Additional States Pass SAFE Act Legislation

North Carolina and Pennsylvania recently joined the list of states that have enacted legislation to effect the requirements of the federal Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 (SAFE Act). North Carolina HB 1523 and Pennsylvania HB 1654 require mortgage loan originators to, among other things, register with the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS), complete pre-license testing and education, submit to fingerprinting for the purpose of a criminal history background check, and pass a qualified written exam developed by the NMLS. North Carolina HB 1523 became effective July 31, 2009, with mortgage loan originator licensure required by July 31, 2010 (for “exclusive mortgage brokers”) or by December 31, 2009 (for “limited loan officers”). Pennsylvania HB 1654 became effective immediately. Individuals not currently licensed as mortgage originators must file an application for a mortgage originator license by October 4, 2009 (60 days after the effective date). Mortgage originators previously licensed must complete the required education and testing requirements by December 31, 2009