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Arkansas Amends Fair Mortgage Lending Act
On April 1, Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe signed HB 1881, a bill that amends the Arkansas Fair Mortgage Lending Act. In general, the bill amends the Act’s definitions, surety bond requirements, license application procedures, reporting requirements, prohibited activities, and penalties. Specifically, the bill revises the statutory definition of “mortgage loan” to mean “a loan primarily for personal, family, or household use that is secured by a mortgage, deed of trust, reverse mortgage, or other equivalent consensual security interest encumbering” either (i) a “dwelling,” as defined by the Truth in Lending Act or (ii) residential real estate that is constructed or intended to be constructed as a dwelling. The bill also removes a licensing exemption for persons who only broker, make, or service nonresidential mortgage loans. Regarding licensee duties, the bill requires the inclusion of the full name, address, and telephone number of the licensee in all solicitations and advertisements. The bill also requires the unique identifier of a person soliciting or originating a mortgage loan to be clearly shown on all mortgage loan application forms, solicitations, advertisements, business cards, websites, and related documents.
Minnesota Federal Court Dismisses Putative Class Action Against Lender
On March 31, the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota dismissed a putative state-wide class action involving claims of breach of contract, unlawful and deceptive trade practices, breach of fiduciary duties, and unjust enrichment against a residential mortgage lender. Weller v. Accredited Home Lenders, Inc., No. 08-2798 (D. Minn. March 31, 2009). In support of these claims, the plaintiffs alleged, among other things, that (i) the defendant failed to provide them with a statutory disclaimer indicating that they were not plaintiffs’ agent, (ii) the defendant failed to notify them that they qualified for a lower rate of interest than the rate they were charged, and (iii) the defendant was liable for the closing agent’s failure to provide certain disclosures. The court granted the defendant’s motion to dismiss. The court rejected the plaintiffs’ breach of fiduciary duty claim, holding that the failure to provide the “non-agency disclosure” required by Minnesota law “does not, on its own, make a residential mortgage originator a fiduciary as a matter of law.” The court also rejected the plaintiffs’ unlawful and deceptive trade practices (UDAP) claims, holding that the plaintiffs failed to plead alleged misrepresentations with the specificity required by F.R.C.P. Rule 9(b). Allowing plaintiffs 30 days to file an amended complaint to re-plead their UDAP claims, the court provided the plaintiffs with guidance on the types of allegations that would survive future dismissal. For example, to satisfy the Minnesota statute on which they relied, rather than merely allege that they were charged a higher rate of interest than they qualified for, the plaintiffs would have to allege that they were placed in a lower “investment grade,” and specify the grade in which they were placed and the grade they should have received. The court also reminded the plaintiffs that, if they were to successfully level claims against the defendant about the closing agent’s alleged failure to provide certain disclosures, they would have to allege with specificity how the closing agent was the defendant’s agent (such as by citing provisions of the Lender’s Instructions). BuckleySandler LLP represented defendant Accredited Home Lenders, Inc. in this action.
Kansas Governor Signs Bill Amending State Mortgage Law, Safeguarding Personal Financial Information
On March 27, Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius signed SB 240, a bill that amends Kansas state mortgage law to reflect compliance with the federal Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 (SAFE Act) and to impose requirements regarding the protection of personal consumer financial information. The bill implements the mandate of the SAFE Act by providing for the licensing of all mortgage loan originators under the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System. The bill also prohibits certain conduct, including (i) earning a fee or commission through “best efforts” to obtain a loan when no loan is actually obtained, (ii) the solicitation, advertisement, or entering into a contract for specific rates, points, or other financing terms that are not actually available at the time of the offer, and (iii) making any payment, threat or promise to influence to any person in connection with a residential mortgage loan, including an appraiser. The bill further provides for data security measures to protect against the potential misuse of personal consumer financial information. To this effect, (i) every licensee and any assignee or servicer of a consumer credit transaction, and every person required to file notification, must have written policies and procedures “reasonably designed” to protect against the misuse of personal information, (ii) before discontinuing business, a licensee must arrange for the keeping of required books and records for a specified period, and (iii) any records required to be retained may be electronically preserved. Such electronic records must (i) permit “immediate” location of the record, (ii) be able to be copied, printed, or faxed, and (iii) be maintained using policies and procedures to “reasonably safeguard” the records from loss or alteration. The bill becomes effective upon its publication in the Kansas Statute Book.
Virginia Implements SAFE Act Requirements, Tightens Restrictions on Mortgage Lenders and Brokers
On March 27, Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine signed a series of bills to carry out the requirements of the federal Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 (SAFE Act) and to tighten restrictions on mortgage lenders and mortgage brokers. To implement the SAFE Act, Virginia’s legislature enacted HB 2031, which requires mortgage loan originators to obtain a license from the State Corporation Commission through the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry. The bill also establishes licensing procedures and criteria, including requirements for bonding, background checks, education, testing, continuing education, investigations, examinations, reporting, payment of annual fees, license suspension and revocation, and fines. Governor Kaine also signed three bills pertaining to mortgage lenders and mortgage brokers. HB 2030 repeals sections of the Code of Virginia that required mortgage lenders and brokers (i) to conduct background checks on certain employees and (ii) to ensure that their employees are properly trained in applicable state and federal mortgage lending laws and regulations. HB 1776 requires mortgage brokers to use “reasonable skill, care, and diligence” when securing a mortgage loan that will be in the best interests of the applicant, and creates a private right of action by borrowers for violations of this provision. Finally, HB 2262 prohibits mortgage brokers, lenders and originators from using any “deception, fraud, false pretense, false promise, or misrepresentation” in connection with a mortgage loan transaction. The bill also authorizes the Attorney General to enforce this provision by imposing civil penalties (up to $2,500 per violation) and restitution damages. Additionally, the bill removes the exemption for mortgage lenders from the Virginia Consumer Protection Act. All four bills are effective July 1, 2009; HB 2031’s loan originator licensing requirements do not take effect until July 1, 2010.
Kentucky Attorney General Issues Opinion on Mortgage Recordation
On March 20, Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway issued an opinion concluding that the Kentucky County Clerk does not have the authority to refuse to file amended mortgages. The opinion letter clarifies that the relevant Kentucky statute (KRS 382.300) does not require a document to be titled “mortgage” or a “mortgage amendment” to be recorded.
Utah Enacts Financial Institutions Loan Originator Licensing Act
On March 20, Utah Governor Jon M. Huntsman, Jr. signed House Bill 286 (the Bill), which amends the Utah Consumer Credit Code, as well as mortgage lending and servicing provisions, to address the regulation of consumer and residential mortgage loans. The Bill establishes the Financial Institutions Loan Originator Licensing Act, which, among other things, creates loan originator licensing triggers, an application process, bonding requirements, education requirements, and a process for challenging information in the nationwide database. In addition, the Bill clarifies (i) the requirements for filing notifications, and (ii) provisions related to a lender, broker, or servicer of a mortgage loan
South Dakota to License Mortgage Lenders, Brokers and Loan Originators Via NMLS
On March 16, South Dakota Governor M. Michael Rounds signed House Bill 1060 (the Bill), which allows for the licensing of mortgage lenders, brokers, and loan originators through the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS) and provides standards for information sharing by the South Dakota Division of Banks. Among other things, the Bill provides the NMLS application procedures applicable to mortgage lenders, brokers, and loan originators.
Wyoming Enacts Mortgage Loan Originator Licensing and Registration
On March 12, Wyoming Governor Dave Freudenthal signed HB 169, a bill that modifies the Wyoming Residential Mortgage Practices Act and Uniform Consumer Credit Code to provide for mortgage loan originator licensing and registration. Among other things, the bill details (i) the initial application process, (ii) pre-licensing education, (iii) testing requirements, (iv) the renewal process, and (v) continuing education requirements. While the bill goes into effect July 1, 2009, loan originators have until July 1, 2010 to register or obtain licensure.
Virginia Governor Signs Bill Amending State Consumer Real Estate Settlement Protection Act
On February 26, Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine signed HB 2568, a bill that amends provisions of the state’s code relating to disclosures under the Virginia Consumer Real Estate Settlement Protection Act (the Act). The amendments make explicit that the provisions of the Act cannot be varied by agreement, and that the rights provided by the Act cannot be contractually waived. Further, sellers may not condition the sale of property by requiring the use of a particular settlement agent. The bill becomes effective July 1, 2009.
South Dakota Governor Signs Bill Regarding Real Estate Appraisal
On February 20, South Dakota Governor M. Michael Rounds signed H.B. 1124, a bill that prohibits real estate appraisers and licensed mortgage lenders, mortgage brokers, and mortgage loan originators from “improperly influencing” a real estate appraisal involving a property in which the appraiser or licensee has an interest with regard to (i) a real estate transaction or (ii) the financing of a loan secured by the real estate. The bill defines “improper influence” as (i) the use of coercion, extortion, bribery, (ii) withholding or threatening to withhold an appraisal fee, (iii) conditioning payment of an appraisal fee on the conclusion or valuation to be reached, (iv) requesting that the appraiser provide a predetermined conclusion or valuation, or (v) otherwise impairing the appraiser’s independence and objectivity in creating the appraisal. The bill provides that a real estate appraiser is not improperly influenced by, among other provisions, asking the appraiser to consider additional information in evaluating the conclusion on the appraisal or in requesting additional information about the conclusion reached on an appraisal. The bill becomes effective May 19, 2009.