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California DBO seeks to revoke auto title lender’s license
On March 19, the California Department of Business Oversight (DBO) filed an administrative action to revoke the license and void loans made by a Southern California auto title lender for allegedly violating state lending laws. According to the DBO announcement, the lender allegedly, among other things, (i) charged consumers more interest than permitted by state law; (ii) failed to consider the borrower’s ability-to-repay; and (iii) engaged in “false and misleading” advertising. Specifically, DBO alleges that, in two separate examinations, it determined the lender included DMV fees in borrowers’ principal loan amounts to bring the loans above $2,500. DBO alleges these loans carried interest rates over 100 percent, while the state law cap is 30 percent for loans under $2,500. DBO also alleges the lender violated state law by failing to report the profits it made from a “duplicate-key fee” and made loans from unlicensed locations.
In addition to the formal accusation, the DBO also has commenced an investigation to determine whether the more than 100 percent interest rates that the lender charges on most of its auto title loans may be unconscionable under the law.
Virginia requires breach of personal information notification
On March 18, the Virginia governor signed HB 2396, which amends the Code of Virginia and requires an individual or entity owning or licensing computerized data that includes personal information to disclose all data breaches without “unreasonable delay” to the Virginia Attorney General and any affected Commonwealth residents. Under HB 2396, “personal information” is defined as “the first name or first initial and last name in combination with and linked to any one or more of the following data elements that relate to a resident of the Commonwealth, when the data elements are neither encrypted nor redacted.” The list of data elements was amended to add passport numbers and military identification numbers to the previous list, which included social security numbers, driver’s license numbers, and financial account numbers or credit/debit card numbers combined with codes or passwords that would grant access to a consumer’s financial account. The amendment is effective July 1.
Virginia provides certain debt management plan licensing exemptions
On March 8, the Virginia governor signed HB 2284, which amends Title 6.2 Chapter 20 of the Code of Virginia to exempt banks, savings institutions, credit unions, and individuals licensed to practice law in the state from the licensing requirements applicable to persons that provide debt management plans. Additionally, persons licensed under the amended chapter are not required to obtain a money transmitter license under Chapter 19, provided the “money transmission activities are limited to providing debt pooling and distribution services in accordance with [Chapter 20].” The amendment is effective July 1.
Virginia law allows financial institutions to share documents related to elder exploitation
On March 12, the Virginia governor signed HB 2225, which amends the state’s law relating to financial exploitation of adults, to provide that any financial institution staff who “suspects that an adult has been exploited financially” may now provide supporting information and records to the local department of social services, in addition to simply reporting the suspected exploitation as provided for under current law. The amendment is effective July 1.
Nebraska amends mortgage licensing law
On March 7, the Nebraska governor approved LB 355, which amends various sections of the state’s financial laws, including the Nebraska Residential Mortgage Licensing Act (RMLA). Among other things, the RMLA is being amended to (i) provide requirements for the submission of fingerprints for specified principals of mortgage firm applications; (ii) adopt the transitional licensing process required by federal law, effective November 24, 2019, to allow certain federally-registered mortgage loan originators and mortgage loan originators licensed by another state to temporarily conduct business in Nebraska for up to 120 days after becoming employed by a Nebraska-licensed mortgage firm; (iii) limit the term of inactive mortgage loan originator licensees; and (iv) change the records retention period from three to five years. The amendments take effect September 2019.
North Dakota allows collection agencies to charge credit card fees to debtors
On March 6, the North Dakota governor signed HB 1204, which allows a collection agency to collect a transaction fee for processing a credit card payment. Under the amended law, a collection agency may collect, in addition to the principal amount of the claim, a transaction fee up to two and half percent for processing a credit card payment if: (i) the transaction fee is not otherwise prohibited under the law; (ii) a no-cost payment option is available to the debtor; and (iii) the no-cost payment option is disclosed to the debtor at the same time and in the same manner that the credit card information is taken. The law takes effect on August 1.
New Jersey AG sues used-car dealerships for predatory selling practices
On March 5, the New Jersey Attorney General's Office and Division of Consumer Affairs filed a lawsuit against two auto dealerships and their owner for allegedly targeting financially vulnerable consumers through the use of predatory sales and loan practices. According to a March 7 press release issued by the New Jersey AG, the defendants allegedly targeted consumers who were unable to qualify for credit at more traditional auto dealerships by offering in-house loans on used vehicles with inflated prices, high interest rates, and terms that presented a high risk of default. When the consumers were unable to make the required payments, the defendants allegedly reclaimed the vehicles and restarted the “sell, finance, and repossess” churning cycle. The AG claims that the defendants’ practices violated the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act, the Used Car Lemon Law, and the state’s motor vehicle advertising regulations. The complaint asks the court to permanently shut down the defendants’ operations and permanently enjoin the owner from owning, managing, and/or operating any business that advertises and/or sells motor vehicles in the state. The complaint also seeks restitution, civil penalties, and attorneys’ fees.
Colorado provides certain digital tokens licensing exemptions
On March 6, the Colorado Governor signed SB 19-23, which provides limited exemptions from the state’s securities registration and licensing requirements for persons dealing in certain types of digital tokens. The “Colorado Digital Token Act” (the Act) provides issuer exemptions for digital tokens sold for a “consumptive purpose”—the token is used in exchange for a good, service, or content—rather than a “speculative or investment purpose.” Specifically, the Act attempts to reduce regulatory uncertainty by providing a safe harbor from state securities laws for persons that meet the specified conditions. Subject to the filing of a referendum petition, the Act will take effect August 2.
Illinois AG sues tax preparers for charging illegal fees
On March 5, the Illinois Attorney General announced a lawsuit against a Georgia-based tax preparation business and its Chicago operators alleging the defendants collected more than $1 million in undisclosed fees from consumers from their anticipated income tax refunds for unnecessary tax-related financial products. According to the press release, the Illinois AG alleges that the defendants advertised services to consumers promising, for a $350 fee, tax refunds double their normal size and free cash advances on anticipated refunds. However, the AG alleges the defendants instead extract high, undisclosed, and unauthorized fees from consumers’ refunds without their knowledge. The complaint asks the court to grant a temporary restraining order to shut down the defendants’ operations.
Wyoming law classifies digital assets as personal property
On February 26, the Wyoming Governor signed SF 125, which classifies digital assets, including virtual currency, as personal property. Specifically, the bill divides digital assets into three categories of intangible personal property within the existing Wyoming Uniform Commercial Code: (i) digital consumer assets are considered “general intangibles”; (ii) digital securities are considered “intangible personal property” and classified as securities and investment property; and (iii) virtual currency is classified as money. Among other things, SF 125 also establishes an opt-in framework for banks to provide custodial services for digital assets as custodians (and authorizes supervision fees for banks that provide such services), and clarifies the jurisdiction of Wyoming courts to hear claims related to digital assets.