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Alabama Superintendent of Banks issues Covid-19 guidance
On March 16, the Alabama Superintendent of Banks issued a statement with steps that financial institutions can take when working with Covid-19-affected customers and communities, including waiving certain fees, increasing ATM daily cash withdrawal limits, and easing restrictions on cashing out-of-state and non-customer checks. The statement also provides guidance on financial condition review, supervisory responses, regulatory relief, regulatory reporting requirements, and alternative service options for consumers.
Texas Banking Commissioner empowers banks to close
On March 16, the Texas Banking Commissioner issued a proclamation authorizing banks organized under Texas law to close all or part of their offices to protect public health, at their discretion, while ensuring that banks can meet the financial needs of their customers and those affected by Covid-19.
Maryland regulator issues statement on working with customers affected by Coronavirus, provides regulatory relief
On March 19, the Maryland Office of the Commissioner of Financial Regulation issued a statement encouraging financial institutions to take steps to meet the financial services needs of customers and communities adversely impacted by Covid-19, stating that prudent efforts to modify the terms of an existing loan to adversely impacted borrowers will not be subject to examiner criticism. The Office also noted that it will provide regulatory relief to financial institutions affected by Covid-19 related issues, including working with institutions facing difficulty meeting regulatory reporting deadlines, making greater use of remote off-site reviews, and considering the extraordinary circumstances when determining any supervisory response to an institution’s financial condition, especially if that condition is caused by an increase in delinquent or non-performing loans.
Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending issues guidance on mortgage examinations
On March 12, the Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending announced that the Department will begin minimizing on-site mortgage examinations and conducting them off-site to the extent possible.
California orders moratorium on foreclosures and evictions
On March 16, California Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N-28-20 requesting that financial institutions implement an immediate moratorium on foreclosures and related evictions arising from the nonpayment of rent or mortgage payments due to a substantial decrease in income or increase in medical expenses caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Montana regulator issues guidance to state banks and credit unions on operating during outbreak
On March 19, the Montana Division of Banking and Financial Institutions issued a supervisory memorandum discussing operations of state-chartered banks and credit unions during the Covid-19 outbreak. The guidance instructs regulated institutions to communicate with the Division using email and electronic file transfer services instead of mail. The guidance also clarifies that the Division considers accepting deposits, providing access to cash and existing customer accounts, and drawing on existing loans to be “essential” services that should be continued during the outbreak, and contains frequently-asked questions about operations and regulatory notifications.
District of Columbia Superior Court stays all evictions
On March 15, the District of Columbia Superior Court issued a memorandum staying all evictions, including those involving foreclosed homeowners, until May 1, 2020.
Massachusetts introduces bill to halt evictions and foreclosures
On March 16, the Massachusetts legislature introduced a bill that would place a moratorium on evictions and foreclosures as long as the governor’s emergency declaration for the Covid-19 outbreak is active.
Minnesota bill to address negative credit reports and student loans
On February 19, the Minnesota House Health and Human Services Finance and Policy Committee introduced a bill that would require the Commissioner of Commerce to negotiate with credit reporting bureaus to waive negative credit reports, and to negotiate a federal waiver for federally guaranteed student loans for persons under isolation or quarantine.
On March 9, the Minnesota Senate Health and Human Services Finance and Policy Committee introduced a bill that would accomplish the same objectives.
New Hampshire Governor temporarily prohibits foreclosures
On March 17, New Hampshire Governor Christopher Sununu issued Emergency Order #4, which temporarily prohibits judicial and non-judicial foreclosures while the state of emergency related to the Covid-19 outbreak is active.