Truth in Lending (Regulation Z); Impact of the 2021 Juneteenth Holiday on Certain Closed-End Mortgage Requirements, 44267-44270 [2021-17050]
Download as PDF
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 153 / Thursday, August 12, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
The NRC may post materials related
to this document, including public
comments, on the Federal Rulemaking
website at https://www.regulations.gov
under Docket ID NRC–2021–0124.
Dated: August 4, 2021.
For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Margaret M. Doane,
Executive Director for Operations.
List of Subjects in 10 CFR Part 72
Administrative practice and
procedure, Hazardous waste, Indians,
Intergovernmental relations, Nuclear
energy, Penalties, Radiation protection,
Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Security measures, Spent
fuel, Whistleblowing.
For the reasons set out in the
preamble and under the authority of the
Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended;
the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974,
as amended; the Nuclear Waste Policy
Act of 1982, as amended; and 5 U.S.C.
552 and 553; the NRC is adopting the
following amendments to 10 CFR part
72:
BILLING CODE 7590–01–P
PART 72—LICENSING
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE
INDEPENDENT STORAGE OF SPENT
NUCLEAR FUEL, HIGH–LEVEL
RADIOACTIVE WASTE, AND
REACTOR–RELATED GREATER THAN
CLASS C WASTE
1. The authority citation for part 72
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: Atomic Energy Act of 1954,
secs. 51, 53, 57, 62, 63, 65, 69, 81, 161, 182,
183, 184, 186, 187, 189, 223, 234, 274 (42
U.S.C. 2071, 2073, 2077, 2092, 2093, 2095,
2099, 2111, 2201, 2210e, 2232, 2233, 2234,
2236, 2237, 2238, 2273, 2282, 2021); Energy
Reorganization Act of 1974, secs. 201, 202,
206, 211 (42 U.S.C. 5841, 5842, 5846, 5851);
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
(42 U.S.C. 4332); Nuclear Waste Policy Act
of 1982, secs. 117(a), 132, 133, 134, 135, 137,
141, 145(g), 148, 218(a) (42 U.S.C. 10137(a),
10152, 10153, 10154, 10155, 10157, 10161,
10165(g), 10168, 10198(a)); 44 U.S.C. 3504
note.
2. In § 72.214, revise Certificate of
Compliance No. 1042 to read as follows:
■
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1
*
*
*
*
Certificate Number: 1042.
Initial Certificate Effective Date: June
7, 2017
Amendment Number 1 Effective Date:
June 17, 2020.
Amendment Number 2 Effective Date:
October 26, 2021.
SAR Submitted by: TN Americas LLC.
SAR Title: Final Safety Analysis
Report for the NUHOMS® EOS Dry
Spent Fuel Storage System.
Docket Number: 72–1042.
Certificate Expiration Date: June 7,
2037.
Model Number: EOS–37PTH, EOS–
89BTH, 61BTH Type 2.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:14 Aug 11, 2021
Jkt 253001
BUREAU OF CONSUMER FINANCIAL
PROTECTION
12 CFR Part 1026
Truth in Lending (Regulation Z);
Impact of the 2021 Juneteenth Holiday
on Certain Closed-End Mortgage
Requirements
Bureau of Consumer Financial
Protection.
ACTION: Interpretive rule.
AGENCY:
The Bureau of Consumer
Financial Protection (Bureau) is issuing
this interpretive rule to provide
guidance on certain Regulation Z timing
requirements related to rescission of
closed-end mortgages and the TILA–
RESPA Integrated Disclosures (TRID).
These timing requirements are based on
a definition of ‘‘business day’’ that
excludes days that are designated as
legal public holidays under Federal law.
The interpretive rule explains these
timing requirements in light of recent
legislation that designated ‘‘Juneteenth
National Independence Day, June 19’’
(Juneteenth) as a Federal legal public
holiday. It clarifies that, if the relevant
closed-end rescission or TRID time
period began on or before June 17, 2021,
then June 19, 2021, was considered a
business day, but nothing prohibits
creditors from providing longer time
periods. Therefore, it would also be
compliant for creditors to have
considered June 19, 2021, a Federal
holiday for purposes of these
provisions.
SUMMARY:
This interpretive rule is effective
on August 12, 2021.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Pedro De Oliveira, Lanique Eubanks,
Jaclyn Maier, or Priscilla Walton-Fein,
Senior Counsels, Office of Regulations,
at 202–435–7700. If you require this
document in an alternative electronic
format, please contact CFPB_
Accessibility@cfpb.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
DATES:
§ 72.214 List of approved spent fuel
storage casks.
*
[FR Doc. 2021–17227 Filed 8–11–21; 8:45 am]
I. Background
On June 17, 2021, the President
signed legislation that amended 5 U.S.C.
6103(a) to add ‘‘Juneteenth National
Independence Day, June 19’’
(Juneteenth) to the list of Federal legal
PO 00000
Frm 00011
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
44267
public holidays (Federal holidays).1
Various regulatory provisions crossreference or otherwise refer to the
Federal holidays listed in 5 U.S.C.
6103(a), including the Regulation Z
definition of ‘‘business day.’’ In
Regulation Z, ‘‘business day’’ is defined
in § 1026.2(a)(6) generally to mean ‘‘a
day on which the creditor’s offices are
open to the public for carrying on
substantially all of its business
functions.’’ However, for purposes of
certain specified Regulation Z
provisions, § 1026.2(a)(6) defines
business day to mean: ‘‘[A]ll calendar
days except Sundays and the legal
public holidays specified in 5 U.S.C.
6103(a), such as New Year’s Day, the
Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.,
Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day,
Independence Day, Labor Day,
Columbus Day, Veterans Day,
Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas
Day.’’ 2 This is referred to herein as the
‘‘specific business day’’ definition.
The legislation that made Juneteenth
a Federal holiday took effect
immediately.3 Therefore, June 19
became a Federal holiday on June 17,
2021. By virtue of the cross-reference to
5 U.S.C. 6103(a) in § 1026.2(a)(6), the
days that are considered Federal
holidays under the specific business day
definition in Regulation Z also changed
on June 17, 2021. The Bureau
understands that this presented
interpretive questions and compliance
challenges for the mortgage industry
because the Juneteenth holiday occurred
only two days after the date of the law
change. Based on industry inquiries and
outreach to the Bureau following the
June 17, 2021, amendment to 5 U.S.C.
6103(a), the Bureau understands these
issues were particularly acute for
transactions that either (1) closed on or
before June 17, 2021, but for which
consumers’ rescission periods had not
yet expired or (2) were close to the
1 Juneteenth National Independence Day Act,
Public Law 117–17, 135 Stat. 287 (2021).
2 Comment 2(a)(6)–2 further provides that four
Federal holidays are identified in 5 U.S.C. 6103(a)
by a specific date: New Year’s Day, January 1;
Independence Day, July 4; Veterans Day, November
11; and Christmas Day, December 25. The comment
states that when one of these holidays falls on a
Saturday, Federal offices and other entities might
observe the holiday on the preceding Friday but,
nonetheless, the observed holiday is a business day
for purposes of the specific business day definition.
Like the four Federal holidays listed in comment
2(a)(6)–2, Juneteenth is identified in 5 U.S.C.
6103(a) by a specific date. For 2021, Federal offices
observed the Juneteenth holiday on Friday, June 18,
2021. For purposes of the specific business day
definition, June 18, 2021, was a business day.
3 The law took effect when it was signed by the
President on June 17, 2021. See, e.g., United States
v. Casson, 434 F.2d 415 (D.C. Cir. 1970) (indicating
that a law that is effective on enactment goes into
effect at the exact time that the President signs it).
E:\FR\FM\12AUR1.SGM
12AUR1
44268
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 153 / Thursday, August 12, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
planned closing date on June 17, 2021,
and subject to certain disclosure timing
requirements of the TRID provisions of
Regulation Z.
This interpretive rule provides
guidance on the 2021 Juneteenth
holiday and the specific business day
definition in these two situations.4
II. Discussion
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1
Guidance on Determining the
Applicable Specific Business Day
Definition
The specific business day definition
applies to various timing requirements
in Regulation Z, including rescission of
closed-end mortgages and some TRID
provisions.5 Regulation Z does not
specify which version of the specific
business day definition applies to these
provisions when the definition changes
during the relevant time period—the
version of the definition in effect when
the relevant time period begins, or the
new version of the definition that takes
effect before the relevant time period
ends. The Bureau is issuing this
interpretive rule to clarify that the
version of the specific business day
definition that applies to these
provisions is the version of the
definition in effect when the relevant
time period begins.6 Accordingly, in the
context of the 2021 Juneteenth Federal
4 The Bureau is adopting this interpretation
effective on the date of publication in the Federal
Register. The interpretive rule explains the
Bureau’s view of the legal requirements that were
applicable around the time of the Juneteenth
holiday in June 2021.
5 With respect to rescission, the affected
regulatory provisions are § 1026.23(a)(3)(i) and
(b)(1)(v). With respect to TRID, the affected
regulatory provisions are § 1026.19(e)(1)(iii)(B),
(e)(1)(iv), (e)(2)(i)(A), (e)(4)(ii), and (f)(1)(ii) and (iii).
Other provisions of Regulation Z rely on the
specific business day definition and therefore also
were affected by the legislation. Those provisions
are outside the scope of this interpretive rule.
6 The Bureau understands that the law amending
5 U.S.C. 6103(a) to add Juneteenth to the list of
Federal holidays was signed by the President
shortly after 4 p.m. EST on June 17, 2021. See Press
Release, The White House, Remarks by President
Biden at Signing of the Juneteenth National
Independence Day Act (June 17, 2021), https://
www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speechesremarks/2021/06/17/remarks-by-president-biden-atsigning-of-the-juneteenth-national-independenceday-act/. While the law took effect immediately, the
Bureau is clarifying that the version of the specific
business day definition in effect prior to June 17,
2021, applies where the relevant time period began
at any time on June 17, 2021. The requirements
discussed in this interpretive rule generally apply
with respect to the day that a particular event
occurred, not the time of day. Accordingly, the
Bureau believes it is more consistent with these
provisions not to distinguish among actions taken
at different times on June 17, 2021. Treating all
actions taken on June 17, 2021, the same in the
context of these provisions also serves the purposes
of the regulation, by providing certainty to creditors
and uniformity in the application of the specific
business day definition across the mortgage market.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:14 Aug 11, 2021
Jkt 253001
holiday and the affected closed-end
rescission and TRID provisions, if the
relevant time period began on or before
June 17, 2021, then June 19, 2021, is a
business day for purposes of the specific
business day definition. If the relevant
time period began after June 17, 2021,
then June 19, 2021, is a Federal holiday
for purposes of the specific business day
definition.
The Bureau concludes that this
reading is consistent with the purposes
of the specific business day definition,
which are to provide certainty and
uniformity to the timing requirements.7
When the Federal Reserve Board (Board)
established the specific business day
definition, it explained that creditors
and consumers need certainty as to the
length of the rescission period;
otherwise, they risk a delay in the loan
funding date to account for an extension
of the rescission period.8 Similarly, in
issuing the TRID requirements, the
Bureau explained that creditors and
consumers need certainty as to the
length of the waiting and other time
periods required under the TRID
provisions in order to establish a closing
date and reduce the potential for
unexpected closing delays.9 Interpreting
these provisions to require use of an
amended specific business day
definition that takes effect only after the
relevant time period begins would
undermine that certainty, as it may
require a change in the timing of loan
funding, closing, and other dates that
are dependent on the definition.
The Bureau notes that the affected
closed-end rescission and TRID
provisions do not prohibit creditors
from providing longer time periods.
7 See, e.g., 74 FR 23289, 23294 (May 19, 2009)
(applying the specific business day definition to the
seven-business-day waiting period prior to
consummation after receipt of required disclosures,
explaining that (1) doing so makes it easier for
creditors to determine how to meet timing
requirements, especially where the creditor has
multiple offices not open on the same days; (2) the
standard for determining when a waiting period
ends will be the same for all creditors; and (3)
whether a creditor’s offices are open or closed will
not affect the time that a consumer has to receive
and review disclosures).
8 The Board explained that it adopted the two-tier
definition because transactions subject to the right
of rescission need a more definite and uniform
business day definition. See 46 FR 20848, 20850
(Apr. 7, 1981). Regulatory authority for this
provision was later transferred to the Bureau. See
Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer
Protection Act, Public Law 111–203, section 1061,
124 Stat. 1376, 2036 (2010) (transferring to the
Bureau the ‘‘consumer financial protection
functions’’ previously vested in certain other
Federal agencies, including the Board).
9 The Bureau applied the specific business day
definition to various TRID timing provisions to
facilitate compliance for industry and to reduce the
potential for closing delays. See 78 FR 79730,
79770, 79837, 79851 (Dec. 31, 2013).
PO 00000
Frm 00012
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Therefore, as discussed further below, it
would also be compliant for creditors to
have considered June 19, 2021, a
Federal holiday for purposes of these
provisions.
Application to Specific Rescission
Provisions
As noted above, the Bureau is
clarifying that the version of the specific
business day definition that applies to
the provisions discussed in this
interpretive rule is the version of the
definition in effect when the relevant
time period begins. This section
discusses how that guidance applies to
closed-end rescission provisions that
reference the specific business day
definition.
Section 1026.23(a)(3)(i) provides that,
for closed-end transactions covered by
the right of rescission, the consumer
may exercise the right to rescind until
midnight of the third business day
following the last of (1) delivery of all
material disclosures; 10 (2)
consummation of the loan; 11 and (3)
delivery of the notice of the right to
rescind to each consumer entitled to
rescind.12 Pursuant to § 1026.23(b)(1)(v),
the notice must include the date the
rescission period expires.
For purposes of § 1026.23(a)(3)(i), the
rescission period is determined based
on the version of the specific business
day definition in effect when the
rescission period begins. Similarly, for
purposes of § 1026.23(b)(1)(v), the
rescission period expiration date
disclosed on the notice of the right to
rescind is determined based on the
version of the specific business day
definition in effect when the rescission
period begins. Therefore, if the
rescission period began on or before
June 17, 2021, for purposes of
determining the rescission period and
10 The material disclosures are the required
disclosures of the annual percentage rate, the
finance charge, the amount financed, the total of
payments, the payment schedule, and the
disclosures and limitations referred to in
§§ 1026.32(c) and (d) and 1026.43(g). See 12 CFR
1026.23(a)(3)(ii).
11 ‘‘Consummation’’ is defined in § 1026.2(a)(13)
as the time that a consumer becomes contractually
obligated on the credit transaction. Per comment
2(a)(13)–1, when a contractual obligation is created
is determined by State law.
12 A creditor is required to provide two copies of
the notice of the right to rescind to each consumer
entitled to rescind (one copy to each if the notice
is delivered in electronic form in accordance with
the consumer consent and other applicable
provisions of the E-Sign Act). The notice must be
on a separate piece of paper but may appear with
other information such as the itemization of the
amount financed. The creditor may deliver the
notice after the transaction is consummated, but the
rescission period will not begin to run until the
notice is given. See 12 CFR 1026.23(b)(1) and
comments 23(b)(1)–2 and –4.
E:\FR\FM\12AUR1.SGM
12AUR1
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 153 / Thursday, August 12, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1
the disclosed rescission period
expiration date, Saturday, June 19, 2021,
is a business day notwithstanding the
addition of Juneteenth as a Federal
holiday. For example, assume the
rescission period began on Wednesday,
June 16, 2021. Consistent with the
version of the specific business day
definition in effect when the rescission
period began, the creditor disclosed
June 19, 2021, as the rescission period
expiration date on the notice of the right
to rescind. Because the rescission period
began on or before June 17, 2021,
Saturday, June 19, 2021, is a business
day for purposes of determining the
rescission period and the disclosed
rescission period expiration date. In this
example, the rescission period expired
on Saturday, June 19, 2021; the original
rescission period expiration date did not
change as a result of the addition of
Juneteenth as a Federal holiday. The
Bureau notes, however, that for
purposes of compliance with
§ 1026.23(a)(3)(i) and (b)(1)(v), a creditor
may provide a longer rescission period.
Application to Specific TRID Provisions
As noted above, the Bureau is
clarifying that the version of the specific
business day definition that applies to
the provisions discussed in this
interpretive rule is the version in effect
when the relevant time period begins.
This section discusses how that
guidance applies to TRID provisions
that reference the specific business day
definition.
Delivery of Loan Estimate prior to
consummation. Section
1026.19(e)(1)(iii)(B) provides that
creditors generally must deliver or place
in the mail the Loan Estimate to
consumers no later than seven business
days before consummation of the
transaction.13 Consistent with the
guidance described above, the Bureau
concludes that the seven-business-day
waiting period in § 1026.19(e)(1)(iii)(B)
is determined based on the version of
the specific business day definition in
effect on the date the creditor delivers
the Loan Estimate or places it in the
mail. For example, if a creditor
delivered or placed the Loan Estimate in
the mail on Monday, June 14, 2021, the
creditor complied with
§ 1026.19(e)(1)(iii)(B) if consummation
occurred on or after Tuesday, June 22,
2021, because the Loan Estimate was
delivered or mailed seven business days
(including June 19, 2021) before
consummation. The Bureau notes,
13 The seven-business-day waiting period begins
when the creditor delivers the Loan Estimate or
places it in the mail, not when the consumer
receives or is considered to have received the Loan
Estimate. Comment 19(e)(1)(iii)–2.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:14 Aug 11, 2021
Jkt 253001
however, that it would also be
compliant for creditors to have
considered June 19, 2021, a Federal
holiday for purposes of
§ 1026.19(e)(1)(iii)(B) because creditors
may provide the Loan Estimate earlier
than seven business days before
consummation.
Mailbox rules. Section
1026.19(e)(1)(iv), (e)(4)(ii), and (f)(1)(iii)
provide that if the Loan Estimate or
Closing Disclosure, as applicable, is not
provided to the consumer in person, the
consumer is considered to have received
the Loan Estimate or Closing Disclosure
three business days after it is delivered
or placed in the mail when determining
compliance with the disclosure timing
requirements in those sections.14 These
are referred to herein as ‘‘mailbox
rules.’’ The Bureau concludes that, for
purposes of § 1026.19(e)(1)(iv), (e)(4)(ii),
and (f)(1)(iii), the three-business-day
period is determined based on the
version of the specific business day
definition in effect on the date the
creditor delivers the disclosures or
places them in the mail.15 For example,
if a creditor did not provide the Loan
Estimate or Closing Disclosure to the
consumer in person but delivered or
placed it in the mail on Thursday, June
17, 2021, the consumer is considered to
have received the Loan Estimate or
Closing Disclosure on Monday, June 21,
2021. It would also be compliant for
creditors to have considered June 19,
2021, a Federal holiday for purposes of
the mailbox rules in § 1026.19(e)(1)(iv),
(e)(4)(ii), and (f)(1)(iii).
Receipt of revised Loan Estimate and
Closing Disclosure prior to
consummation. Section 1026.19(e)(4)(ii)
provides, in part, that the consumer
must receive any revised Loan Estimate
no later than four business days prior to
consummation.16 Section
14 In such circumstances, the creditor may,
alternatively, rely on evidence that the consumer
received the disclosures earlier. Comments
19(e)(1)(iv)–1 and –2 provide that if the Loan
Estimate is not provided to the consumer in person
(such as by mail or email), the creditor may,
alternatively, rely on evidence that the consumer
received the Loan Estimate earlier than three
business days after it is delivered or placed in the
mail. See also comments 19(e)(4)(ii)–1 and
19(f)(1)(iii) 1 and –2.
15 Relatedly, § 1026.19(e)(2)(i)(A) provides that
neither a creditor nor any other person may impose
a fee on a consumer in connection with the
consumer’s application for a mortgage transaction
before the consumer has, among other things,
received the Loan Estimate. While
§ 1026.19(e)(2)(i)(A) does not refer to business days
when referencing the consumer receiving the Loan
Estimate, § 1026.2(a)(6) lists the specific business
day definition as applying to § 1026.19(e)(2)(i)(A).
The same interpretation that applies to the mailbox
rules for purposes of determining the receipt of
disclosures also applies to § 1026.19(e)(2)(i)(A).
16 This provision also prohibits a creditor from
delivering a revised Loan Estimate on or after the
PO 00000
Frm 00013
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
44269
1026.19(f)(1)(ii)(A) provides that the
creditor must ensure that the consumer
receives the Closing Disclosure no later
than three business days before
consummation. Unlike
§ 1026.19(e)(1)(iii)(B), the
§ 1026.19(e)(4)(ii) and (f)(1)(ii)(A) timing
requirements begin when the
disclosures are received by the
consumer and not when they are
delivered or placed in the mail.
However, as noted above,
§ 1026.19(e)(4)(ii) and (f)(1)(iii) provide
that if the revised Loan Estimate or
Closing Disclosure is not provided to
the consumer in person, the consumer
is considered to have received the
revised Loan Estimate or Closing
Disclosure three business days after it is
delivered or placed in the mail.
Thus, the Bureau concludes that the
four- and three-business-day timing
requirements in § 1026.19(e)(4)(ii) and
(f)(1)(ii)(A), respectively, are determined
based on the version of the specific
business day definition in effect on the
date the creditor either provides the
required disclosures to the consumer in
person or, if not provided in person, the
date the creditor delivers or places the
required disclosures in the mail. For
example, if a creditor provided the
Closing Disclosure to the consumer in
person on Thursday, June 17, 2021, the
creditor complied with
§ 1026.19(f)(1)(ii)(A) if consummation
occurred on or after Monday, June 21,
2021, because the Closing Disclosure
was delivered in person no later than
three business days (including June 19,
2021) before consummation. The Bureau
notes, however, that it would also be
compliant for creditors to have
considered June 19, 2021, a Federal
holiday for purposes of
§ 1026.19(e)(4)(ii) and (f)(1)(ii)(A)
because creditors may provide the
revised Loan Estimate or Closing
Disclosure earlier than required.
III. Regulatory Matters
This is an interpretive rule issued
under the Bureau’s authority to interpret
Regulation Z, including under section
1022(b)(1) of the Dodd-Frank Act, which
authorizes guidance as may be
necessary or appropriate to enable the
Bureau to administer and carry out the
purposes and objectives of Federal
consumer financial laws.17
By operation of section 130(f) of the
Truth in Lending Act (TILA), no
provision of TILA sections 130, 108(b),
108(c), 108(e), or 112 imposing any
liability applies to any act done or
date on which the creditor provides the Closing
Disclosure. 12 CFR 1026.19(e)(4)(ii).
17 12 U.S.C. 5512(b)(1).
E:\FR\FM\12AUR1.SGM
12AUR1
44270
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 153 / Thursday, August 12, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
omitted in good faith in conformity with
this interpretive rule, notwithstanding
that after such act or omission has
occurred, the interpretive rule is
amended, rescinded, or determined by
judicial or other authority to be invalid
for any reason.18
As an interpretive rule, this rule is
exempt from the notice-and-comment
rulemaking requirements of the
Administrative Procedure Act.19
Because no notice of proposed
rulemaking is required, the Regulatory
Flexibility Act does not require an
initial or final regulatory flexibility
analysis.20 The Bureau has determined
that this interpretive rule does not
impose any new or revise any existing
recordkeeping, reporting, or disclosure
requirements on covered entities or
members of the public that would be
collections of information requiring
Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) approval under the Paperwork
Reduction Act.21
Pursuant to the Congressional Review
Act,22 the Bureau will submit a report
containing this interpretive rule and
other required information to the United
States Senate, the United States House
of Representatives, and the Comptroller
General of the United States prior to the
rule’s published effective date. The
Office of Information and Regulatory
Affairs has designated this interpretive
rule as not a ‘‘major rule’’ as defined by
5 U.S.C. 804(2).
IV. Signing Authority
The Acting Director of the Bureau,
David Uejio, having reviewed and
approved this document, is delegating
the authority to electronically sign this
document to Laura Galban, a Bureau
Federal Register Liaison, for purposes of
publication in the Federal Register.
Dated: August 5, 2021.
Laura Galban,
Federal Register Liaison, Bureau of Consumer
Financial Protection.
[FR Doc. 2021–17050 Filed 8–11–21; 8:45 am]
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1
BILLING CODE 4810–AM–P
18 15 U.S.C. 1640(f); see also 12 U.S.C. 2617(b),
12 CFR 1024.4 (similar protection conferred by the
Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act from certain
liability).
19 5 U.S.C. 553(b).
20 5 U.S.C. 603(a), 604(a).
21 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.
22 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:14 Aug 11, 2021
Jkt 253001
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Drug Enforcement Administration
21 CFR Part 1308
[Docket No. DEA–498]
Schedules of Controlled Substances:
Placement of 4,4′-DMAR in Schedule I
Drug Enforcement
Administration, Department of Justice.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
With the issuance of this final
rule, the Drug Enforcement
Administration places 4,4′dimethylaminorex (common name: 4,4′DMAR) including its salts, isomers, and
salts of isomers, in schedule I of the
Controlled Substances Act. This action
is being taken to enable the United
States to meet its obligations under the
1971 Convention on Psychotropic
Substances. This action imposes the
regulatory controls and administrative,
civil, and criminal sanctions applicable
to schedule I controlled substances on
persons who handle (manufacture,
distribute, import, export, engage in
research, conduct instructional
activities or chemical analysis, or
possess), or propose to handle 4,4′DMAR.
SUMMARY:
DATES:
Effective date: September 13,
2021.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Terrence L. Boos, Drug and Chemical
Evaluation Section, Diversion Control
Division, Drug Enforcement
Administration; Telephone: (571) 362–
3249.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Legal Authority
The United States is a party to the
1971 United Nations Convention on
Psychotropic Substances (1971
Convention), February 21, 1971, 32
U.S.T. 543, 1019 U.N.T.S. 175, as
amended. Procedures respecting
changes in drug schedules under the
1971 Convention are governed
domestically by 21 U.S.C. 811(d)(2–4).
When the United States receives
notification of a scheduling decision
pursuant to Article 2 of the 1971
Convention adding a drug or other
substance to a specific schedule, the
Secretary of the Department of Health
and Human Services (HHS),1 after
1 As discussed in a memorandum of
understanding entered into by the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) and the National Institute on
Drug Abuse (NIDA), FDA acts as the lead agency
within HHS in carrying out the Secretary’s
scheduling responsibilities under the CSA, with the
concurrence of NIDA. 50 FR 9518 (March 8, 1985).
PO 00000
Frm 00014
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
consultation with the Attorney General,
shall first determine whether existing
legal controls under subchapter I of the
Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and
the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic
Act meet the requirements of the
schedule specified in the notification
with respect to the specific drug or
substance. 21 U.S.C. 811(d)(3). In the
event that the Secretary of HHS
(Secretary) did not so consult with the
Attorney General, and the Attorney
General did not issue a temporary order,
as provided under 21 U.S.C. 811(d)(4),
the procedures for permanent
scheduling are set forth in 21 U.S.C.
811(a) and (b). Pursuant to 21 U.S.C.
811(a)(1), the Attorney General may, by
rule, add to such a schedule or transfer
between such schedules any drug or
other substance, if he finds that such
drug or other substance has a potential
for abuse, and makes with respect to
such drug or other substance the
findings prescribed by 21 U.S.C. 812(b)
for the schedule in which such drug or
other substance is to be placed. The
Attorney General has delegated this
scheduling authority to the
Administrator of the Drug Enforcement
Administration (DEA Administrator or
Administrator). 28 CFR 0.100.
Background
4,4′-Dimethylaminorex (common
name: 4,4′-DMAR; other names: 4,5dihydro-4-methyl-5-(4-methylphenyl)-2oxazolamine; 4-methyl-5-(4methylphenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1,3-oxazol2-amine) is a synthetic stimulant drug
structurally related to 4-methylaminorex
(4–MAR), a schedule I substance in the
United States and a Schedule I
substance in the 1971 Convention. In
November 2015, the Director-General of
the World Health Organization
recommended the Secretary-General of
the United Nations (UN SecretaryGeneral) place 4,4′-DMAR in Schedule II
of the 1971 Convention, as 4,4′-DMAR
produces a spectrum of pharmacological
effects similar to psychomotor
stimulants listed in Schedule II of the
1971 Convention, and has dependence
and abuse potential. In May 2016, the
UN Secretary-General advised the
Secretary of State of the United States
(U.S. Secretary of State) that the
Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND)
voted to place 4,4′-dimethylaminorex
(4,4′-DMAR) in Schedule II of the 1971
Convention (CND Dec/59/5) during its
59th Session in March 2016.
The Secretary of HHS has delegated to the Assistant
Secretary for Health of HHS the authority to make
domestic drug scheduling recommendations. 58 FR
35460, July 1, 1993.
E:\FR\FM\12AUR1.SGM
12AUR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 153 (Thursday, August 12, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 44267-44270]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-17050]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
BUREAU OF CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION
12 CFR Part 1026
Truth in Lending (Regulation Z); Impact of the 2021 Juneteenth
Holiday on Certain Closed-End Mortgage Requirements
AGENCY: Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection.
ACTION: Interpretive rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (Bureau) is
issuing this interpretive rule to provide guidance on certain
Regulation Z timing requirements related to rescission of closed-end
mortgages and the TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosures (TRID). These
timing requirements are based on a definition of ``business day'' that
excludes days that are designated as legal public holidays under
Federal law. The interpretive rule explains these timing requirements
in light of recent legislation that designated ``Juneteenth National
Independence Day, June 19'' (Juneteenth) as a Federal legal public
holiday. It clarifies that, if the relevant closed-end rescission or
TRID time period began on or before June 17, 2021, then June 19, 2021,
was considered a business day, but nothing prohibits creditors from
providing longer time periods. Therefore, it would also be compliant
for creditors to have considered June 19, 2021, a Federal holiday for
purposes of these provisions.
DATES: This interpretive rule is effective on August 12, 2021.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Pedro De Oliveira, Lanique Eubanks,
Jaclyn Maier, or Priscilla Walton-Fein, Senior Counsels, Office of
Regulations, at 202-435-7700. If you require this document in an
alternative electronic format, please contact
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
On June 17, 2021, the President signed legislation that amended 5
U.S.C. 6103(a) to add ``Juneteenth National Independence Day, June 19''
(Juneteenth) to the list of Federal legal public holidays (Federal
holidays).\1\ Various regulatory provisions cross-reference or
otherwise refer to the Federal holidays listed in 5 U.S.C. 6103(a),
including the Regulation Z definition of ``business day.'' In
Regulation Z, ``business day'' is defined in Sec. 1026.2(a)(6)
generally to mean ``a day on which the creditor's offices are open to
the public for carrying on substantially all of its business
functions.'' However, for purposes of certain specified Regulation Z
provisions, Sec. 1026.2(a)(6) defines business day to mean: ``[A]ll
calendar days except Sundays and the legal public holidays specified in
5 U.S.C. 6103(a), such as New Year's Day, the Birthday of Martin Luther
King, Jr., Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor
Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.''
\2\ This is referred to herein as the ``specific business day''
definition.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, Public Law 117-17,
135 Stat. 287 (2021).
\2\ Comment 2(a)(6)-2 further provides that four Federal
holidays are identified in 5 U.S.C. 6103(a) by a specific date: New
Year's Day, January 1; Independence Day, July 4; Veterans Day,
November 11; and Christmas Day, December 25. The comment states that
when one of these holidays falls on a Saturday, Federal offices and
other entities might observe the holiday on the preceding Friday
but, nonetheless, the observed holiday is a business day for
purposes of the specific business day definition. Like the four
Federal holidays listed in comment 2(a)(6)-2, Juneteenth is
identified in 5 U.S.C. 6103(a) by a specific date. For 2021, Federal
offices observed the Juneteenth holiday on Friday, June 18, 2021.
For purposes of the specific business day definition, June 18, 2021,
was a business day.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The legislation that made Juneteenth a Federal holiday took effect
immediately.\3\ Therefore, June 19 became a Federal holiday on June 17,
2021. By virtue of the cross-reference to 5 U.S.C. 6103(a) in Sec.
1026.2(a)(6), the days that are considered Federal holidays under the
specific business day definition in Regulation Z also changed on June
17, 2021. The Bureau understands that this presented interpretive
questions and compliance challenges for the mortgage industry because
the Juneteenth holiday occurred only two days after the date of the law
change. Based on industry inquiries and outreach to the Bureau
following the June 17, 2021, amendment to 5 U.S.C. 6103(a), the Bureau
understands these issues were particularly acute for transactions that
either (1) closed on or before June 17, 2021, but for which consumers'
rescission periods had not yet expired or (2) were close to the
[[Page 44268]]
planned closing date on June 17, 2021, and subject to certain
disclosure timing requirements of the TRID provisions of Regulation Z.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\3\ The law took effect when it was signed by the President on
June 17, 2021. See, e.g., United States v. Casson, 434 F.2d 415
(D.C. Cir. 1970) (indicating that a law that is effective on
enactment goes into effect at the exact time that the President
signs it).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
This interpretive rule provides guidance on the 2021 Juneteenth
holiday and the specific business day definition in these two
situations.\4\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\4\ The Bureau is adopting this interpretation effective on the
date of publication in the Federal Register. The interpretive rule
explains the Bureau's view of the legal requirements that were
applicable around the time of the Juneteenth holiday in June 2021.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
II. Discussion
Guidance on Determining the Applicable Specific Business Day Definition
The specific business day definition applies to various timing
requirements in Regulation Z, including rescission of closed-end
mortgages and some TRID provisions.\5\ Regulation Z does not specify
which version of the specific business day definition applies to these
provisions when the definition changes during the relevant time
period--the version of the definition in effect when the relevant time
period begins, or the new version of the definition that takes effect
before the relevant time period ends. The Bureau is issuing this
interpretive rule to clarify that the version of the specific business
day definition that applies to these provisions is the version of the
definition in effect when the relevant time period begins.\6\
Accordingly, in the context of the 2021 Juneteenth Federal holiday and
the affected closed-end rescission and TRID provisions, if the relevant
time period began on or before June 17, 2021, then June 19, 2021, is a
business day for purposes of the specific business day definition. If
the relevant time period began after June 17, 2021, then June 19, 2021,
is a Federal holiday for purposes of the specific business day
definition.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\5\ With respect to rescission, the affected regulatory
provisions are Sec. 1026.23(a)(3)(i) and (b)(1)(v). With respect to
TRID, the affected regulatory provisions are Sec.
1026.19(e)(1)(iii)(B), (e)(1)(iv), (e)(2)(i)(A), (e)(4)(ii), and
(f)(1)(ii) and (iii). Other provisions of Regulation Z rely on the
specific business day definition and therefore also were affected by
the legislation. Those provisions are outside the scope of this
interpretive rule.
\6\ The Bureau understands that the law amending 5 U.S.C.
6103(a) to add Juneteenth to the list of Federal holidays was signed
by the President shortly after 4 p.m. EST on June 17, 2021. See
Press Release, The White House, Remarks by President Biden at
Signing of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act (June 17,
2021), https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2021/06/17/remarks-by-president-biden-at-signing-of-the-juneteenth-national-independence-day-act/. While the law took effect
immediately, the Bureau is clarifying that the version of the
specific business day definition in effect prior to June 17, 2021,
applies where the relevant time period began at any time on June 17,
2021. The requirements discussed in this interpretive rule generally
apply with respect to the day that a particular event occurred, not
the time of day. Accordingly, the Bureau believes it is more
consistent with these provisions not to distinguish among actions
taken at different times on June 17, 2021. Treating all actions
taken on June 17, 2021, the same in the context of these provisions
also serves the purposes of the regulation, by providing certainty
to creditors and uniformity in the application of the specific
business day definition across the mortgage market.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Bureau concludes that this reading is consistent with the
purposes of the specific business day definition, which are to provide
certainty and uniformity to the timing requirements.\7\ When the
Federal Reserve Board (Board) established the specific business day
definition, it explained that creditors and consumers need certainty as
to the length of the rescission period; otherwise, they risk a delay in
the loan funding date to account for an extension of the rescission
period.\8\ Similarly, in issuing the TRID requirements, the Bureau
explained that creditors and consumers need certainty as to the length
of the waiting and other time periods required under the TRID
provisions in order to establish a closing date and reduce the
potential for unexpected closing delays.\9\ Interpreting these
provisions to require use of an amended specific business day
definition that takes effect only after the relevant time period begins
would undermine that certainty, as it may require a change in the
timing of loan funding, closing, and other dates that are dependent on
the definition.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\7\ See, e.g., 74 FR 23289, 23294 (May 19, 2009) (applying the
specific business day definition to the seven-business-day waiting
period prior to consummation after receipt of required disclosures,
explaining that (1) doing so makes it easier for creditors to
determine how to meet timing requirements, especially where the
creditor has multiple offices not open on the same days; (2) the
standard for determining when a waiting period ends will be the same
for all creditors; and (3) whether a creditor's offices are open or
closed will not affect the time that a consumer has to receive and
review disclosures).
\8\ The Board explained that it adopted the two-tier definition
because transactions subject to the right of rescission need a more
definite and uniform business day definition. See 46 FR 20848, 20850
(Apr. 7, 1981). Regulatory authority for this provision was later
transferred to the Bureau. See Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and
Consumer Protection Act, Public Law 111-203, section 1061, 124 Stat.
1376, 2036 (2010) (transferring to the Bureau the ``consumer
financial protection functions'' previously vested in certain other
Federal agencies, including the Board).
\9\ The Bureau applied the specific business day definition to
various TRID timing provisions to facilitate compliance for industry
and to reduce the potential for closing delays. See 78 FR 79730,
79770, 79837, 79851 (Dec. 31, 2013).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Bureau notes that the affected closed-end rescission and TRID
provisions do not prohibit creditors from providing longer time
periods. Therefore, as discussed further below, it would also be
compliant for creditors to have considered June 19, 2021, a Federal
holiday for purposes of these provisions.
Application to Specific Rescission Provisions
As noted above, the Bureau is clarifying that the version of the
specific business day definition that applies to the provisions
discussed in this interpretive rule is the version of the definition in
effect when the relevant time period begins. This section discusses how
that guidance applies to closed-end rescission provisions that
reference the specific business day definition.
Section 1026.23(a)(3)(i) provides that, for closed-end transactions
covered by the right of rescission, the consumer may exercise the right
to rescind until midnight of the third business day following the last
of (1) delivery of all material disclosures; \10\ (2) consummation of
the loan; \11\ and (3) delivery of the notice of the right to rescind
to each consumer entitled to rescind.\12\ Pursuant to Sec.
1026.23(b)(1)(v), the notice must include the date the rescission
period expires.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\10\ The material disclosures are the required disclosures of
the annual percentage rate, the finance charge, the amount financed,
the total of payments, the payment schedule, and the disclosures and
limitations referred to in Sec. Sec. 1026.32(c) and (d) and
1026.43(g). See 12 CFR 1026.23(a)(3)(ii).
\11\ ``Consummation'' is defined in Sec. 1026.2(a)(13) as the
time that a consumer becomes contractually obligated on the credit
transaction. Per comment 2(a)(13)-1, when a contractual obligation
is created is determined by State law.
\12\ A creditor is required to provide two copies of the notice
of the right to rescind to each consumer entitled to rescind (one
copy to each if the notice is delivered in electronic form in
accordance with the consumer consent and other applicable provisions
of the E-Sign Act). The notice must be on a separate piece of paper
but may appear with other information such as the itemization of the
amount financed. The creditor may deliver the notice after the
transaction is consummated, but the rescission period will not begin
to run until the notice is given. See 12 CFR 1026.23(b)(1) and
comments 23(b)(1)-2 and -4.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
For purposes of Sec. 1026.23(a)(3)(i), the rescission period is
determined based on the version of the specific business day definition
in effect when the rescission period begins. Similarly, for purposes of
Sec. 1026.23(b)(1)(v), the rescission period expiration date disclosed
on the notice of the right to rescind is determined based on the
version of the specific business day definition in effect when the
rescission period begins. Therefore, if the rescission period began on
or before June 17, 2021, for purposes of determining the rescission
period and
[[Page 44269]]
the disclosed rescission period expiration date, Saturday, June 19,
2021, is a business day notwithstanding the addition of Juneteenth as a
Federal holiday. For example, assume the rescission period began on
Wednesday, June 16, 2021. Consistent with the version of the specific
business day definition in effect when the rescission period began, the
creditor disclosed June 19, 2021, as the rescission period expiration
date on the notice of the right to rescind. Because the rescission
period began on or before June 17, 2021, Saturday, June 19, 2021, is a
business day for purposes of determining the rescission period and the
disclosed rescission period expiration date. In this example, the
rescission period expired on Saturday, June 19, 2021; the original
rescission period expiration date did not change as a result of the
addition of Juneteenth as a Federal holiday. The Bureau notes, however,
that for purposes of compliance with Sec. 1026.23(a)(3)(i) and
(b)(1)(v), a creditor may provide a longer rescission period.
Application to Specific TRID Provisions
As noted above, the Bureau is clarifying that the version of the
specific business day definition that applies to the provisions
discussed in this interpretive rule is the version in effect when the
relevant time period begins. This section discusses how that guidance
applies to TRID provisions that reference the specific business day
definition.
Delivery of Loan Estimate prior to consummation. Section
1026.19(e)(1)(iii)(B) provides that creditors generally must deliver or
place in the mail the Loan Estimate to consumers no later than seven
business days before consummation of the transaction.\13\ Consistent
with the guidance described above, the Bureau concludes that the seven-
business-day waiting period in Sec. 1026.19(e)(1)(iii)(B) is
determined based on the version of the specific business day definition
in effect on the date the creditor delivers the Loan Estimate or places
it in the mail. For example, if a creditor delivered or placed the Loan
Estimate in the mail on Monday, June 14, 2021, the creditor complied
with Sec. 1026.19(e)(1)(iii)(B) if consummation occurred on or after
Tuesday, June 22, 2021, because the Loan Estimate was delivered or
mailed seven business days (including June 19, 2021) before
consummation. The Bureau notes, however, that it would also be
compliant for creditors to have considered June 19, 2021, a Federal
holiday for purposes of Sec. 1026.19(e)(1)(iii)(B) because creditors
may provide the Loan Estimate earlier than seven business days before
consummation.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\13\ The seven-business-day waiting period begins when the
creditor delivers the Loan Estimate or places it in the mail, not
when the consumer receives or is considered to have received the
Loan Estimate. Comment 19(e)(1)(iii)-2.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mailbox rules. Section 1026.19(e)(1)(iv), (e)(4)(ii), and
(f)(1)(iii) provide that if the Loan Estimate or Closing Disclosure, as
applicable, is not provided to the consumer in person, the consumer is
considered to have received the Loan Estimate or Closing Disclosure
three business days after it is delivered or placed in the mail when
determining compliance with the disclosure timing requirements in those
sections.\14\ These are referred to herein as ``mailbox rules.'' The
Bureau concludes that, for purposes of Sec. 1026.19(e)(1)(iv),
(e)(4)(ii), and (f)(1)(iii), the three-business-day period is
determined based on the version of the specific business day definition
in effect on the date the creditor delivers the disclosures or places
them in the mail.\15\ For example, if a creditor did not provide the
Loan Estimate or Closing Disclosure to the consumer in person but
delivered or placed it in the mail on Thursday, June 17, 2021, the
consumer is considered to have received the Loan Estimate or Closing
Disclosure on Monday, June 21, 2021. It would also be compliant for
creditors to have considered June 19, 2021, a Federal holiday for
purposes of the mailbox rules in Sec. 1026.19(e)(1)(iv), (e)(4)(ii),
and (f)(1)(iii).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\14\ In such circumstances, the creditor may, alternatively,
rely on evidence that the consumer received the disclosures earlier.
Comments 19(e)(1)(iv)-1 and -2 provide that if the Loan Estimate is
not provided to the consumer in person (such as by mail or email),
the creditor may, alternatively, rely on evidence that the consumer
received the Loan Estimate earlier than three business days after it
is delivered or placed in the mail. See also comments 19(e)(4)(ii)-1
and 19(f)(1)(iii) 1 and -2.
\15\ Relatedly, Sec. 1026.19(e)(2)(i)(A) provides that neither
a creditor nor any other person may impose a fee on a consumer in
connection with the consumer's application for a mortgage
transaction before the consumer has, among other things, received
the Loan Estimate. While Sec. 1026.19(e)(2)(i)(A) does not refer to
business days when referencing the consumer receiving the Loan
Estimate, Sec. 1026.2(a)(6) lists the specific business day
definition as applying to Sec. 1026.19(e)(2)(i)(A). The same
interpretation that applies to the mailbox rules for purposes of
determining the receipt of disclosures also applies to Sec.
1026.19(e)(2)(i)(A).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Receipt of revised Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure prior to
consummation. Section 1026.19(e)(4)(ii) provides, in part, that the
consumer must receive any revised Loan Estimate no later than four
business days prior to consummation.\16\ Section 1026.19(f)(1)(ii)(A)
provides that the creditor must ensure that the consumer receives the
Closing Disclosure no later than three business days before
consummation. Unlike Sec. 1026.19(e)(1)(iii)(B), the Sec.
1026.19(e)(4)(ii) and (f)(1)(ii)(A) timing requirements begin when the
disclosures are received by the consumer and not when they are
delivered or placed in the mail. However, as noted above, Sec.
1026.19(e)(4)(ii) and (f)(1)(iii) provide that if the revised Loan
Estimate or Closing Disclosure is not provided to the consumer in
person, the consumer is considered to have received the revised Loan
Estimate or Closing Disclosure three business days after it is
delivered or placed in the mail.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\16\ This provision also prohibits a creditor from delivering a
revised Loan Estimate on or after the date on which the creditor
provides the Closing Disclosure. 12 CFR 1026.19(e)(4)(ii).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thus, the Bureau concludes that the four- and three-business-day
timing requirements in Sec. 1026.19(e)(4)(ii) and (f)(1)(ii)(A),
respectively, are determined based on the version of the specific
business day definition in effect on the date the creditor either
provides the required disclosures to the consumer in person or, if not
provided in person, the date the creditor delivers or places the
required disclosures in the mail. For example, if a creditor provided
the Closing Disclosure to the consumer in person on Thursday, June 17,
2021, the creditor complied with Sec. 1026.19(f)(1)(ii)(A) if
consummation occurred on or after Monday, June 21, 2021, because the
Closing Disclosure was delivered in person no later than three business
days (including June 19, 2021) before consummation. The Bureau notes,
however, that it would also be compliant for creditors to have
considered June 19, 2021, a Federal holiday for purposes of Sec.
1026.19(e)(4)(ii) and (f)(1)(ii)(A) because creditors may provide the
revised Loan Estimate or Closing Disclosure earlier than required.
III. Regulatory Matters
This is an interpretive rule issued under the Bureau's authority to
interpret Regulation Z, including under section 1022(b)(1) of the Dodd-
Frank Act, which authorizes guidance as may be necessary or appropriate
to enable the Bureau to administer and carry out the purposes and
objectives of Federal consumer financial laws.\17\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\17\ 12 U.S.C. 5512(b)(1).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
By operation of section 130(f) of the Truth in Lending Act (TILA),
no provision of TILA sections 130, 108(b), 108(c), 108(e), or 112
imposing any liability applies to any act done or
[[Page 44270]]
omitted in good faith in conformity with this interpretive rule,
notwithstanding that after such act or omission has occurred, the
interpretive rule is amended, rescinded, or determined by judicial or
other authority to be invalid for any reason.\18\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\18\ 15 U.S.C. 1640(f); see also 12 U.S.C. 2617(b), 12 CFR
1024.4 (similar protection conferred by the Real Estate Settlement
Procedures Act from certain liability).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
As an interpretive rule, this rule is exempt from the notice-and-
comment rulemaking requirements of the Administrative Procedure
Act.\19\ Because no notice of proposed rulemaking is required, the
Regulatory Flexibility Act does not require an initial or final
regulatory flexibility analysis.\20\ The Bureau has determined that
this interpretive rule does not impose any new or revise any existing
recordkeeping, reporting, or disclosure requirements on covered
entities or members of the public that would be collections of
information requiring Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval
under the Paperwork Reduction Act.\21\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\19\ 5 U.S.C. 553(b).
\20\ 5 U.S.C. 603(a), 604(a).
\21\ 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pursuant to the Congressional Review Act,\22\ the Bureau will
submit a report containing this interpretive rule and other required
information to the United States Senate, the United States House of
Representatives, and the Comptroller General of the United States prior
to the rule's published effective date. The Office of Information and
Regulatory Affairs has designated this interpretive rule as not a
``major rule'' as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\22\ 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
IV. Signing Authority
The Acting Director of the Bureau, David Uejio, having reviewed and
approved this document, is delegating the authority to electronically
sign this document to Laura Galban, a Bureau Federal Register Liaison,
for purposes of publication in the Federal Register.
Dated: August 5, 2021.
Laura Galban,
Federal Register Liaison, Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection.
[FR Doc. 2021-17050 Filed 8-11-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4810-AM-P