 1026.3(b)(1)(ii) as                extension of credit during year one. On               remains exempt under § 1026.3(b)
                                              a result of an increase in the CPI–W.                   January 1 of year two, the threshold                  regardless of a subsequent increase in
                                              However, see comment 3(b)–8 with                        amount is increased to $51,000 pursuant               the threshold amount. However, a
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                                              respect to the increase in the threshold                to § 1026.3(b)(1)(ii) as a result of an               closed-end loan is not exempt under
                                              amount from $25,000 to $50,000. If an                   increase in the CPI–W. On July 1 of year              § 1026.3(b) merely because it is used to
                                              open-end account is exempt under                        two, the consumer uses the account for                satisfy and replace an existing exempt
                                              § 1026.3(b) based on a firm commitment                  an initial extension of $52,000. As a                 loan, unless the new extension of credit
                                              to extend credit, the account remains                   result of this extension of credit, the               is itself exempt under the applicable
                                              exempt even if the amount of credit                     account remains exempt under                          threshold amount. For example, assume
                                              actually extended does not exceed the                   § 1026.3(b) even if, after July 1 of year             a closed-end loan that qualified for a


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                                              86268        Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 230 / Wednesday, November 30, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                              § 1026.3(b) exemption at consummation                   the creditor in real property, or in                  DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
                                              in year one is refinanced in year ten and               personal property used or expected to                 HUMAN SERVICES
                                              that the new loan amount is less than                   be used as the consumer’s principal
                                              the threshold amount in effect in year                  dwelling. If, on July 20, 2011, an open-              Food and Drug Administration
                                              ten. In these circumstances, the creditor               end account is exempt under § 1026.3(b)
                                              must comply with all of the applicable                  based on a firm commitment to extend                  21 CFR Part 573
                                              requirements of this part with respect to               credit in excess of $25,000, the account
                                              the year ten transaction if the original                remains exempt under § 1026.3(b)(2)                   [Docket No. FDA–2015–F–2337]
                                              loan is satisfied and replaced by the                   until December 31, 2011 (unless the
                                              new loan, which is not exempt under                                                                           Food Additives Permitted in Feed and
                                                                                                      firm commitment is reduced to $25,000
                                              § 1026.3(b). See also comment 3(b)–6.                                                                         Drinking Water of Animals;
                                                 6. Addition of a security interest in                or less). If the firm commitment is
                                                                                                                                                            Guanidinoacetic Acid
                                              real property or a dwelling after account               increased on or before December 31,
                                              opening or consummation. i. Open-end                    2011 to an amount in excess of $50,000,               AGENCY:   Food and Drug Administration,
                                              credit. For open-end accounts, if after                 the account remains exempt under                      HHS.
                                              account opening a security interest is                  § 1026.3(b)(1) regardless of subsequent               ACTION:   Final rule.
                                              taken in real property, or in personal                  increases in the threshold amount as a
                                              property used or expected to be used as                 result of increases in the CPI–W. If the              SUMMARY:    The Food and Drug
                                              the consumer’s principal dwelling, a                    firm commitment is not increased on or                Administration (FDA, we, the Agency)
                                              previously exempt account ceases to be                  before December 31, 2011 to an amount                 is amending the regulations for food
                                              exempt under § 1026.3(b) and the                        in excess of $50,000, the account ceases              additives permitted in feed and drinking
                                              creditor must begin to comply with all                  to be exempt under § 1026.3(b) based on               water of animals to provide for the safe
                                              of the applicable requirements of this                  a firm commitment to extend credit. For               use of guanidinoacetic acid as a
                                              part within a reasonable period of time.                example:                                              substance that spares arginine and
                                              See comment 3(b)–4.ii. If a security                                                                          serves as a precursor of creatine in
                                                                                                         i. Assume that, on July 20, 2011, the              broiler chicken and turkey feeds. This
                                              interest is taken in the consumer’s
                                              principal dwelling, the creditor must                   account is exempt under § 1026.3(b)                   action is in response to a food additive
                                              also give the consumer the right to                     based on the creditor’s firm                          petition filed by Alzchem AG.
                                              rescind the security interest consistent                commitment to extend $30,000 in
                                                                                                                                                            DATES: This rule is effective November
                                              with § 1026.15.                                         credit. On November 1, 2011, the
                                                                                                                                                            30, 2016. Submit either written or
                                                 ii. Closed-end credit. For closed-end                creditor increases the firm commitment
                                                                                                                                                            electronic objections and requests for a
                                              loans, if after consummation a security                 on the account to $55,000. In these
                                                                                                                                                            hearing by December 30, 2016. See
                                              interest is taken in real property, or in               circumstances, the account remains                    section V of this document for
                                              personal property used or expected to                   exempt under § 1026.3(b)(1) regardless                information on the filing of objections.
                                              be used as the consumer’s principal                     of subsequent increases in the threshold
                                              dwelling, an exempt loan remains                                                                              ADDRESSES: You may submit objections
                                                                                                      amount as a result of increases in the
                                              exempt under § 1026.3(b). However, the                                                                        and requests for a hearing as follows:
                                                                                                      CPI–W.
                                              addition of a security interest in the                                                                        Electronic Submissions
                                                                                                         ii. Same facts as paragraph i above
                                              consumer’s principal dwelling is a
                                                                                                      except, on November 1, 2011, the                        Submit electronic objections in the
                                              transaction for purposes of § 1026.23,
                                              and the creditor must give the consumer                 creditor increases the firm commitment                following way:
                                              the right to rescind the security interest              on the account to $40,000. In these                     • Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://
                                              consistent with that section. See                       circumstances, the account ceases to be               www.regulations.gov. Follow the
                                              § 1026.23(a)(1) and its commentary. In                  exempt under § 1026.3(b)(2) after                     instructions for submitting comments.
                                              contrast, if a closed-end loan that is                  December 31, 2011, and the creditor                   Objections submitted electronically,
                                              exempt under § 1026.3(b) is satisfied                   must begin to comply with the                         including attachments, to http://
                                              and replaced by a loan that is secured                  applicable requirements of this part.                 www.regulations.gov will be posted to
                                              by real property, or by personal property               *       *     *     *   *                             the docket unchanged. Because your
                                              used or expected to be used as the                                                                            objection will be made public, you are
                                                                                                        By order of the Board of Governors of the           solely responsible for ensuring that your
                                              consumer’s principal dwelling, the new
                                                                                                      Federal Reserve System, November 17, 2016.            objection does not include any
                                              loan is not exempt under § 1026.3(b),
                                              and the creditor must comply with all                   Robert deV. Frierson,                                 confidential information that you or a
                                              of the applicable requirements of this                  Secretary of the Board.                               third party may not wish to be posted,
                                              part. See comment 3(b)–5.                                 Dated: November 7, 2016.                            such as medical information, your or
                                                 7. Application to extensions secured                                                                       anyone else’s Social Security number, or
                                                                                                      Richard Cordray,
                                              by mobile homes. Because a mobile                                                                             confidential business information, such
                                                                                                      Director, Bureau of Consumer Financial                as a manufacturing process. Please note
                                              home can be a dwelling under
                                                                                                      Protection.                                           that if you include your name, contact
                                              § 1026.2(a)(19), the exemption in
                                                                                                      [FR Doc. 2016–28718 Filed 11–29–16; 8:45 am]          information, or other information that
                                              § 1026.3(b) does not apply to a credit
                                              extension secured by a mobile home                      BILLING CODE 6210–01–4810–AM–P                        identifies you in the body of your
                                              that is used or expected to be used as                                                                        objection, that information will be
                                              the principal dwelling of the consumer.                                                                       posted on http://www.regulations.gov.
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                                              See comment 3(b)–6.                                                                                             • If you want to submit an objection
                                                 8. Transition rule for open-end                                                                            with confidential information that you
                                              accounts exempt prior to July 21, 2011.                                                                       do not wish to be made available to the
                                              Section 1026.3(b)(2) applies only to                                                                          public, submit the objection as a
                                              open-end accounts opened prior to July                                                                        written/paper submission and in the
                                              21, 2011. Section 1026.3(b)(2) does not                                                                       manner detailed (see ‘‘Written/Paper
                                              apply if a security interest is taken by                                                                      Submissions’’ and ‘‘Instructions’’).


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Document Created: 2016-11-30 02:17:57
Document Modified: 2016-11-30 02:17:57
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionFinal rules, official interpretations and commentary.
DatesThis final rule is effective January 1, 2017.
ContactBoard: Vivian W. Wong, Senior Counsel, Division of Consumer and Community Affairs, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, at (202) 452-3667; for users of Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) only, contact (202) 263- 4869.
FR Citation81 FR 86260 
RIN Number7100 AE57 and 3170-AA67
CFR Citation12 CFR 1026
12 CFR 226
CFR AssociatedAppraisal; Appraiser; Banking; Banks; Credit; Credit Unions; Mortgages; National Banks; Savings Associations; Advertising; Consumer Protection; Federal Reserve System; Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements and Truth in Lending

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