North Dakota SB 2217, which passed the Republican-controlled state Senate and is currently pending in the House, seeks to prohibit the collection of interchange on the sales tax portion of electronic transactions. The bill would require payment card networks to:  “Deduct the amount of any tax or fee imposed from the calculation of interchange fees specific to each form or type of electronic payment transaction at the time of settlement;” or “Rebate an amount of interchange fee proportionate to the amount attributable to the tax or fee.” … Continue Reading

Using data for the last quarter of 2020 and first three quarters of 2021, the study examined the effects of the 36% rate cap imposed by the Illinois Predatory Loan Prevention Act which became effective in March 2021.  The study found that the cap significantly decreased the availability of small-dollar credit in Illinois. … Continue Reading

The New York Department of Financial Services (DFS) recently issued proposed guidance (Guidance) related to climate change that applies to New York State-regulated banking organizations, New York State-licensed branches and agencies of foreign banking organizations, and New York State-regulated mortgage bankers and servicers.  The Guidance is intended to address “material financial risks related to climate change” faced by covered entities in the context of “risk assessment, risk management, and risk appetite setting.”  … Continue Reading

On September 9, 2022, the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) proposed to amend its student loan servicing regulations, which we previously covered  here.  After reviewing public comments, on January 6, 2023, the DFPI released a Notice requesting an additional round of public comments on a modified set of regulations.  … Continue Reading

The Washington Department of Financial Institutions has adopted regulations effective December 31, 2022 to implement amendments to the Consumer Loan Act permitting licensed companies to allow licensed mortgage loan originators to work from their residence without licensing the residence as a branch.

Among various amendments and clarifications to the regulations is new WAC § 208-620-660, which provides:

What is required for a Washington licensed loan originator to work from their residence without licensing the residence as a branch?Continue Reading

The New York state legislature is currently considering a pair of companion bills which would impose detailed notice and records requirements upon student loan servicers.  New York Senate bill S5136B, which was passed by the New York Senate earlier this year, and New York House bill A6226B, which is currently under consideration with the New York Legislature’s Consumer Affairs and Protection Committee, would require “creditors and debt collectors” to provide certain written disclosures to borrowers or cosigners of private education loans at the time of the first collection communication (or within five days after the first communication). … Continue Reading

In early November, Pennsylvania amended its data breach notification law broadening the definition of personal information.  The amendment adds “health insurance information” and “medical information” as data elements that could trigger breach notification requirements.  Coupled with this addition is a breach notification exception for businesses that are (1) subject to and (2) in compliance with HIPAA’s privacy and security standards. … Continue Reading

With 72% voting in favor, Arizonans approved Proposition 209 decreasing the maximum lawful annual interest rate on “medical debt” from 10% to 3%, and increasing the amount of the homestead and other exemptions. These changes, which are effective immediately following certification of the vote and issuance of a proclamation by the governor (the governor does not have the authority to veto), only apply prospectively.… Continue Reading