Chapter 155-2-1 GENERAL APPLICATION REGULATIONS
Ala. Admin. Code r. 155-2-1-.01 Organization
(1) The Alabama
State Banking Department is a statutorily-created department of the State of
Alabama.
(2) The Department is
under the direction, supervision, and control of the Superintendent of Banks,
who is appointed by the Governor.
(3) The Department has a statutorily-created
Division, the Bureau of Loans.
(4)
The Bureau of Loans is under the supervision of the Supervisor of the Bureau of
Loans, who is appointed by the Superintendent of Banks, with the approval of
the Governor and subject to the provisions of the merit system.
History
- Effective 10/1/1997.
- Author: Scott Corscadden, General Counsel Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, § 5-2A-1, § 5-2A-3, § 5-2A-80, § 5-19-1, § 5-19-21
Ala. Admin. Code r. 155-2-1-.02 Rulemaking Proceedings
(1)
Pursuant to the Alabama Small Loan Act, the Supervisor of the Bureau of Loans
is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations as may be necessary or
appropriate for the execution and enforcement of the Alabama Small Loan Act.
Pursuant to the Alabama Consumer Credit Act, the Superintendent of Banks (also
referred to as the "administrator") is authorized to promulgate rules and
regulations and official interpretations (all of which are referred to as
"regulations") and to issue written interpretations as may be necessary or
appropriate for the execution and enforcement of the Alabama Consumer Credit
Act.
(2) The Supervisor of the
Bureau of Loans is, by this regulation, an authorized designee for the purpose
of the issuance of written interpretations of the Alabama Consumer Credit Act
and the regulations thereunder and the Alabama Small Loan Act and the
regulations thereunder.
(3) The
regulations and interpretations of the State Banking Department-Bureau of Loans
implementing the Alabama Consumer Credit Act and Alabama Small Loan Act shall
be promulgated in accordance with the provisions of Section 5-19-21, and the
regulations shall be published in the Alabama Administrative
Monthly. Communications regarding regulatory proceedings should be
addressed to the State Banking Department - Bureau of Loans, Montgomery,
Alabama 36130.
History
- Effective 10/1/1997.
- Author: Scott Corscadden, General Counsel Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, § 5-19-21, § 5-19-22 § 5-19-1, § 5-19-21
Ala. Admin. Code r. 155-2-1-.03 Petition for Regulation, Amendment or Repeal
(1) Any person who wishes to propose that the
State Banking Department adopt, amend, or repeal any consumer finance
regulation shall submit said proposal in the following form:
PETITION FOR ADOPTION AMENDMENT OR REPEAL OF
REGULATION
- This is a
petition:
() To adopt a regulation.
() To amend an existing regulation.
() To repeal an existing regulation.
- This petition is presented by
(Petitioner):
Name:_____________________________________________________
Address:_____________________________________________________
Phone:_____________________________________________________
- The person signing the petition
is:
() The true party in interest and is the petitioner.
() An officer or employee of the petitioner.
State
Title:_____________________________________________________
() Other
(Specify):_____________________________________________________
- The petitioner's representative
is:
Name:_____________________________________________________
Address:_____________________________________________________
Phone:_____________________________________________________
- If this petition proposes to
amend or repeal an existing regulation, specify the regulation:
Regulation
No._____________________________________________________
- If this petition proposes the adoption of
a new regulation, specify all existing regulations it would affect, and specify
what chapter of the Department's regulations it should be part of.
- Attach as "Exhibit A", a typed
(double-spaced) narrative as to why the adoption, amendment, or the repeal is
needed, specifying:
(A) The persons or class
of persons it would affect and how it would affect them.
(B) The benefits and disadvantages of the
adoption, amendment, or repeal.
(C)
The estimated cost or cost savings to the Department.
(D) Legal authority for the adoption,
amendment, or repeal.
(E) The names
and addresses of any persons, organizations, and the identity of any class of
persons who would be or could be adversely affected by the proposed regulation,
modification, or repeal.
(F) The
estimated cost or benefit to the consumer.
(G) Any other reasons for the adoption,
amendment, or repeal which should be considered by the Department.
- Attach as "Exhibit B", any
other documents, reports or studies that you want to be considered in
connection with your petition.
Dated this the________ day of____________
Signature of Petitioner or Representative
Note: The original and five (5) copies of the petition must be
submitted to Supervisor of the Bureau of Loans, State Banking Department,
Montgomery, Alabama 36130.
History
- Effective 10/1/1997.
- Author: Scott Corscadden, General Counsel Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, § 5-18-12, § 5-19-21
Ala. Admin. Code r. 155-2-1-.04 Request for Written Interpretation
(1) The Superintendent or his designee may
issue written interpretations of the Alabama Consumer Credit Act and/or the
regulations issued thereunder and the Alabama Small Loan Act and/or the
regulations issued thereunder. A request for a written interpretation must be
made in writing and submitted to the State Banking Department - Bureau of
Loans, Montgomery, Alabama 36130.
History
- Effective 10/1/1997.
- Author: Scott Corscadden, General Counsel Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, § 5-19-21, § 5-18-12
Ala. Admin. Code r. 155-2-1-.05 Fee Schedule
(1) The
following charges are in addition to those specifically required by the Alabama
Consumer Credit Act or Alabama Small Loan Act:
History
- Effective 10/1/1997; Amended 1/1/2020.
- Author: Scott Corscadden, Supervisor, Bureau of Loans Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, § 5-19-21, § 5-18-6, § 5-18-12
Ala. Admin. Code r. 155-2-1-.06 Application Forms
History
- Effective 10/1/1997; Repealed 1/1/2020.
- Author: Scott Corscadden, Supervisor, Bureau of Loans Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, § 5-19-21, § 5-19-22, § 5-18-6
Ala. Admin. Code r. 155-2-1-.07 Examination Fees
(1) Examination
fees shall be per day or a fraction thereof for each examiner, and the fee
shall be due and payable at the close of the examination. The examination fees
for examinations conducted under the various Acts shall be as follows:
a. Alabama Small Loan Act -
$200.00;
b. Alabama Mortgage
Brokers Licensing Act - $200.00;
c.
Alabama Consumer Credit Act - $300.00;
d. Deferred Presentment Services Act -
$300.00;
e. Alabama Pawnshop Act -
$400.00;
f. All desk examinations -
$100.00; and
g. Each additional
license in consolidated examination - $100.00.
(2) When an examination is conducted outside
the State of Alabama, the licensee shall pay the reasonable and necessary
expenses for the Administrator or his/her representative to examine its records
at the place of business where they are maintained. In addition, the licensee
shall also pay the above referenced examination fee(s) as applicable.
History
- Effective 1/1/2020.
- Author: Scott Corscadden, Supervisor, Bureau of Loans Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, § 5-2A-24, § 5-18-10, § 5-19-24, § 5-18A-11, § 5-25-9, § 5-26-16, and § 5-19-17
Chapter 155-2-2 ALABAMA CONSUMER CREDIT ACT REGULATIONS
Ala. Admin. Code r. 155-2-2-.01 Licensing - Alabama Consumer Credit Act
(1) The provisions of the Alabama Consumer
Credit Act require that a license for each proposed location be obtained from
the State Banking Department - Supervisor of the Bureau of Loans prior to
engaging in the business of making consumer loans or taking assignments of
consumer credit contracts unless otherwise exempt from licensing.
(2) A license is required for each location
of an Automated Loan Machine (ALM) where the application, approval, closing and
issuance of a check takes place while the applicant is at the ALM.
(3) The exemption as to licensing contained
in Section 5-19-22(a) for
banks chartered by this state or any other state, banks chartered by the United
States, trust companies, savings or building and loan associations, savings
banks, and other thrift institutions, credit unions, and life insurance
companies shall not apply to consumer finance subsidiaries of those exempt
entities.
(4) Prior to the issuance
of a license, the applicant shall have executed and submitted a license
application in the form prescribed by the Supervisor and shall include, upon
request, additional information, statements and representations as may be
required to enable the Supervisor to make the determination as to issuance or
denial of license.
(5) Prior to the
issuance of a license, the applicant shall have submitted satisfactory evidence
that it has tangible net worth/capital of not less than $25,000.00 available
for the operation of the business under the Alabama Consumer Credit
Act.
(6) Prior to the issuance of a
license, the applicant shall have tendered the investigation fee and the
license fee as required by the Alabama Consumer Credit Act to the Supervisor
simultaneously with the filing of the license application. Separate checks for
each fee are required and each should be payable to the State Banking
Department.
(7) A licensee shall
notify and submit the license issued by the Department to the Supervisor within
thirty (30) days of the closing of a licensed office.
History
- Effective 10/1/1997; Amended 1/1/2020.
- Author: Scott Corscadden, Supervisor, Bureau of Loans Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, § 5-19-21, § 5-19-22
Ala. Admin. Code r. 155-2-2-.02 Renewal Application - Alabama Consumer Credit Act
(1) Application for renewal of license shall
be submitted in the form prescribed by the Supervisor and shall include such
information, statements and representations as may otherwise be required by the
Supervisor.
History
- Effective 10/1/1997.
- Author: Scott Corscadden, Supervisor, Bureau of Loans Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, § 5-19-21, § 5-19-22
Ala. Admin. Code r. 155-2-2-.03 Amendment of License - Alabama Consumer Credit Act
(1) Any amendment of the license shall
require the prior approval of the Supervisor. Authorized amendments, including
but not limited to changes in location or trade name, shall be made only upon
written request of the licensee and submission of the current
license.
(2) Failure to obtain the
prior approval of the Supervisor may result in a fine not to exceed
$500.00.
(3) Any amendment of the
license shall be accompanied by the fee provided for in Rule
155-2-1-.05(1)(e).
History
- Effective 10/1/1997; Amended 1/1/2020.
- Author: Scott Corscadden, Supervisor, Bureau of Loans Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, § 5-19-21, § 5-19-22, § 5-19-25
Ala. Admin. Code r. 155-2-2-.04 Changes in Ownership - Alabama Consumer Credit Act
(1) A licensee, other than a licensee whose
shares are publicly traded, shall notify the Supervisor, in writing, of any
changes affecting ownership and submit such information as the Supervisor may
require consistent with the provisions of the Alabama Consumer Credit Act. The
Supervisor may request such information at any time should he or she have
reasonable cause to believe a change in licensee's ownership has
occurred.
History
- Effective 10/1/1997.
- Author: Scott Corscadden, General Counsel Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, § 5-19-21, § 5-19-22
Ala. Admin. Code r. 155-2-2-.05 Office Copy of Act and Regulations - Alabama Consumer Credit Act
(1) Each licensed
location shall maintain a file containing a copy of the Act and a copy of all
current regulations issued thereunder.
History
- Effective 10/1/1997.
- Author: Scott Corscadden, General Counsel Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, § 5-19-21, § 5-19-22
Ala. Admin. Code r. 155-2-2-.06 Additional Reports and Records - Alabama Consumer Credit Act
(1) In addition to
the reports and records required elsewhere in the Act and regulations, each
licensee shall maintain and/or submit to the Bureau of Loans such other reports
and records at such time and in such form as the Supervisor shall
require.
History
- Effective 10/1/1997.
- Author: Scott Corscadden, General Counsel Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, § 5-19-21, § 5-19-22
Ala. Admin. Code r. 155-2-2-.07 Restricted Activities - Alabama Consumer Credit Act
Any and all collection activity procedures and practices by a
licensee must be conducted in accordance with applicable law. Unreasonable
collection tactics shall include but not be limited to any conduct by the
licensee or employee or agent thereof which:
(1) Causes the borrower or any member of the
borrower's family to suffer or reasonably fear bodily injury or physical
harm.
(2) Constitutes a willful or
intentional trespass by force of the borrower's home or the borrower's personal
property, without process of law.
(3) Involves use of printed material which
simulates or resembles summons, warrants or other legal processes.
(4) Although otherwise lawful, occurs at an
unreasonable hour of the night. Attempts to make collections by means of
personal visits, telephone calls and the like shall be prima facie unreasonable
if they occur between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
(5) Denies the borrower the possession of or
use of items of personal property belonging to the borrower unless the borrower
has granted the lender a security interest in the property and the lender has
subsequently obtained possession of such property in accordance with applicable
law.
(6) Threatens or commences
criminal prosecutions for worthless checks pursuant to Ala. Code
§
13A-9-13.1, when a personal check
is held as security for the loan.
History
- Effective 10/1/1997; Amended 8/1/2002.
- Author: V. Lynne Windham, Associate Counsel Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, Sections 5-19-21 and 5-19-29; Ala. Const., Art. I §20
Ala. Admin. Code r. 155-2-2-.08 Other Business Activities - Alabama Consumer Credit Act
(1) A licensee
shall not establish or conduct any other business in the same physical premises
as the licensed place of business without having obtained prior written
approval of the Supervisor.
(2)
Such other business must be conducted in a manner that will involve no evasion
or violation of the Act. Records of other business activities shall be
maintained separate and apart from licensed activity records and shall be
subject to review by the Department.
(3) Any prior written permission or
non-objection letters to conduct other business, other than the sale of
insurance products pursuant to Section
5-19-20(i) and
Regulation
155-2-2-.12, shall remain in
effect unless revoked, suspended or withdrawn.
(4) Each licensee shall maintain a copy of
any written permission or non-objection letter issued by the Supervisor at each
licensed location.
History
- Effective 10/1/1997.
- Author: Scott Corscadden, General Counsel Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, § 5-19-21
Ala. Admin. Code r. 155-2-2-.09 Finance Charge - Alabama Consumer Credit Act
(1) For the purposes of determining whether
the finance charges on any credit transaction with an amount financed of less
than $2,000 produces a yield greater than the yield permitted by Section
5-19-3(a), the
calculation must be determined using the annual percentage rate resulting from
the rates established in Section
5-19-3(a)(1) and
(2) and in compliance with the provisions of
Section 5-19-3(d).
(2) Permissible prepaid finance charges
include the points permitted under Section
5-19-4(g) and the
interest surcharge permitted under Section
8-8-14(a).
(3) As an alternative to the finance charges
authorized in Section
5-19-3(a) or
referenced in Section
5-19-3(e), any
creditor instead may charge or impose the same rate of interest or finance
charge to the same extent and under the same circumstances and conditions as
any other federal lending institution having its principal place of business in
Alabama, as authorized by and subject to the provisions of Section
8-8-1.1.
(4) The determination of whether the charges
or premium paid for debt cancellation coverage are considered finance charge
shall be determined in accordance with Section 106 of the Federal Truth in
Lending Act, 15 U.S.C. §
1605, and the regulations of the Federal
Reserve Board promulgated pursuant to the Federal Truth in Lending Act, 12
C.F.R. part 226, and the Official Staff Commentary adopted by the Federal
Reserve Board pursuant to that regulation.
History
- Effective 10/1/1997.
- Author: Scott Corscadden, General Counsel Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, § 5-19-3, § 5-19-21
Ala. Admin. Code r. 155-2-2-.10 Records to be Maintained by Licensee - Alabama Consumer Credit Act
(1) Unless
otherwise approved pursuant to Regulation
155-2-2-.10(6),
each licensee shall maintain adequate files at each licensed location
containing all information necessary to verify compliance with the Alabama
Consumer Credit Act and regulations, including, but not limited to, the
following:
a. Charges and disclosure
information.
b. Paid out, renewed
or refinanced account records from which refund verifications may be made shall
be kept in readily available files covering a maximum of the preceding two-year
period. Older records shall be removed from files or separately segregated.
Refund records shall itemize the amount of finance charge refunded and the
amount refunded on each type of permissible insurance included in the
transaction.
c. Each licensee shall
maintain up-to-date forms on all insurance claims filed, which shall contain
all pertinent information necessary to verify compliance with the Act and
regulations and proper settlement of all such claims. A copy of the death
certificate shall be maintained on death claims. A copy of the police and/or
fire report shall be maintained on property claims if such a report is made. In
the event of a death claim, the unearned premium of credit life insurance is
considered earned by the insurance company but the unearned premium of all
other credit insurance shall be refunded to the second beneficiary or the
estate of the debtor. The settlement of death claims shall be as of the date of
death. The proceeds of any insurance claim applicable to a period of time
preceding death shall be credited to the account prior to the computation of
death claim benefits. All amounts in excess of that required to pay the
indebtedness shall be paid by check to the second beneficiary or estate of the
debtor.
d. An up-to-date record of
suits filed against debtors and of repossessions whether judicial, non-judicial
or voluntary release by the debtors and a deficiency itemization in connection
with repossessions including but not limited to add-ons prior to sale (i.e.,
re-conditioning, battery, etc.). This record shall be maintained on a prepared
sheet listing, including, but not limited to, the name and address of the
debtor, the account number, the amount financed and the date of the contract,
the name of the court and county in which suit was filed and the case number,
the date of suit and amount, the date of judgment and amount, the date of
garnishment, amount and employer. For credit sale transactions, the record also
must list the cash price of the goods repossessed or surrendered, a condition
report and book value as applicable on the repossessed item(s), and the amount
received from the sale of the repossessed item(s), the date sold and the name
and address of the purchaser.
e. An
up-to date record of claims filed in arbitration which have not resulted in
litigation.
f. When any obligation
is paid in full, the licensee shall cause each instrument executed by the
debtor evidencing the debt to be marked "Paid" or "Canceled", showing the date
of such payment or cancellation, and when duly requested, returned promptly to
the debtor together with the release of any mortgages and termination of
security interests filed.
(2) Each licensee shall maintain an adequate
and readily available record on each borrower, showing the following
information:
a. Loan or account
number,
b. Name and address of the
borrower,
c. Name of co-makers,
endorser, guarantors and sureties,
d. Date of loan,
e. Schedule of payments (number and
amount),
f. Date of first payment
and maturity date,
g. Amount
financed and finance charge and components thereof and the total of payments,
as applicable,
h. Recording or
filing and releasing fee if collected, where recorded and date
released,
i. Type of security
pledged,
j. Date and amount of
payments received (posting shall be as of the date payments are received and
payments made from insurance proceeds shall be so noted),
k. The amount of each payment applied to
interest and amount applied to principal (if interest is not
pre-computed),
I. The unpaid
balance after each payment,
m. The
amount of late charges collected, and
n. Any insurance premiums
collected.
(3) If the
licensee is also licensed under the provisions of the Small Loan Act, the
records in connection with loans made under each act shall be maintained
separately and apart or if computerized, such records shall be segregated
according to the act under which the loan was made and retrievable in such a
manner.
(4) A licensee may maintain
records by a generally recognized record retention system provided the
Department is afforded access to such system.
(5) A licensee must provide pay-off
information in writing to the borrower without charge.
(6) A licensee shall not sell, transfer,
remove or otherwise dispose of any relevant record from its licensed location
within two years after the last transaction on the account without the prior
written approval of the Supervisor.
History
- Effective 10/1/1997.
- Author: Scott Corscadden, General Counsel Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama 1975 § 5-19-21, § 5-19-24
Ala. Admin. Code r. 155-2-2-.11 Deferral and Extension Charges - Alabama Consumer Credit Act
(1) On a
pre-computed consumer credit transaction, a deferral charge may be computed by
multiplying the final month finance charge refund under the Rule of 78s,
exclusive of any earned additional day charges included in the first payment
and/or any prepaid finance charges, by the number of months the payment is
deferred.
(2) When one or more
deferral charges have been made in a scheduled contract, upon renewal or
repayment, the number of months elapsed in the contract shall be reduced by the
number of deferral charges paid. Refunds shall then be computed on the original
finance charge, exclusive of any earned additional day charges included in the
first payment and/or any prepaid finance charges, in accordance with Sections
5-19-4(c) and
5-19-4(d) of the
Alabama Consumer Credit Act.
(3) On
a pre-computed consumer credit transaction when the first payment date is
extended, a charge for each additional day may be assessed in an amount not in
excess of the maximum finance charges authorized by the Alabama Consumer Credit
Act. Such additional charges shall be included in the first payment and, except
in the case when daily pro rata refunds are required, not subject to rebate
once the extended period has passed.
(4) Prepayment penalties may be provided for
in a consumer credit transaction contract and assessed in a simple interest
transaction only where the original amount financed is equal to or greater than
$2,000 and (a) the transaction involves an interest in real property and the
creditor is exempt from licensing under the Alabama Consumer Credit Act; or (b)
the creditor is a trust institution or an exempt trust as described in Section
5-19-31(a). In all
other situations, whether the consumer credit transaction is simple interest or
pre-computed, the inclusion of a prepayment penalty is not permissible under
the Alabama Consumer Credit Act.
History
- Amended 10/1/2001; Amended 1/1/2020.
- Author: Scott Corscadden, Supervisor, Bureau of Loans Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, § 5-19-3, § 5-19-4, § 5-19-21
Ala. Admin. Code r. 155-2-2-.12 Insurance - Alabama Consumer Credit Act
(1) All insurance offered and written
pursuant to Section
5-19-20 shall be with a company
licensed to do business in the State of Alabama and shall be in accordance with
the Rules, Regulations and Orders of the Alabama Department of Insurance in
effect at the time the insurance is written. A schedule of rates, policy forms
and certificates or statement of insurance shall be maintained by each licensee
at each licensed location showing evidence of such filing and/or
approval.
(2) Credit Life
Insurance. The maximum rates for credit life insurance shall not exceed the
following:
a. If the premiums are paid on the
monthly basis, $1.23 per month per $1,000 of the outstanding insured
indebtedness.
b. If the premiums
are paid on a single premium basis, the summation of the monthly premiums
calculated in accordance with (a) above.
c. For single payment consumer credit
contracts, $1.60 per $100 per annum based on the total of payments.
d. Joint credit life insurance coverage may
be written on both the principal debtor and on one co-signer to the consumer
credit contract. The maximum rate for such coverage shall not exceed an amount
equal to 150% of the premium rates shown above.
(3) Credit Accident and Health Insurance
(Disability) Rates. The maximum single premium rates per $100 of initial
indebtedness for credit accident and health insurance offered shall not exceed
those rates contained in the following table unless a deviation has been
requested and approved by the State Banking Department:
Rate Per $1OO of Initial Indebtedness
Note: Rates for schedule in months not listed
above shall be the equivalent interpolation of the listed rates. The "initial
indebtedness" shall mean the total of payments for the purpose of this
regulation.
(4) Any request
for a deviation from the rates established in the table in subsection (3) must
be received in writing by the State Banking Department. Upon receipt the State
Banking Department shall submit such request for deviation to the Alabama State
Insurance Department for review and approval. The person who has requested a
deviation shall be informed, in writing, whether the requested deviation has
been approved or denied.
(5) Credit
Accident and Health Insurance (Disability) may be sold only to a debtor who is
employed for at least a minimum of thirty (30) hours per week. A creditor may
rely on the debtor's written certification of the number of hours the debtor is
employed per week at the time the insurance is sold.
(6) Joint accident and health insurance
coverage may be written on both the principal debtor and on one co-signer to
the consumer credit contract provided that both principal debtor and co-signer
are employed for at least a minimum of thirty (30) hours per week. The maximum
rate for such coverage shall not exceed an amount equal to one hundred and
eighty five percent (185%) of the premium rates shown above.
(7) Involuntary Unemployment Insurance: The
premium charged for, and refund methods applicable to, involuntary unemployment
insurance shall be in compliance with the rules, regulations and orders of the
Alabama Department of Insurance. Such approved involuntary unemployment
insurance may be offered as single or joint insurance coverage. Joint
involuntary unemployment insurance coverage may be written on both the
principal debtor and one cosigner, provided that both principal debtor and
co-signer are employed for at least a minimum of thirty (30) hours per week.
The maximum rate for such coverage shall not exceed an amount equal to one
hundred and seventy five percent (175%) of the premium rates for single
coverage.
(8) The consumer's
written consent for the placing of dual-interest insurance may be obtained at
the time of execution of the consumer credit contract or at the time of
placement of such insurance.
(9)
Personal Property Insurance.
a. Where single
interest personal property coverage is written, such policies or certificates
shall clearly state that such coverage protects the lender's interest
only.
b. The premium charged for,
and refund methods applicable to, any personal property insurance shall in
compliance with the rules, regulations or orders of the Commissioner of
Insurance, State of Alabama.
c.
Where the indebtedness is also secured by other collateral and such collateral
is covered by an existing insurance policy in the form of a loss payable to the
creditor, the amount of personal property insurance sold or provided by the
creditor shall not exceed the difference between the insured value of such
collateral and the total indebtedness. If such other collateral is an
automobile or mobile home, the insured value shall be the retail value as
determined by a nationally recognized pricing guide that states the retail and
loan value.
d. In the event of
total loss of insured personal property during the policy term on dual interest
coverage, payment of the total original amount of insurance shall be made and
the total premium may be considered earned. Settlement of claims shall be as of
the date of loss.
e. A creditor may
offer and sell to debtor on a voluntary basis dual interest insurance. The
premium charge for voluntary personal property insurance shall be determined in
compliance with rules, regulations or orders of the Alabama Department of
Insurance.
(10)
Automobile and Mobile Home Insurance.
a. Where
single interest automobile or mobile home coverage is written, such policies or
certificates shall clearly state that such coverage protects the lender's
interest only. Limited or modified physical damage insurance is deemed to be
single interest coverage for purposes of these regulations.
b. The premium charged for, and refund
methods applicable to, any automobile or mobile home insurance shall be in
compliance with the rules, regulations or orders of the Commissioner of
Insurance, State of Alabama.
c.
Single interest coverage is permitted only after the debtor has been notified
in writing of the cancellation or lack of dual interest coverage. The debtor
shall be afforded at least 15 days to procure a dual interest policy and if
such policy is procured, any single interest coverage written by the creditor
shall be flat canceled at that time. Single interest coverage may not exceed
the retail value of the collateral or the net payoff on the account, whichever
is less, at the time of the insurance contract.
d. In the event of a total loss, no
deductible shall be permitted on any form of single interest insurance
coverage.
e. No insurance coverage
shall be sold by a creditor unless the average recognized retail value (as
determined by a nationally recognized pricing guide which states retail and
loan value) of the automobile is four times greater than the annual insurance
premium.
f. No supplementary
coverage such as, but not limited to, rental reimbursement and contents
coverage shall be required.
g. On
loans where other collateral is used in addition to the automobile to be
insured, no automobile insurance shall be sold by a creditor unless the
recognized loan value (as determined by a nationally recognized pricing guide
which states retail and loan value) is at least 30% of the amount
financed.
h. No automobile
insurance shall be sold by a creditor on any vehicle having a recognized retail
value (as determined by a nationally recognized pricing guide which states the
retail and loan value) of under $300.00.
i. In the event insurance cannot be placed or
is cancelled by the insurance company, the return premium shall be used to
secure other comparable coverage and/or shall be credited to the next maturing
installment(s) or may be credited to the final installment(s) along with the
finance charge applicable to the return.
j. In the event a loss occurs that is insured
under the provisions of this section, the creditor shall, immediately upon
being notified by the debtor or otherwise, of such loss, promptly report such
fact to the insurance company or its designated claim agent or representative,
and shall exercise his best efforts to secure a just settlement without undue
delay.
k. The date of total loss
shall be used in computing refunds or unearned finance charges and insurance
premiums if coverage was written or financed by the creditor or the creditors
affiliate.
(11)
Non-filing Insurance. Non-filing insurance may be written in lieu of recording
a security interest in the property given as security on a loan or credit sale.
The cost of such insurance shall in no case exceed the amount required to
actually file or record a security interest. Self-insurance against non-filing
shall not be permitted.
(12) Other
Insurance.
a. Any prior written permission or
non-objection letters to offer and finance any insurance other than those
specifically authorized by the Act shall expire upon final adoption of these
regulations.
b. A creditor may
offer and finance other insurances only under the following procedure: The
creditor shall submit with its request to write other insurances to the
Supervisor:
(i) a description of the insurance
product for which the permission is being sought, with copies of certificates,
policies or benefit forms which will be furnished to customers;
(ii) a statement of actions to be taken by
the creditor to assure compliance with other applicable laws and regulations;
and
(iii) other information
requested by the Supervisor or the Administrator. Only upon the written
approval and pursuant to the conditions established by the Supervisor may the
creditor offer and finance the approved insurance. Upon disapproval, the
creditor may appeal the decision to the Administrator.
(13) Requirements for Offering
Insurance Authorized by this Regulation. Any licensee offering insurance
pursuant to this Regulation shall:
a. Provide
written disclosure to the customer that (i) during the process of applying for
a consumer credit contract the consumer may be solicited for one or more
insurance products; and (ii) the purchase of any insurance product may not be a
condition for a consumer credit contract approval or for obtaining a consumer
credit contract with the licensee except as permitted under Section
5-19-20.
b. Provide to each prospective insured a
disclosure statement, signed by both the principal debtor and the cosigner if
joint insurance is to be purchased for that co-signer, along with the
licensee's agent indicating the following:
i.
The principal debtor's desire and if joint insurance is to be purchased, the
insured cosigner's desire to purchase the insurance coverage(s) as described in
the disclosure statement.
ii. The
principal debtor and any covered co-signer fully understand that buying the
insurance is not a condition of the loan. This disclosure shall be made in bold
face print in the disclosure statement.
iii. The insured(s) may cancel the policy
within thirty (30) days after the insurance is issued and receive a full refund
of the insurance premium paid, by returning the insurance contract to the
insurer or upon written instructions to the insurer from the insured.
iv. The insured(s) may cancel the insurance
more than thirty (30) days after the insurance has been issued by giving notice
of cancellation to the insurer, and on cancellation, shall receive a portion of
the insurance premium paid as provided by regulations, rules and orders of the
Alabama State Insurance Department.
c. Provide, at the consumer credit contract
closing, the principal debtor with either the insurance contract purchased, or
an easy to read and understand description for each insurance product requested
for purchase. Such description shall be in compliance with the rules,
regulations, and orders of the Alabama State Insurance
Department.
History
- Amended 3/9/1998; Amended 6/1/2018.
- Author: Scott Corscadden, Supervisor, Bureau of Loans Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, § 5-19-20, § 5-19-21
Ala. Admin. Code r. 155-2-2-.13 Refunds - Alabama Consumer Credit Act
(1) When any debt is prepaid in full,
renewed, or refinanced, all insurance provided by a creditor, either as seller,
lessor, lender or assignee, (such as credit life, accident and health,
involuntary unemployment insurance, single interest or modified single interest
auto and property) shall be canceled as of the date of prepayment, renewal or
refinancing with such termination to be without prejudice to any claim. Refund
of unearned premiums, except the premium for credit life insurance which shall
be deemed fully earned as of the date of death, shall be made at that time by
the creditor to whom payments are made and shall be in accordance with the
refund regulations as determined by the Commissioner of Insurance for the State
of Alabama.
(2) No refund of less
than $1.00 need be made on any single insurance coverage.
History
- Effective 10/1/1997.
- Author: Scott Corscadden, General Counsel Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, § 5-19-4, § 5-19-20, § 5-19-21
Ala. Admin. Code r. 155-2-2-.14 Examination Fees - Alabama Consumer Credit Act
History
- Effective 10/1/1997; Repealed 1/1/2020.
- Author: Scott Corscadden, Supervisor, Bureau of Loans Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, § 5-19-21, § 5-19-24, § 5-2A-24
Ala. Admin. Code r. 155-2-2-.15 Refinancing - Alabama Consumer Credit Act
(1) If more than one existing pre-computed
consumer credit transaction contract will be consolidated, the annual
percentage rate for the newly consolidated pre-computed consumer credit
transaction contract shall not exceed the lowest annual percentage rate of any
prior existing pre-computed consumer credit transaction contract or contracts
to be consolidated. Where an existing pre-computed consumer credit transaction
contract of less than two thousand dollars ($2,000) is consolidated or
refinanced with a subsequent precomputed consumer credit transaction contract,
such that the amount financed exceeds two thousand dollars ($2,000), the
restriction contained in Section
5-19-17(c) is
still applicable.
(2) The
determination or measurement of the annual percentage rate shall be at the time
of the consummation of the pre-computed consumer credit transaction in
question, without regard to actual timing and receipt of payments.
(3) The fee for filing an application for
certificate of title, as well as any statutorily authorized fee charged by a
designated agent of the Department of Revenue, may be charged in connection
with the consolidation or refinancing of any existing pre-computed consumer
credit transaction contract, and shall not be considered a duplicate fee or
expense under Section
5-19-17(c).
(4) The interest surcharge permitted by
Section 8-8-14(a) may be
assessed in a subsequent pre-computed consumer credit transaction contract,
notwithstanding its assessment on a prior existing pre-computed consumer credit
transaction contract; and, such interest surcharge is not considered a
duplicate fee or expense under Section
5-19-17(c).
(5) Points permitted by Section
5-19-4(g) are
considered a duplicate fee or expense for purposes of Section
5-19-17(c) and may
not be assessed in a subsequent precomputed consumer credit transaction
contract.
History
- Effective 10/1/1997.
- Author: Scott Corscadden, General Counsel Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, § 5-19-17, § 5-19-21
Ala. Admin. Code r. 155-2-2-.16 Annual Report - Alabama Consumer Credit Act
(1) In addition to the records required
elsewhere in the Alabama Consumer Credit Act and Regulations, each licensee
shall, on or before the first day of May of each year, submit to the
Superintendent of Banks a report covering its activities under the Alabama
Consumer Credit Act. Such report shall be on forms furnished by the Banking
Department and shall be submitted to the State Banking Department, Montgomery,
Alabama 36130.
(2) Failure to file
an annual report by the first day of May of each year shall result in a $500
fine.
(3) Failure to file an
accurate annual report by the first day of May of each year may result in an
additional $500 fine.
History
- Effective 10/1/1997.
- Author: Scott Corscadden, General Counsel Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, § 5-19-21, § 5-19-24
Ala. Admin. Code r. 155-2-2-.17 Minimum Loan Term - Alabama Consumer Credit Act
(1) The minimum term for repayment in all
consumer credit transactions is thirty days for any credit transaction with an
original amount financed that is less than two thousand dollars
($2,000).
History
- Effective 8/1/2002.
- Author: V. Lynne Windham, Associate Counsel Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, Sections 5-19-3 and 5-19-21
Ala. Admin. Code r. 155-2-2-.18 Mortgage Loan Modification - Alabama Consumer Credit Act
(1) Any person
engaged in the business of providing consumer mortgage loan modification
services for loans secured by residential real property located in the State of
Alabama, for compensation, is required to be licensed under Chapter 19 or
Chapter 25 of Title 5 of the Code of Alabama unless otherwise exempt from
licensing under Chapter 19 and Chapter 25, as applicable. Any consumer mortgage
loan modification service provider licensed under the Mortgage Brokers
Licensing Act or Alabama Consumer Credit Act is allowed to charge and collect a
fee of not more than $500.00 for consumer mortgage loan modification services.
No part of this fee may be paid to the mortgagee or person related to the
mortgagee. No fee charged by a loan modification service provider greater than
$500.00 is permitted or considered bona fide and reasonable under Section
5-19-4(f).
Attorneys acting in the capacity of attorney for the borrower and not attorney
for the mortgage loan modification service provider are not subject to this
regulation. Mortgagees on loans that are being modified are not engaged in the
business of providing consumer mortgage loan modification services under this
regulation.
History
- Adopted 7/6/2009.
- Author: W. Mark Anderson III, Deputy General Counsel Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, Sections 5-19-4(f)(6), 5-19-21(b)(1) and 5-25-13(b)(1)
Chapter 155-2-3 ALABAMA SMALL LOAN ACT REGULATIONS
Ala. Admin. Code r. 155-2-3-.01 Licensing - Small Loan Act
(1)
The provisions of the Alabama Small Loan Act require that a license be obtained
from the Alabama State Banking Department-Bureau of Loans prior to lending
money under that Act.
(2) Prior to
the issuance of a license, the applicant shall have executed and submitted a
license application in the form prescribed by the Supervisor of the Bureau of
Loans and shall include such information, statements, and representations as
may be required by the Supervisor to make a determination as to the issuance or
denial of license.
(3) Prior to the
issuance of a license, the applicant shall have submitted satisfactory evidence
that the applicant has unencumbered cash assets of not less than $10,000.00
available for the operation of the business under the Small Loan Act.
(4) Prior to the issuance of a license, the
applicant shall have tendered an investigation fee and the license fee as
required by the Small Loan Act to the Supervisor simultaneously with the filing
of the license application. Separate checks for each fee are required and each
should be payable to the State Banking Department.
(5) A licensee shall notify and submit the
license issued by the Department to the Supervisor within thirty (30) days of
the closing of a licensed office.
History
- Effective 10/1/1997.
- Author: Scott Corscadden, General Counsel Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, § 5-18-4, § 5-18-5, § 5-18-12
Ala. Admin. Code r. 155-2-3-.02 Renewal Application - Small Loan Act
(1) The provisions of the Alabama Small Loan
Act require that a license be obtained from the Alabama State Banking
Department-Bureau of Loans prior to lending money under that Act.
(2) Prior to the issuance of a license, the
applicant shall have executed and submitted a license application in the form
prescribed by the Supervisor of the Bureau of Loans and shall include such
information, statements, and representations as may be required by the
Supervisor to make a determination as to the issuance or denial of
license.
(3) Prior to the issuance
of a license, the applicant shall have submitted satisfactory evidence that the
applicant has unencumbered cash assets of not less than $10,000.00 available
for the operation of the business under the Small Loan Act.
(4) Prior to the issuance of a license, the
applicant shall have tendered an investigation fee and the license fee as
required by the Small Loan Act to the Supervisor simultaneously with the filing
of the license application. Separate checks for each fee are required and each
should be payable to the State Banking Department.
(5) A licensee shall notify and submit the
license issued by the Department to the Supervisor within thirty (30) days of
the closing of a licensed office.
History
- Effective 10/1/1997.
- Author: Scott Corscadden, General Counsel Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, § 5-18-4, § 5-18-5, § 5-18-12
Ala. Admin. Code r. 155-2-3-.03 Amendment of License - Small Loan Act
(1) Any amendment of the license shall
require the prior approval of the Supervisor. Authorized amendments, including
but not limited to changes in location or trade name, shall be made only upon
written request of the licensee and submission of the current
license.
History
- Effective 10/1/1997.
- Author: Scott Corscadden, General Counsel Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, § 5-18-8, § 5-18-12
Ala. Admin. Code r. 155-2-3-.04 Changes in Ownership - Small Loan Act
(1) A licensee, other than a licensee whose
shares are publicly traded, shall notify the Supervisor, in writing, of any
changes affecting ownership and submit such information as the Supervisor may
require consistent with the provisions of the Small Loan Act. The Supervisor
may request such information at any time should he or she have reasonable cause
to believe a change in licensee's ownership has occurred.
History
- Effective 10/1/1997.
- Author: Scott Corscadden, General Counsel Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, § 5-18-6, § 5-18-9, § 5-18-12
Ala. Admin. Code r. 155-2-3-.05 Restricted Activities - Small Loan Act
(1) No licensee shall advertise, display, or
distribute mailing pieces which may be mistaken for any negotiable instrument
whatsoever.
(2) No licensee shall
employ unqualified superlatives in advertising, such as "lowest rates", "lowest
costs", "lowest payment plan", or "cheapest loans."
(3) Advertisements, statements, display
signs, solicitations to prospective customers, any communication made by or at
the behest of a licensee intended as a public statement by said licensee, or
any printed matter, including stationery imprinted with the name of the
licensee, may identify that licensee as "a licensee under the Alabama Small
Loan Act." No other wording may be used with reference to any degree of state
supervision of licensee's business.
History
- Effective 10/1/1997.
- Author: Scott Corscadden, General Counsel Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, § 5-18-9, § 5-18-12, § 5-18-13
Ala. Admin. Code r. 155-2-3-.06 Collection Activities - Small Loan Act
Any and all collection activity procedures and practices must
be conducted in a reasonable manner. Unreasonable collection tactics shall
include but not be limited to any conduct by the licensee or employee or agent
thereof which:
(1) Causes the borrower
or any member of the borrower's family to suffer or reasonably fear bodily
injury or physical harm.
(2)
Constitutes a willful or intentional trespass by force of the borrower's home
or the borrower's personal property, without process of law.
(3) Involves use of printed material which
simulates or resembles summons, warrants or other legal processes.
(4) Although otherwise lawful, occurs at an
unreasonable hour of the night. Attempts to make collections by means of
personal visits, telephone calls and the like shall be prima facie unreasonable
if they occur between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
(5) Denies the borrower the possession of or
use of items of personal property belonging to the borrower unless the borrower
has granted the lender a security interest in the property and the lender has
subsequently obtained possession of such property in accordance with applicable
law.
(6) Threatens or commences
criminal prosecutions for worthless checks pursuant to Ala. Code
§
13A-9-13.1, when a personal check
is held as security for the loan.
History
- Effective 10/1/1997; Amended 8/1/2002
- Author: V. Lynne Windham, Associate Counsel Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, Sections 5-18-9 and 5-18-12; Ala. Const., Art. I §20
Ala. Admin. Code r. 155-2-3-.07 Other Business Activities - Small Loan Act
(1) A licensee shall not establish or conduct
any other business in the same physical premises as the licensed place of
business without having obtained prior written approval of the
Supervisor.
(2) Such other business
must be conducted in a manner that will involve no evasion or violation of the
Act. Records of other business activities shall be maintained separate and
apart from licensed activity records and shall be subject to review by the
Department.
(3) Any prior written
permission or non-objection letters to conduct other business, other than the
sale of other insurance products pursuant to Section
5-19-20(i) and
Regulation
155-2-2-.12, shall remain in
effect unless revoked, suspended or withdrawn.
(4) Each licensee shall maintain a copy of
any written permission or non-objection letter issued by the Supervisor at each
licensed location.
History
- Effective 10/1/1997.
- Author: Scott Corscadden, General Counsel Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, § 5-18-8, § 5-18-12, § 5-18-14
Ala. Admin. Code r. 155-2-3-.08 Prohibited Charges - Small Loan Act
(1) No fees or charges, including but not
limited to finder's or referral fees charged either directly or indirectly to
the referred or prospective borrower, notary fees and attorney's fees shall be
contracted for, charged to or collected from the borrower except those
specifically authorized and permitted by the Small Loan Act and charges for
permissible insurance written in connection with credit transactions under the
Small Loan Act authorized by the Alabama Consumer Credit Act - Mini Code and
other lawful charges authorized by various state laws.
(2) Prohibited charges do not include a
prepaid interest surcharge authorized under Section
8-8-14(a).
History
- Effective 10/1/1997.
- Author: Scott Corscadden, General Counsel Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, § 5-18-12, § 5-18-15
Ala. Admin. Code r. 155-2-3-.09 Records to be Maintained by Licensee - Small Loan Act
(1) Each licensee shall maintain a file
containing a copy of the Small Loan Act and copies of all current rules and
regulations issued thereunder.
(2)
Unless otherwise approved pursuant to Regulation
155-2-3-.10(6),
each licensee shall maintain adequate files at each licensed location
containing all information necessary to verify compliance with the Small Loan
Act and regulations, including, but not limited to, the following:
a. Charges and disclosure
information.
b. Paid out records
from which refund verifications may be made shall be kept in readily available
files covering a maximum of the preceding two-year period. Older records shall
be removed from files or separately segregated. Refund records shall itemize
the amount of finance charge refunded and the amount refunded on each type of
permissible insurance included in the transaction.
c. Each licensee shall maintain up-to-date
forms on all insurance claims filed, which shall contain all pertinent
information necessary to verify compliance with the Small Loan Act, regulations
and proper settlement of all such claims. A copy of the death certificate shall
be maintained on death claims. A copy of the police and/or fire report shall be
maintained on property claims if such a report is made. In the event of a death
claim, the unearned premium of credit life insurance is considered earned by
the insurance company but the unearned premium of all other credit insurance
shall be refunded to the second beneficiary or the estate of the debtor. The
settlement of death claims shall be as of the date of death. The proceeds of
any insurance claim applicable to a period of time preceding death shall be
credited to the account prior to the computation of death claim benefits. All
amounts in excess of that required to pay the indebtedness shall be paid by
check to the second beneficiary or estate of the debtor.
d. An up-to-date record of suits filed
against debtors and of repossessions whether judicial, non-judicial or
voluntary release by the debtors. This record shall be maintained on a prepared
sheet listing, including, but not limited to, the name and address of the
debtor, the account number, the amount financed and the date of the contract,
the name of the court in which suit was filed and the case number, the date of
suit and amount, the date of judgment and amount, the date of garnishment,
amount and employer, and the amount received from the sale of the repossession,
a condition report and book value as applicable on the repossessed item(s), the
date sold and the name and address of the purchaser.
e. An up-to date record of claims filed in
arbitration which have not resulted in litigation.
(3) Each licensee shall keep an alphabetical
record of each maker, co-maker, endorser, guarantor or surety on each loan. The
record shall include the following information:
a. The name and address of the maker,
co-maker, endorser, guarantor and surety,
b. Loan or account number
c. Date of the loan, and amount
financed,
d. Date loan is paid in
full.
(4) Each licensee
shall maintain an individual record on each borrower, showing the following
information:
a. Loan or account
number
b. Name and address of the
borrower,
c. Name of co-makers,
endorser, guarantors and sureties,
d. Date of loan,
e. Schedule of payments (number and
amount),
f. Date of first payment
and maturity date,
g. Amount
financed and if interest is pre-computed, the total of payments,
h. Recording or filing and releasing fee if
collected, where recorded and date released,
i. Type of security pledged,
j. Date and amount of payments received
(posting shall be as of the date payments are received and payments made from
insurance proceeds shall be so noted),
k. The amount of each payment applied to
interest and amount applied to principal (if interest is not pre-computed),
I. The unpaid balance after each
payment,
m. The amount of late
charges collected, and
n. Any
insurance premiums collected.
(5) In addition to the reports and records
required elsewhere in the Small Loan Act and regulations, each licensee shall,
upon request of the Supervisor, maintain and/or submit to the Bureau of Loans
such other reports and records at such time and in such form as the Supervisor
shall require.
(6) A licensee shall
not sell, transfer, remove or otherwise dispose of any relevant record from its
licensed location within two years after the last transaction on the account
without the prior written approval of the Supervisor.
(7) If the licensee is also licensed under
the provisions of the Alabama Consumer Credit Act - Mini Code, the records in
connection with loans made under each act shall be maintained separately and
apart or if computerized, such records shall be segregated according to the act
under which the loan was made and retrievable in such a manner.
(8) A licensee may maintain records by a
generally recognized record retention system provided the Department is
afforded access to any such system.
History
- Effective 10/1/1997.
- Author: Scott Corscadden, General Counsel Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, § 5-18-11, § 5-18-12
Ala. Admin. Code r. 155-2-3-.10 Examination Fees - Small Loan Act (Repealed)
History
- Effective 10/1/1997; Repealed 1/1/2020
- Author: Scott Corscadden, Supervisor, Bureau of Loans Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, § 5-18-10, § 5-18-12, § 5-2A-24
Ala. Admin. Code r. 155-2-3-.11 Minimum Loan Term - Small Loan Act
(1) The minimum term for repayment for all
traditional-rate loans is one month.
History
- Effective 3/1/2002; Amended 1/1/2020
- Author: Scott Corscadden, Supervisor, Bureau of Loans Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, § 5-18-15, § 5-18-12
Chapter 155-2-4 DEFERRED PRESENTMENT SERVICES ACT REGULATIONS
Ala. Admin. Code r. 155-2-4-.01 Licensure - Deferred Presentment Services Act
(1) The provisions of the Deferred
Presentment Services Act are to be liberally construed to effectuate its
purposes as a consumer protection statute and require a license to be obtained
by any person engaged in deferred presentment services. A license for each
location from which such business is conducted must be obtained from the
Supervisor of the Bureau of Loans prior to engaging in the deferred presentment
services business.
(2) The deterred
presentment license application shall be completed and shall include all fees,
forms, and exhibits as requested. The Supervisor may require any applicant to
provide additional information. An application is not considered final until
all requested information has been submitted.
(3) The Supervisor shall grant or deny a
license application within ninety (90) days from the day of completion unless
the period is extended by written agreement between the applicant and the
Supervisor.
(4) An application that
is not reviewed for any failure of the applicant shall be deemed to be a
withdrawal of the application and not deemed a denial of the
application.
(5) A license,
executed by the Supervisor, is evidence of a deferred presentment lender's
authority to engage in deferred presentment loans within Alabama. No other
license issued by the Supervisor authorizes a person to engage in deferred
presentment loans within Alabama.
(6) A licensee shall maintain unencumbered
cash assets or its equivalent of at least twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) at
all times for each location. The Supervisor may require evidence of such assets
at any time.
(7) Once a license is
issued, each licensee shall keep current information required for licensing by
reporting any changes or additions to the Department within thirty (30) days of
such change or addition.
(8)
Applications for renewal of license shall be submitted in the form prescribed
by the Supervisor of the Bureau of Loans and shall include such information,
statements and representations as may be required by the Supervisor.
History
- Effective October 1, 2013
- Author: Scott Corscadden, Supervisor, Bureau of Loans Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, § 5-18A-10, § 5-18A-1, § 5-18A-3, § 5-18A-4, § 5-18A-5, and § 5-18A-6, and § 5-18A-7
Ala. Admin. Code r. 155-2-4-.02 Amendment of License - Deferred Presentment Services Act
(1) Any amendment of the license shall
require the prior approval of the Supervisor. Authorized amendments, including
but not limited to changes in location or trade name, shall be made only upon
written request of the licensee and submission of the current
license.
(2) Failure to obtain the
prior approval of the Supervisor may result in a fine not to exceed
$500.00.
History
- Effective October 1, 2013
- Author: Scott Corscadden, Supervisor, Bureau of Loans Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, § 5-18A-10 and § 5-18A-7.
Ala. Admin. Code r. 155-2-4-.03 Changes in Ownership - Deferred Presentment Services Act
(1) A licensee,
other than a licensee whose shares are publicly traded, shall notify the
Supervisor, in writing, of any changes affecting ownership and submit such
information as the Supervisor may require consistent with the provisions of the
Deferred Presentment Services Act. The Supervisor may request such information
at any time should he or she have reasonable cause to believe a change in
licensee's ownership has occurred.
History
- Effective October 1, 2013
- Author: Scott Corscadden, Supervisor, Bureau of Loans Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, § 5-18A-10 and § 5-18A-8.
Ala. Admin. Code r. 155-2-4-.04 Additional Reports and Records - Deferred Presentment Services Act
(1) In addition to
the reports and records required elsewhere in the Act and regulations, each
licensee shall maintain and/or submit to the Bureau of Loans such other reports
and records at such time and in such form as the Supervisor may
require.
History
- Effective October 1, 2013
- Author: Scott Corscadden, Supervisor, Bureau of Loans Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, § 5-18A-10 and § 5-18A-11.
Ala. Admin. Code r. 155-2-4-.05 Moving or Closing a Licensed Location - Deferred Presentment Services Act
(1) At least
thirty (30) days before the address of a licensed location is changed, the
licensee shall notify the Supervisor in writing. The licensee shall post an
announcement on the front door listing the address for the new location. The
announcement shall remain on the front door until the location changes. The
licensee shall certify to the Supervisor the date the announcement was posted
and shall attach a copy of the announcement and the original license for
amendment.
(2) At least thirty (30)
days before a licensed location is to be closed, the licensee shall notify the
Supervisor in writing. The licensee shall post an announcement on the front
door listing the business telephone number and mailing address of another
location, if any. The announcement shall remain posted until the existing
location closes. The licensee shall certify to the Supervisor the date the
announcement was posted and shall attach a copy of the announcement along with
the original license for the closing location.
History
- Effective October 1, 2013
- Author: Scott Corscadden, Supervisor, Bureau of Loans Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, § 5-18A-10 and § 5-18A-7
Ala. Admin. Code r. 155-2-4-.06 Locations - Deferred Presentment Services Act
(1) Each location where deferred presentment
loans are made shall be licensed. A "location" shall include any location at
which:
(i) a deferred presentment loan
application is provided, taken, or completed in person, or
(ii) where a potential customer obtains
information about the terms and conditions of deferred presentment loans and
includes the use of the internet, facsimile, telephone, kiosk, or other means.
Transactions entered without benefit of a license under the Deferred
Presentment Services Act shall be uncollectable and
unenforceable.
(2)
Location shall not include administrative offices at which only bookkeeping,
billing, or accounting duties are performed for separate deferred presentment
loan locations.
History
- Effective October 1, 2013
- Author: Scott Corscadden, Supervisor, Bureau of Loans Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, 5-18A-10, § 5-18A-3 and § 5-18A-3.
Ala. Admin. Code r. 155-2-4-.07 Records - Deferred Presentment Services Act
(1) Each licensee shall maintain adequate
files at each licensed location containing all information necessary to verify
compliance with the Deferred Presentment Services Act and regulations,
including, but not limited to, the following:
(a)
Customer Account
File: Each customer's file must contain all information kept by
the deferred presentment licensee, including each original Customer Agreement
with a copy of the check or debit authorization, "APPROVED" message from the
third-party database provider, copy of any returned check and records of any
collection activity or extended repayment plans, and copies of any other
documents kept regarding the customer. Documents and payment histories must
accurately reflect the amount of payments made to and by the
borrower.
(b)
Loan
Register of Agreements Executed: Customer Agreements must be
consecutively numbered and a loan register must be maintained. The register
must contain at a minimum the customer's name, transaction date and Agreement
number. In lieu of a loan register, providers may keep a notebook with a copy
of each deferred presentment agreement executed in consecutive order. Licensee
must also keep any "voided" loans and be able to account for any missing
numbers.
(c)
Litigation
Log: An up-to-date list of suits filed against customers providing
at a minimum the customer's full name and address, transaction date, Agreement
number, amount of check, maturity date, amount of claim, name of court and
judge, date filed, date of judgment and amount awarded, date(s) and amount(s)
paid; notation when paid-in-full. Copies of the returned check or ACH item,
customer agreement, filed copy of the Statement of Claim, and receipts for all
court costs must be attached to the log.
(2) "Records" shall mean any item in hard
copy or otherwise produced in a format of storage commonly described as
electronic, imaged, magnetic, or otherwise.
(3) Each licenses shall preserve and make
available such books and records related to each of its loans for two (2) years
from the date of the final entry into such records are made thereon. The
records shall be maintained for such time period whether the deferred
presentment lender is currently licensed or previously licensed. Licensee shall
maintain all records at its licensed location unless the Supervisor has given
written approval for another location.
(4) Each licensee's records shall be
maintained in compliance with the Act and regulations.
(5) Each licensee shall maintain separate
records relating to transactions under the Act from its other business.
History
- Effective October 1, 2013
- Author: Scott Corscadden, Supervisor, Bureau of Loans Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, § 5-18A-10 and § 5-18A-11
Ala. Admin. Code r. 155-2-4-.08 Examination - Deferred Presentment Services Act
(1) The Supervisor, or duly appointed
representatives, shall conduct an examination of each licensee.
(2) Each licensee shall ensure that all
records are promptly and reasonably available to be examined and, if necessary,
copied.
(3) In case of failure to
comply with the Supervisor's examination process, the Supervisor may initiate
any authorized action, including the assessment of civil penalties and/or
license revocation.
(4) If the
examination finds any violations of the Act or these regulations, the
Supervisor may initiate any authorized action, including the assessment of
civil penalties and/or license revocation.
(5) In order to avoid the expense and time
involved in formal legal proceedings, it is the policy of the Supervisor to
afford parties who have engaged in unlawful acts and practices an opportunity
to enter into stipulations, agreed settlements, or consent orders when it
appears to the Supervisor that such procedure fully safeguards the public
interest. The Supervisor reserves the right in all matters to withhold the
privilege of an informal disposition
(6) When an examination is conducted in the
State of Alabama, the examination fee shall be $100 per day or a fraction
thereof for each examiner and such fee shall be due and payable at the close of
the examination.
(7) When an
examination is conducted outside the State of Alabama, the licensee shall pay
the reasonable and necessary expenses for the Supervisor or his representative
to examine their records at the place where the records are
maintained.
History
- Amended: January 1, 2020
- Author: Scott Corscadden, Supervisor, Bureau of Loans Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, § 5-18A-10, § 5-18A-11, § 5-18A-15, § 5-18A-16, and § 5-18A-17
Ala. Admin. Code r. 155-2-4-.09 Database Service Provider - Deferred Presentment Service Act
(1) In order to
comply with the intent of the Act regarding the maximum loan amount for a
single customer, the State Banking Department shall implement a common approved
database with real-time access through an internet connection. Each licensee
shall use the same approved third-party database service provider as determined
by the State Banking Department.
(2) The database service provider shall
afford the State Banking Department access to the database information without
charge in order to conduct continuous and random inquiries to measure
compliance with the applicable provisions of the Act and regulations.
(3) The database service provider shall
establish and maintain minimum standards as to the database required by the
State Banking Department. The database service provider must have "real time"
capability to communicate with all licensees to determine compliance with the
maximum loan amount for a single customer.
(4) Licensees must submit accurate and timely
information to the database service provider. Failure to do so may result in
the assessment of civil money penalties and/or license revocation.
(5) Licensees must cooperate with the
approved database service provider to resolve customer disputes.
History
- Effective: January 1, 2014
- Author: Scott Corscadden, Supervisor, Bureau of Loans Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, § 5-18A-10, § 5-18A-1 and § 5-18A-13
Ala. Admin. Code r. 155-2-4-.10 Investigative Proceedings - Deferred Presentment Services Act
(1) Investigations
and inquiries are originated upon request or complaint by a member of the
public or by the Supervisor.
(2)
The Supervisor encourages voluntary cooperation in investigations. The
Supervisor may invoke any or all of the compulsory process authorized by law,
including subpoenas, depositions, and production of records.
(3) In case of failure to comply with the
Supervisor's investigative processes, the Supervisor may initiate any
authorized action, including license suspension, and petitioning any court of
competent jurisdiction for enforcement.
(4) If the investigation finds any violations
of the Act or these regulations, the Supervisor may initiate any authorized
action, including the assessment of civil penalties, and the issuance of Cease
and Desist Orders.
(5) In order to
avoid the expense and time involved in formal legal proceedings, it is the
policy of the Supervisor to afford parties who have engaged in unlawful acts
and practices an opportunity to enter into stipulations, agreed settlements,
consent orders, or defaults when it appears to the Supervisor that such
procedure fully safeguards the public interest. The Supervisor reserves the
right in all matters to withhold the privilege of an informal
disposition.
History
- Effective October 1, 2013
- Author: Scott Corscadden, Supervisor, Bureau of Loans Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, § 5-18A-10, § 5-18A-11, § 5-18A-16, § 5-18A-17 and § 5-18A-18
Ala. Admin. Code r. 155-2-4-.11 Joint Bank Accounts - Deferred Presentment Services Act
(1) Each party on a
joint bank account may write checks in an amount not to exceed an aggregate of
five hundred dollars ($500) per party. However, a separate deferred presentment
agreement must accompany each check.
(2) A licensee may not require joint account
holders to take either joint or separate loans and a joint account holder's
decision to obtain a separate loan must be voluntary.
History
- Effective October 1, 2013
- Author: Scott Corscadden, Supervisor, Bureau of Loans Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, § 5-18A-10 and § 5-18A-13
Ala. Admin. Code r. 155-2-4-.12 Prohibited Acts - Deferred Presentment Services Act
(1) No licensee may threaten criminal
prosecution for bad checks written in connection with a deferred presentment
loan unless the check is returned due to an account that was closed prior to
the loan date. The licensee may charge only one (1) NSF fee on a returned check
and the check must be presented to the depository institution before the
imposition of the NSF fee. Licensees may not split a deferred presentment
transaction into two agreements on the same day in order to collect two NSF
fees.
(2) Licensees may not file
legal claims to collect delinquent deferred presentment transactions without
first offering the customer in writing an extended repayment plan of four equal
monthly payments at no additional cost.
(3) No licensee shall charge any fee
authorized under Section
8-8-15 unless the check has been actually presented for payment to the financial
institution.
History
- Effective October 1, 2013
- Author: Scott Corscadden, Supervisor, Bureau of Loans Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, § 5-18A-10, § 5-18A-12, and § 5-18A-13
Ala. Admin. Code r. 155-2-4-.13 Public Notice of Provisions - Deferred Presentment Services Act
(1) All licensees
must conspicuously and continuously display a schedule of all fees and
pertinent provisions of the Act in its lobby. This sign must be at least 20 X
20 in size and must contain the wording in Appendix A, as modified for the
licensee's name and fees charged, and the corresponding APR for a typical
14-day term.
History
- Effective October 1, 2013
- Author: Scott Corscadden, Supervisor, Bureau of Loans Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, § 5-18A-10 and § 5-18A-19
Ala. Admin. Code 155, ch. 155-2-4, app A
NOTICE: FEES FOR DEFERRED PRESENTMENT TRANSACTIONS MAY BE SIGNFICANTLY HIGHER THAN FOR OTHER TYPES OF LOANS.
Maximum Fee: The most that any Deferred Presentment provider
may charge for Deferred Presentment transactions is 17.5% of the cash advanced.
[LICENSEE'S NAME] charges [FEE RATE] for these transactions. The following
table illustrates [LICENSEE'S NAME] fee structure:
No other fees may be charged for these transactions, except if
a check "bounces" once it is deposited at a bank, then the provider may charge
a one-time NSF fee of up to $30.00. And if the provider must go to court to
enforce payment of this loan, then you may be assessed court costs and up to
15% of the face amount of the check as attorney's fees. You cannot be arrested or sent to jail for passing a "worthless" deferred presentment check unless the check was returned due to an account closed prior to the day of the loan.
Maximum Loan Amount: The law limits
the maximum loan amount that any one borrower may have with all Deferred
Presentment providers to $500. The provider will be verifying your other
outstanding deferred presentment loans with a database to determine compliance
with the law.
Term: Deferred Presentment
transactions cannot be made for a term of less than 10 days or more than 31
days.
Renewal: Your transaction is due on
the maturity date. You may obtain another transaction once this one is
paid-in-full. However, if you cannot repay the total amount due, then, if
offered by the provider, you may renew this transaction one more time upon
payment of an additional fee. If you cannot pay the total amount due at that
time, then, at the provider's option, you may extend your repayment into four
equal monthly installments at no additional cost.
Customer Agreement: You must be given
a copy of the provider's Deferred Presentment Services Agreement. You have the
right to read the Agreement before you sign it. You have the right to ask
questions of the provider's staff until you thoroughly understand everything in
the Agreement. You also have the right to walk away from the Agreement before
you sign it.
Complaints: [LICENSEE'S NAME] is a
licensed Deferred Presentment provider in Alabama. To report any unresolved
problems with [LICENSEE'S NAME], contact the STATE BANKING DEPARTMENT, Bureau
of Loans, P.O. Box 4600, Montgomery, Alabama 36103-4600. Telephone:
334/242-3452. Website: www.banking.alabama.gov.