82 FR 58739 - Military Lending Act Limitations on Terms of Consumer Credit Extended to Service Members and Dependents
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Office of the Secretary Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 239 (December 14, 2017)
Office of the Secretary
Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 239 (December 14, 2017)
| Page Range | 58739-58742 | |
| FR Document | 2017-26974 |
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 239 (Thursday, December 14, 2017)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 58739-58742] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2017-26974] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Office of the Secretary 32 CFR Part 232 [Docket ID: DOD-2017-OS-0038] RIN 0790-ZA13 Military Lending Act Limitations on Terms of Consumer Credit Extended to Service Members and Dependents AGENCY: Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, Department of Defense. ACTION: Interpretive rule; amendment. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Department of Defense (Department) is amending its interpretive rule for the Military Lending Act (the MLA). The MLA, as implemented by the Department, limits the military annual percentage rate (MAPR) that a creditor may charge to a maximum of 36 percent, requires certain disclosures, and provides other substantive consumer protections on ``consumer credit'' extended to Service members and their families. On July 22, 2015, the Department amended its regulation primarily for the purpose of extending the protections of the MLA to a broader range of closed-end and open-end credit products (the July 2015 Final Rule). On August 26, 2016, the Department issued the first set of interpretations of that regulation in the form of questions and answers; the present interpretive rule amends and adds to those questions and answers to provide guidance on certain questions the Department has received regarding compliance with the July 2015 Final Rule. DATES: Effective Date: This interpretive rule is effective December 14, 2017. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrew Cohen, 703-692-5286. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background and Purpose In July 2015, the Department of Defense (Department) issued a final rule \1\ (July 2015 Final Rule) amending its regulation implementing the Military Lending Act (MLA) \2\ primarily for the purpose of extending the protections of the MLA to a broader range of closed-end and open-end credit products, rather than the limited credit products that had been defined as ``consumer credit.'' \3\ Among other amendments, the July 2015 Final Rule modified provisions relating to the optional mechanism a creditor may use when assessing whether a consumer is a ``covered borrower,'' modified the disclosures that a creditor must provide to a covered borrower, and implemented the enforcement provisions of the MLA. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ 80 FR 43560 (July 22, 2015). \2\ 10 U.S.C. 987. \3\ 32 CFR 232.3(b) as implemented in a final rule published at 72 FR 50580 (Aug. 31, 2007). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subsequently, the Department received requests to clarify its interpretation of points raised in the July 2015 Final Rule. The Department elected to inform the public of its views by issuing an interpretive rule in the form of questions and answers to assist industry in complying with the July 2015 Final Rule. The Department issued the first set of such interpretations on August 26, 2016 (August 26, 2016 Interpretive Rule).\4\ The present interpretive rule amends and adds to those questions and answers. This interpretive rule does not change the regulation implementing the MLA, but merely states the Department's preexisting interpretations of an existing regulation. Therefore, under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(A), this rulemaking is exempt from the notice and comment requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act, and, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(2), this rule is effective immediately upon publication in the Federal Register. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \4\ 81 FR 58840 (August 26, 2016). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- II. Interpretations of the Department The following questions and answers represent official interpretations of the Department on issues related to 32 CFR [[Page 58740]] part 232. For ease of reference, the following terms are used throughout this document: MLA refers to the Military Lending Act (codified at 10 U.S.C. 987); MAPR refers to the military annual percentage rate, as defined in 32 CFR 232.3(p). In order to provide further guidance to industry and the public on the Department's view of its existing regulation, the Department amends its guidance on three questions and provides one additional question and answer. The numbering of this document follows the numbering of the questions and answers provided in the August 26, 2016 Interpretive Rule. 2. Does credit that a creditor extends for the purpose of purchasing a motor vehicle or personal property, which secures the credit, fall within the exception to ``consumer credit'' under 32 CFR 232.3(f)(2)(ii) or (iii) where the creditor simultaneously extends credit in an amount greater than the purchase price of the motor vehicle or personal property? Answer: The answer will depend on what the credit beyond the purchase price of the motor vehicle or personal property is used to finance. Generally, financing costs related to the object securing the credit will not disqualify the transaction from the exceptions, but financing credit-related costs will disqualify the transaction from the exceptions. Section 232.3(f)(1) defines ``consumer credit'' as credit offered or extended to a covered borrower primarily for personal, family, or household purposes that is subject to a finance charge or payable by written agreement in more than four installments. Section 232.3(f)(2) provides a list of exceptions to paragraph (f)(1), including an exception for any credit transaction that is expressly intended to finance the purchase of a motor vehicle when the credit is secured by the vehicle being purchased and an exception for any credit transaction that is expressly intended to finance the purchase of personal property when the credit is secured by the property being purchased. A credit transaction that finances the object itself, as well as any costs expressly related to that object, is covered by the exceptions in Sec. 232.3(f)(2)(ii) and (iii), provided it does not also finance any credit-related product or service. For example, a credit transaction that finances the purchase of a motor vehicle (and is secured by that vehicle), and also finances optional leather seats within that vehicle and an extended warranty for service of that vehicle is eligible for the exception under Sec. 232.3(f)(2)(ii). Moreover, if a covered borrower trades in a motor vehicle with negative equity as part of the purchase of another motor vehicle, and the credit transaction to purchase the second vehicle includes financing to repay the credit on the trade-in vehicle, the entire credit transaction is eligible for the exception under Sec. 232.3(f)(2)(ii) because the trade-in of the first motor vehicle is expressly related to the purchase of the second motor vehicle. Similarly, a credit transaction that finances the purchase of an appliance (and is secured by that appliance), and also finances the delivery and installation of that appliance, is eligible for the exception under Sec. 232.3(f)(2)(iii). In contrast, a credit transaction that also finances a credit- related product or service rather than a product or service expressly related to the motor vehicle or personal property is not eligible for the exceptions under Sec. 232.3(f)(2)(ii) and (iii). For example, a credit transaction that includes financing for Guaranteed Auto Protection insurance or a credit insurance premium would not qualify for the exception under Sec. 232.3(f)(2)(ii) or (iii). Similarly, a hybrid purchase money and cash advance credit transaction is not expressly intended to finance the purchase of a motor vehicle or personal property because the credit transaction provides additional financing that is unrelated to the purchase. Therefore, any credit transaction that provides purchase money secured financing of a motor vehicle or personal property along with additional ``cashout'' financing is not eligible for the exceptions under Sec. 232.3(f)(2)(ii) and (iii) and must comply with the provisions set forth in the MLA regulation. 17. Does the limitation in Sec. 232.8(e) on a creditor using a check or other method of access to a deposit, savings, or other financial account maintained by the covered borrower prohibit the borrower from granting a security interest to a creditor in the covered borrower's checking, savings or other financial account? Answer: No. The prohibition in Sec. 232.8(e) does not prohibit covered borrowers from granting a security interest to a creditor in the covered borrower's checking, savings, or other financial account, provided that it is not otherwise prohibited by other applicable law and the creditor complies with all other provisions of the MLA regulation, including the limitation on the MAPR to 36 percent. As discussed in Question and Answer #16 of these Interpretations, Sec. 232.8(e) prohibits a creditor from using the borrower's account information to create a remotely created check or remotely created payment order in order to collect payments on consumer credit from a covered borrower or using a post-dated check provided at or around the time credit is extended. Section 232.8(e)(3) further clarifies that covered borrowers may convey security interests in checking, savings, or other financial accounts by describing a permissible security interest granted by covered borrowers. Borrowers may convey security interests for all types of consumer credit covered by the MLA regulation. Creditors should also note, however, that 32 CFR 232.7(a) provides that the MLA does not preempt any State or Federal law, rule or regulation to the extent that such law, rule or regulation provides greater protection to covered borrowers than the protections provided by the MLA. For example, although the MLA regulation does not prohibit borrowers from conveying security interests in all types of consumer credit covered by the regulation, including credit card accounts, such accounts may also be subject to other laws, rules and regulations governing offsets and security interests. See, e.g., 12 CFR 1026.12(d). 18. Does the limitation in Sec. 232.8(e) on a creditor using a check or other method of access to a deposit, savings, or other financial account maintained by the covered borrower prohibit a creditor from exercising a statutory right, or a right arising out of a security interest a borrower grants to a creditor, to take a security interest in funds deposited within a covered borrower's account at any time? Answer: No. In addition to the security interests granted by borrowers to creditors, as discussed in Question and Answer #17 of these Interpretations, above, under certain circumstances Federal or State statutes may grant creditors statutory liens on funds deposited within covered borrowers' asset accounts. Section 232.8(e) does not prohibit a creditor from exercising rights to take a security interest in funds deposited into a covered borrower's account at any time, including enforcing statutory liens, provided that it is not otherwise prohibited by other applicable law and the creditor complies with all other provisions of the MLA regulation, including the limitation on the MAPR to 36 percent. For example, under 12 U.S.C. 1757(11) Federal credit unions may ``enforce a lien upon the shares and dividends of any member, to the extent of any loan made to him and any dues or charges payable by him.'' [[Page 58741]] As discussed in Question and Answer #16 of these Interpretations, Sec. 232.8(e) serves to prohibit a creditor from using the borrower's account information to create a remotely created check or remotely created payment order in order to collect payments on consumer credit from a covered borrower or using a postdated check provided at or around the time credit is extended. Section 232.8(e)(3) describes a permissible activity under Sec. 232.8(e). However, the fact that Sec. 232.8(e)(3) specifies a particular time when a creditor may take a security interest in funds deposited in an account does not change the general effect of the prohibition in Sec. 232.8(e). Therefore, Sec. 232.8(e) does not impede a creditor from--for example--exercising a statutory right to take a security interest in funds deposited in an account at any time, provided that the security interest is not otherwise prohibited by other applicable law and the creditor complies with all other provisions of the MLA regulation, including the limitation on the MAPR to 36 percent. Creditors may exercise the right to take a security interest in funds deposited into a covered borrower's account in connection with all types of consumer credit covered by the MLA regulation, including credit card accounts, provided the creditor's actions are not prohibited by other State or Federal law, rule or regulation that provides greater protection to covered borrowers than the protections provided in the MLA. For example, although the MLA regulation does not prohibit borrowers from conveying security interests in all types of consumer credit covered by the regulation, including credit card accounts, such accounts may also be subject to other laws, rules and regulations governing offsets and security interests. See, e.g., 12 CFR 1026.12(d). 20. To qualify for the optional safe harbor under 32 CFR 232.5(b)(3), must the creditor determine the consumer's covered borrower status simultaneously with the consumer's submission of an application for consumer credit or exactly 30 days prior? Answer: No. Section 232.5(b)(3)(i) and (ii) permit the creditor to qualify for the safe harbor when it makes a timely determination regarding the status of a consumer at the time the consumer either initiates the transaction or submits an application to establish an account, or anytime during a 30-day period of time prior to such action. Therefore, a creditor qualifies for the safe harbor under Sec. 232.5(b) when the qualified covered borrower check that the creditor relies on is conducted at the time a consumer initiates a credit transaction or applies to establish an account, or up to 30 days prior to the action taken by the consumer. Similarly, the timing provisions in Sec. 232.5(b)(3)(i) and (ii) permit a creditor to qualify for the safe harbor when it conducts a qualified covered borrower check simultaneously with the initiation of the transaction or submission of an application by the consumer or during the course of the creditor's processing of that application for consumer credit. III. Regulatory Impact Executive Order 12866, ``Regulatory Planning and Review'' and Executive Order 13563, ``Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review'' Executive Orders 13563 and 12866 direct agencies to assess all costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize net benefits (including potential economic, environmental, public health and safety effects, distributive impacts, and equity). Executive Order 13563 emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and benefits, reducing costs, harmonizing rules, and promoting flexibility. It has been determined that this is not a significant rule. This interpretive rule will not have an annual effect of $100 million or more on the economy, or adversely affect productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public health or safety, or State or local governments. This rulemaking will not interfere with an action taken or planned by another agency, or raise new legal or policy issues. Finally, this rulemaking will not alter the budgetary impacts of entitlements, grants, user fees, or loan programs or the rights and obligations of recipients of such programs. This amended interpretive rule does not change the regulation implementing the MLA, but merely states the Department's preexisting interpretations of an existing regulation. Moreover, the Department's interpretive views do not further prohibit or limit the sale of credit and ancillary credit-related products beyond any limits that may be set forth in the final rule. For example, under the final rule as issued, the inclusion of ancillary credit products in a hybrid transaction makes the credit transaction ineligible for the exemption from ``consumer credit'' under 32 CFR 232.3(f)(2)(ii) and (iii). This amended interpretive rule merely provides guidance on how the rule applies when such products are included in a credit transaction. Neither the final rule nor this amended interpretive rule prohibits the sale of ancillary credit products by the creditor as part of the credit transaction or as a separate transaction, nor does either prohibit a covered borrower from purchasing such products from the creditor or from another source. The Department estimates there remains a variety of venues for creditors to offer ancillary credit products and covered borrowers to acquire such ancillary credit products. In evaluating any potential economic impact, the Department has consulted with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (``Bureau'') \5\ to assess the scope of the market for motor vehicle loans that also provide financing for a credit-related product or service, as such loans would not meet the exception from ``consumer credit'' in 32 CFR 232.3(f)(2)(ii). Specifically, the Department's assessment focused on guaranteed asset protection (GAP) and other credit insurance premiums, such as credit life and credit disability insurance, that are financed in connection with a credit transaction expressly intended to purchase a motor vehicle. In conducting its assessment, the Department excluded financing costs that are expressly related to the object being purchased because, as clarified in this interpretive rule, such costs would not prevent an otherwise exempt credit transaction from qualifying for the exemptions from ``consumer credit'' in 32 CFR 232.3(f)(2)(ii) and (iii).\6\ In assessing the scope of the market, the Department, in consultation with the Bureau, relied on informal surveys and reports regarding the market for financed motor vehicle transactions, the utilization of GAP and other credit insurance premiums in that market, and the typical costs to [[Page 58742]] consumers associated with such ancillary credit-related products.\7\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \5\ The Bureau monitors, analyzes, and performs outreach to the auto lending industry through its Office of Consumer Lending, Reporting & Collection Markets. The Bureau, as part of its ongoing assistance to the Department, provided the Department with certain data regarding the auto lending marketplace. \6\ For example, the Department excluded from this analysis credit transactions that also finance extended warranty protection or include financing to repay the credit on a trade-in vehicle because the Department interprets such costs as expressly related to the object (motor vehicle) being financed. \7\ See Experian, ``State of the Automotive Finance Market: A Look at Loans and Leases in Q4 2016,'' at 11, 19 (2016); Colonnade Advisors, ``F&I Products Industry Market Commentary,'' at 2 (2016), available at coladv.com/wp-content/uploads/FI-Product-Industry-Report-April-2016.pdf ; F&I and Showroom, ``Tracking F&I Performance,'' http://www.fi-magazine.com/article/story/2012/01/tracking-f-i-performance.aspx (last visited Sept. 20, 2017). The Department's research indicates that the available data regarding credit-related ancillary products in the auto lending marketplace are limited and primarily derived from informal surveys and reports. \8\ Approximately 82 percent of Service members are enlisted; 91 percent do not have college degrees; 44 percent are under 25 years of age; and 67 percent of those under 25 own or lease at least one vehicle. The intersection of these portions creates a factor of approximately .22, which can be applied to the total market value of approximately $93.8 million, resulting in a possible market segment of approximately $21.7 million. This segment would then require further apportionment to reflect the share of the products therein that offer interest rates above the 36 percent cap. See 2015 Demographics Profile of the Military Community, Chapter 2, Department of Defense, available at http://download.militaryonesource.mil/12038/MOS/Reports/2015-Demographics-Report.pdf and Table 3202. Consumer units with reference person under age 25 by income before taxes: Average annual expenditures, Consumer Expenditure Survey, 2015-2016, Bureau of Labor Statistics, available at https://www.bls.gov/cex/2016/CrossTabs/agebyinc/xunder25.PDF. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Based on available data, the Department estimates the annual total market revenue for these products at $6,116.5 and $3,761.7 million, respectively, or a total of $9,878.1 million. The Department estimates that the covered borrower market for these products is .95 percent of the total market for these products, as covered borrower households represent .95 percent of total U.S. households, which implies a total possible market for covered borrowers of approximately $93.8 million. Of these covered borrowers, the Department estimates that only a very small portion of these consumers could include the Service members and their families covered by the MLA. As an example, if the typical consumer of such a product is an enlisted Service member under 25, does not have a college degree, and owns a car, the possible market value relevant to the MLA and this interpretive rule might be more like $21.7 million.\8\ Within this further market segment, an undetermined percentage of these products actually offer interest rates greater than 36 percent and would actually be purchased by this group, which would represent the share of products that fall under the MLA requirement. Generally, in this and other possible scenarios across age groups and other demographic characteristics, the Department anticipates the universe of products that exceed 36 percent interest in this category is very small and possibly negligible, especially considering the time that has passed since the final rule was issued. This number is anticipated to be even more likely to be negligible when considering the number of covered borrowers who would choose to consume this product particularly in light of the existing MLA requirement. 2 U.S.C. Ch. 25, ``Unfunded Mandates Reform Act'' Section 202 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1532) requires agencies to assess anticipated costs and benefits before issuing any rule whose mandates require spending in any 1 year of $100 million in 1995 dollars, updated annually for inflation. In 2014, that threshold is approximately $141 million. This rule will not mandate any requirements for State, local, or tribal governments, nor will it affect private sector costs. Public Law 96-354, ``Regulatory Flexibility Act'' (5 U.S.C. Ch. 6) The Department of Defense certifies that this rule is not subject to the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601) because it would not, if promulgated, have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. Therefore, the Regulatory Flexibility Act, as amended, does not require us to prepare a regulatory flexibility analysis. Public Law 96-511, ``Paperwork Reduction Act'' (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35) This rule does not impose reporting and record keeping requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. Executive Order 13132, ``Federalism'' This rule was analyzed in accordance with the principles and criteria contained in Executive Order 13132 (``Federalism''). It has been determined that it does not have sufficient Federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism summary impact statement. This rule has no substantial effect on the States, or on the current Federal-State relationship, or on the current distribution of power and responsibilities among the various local officials. Nothing in this rule preempts any State law or regulation. Therefore, the Department did not consult with State and local officials because it was not necessary. Dated: December 11, 2017. Patricia L. Toppings, OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense. [FR Doc. 2017-26974 Filed 12-13-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 5001-06-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 239 / Thursday, December 14, 2017 / Rules and Regulations 58739
In the Adopting Release, we estimated § 270.30b1–9(T) Temporary rule regarding present interpretive rule amends and
that the amendments to the certification monthly report. adds to those questions and answers to
requirements of Form N–CSR would not (a) Until April 1, 2019, each registered provide guidance on certain questions
change the annual hour burden or management investment company the Department has received regarding
external costs associated with Form N– subject to § 270.30b1–9 of this chapter compliance with the July 2015 Final
CSR.70 Therefore, we do not believe that must satisfy its reporting obligation Rule.
there is a change to burden hours or the under that section by maintaining in its DATES: Effective Date: This interpretive
external costs resulting from the delay records the information that is required rule is effective December 14, 2017.
of the effective date of these to be included in Form N–PORT FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
amendments. Accordingly, the (§ 274.150 of this chapter). Andrew Cohen, 703–692–5286.
Commission believes that the current (b) The information maintained in the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
PRA burden estimates for the existing registered management investment
collection of information requirements company’s records under paragraph (a) I. Background and Purpose
remain appropriate.71 of this section shall be treated as a In July 2015, the Department of
record under section 31(a)(1) of the Act Defense (Department) issued a final
IV. Statutory Authority
[15 U.S.C. 80a–30(a)(1)] and § 270.31a– rule 1 (July 2015 Final Rule) amending
We are adopting the rules contained 1(b) of this chapter subject to the its regulation implementing the Military
in this document under the authority set requirements of § 270.31a–2(a)(2) of this Lending Act (MLA) 2 primarily for the
forth in the Securities Act [15 U.S.C. 77a chapter. purpose of extending the protections of
et seq.], the Exchange Act, particularly (c) This section will expire and no the MLA to a broader range of closed-
sections 10, 13, 15, 23, and 35A thereof longer be effective on March 31, 2026. end and open-end credit products,
[15 U.S.C. 78a et seq.], the Investment By the Commission. rather than the limited credit products
Company Act, particularly sections 8, that had been defined as ‘‘consumer
Dated: December 8, 2017.
30, 31, and 38 thereof [15 U.S.C. 80a et credit.’’ 3 Among other amendments, the
seq.], and 44 U.S.C. 3506. Brent J. Fields,
Secretary.
July 2015 Final Rule modified
List of Subjects provisions relating to the optional
[FR Doc. 2017–26922 Filed 12–13–17; 8:45 am]
mechanism a creditor may use when
17 CFR Part 232 BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
assessing whether a consumer is a
Administrative practice and ‘‘covered borrower,’’ modified the
procedure, Reporting and recordkeeping disclosures that a creditor must provide
requirements, Securities. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE to a covered borrower, and implemented
the enforcement provisions of the MLA.
17 CFR Part 239 Office of the Secretary Subsequently, the Department
Reporting and recordkeeping received requests to clarify its
requirements, Securities. 32 CFR Part 232 interpretation of points raised in the
[Docket ID: DOD–2017–OS–0038] July 2015 Final Rule. The Department
17 CFR Part 249 elected to inform the public of its views
Reporting and recordkeeping RIN 0790–ZA13 by issuing an interpretive rule in the
requirements, Securities. form of questions and answers to assist
Military Lending Act Limitations on industry in complying with the July
17 CFR Parts 270 and 274 Terms of Consumer Credit Extended to 2015 Final Rule. The Department issued
Investment companies, Reporting and Service Members and Dependents the first set of such interpretations on
recordkeeping requirements, Securities. AGENCY: Under Secretary of Defense for August 26, 2016 (August 26, 2016
For reasons set forth in the preamble, Personnel and Readiness, Department of Interpretive Rule).4 The present
title 17, chapter II of the Code of Federal Defense. interpretive rule amends and adds to
Regulations is amended as follows: those questions and answers. This
ACTION: Interpretive rule; amendment.
interpretive rule does not change the
PART 270—RULES AND SUMMARY: The Department of Defense regulation implementing the MLA, but
REGULATIONS, INVESTMENT (Department) is amending its merely states the Department’s
COMPANY ACT OF 1940 interpretive rule for the Military preexisting interpretations of an existing
Lending Act (the MLA). The MLA, as regulation. Therefore, under 5 U.S.C.
■ 1. The authority citation for part 270 553(b)(A), this rulemaking is exempt
implemented by the Department, limits
continues to read, in part, as follows: from the notice and comment
the military annual percentage rate
Authority: 15 U.S.C. 80a–1 et seq., 80a– (MAPR) that a creditor may charge to a requirements of the Administrative
34(d), 80a–37, 80a–39, and Pub. L. 111–203, maximum of 36 percent, requires certain Procedure Act, and, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
sec. 939A, 124 Stat. 1376 (2010), unless 553(d)(2), this rule is effective
disclosures, and provides other
otherwise noted. immediately upon publication in the
substantive consumer protections on
* * * * * ‘‘consumer credit’’ extended to Service Federal Register.
■ 2. Section 270.30b1–9(T) is added to members and their families. On July 22, II. Interpretations of the Department
read as follows: 2015, the Department amended its
The following questions and answers
regulation primarily for the purpose of
represent official interpretations of the
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES
be mandatory, and responses are not kept extending the protections of the MLA to
Department on issues related to 32 CFR
confidential. a broader range of closed-end and open-
70 Id. at 82005.
end credit products (the July 2015 Final 1 80
71 ‘‘Form N–CSR under the Securities Exchange FR 43560 (July 22, 2015).
Rule). On August 26, 2016, the 2 10 U.S.C. 987.
Act of 1934 and under the Investment Company Act
of 1940, Certified Shareholder Report of Registered
Department issued the first set of 3 32 CFR 232.3(b) as implemented in a final rule
Management Investment Companies’’ (OMB Control interpretations of that regulation in the published at 72 FR 50580 (Aug. 31, 2007).
No. 3235–0570). form of questions and answers; the 4 81 FR 58840 (August 26, 2016).
VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:57 Dec 13, 2017 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\14DER1.SGM 14DER1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/82_FR_58978/page/1.svg)
![58742 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 239 / Thursday, December 14, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
consumers associated with such exceed 36 percent interest in this Dated: December 11, 2017.
ancillary credit-related products.7 category is very small and possibly Patricia L. Toppings,
Based on available data, the negligible, especially considering the OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer,
Department estimates the annual total time that has passed since the final rule Department of Defense.
market revenue for these products at was issued. This number is anticipated [FR Doc. 2017–26974 Filed 12–13–17; 8:45 am]
$6,116.5 and $3,761.7 million, to be even more likely to be negligible BILLING CODE 5001–06–P
respectively, or a total of $9,878.1 when considering the number of
million. The Department estimates that covered borrowers who would choose to
the covered borrower market for these
consume this product particularly in DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
products is .95 percent of the total
light of the existing MLA requirement. SECURITY
market for these products, as covered
borrower households represent .95 2 U.S.C. Ch. 25, ‘‘Unfunded Mandates Coast Guard
percent of total U.S. households, which Reform Act’’
implies a total possible market for 33 CFR Part 165
covered borrowers of approximately Section 202 of the Unfunded
$93.8 million. Of these covered Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. [Docket Number USCG–2017–1053]
borrowers, the Department estimates 1532) requires agencies to assess
RIN 1625–AA00
that only a very small portion of these anticipated costs and benefits before
consumers could include the Service issuing any rule whose mandates Safety Zone; Delaware River, Pipeline
members and their families covered by require spending in any 1 year of $100 Removal, Marcus Hook, PA
the MLA. As an example, if the typical million in 1995 dollars, updated
consumer of such a product is an annually for inflation. In 2014, that AGENCY:Coast Guard, DHS.
enlisted Service member under 25, does threshold is approximately $141 Interim rule and request for
ACTION:
not have a college degree, and owns a million. This rule will not mandate any comments.
car, the possible market value relevant requirements for State, local, or tribal
to the MLA and this interpretive rule SUMMARY: This interim rule modifies
governments, nor will it affect private
might be more like $21.7 million.8 and extends the effective period of the
sector costs. existing temporary safety zone
Within this further market segment, an
undetermined percentage of these Public Law 96–354, ‘‘Regulatory encompassing all navigable waters
products actually offer interest rates Flexibility Act’’ (5 U.S.C. Ch. 6) within a 250-yard radius of Commerce
greater than 36 percent and would Construction vessels and machinery
actually be purchased by this group, The Department of Defense certifies conducting diving and pipeline removal
which would represent the share of that this rule is not subject to the operations in the Delaware River, in the
products that fall under the MLA Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601) vicinity of Anchorage 7, near Marcus
requirement. Generally, in this and because it would not, if promulgated, Hook, PA. The safety zone is needed to
other possible scenarios across age have a significant economic impact on protect personnel, vessels, and the
groups and other demographic a substantial number of small entities. marine environment from potential
characteristics, the Department Therefore, the Regulatory Flexibility hazards created by diving and pipeline
anticipates the universe of products that Act, as amended, does not require us to removal operations. Entry of vessels or
prepare a regulatory flexibility analysis. persons into this zone is prohibited
7 See Experian, ‘‘State of the Automotive Finance
unless specifically authorized by the
Market: A Look at Loans and Leases in Q4 2016,’’ Public Law 96–511, ‘‘Paperwork Captain of the Port Delaware Bay. We
at 11, 19 (2016); Colonnade Advisors, ‘‘F&I Products
Industry Market Commentary,’’ at 2 (2016),
Reduction Act’’ (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35) invite your comments on this
available at coladv.com/wp-content/uploads/FI- rulemaking.
Product-Industry-Report-April-2016.pdf ; F&I and This rule does not impose reporting
Showroom, ‘‘Tracking F&I Performance,’’ http:// and record keeping requirements under DATES: This rule is effective without
www.fi-magazine.com/article/story/2012/01/ the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. actual notice from December 14, 2017.
tracking-f-i-performance.aspx (last visited Sept. 20, For the purposes of enforcement, actual
2017). The Department’s research indicates that the Executive Order 13132, ‘‘Federalism’’
available data regarding credit-related ancillary notice will be used from December 9,
products in the auto lending marketplace are 2017, through December 14, 2017.
limited and primarily derived from informal This rule was analyzed in accordance Comments and related material must be
surveys and reports. with the principles and criteria received by the Coast Guard on or before
8 Approximately 82 percent of Service members
contained in Executive Order 13132 January 16, 2018.
are enlisted; 91 percent do not have college degrees; (‘‘Federalism’’). It has been determined
44 percent are under 25 years of age; and 67 percent ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in
of those under 25 own or lease at least one vehicle. that it does not have sufficient
this preamble are part of Docket Number
The intersection of these portions creates a factor Federalism implications to warrant the USCG–2017–1053. To view documents
of approximately .22, which can be applied to the preparation of a Federalism summary
total market value of approximately $93.8 million, mentioned in this preamble as being
resulting in a possible market segment of impact statement. This rule has no available in the docket, go to http://
approximately $21.7 million. This segment would substantial effect on the States, or on the www.regulations.gov, type the docket
then require further apportionment to reflect the current Federal-State relationship, or on
share of the products therein that offer interest rates number in the ‘‘SEARCH’’ box and click
above the 36 percent cap. See 2015 Demographics the current distribution of power and ‘‘SEARCH.’’ Click on ‘‘Open Docket
Profile of the Military Community, Chapter 2, responsibilities among the various local Folder’’ on the line associated with this
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES
Department of Defense, available at http:// officials. Nothing in this rule preempts rulemaking. You may submit comments,
download.militaryonesource.mil/12038/MOS/
Reports/2015-Demographics-Report.pdf and Table
any State law or regulation. Therefore, identified by docket number, using the
3202. Consumer units with reference person under the Department did not consult with Federal eRulemaking Portal at http://
age 25 by income before taxes: Average annual State and local officials because it was www.regulations.gov. See the ‘‘Public
expenditures, Consumer Expenditure Survey, 2015–
2016, Bureau of Labor Statistics, available at
not necessary. Participation and Request for
https://www.bls.gov/cex/2016/CrossTabs/agebyinc/ Comments’’ portion of the
xunder25.PDF. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for
VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:57 Dec 13, 2017 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\14DER1.SGM 14DER1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/82_FR_58978/page/4.svg)
Document Created: 2018-10-25 10:53:15
Document Modified: 2018-10-25 10:53:15
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Rules and Regulations | |
| Action | Interpretive rule; amendment. | |
| Dates | Effective Date: This interpretive rule is effective December 14, 2017. | |
| Contact | Andrew Cohen, 703-692-5286. | |
| FR Citation | 82 FR 58739 | |
| RIN Number | 0790-ZA13 |
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