10VAC5-190 Common Trust Funds

REGULATIONS

Vol. 28 Iss. 20 - June 04, 2012

TITLE 10. FINANCE AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

STATE CORPORATION COMMISSION

Chapter 190

Final Regulation

REGISTRAR'S NOTICE: The following amendments are exempt from the Virginia Administrative Process Act pursuant to § 2.2-4002 C of the Code of Virginia, which provides that minor changes to regulations published in the Virginia Administrative Code under the Virginia Register Act, Chapter 41 (§ 2.2-4100 et seq.) of Title 2.2 of the Code of Virginia, made by the Virginia Code Commission pursuant to § 30-150, shall be exempt from the provisions of the Virginia Administrative Process Act.

Titles of Regulations: 10VAC5-190. Common Trust Funds (amending 10VAC5-190-10).

10VAC5-200. Payday Lending (amending 10VAC5-200-10, 10VAC5-200-20, 10VAC5-200-30, 10VAC5-200-35, 10VAC5-200-40, 10VAC5-200-50, 10VAC5-200-70, 10VAC5-200-75, 10VAC5-200-110, 10VAC5-200-115, 10VAC5-200-120).

Statutory Authority: §§ 6.2-1815 and 12.1-13 of the Code of Virginia.

Effective Date: June 1, 2012.

Agency Contact: Todd Rose, Senior Counsel, General Counsel's Office, State Corporation Commission, P.O. Box 640, Richmond, VA 23218, telephone [phone], FAX [phone], or email [e-mail].

Summary:

Several chapters of Title 10 of the Virginia Administrative Code pertaining to Finance and Financial Institutions are updated to replace references to Title 6.1 of the Code of Virginia with references to Title 6.2 of the Code of Virginia to reflect the recodification of Title 6.1 of the Code of Virginia in the fall of 2010.

10VAC5-190-10. Definition of terms.

As used in this chapter:

"Common trust fund" shall have the meaning set forth in § 6.1-30.1 6.2-1009 of the Code of Virginia.

"Common trust fund" will be equivalent in meaning to the term "collective investment fund" used in the regulations of the Comptroller of the Currency (12 CFR 9.18) and will include the following types of fund: (i) a fund maintained by a bank exclusively for the collective investment and re-investment of moneys contributed thereto by the bank in its capacity as trustee, executor, administrator, guardian, or custodian under a uniform gifts-to-minors act, and (ii) a fund consisting solely of assets of retirement, pensions, profit-sharing, stock-bonus, or other such trusts.

Funds described in (i) above will be referred to herein as "fiduciary funds," and funds described in (ii) will be called "employee benefit trusts."

10VAC5-200-10. Definitions.

A. The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Act" means the Payday Loan Act (§ 6.1-444 et seq. of the Code of Virginia) Chapter 18 (§ 6.2-1800 et seq.) of Title 6.2 of the Code of Virginia.

"Bureau" means the Bureau of Financial Institutions.

"Business day" for purposes of clause 1 (vi) of § 6.1-459 6.2-1816 of the Code of Virginia and this chapter means a day on which the licensee's office is open for business as posted as required by subsection A of 10VAC5-200-70.

"Commission" means the State Corporation Commission.

"Duplicate original" for purposes of subdivision 2 of § 6.1-459 6.2-1816 of the Code of Virginia and this chapter means an exact copy of a signed original, an exact copy with signatures created by the same impression as the original, or an exact copy bearing an original signature.

"Good funds instrument" for purposes of clause 1(vi) of § 6.1-459 6.2-1816 of the Code of Virginia and this chapter means a certified check, cashier's check, money order or, if the licensee is equipped to handle such payments, payment effected by use of a credit card.

"Liquid assets" for purposes of the Act and this chapter means cash on hand and in depository institutions, money market funds, commercial paper, and treasury bills.

"Member of the military services of the United States" for purposes of the Act and this chapter means a regular or reserve member of the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, or National Guard serving on active duty under a call or order that does not specify a period of 30 days or fewer.

"Other dependent of a member of the military services of the United States" for purposes of the Act and this chapter means (i) an individual under the age of 18 whose mother or father is a member of the military services of the United States or (ii) an individual for whom a member of the military services of the United States provided more than one-half of the individual's financial support for 180 days immediately preceding the date the individual applied for a payday loan.

"Small," as used in the definition of "payday loan" in § 6.1-444 6.2-1800 of the Code of Virginia, means $2,500 or less.

B. Other terms used in this chapter shall have the meaning set forth in § 6.1-444 of the Act 6.2-1800.

10VAC5-200-20. Requirements for licensees; operating rules; acquisitions.

A. A licensee shall maintain unencumbered liquid assets per place of business in Virginia of at least $25,000 at all times. The bureau may require submission of proof of maintenance of such liquid assets at any time.

B. Any person submitting an application to acquire, directly or indirectly, 25% or more of the voting shares of a corporation or 25% or more of the ownership of any other person licensed to conduct business under the Act shall pay a nonrefundable application fee of $500.

C. Each original license shall be prominently posted in each place of business of the licensee. In order for a licensee to receive a replacement or reissued license, a licensee shall pay a fee of $50 per place of business to the commission. Licenses will only be replaced or reissued if the licensee is in compliance with all laws and regulations applicable to the conduct of the licensee's business.

D. If a person has filed a bond with the bureau, as required by § 6.1-448 6.2-1804 of the Code of Virginia, such bond shall be retained by the bureau notwithstanding the occurrence of any of the following events:

1. The person's license is surrendered, suspended, or revoked; or

2. The person ceases engaging in business as a payday lender.

E. Upon becoming licensed, a licensee shall give written notice to the bureau of its commencement of business within 10 days thereafter.

F. For purposes of clause 1 (v) of § 6.1-459 6.2-1816 of the Code of Virginia, the number of days in a borrower's pay cycle and the corresponding minimum loan term shall be determined by a licensee in accordance with the following:

1. If a borrower is paid on a weekly or more frequent basis, there are seven days in the borrower's pay cycle and the minimum loan term shall be 14 days.

2. If a borrower is paid on a biweekly basis, there are 14 days in the borrower's pay cycle and the minimum loan term shall be 28 days.

3. If a borrower is paid on a semimonthly basis, there are 15 days in the borrower's pay cycle and the minimum loan term shall be 31 days.

4. If a borrower is paid on a monthly basis, there are 30 days in the borrower's pay cycle and the minimum loan term shall be 62 days.

5. If a borrower is paid either (i) less frequently than monthly, or (ii) on an irregular basis (but less frequently than weekly), there are 30 days in the borrower's pay cycle and minimum loan term shall be 62 days.

G. A licensee shall retain supporting documentation for a borrower's pay cycle in each loan file, which may consist of (i) a copy of a borrower's pay stub or similar periodic earnings statement that clearly reflects the borrower's pay cycle, or (ii) a representation by the borrower in the written loan application.

H. A licensee shall not electronically debit a borrower's deposit account or otherwise obtain any funds from a borrower by electronic means, including the use of the Automated Clearing House network, electronic funds transfers, electronic check conversions, or re-presented check entries.

I. With the exception of the check given by a borrower to a licensee as security for a payday loan, a licensee shall not collect or receive from a borrower any interest or fees permitted by § 6.1-460 6.2-1817 of the Code of Virginia, either in whole or in part, prior to the date of loan maturity unless the borrower is voluntarily making a full or partial prepayment pursuant to 10VAC5-200-40. If a borrower enters into an extended payment plan or extended term loan, a licensee shall not collect or receive any interest or fees, either in whole or in part, prior to the due date of a scheduled installment unless the borrower is voluntarily making a payment in advance.

J. The amount of the check given by a borrower to a licensee as security for a payday loan shall not exceed the sum of the principal amount advanced to the borrower and the interest and fees permitted by § 6.1-460 6.2-1817 of the Code of Virginia. If a borrower enters into an extended payment plan at the time a loan is obtained, the amount of the check shall not include any interest.

K. Upon satisfaction of a loan or upon learning that a loan has been satisfied, a licensee shall attach to each loan agreement either (i) a copy of the signed and dated receipt for the payment that satisfied the loan or (ii) if a judgment was obtained and satisfied, a copy of the judgment marked satisfied.

L. Except as otherwise provided in subdivision B 2 of 10VAC5-200-33 or subdivision D 1 of 10VAC5-200-35, the check used to secure a payday loan shall be dated as of the date the loan is due. A licensee shall not deposit or otherwise present for payment a check given as security for a loan, including an extended term loan or a loan that a borrower elected to repay by means of an extended payment plan, prior to the date stated on the face of the check. A licensee shall not require or accept multiple checks or any additional or alternative security in connection with a payday loan.

M. If a borrower (i) cancels a loan in accordance with subsection G of 10VAC5-200-40, or (ii) repays a loan in full with cash or good funds instrument and not with the check securing the loan, the licensee shall immediately return the check given as security for the loan to the borrower.

10VAC5-200-30. Notice and payday lending pamphlet.

A. Before entering into a payday loan transaction, a licensee shall provide each prospective borrower with a pamphlet which explains the borrower's rights and responsibilities. This pamphlet shall use the exact language appearing in the "Payday Lending Pamphlet" set forth in 10VAC5-200-80. The form shall be printed or typed without alteration separate from all other papers or documents obtained by the licensee in type of size not less than that known as 12 point. The title of the pamphlet ("Payday Lending in the Commonwealth of Virginia-Borrower Rights and Responsibilities") and the headings for the individual sections of the pamphlet (e.g., "In General," "Notice from Lender," "Limitations on Security Interest," etc.) shall be in bold-face print or type.

B. Prior to furnishing a prospective borrower with a loan application or receiving any information relating to loan qualification, a licensee shall provide each prospective borrower with a printed notice which states the following: "WARNING: A payday loan is not intended to meet long-term financial needs. It is recommended that you use a payday loan only to meet occasional or unusual short-term cash needs."

1. The notice and acknowledgement shall be printed or typed on 8-1/2 x 11 paper without alteration, be separate from all other papers or documents obtained by the licensee, and be in type not less than that known as 24 point. The notice must also contain an acknowledgement stating the following: "I acknowledge that I have received a copy of this notice and the pamphlet entitled "Payday Lending in the Commonwealth of Virginia-Borrower Rights and Responsibilities."

2. The notice must be signed and dated by each prospective borrower. A duplicate original of the acknowledged notice shall be kept in the separate loan file maintained with respect to the loan for the period specified in § 6.1-453 6.2-1809 of the Code of Virginia.

10VAC5-200-35. Five payday loans within 180 days.

A. A borrower obtaining a fifth payday loan within any rolling 180-day period may elect, at the option of the borrower, (i) to repay the loan through an extended payment plan, unless the borrower previously elected an extended payment plan within the preceding 12 months, or (ii) to obtain the loan in the form of an extended term loan.

B. If a borrower does not obtain an extended payment plan or extended term loan in connection with his fifth payday loan in 180 days, the borrower shall not be eligible for another payday loan until 45 days after the date the fifth payday loan is paid or otherwise satisfied in full.

C. If a borrower previously obtained an extended payment plan within the preceding 12-month period, the borrower shall not be eligible to repay a fifth payday loan obtained in any rolling 180-day period by means of an extended payment plan. However, if an eligible borrower elects to repay a fifth payday loan obtained in any rolling 180-day period by means of an extended payment plan, the provisions of 10VAC5-200-33 shall apply. A borrower who elects to repay such loan by means of an extended payment plan shall not be eligible for another payday loan until 90 days after the borrower has repaid or satisfied in full the balance of the loan.

D. The following provisions shall apply to extended term loans.

1. An extended term loan is a payday loan, as this term is defined in § 6.1-444 6.2-1800 of the Code of Virginia. As with other payday loans, an extended term loan shall be secured by a check that does not exceed the sum of the principal amount advanced to the borrower and the interest and fees permitted by § 6.1-460 6.2-1817 of the Code of Virginia. The check used to secure an extended term loan shall be dated as of the date the final installment is due. A licensee shall not require or accept multiple checks or any additional or alternative security in connection with an extended term loan. A borrower shall have the option of exchanging security checks with a licensee at the time the borrower makes a payment on an extended term loan. If a borrower wishes to exchange security checks, a licensee shall upon receipt of the payment return the check held as security to the borrower and the borrower shall deliver to the licensee a replacement security check, dated as of the date the final installment is due, for the remaining amount owed to the licensee.

2. If an eligible borrower elects an extended term loan, a licensee shall permit the borrower to repay the amount owed in four equal installments over a term of 60 days. The dollar amount of each installment shall be the same and the installment due dates shall be spread out evenly over the term of the extended term loan (i.e., an installment shall be due every 15 days).

3. The terms of an extended term loan shall be set forth in a written agreement signed and dated by the borrower. An eligible borrower may elect the extended term loan option only on the date a payday loan is made.

4. A borrower who obtains an extended term loan shall not be eligible for another payday loan during the longer of 90 days following the date the extended term loan is paid or otherwise satisfied in full, or 150 days following the date the extended term loan is obtained. Subject to one of the applicable waiting periods associated with a fifth loan in any rolling 180-day period, a borrower may be eligible for consecutive extended term loans or multiple extended term loans in any rolling 12-month period.

5. A licensee shall immediately give a borrower receipts, signed and dated by the licensee, for all payments made in connection with an extended term loan. The receipts shall also state the loan balance due after each payment.

6. A licensee shall retain the written and signed extended term loan agreement and provide the borrower with a duplicate original. A licensee shall also retain copies of receipts provided in accordance with subdivision 5 of this subsection. Upon full repayment or satisfaction of an extended term loan, a licensee shall mark the original extended term loan agreement with the word "paid" or "canceled," return it to the borrower, and retain a copy in its loan records.

E. A licensee shall provide notice to borrowers of the potential availability of the extended term loan option in accordance with the provisions of this subsection.

1. A licensee shall conspicuously post in each licensed location a written notice in at least 24-point bold type informing borrowers that they may be eligible to obtain an extended term loan. The minimum size for such written notice shall be 24 inches by 18 inches.

2. The title of the written notice, which shall appear in at least 48-point bold type, shall be "NOTICE – EXTENDED TERM LOANS AVAILABLE TO BORROWERS OBTAINING A FIFTH PAYDAY LOAN WITHIN 180 DAYS."

3. The required text of the written notice shall be as follows:

The Payday Loan Act gives borrowers obtaining their fifth payday loan within 180 days the option to receive it in the form of an extended term loan. An extended term loan is a payday loan under which you are permitted to repay the amount you owe in four equal installments spread out evenly over a term of 60 days. You may obtain an extended term loan even if you previously obtained another extended term loan or an extended payment plan. If you want an extended term loan, you must choose this option on the date you obtain the payday loan. When you make a payment on an extended term loan, you will have the option of providing a replacement security check for the remaining amount you owe. Please be advised that if you obtain an extended term loan, you will not be permitted to get another payday loan from any lender for a period of 90 days after you fully repay or satisfy the extended term loan or 150 days after you obtain the extended term loan (whichever is longer). However, even if you do not choose an installment payment arrangement, you will still be unable to obtain another payday loan from any lender for a period of 45 days after you fully repay or satisfy your fifth payday loan.

4. If the payday lending database referred to in 10VAC5-200-110 advises a licensee that an applicant is eligible for an extended term loan, the licensee shall immediately provide oral notice to the applicant that (i) the applicant is eligible to obtain an extended term loan; (ii) information about extended term loans may be found on the poster in the licensee's office or in the "Borrower Rights and Responsibilities" pamphlet; and (iii) the licensee is available to answer any questions that the applicant may have about extended term loans. When providing this notice, the licensee shall also direct the applicant to the specific locations of both the poster referred to in subdivision 1 of this subsection and the section of the pamphlet entitled "Five Payday Loans within 180 days." In addition, if the payday lending database advises a licensee that an applicant is eligible for an extended payment plan, the licensee shall also comply with subdivision C 4 of 10VAC5-200-33.

F. Payday loans made prior to January 1, 2009, shall not be considered for purposes of determining how many loans a borrower obtained in any rolling 180-day period.

10VAC5-200-40. Borrower prepayment; right to cancel.

A. In order to prepay a payday loan in full, a borrower shall only be required to pay the principal amount advanced as well as any accrued and unpaid fees. A borrower shall be permitted to make partial payments, in increments of not less than $5.00, on the loan at any time without charge. The licensee shall give the borrower signed, dated receipts for each payment made, which shall state the balance due on the loan.

B. For purposes of the Act and this chapter, the interest and loan fee permitted by subsections A and B of § 6.1-460 6.2-1817 of the Code of Virginia shall be deemed accrued on a straight line basis over the term of a payday loan. A licensee shall calculate interest charges using either a 360-day year or a 365-day year. The verification fee permitted by subsection C of § 6.1-460 6.2-1817 of the Code of Virginia shall be deemed accrued in full at the time a payday loan is made.

C. 1. A borrower choosing to prepay his payday loan in full shall only be responsible for the verification fee and the pro-rata portion of the total interest and loan fee based upon the number of days that have elapsed between the loan disbursement date and the date of repayment. (For example, if a $400 loan with a simple annual interest rate of 36%, a 20% loan fee, a $5.00 verification fee, a term of 28 days, and a 360-day year is prepaid in full after seven days, the borrower shall only be required to pay in cash or good funds instrument $427.80 ($400 + $2.80 interest + $20 loan fee + $5.00 verification fee) to the licensee.)

2. A borrower choosing to make partial payments on a payday loan shall only be responsible for the verification fee and the pro-rata portion of the total interest and loan fee based upon the timing and amount of such partial payments. (For example, given a $500 loan with a simple annual interest rate of 36%, a 20% loan fee, a $5.00 verification fee, a term of 31 days, and a 360-day year, a borrower making a partial payment of $200 after 15 days shall only be required to pay a total of $603.91 to the licensee ($500 principal + $103.91 interest and fees). In this example, $60.89 of the borrower's $200 partial payment would be applied toward interest ($7.50) and fees ($48.39 loan fee + $5.00 verification fee) and the remaining $139.11 would be applied toward principal, thereby resulting in an outstanding balance of $360.89 until maturity. Based on this outstanding balance, the charges for the remainder of the term are $5.77 (interest on $360.89 for 16 days) + $37.25 (loan fee on $360.89 pro-rated for 16 days).)

D. If a borrower enters into an extended payment plan and subsequently elects to prepay it in full, the borrower shall only be responsible for the verification fee, any interest that accrued prior to the borrower entering into the extended payment plan, and the pro-rata portion of the total loan fee based upon the number of days that have elapsed between the loan disbursement date and the date the loan would have been due if the borrower had not entered into the extended payment plan. The total payoff amount shall be reduced by the amount of any installment payments made by the borrower prior to prepaying the extended payment plan in full.

1. Example: Assume that a borrower who is paid on a semimonthly basis (minimum term of 31 days) obtains a $500 loan on April 1 with an extended payment plan, an extended payment plan term of 60 days, no interest (interest does not accrue during the term of an extended payment plan), a 20% loan fee, a $5.00 verification fee, and installment payments of $151.25 due on April 16, May 1, May 16, and May 31. Since the borrower is paid on a semimonthly basis, the loan fee shall accrue over a period of 31 days. If the borrower prepays the extended payment plan in full on April 21, the borrower shall only be required to pay in cash or good funds instrument the principal ($500), a pro-rata portion of the loan fee ($64.52), and the verification fee ($5.00) for a total of $569.52 to the licensee. If the borrower made an installment payment of $151.25 on April 16, the payoff amount on April 21 would be $418.27 ($569.52 - $151.25).

2. Example: Assume that a borrower who is paid on a semimonthly basis obtains a $500 loan on April 1 with a simple annual interest rate of 36%, a 20% loan fee, a $5.00 verification fee, a term of 31 days, and a 360-day year. Next assume that the borrower elects an extended payment plan on April 23 with a term of 60 days and installment payments of $154 due on May 8, May 23, June 7, and June 22. If the borrower prepays the extended payment plan in full on June 2, the borrower shall only be required to pay in cash or good funds instrument the principal ($500), the interest that accrued prior to the borrower electing an extended payment plan ($11), the entire loan fee ($100), and the verification fee ($5.00) for a total of $616 to the licensee. If the borrower made installment payments of $154 on both May 8 and May 23, the payoff amount on June 2 would be $308 ($616 - $154 - $154).

E. If a borrower enters into an extended term loan and subsequently elects to prepay it in full, the borrower shall only be responsible for the verification fee and the pro-rata portion of the total interest and loan fee based upon the number of days that have elapsed between the loan disbursement date and the loan maturity date (i.e., the date the fourth installment is due). The total payoff amount shall be reduced by the amount of any installment payments made by the borrower prior to prepaying the extended term loan in full.

Example: Assume that a borrower obtains a $500 extended term loan on April 1 with a simple annual interest rate of 36%, a 20% loan fee, a $5.00 verification fee, a 360-day year, a 60-day term, and installment payments of $158.75 due on April 16, May 1, May 16, and May 31. If the borrower prepays the extended term loan in full on May 20, the borrower shall only be required to pay in cash or good funds instrument the principal ($500), the interest that accrued for 49 days ($24.50), a pro-rata portion of the loan fee ($81.67), and the verification fee ($5.00) for a total of $611.17 to the licensee. If the borrower made installment payments of $158.75 on April 16, May 1, and May 16, the payoff amount on May 20 would be $134.92 ($611.17 - $158.75 - $158.75 - $158.75).

F. Unless it results in the prepayment in full of an extended payment plan or extended term loan pursuant to subsection D or E of this section, a partial payment, excess payment, installment payment, or other payment received by a licensee in advance of the date the funds are due under the terms of the extended payment plan or extended term loan shall not result in a modification of the payment schedule or a pro-rata adjustment of the total interest, if any, or loan fee. Payments made by a borrower pursuant to an extended payment plan or extended term loan shall be first applied to any past due installment and then to the next regularly scheduled installment.

G. Notwithstanding any provision of this section, a borrower shall have the right to cancel a payday loan (including an extended term loan or a loan repayable by means of an extended payment plan) at any time before the close of business on the next business day following the date of the loan by paying to the licensee, in the form of cash or good funds instrument, the principal amount advanced to the borrower. The licensee shall not be entitled to charge or receive any interest or fees, including a verification fee, when a borrower cancels a payday loan.

10VAC5-200-50. Responding to requests from the Bureau of Financial Institutions.

A. When the bureau requests a written response, books, records, documentation, or other information from a licensee in connection with the bureau's investigation, enforcement, or examination of compliance with applicable laws, the licensee shall deliver a written response as well as any requested books, records, documentation, or information within the time period specified in the bureau's request. If no time period is specified, a written response as well as any requested books, records, documentation, or information shall be delivered by the licensee to the bureau not later than 30 days from the date of such request. In determining the specified time period for responding to the bureau and when considering a request for an extension of time to respond, the bureau shall take into consideration the volume and complexity of the requested written response, books, records, documentation, or information, and such other factors as the bureau determines to be relevant under the circumstances.

B. Requests made by the bureau pursuant to subsection A are deemed to be in furtherance of the bureau's investigation and examination authority provided for in § 6.1-456 6.2-1813 of the Code of Virginia. Failure to comply with subsection A may result in fines, license suspension, or license revocation.

10VAC5-200-70. Additional business requirements and restrictions.

A. A licensee shall conspicuously post in its licensed locations the days and hours during which it is open for business.

B. A licensee shall not deposit or otherwise present for payment more than two times any check given by a borrower as security for a loan, and in no event shall a licensee recover from a borrower more than a total of $25 attributable to returned check fees incurred by the licensee with respect to a single check.

C. A licensee shall not knowingly make a payday loan to a member of the military services of the United States, or the spouse or other dependent of a member of the military services of the United States. To enable a licensee to make this determination, a licensee shall clearly and conspicuously include the following questions in its written loan application, which the licensee shall require each applicant to answer before obtaining a payday loan. A licensee shall not make a payday loan to an applicant unless the applicant answers "no" to all of these questions:

1. Are you a regular or reserve member of the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, or National Guard serving on active duty under a call or order that does not specify a period of 30 days or fewer?

2. Are you married to a regular or reserve member of the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, or National Guard serving on active duty under a call or order that does not specify a period of 30 days or fewer?

3. Are you under the age of 18 and the son or daughter of a regular or reserve member of the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, or National Guard serving on active duty under a call or order that does not specify a period of 30 days or fewer?

4. Was more than one-half of your financial support for the past 180 days provided by a regular or reserve member of the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, or National Guard serving on active duty under a call or order that does not specify a period of 30 days or fewer?

D. A licensee shall maintain in its licensed offices such books, accounts, and records as the Commissioner of Financial Institutions may reasonably require in order to determine whether such licensee is complying with the provisions of the Act and all rules and regulations adopted in furtherance thereof. Such books, accounts, and records shall be maintained apart and separate from those relating to any other business in which the licensee is involved. Such records relating to loans, including loan applications, shall be retained for at least three years after final payment is made on any loan.

E. A licensee shall report, in accordance with § 6.1-455 6.2-1812 of the Code of Virginia, the institution of an action against the licensee under the Virginia Consumer Protection Act (§ 59.1-196 et seq. of the Code of Virginia) by the Attorney General or any other governmental authority.

F. A licensee shall endeavor to provide the loan documents, printed notice, and pamphlet required by 10VAC5-200-30, in a language other than English when a prospective borrower is unable to read the materials printed in English.

G. A licensee shall not file or initiate a legal proceeding against a borrower until 60 days after the date of default on a payday loan, including defaults under extended payment plans or extended term loans, during which time the licensee and borrower may voluntarily enter into a repayment arrangement.

H. Nothing in the Act or this chapter shall be construed to prohibit a licensee from voluntarily accepting a payment on an outstanding loan from a borrower after the date that such payment was due to the licensee. However, except as otherwise permitted by the Act and this chapter, the licensee shall not collect, receive, or otherwise recover any additional interest, fees, or charges from the borrower.

10VAC5-200-75. Annual reporting requirements.

When making the annual report required by § 6.1-454 6.2-1811 of the Code of Virginia, in addition to other information required by the commissioner, licensees shall provide the following data:

1. The total number and dollar amount of payday loans made.

2. The total number of individual borrowers to whom loans were made.

3. The minimum, maximum, and average dollar amount of payday loans made.

4. The average annual percentage rate, and range of annual percentage rates, charged on payday loans made.

5. The average number of days, and the range of number of days, of the term of payday loans made.

6. The total number and dollar amount of borrower checks returned unpaid by the drawee depository institution.

7. The total number and dollar amount of returned checks ultimately paid.

8. The total number and dollar amount of returned checks charged off as uncollectible.

9. The total number and dollar amount of returned check fees collected from borrowers whose checks are returned for insufficient funds.

10. The total number of individual borrowers against whom lawsuits were instituted.

11. The number of individual borrowers who received more than one loan but less than 13 loans, and the number of individual borrowers who received 13 loans or more.

10VAC5-200-110. Payday lending database.

A. This section sets forth the rules applicable to the payday lending database referred to in § 6.1-453.1 6.2-1810 of the Code of Virginia.

B. Except as otherwise provided in this section, a licensee shall transmit all information to the database via the Internet. In order to maintain the confidentiality and security of the information, a licensee shall not transmit information to the database using publicly accessible computers, computers that are not under the licensee's control, unsecured wireless (Wi-Fi) connections, or other connections that are not secure. A licensee shall maintain generally accepted security safeguards to protect the confidentiality of the information transmitted to the database, including but not limited to installing and regularly updating malware protection (antivirus and antispyware) software and a firewall.

C. Prior to making a payday loan, a licensee shall transmit the following information to the database for purposes of determining whether an applicant is eligible for a payday loan. The licensee shall obtain the applicant information required by this subsection in accordance with the provisions of subsection D of this section.

1. Name of licensee and license number.

2. Office location of licensee.

3. First and last name or identification number of employee entering information into the database.

4. Applicant's first and last name.

5. Last four digits of applicant's driver's license number or identification card number.

6. Applicant's address.

7. Applicant's date of birth.

D. 1. A licensee shall obtain the information required by subdivisions C 4, 5, 6, and 7 of this section directly from the applicant's unexpired original driver's license or identification card issued by a state driver's licensing authority (e.g., Department of Motor Vehicles for the Commonwealth of Virginia), regardless of whether the information on the driver's license or identification card is still accurate. A licensee shall not accept photocopies, facsimiles, or other reproductions of a driver's license or identification card.

2. A licensee shall photocopy the applicant's driver's license or identification card, partially redact the driver's license number or identification card number so that only the last four digits of the number remain visible, and retain the redacted photocopy in its records.

3. A licensee shall not accept a driver's license or identification card from an applicant when there is reason to believe that (i) it belongs to an individual other than the applicant or (ii) it is fake, counterfeit, or has been altered, fraudulently obtained, forged, or is otherwise nongenuine or illegitimate.

E. If the database advises a licensee that an applicant is ineligible for a payday loan, then the licensee shall inform the applicant of his ineligibility, instruct the applicant to contact the database provider for information about the specific reason for his ineligibility, and provide the applicant with the toll-free telephone number of the database provider.

F. If the database advises a licensee that an applicant is eligible for a payday loan, then the licensee shall transmit the following additional information to the database prior to making a payday loan:

1. Application date.

2. Loan number.

3. Date of loan.

4. Principal amount of loan.

5. Interest rate.

6. Dollar amount of interest to be charged until date of loan maturity.

7. Dollar amount of loan fee to be charged.

8. Dollar amount of verification fee to be charged.

9. Dollar amount of total finance charges.

10. Annual Percentage Rate (APR) of loan.

11. Number of days in applicant's pay cycle.

12. Number of days in loan term.

13. Date loan is due.

14. Dollar amount of check given by applicant to secure the loan (i.e., at the time the loan is made).

G. If the database advises a licensee that an applicant is eligible for an extended payment plan or extended term loan and the applicant subsequently elects an extended payment plan or extended term loan, then the licensee shall transmit the following additional applicable information to the database no later than the time the licensee closes for business on the date the applicant enters into the extended payment plan or extended term loan:

1. Date the extended payment plan or extended term loan is entered into.

2. Principal amount owed under the extended payment plan or extended term loan.

3. Number of installment payments and the amount of each payment to be made under the extended payment plan or extended term loan.

4. Date each installment payment is due under the extended payment plan or extended term loan.

5. Number of days in term of extended payment plan or extended term loan.

H. For purposes of this section, a licensee closes for business when it officially shuts its doors to the general public on a business day, or within one hour thereafter.

I. A licensee shall generate a separate printout from the database showing the results of each loan eligibility query, including whether an applicant is eligible for an extended payment plan or extended term loan, and retain the printout in its loan records.

J. Except as otherwise provided in subdivisions 3, 7, and 8 of this subsection, a licensee shall transmit the following additional information, as applicable, to the database no later than the time the licensee closes for business on the date of the event:

1. If a borrower cancels a payday loan, the date of the cancellation.

2. If a payday loan (including an extended term loan or a loan that a borrower elected to repay by means of an extended payment plan) is repaid or otherwise satisfied in full, (i) the date of repayment or satisfaction, and (ii) the total net dollar amount ultimately paid by the borrower in connection with the loan (i.e., principal amount of loan plus all fees and charges received or collected pursuant to §§ 6.1-460 6.2-1817 and 6.1-461 6.2-1818 of the Code of Virginia, less any amount refunded to the borrower as a result of overpayment).

3. If a check used to repay a loan in full is returned unpaid, the date the check is returned unpaid and the dollar amount of the check. A licensee shall transmit such information to the database no later than five calendar days after the date the check is returned unpaid.

4. If a licensee collects a returned check fee from a borrower, the dollar amount of the returned check fee.

5. If a licensee initiates a legal proceeding against a borrower for nonpayment of a payday loan, the date the proceeding is initiated and the total dollar amount sought to be recovered.

6. If a licensee obtains a judgment against a borrower, the date and total dollar amount of the judgment.

7. If a judgment obtained by a licensee against a borrower is satisfied, the date of satisfaction. A licensee shall transmit such information to the database on the date the licensee learns that the judgment has been satisfied.

8. If a licensee collects any court costs or attorney's fees from a borrower, the dollar amount of the court costs or attorney's fees. A licensee shall transmit such information to the database on the date the licensee learns that the court costs or attorney's fees have been paid.

9. If a licensee charges off a payday loan as uncollectible, the date the loan is charged off and the total dollar amount charged off.

K. 1. If any information required to be transmitted by a licensee to the database is automatically populated or calculated by the database provider, the licensee shall verify the information and immediately correct any inaccuracies or other errors.

2. If a licensee becomes aware of any changes, inaccuracies, or other errors in the information previously verified or transmitted by the licensee to the database, the licensee shall immediately update or correct the database.

L. The following provisions address a licensee's inability to access the database via the Internet at the time of loan application:

1. If at the time a licensee receives a loan application the licensee is unable to access the database via the Internet due to technical problems beyond the licensee's control, then the licensee shall to the extent possible use the database provider's alternative means of database access, such as a telephone interactive voice response system, for purposes of transmitting the information required by this section and obtaining applicant eligibility information from the database.

2. If a licensee makes a payday loan based on applicant eligibility information obtained from the database provider's alternative means of database access, then the licensee shall transmit to the database any remaining information required by this section no later than the time the licensee closes for business on the date that the database becomes accessible to the licensee via the Internet.

3. If at the time a licensee receives a loan application the licensee is unable to access the database via the Internet due to technical problems beyond the licensee's control and the database provider's alternative means of database access is unavailable or otherwise unable to provide the licensee with applicant eligibility information (including eligibility for an extended payment plan or extended term loan), then the licensee may make a payday loan to an applicant if the applicant signs and dates a separate document containing all of the representations and responses to the questions set forth below and the prospective loan otherwise complies with the provisions of the Act and this chapter. The document shall be printed in a type size of not less than 14 point and contain a statement that the representations and questions relate to loans obtained from either the licensee or another payday lender. The licensee shall retain the original document in its loan file and provide the applicant with a duplicate original.

a. The representations to be made by an applicant are as follows:

(1) I do not currently have any outstanding payday loans.

(2) I did not repay or otherwise satisfy in full a payday loan today.

(3) In the past 90 days I did not repay or otherwise satisfy in full a payday loan by means of an extended payment plan.

(4) In the past 45 days I did not repay or otherwise satisfy in full a fifth payday loan that was obtained within a period of 180 days.

(5) In the past 90 days I did not repay or otherwise satisfy in full an extended term loan.

(6) I did not obtain an extended term loan within the past 150 days.

(7) I am not a regular or reserve member of the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, or National Guard serving on active duty under a call or order that does not specify a period of 30 days or fewer.

(8) I am not married to a regular or reserve member of the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, or National Guard serving on active duty under a call or order that does not specify a period of 30 days or fewer.

(9) I am not under the age of 18 and the son or daughter of a regular or reserve member of the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, or National Guard serving on active duty under a call or order that does not specify a period of 30 days or fewer.

(10) One-half or less (including none) of my financial support for the past 180 days was provided by a regular or reserve member of the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, or National Guard serving on active duty under a call or order that does not specify a period of 30 days or fewer.

b. The questions to be presented to an applicant are as follows:

(1) In the past 12 months, have you obtained an extended payment plan in order to repay a payday loan? If the applicant's response is "no" and the applicant is eligible for a payday loan, then the licensee shall immediately provide the applicant with the oral notice prescribed in subdivision C 4 of 10VAC5-200-33.

(2) Have you obtained four or more payday loans within the past 180 days? If the applicant's response is "yes" and the applicant is eligible for a payday loan, then the licensee shall immediately provide the applicant with the oral notice prescribed in subdivision E 4 of 10VAC5-200-35.

c. If a licensee makes a payday loan pursuant to subdivision L 3 of this section, then the licensee shall transmit to the database the information required by this section no later than the time the licensee closes for business on the date that the database becomes accessible to the licensee, via either the Internet or the database provider's alternative means of database access.

4. If at the time a licensee receives a loan application the licensee is unable to access the database via the Internet due to technical problems beyond the licensee's control, then the licensee shall document in its records the technical problems it experienced and the date and time that it sought to access the database.

M. The following provisions address a licensee's inability to access the database via the Internet subsequent to making a loan:

1. If a licensee is required to transmit to the database information regarding a loan that has already been made, but the licensee is unable to access the database via the Internet due to technical problems beyond the licensee's control, then the licensee shall to the extent possible use the database provider's alternative means of database access, such as a telephone interactive voice response system, for purposes of transmitting the information required by this section to the database. If the database provider's alternative means of database access is unavailable or otherwise unable to accept the information, then the licensee shall transmit to the database the information required by this section no later than the time the licensee closes for business on the date that the database becomes accessible to the licensee, via either the Internet or the database provider's alternative means of database access.

2. If a licensee is required to transmit to the database information regarding a loan that has already been made, but the licensee is unable to access the database via the Internet due to technical problems beyond the licensee's control, then the licensee shall document in its records the technical problems it experienced and the date and time that it sought to transmit the information to the database.

N. By the close of business on each business day, a licensee shall transmit to the database the total daily number (even if 0) of individuals who were unable to obtain payday loans from the licensee because they are members of the military services of the United States or the spouses or other dependents of members of the military services of the United States. If the licensee is unable to access the database due to technical problems beyond the licensee's control, then the licensee shall transmit to the database the information required by this subsection no later than the time the licensee closes for business on the next business day that the licensee is able to access the database. The licensee shall also document in its records the technical problems it experienced and the date and time that it sought to transmit the information to the database.

O. A licensee shall have limited access to the information contained in the database. The database shall only provide a licensee with the following information: (i) whether an applicant is eligible for a new payday loan; (ii) if an applicant is ineligible for a new payday loan, the general reason for the ineligibility (e.g., the database may state that the applicant has an outstanding payday loan but it shall not furnish any details regarding the outstanding loan); and (iii) if an applicant is eligible for a new payday loan, whether the applicant is also eligible for an extended payment plan or extended term loan. The database shall also permit a licensee to access information that the licensee is required to transmit to the database provided that such access is for the sole purpose of verifying, updating, or correcting the information. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, a licensee shall be prohibited from accessing or otherwise obtaining any information contained in or derived from the database.

P. If the Commissioner of Financial Institutions determines that a licensee has ceased business but still has one or more outstanding payday loans that cannot be repaid due to the licensee's closure, the Commissioner of Financial Institutions may authorize the database provider to mark the outstanding loans as satisfied in the database in order to enable the affected borrowers to obtain payday loans in the future.

Q. 1. Except as provided in subsection F of 10VAC5-200-35, payday loans made on or after October 1, 2008, and prior to January 1, 2009, that remain outstanding on January 1, 2009, shall be considered for purposes of determining a borrower's eligibility for a payday loan. Accordingly, on or before January 1, 2009, a licensee shall transmit the following information to the database in connection with every payday loan made on or after October 1, 2008, that will or may be outstanding as of January 1, 2009:

a. Name of licensee and license number.

b. Office location of licensee.

c. First and last name or identification number of employee entering information into the database.

d. Borrower's first and last name.

e. Last four digits of borrower's driver's license number or identification card number.

f. Borrower's address.

g. Borrower's date of birth.

h. Date loan funds were disbursed.

i. Date loan is due.

2. A licensee shall obtain and retain the borrower information required by this subsection in accordance with the provisions of subsection D of this section.

3. For every payday loan made on or after October 1, 2008, that remains outstanding as of January 1, 2009, a licensee shall transmit to the database all applicable information required by subsection J of this section within the time prescribed therein or January 1, 2009, whichever is later.

10VAC5-200-115. Database inquiry fee.

Pursuant to subdivision B 4 of § 6.1-453.1 6.2-1810 of the Code of Virginia, a licensed payday lender shall pay a database inquiry fee to the database provider in connection with every payday loan consummated by the licensee. The amount of the database inquiry fee shall not exceed $5.00 per loan, which shall be remitted by each licensee directly to the database provider on a weekly basis.

10VAC5-200-120. Enforcement.

A. Failure to comply with any provision of the Act or this chapter may result in fines, license suspension, or license revocation.

B. Pursuant to § 6.1-467 6.2-1824 of the Code of Virginia, a licensee shall be subject to a separate fine of up to $1,000 for every violation of the Act, this chapter, or other law or regulation applicable to the conduct of the licensee's business. If a licensee violates any provision of the Act, this chapter, or other law or regulation applicable to the conduct of the licensee's business in connection with multiple loans or borrowers, the licensee shall be subject to a separate fine for each loan or borrower. For example, if a licensee makes five loans and the licensee violates two provisions of this chapter that are applicable to the five loans, the licensee shall be subject to a maximum fine of $10,000.

C. If a licensee (i) fails to transmit information to the payday lending database in accordance with the Act or 10VAC5-200-110, (ii) transmits incorrect information to the database, or (iii) transmits information to the database in an untimely manner, the licensee shall be subject to a separate fine under § 6.1-467 6.2-1824 of the Code of Virginia for each item of data that is omitted, incorrect, or untimely. For example, if a licensee makes three loans and fails to transmit two items of information to the database in connection with each of the three loans, the licensee shall be subject to a maximum fine of $6,000.

VA.R. Doc. No. R12-2586; Filed May 3, 2012, 3:06 p.m.