Business Loan Program Temporary Changes; Paycheck Protection Program-Loan Increases, 29842-29845 [2020-10658]
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29842
§ 217.301
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 97 / Tuesday, May 19, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
[Amended]
4. Amend § 217.301 by:
a. In paragraphs (b)(1) and (d)
introductory, remove ‘‘U.S. GAAP’’ and
add in its place ‘‘GAAP’’; and
■ b. In paragraph (c)(2) introductory
text, add ‘‘or Category III’’ after the
phrase ‘‘an advanced approaches’’ and
‘‘its applicable’’ after the words ‘‘its
calculation of’’;
■ c. In paragraph (d)(2)(i) introductory
text, remove the phrase ‘‘in a first’’ and
add in its place ‘‘in its first’’; and
■ d. In paragraph (d)(2)(ii) introductory
text, add ‘‘or Category III’’ after the
phrase ‘‘An advanced approaches’’ and
‘‘its applicable’’ after the words ‘‘its
calculation of’’.
■
■
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
12 CFR Chapter III
Authority and Issuance
For the reasons set forth in the joint
preamble, chapter III of title 12 of the
Code of Federal Regulations is amended
as follows:
PART 324—CAPITAL ADEQUACY OF
FDIC-SUPERVISED INSTITUTIONS
5. The authority citation for part 324
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1815(a), 1815(b),
1816, 1818(a), 1818(b), 1818(c), 1818(t),
1819(Tenth), 1828(c), 1828(d), 1828(i),
1828(n), 1828(o), 1831o, 1835, 3907, 3909,
4808; 5371; 5412; Pub. L. 102–233, 105 Stat.
1761, 1789, 1790 (12 U.S.C. 1831n note); Pub.
L. 102–242, 105 Stat. 2236, 2355, as amended
by Pub. L. 103–325, 108 Stat. 2160, 2233 (12
U.S.C. 1828 note); Pub. L. 102–242, 105 Stat.
2236, 2386, as amended by Pub. L. 102–550,
106 Stat. 3672, 4089 (12 U.S.C. 1828 note);
Pub. L. 111–203, 124 Stat. 1376, 1887 (15
U.S.C. 78o–7 note); Pub. L. 115–174; Pub. L.
116–136, 134 Stat. 281.
6. Amend § 324.301 as follows:
a. Revise paragraph (b)(1);
b. In paragraph (b)(2), remove the
phrase ‘‘FDIC-supervised’s adoption’’
and add in its place ‘‘FDIC-supervised
institution’s adoption’’;
■ c. In paragraph (c)(2) introductory
text, add ‘‘or Category III’’ after the
phrase ‘‘an advanced approaches’’ and
‘‘its applicable’’ after the words ‘‘its
calculation of’’;
■ d. Revise paragraph (d) introductory
text;
■ e. In paragraph (d)(2)(i) introductory
text, remove the phrase ‘‘in its a’’ and
add in its place ‘‘in its first’’;
■ f. In paragraph (d)(2)(i)(C), remove the
phrase ‘‘fifty percent of its AACL
transitional amount’’ and add in its
place ‘‘fifty percent of its modified
AACL transitional amount’’ and remove
the phrase ‘‘twenty-five percent of its
AACL transitional amount’’ and add in
■
■
■
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its place ‘‘twenty-five percent of its
modified AACL transitional amount’’;
■ g. In paragraph (d)(2)(ii) introductory
text, add ‘‘or Category III’’ after the
phrase ‘‘An advanced approaches’’,
remove the phrase ‘‘for the fiscal year
that begins during the 2020 calendar
year’’ and add in its place ‘‘during
2020’’, and add ‘‘its applicable’’ after the
words ‘‘its calculation of’’; and
■ h. In paragraph (d)(2)(ii)(A), remove
the phrase ‘‘fifty percent of its CECL
transitional amount’’ and add in its
place the phrase ‘‘fifty percent of its
modified CECL transitional amount’’
and remove the phrase ‘‘twenty-five
percent of its CECL transitional
amount’’ and add in its place ‘‘twentyfive percent of its modified CECL
transitional amount’’.
The revisions read as follows:
§ 324.301 Current expected credit losses
(CECL) transition.
*
*
*
*
(b) * * *
(1) Transition period means the threeyear period, beginning the first day of
the fiscal year in which an FDICsupervised institution adopts CECL and
reflects CECL in its first Call Report
filed after that date; or, for the 2020
transition under paragraph (d) of this
section, the five-year period beginning
on the earlier of the date an FDICsupervised institution was required to
adopt CECL for accounting purposes
under GAAP (as in effect on January 1,
2020), or the first day of the quarter in
which the FDIC-supervised institution
files regulatory reports that include
CECL.
*
*
*
*
*
(d) Calculation of the five-year CECL
transition provision. An FDICsupervised institution that was required
to adopt CECL for accounting purposes
under GAAP (as in effect January 1,
2020) as of the first day of a fiscal year
that begins during the 2020 calendar
year, and that makes the election
described in paragraph (a)(1) of this
section, may use the transitional
amounts and modified transitional
amounts in paragraph (d)(1) of this
section with the 2020 CECL transition
calculation in paragraph (d)(2) of this
section to adjust its calculation of
regulatory capital ratios during each
quarter of the transition period in which
an FDIC-supervised institution uses
CECL for purposes of its Call Report. An
FDIC supervised-institution that did not
make the election described in
paragraph (a)(1) of this section because
it did not record a reduction in retained
earnings due to the adoption of CECL as
of the beginning of the fiscal year in
which the FDIC-supervised institution
adopted CECL may use the transition
provision in this paragraph (d) if it has
a positive modified CECL transitional
amount during any quarter ending in
2020 and makes the election in the Call
Report filed for the same quarter.
*
*
*
*
*
Brian Brooks,
First Deputy Comptroller, Comptroller of the
Currency.
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
System.
Ann Misback,
Secretary of the Board.
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Dated at Washington, DC, on April 13,
2020.
Robert E. Feldman,
Executive Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2020–08789 Filed 5–18–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4810–33–P 6210–01–P; 6714–01–P
*
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SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
13 CFR Part 120
[Docket Number SBA–2020–2028]
RIN 3245–AH42
Business Loan Program Temporary
Changes; Paycheck Protection
Program—Loan Increases
U. S. Small Business
Administration.
ACTION: Interim final rule.
AGENCY:
On April 2, 2020, the U.S.
Small Business Administration (SBA)
posted an interim final rule announcing
the implementation of the Coronavirus
Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act
(CARES Act). The CARES Act
temporarily adds a new program, titled
the ‘‘Paycheck Protection Program,’’ to
the SBA’s 7(a) Loan Program. The
CARES Act also provides for forgiveness
of up to the full principal amount of
qualifying loans guaranteed under the
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The
PPP is intended to provide economic
relief to small businesses nationwide
adversely impacted by the Coronavirus
Disease 2019 (COVID–19). SBA posted
additional interim final rules on April 3,
2020, April 14, 2020, April 24, 2020,
April 28, 2020, April 30, 2020, May 5,
2020, and May 8, 2020, and the
Department of the Treasury posted an
additional interim final rule on April
28, 2020. This interim final rule
supplements the previously posted
interim final rules by providing
guidance on the ability to increase
certain PPP loans, and requests public
comment.
SUMMARY:
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 97 / Tuesday, May 19, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
DATES:
Effective date: This rule is effective
May 19, 2020.
Applicability date: This interim final
rule applies to applications submitted
under the Paycheck Protection Program
through June 30, 2020, or until funds
made available for this purpose are
exhausted.
Comment date: Comments must be
received on or before June 18, 2020.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments,
identified by number SBA–2020–2028
through the Federal eRulemaking Portal:
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
SBA will post all comments on
www.regulations.gov. If you wish to
submit confidential business
information (CBI) as defined in the User
Notice at www.regulations.gov, please
send an email to ppp-ifr@sba.gov.
Highlight the information that you
consider to be CBI and explain why you
believe SBA should hold this
information as confidential. SBA will
review the information and make the
final determination whether it will
publish the information.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: A
Call Center Representative at 833–572–
0502, or the local SBA Field Office; the
list of offices can be found at https://
www.sba.gov/tools/local-assistance/
districtoffices.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background Information
On March 13, 2020, President Trump
declared the ongoing Coronavirus
Disease 2019 (COVID–19) pandemic of
sufficient severity and magnitude to
warrant an emergency declaration for all
States, territories, and the District of
Columbia. With the COVID–19
emergency, many small businesses
nationwide are experiencing economic
hardship as a direct result of the
Federal, State, tribal, and local public
health measures that are being taken to
minimize the public’s exposure to the
virus. These measures, some of which
are government-mandated, are being
implemented nationwide and include
the closures of restaurants, bars, and
gyms. In addition, based on the advice
of public health officials, other
measures, such as keeping a safe
distance from others or stay-at-home
orders, are being implemented, resulting
in a dramatic decrease in economic
activity as the public limits activity at
malls, retail stores, and other
businesses.
On March 27, 2020, the President
signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and
Economic Security Act (the CARES Act)
(Pub. L. 116–136) to provide emergency
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assistance and health care response for
individuals, families, and businesses
affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
The Small Business Administration
(SBA) received funding and authority
through the CARES Act to modify
existing loan programs and establish a
new loan program to assist small
businesses nationwide adversely
impacted by the COVID–19 emergency.
Section 1102 of the CARES Act
temporarily permits SBA to guarantee
100 percent of 7(a) loans under a new
program titled the ‘‘Paycheck Protection
Program.’’ Section 1106 of the CARES
Act provides for forgiveness of up to the
full principal amount of qualifying
loans guaranteed under the Paycheck
Protection Program (PPP). On April 24,
2020, the President signed the Paycheck
Protection Program and Health Care
Enhancement Act (Pub. L. 116–139),
which provided additional funding and
authority for the PPP.
II. Comments and Immediate Effective
Date
The intent of the Act is that SBA
provide relief to America’s small
businesses expeditiously. This intent,
along with the dramatic decrease in
economic activity nationwide, provides
good cause for SBA to dispense with the
30-day delayed effective date provided
in the Administrative Procedure Act.
Specifically, it is critical to meet
lenders’ and borrowers’ need for clarity
concerning program requirements as
rapidly as possible because the last day
eligible borrowers can apply for and
receive a loan is June 30, 2020.
This interim final rule supplements
previous regulations and guidance on an
important, discrete issue. The
immediate effective date of this interim
final rule will benefit lenders so that
they can swiftly close and disburse
loans to small businesses. This interim
final rule is effective without advance
notice and public comment because
section 1114 of the Act authorizes SBA
to issue regulations to implement Title
I of the Act without regard to notice
requirements. In addition, SBA has
determined that there is good cause for
dispensing with advance public notice
and comment on the ground that it
would be contrary to the public interest.
Specifically, SBA has determined that
advance public notice and comment
would delay the ability of certain
businesses to obtain increases in their
PPP loan amounts in order to ensure
they obtain the maximum amount that
they are eligible for under current
guidance (guidance that was not
available at the time their PPP loans
were approved). This rule is being
issued to allow for immediate
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implementation of this program.
Although this interim final rule is
effective immediately, comments are
solicited from interested members of the
public on all aspects of the interim final
rule, including section III below. These
comments must be submitted on or
before June 18, 2020. SBA will consider
these comments and the need for
making any revisions as a result of these
comments.
III. Paycheck Protection Program
Requirements for Loan Increases
Overview
The CARES Act was enacted to
provide immediate assistance to
individuals, families, and organizations
affected by the COVID–19 emergency.
Among the provisions contained in the
CARES Act are provisions authorizing
SBA to temporarily guarantee loans
under the PPP. Loans under the PPP
will be 100 percent guaranteed by SBA,
and the full principal amount of the
loans and any accrued interest may
qualify for loan forgiveness. Additional
information about the PPP is available
in interim final rules published by SBA
and the Department of the Treasury in
the Federal Register (85 FR 20811, 85
FR 20817, 85 FR 21747, 85 FR 23450,
85 FR 23917, 85 FR 26321, 85 FR 26324,
85 FR 27287), and an additional SBA
interim final rule entitled ‘‘Business
Loan Program Temporary Changes;
Paycheck Protection Program—
Requirements—Extension of Limited
Safe Harbor with Respect to
Certification Concerning Need for PPP
Loan Request,’’ which SBA posted on
May 8, 2020, and is published
elsewhere in this issue of the Federal
Register (collectively, the PPP Interim
Final Rules).
On April 14, 2020, SBA posted an
interim final rule that, among other
things, provided guidance for
individuals with self-employment
income (85 FR 21747). The interim final
rule stated, ‘‘if you are a partner in a
partnership, you may not submit a
separate PPP loan application for
yourself as a self-employed individual.
Instead, the self-employment income of
general active partners may be reported
as a payroll cost, up to $100,000
annualized, on a PPP loan application
filed by or on behalf of the partnership.’’
On April 28, 2020, the Department of
the Treasury posted an interim final rule
that provided an alternative criterion for
calculating the maximum loan amount
for PPP loans issued to seasonal
employers (85 FR 23917).
Some PPP loans were approved to
partnerships or seasonal employers
before the additional guidance was
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 97 / Tuesday, May 19, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
issued and, as a result, those businesses
may not have received PPP loans in the
maximum amount for which they are
eligible. This interim final rule
authorizes all PPP lenders to increase
existing PPP loans to partnerships or
seasonal employers to include
appropriate amounts to cover partner
compensation in accordance with the
interim final rule posted on April 14,
2020, or to permit the seasonal
employer to calculate its maximum loan
amount using the alternative criterion
posted on April 28, 2020.
In addition, although the interim final
rule on disbursements posted on April
28, 2020, requires PPP loans to be
disbursed in a single disbursement, if a
PPP loan that is increased has already
been disbursed, this interim final rule
authorizes the lender to make an
additional disbursement of the
increased loan proceeds prior to
submission of the initial SBA Form
1502 that includes that loan. SBA Form
1502 is required to be submitted within
20 calendar days after a PPP loan is
approved or, for loans approved before
availability of the updated SBA Form
1502 reporting process, by May 22,
2020.1
1. Loan Increases
a. If a partnership received a PPP loan
that did not include any compensation
for its partners, can the loan amount be
increased to include partner
compensation?
Yes. If a partnership received a PPP
loan that only included amounts
necessary for payroll costs of the
partnership’s employees and other
eligible operating expenses, but did not
include any amount for partner
compensation,2 the lender may
electronically submit a request through
SBA’s E-Tran Servicing site to increase
the PPP loan amount to include
appropriate partner compensation, even
if the loan has been fully disbursed,
provided that the lender’s first SBA
Form 1502 report to SBA on the PPP
loan has not been submitted. After the
initial SBA Form 1502 report on the PPP
loan has been submitted to SBA, or after
the date the first SBA Form 1502 was
required to be submitted to SBA, the
loan cannot be increased. In no event
1 SBA
extended the deadline for submission of
the initial SBA Form 1502 for such loans from May
18, 2020 to May 22, 2020, in its interim final rule
posted on May 8, 2020.
2 As set forth in the interim final rule posted on
April 14, 2020, a partner in a partnership may not
submit a separate PPP loan application as a selfemployed individual. Instead, the self-employment
income of general active partners may be reported
as a payroll cost, up to $100,000 annualized, on a
PPP loan application filed by or on behalf of the
partnership.
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can the increased loan amount exceed
the maximum loan amount allowed
under the PPP Program, which is $10
million for an individual borrower or
$20 million for a corporate group.
Additionally, the borrower must
provide the lender with required
documentation to support the
calculation of the increase.
The interim final rule posted on April
14, 2020, describes how partnerships,
rather than individual partners are
eligible for a PPP loan. The interim final
rule further explained that the selfemployment income of general active
partners could be reported as a payroll
cost, up to $100,000 annualized, on a
PPP loan application filed by or on
behalf of the partnership. Guidance
describing how to calculate partnership
PPP loan amounts and defining the selfemployment income of partners was
posted on April 24, 2020 (see How to
Calculate Maximum Loan Amounts,
Question 4 at https://www.sba.gov/sites/
default/files/2020-04/How-to-CalculateLoan-Amounts.pdf).
b. If a seasonal employer received a
PPP loan before the alternative criterion
for determining the maximum loan
amount for seasonal employers became
available, can the loan amount be
increased based on a revised calculation
using the alternative criterion?
Yes. If a seasonal employer received
a PPP loan before the alternative
criterion for such employers was posted
on April 28, 2020, and would be eligible
for a higher maximum loan amount
under the alternative criterion, the
lender may electronically submit a
request through SBA’s E-Tran Servicing
site to increase the PPP loan amount,
even if the loan has been fully
disbursed, provided that the lender’s
first SBA Form 1502 report to SBA on
the PPP loan has not been submitted.
After the initial SBA Form 1502 report
has been submitted to SBA, or after the
date the initial SBA Form 1502 report
was required to be submitted to SBA,
the loan cannot be increased. In no
event can the increased loan amount
exceed the maximum loan amount
allowed under the PPP Program, which
is $10 million for an individual
borrower or $20 million for a corporate
group. Additionally, the borrower must
provide the lender with required
documentation to support the
calculation of the increase.
2. Disbursements and 1502 Reporting on
Increased PPP Loans
Yes. Notwithstanding the requirement
set forth in paragraph 1.a. of the interim
final rule on disbursements posted on
April 28, 2020, i.e., that lenders make a
one-time, full disbursement of the PPP
loan within ten calendar days of loan
approval, if a PPP loan is increased
under paragraphs 1.a. or b. above, the
lender may make a single additional
disbursement of the increased loan
proceeds prior to submission of the
initial SBA Form 1502 report for that
loan.
b. How do lenders report
disbursements on PPP loans that are
increased and does the increase in the
loan delay the timeframe to report the
loan on the SBA Form 1502?
SBA set forth in the interim final rule
on disbursements and 1502 reporting
posted on April 28, 2020, the process
lenders must follow to electronically
upload SBA Form 1502 information on
PPP loans. The interim final rule
provided that lenders must submit the
SBA Form 1502 information within 20
calendar days after a PPP loan is
approved or, for loans approved before
availability of the updated SBA Form
1502 reporting process, by May 18,
2020. In its interim final rule posted on
May 8, 2020, SBA revised that date from
May 18, 2020 to May 22, 2020. Lenders
must comply with the initial 1502
reporting deadline. SBA may review at
any time an increase submitted by the
lender to confirm that the increase was
submitted within the required
timeframe; increases submitted outside
the required timeframe will not be
forgiven and no processing fee will be
earned on such amounts. Additionally,
lenders are not entitled to processing
fees on increases submitted outside of
the required timeframe.
3. Additional Information
SBA may provide further guidance, if
needed, through SBA notices that will
be posted on SBA’s website at
www.sba.gov. Questions on the
Paycheck Protection Program may be
directed to the Lender Relations
Specialist in the local SBA Field Office.
The local SBA Field Office may be
found at https://www.sba.gov/tools/
local-assistance/districtoffices.
Compliance With Executive Orders
12866, 12988, 13132, 13563, and 13771,
the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C.
Ch. 35), and the Regulatory Flexibility
Act (5 U.S.C. 601–612)
Executive Orders 12866, 13563, and
13771
a. If a borrower’s PPP loan has
This interim final rule is
already been fully disbursed, can the
lender make an additional disbursement economically significant for the
purposes of Executive Orders 12866 and
for the increased loan proceeds?
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 97 / Tuesday, May 19, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
13563, and is considered a major rule
under the Congressional Review Act.
SBA, however, is proceeding under the
emergency provision at Executive Order
12866 Section 6(a)(3)(D) based on the
need to move expeditiously to mitigate
the current economic conditions arising
from the COVID–19 emergency. This
rule’s designation under Executive
Order 13771 will be informed by public
comment.
Executive Order 12988
SBA has drafted this rule, to the
extent practicable, in accordance with
the standards set forth in section 3(a)
and 3(b)(2) of Executive Order 12988, to
minimize litigation, eliminate
ambiguity, and reduce burden. The rule
has no preemptive or retroactive effect.
Executive Order 13132
SBA has determined that this rule
will not have substantial direct effects
on the States, on the relationship
between the National Government and
the States, or on the distribution of
power and responsibilities among the
various layers of government. Therefore,
SBA has determined that this rule has
no federalism implications warranting
preparation of a federalism assessment.
Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C.
Chapter 35
SBA has determined that this rule
will not impose new or modify existing
recordkeeping or reporting requirements
under the Paperwork Reduction Act.
Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)
The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)
generally requires that when an agency
issues a proposed rule, or a final rule
pursuant to section 553(b) of the APA or
another law, the agency must prepare a
regulatory flexibility analysis that meets
the requirements of the RFA and
publish such analysis in the Federal
Register. 5 U.S.C. 603, 604. Specifically,
the RFA normally requires agencies to
describe the impact of a rulemaking on
small entities by providing a regulatory
impact analysis. Such analysis must
address the consideration of regulatory
options that would lessen the economic
effect of the rule on small entities. The
RFA defines a ‘‘small entity’’ as (1) a
proprietary firm meeting the size
standards of the Small Business
Administration (SBA); (2) a nonprofit
organization that is not dominant in its
field; or (3) a small government
jurisdiction with a population of less
than 50,000. 5 U.S.C. 601(3)–(6). Except
for such small government jurisdictions,
neither State nor local governments are
‘‘small entities.’’ Similarly, for purposes
of the RFA, individual persons are not
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small entities. The requirement to
conduct a regulatory impact analysis
does not apply if the head of the agency
‘‘certifies that the rule will not, if
promulgated, have a significant
economic impact on a substantial
number of small entities.’’ 5 U.S.C.
605(b). The agency must, however,
publish the certification in the Federal
Register at the time of publication of the
rule, ‘‘along with a statement providing
the factual basis for such certification.’’
If the agency head has not waived the
requirements for a regulatory flexibility
analysis in accordance with the RFA’s
waiver provision, and no other RFA
exception applies, the agency must
prepare the regulatory flexibility
analysis and publish it in the Federal
Register at the time of promulgation or,
if the rule is promulgated in response to
an emergency that makes timely
compliance impracticable, within 180
days of publication of the final rule. 5
U.S.C. 604(a), 608(b). Rules that are
exempt from notice and comment are
also exempt from the RFA requirements,
including conducting a regulatory
flexibility analysis, when among other
things the agency for good cause finds
that notice and public procedure are
impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary
to the public interest. SBA Office of
Advocacy guide: How to Comply with
the Regulatory Flexibility Act, Ch.1. p.9.
Accordingly, SBA is not required to
conduct a regulatory flexibility analysis.
Jovita Carranza,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2020–10658 Filed 5–18–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE P
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
13 CFR Part 120
[Docket Number SBA–2020–0026]
RIN 3245–AH41
Business Loan Program Temporary
Changes; Paycheck Protection
Program—Requirements—Extension
of Limited Safe Harbor With Respect to
Certification Concerning Need for PPP
Loan Request
U.S. Small Business
Administration.
ACTION: Interim final rule.
AGENCY:
On April 24, 2020, the U.S.
Small Business Administration (SBA)
posted an interim final rule relating to
promissory notes, authorizations,
affiliation, and eligibility in connection
with the implementation of a temporary
new program, titled the ‘‘Paycheck
Protection Program.’’ The Paycheck
SUMMARY:
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29845
Protection Program was established
under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and
Economic Security Act (CARES Act or
the Act). This interim final rule revises
the interim final rule posted on April
24, 2020, by extending the date by
which certain Paycheck Protection
Program borrowers may repay their
loans from May 7, 2020 to May 14, 2020,
in order to avail themselves of a safe
harbor with respect to a certification
required by the Act, and makes other
conforming changes. This interim final
rule supplements SBA’s implementation
of the Act and requests public comment.
DATES:
Effective date: This rule is effective
May 19, 2020.
Applicability date: This interim final
rule applies to borrowers who applied
for loans under the Paycheck Protection
Program.
Comment date: Comments must be
received on or before June 18, 2020.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments,
identified by number SBA–2020–0026
through the Federal eRulemaking Portal:
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
SBA will post all comments on
www.regulations.gov. If you wish to
submit confidential business
information (CBI) as defined in the User
Notice at www.regulations.gov, please
send an email to ppp-ifr@sba.gov.
Highlight the information that you
consider to be CBI and explain why you
believe SBA should hold this
information as confidential. SBA will
review the information and make the
final determination whether it will
publish the information.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: A
Call Center Representative at 833–572–
0502, or the local SBA Field Office; the
list of offices can be found at https://
www.sba.gov/tools/local-assistance/
districtoffices.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background Information
On March 13, 2020, President Trump
declared the ongoing Coronavirus
Disease 2019 (COVID–19) pandemic of
sufficient severity and magnitude to
warrant an emergency declaration for all
States, territories, and the District of
Columbia. With the COVID–19
emergency, many small businesses
nationwide are experiencing economic
hardship as a direct result of the
Federal, State, tribal, and local public
health measures that are being taken to
minimize the public’s exposure to the
virus. These measures, some of which
are government-mandated, are being
implemented nationwide and include
the closures of restaurants, bars, and
E:\FR\FM\19MYR1.SGM
19MYR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 97 (Tuesday, May 19, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29842-29845]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-10658]
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SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
13 CFR Part 120
[Docket Number SBA-2020-2028]
RIN 3245-AH42
Business Loan Program Temporary Changes; Paycheck Protection
Program--Loan Increases
AGENCY: U. S. Small Business Administration.
ACTION: Interim final rule.
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SUMMARY: On April 2, 2020, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
posted an interim final rule announcing the implementation of the
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). The
CARES Act temporarily adds a new program, titled the ``Paycheck
Protection Program,'' to the SBA's 7(a) Loan Program. The CARES Act
also provides for forgiveness of up to the full principal amount of
qualifying loans guaranteed under the Paycheck Protection Program
(PPP). The PPP is intended to provide economic relief to small
businesses nationwide adversely impacted by the Coronavirus Disease
2019 (COVID-19). SBA posted additional interim final rules on April 3,
2020, April 14, 2020, April 24, 2020, April 28, 2020, April 30, 2020,
May 5, 2020, and May 8, 2020, and the Department of the Treasury posted
an additional interim final rule on April 28, 2020. This interim final
rule supplements the previously posted interim final rules by providing
guidance on the ability to increase certain PPP loans, and requests
public comment.
[[Page 29843]]
DATES:
Effective date: This rule is effective May 19, 2020.
Applicability date: This interim final rule applies to applications
submitted under the Paycheck Protection Program through June 30, 2020,
or until funds made available for this purpose are exhausted.
Comment date: Comments must be received on or before June 18, 2020.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by number SBA-2020-2028
through the Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov.
Follow the instructions for submitting comments. SBA will post all
comments on www.regulations.gov. If you wish to submit confidential
business information (CBI) as defined in the User Notice at
www.regulations.gov, please send an email to [email protected]. Highlight
the information that you consider to be CBI and explain why you believe
SBA should hold this information as confidential. SBA will review the
information and make the final determination whether it will publish
the information.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: A Call Center Representative at 833-
572-0502, or the local SBA Field Office; the list of offices can be
found at https://www.sba.gov/tools/local-assistance/districtoffices.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background Information
On March 13, 2020, President Trump declared the ongoing Coronavirus
Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic of sufficient severity and magnitude
to warrant an emergency declaration for all States, territories, and
the District of Columbia. With the COVID-19 emergency, many small
businesses nationwide are experiencing economic hardship as a direct
result of the Federal, State, tribal, and local public health measures
that are being taken to minimize the public's exposure to the virus.
These measures, some of which are government-mandated, are being
implemented nationwide and include the closures of restaurants, bars,
and gyms. In addition, based on the advice of public health officials,
other measures, such as keeping a safe distance from others or stay-at-
home orders, are being implemented, resulting in a dramatic decrease in
economic activity as the public limits activity at malls, retail
stores, and other businesses.
On March 27, 2020, the President signed the Coronavirus Aid,
Relief, and Economic Security Act (the CARES Act) (Pub. L. 116-136) to
provide emergency assistance and health care response for individuals,
families, and businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The
Small Business Administration (SBA) received funding and authority
through the CARES Act to modify existing loan programs and establish a
new loan program to assist small businesses nationwide adversely
impacted by the COVID-19 emergency. Section 1102 of the CARES Act
temporarily permits SBA to guarantee 100 percent of 7(a) loans under a
new program titled the ``Paycheck Protection Program.'' Section 1106 of
the CARES Act provides for forgiveness of up to the full principal
amount of qualifying loans guaranteed under the Paycheck Protection
Program (PPP). On April 24, 2020, the President signed the Paycheck
Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act (Pub. L. 116-139),
which provided additional funding and authority for the PPP.
II. Comments and Immediate Effective Date
The intent of the Act is that SBA provide relief to America's small
businesses expeditiously. This intent, along with the dramatic decrease
in economic activity nationwide, provides good cause for SBA to
dispense with the 30-day delayed effective date provided in the
Administrative Procedure Act. Specifically, it is critical to meet
lenders' and borrowers' need for clarity concerning program
requirements as rapidly as possible because the last day eligible
borrowers can apply for and receive a loan is June 30, 2020.
This interim final rule supplements previous regulations and
guidance on an important, discrete issue. The immediate effective date
of this interim final rule will benefit lenders so that they can
swiftly close and disburse loans to small businesses. This interim
final rule is effective without advance notice and public comment
because section 1114 of the Act authorizes SBA to issue regulations to
implement Title I of the Act without regard to notice requirements. In
addition, SBA has determined that there is good cause for dispensing
with advance public notice and comment on the ground that it would be
contrary to the public interest. Specifically, SBA has determined that
advance public notice and comment would delay the ability of certain
businesses to obtain increases in their PPP loan amounts in order to
ensure they obtain the maximum amount that they are eligible for under
current guidance (guidance that was not available at the time their PPP
loans were approved). This rule is being issued to allow for immediate
implementation of this program. Although this interim final rule is
effective immediately, comments are solicited from interested members
of the public on all aspects of the interim final rule, including
section III below. These comments must be submitted on or before June
18, 2020. SBA will consider these comments and the need for making any
revisions as a result of these comments.
III. Paycheck Protection Program Requirements for Loan Increases
Overview
The CARES Act was enacted to provide immediate assistance to
individuals, families, and organizations affected by the COVID-19
emergency. Among the provisions contained in the CARES Act are
provisions authorizing SBA to temporarily guarantee loans under the
PPP. Loans under the PPP will be 100 percent guaranteed by SBA, and the
full principal amount of the loans and any accrued interest may qualify
for loan forgiveness. Additional information about the PPP is available
in interim final rules published by SBA and the Department of the
Treasury in the Federal Register (85 FR 20811, 85 FR 20817, 85 FR
21747, 85 FR 23450, 85 FR 23917, 85 FR 26321, 85 FR 26324, 85 FR
27287), and an additional SBA interim final rule entitled ``Business
Loan Program Temporary Changes; Paycheck Protection Program--
Requirements--Extension of Limited Safe Harbor with Respect to
Certification Concerning Need for PPP Loan Request,'' which SBA posted
on May 8, 2020, and is published elsewhere in this issue of the Federal
Register (collectively, the PPP Interim Final Rules).
On April 14, 2020, SBA posted an interim final rule that, among
other things, provided guidance for individuals with self-employment
income (85 FR 21747). The interim final rule stated, ``if you are a
partner in a partnership, you may not submit a separate PPP loan
application for yourself as a self-employed individual. Instead, the
self-employment income of general active partners may be reported as a
payroll cost, up to $100,000 annualized, on a PPP loan application
filed by or on behalf of the partnership.'' On April 28, 2020, the
Department of the Treasury posted an interim final rule that provided
an alternative criterion for calculating the maximum loan amount for
PPP loans issued to seasonal employers (85 FR 23917).
Some PPP loans were approved to partnerships or seasonal employers
before the additional guidance was
[[Page 29844]]
issued and, as a result, those businesses may not have received PPP
loans in the maximum amount for which they are eligible. This interim
final rule authorizes all PPP lenders to increase existing PPP loans to
partnerships or seasonal employers to include appropriate amounts to
cover partner compensation in accordance with the interim final rule
posted on April 14, 2020, or to permit the seasonal employer to
calculate its maximum loan amount using the alternative criterion
posted on April 28, 2020.
In addition, although the interim final rule on disbursements
posted on April 28, 2020, requires PPP loans to be disbursed in a
single disbursement, if a PPP loan that is increased has already been
disbursed, this interim final rule authorizes the lender to make an
additional disbursement of the increased loan proceeds prior to
submission of the initial SBA Form 1502 that includes that loan. SBA
Form 1502 is required to be submitted within 20 calendar days after a
PPP loan is approved or, for loans approved before availability of the
updated SBA Form 1502 reporting process, by May 22, 2020.\1\
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\1\ SBA extended the deadline for submission of the initial SBA
Form 1502 for such loans from May 18, 2020 to May 22, 2020, in its
interim final rule posted on May 8, 2020.
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1. Loan Increases
a. If a partnership received a PPP loan that did not include any
compensation for its partners, can the loan amount be increased to
include partner compensation?
Yes. If a partnership received a PPP loan that only included
amounts necessary for payroll costs of the partnership's employees and
other eligible operating expenses, but did not include any amount for
partner compensation,\2\ the lender may electronically submit a request
through SBA's E-Tran Servicing site to increase the PPP loan amount to
include appropriate partner compensation, even if the loan has been
fully disbursed, provided that the lender's first SBA Form 1502 report
to SBA on the PPP loan has not been submitted. After the initial SBA
Form 1502 report on the PPP loan has been submitted to SBA, or after
the date the first SBA Form 1502 was required to be submitted to SBA,
the loan cannot be increased. In no event can the increased loan amount
exceed the maximum loan amount allowed under the PPP Program, which is
$10 million for an individual borrower or $20 million for a corporate
group. Additionally, the borrower must provide the lender with required
documentation to support the calculation of the increase.
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\2\ As set forth in the interim final rule posted on April 14,
2020, a partner in a partnership may not submit a separate PPP loan
application as a self-employed individual. Instead, the self-
employment income of general active partners may be reported as a
payroll cost, up to $100,000 annualized, on a PPP loan application
filed by or on behalf of the partnership.
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The interim final rule posted on April 14, 2020, describes how
partnerships, rather than individual partners are eligible for a PPP
loan. The interim final rule further explained that the self-employment
income of general active partners could be reported as a payroll cost,
up to $100,000 annualized, on a PPP loan application filed by or on
behalf of the partnership. Guidance describing how to calculate
partnership PPP loan amounts and defining the self-employment income of
partners was posted on April 24, 2020 (see How to Calculate Maximum
Loan Amounts, Question 4 at https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2020-04/How-to-Calculate-Loan-Amounts.pdf).
b. If a seasonal employer received a PPP loan before the
alternative criterion for determining the maximum loan amount for
seasonal employers became available, can the loan amount be increased
based on a revised calculation using the alternative criterion?
Yes. If a seasonal employer received a PPP loan before the
alternative criterion for such employers was posted on April 28, 2020,
and would be eligible for a higher maximum loan amount under the
alternative criterion, the lender may electronically submit a request
through SBA's E-Tran Servicing site to increase the PPP loan amount,
even if the loan has been fully disbursed, provided that the lender's
first SBA Form 1502 report to SBA on the PPP loan has not been
submitted. After the initial SBA Form 1502 report has been submitted to
SBA, or after the date the initial SBA Form 1502 report was required to
be submitted to SBA, the loan cannot be increased. In no event can the
increased loan amount exceed the maximum loan amount allowed under the
PPP Program, which is $10 million for an individual borrower or $20
million for a corporate group. Additionally, the borrower must provide
the lender with required documentation to support the calculation of
the increase.
2. Disbursements and 1502 Reporting on Increased PPP Loans
a. If a borrower's PPP loan has already been fully disbursed, can
the lender make an additional disbursement for the increased loan
proceeds?
Yes. Notwithstanding the requirement set forth in paragraph 1.a. of
the interim final rule on disbursements posted on April 28, 2020, i.e.,
that lenders make a one-time, full disbursement of the PPP loan within
ten calendar days of loan approval, if a PPP loan is increased under
paragraphs 1.a. or b. above, the lender may make a single additional
disbursement of the increased loan proceeds prior to submission of the
initial SBA Form 1502 report for that loan.
b. How do lenders report disbursements on PPP loans that are
increased and does the increase in the loan delay the timeframe to
report the loan on the SBA Form 1502?
SBA set forth in the interim final rule on disbursements and 1502
reporting posted on April 28, 2020, the process lenders must follow to
electronically upload SBA Form 1502 information on PPP loans. The
interim final rule provided that lenders must submit the SBA Form 1502
information within 20 calendar days after a PPP loan is approved or,
for loans approved before availability of the updated SBA Form 1502
reporting process, by May 18, 2020. In its interim final rule posted on
May 8, 2020, SBA revised that date from May 18, 2020 to May 22, 2020.
Lenders must comply with the initial 1502 reporting deadline. SBA may
review at any time an increase submitted by the lender to confirm that
the increase was submitted within the required timeframe; increases
submitted outside the required timeframe will not be forgiven and no
processing fee will be earned on such amounts. Additionally, lenders
are not entitled to processing fees on increases submitted outside of
the required timeframe.
3. Additional Information
SBA may provide further guidance, if needed, through SBA notices
that will be posted on SBA's website at www.sba.gov. Questions on the
Paycheck Protection Program may be directed to the Lender Relations
Specialist in the local SBA Field Office. The local SBA Field Office
may be found at https://www.sba.gov/tools/local-assistance/districtoffices.
Compliance With Executive Orders 12866, 12988, 13132, 13563, and 13771,
the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. Ch. 35), and the Regulatory
Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612)
Executive Orders 12866, 13563, and 13771
This interim final rule is economically significant for the
purposes of Executive Orders 12866 and
[[Page 29845]]
13563, and is considered a major rule under the Congressional Review
Act. SBA, however, is proceeding under the emergency provision at
Executive Order 12866 Section 6(a)(3)(D) based on the need to move
expeditiously to mitigate the current economic conditions arising from
the COVID-19 emergency. This rule's designation under Executive Order
13771 will be informed by public comment.
Executive Order 12988
SBA has drafted this rule, to the extent practicable, in accordance
with the standards set forth in section 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive
Order 12988, to minimize litigation, eliminate ambiguity, and reduce
burden. The rule has no preemptive or retroactive effect.
Executive Order 13132
SBA has determined that this rule will not have substantial direct
effects on the States, on the relationship between the National
Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various layers of government. Therefore, SBA
has determined that this rule has no federalism implications warranting
preparation of a federalism assessment.
Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. Chapter 35
SBA has determined that this rule will not impose new or modify
existing recordkeeping or reporting requirements under the Paperwork
Reduction Act.
Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)
The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) generally requires that when
an agency issues a proposed rule, or a final rule pursuant to section
553(b) of the APA or another law, the agency must prepare a regulatory
flexibility analysis that meets the requirements of the RFA and publish
such analysis in the Federal Register. 5 U.S.C. 603, 604. Specifically,
the RFA normally requires agencies to describe the impact of a
rulemaking on small entities by providing a regulatory impact analysis.
Such analysis must address the consideration of regulatory options that
would lessen the economic effect of the rule on small entities. The RFA
defines a ``small entity'' as (1) a proprietary firm meeting the size
standards of the Small Business Administration (SBA); (2) a nonprofit
organization that is not dominant in its field; or (3) a small
government jurisdiction with a population of less than 50,000. 5 U.S.C.
601(3)-(6). Except for such small government jurisdictions, neither
State nor local governments are ``small entities.'' Similarly, for
purposes of the RFA, individual persons are not small entities. The
requirement to conduct a regulatory impact analysis does not apply if
the head of the agency ``certifies that the rule will not, if
promulgated, have a significant economic impact on a substantial number
of small entities.'' 5 U.S.C. 605(b). The agency must, however, publish
the certification in the Federal Register at the time of publication of
the rule, ``along with a statement providing the factual basis for such
certification.'' If the agency head has not waived the requirements for
a regulatory flexibility analysis in accordance with the RFA's waiver
provision, and no other RFA exception applies, the agency must prepare
the regulatory flexibility analysis and publish it in the Federal
Register at the time of promulgation or, if the rule is promulgated in
response to an emergency that makes timely compliance impracticable,
within 180 days of publication of the final rule. 5 U.S.C. 604(a),
608(b). Rules that are exempt from notice and comment are also exempt
from the RFA requirements, including conducting a regulatory
flexibility analysis, when among other things the agency for good cause
finds that notice and public procedure are impracticable, unnecessary,
or contrary to the public interest. SBA Office of Advocacy guide: How
to Comply with the Regulatory Flexibility Act, Ch.1. p.9. Accordingly,
SBA is not required to conduct a regulatory flexibility analysis.
Jovita Carranza,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2020-10658 Filed 5-18-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE P