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Texas adopts numerous mortgage-related provisions
Recently, the Texas Finance Commission promulgated amendments to regulations governing residential mortgage licensees. Specifically, rules applicable to (i) licensed Mortgage Loan Companies under the Residential Mortgage Loan Company Licensing and Registration Act, Tex. Fin. Code Ann. § 156.001 et seq., and (ii) licensed Mortgage Bankers and Mortgage Loan Originators (MLOs) under the Mortgage Banker Registration and Residential Mortgage Loan Originator Act and the Texas Fair Enforcement for Mortgage License Act, Tex. Fin. Code Ann. § 157.001 et seq., included several substantive updates.
The amendments to rules governing Mortgage Loan Company licensees include:
- 7 TAC 80.300, which provides in part that a “primary contact person” instead of the qualifying individual will receive any notice of examination.
- 7 TAC 80.101, .102, .105-.107, which sets forth new sponsorship requirements for MLOs, clarifies renewal procedures, and implements a 10-day notice requirement for any material changes made to a licensee’s Form MU1.
- 7 TAC 80.203, .204, .206, which sets forth new requirements for advertising, records storage, office locations, branch offices, and administrative offices, including requirements for licensees engaging in remote work.
- 7 TAC 80.2, which updates references to definitions.
The amendments to rules governing Mortgage Banker and Mortgage Loan Originator licensees include:
- 7 TAC 81.300, which provides in part that a “primary contact person” instead of the qualifying individual will receive any notice of examination.
- 7 TAC 81.101-.111, which sets forth new sponsorship requirements for MLOs, clarifies renewal procedures, implements a 10-day notice requirement for any material changes made to a licensee’s Form MU4, details new background check procedures for MLOs, and provides new criteria for reviewing an MLO applicant’s criminal history.
- 7 TAC 81.203, .204, .206, which sets forth new requirements for advertising, records storage, office locations, branch offices, and administrative offices, including requirements for licensees engaging in remote work.
- 7 TAC 81.2, which updates references to definitions.
These amendments are effective on November 4, 2021. It is recommended Mortgage Company, Mortgage Banker, and MLO licensees in Texas review the amendments to these new rules.
Washington passes law allowing mortgage employees to work from home
On March 24, the Washington legislature passed SB 5077, allowing licensed mortgage loan originator activity to be conducted from the mortgage loan originator’s residence if, among other things, certain state and information security requirements are satisfied.
Washington Department of Financial Institutions once again extends “work from home” guidance
On January 29, the Washington Department of Financial Institutions issued interim regulatory guidance to licensed mortgage loan originators and companies that sponsor them relating to temporary remote work. The guidance extends earlier interim guidance (previously covered here, here, here, and here) permitting mortgage loan originators to work from home, provided certain data security obligations are met. The guidance extends through December 31, 2021.
Washington Department of Financial Institutions extends “work from home” guidance
On October 26, the Washington Department of Financial Institutions issued interim regulatory guidance to licensed mortgage loan originators and companies that sponsor them relating to temporary remote work. The guidance extends earlier interim guidance (previously covered here, here, and here) permitting mortgage loan originators to work from home, provided certain data security obligations are met. The guidance extends through March 31, 2021.
Hawaii regulator extends authorization for reduced office hours, temporary closures
On October 2, the Hawaii Division of Financial Institutions extended interim guidance allowing Hawaii-located financial institutions to reduce hours or close offices during Hawaii’s Covid-19 state of emergency (see here and here for previous coverage). Similar to previously issued guidance, financial institutions and escrow depositories are required to provide notice of closures or reductions in hours. While mortgage loan originators, mortgage servicers and money transmitters are not required to provide notice, the regulator requests a courtesy notification of any closure or reduction in hours. The guidance is extended “in accordance with the county emergency orders found on each county website.”
South Dakota extends work from home guidance
On September 1, South Dakota’s Division of Banking updated Memorandum 11-003 (previously covered here and here) to extend the time period in which licensed mortgage loan originators can work from home until December 31, 2021, so long as certain conditions relating to data and records security are met.
Kansas extends remote work guidance for certain licensees
On August 27, the Kansas Office of the State Bank Commissioner extended its remote work guidance, previously covered here and here, for mortgage companies, mortgage loan originators, supervised loan licensees, credit services organizations, money transmitters, and credit notification registrants. Licensed or registered individuals and entities are permitted to work from their residences or a company designated location, provided certain requirements are met, through December 31, 2020.
Freddie Mac updates Covid-19 FAQs
On July 29, Freddie Mac updated its Covid-19 frequently asked questions regarding mortgage origination, underwriting, and loan eligibility for sellers. The update addresses questions regarding, among other things, (i) obtaining 2019 tax returns; (ii) borrower creditworthiness; (iii) construction conversion and renovation mortgages; and (iv) appraisal reports. Previous InfoBytes coverage on FAQ updates is available here.
Fannie and Freddie issue Covid-19-related selling updates
On July 1, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac updated its Covid-19 frequently asked questions regarding the underwriting and loan eligibility for sellers. Fannie Mae’s FAQs (previously discussed here) were updated to address questions regarding documentation and calculations related to self-employed income and variable income, including where borrowers experienced gaps of employment due to Covid-19. Freddie Mac’s origination, underwriting, and eligibility FAQs were updated to address questions regarding, among other things, pre-closing verifications, fluctuating employment earnings, self-employed income, determining income eligibility with additional analysis and documentation, documentation requirements, and Covid-19 business assistance, including proceeds from Paycheck Protection Program loans.
Kansas extends remote work guidance for certain licensees
On June 11, the Kansas Office of the State Bank Commissioner extended its remote work guidance, previously covered here, for mortgage companies, mortgage loan originators, supervised loan licensees, credit services organizations, money transmitters, and credit notification registrants. Licensed or registered individuals and entities are permitted to work from their residences or a company designated location, provided certain requirements are met, through July 15, 2020.
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