TITLE 7.BANKING AND SECURITIES

Part 1. FINANCE COMMISSION OF TEXAS

Chapter 1. CONSUMER CREDIT REGULATION

Subchapter A. REGULATED LOAN LICENSES

2. APPLICATION FOR LICENSE AND TRANSFER OF LICENSE

7 TAC §§1.30 - 1.34, 1.36 - 1.40

(Editor's note: The text of the following sections proposed for repeal will not be published. The sections may be examined in the offices of the Finance Commission of Texas or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

The Finance Commission of Texas (the commission) proposes the repeal of 7 TAC §§1.30-1.34 and §§1.36 - 1.40, concerning licensing procedures. As part of an agency rule review the commission is concurrently proposing new subchapters to relocate these rules in a more logical order, in this issue of the Texas Register .

This repeal is necessary because the sections have been rewritten and incorporated into new subchapters.

Leslie L. Pettijohn, Consumer Credit Commissioner, has determined that for the first five-year period of the repeal as proposed will be in effect, there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of administering or enforcing the repeal.

Ms. Pettijohn also has determined that for each year of the first five-year period the repeal as proposed will be in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of the repeal is the logical relocation of these rules. There is no anticipated cost to persons who are required to comply with the repeal as proposed. There will be no adverse economic effect on small businesses.

Comments on the proposed repeal may be submitted in writing to Leslie L. Pettijohn, Consumer Credit Commissioner, 2601 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas 78705-4207 or by an e-mail to leslie.pettijohn@occc.state.tx.us.

The repeal is proposed under Texas Finance Code, §11.304, which authorizes the Finance Commission to adopt rules to enforce Title 4 of the Texas Finance Code. Additionally, Texas Finance Code, §342.551 authorizes the Finance Commission to adopt rules for the enforcement of the consumer loan chapter.

The statutory provisions (as currently in effect) affected by the proposed repeal are Chapter 342, Texas Finance Code and the rest of Title 4.

§1.30.Definitions.

§1.31.Filing of New Application.

§1.32.Transfer of License.

§1.33.Processing of Application.

§1.34.Change in Form or Proportionate Ownership.

§1.36.Amendments to Pending Application.

§1.37.Relocation of Licensed Offices.

§1.38.Designation of Active/Inactive Status.

§1.39.Fees.

§1.40.Applications and Notices as Public Records.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 24, 2002.

TRD-200203948

Leslie L. Pettijohn

Commissioner

Finance Commission of Texas

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 4, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 936-7640


6. LOANS MADE UNDER CHAPTER 342

7 TAC §§1.101 - 1.107

(Editor's note: The text of the following sections proposed for repeal will not be published. The sections may be examined in the offices of the Finance Commission of Texas or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

The Finance Commission of Texas (the commission) proposes the repeal of 7 TAC §§1.101 - 1.107, concerning general provisions of regulated lenders. As part of an agency rule review the commission is concurrently proposing new subchapters to relocate these rules in a more logical order, in this issue of the Texas Register .

This repeal is necessary because the sections have been rewritten and incorporated into new subchapters.

Leslie L. Pettijohn, Consumer Credit Commissioner, has determined that for the first five-year period of the repeal as proposed will be in effect, there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of administering or enforcing the repeal.

Ms. Pettijohn also has determined that for each year of the first five-year period the repeal as proposed will be in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of the repeal is the logical relocation of these rules. There is no anticipated cost to persons who are required to comply with the repeal as proposed. There will be no adverse economic effect on small businesses.

Comments on the proposed repeal may be submitted in writing to Leslie L. Pettijohn, Consumer Credit Commissioner, 2601 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas 78705-4207 or by an e-mail to leslie.pettijohn@occc.state.tx.us.

The repeal is proposed under Texas Finance Code, §11.304, which authorizes the Finance Commission to adopt rules to enforce Title 4 of the Texas Finance Code. Additionally, Texas Finance Code, §342.551 authorizes the Finance Commission to adopt rules for the enforcement of the consumer loan chapter.

The statutory provisions (as currently in effect) affected by the proposed repeal are Chapter 342, Texas Finance Code and the rest of Title 4.

§1.101.Purpose and Scope.

§1.102.Definitions.

§1.103.Responsibility for Acts of Agents.

§1.104.Knowledge of Laws and Regulations Required.

§1.105.Attempted Evasion of Applicability of Chapter.

§1.106.Multiple Licenses.

§1.107.Loans by Mail.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 24, 2002.

TRD-200203947

Leslie L. Pettijohn

Commissioner

Finance Commission of Texas

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 4, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 936-7640


Subchapter A. GENERAL PROVISIONS

7 TAC §§1.101 - 1.107

The Finance Commission of Texas (the commission) proposes new 7 TAC Subchapter A, §§1.101 - 1.107, concerning General Provisions. As part of an agency rule review, the commission is concurrently proposing the repeal of 7 TAC §§1.101 - 1.107, concerning general provisions of regulated lenders in this issue of the Texas Register .

The proposed new subchapter relocates the proposed repealed rules in a more logical order providing easier access for the public.

Leslie L. Pettijohn, Consumer Credit Commissioner, has determined that for the first five-year period of the new sections as proposed will be in effect, there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of administering or enforcing the new sections.

Ms. Pettijohn also has determined that for each year of the first five-year period the new sections as proposed will be in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of the new sections is the logical relocation of rules for easier public use. There is no anticipated cost to persons who are required to comply with the new sections as proposed. There will be no adverse economic effect on small businesses.

Comments on the proposed new sections may be submitted in writing to Leslie L. Pettijohn, Consumer Credit Commissioner, 2601 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas 78705-4207 or by an e-mail to leslie.pettijohn@occc.state.tx.us.

The new sections are proposed under Texas Finance Code, §11.304, which authorizes the Finance Commission to adopt rules to enforce Title 4 of the Texas Finance Code. Additionally, Texas Finance Code, §342.551 authorizes the Finance Commission to adopt rules for the enforcement of the consumer loan chapter.

The statutory provisions (as currently in effect) affected by the proposed new sections are Chapter 342, Texas Finance Code and the rest of Title 4.

§1.101.Purpose and Scope.

(a) Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to assist in the administration and enforcement of Chapter 342 of the Texas Finance Code.

(b) Scope.

(1) This chapter applies to all persons engaged in the business of making, transacting, or negotiating loans subject to Chapter 342 of the Texas Finance Code. As such, this chapter only applies to lenders and brokers in the business of making, transacting, or negotiating loans that:

(A) contract for, charge, or receive interest in excess of 10% per year;

(B) are loans extended primarily for personal, family, or household use; and

(C) are either unsecured or secured by a lien on real estate or personal property under a secondary mortgage loan. This includes term loans extended primarily for personal, family, or household purposes.

(2) This also includes a loan broker who arranges, negotiates, or brokers loans for a lender that funds the loan. This chapter does not apply to any loans made under Chapters 301 - 339 of the Texas Finance Code, including, for example, commercial and agricultural loans.

§1.102.Definitions.

Words and terms used in this chapter that are defined in Chapter 342 of the Texas Finance Code have the same meanings as defined in Chapter 342. The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

(1) Acquisition Charge--An interest charge authorized for making the cash advance under authority of §342.252, Texas Finance Code.

(2) Add-on interest--A method for calculating precomputed interest in which the borrower agrees to pay the total of payments, which includes both interest and principal, as opposed to agreeing to pay the principal plus interest as it accrues at a certain rate. Add-on interest is calculated at the outset of a loan on the cash advance for the full term, as if the principal did not decline over the course of the loan. For example, a $1,000 loan with 12 monthly installments and an add-on interest amount of $8.00 per hundred per annum would have a total charge of interest of $80 and monthly payments of $90, yielding an annual percentage rate ("APR") of 14.45%.

(3) Amount Financed--The amount of money which is used, forborne, or detained and upon which interest is charged. The cash advance plus any other amounts that are financed by the creditor are included. Any points or other prepaid finance charges, excluding the administrative loan fee, that are not paid at closing and that are financed as part of the transaction are included in the amount financed. This definition is only applicable for the purposes of this subchapter for computing earnings, deferments, maximum charges, and determining refunds of unearned interest. It is not intended to be analogous with the similar term that is used in the Truth-in-Lending Act (15 U.S.C. §1601 et seq.).

(4) Authorized Charge--Any charge authorized by applicable Texas law to be included in the credit transaction.

(5) Authorized Lender--A person who has obtained a license from the commissioner, or a bank, savings bank, savings and loan association, or credit union doing business under the laws of this State or the United States. Banks chartered in other states insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation are included in this term. Separate entities that are subsidiaries or affiliates of licensees or authorized banks, savings banks, savings and loan associations, or credit unions are not authorized lenders unless they meet the required elements of the definition of an authorized lender in their own right.

(6) Commissioner--Consumer Credit Commissioner of the State of Texas.

(7) Date of Consummation--The date of closing or execution of a loan contract.

(8) Default Charge or Late Charge--The additional interest charge for late payment on a loan.

(9) Deferment Charge--The payment of an additional interest charge to defer the payment date of a scheduled payment on a contract.

(10) Dual Interest Coverage--Insurance that provides benefits to both the holder of a loan and the borrower in the event of a loss of the security covered by the policy. The policy contains a loss payable clause or endorsement that provides benefits that are payable at the discretion of the holder.

(11) Installment Account Handling Charge (IAHC)--An interest charge authorized for making a loan under §342.252, Texas Finance Code.

(12) Installment Loan--Any type of closed-end loan with multiple scheduled payments.

(13) Interest-bearing Loan--A loan in which the borrower agrees to pay the principal and interest that accrues at a certain periodic rate.

(14) Interpretation Letter--A formal interpretation of Title 4 of the Texas Finance Code made by the Commissioner and approved by the Finance Commission of Texas under Texas Finance Code §14.108.

(15) Licensee--Any person who has been issued a consumer loan license pursuant to Chapter 342 of the Texas Finance Code. Another name for a "consumer loan license" is "regulated loan license."

(16) Making a Loan--The act of making a loan is either the determination of the credit decision to provide the loan, or the act of funding the loan or transferring money from the lender to the borrower. A person whose name appears on the loan documents as the payee of the note is considered to have "made" the loan.

(17) Negotiating a Loan--The process of submitting and considering offers between a borrower and a lender with the objective of reaching agreement on the terms of a loan. The act of passing information between the parties can, by itself, be considered "negotiation" if it was part of the process of reaching agreement on the terms of a loan. "Negotiation" involves acts which take place before an agreement to lend or funding of a loan actually occurs.

(18) OCCC--Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner of the State of Texas.

(19) Precomputed Loan--A loan in which the borrower agrees to pay the total of payments that includes both principal and all anticipated interest through the full term of the loan. If a borrower prepays a precomputed loan, the borrower is entitled to a rebate of all unearned interest and unearned charges.

(20) Prepaid Interest--Interest paid separately in cash or by check before or at consummation in a transaction, or withheld from the proceeds of the credit at any time. Some common terms such as points, discounts, and origination fees have been used to identify this charge.

(21) Principal--The capital sum of the debt including any interest capitalized and added to the cash advance at the inception of the loan. This is the amount of money which is used, forborne, or detained and upon which interest is charged. The principal amount does not include any interest accrued after the inception of the loan, such as default charges.

(22) Pro Rata Method--A formula for determining the amount of unearned interest or other charges, such as insurance, to be refunded following prepayment or acceleration by applying the amounts to equal unit periods. This formula assumes that interest or other charges are earned in direct proportion to the time that a loan has been outstanding.

(23) Rebate--Refund of all or part of a precomputed charge or interest.

(24) Regulated Loan--Loan made under the authority of Chapter 342, Texas Finance Code.

(25) Renewal or Refinance--A new loan contract that includes, in whole or in part, the net balance of one or more existing loan contracts.

(26) Simple Annual Rate--The interest rate under the loan agreement expressed as a percentage rate per year employing the U.S. Rule method.

(27) Sum of the Monthly Balances or Sum of the Periodic Balances Method--Another formula for determining the amount of unearned interest or other charges to be refunded. This is a variant of the Rule of 78s. It provides that the fraction of the contract interest to be rebated at any given time in the loan term is the sum of the monthly loan balances for the months remaining in the originally scheduled loan term divided by the sum of the monthly balances for all of the months in the scheduled loan term. For example, for a 6-month loan of $600 which is scheduled to be repaid in $100 monthly installments, the rebate fraction after two months would be: 400 + 300 + 200 + 100 divided by 600 + 500 + 400 + 300 + 200 + 100 = 1000/2100 = 10/21 = 0.476 (rounded). For any loan which is paid off in equal installments, the sum of the balances method and the Rule of 78s will provide identical rebates. If, however, a loan schedule contains unequal payments and especially where the debt is retired by a final balloon payment, the rebates under the two formulas will be different.

(28) Term Loan--A loan made repayable in a single payment.

(29) Transacting a Loan--Any of the significant events associated with the lending process through funding, including the preparation, negotiation and execution of loan documents and the transfer of money by the lender to the borrower or to a third party on the borrower's behalf. This also includes the act of arranging a loan.

(30) United States Rule--Ruling of United States Supreme Court in Story v. Livingston, 38 U.S. (13 Pet.) 369, 371 (1839) that, in partial payments on a debt, each payment is applied first to interest and any remainder reduces the principal. Under this rule, accrued but unpaid interest cannot be added to the principal and interest cannot be compounded.

§1.103.Responsibility for Acts of Agents.

A licensee is responsible for the acts and omissions of its officers, directors, employees, and agents in the conduct of the licensee's business.

§1.104.Knowledge of Laws and Regulations Required.

Each officer, director, employee, and agent of a licensee shall have a working knowledge of Chapter 342, Texas Finance Code its implementing regulations, and other pertinent state and federal statutes and regulations that apply to their business.

§1.105.Attempted Evasion of Applicability of Chapter.

A "device, subterfuge, or pretense to evade the application of this title," as used in §342.051(b), Texas Finance Code refers to any transaction:

(1) that in form may appear on its face to be something other than a loan, but in substance meets the definition of a loan as defined in §301.002(a)(10), Texas Finance Code; and

(2) in which more than 10% annual interest, in substance, is being contracted for, charged or received.

§1.106.Multiple Licenses.

(a) Definitions. The words "make," "negotiate," "arrange," and "collect" as used in §342.052(b), Texas Finance Code are to be construed as follows.

(1) Make. Loans are "made" by the office or offices where either the credit decision is made or the cash advance is disbursed.

(2) Negotiate and Arrange. Loans are "negotiated" or "arranged" in the office or offices that received any information preliminary to a credit decision on a prospective borrower or received the executed application, agreement, or other necessary loan documentation.

(3) Collect. Loans are "collected" in the office or offices from which attempts are made to collect past-due payments from the borrowers under a loan. The mere receipt and accounting of payments does not constitute "collection."

(b) Application. Any office making, negotiating, arranging, or collecting loans must be licensed. For example, if a lender receives and reviews loan applications at one office, makes the loan decision at another office, funds the loan at a third and collects past- due payments from another, all of these offices must be licensed. On the other hand, an office that merely receives, records, accounts for, processes payments need not be licensed.

§1.107.Loans by Mail.

(a) Definitions. The words "make," "negotiate," "arrange," and "collect" as used in §342.053(b), Texas Finance Code are to be construed as follows.

(1) Make. Loans by mail are "made" by the office or offices where either the credit decision is made or the cash advance is disbursed.

(2) Negotiate and Arrange. Loans by mail are "negotiated" or "arranged" in the office or offices that either provided the borrower a loan application, a loan agreement, or other document necessary to set up a loan transaction or received the executed application, agreement, or other necessary loan documentation.

(3) Collect. Loans by mail are "collected" in the office or offices from which attempts are made to collect past-due payments from the borrowers under a loan. The mere receipt and accounting of payments does not constitute "collection."

(b) Application. Any office, wherever located, making, negotiating, arranging, or collecting loans by mail must be licensed. For example, if a lender receives and reviews loan applications at one office, makes the loan decision at another office, funds the loan at a third and collects past-due payments from another, all of these offices involved in lending by mail must be licensed. On the other hand, an office that merely receives, records, accounts for, processes payments need not be licensed.

(c) License not required. National banks and federally-chartered thrifts and credit unions, wherever located, and federally-insured state banks, state thrifts and state credit unions with offices located outside of Texas may make loans by mail to Texas without obtaining any license under §342.051 et seq., Texas Finance Code et seq. from the OCCC and are considered to be an authorized lender.

(d) Internet Loans. For purposes of §342.053(b), Texas Finance Code a loan made, negotiated, arranged or collected by or through the Internet is considered a "loan by mail."

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 24, 2002.

TRD-200203950

Leslie L. Pettijohn

Commissioner

Finance Commission of Texas

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 4, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 936-7610


Subchapter B. INTERPRETATIONS AND ADVISORY LETTERS

7 TAC §1.201

The Finance Commission of Texas (the commission) proposes new 7 TAC Subchapter B, §1.201, concerning interpretations and advisory letters. As part of an agency rule review, the commission is concurrently proposing the repeal of 7 TAC §1.911, concerning interpretations and advisory letters, in this issue of the Texas Register .

The proposed new subchapter relocates the proposed repealed rules in a more logical order providing easier access for the public.

Leslie L. Pettijohn, Consumer Credit Commissioner, has determined that for the first five-year period the new section is in effect, there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of administering or enforcing the new section.

Ms. Pettijohn also has determined that for each year of the first five-year period the new section will be in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of the new section is the logical relocation of rules for easier public use. There is no anticipated cost to persons who are required to comply with the new section as proposed. There will be no adverse economic effect on small businesses.

Comments on the proposed new section may be submitted in writing to Leslie L. Pettijohn, Consumer Credit Commissioner, 2601 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas 78705-4207 or by an email to leslie.pettijohn@occc.state.tx.us.

The new section is proposed under Texas Finance Code, §11.304, which authorizes the Finance Commission to adopt rules to enforce Title 4 of the Texas Finance Code. Additionally, Texas Finance Code, §342.551 authorizes the Finance Commission to adopt rules for the enforcement of the consumer loan chapter.

The statutory provisions (as currently in effect) affected by the proposed new section are Chapter 342, Texas Finance Code and the rest of Title 4.

§1.201.Interpretations and Advisory Letters.

(a) Definitions. The following words and terms, when used in this section, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

(1) Advisory letter--A letter by the commissioner or a member of the staff of the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner providing an informal advisory response to an inquiry concerning provisions of the Texas Finance Code, Title 4, Subtitles A or B and is not an interpretation as defined in paragraph (3) of this subsection.

(2) Commissioner--The commissioner of the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner.

(3) Interpretation--A letter issued by the consumer credit commissioner and approved by the Finance Commission of Texas pursuant to Texas Civil Statutes, Texas Finance Code, §14.108 interpreting a provision of Title 4, Subtitle A or B in light of certain relevant facts by the requestor.

(b) Procedures for Finance Commission of Texas interpretations. Any person may submit a request for an interpretation. All requests must be directed to the commissioner and contain the following items:

(1) An explicit statement that an interpretation approved by the Finance Commission of Texas is desired.

(2) A concise description of the contemplated transaction or activity contemplated, the legal issue raised, and all facts necessary to reach a conclusion in the matter.

(3) A statement whether or not, to the best of the requestor's knowledge, the issue to be considered is an issue in pending litigation. Matters in litigation will not ordinarily be answered.

(4) A fee of $300 will be charged for an interpretation to compensate the agency for the expense involved in researching and answering the request. A payment of $300 should be submitted with the request. The commission may determine and remit a partial refund if deemed applicable. The commission may waive the fee.

(5) Additional information. A requestor should also identify each provision of law involved, and indicate the writer's opinion of how the legal issues should be resolved, and the basis for that opinion, including an analysis of any relevant court decisions, as well as, all prior interpretations to which the request relates.

(6) Processing time. Within ten business days of receipt of a valid request pursuant to this subsection, the request will be filed with the Texas Register for publication. Upon publication in the Texas Register, any party may within 30 calendar days submit briefs or proposals pertaining to the request. The agency will draft an interpretation or a response and present it to the Finance Commission of Texas for their consideration. Within ten business days of an action of the Finance Commission of Texas, a summary of the interpretation or the response will be filed with the Texas Register for publication. Copies of interpretations or responses shall contain a notation of approval and the date of action by the Finance Commission of Texas.

(c) Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner advisory letters. Each advisory letter shall contain the following notation: "THIS ADVISORY LETTER IS NOT AN INTERPRETATION APPROVED BY THE FINANCE COMMISSION OF TEXAS PURSUANT TO TEXAS FINANCE CODE, §14.108. If an interpretation approved by the Finance Commission of Texas is desired, then an interpretation should be requested pursuant to the procedures set forth in 7 Texas Administrative Code §1.201(b)."

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 24, 2002.

TRD-200203952

Leslie L. Pettijohn

Commissioner

Finance Commission of Texas

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 4, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 936-7640


Subchapter C. APPLICATION PROCEDURES

7 TAC §§1.301 - 1.310

The Finance Commission of Texas (the commission) proposes new 7 TAC Subchapter C, §§1.301-1.310, concerning application procedures. As part of an agency rule review, the commission is concurrently proposing the repeal of 7 TAC §§1.30-1.40, concerning licensing procedures, in this issue of the Texas Register .

The proposed new subchapter relocates the proposed repealed rules in a more logical order providing easier access for the public.

Leslie L. Pettijohn, Consumer Credit Commissioner, has determined that for the first five-year period the new sections are in effect, there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of administering or enforcing the new sections.

Ms. Pettijohn also has determined that for each year of the first five-year period the new sections will be in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of the new sections is the logical relocation of rules for easier public use. These is no anticipated cost to persons who are required to comply with the new sections as proposed. There will be no adverse economic effect on small businesses.

Comments on the proposed new sections may be submitted in writing to Leslie L. Pettijohn, Consumer Credit Commissioner, 2601 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas 78705-4207 or by an email to leslie.pettijohn@occc.state.tx.us.

The new sections are proposed under Texas Finance Code, §11.304, which authorizes the Finance Commission to adopt rules to enforce Title 4 of the Texas Finance Code. Additionally, Texas Finance Code, §342.551 authorizes the Finance Commission to adopt rules for the enforcement of the consumer loan chapter.

The statutory provisions (as currently in effect) affected by the proposed new sections are Chapter 342, Texas Finance Code and the rest of Title 4.

§1.301.Definitions.

Words and terms used in this chapter that are defined in Texas Finance Code, Chapter 342, have the same meanings as defined in Chapter 342. The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

(1) Net assets--The total value of acceptable assets used or designated as readily available for use in the business, less liabilities, other than those liabilities secured by unacceptable assets. Unacceptable assets include, but are not limited to, goodwill, unpaid stock subscriptions, lines of credit, notes receivable from an owner, property subject to the claim of homestead or other property exemption, and encumbered real or personal property to the extent of the encumbrance. Generally assets are available for use if they are readily convertible to cash within 10 business days.

(2) Principal party--All proprietors and adult individuals with a substantial relationship to the proposed lending business of the applicant. Individuals with a substantial relationship to the proposed lending business of the applicant include but are not limited to:

(A) general partners;

(B) voting members of a limited liability corporation;

(C) corporate officers, to include the Chief Executive Officer or President, the Chief Financial Officer or Treasurer, and those with substantial responsibility for lending operations or compliance with the Finance Code;

(D) directors of privately-held corporations;

(E) shareholders owning 10% or more of the outstanding voting stock; and

(F) trustees.

§1.302.Filing of New Application.

An application for issuance of a new consumer loan license must be submitted on forms prescribed by the commissioner at the date of filing and in accordance with the commissioner's instructions. The application shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

(1) Required Forms. All questions must be answered.

(A) Application form (Form ADM-10/11).

(i) A physical street address must be listed for the proposed address for the applicant's lending address. A post office box or a mail box location at a private mail-receiving service generally may not be used. If the address has not yet been determined or the application is for an inactive license, then the application must so state.

(ii) If the applicant is a corporation, then the officers and directors' sections on the back side of the form must be completed.

(iii) The section inquiring about owners requires an answer based upon the applicant's entity type. If an individual's interest in an entity is community property, then spouses with a community property interest must also be listed. If the business interest is owned by a married individual as separate property, documentation establishing or confirming such status should be provided.

(I) Sole proprietorships. The individual(s) owning and operating the business must be named.

(II) General Partnerships. All partners must be listed and the percentage of ownership stated.

(III) Corporations. All shareholders holding voting stock must be named if the corporation is privately held. If a parent corporation is the sole or part owner of the proposed business, a narrative or diagram must be attached that describes each level of ownership and management. This narrative or diagram requires the listing of the names of all officers, directors and stockholders owning 5% or more stock at each level.

(IV) Limited Liability Partnerships. All partners, general and limited, must be listed and the percentage of ownership stated. If a partner is a business entity and not an individual, a narrative or diagram must be attached that describes each level of ownership. This narrative or diagram requires the listing of the names of all officers, directors and stockholders owning 5% or more stock at each level.

(V) Limited Liability Companies. All managers, officers, agents and members, as those terms are used by the Texas Limited Liability Company Act, Texas Civil Statutes, Article 1528n, must be named. If a member is a business entity and not an individual, a narrative or diagram must be attached that describes each level of ownership. This narrative or diagram requires the listing of the names of all officers, directors and stockholders owning 5% or more stock at each level.

(VI) Trusts/Estates. List the trustee(s) or executor(s).

(iv) Manager. Each person who is responsible for the day-to-day operation of one or more of applicant's proposed offices must be named.

(v) Supervisor. Each person who will be responsible for the supervision of a licensed location must be named.

(vi) Signature(s). With sole proprietorships and partnerships, all proprietors and general partners must sign. With corporate applicants, two officers must sign unless only one officer of the corporation has been appointed. With limited liability companies, two authorized members must sign unless the company only has one member. With trusts or estates, the trustee or executor must sign.

(B) Statutory Agent Disclosure (Form ADM-13). This form must be completed by all applicants. The statutory agent is the person or entity to whom any legal notice may be delivered. The agent must be a Texas resident and list an address for legal service. If the statutory agent is an individual, the address must be a residential address. With corporations, the statutory agent listed on Form ADM-13 should be the registered agent listed in the articles of incorporation. With limited liability companies, the statutory agent listed on Form ADM-13 must be the registered agent listed in the articles of organization. If the statutory agent is not listed in the relevant organizational document, then the applicant must submit certified minutes appointing the new agent.

(C) Personal Affidavit (Form ADM-15/16). Every individual listed on the license application (ADM-10/11) as a principal party or as a supervisor or manager must complete this form. The percentage of ownership stated on this form must correspond to the individual's percentage listed on the license application Form ADM-10/11. The record of business associations must also include the individual's association with the entity applying for the license.

(D) Fingerprint Cards. A complete set of legible fingerprints shall be provided for each individual having a substantial relationship with the applicant. An individual has a substantial relationship with an applicant if it is a "principal party," as that term is defined in §1.301 of this title (relating to Definitions). Individuals who have previously been licensed by the commissioner and principal parties of entities currently licensed by the commissioner are not required to provide fingerprints. The commissioner may require fingerprints of employees or other persons with some relationship to the applicant if the commissioner believes that the individual's involvement in the lending operation is relevant to the applicant's eligibility for a license. All fingerprints should be submitted on the format provided by the agency and approved by the Department of Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. A request for acceptable fingerprint cards may be made by submitting a completed Form ADM-030.097.

(E) Financial Statement (Form ADM-17/18/19).

(i) General Information. The financial statement must be dated no earlier than 60 days prior to the date of application. Applicants may also submit audited financial statements dated within one year prior to the application date in order to expedite verification procedures. All financial statements must be certified as true, correct, and complete.

(ii) Sole Proprietorships. Sole proprietors must complete all sections of Form ADM-17 and the attached schedules, Form ADM-18/19, or provide a personal financial statement that contains all of the same information requested by Form ADM-17/18/19.

(iii) Partnerships. A financial statement for the partnership itself must be submitted. In addition, each general partner must submit a financial statement. All of the financial statements for the partnership and the partners must be dated the same day. The information requested in Schedules 1-6 (ADM-18/19) must be submitted and attached to any balance sheet that is appended to the application.

(iv) Corporations and Limited Liability Companies. Corporations and limited liability companies must file a balance sheet that complies with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The information requested in Schedules 1-6 (ADM-18/19) must be submitted and attached to any balance sheet that is appended to the application. Financial statements are generally not required of related parties, but may be required by the commissioner if the commissioner believes they are relevant.

(F) Assumed Name Certificates (Forms ADM-20 and ADM-21). For any applicant that does business under an assumed name as that term is defined in Texas Business & Commerce Code, §36.02(7), an assumed name certificate must be filed as provided in this subsection.

(i) Unincorporated applicants. Unincorporated applicants using or planning to use an assumed name must file an assumed name certificate (ADM-20 or its equivalent) with the county clerk of the county where the proposed business is located in compliance with Texas Business & Commerce Code, §36.0010, as amended. An applicant must provide a copy of the assumed name certificate that shows the filing stamp of the county clerk or, alternatively, a certified copy.

(ii) Incorporated applicants. Incorporated applicants using or planning to use an assumed name must file an assumed name certificate (ADM-21 or its equivalent) in compliance with Texas Business & Commerce Code, §36.0011, as amended. Evidence of the filing bearing the appropriate filing stamp must be submitted or, alternatively, a certified copy.

(2) Other Required Filings.

(A) Loan Forms. The applicant must provide information regarding all loan forms it intends to use.

(i) Custom Forms. If a custom loan form is to be prepared, a preliminary draft or proof that is complete as to format and content and which indicates the number and distribution of copies to be prepared for each transaction must be submitted.

(ii) Stock Forms. If applicant purchases or plans to purchase stock forms from a supplier, the applicant must attach a statement that includes the supplier's name and address and a list identifying the forms to be used, including the revision date of the form, if any.

(B) Statement of Experience. All new applicants should provide an attached statement setting forth the details of the applicant's prior experience in the lending or credit granting business. If the individuals named on the application do not have significant experience in the same type of credit business as planned for the prospective licensee, the applicant must provide a written statement explaining the applicant's relevant experience and why the commissioner should find that the applicant has the necessary experience.

(C) Statement of business operation plan. Applicants must attach a brief narrative to the application explaining the type of lending operation that is planned. This narrative should discuss each of the following topics: the source of customers, purpose(s) of loans, size of loans, the source of working capital for planned operations, whether the applicant will only be arranging or negotiating loans for another lender or financing entity and, if so, a list of those lenders, whether the loans will be collected at the location where the loans are made and, if not, identify the person or firm that will be handling servicing and state their location, and a detailed description of the process to be utilized in collections.

(D) Entity documents.

(i) Partnerships. Partnership applicants must submit a complete copy of the partnership agreement. This copy must be signed and dated by all partners. Limited partnerships must submit a copy of the articles of partnership filed with the secretary of state, any amendments, and a copy of the secretary of state's acknowledgment.

(ii) Corporations.

(I) All corporate applicants, domestic and foreign, must provide the following documents:

(-a-) A copy of the articles of incorporation and any amendments;

(-b-) A copy of the corporate bylaws;

(-c-) Minutes of corporate meetings that record:

(-1-) the election of all current officers and directors as listed on the license application (Form ADM-10/11); and

(-2-) the authorization for the application for the license; and

(-d-) A certificate of good standing from the comptroller of public accounts.

(II) All foreign corporate applicants must provide the following:

(-a-) A certificate of authority to do business in Texas.

(-b-) A statement of where corporate records and records of Texas loan transactions will be kept. If these records will be maintained at a location outside of Texas, the corporate applicant must acknowledge responsibility for the travel costs associated with examinations in addition to the usual examination fees or agree to make all the records available for examination in Texas.

(III) Publicly held corporations must file the most recent 10K and 10Q for the applicant or for the parent company.

(iii) Trusts. A copy of the instrument that created the trust must be filed with the application.

(iv) Estates. A copy of the instrument establishing the estate must be filed with the application.

(E) Bond. The commissioner may require a bond under §342.102, Texas Finance Code, when the commissioner finds that this would serve the public interest. When a bond is required, the commissioner shall give written notice to the applicant. Should a bond not be submitted within 40 calendar days of the date of the commissioner's notice, any pending application may be denied.

(3) Subsequent Applications. If the applicant is currently licensed and filing an application for a new office, the applicant must provide the forms and other information that are unique to the new location including the application form (ADM 10/11) and a new financial statement as provided in paragraph (1)(E) of this section. Other information required by this section need not be filed if the information on file with the agency is current and valid.

§1.303.Transfer of License.

(a) Definition. As used in this section, a "transfer of ownership" occurs whenever an existing owner relinquishes that owner's entire interest in a licensee or an entirely new person has obtained an ownership interest in the licensee. This term includes any purchase or acquisition of control over more than 10% of the outstanding voting stock of any licensed corporation, or of any corporation which is the parent or controlling stockholder of a licensed corporation. This term also includes any acquisition of a license by gift, devise or descent.

(b) Approval of transfer. No consumer loan license may be sold, transferred or assigned without written approval of the commissioner. When a person with no prior ownership interest in the licensee purchases or acquires control of 10% or more of the voting stock of any licensed corporation, or of any corporation that is the parent or controlling stockholder of a licensed corporation, an application for transfer of the ownership of the license must be filed.

(c) Filing requirements. An application for transfer of a consumer loan license must be submitted on forms prescribed by the commissioner at the date of filing and in accordance with the rules and the commissioner's instructions. The application for transfer shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

(1) Application form (Form ADM-10/11). The instructions in §1.302(1)(A) of this title (relating to Filing of New Application) are applicable to this filing.

(2) Statutory Agent Disclosure (Form ADM-13). The instructions in §1.302(1)(B) of this title are applicable to this filing.

(3) Personal Affidavit (Form ADM-15/16). Every individual listed on the license application (ADM-10/11) who is a principal party or is a supervisor or manager of the transferee must complete this form. The instructions set forth in §1.302(1)(C) of this title are applicable to this filing.

(4) Fingerprints. A complete set of legible fingerprints shall be provided for each individual having a substantial relationship with the applicant. An individual has a substantial relationship with an applicant if it is a "principal party," as that term is defined in §1.301 of this title (relating to Definitions). Individuals who have previously been licensed by the commissioner and principal parties of entities currently licensed by the commissioner are not required to provide fingerprints. The commissioner may require fingerprints of employees or other persons with some relationship to the applicant if the commissioner believes that the individual's background history is relevant to the applicant's eligibility for a license. All fingerprints should be submitted on a format provided by the agency and approved by the Department of Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. A request for acceptable fingerprint cards may be made by submitting a completed Form ADM-030.097.

(5) Evidence of the transfer of ownership. Documentation evidencing the transfer of ownership must be filed with the application. This must include one of the following:

(A) a copy of the asset purchase agreement when only the assets have been purchased;

(B) a copy of the stock purchase agreement if 10% or more of the outstanding voting stock of a corporate licensee has been purchased or otherwise acquired; or

(C) any document that transferred ownership in a licensee by gift, devise or descent, such as a probated will or a court order.

(6) Financial statement (ADM-17/18/19). The instructions in §1.302(1)(E) of this title are applicable to this filing.

(7) Other Required Filings. All filings required of new license applicants pursuant to §1.302(2) of this title must be filed and completed by any applicant for transfer of a license. If the applicant is currently licensed and acquiring another location, the applicant must provide the forms and other information that are unique to the new location. Other information required by this subsection need not be filed if the information on file with the agency is current and valid.

(d) Permission to operate. No business under the license shall be conducted by any transferee until the application has been received, all applicable fees have been paid, and a request for permission to operate has been approved by the commissioner. The commissioner may deny a request for permission to operate during the pendency of the application.

(e) Purchaser operating under seller's license. The commissioner may approve a written agreement whereby a seller grants a buyer the authority to operate under the seller's consumer loan license pending approval of the buyer's license application. The agreement must provide that the seller accepts full responsibility to the commissioner and any customer of the licensed business for any acts of the buyer in connection with the operation of the lending business. The written agreement between the seller and the buyer must be submitted with a request to operate under the seller's license not less than three business days after the date of the sale. The agreement shall be for a limited time as provided in the agreement and in no case may such authority extend beyond 180 days.

(f) Application filing deadline. Applications filed in connection with transfers of ownership may be filed in advance but must be filed no later than 10 calendar days following the actual transfer.

§1.304.Processing of Application.

(a) Initial review. The commissioner shall respond to applications within 15 working days of receipt stating that the application is complete and accepted for filing or stating that the application is incomplete and specifying the information required for acceptance.

(b) Complete application. An application is complete when it:

(1) conforms to the rules and the commissioner's published instructions;

(2) all fees have been paid; and

(3) all requests for additional information have been satisfied.

(c) Failure to complete application. If a complete application has not been filed with the commissioner within 30 days after notice of deficiency has been sent to the applicant, the application may be denied.

(d) Hearing. Whenever an application is denied, the affected applicant has 30 days from the date the application was denied to request in writing a hearing to contest the denial. This hearing shall be conducted pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act, Government Code, Chapter 2001, and §9.1 et seq. of this title (relating to Rules of Procedure for Contested Case Hearings, Appeals, and Rulemakings), before an administrative law judge who will recommend a decision to the commissioner. The commissioner will then issue a final decision after review of the recommended decision.

(e) Denial. Upon the final denial of an application, the annual fee shall be refunded to applicant. The investigation fee shall be forfeited.

(f) Processing time.

(1) The commissioner shall ordinarily approve or deny a license application within a maximum of 60 days after the date of filing of a completed application.

(2) When a hearing is requested following an initial license application denial, the hearing shall be held within 60 days after a request for a hearing is made unless the parties agree to an extension of time. The commissioner shall make a final decision approving or denying the license application after receipt of the proposal for decision from the administrative law judge.

(3) Exceptions. The commissioner may take more time where good cause exists, as defined by Government Code, §2005.004, for exceeding the established time periods in paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection.

§1.305.Change in Form or Proportionate Ownership.

(a) Organizational form. When any licensee desires to change the organizational form of its business (e.g., from sole proprietorship to corporation), the licensee must advise the commissioner in writing of the change within 10 calendar days by filing the appropriate transfer documents as provided in §1.303 of this title (relating to Transfer of License). In addition, the licensee shall submit a copy of the organizational document (such as the articles of incorporation) for the new entity.

(b) Merger. A merger of a corporate licensee is a change of ownership and requires the filing of a transfer application pursuant to §1.303 of this title. A merger of the parent corporation of a licensee with another corporation that leads to the creation of a new corporate entity requires a transfer application pursuant to §1.303 of this title. A merger of the parent corporation of a licensee with another corporation that results in the situation where the surviving corporation is not the existing parent corporation requires a transfer application pursuant to §1.303 of this title. Mergers of other corporations with a beneficial interest beyond the parent corporation level only require notification within 10 calendar days.

(c) Proportionate Ownership. A mere change in the proportion of ownership among the current owners does not require the filing of a transfer application. A change in the proportionate interests of two or more current owners of a consumer loan license must be reported in writing.

(d) Notice deadline. Notices filed in connection with changes in proportionate ownership may be filed in advance but must be filed no later than 10 calendar days following the actual change.

§1.306.Amendments to Pending Application.

Each applicant shall provide the commissioner with information supplemental to that contained in the applicant's original application documents and attachments. Any action, fact, or information that would require a materially different answer than that given in the original license application and which relates to the qualifications for license must be reported to the commissioner within 10 business days after the person has knowledge of the action, fact or information.

§1.307.Relocation of Licensed Offices.

(a) A licensee may move the licensed office from the licensed location to any other location by giving notice of intended relocation to the commissioner not less than 30 days prior to the anticipated moving date. The notice must include the present address of the licensed office, the contemplated new address of the licensed office, the approximate date of relocation, and a copy of the notice to debtors.

(b) Written notice of a relocation of an office must be mailed to all debtors of record at least five days prior to the date of relocation. Any licensee failing to give the required notice shall waive all default charges on payments coming due from the date of relocation to 15 days subsequent to the mailing of notices to debtors. Notices shall identify the licensee, give both old and new addresses, old and new telephone numbers, and state the date relocation is effective. The notice to debtors can be waived or modified by the commissioner when it is in the public interest. A request for waiver or modification must be submitted in writing for approval. The commissioner may approve notification to debtors by signs in lieu of notification by mail, if in the commissioner's opinion, no debtors will be adversely affected.

§1.308.Designation of Active/Inactive Status.

(a) Inactivation of an active license. A licensee may cease operating under a consumer loan license and render the license inactive by giving notice of the cessation of operations to the commissioner not less than 30 days prior to the anticipated cessation date. Notification must be filed on the license amendment form (ADM-34). The notice must include the address of the licensed office, a certification that no loans will be made or collected under this license until it is reactivated, and the fee for amending the license.

(b) Activation of an inactive license. A licensee may activate an inactive consumer loan license by giving notice of the intended activation to the commissioner not less than 30 days prior to the anticipated activation date and remitting the fee for license amendment. Notification must be filed on the license amendment form (ADM-34) and must include the contemplated new address of the licensed office and the approximate date of activation.

§1.309.Fees.

(a) New licenses. A $200 investigation fee is assessed each time an application for a new license is filed and is non-refundable. In addition, the applicant is initially required to pay an annual license fee of $100 that is not prorated but is refundable if the license application is denied.

(b) License transfers. With applications for transfer of a license, the applicant must pay an investigation fee of $200 for the first license transfer and $50 on each additional license transfer sought simultaneously and is non-refundable.

(c) Fingerprint checks. The fee to investigate each applicant's fingerprint record is $40 per set and is non-refundable. This fee must be paid for each set of fingerprints filed with applications for new licenses or license transfers.

(d) License amendment. A fee of $25 must be paid each time a licensee seeks to amend a license by rendering a license inactive, activating an inactive license, changing the assumed name of the licensee, or relocating an office.

(e) License duplicate. The fee for a license duplicate is $10.

(f) Costs of hearings. The commissioner may assess the costs of an administrative appeal hearing afforded under §1.304(d) of this title (relating to Processing of Application), including the cost of the administrative law judge, the court reporter and agency staff representing the agency at a hearing.

§1.310.Applications and Notices as Public Records.

Once a license application or notice is filed with the OCCC, it becomes a "state record" under Government Code, §441.180(11), and "public information" under Government Code, §552.002. Under Government Code, §§441.190, 441.191 and 552.004, the original applications and notices must be preserved as "state records" and "public information" unless destroyed with the approval of the director and librarian of the State Archives and Library Commission under Government Code, §441.187. Under Government Code, §441.191, the OCCC may not return any original documents associated with a consumer loan license application or notice to the applicant or licensee. An individual may request copies of a state record under the authority of the Government Code, Chapter 552.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 24, 2002.

TRD-200203953

Leslie L. Pettijohn

Commissioner

Finance Commission of Texas

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 4, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 936-7640


Subchapter D. LICENSE

7 TAC §1.405

The Finance Commission of Texas (the commission) proposes an amendment to 7 TAC §1.405, concerning application process after suspension or revocation.

The purpose of the amendment is to make technical changes to the rules in order to conform with the numbering of proposed new subchapters in connection with an agency rule review.

Consumer Credit Commissioner, Leslie L. Pettijohn, has determined that, for each year of the first five years that the amendment is in effect, there will be no fiscal implication for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the amendment.

Commissioner Pettijohn also has determined that, for each of the first five years the amendment as proposed is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of the proposal of the amendment will be proper cite reference in the rule to correspond with the concurrently proposed new subchapter.

Comments concerning the proposed amendment should be submitted within 30 days of publication to Leslie L. Pettijohn, Consumer Credit Commissioner, 2601 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas 78705, or by an email to leslie.pettijohn@occc.state.tx.us.

The amendment is proposed under Texas Finance Code, §11.304, which authorizes the Finance Commission to adopt rules to enforce Title 4 of the Texas Finance Code. Additionally, Texas Finance Code, §342.551 authorizes the Finance Commission to adopt rules for the enforcement of the consumer loan chapter.

The statutory provisions (as currently in effect) affected by the proposed new amendment are Chapter 342, Texas Finance Code and the rest of Title 4.

§1.405.Application Process after Suspension or Revocation .

To obtain a license after a license has been suspended or revoked, the former licensee is required to file an application for a new license pursuant to the procedures set forth in § 1.303 [ 1.31 ] of this title (relating to Transfer of License).

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 24, 2002.

TRD-200203951

Leslie L. Pettijohn

Commissioner

Finance Commission of Texas

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 4, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 936-7640


Subchapter P. REGISTRATION OF RETAIL CREDITORS

7 TAC §1.911

(Editor's note: The text of the following section proposed for repeal will not be published. The section may be examined in the offices of the Finance Commission of Texas or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

The Finance Commission of Texas (the commission) proposes the repeal of 7 TAC §1.911, concerning interpretations and advisory letters. As part of an agency rule review the commission is concurrently proposing new subchapters to relocate these rules in a more logical order, in this issue of the Texas Register .

This repeal is necessary because the sections have been rewritten and incorporated into new subchapters.

Leslie L. Pettijohn, Consumer Credit Commissioner, has determined that for the first five-year period of the repeal as proposed will be in effect, there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of administering or enforcing the repeal.

Ms. Pettijohn also has determined that for each year of the first five-year period the repeal as proposed will be in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of the repeal is the logical relocation of these rules. There is no anticipated cost to persons who are required to comply with the repeal as proposed. There will be no adverse economic effect on small businesses.

Comments on the proposed repeal may be submitted in writing to Leslie L. Pettijohn, Consumer Credit Commissioner, 2601 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas 78705-4207 or by an e-mail to leslie.pettijohn@occc.state.tx.us.

The repeal is proposed under Texas Finance Code, §11.304, which authorizes the Finance Commission to adopt rules to enforce Title 4 of the Texas Finance Code. Additionally, Texas Finance Code, §342.551 authorizes the Finance Commission to adopt rules for the enforcement of the consumer loan chapter.

The statutory provisions (as currently in effect) affected by the proposed repeal are Chapter 342, Texas Finance Code and the rest of Title 4.

§1.911.Interpretations and Advisory Letters

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 24, 2002.

TRD-200203946

Leslie L. Pettijohn

Commissioner

Finance Commission of Texas

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 4, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 936-7640


Chapter 4. CURRENCY EXCHANGE

7 TAC §4.11

(Editor's note: The text of the following section proposed for repeal will not be published. The section may be examined in the offices of the Finance Commission of Texas or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

The Finance Commission of Texas (the commission) proposes the repeal of §4.11, concerning fees. Section 4.11 implements Finance Code, §153.303, which authorizes the commission to set currency exchange, transportation, and transmission license application fees, license renewal fees, and examination fees in amounts that are reasonable and necessary to defray the cost of administering Finance Code, Chapter 153.

Concurrently with this repeal, the commission is proposing the adoption of new §4.11. The proposed repeal and adoption will convert the rule to a plain language format and change the existing examination fee structure. The new examination fee structure is necessary under Finance Code, §153.303 because existing §4.11 does not generate fees in amounts sufficient for the department to administer Finance Code, Chapter 153.

Ms. Stephanie Newberg, Deputy Commissioner, Texas Department of Banking, has determined that, for each year of the first five years that the repeal is in effect, there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the repeal.

Ms. Newberg also has determined that, for each of the first five years the repeal as proposed will be in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of the repeal and adoption of proposed §4.11 is more clear regulation for currency exchange, transportation, and transmission license holders and generation of revenues necessary to implement Finance Code, Chapter 153 so that currency exchange, transportation, and transmission consumers are protected. There is no anticipated cost to persons who are required to comply with the repeal as proposed. There will be no adverse economic effect on small businesses.

Comments concerning the proposed repeal should be submitted within 30 days of publication to Robin Robinson, Assistant General Counsel, Texas Department of Banking, 2601 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas 78705-4294, or by email to robin.robinson@banking.state.tx.us.

The repeal is proposed under Finance Code, §153.002, which authorizes the commission to adopt rules necessary or desirable to implement Finance Code, Chapter 153, and Finance Code §153.303, which authorizes the commission to set fees in amounts that are reasonable and necessary to defray the cost of administering Finance Code, Chapter 153.

Finance Code, Chapter 153 is affected by the proposed repeal.

§4.11.Fees.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 21, 2002.

TRD-200203891

Everette D. Jobe

Certifying Official

Finance Commission of Texas

Proposed date of adoption: August 16, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 475-1300


7 TAC §4.11

The Texas Finance Commission (the commission) proposes new §4.11, concerning fees. Proposed §4.11 will implement Finance Code, §153.303, which authorizes the commission to set currency exchange, transportation, and transmission license application fees, license renewal fees, and examination fees in amounts that are reasonable and necessary to defray the cost of administering Finance Code, Chapter 153. Existing §4.11 is proposed for repeal in this issue of the Texas Register .

Proposed §4.11 will change the department's method of calculating and collecting currency exchange, transportation, and transmission examination fees. Under existing §4.11, examination fees are $400 per examiner per day plus associated travel costs. Under proposed §4.11, the $400 rate will be replaced by an annual examination fee assessed on the total amount of the currency exchange, transportation, and transmission transactions conducted by a license holder. The assessed amount will include the cost of one annual examination plus the associated travel expenses for that examination. If an additional examination is required during a one year period because of a license holder's failure to comply with Finance Code, Chapter 153, commission rules, or department requests, proposed §4.11 will require a license holder to pay for the additional examination at the rate of $600 per day for each examiner plus any associated travel expenses. This per day rate also applies to new license holders who have not accumulated the data necessary to calculate their first annual examination fee. If out-of-state travel is necessary to conduct an examination, proposed §4.11 requires a license holder to pay the travel expenses.

Proposed §4.11 also provides a means for a license holder to request a reduction in the annual examination fee if payment of the fee will cause the business to be unable to pay debts as they mature or pay obligations as they become due and payable. The remaining provisions in proposed §4.11 provide for the same licensing and renewal fees and deadlines for payment of fees as the existing §4.11 proposed for repeal.

The fee rate increase is established by the department and approved by the commission, and not mandated by the Legislature. It is proposed to comply with Finance Code, §153.303, which requires the department to collect fees from license holders in amounts necessary to administer Finance Code, Chapter 153. The department has determined that the new fee structure will generate fees in amounts sufficient to administer Finance Code, Chapter 153. The new fee structure is necessary because the existing fee structure does not generate enough revenue to cover the costs of department examinations or other aspects of the Finance Code, Chapter 153 program. As a result, the department has had to use other unrelated revenue sources to administer Finance Code, Chapter 153 for the past two fiscal years.

Several factors have led to the necessity of the new fee structure. The primary one is the disappearance of federal grant funds. The department has historically received federal funds to administer its Finance Code, Chapter 153 program. These funds have decreased substantially over the last ten years from a yearly average of $208,128 between 1992 and 1999, to $85,792 in 2000 and $58,005 in 2001. In addition, despite inflation and rising program costs, there has been no fee increase on license holders since 1993. The increase in proposed §4.11 will be the first one on license holders in nearly ten years.

To minimize the impact of the fee increase, the department will lower bonding requirements of license holders that receive satisfactory examination ratings. For license holders engaged exclusively in currency exchange, the required bond of $25,000 will be reduced to $3,500. The average yearly savings for currency exchangers from this reduction is expected to be $400. For currency transmission and transportation license holders, the current minimum bond amount of $300,000 will be reduced to $200,000. The average yearly savings for currency transmitters and transporters from this reduction is expected to be $1,500.

The reduced bonding requirements will not affect the level of protection afforded to consumers doing business with license holders. The risk of customer claims on currency exchange bonds is minimal because currency exchange businesses do not hold customer funds. Further, the department has determined that the $200,000 bonding requirement for transmitters and transporters is more than sufficient to address the risk associated with customer bond claims. Since the inception of the currency exchange and transmission program in 1991, there has been only one bond claim on behalf of transmission customers and the bond amount in that case was substantially higher than the losses.

The department is currently developing standards for bond reductions that will be added to §4.7. Until §4.7 is amended, a license holder may apply for a reduction in bonding requirements under Finance Code, §153.109(f).

Stephanie Newberg, Deputy Commissioner, Texas Department of Banking, has determined that, for each year of the first five years that the section as proposed is in effect there will be no fiscal implication for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the section. The total amount of revenues collected by the department will remain approximately the same. Only the sources of revenue to administer Finance Code, Chapter 153 will change under the new rule.

Ms. Newberg also has determined that, for each of the first five years the section as proposed will be in effect, the anticipated public benefit will be more clear regulatory requirements and increased efficiency in the administration of Finance Code, Chapter 153 provisions. For each of the first five years the section as proposed will be in effect, the economic costs to persons required to comply with the rule will be increased examination fees. The average yearly increase to license holders will be approximately $1,249.93.

Of the 85 currency exchange, transportation, and transmission license holders, 71 are micro-businesses and 14 are small businesses under the definitions of those terms in Government Code, §2006.001. The average examination fee increase on the micro-businesses under the proposed fee structure will be approximately $1,263.14, or $ .02 per $100 in sales. The average examination fee increase on the small businesses will be approximately $1,140.44, or $ .02 per $100 in sales. Because all license holders are small or micro-businesses, this proposal will not result in a disproportionate effect on small and micro-businesses as compared to larger businesses.

Comments on the proposed rule may be submitted to Robin Robinson, Assistant General Counsel, Texas Department of Banking, 2601 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas 78705-4294, or by email to robin.robinson@banking.state.tx.us.

The new section is proposed under Finance Code, §153.002, which authorizes the commission to adopt rules necessary or desirable to implement Finance Code, Chapter 153, and Finance Code, §153.303, which authorizes the commission to set fees in amounts that are reasonable and necessary to defray the cost of administering Finance Code, Chapter 153.

Finance Code, Chapter 153 is affected by the proposed amendment.

§4.11.What fees must I pay to get and maintain a currency exchange, transportation, or transmission license?

(a) Definitions.

(1) Examination-the process of evaluating the books and records of a license holder relating to its currency exchange, transmission, and transportation activities.

(2) Financially insolvent-the inability to pay debts as they mature or pay obligations as they become due and payable.

(b) What fees must I pay to the department for obtaining and renewing a currency exchange, transportation, or transmission license?

(1) You must pay a $1,500 fee to obtain a license for your first location and $500 for each additional location.

(2) You must pay a $500 annual renewal fee for your first location and $100 for each additional location.

(c) What fees must I pay for a department examination?

(1) You must pay an annual examination fee that is based on your total annual dollar amount of currency exchange, transportation, and transmission transactions, determined by adding the quarterly amounts listed in your last four consecutive quarterly reports filed prior to July 1st of each year under §4.3(d) of this chapter.

(A) Your fee will be $1,500 if the annual amount of your transactions is $500,000 or less.

(B) If the annual amount of your transactions is greater than $500,000 and less than $1 million, your fee will be the sum of:

(i) $1,500, and

(ii) the amount of your transactions over $500,000 multiplied by a factor of .002.

(C) If the annual amount of your transactions is equal to or greater than $1 million and less than $15 million, your fee will be the sum of:

(i) $2,500, and

(ii) the amount of your transactions over $1 million multiplied by a factor of .00007.

(D) If the annual amount of your transactions is equal to or greater than $15 million, your fee will be the sum of:

(i) $3,480, and

(ii) the amount of your transactions over $15 million multiplied by a factor of .00003.

(2) If the annual examination fee that you calculated under paragraph (1) of this subsection was over $8,000, your examination fee will be $8,000.

(3) If an additional examination is necessary within a one-year period because you failed to comply with Finance Code, Chapter 153, this chapter, or a department request made in the discharge of its regulatory duties under Finance Code, Chapter 153 or this chapter, as determined by the department, you must pay for the additional examination at a rate of $600 per day for each examiner required to conduct the additional examination and any associated travel expenses.

(4) If you are a new license holder and have not yet filed four quarterly reports by September 1st of your first year in business, your first examination fee will be $600 per day for each examiner that conducts your examination and any associated travel expenses. Your subsequent annual examination fee will be calculated in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection.

(5) If an out-of-state examination is necessary, you must pay the associated travel expenses in addition to the annual examination fee.

(d) How will the department bill me for the examination fee? The department may assess the examination fee in quarterly or fewer installments in such periodically adjusted amounts as reasonably appear necessary to pay for the costs of examination and to administer Finance Code, Chapter 153. The commissioner may decrease examination fees if it is determined that a lesser amount than would otherwise be collected is necessary to administer Finance Code, Chapter 153.

(e) What if I cannot afford the annual examination fee? If you show that payment of the annual examination fee will cause your business to become financially insolvent, the commissioner may reduce the fee. You must request a reduction by filing an application no later than 15 days after the due date of the fee with supporting financial records showing your impending insolvency.

(f) When do I need to pay the fees required by this section?

(1) You must pay the license and license renewal fees required by subsection (b) of this section at the time you file your application for a license or application for renewal.

(2) You must pay your annual examination fee required by subsection (c) of this section no later than the 15th day after the date of the department's billing.

(3) You must pay additional examination fees and associated travel costs required by subsection (c) of this section at the time of billing.

(g) Are any of the fees I pay under this section refundable? No, the department may not refund any amounts you pay in fees.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 21, 2002.

TRD-200203892

Everette D. Jobe

Certifying Official

Finance Commission of Texas

Proposed date of adoption: August 16, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 475-1300


Part 2. TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF BANKING

Chapter 11. MISCELLANEOUS

Subchapter B. SAME POWERS AS NATIONAL BANKS

7 TAC §11.81, §11.83

(Editor's note: The text of the following sections proposed for repeal will not be published. The sections may be examined in the offices of the Texas Department of Banking or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

The Finance Commission of Texas (the commission) proposes the repeal of §11.81, concerning loans, and §11.83, concerning other matters.

Sections 11.81 and 11.83 were adopted in 1982 to help state banks remain competitive, by authorizing certain powers and activities for state banks that were already authorized for national banks. These rules predate the 1984 constitutional amendment to Texas Constitution, Article XVI, §16, granting state banks "the same rights and privileges that are or may be granted to national banks of the United States domiciled in this State." In addition, relevant state banking law was thoroughly and comprehensively rewritten and modernized by legislation enacted in 1995, 1999, and 2001. The need for existing §11.81 and §11.83 therefore no longer exists and repeal is appropriate. A bank will not lose any of the powers listed in §11.81 and §11.83 as a result of the repeal. The right to exercise these powers is adequately protected by Texas Constitution, Article XVI, §16(c), and by current statutes and regulations, including Finance Code, §32.009. Exercise of certain powers is further addressed in department opinions and policies.

Mr. Gayle Griffin, Deputy Commissioner, Texas Department of Banking, has determined that, for each year of the first five years that the repealed sections are in effect, there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the repeal.

Mr. Griffin also has determined that, for each of the first five years the repeal as proposed will be in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of the repeal is the removal of outdated regulations. There is no anticipated cost to persons who are required to comply with the repeal as proposed. There will be no adverse economic effect on small businesses.

Comments concerning the proposed repeal should be submitted within 30 days of publication to Robin Robinson, Assistant General Counsel, Texas Department of Banking, 2601 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas 78705-4294, or by email to robin.robinson@banking.state.tx.us.

The repeal is proposed under Finance Code, §31.003, which authorizes the commission to adopt rules necessary to accomplish the purposes of Finance Code, Title 3, Subtitle A.

Finance Code, Title 3, Subtitle A is affected by the proposed repeal.

§11.81.Loans.

§11.83.Other Matters.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 21, 2002.

TRD-200203893

Everette D. Jobe

Certifying Official

Texas Department of Banking

Proposed date of adoption: August 16, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 475-1300


Chapter 21. TRUST COMPANY CORPORATE ACTIVITIES

The Texas Finance Commission (commission) proposes new §21.9, concerning waiver of requirements relating to trust company corporate activities. The commission also proposes to amend §§21.1 - 21.6 and 21.8, concerning fees for corporate applications and other provisions of general applicability to trust companies; §21.23 and §21.24, concerning trust company chartering and powers; §21.31 and §21.32, concerning trust deposits; §21.41 and §21.42, concerning trust company offices; §21.51, concerning change of control of a trust company; §§21.61, 21.62, 21.64, 21.67, 21.68, 21.72, and 21.76, concerning application for merger, conversion, or sale of assets of a trust company; and §21.91 and §21.92, concerning charter amendments and certain changes in outstanding stock of a trust company.

Proposed new §21.9 will authorize the banking commissioner to waive or modify any application requirement imposed by Chapter 21, regarding trust company corporate activities. Existing §21.71 authorizes waiver or modification of requirements in Chapter 21, Subchapter F, and proposed §21.9 will extend that authority to the rest of Chapter 21. The commission is concurrently proposing the repeal of §21.71 in this issue of the Texas Register .

Most of the proposed amendments merely correct citations that changed as a result of the 1999 codification of the Texas Trust Company Act (Texas Civil Statutes, Articles 342a-1.001 et seq), into the Finance Code.

The remaining proposed amendments concern application fees for trust companies. The commission proposes to amend §21.2(b)(13) to increase the fee for an application to amend articles of association from $200 to $300. The $100 increase is necessary to more fully recover the cost of processing this type of application and will make the department fee consistent with the $300 fee charged by the Secretary of State for the same type of application.

In addition, the commission proposes to add two new fees to §21.2 and allow recovery of investigative fees and costs on a new type of application. Finance Code, §182.502, added to the Finance Code in 2001, permits a trust institution to convert to a state trust company with the approval of the banking commissioner. Proposed §21.2(b)(22) will impose a $5,000 fee for an application under new Finance Code, §182.502. In this connection, §21.2(d) is proposed to be amended to add this application to the list of applications that are subject to additional charges for recovery of investigative fees and costs. Finally, proposed §21.2(b)(23) will impose a new $300 fee for an application to exempt an acquisition of control transaction from the requirements of Finance Code, §183.001, as provided by Finance Code, §183.001(d)(4). This fee is considered necessary to recover the costs of processing this type of application.

Gayle Griffin, Deputy Commissioner, Texas Department of Banking, has determined that, for each year of the first five years that these sections are in effect, there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the sections as amended or adopted.

Mr. Griffin also has determined that, for each of the first five years these sections as amended or adopted are in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of the amendments or adoption will be the replacement of obsolete statutory references with correct citations and clear guidance on corporate applications. The anticipated costs to persons who are required to comply with these sections as proposed are (1) $5,000 for each application to convert a trust institution to a state trust company under Finance Code, §182.502, (2) $5,000 in investigative fees and costs associated with conversion of a trust institution into a state trust company under Finance Code, §182.502, (3) $300 for each application to exempt an acquisition of control transaction under Finance Code, §183.001(d)(4), and (4) an increase of $100 for each application to amend articles of association under Finance Code, §182.101. The fee increase and proposed new fees were established by the department, and not mandated by the Legislature. There will be no adverse effect on small businesses as a result of the proposed amendments or adoption of these sections.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Robin Robinson, Assistant General Counsel, Texas Department of Banking, 2601 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas 78705-4294, or by e-mail to robin.robinson@banking.state.tx.us.

Subchapter A. FEES AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICABILITY

7 TAC §§21.1 - 21.6, 21.8

The amendments are proposed under Finance Code, §181.003, which authorizes the commission to adopt rules to accomplish the purposes of the Texas Trust Company Act, Finance Code, Title 3, Subtitle F.

Finance Code, Title 3, Subtitle F, is affected by the proposal.

§21.1.Definitions.

Words and terms used in this chapter that are defined in the Trust Company Act [ Texas Civil Statutes, Articles 342a-1.001 et seq ], have the same meanings as defined therein. The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

(1) Accepted filing--An application, request, notice, or protest filed under the Trust Company Act [ Texas Civil Statutes, Articles 342a-1.001 et seq ], this chapter, or another rule adopted pursuant to the Trust Company Act [ Texas Civil Statutes, Articles 342a-1.001 et seq ], for which the appropriate fee has been paid pursuant to §21.2 of this title (relating to Filing and Investigative Fees), and regarding which the banking commissioner has notified the person or entity who submitted the filing, in writing, that the submission is complete and has been accepted for filing.

(2) - (6) (No change.)

(7) Public notice--A matter, including an application, request, notice, or protest, whether by proclamation or declaration, required or authorized to be published in a newspaper of general circulation by the Trust Company Act [ Texas Civil Statutes, Articles 342a-1.001 et seq ], this chapter, or another rule adopted pursuant to the Trust Company Act [ Texas Civil Statutes, Articles 342a-1.001 et seq ], or required to be published by the banking commissioner.

(8) Submitted filing--An initial application, request, notice, or protest filed under the Trust Company Act [ Texas Civil Statutes, Articles 342a-1.001 et seq ], this chapter, or another rule adopted pursuant to the Trust Company Act [ Texas Civil Statutes, Articles 342a-1.001 et seq ], that has not been abandoned and is not an accepted filing.

(9) Trust Company Act--Finance Code, Title 3, Subtitle F (§§181.001 et seq).

§21.2.Filing and Investigation Fees.

(a) (No change.)

(b) Filing fees. Simultaneously with a submitted application or notice, an applicant shall pay to the department:

(1) $5,000 for an application for trust company charter pursuant to Finance Code, §182.003 [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-3.003 ];

(2) $5,000 for an application for conversion of exempt trust company to non-exempt pursuant to Finance Code, §182.011(d) [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-3.011(d) ];

(3) $4,000 for an application to authorize a merger or share exchange pursuant to Finance Code, §182.302 [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-3.302 ], and §21.64 of this title (relating to Application for Merger or Share Exchange), or $2,500 for an expedited application if permissible pursuant to §21.63 of this title (relating to Expedited Filings);

(4) (No change.)

(5) $4,000 for an application to authorize a purchase of assets pursuant to Finance Code, §182.401 [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-3.401 ];

(6) $1,000 for an application to authorize the sale of substantially all assets pursuant to Finance Code, §182.405 [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-3.405 ];

(7) $500 for a subsidiary notice letter pursuant to Finance Code, §184.103(c) [ the Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-5.103(c) ], plus an amount up to an additional $3,500 if the banking commissioner notifies the applicant that additional information and analysis is required;

(8) $5,000 for an application regarding acquisition of control pursuant to Finance Code, §183.002 [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-4.002 ], or $2,500 for an expedited application if the applicant has previously been approved to control another trust company and no material changes in the applicant's circumstances have occurred since the prior approval;

(9) $200 for a notice to change home office with no abandonment of existing office pursuant to Finance Code, §182.202(c) [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-3.202(c) ], and §21.41(a) of this title (relating to Written Notice and Application for Change of Home Office);

(10) $1,500 for an application to relocate the home office with abandonment of existing office pursuant to Finance Code, §182.202(d) [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-3.202(d) ], and §21.41(b) of this title, except as otherwise provided in paragraph (11) of this subsection;

(11) (No change.)

(12) $200 for a notice of additional office pursuant to Finance Code, §182.203(a) [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-3.203(a) ], and §21.42 of this title (relating to Establishment, Relocation and Closing of an Additional Office), plus an additional $1,300 if the banking commissioner notifies the applicant pursuant to Finance Code, §182.203(b) [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-3.203(b) ], and §21.42(c) of this title that additional information and analysis is required;

(13) $300 [ $200 ] for an application to amend a trust company charter (articles of association) pursuant to Finance Code, §182.101 [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-3.101 ];

(14) (No change.)

(15) $100 for a request for a "no objection" letter to use a name containing a term listed in Finance Code, §181.004 [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-6.202 ], by an entity other than a depository institution or a trust company;

(16) $500 for an application to authorize acquisition of treasury stock pursuant to Finance Code, §184.102 [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-5.102 ], and §21.91 of this title (relating to Acquisition and Retention of Shares as Treasury Stock);

(17) $500 for an application to authorize an increase or reduction in capital and surplus pursuant to Finance Code, §182.103 [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-3.103 ];

(18) $1,000 for an application for trust company exemption pursuant to Finance Code, §182.012 [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-3.012 ], and §21.24 of this title (relating to Exemptions for Trust Companies Administering Family Trusts);

(19) $1,000 for an application for authority to accept deposits pursuant to Finance Code, §§182.101, 184.301, and 184.302 [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-3.101 and Article 342a-5.401 ], and §21.31 of this title (relating to Notice To Engage in Trust Deposits);

(20) $100 for the annual certification filing for an exempt trust company pursuant to Finance Code, §182.013 [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-3.013 ]; [ and ]

(21) $100 for required filing of a statement of condition and income pursuant to Finance Code, §181.107; [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-2.003. ]

(22) $5,000 for an application to convert from a trust institution to a state trust company pursuant to Finance Code, §182.502; and

(23) $300 for an application to exempt an acquisition of control transaction from the requirements of Finance Code, §183.001 pursuant to Finance Code, §183.001(d)(4), which fee shall be applied to a subsequent application for approval of an acquisition of control if the exemption is denied.

(c) (No change.)

(d) Investigative fees and costs. An applicant for a trust company charter , [ or ] conversion from an exempt trust company to a non-exempt trust company or limited trust association , or conversion of a trust institution to a state trust company shall pay an investigation fee of $5,000 once the application has been accepted for filing. If required by the banking commissioner, an applicant under another type of application or filing listed in subsection (b) of this section shall pay the reasonable investigative costs of the department incurred in any investigation, review, or examination considered appropriate by the department, calculated as provided by §17.22(a) of this title (relating to Examination and Investigation Fees). Such investigation fee or costs must be paid by the applicant upon written request of the department. Failure to timely pay the investigation fee or a bill for investigative costs constitutes grounds for denial of the submitted or accepted filing.

(e) - (f) (No change.)

§21.3.Expedited Filings.

(a) Eligible trust companies may file an expedited filing according to forms and instructions provided by the department solely for home office relocations within the same city pursuant to Finance Code, §182.202(d) [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-3.202(d) ], and §21.41(b) of this title (relating to Written Notice and Application for Change of Home Office), together with the fee required by §21.2 of this title (relating to Filing and Investigation Fees). Notice must be published as required by §21.41(e) of this title.

(b) Notwithstanding another provision of this section, the banking commissioner may deny expedited filing treatment to an eligible trust company, in the exercise of discretion, if the banking commissioner finds that the filing involves one or more of the following:

(1) - (2) (No change.)

(3) the proposed transaction will result in a fixed asset investment in excess of the limitation contained in Finance Code, §184.002(a) [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-5.001(b) ];

(4) - (7) (No change.)

(c) - (e) (No change.)

§21.4.Required Information and Abandoned Filings.

(a) - (b) (No change.)

(c) Time limit for providing required information. Unless otherwise provided for in the Trust Company Act [ Texas Civil Statutes, Articles 3421-1.001 et seq (the Trust Company Act) ], this chapter or rules and regulations adopted pursuant to the Trust Company Act, all required information necessary for the banking commissioner to declare that a submission is an accepted filing shall be provided to the department on or before the 61st day after the date of the initial submission of the filing. A person or entity may request an automatic 30-day extension of time to submit required information if the request is in writing and is received by the department prior to the end of the initial 60-day period provided for in this subsection. An additional extension may be requested in writing if such request is received prior to the expiration of the automatic extension. The additional extension shall be granted only if there is a finding of good and sufficient cause, in the banking commissioner's discretion, to grant an extension. Notice of the decision of the banking commissioner shall be mailed to the person or entity seeking the extension within ten days of the receipt of the request by the department.

(d) - (e) (No change.)

§21.5.Public Notice.

(a) (No change.)

(b) Contents. The public notice must state that a filing is being made; the date (or expected date) of the filing; sufficient information describing the proposed transaction, and other related information required by the Trust Company Act [ Texas Civil Statutes, Articles 342a-1.001 et seq (the Trust Company Act) ], this chapter or rules and regulations adopted pursuant to the Trust Company Act, and any other information as may be required by the banking commissioner. In addition, the notice must include substantially the following text as a separately stated paragraph: "Any person wishing to comment on this application, either for or against, may file written comments with the Texas Department of Banking, 2601 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas 78705-4294 on or before the 14th day after the date of this publication. Such comments will be made a part of the record before and considered by the banking commissioner. Any person wishing to formally protest and oppose (describe type of application in general terms) and participate in the application process may do so by filing a written notice of protest with the Texas Department of Banking on or before the 14th calendar day after the date of this publication accompanied by a protest filing fee of $2,500. The protest fee may be reduced or waived by the banking commissioner upon a showing of substantial hardship."

(c) - (e) (No change.)

§21.6.Applications for Trust Charter: Notices to Applicants; Application Processing Times; Appeals.

(a) Form of application. An application to engage in a business under Finance Code, §182.003 [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-3.003 ], must be filed on a form prescribed by the banking commissioner.

(b) - (e) (No change.)

§21.8.Corporate Filings.

(a) In accordance with the applicable provisions of the Trust Company Act [ Texas Civil Statutes, Articles 342a-1.001 et seq (the Trust Company Act) ], the following corporate forms regarding a trust company, along with the applicable filing fees, must be filed with the banking commissioner:

(1) (No change.)

(2) articles of amendment under Finance Code, §182.101 [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-3.101 ];

(3) restated articles of association under the Finance Code, §182.101 [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-3.101 ];

(4) restated articles of association with amendments under Finance Code, §182.101 [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-3.101 ];

(5) articles of merger under Finance Code, §§182.301 et seq [ Texas Civil Statutes, Articles 342a-3.301 et seq ], as supplemented by the Texas Business Corporation Act (TBCA), Article 5.04;

(6) - (7) (No change.)

(8) establishment of a series of shares by the board of directors under Finance Code, §182.101 [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-3.101 ];

(9) - (13) (No change.)

(b) - (d) (No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 21, 2002.

TRD-200203900

Everette D. Jobe

Certifying Official

Texas Department of Banking

Proposed date of adoption: August 16, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 475-1300


7 TAC §21.9

The new section is proposed under Finance Code, §181.003, which authorizes the commission to adopt rules to accomplish the purposes of the Texas Trust Company Act, Finance Code, Title 3, Subtitle F.

Finance Code, Title 3, Subtitle F, is affected by the proposal.

§21.9.Waiver of Requirements.

The banking commissioner in the exercise of discretion may waive or modify any requirement imposed by this chapter.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 21, 2002.

TRD-200203901

Everette D. Jobe

Certifying Official

Texas Department of Banking

Proposed date of adoption: August 16, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 475-1300


Subchapter B. TRUST COMPANY CHARTERING AND POWERS

7 TAC §21.23, §21.24

The amendments are proposed under Finance Code, §181.003, which authorizes the commission to adopt rules to accomplish the purposes of the Texas Trust Company Act, Finance Code, Title 3, Subtitle F.

Finance Code, Title 3, Subtitle F, is affected by the proposal.

§21.23.Option To Withhold Identity of Officers.

An applicant for a trust company charter may, at its option, withhold the identity of prospective officers until such time as the banking commissioner issues a final order on the application. Approval of the application will be conditional upon the applicant's submitting resumes of qualified proposed officers to the banking commissioner. Upon receipt of the resumes, the banking commissioner shall review and investigate the qualification of the proposed officers and deliver the certificate of authority pursuant to Finance Code, §182.006 [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-3.006 ], if the banking commissioner finds that the proposed officers meet the requirements of Finance Code, §182.003(b)(3) [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-3.003(b)(4) ].

§21.24.Exemptions for Trust Companies Administering Family Trusts.

(a) Compliance required. Pursuant to Finance Code, §182.011 and §182.012 [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-3.011 and Article 342a-3.012 ], a trust company, which does not transact business with the public, may request in writing that it be exempted from specified provisions of the Trust Company Act [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-1.001 et seq ]. The banking commissioner may grant the request in whole or in part if the trust company does not transact business with the public. A trust company does not transact business with the public if it acts as a corporate fiduciary for accounts in which all beneficiaries are related within the fourth degree of affinity or consanguinity to the person who controls the trust company. A trust company administering family trusts which request exemption from specified provisions of the Trust Company Act [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-1.001 et seq ], must comply with this section.

(b) Application for Exemption. A trust company administering family trusts which seeks exemption from specified provisions of the Trust Company Act [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-1.001 et seq ], shall file an application, together with the appropriate filing fee required by §21.2 of this title (relating to Filing and Investigation Fees), with the banking commissioner. The application must specify the specific exemptions requested and the reasons or justification for requesting the exemptions. The application must also include a copy of the trust company's articles of association which must contain the following statement in its purposes clause: "The sole purpose for which the trust company is organized is to act as a corporate fiduciary for accounts in which all beneficiaries are related within the fourth degree of affinity or consanguinity to _______________ (name of person who controls the trust company)."

(c) Exemption. Subject to conditions or limitations being imposed by the banking commissioner, a trust company administering family trusts may request exemption from the following provisions of the Trust Company Act [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-1.001, et seq ]:

(1) the requirement of Finance Code, §181.107(c), [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-2.003(d) ] providing that the report of assets portion of a statement of condition and income is a public record.

(2) the requirement of Finance Code, §183.103(a) [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-3.002(11) ], that five is the minimum number of directors, managers, or managing participants that can be specified in the articles of association, provided that the articles of association must specify the number of directors, managers, or managing participants, consistent with paragraph (3) of this subsection;

(3) the requirement of Finance Code, §183.103(a) [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-4.103(a) ], that the number of directors, managers, or managing participants of a trust company cannot be less than five or more than 25, the majority of whom must be residents of this state, provided that the board of a trust company seeking exemption under this section must consist of not fewer than three or more than 25 directors, managers, or managing participants, at least one of whom must be a resident of this state;

(4) the restrictions of Finance Code, §183.109(a)-(c) [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-4.107(a) - (c) ], regarding transactions with management and affiliates;

(5) the limitations of Finance Code, §184.002 [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-5.001 ], on investment in trust company facilities;

(6) the limitations of Finance Code, §184.101 [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-5.101 ], on securities investments, provided that the exemption request must address each limitation and the reasons for exemption separately;

(7) the restrictions of Finance Code, §184.102 [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-5.102 ], regarding transactions in state trust company shares or participation shares;

(8) the limitations of Finance Code, §184.003 [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-5.104 ], on other real estate investments; and

(9) the limitations of Finance Code, §§184.201 - 184.203 [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-5.201 and Article 342a-5.202 ], regarding lending limit and lease financing transaction restrictions, provided that no loans may be made from a trust company's minimum restricted capital amount.

(d) - (e) (No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 21, 2002.

TRD-200203902

Everette D. Jobe

Certifying Official

Texas Department of Banking

Proposed date of adoption: August 16, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 475-1300


Subchapter C. TRUST DEPOSITS

7 TAC §21.31, §21.32

The amendments are proposed under Finance Code, §181.003, which authorizes the commission to adopt rules to accomplish the purposes of the Texas Trust Company Act, Finance Code, Title 3, Subtitle F.

Finance Code, Title 3, Subtitle F, is affected by the proposal.

§21.31.Notice To Engage in Trust Deposits.

(a) Compliance required. A trust company may not deposit trust funds with itself as an investment pursuant to Finance Code, §184.301 [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-5.401 ], unless it first complies with this section and §21.32 of this title (relating to Acceptance of Trust Deposits).

(b) Notice of activity. At least 30 days before accepting trust deposits, a trust company shall file a notice with the banking commissioner containing the following information, together with the filing fee required by §21.2 of this title (relating to Filing and Investigation Fees):

(1) - (3) (No change.)

(4) if trust deposits are to be secured by a pledged fund of securities:

(A) a description of the initial fund of securities securing the anticipated trust deposits, including disclosure of current market value and an evaluation of the securities under the standards of Finance Code, §184.101(e) [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-5.101(f) ]; and

(B) (No change.)

(5) - (7) (No change.)

(c) Action by banking commissioner.

(1) The trust company may begin accepting trust deposits on the 31st day after the date the banking commissioner receives the trust company's completed notice letter unless the banking commissioner specifies an earlier or later date, requests additional information, or prohibits the activity as provided in this subsection. The banking commissioner may prohibit the trust company from accepting trust deposits only if the banking commissioner concludes that:

(A) the trust deposits would not be fully insured or secured as required by Finance Code, §184.301 [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-5.401 ], and this section;

(B) - (C) (No change.)

(D) the trust company is subject to an enforcement order issued pursuant to Finance Code, Chapter 185 [ under Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-6.001 et seq ], or is not otherwise operating in substantial compliance with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations.

(2) The banking commissioner may extend the 30-day period under paragraph (1) of this subsection if the banking commissioner determines that the trust company's notice raises issues requiring additional information or additional time for analysis. If the 30-day period is extended, the trust company may accept trust deposits only on prior written approval by the banking commissioner, except that the banking commissioner must approve or prohibit the proposed activity or convene a hearing under Finance Code, §181.201 [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-3.009 ], not later than the 60th day after the date the banking commissioner receives the trust company's notice. If a hearing is convened, the banking commissioner must approve or prohibit the proposed activity not later than the 30th day after the date the hearing is completed.

(3) A trust company that is denied the right to accept trust deposits by the banking commissioner under this section may appeal as provided by Finance Code, §§181.202-181.204 [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-3.010 ], or may file a new notice under this section with additional information relevant to the banking commissioner's determination, with applicable filing fee.

(d) Authority to accept trust deposits. Only a trust company which transacts business with the public may deposit trust funds with itself as an investment pursuant to Finance Code, §184.301 [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-5.401 ]. An exempt trust company under Finance Code, §§182.011-182.019 [ Texas Civil Statutes, Articles 342a-3.011 through 342a-3.019 ], may not accept trust deposits.

(e) (No change.)

§21.32.Acceptance of Trust Deposits

(a) Compliance required. A trust company may not deposit trust funds with itself as an investment pursuant to Finance Code, §184.301 [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-5.401 ], unless it first complies with this section and §21.31 of this title (relating to Notice To Engage in Trust Deposits). Trust deposits must be fully insured by deposit insurance issued by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), or its successor, or fully secured by a separate fund of pledged securities, by pledged certificates of deposit, or a combination of the foregoing.

(b) - (d) (No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 21, 2002.

TRD-200203903

Everette D. Jobe

Certifying Official

Texas Department of Banking

Proposed date of adoption: August 16, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 475-1300


Subchapter D. TRUST COMPANY OFFICES

7 TAC §21.41, §21.42

The amendments are proposed under Finance Code, §181.003, which authorizes the commission to adopt rules to accomplish the purposes of the Texas Trust Company Act, Finance Code, Title 3, Subtitle F.

Finance Code, Title 3, Subtitle F, is affected by the proposal.

§21.41.Written Notice and Application for Change of Home Office.

(a) Relocation by notice. If the location that is the home office of a trust company prior to a proposed relocation of the home office is to remain an additional office of the trust company after the relocation, the trust company may relocate its home office by filing a written notice pursuant to Finance Code, §182.202(c) [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-3.202(c) ]. The filed notice must contain all information required by subsection (c) of this section, accompanied by the required filing fee pursuant to §21.2 of this title (relating to Filing Fees and Cost Deposits), and notice of the submission must be published as required by subsection (e) of this section. A trust company filing notice of a home office relocation under this subsection may relocate its home office on the 31st day after the required notice and fee have been received by the banking commissioner, unless the banking commissioner gives notice in writing, prior to the expiration of that time period, that an earlier or later date is authorized or that additional information and additional time for analysis is required. Upon issuance of a notice requiring additional information and additional time for analysis, the trust company may relocate its home office only on written approval of the banking commissioner. Except as otherwise provided in this section, the banking commissioner shall evaluate the notice under the criteria of §21.42(e) of this title (relating to Establishment and Closing of an Additional Office).

(b) Relocation by application. If Finance Code, §182.202(c) [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-3.202(c) ], and subsection (a) of this section do not apply, a trust company desiring to change its home office location must file an application with the banking commissioner pursuant to Finance Code, §182.202(d) [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-3.202(d) ], setting forth all information required by subsection (d) of this section, accompanied by the required filing fee pursuant to §21.2 of this title, and notice of the submission must be published as required by subsection (e) of this section. The banking commissioner shall issue a written notice no later than 15 days after the date the initial filing is received, as required by §21.4 of this title (relating to Required Information and Abandoned Filings), informing the applicant either that all filing fees have been paid and the application is complete and accepted for filing, or that the application is deficient and specific additional information is required. Except as otherwise provided in this section, the banking commissioner shall evaluate the application under the criteria of §21.42(e) of this title. An applicant under this subsection may not relocate its home office without the prior written approval of the banking commissioner.

(c) - (f) (No change.)

§21.42.Establishment, Relocation and Closing of an Additional Office.

(a) Establishment or relocation by notice. A trust company may establish or relocate an additional office pursuant to Finance Code, §182.203 [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-3.203 ], by filing a written notice with the banking commissioner containing all information required by subsection (b) of this section, accompanied by the required filing fee pursuant to §21.2 of this title (relating to Filing Fees and Cost Deposits), and notice of the submission must be published as required by subsection (d) of this section. A trust company filing notice of an additional office under this subsection may establish the additional office on the 31st day after the date the required notice and fee are received by the banking commissioner unless the banking commissioner gives notice in writing, prior to the expiration of that time period, that an earlier or later date is authorized or that additional information is required pursuant to subsection (c) of this section.

(b) - (h) (No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 21, 2002.

TRD-200203904

Everette D. Jobe

Certifying Official

Texas Department of Banking

Proposed date of adoption: August 16, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 475-1300


Subchapter E. CHANGE OF CONTROL

7 TAC §21.51

The amendments are proposed under Finance Code, §181.003, which authorizes the commission to adopt rules to accomplish the purposes of the Texas Trust Company Act, Finance Code, Title 3, Subtitle F.

Finance Code, Title 3, Subtitle F, is affected by the proposal.

§21.51.Application for Acquisition or Change of Control of Trust Company.

(a) - (b) (No change.)

(c) Public notice. Not earlier than 14 days before, nor later than 14 days after the date of initial submission of an application filed [ Upon notification that an initial application is complete and accepted for filing ] pursuant to §21.4 of this title (relating to Required Information and Abandoned Filings), the applicant shall publish notice as required by Finance Code, §183.002(d) [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-4.002(d) ], and §21.5 of this title (relating to Public Notice) in the county where the trust company's home office is located. One publication under this subsection is adequate unless the banking commissioner expressly requires additional notice.

(d) Confidentiality. Information obtained by the banking commissioner under this section is confidential and may not be disclosed by the banking commissioner or an officer or employee of the department, subject only to such disclosure as may be permitted by Finance Code, §183.002(c) [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-4.002 ], or by §3.111 of this title (relating to Confidential Information).

(e) Grandfather clause. A principal shareholder or participant that is considered to control a trust company, under Finance Code, §183.001(b) [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-4.001(a) ], is exempt from filing an application under this section until the principal shareholder acquires one or more additional shares or participation shares of the trust company.

(f) Capital requirements. A person or entity seeking to acquire control of a trust company subject to this section must bring the trust company into compliance with the minimum capital requirements of Finance Code, §182.008 [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-3.007 ], or such amount as required by the banking commissioner at the time the transaction is consummated.

(g) Exemptions. In addition to the acquisitions specifically exempted pursuant to Finance Code, §183.001(d) [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-4.001(c) ], the following types of involuntary acquisitions of control do not require prior written approval of the banking commissioner:

(1) - (7) (No change.)

(h) Notices in lieu of filing. In the event that an application is not required because of exemption under Finance Code, §183.001(d) [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-4.001(c) ], or subsection (g) of this section, but an application is required to be filed with a federal regulatory authority or a regulatory authority of another state, a copy of the application as filed with another agency must be filed with the banking commissioner within seven days of the date of such other filing or filings. A notice in lieu of filing is also required of a person claiming an exemption under Finance Code, §183.001(d) [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-4.001(c) ], or paragraph (5) or (6) of subsection (g) of this section. This notice must be filed before the securities acquired are voted and must be accompanied by a completed authorization pursuant to subsection (b)(2) of this section. No filing fees are required for notices filed under this section; however, should the banking commissioner determine that an application is required, the appropriate filing fee pursuant to §21.2 of this title is required.

(i) Approval. Automatic approval; conditional approval. If an application filed under this section is not approved by the banking commissioner or is not set for hearing on or before the 60th day after notice is published pursuant to subsection (c) of this section, the transaction may be consummated. The banking commissioner may, before the expiration of the initial 60-day period, give the applicant written notice that the application has been approved, in which case the transaction may be immediately consummated on receipt of the notice. The banking commissioner may also, before the expiration of the initial 60-day period, give an applicant written notice that the application has been approved subject to certain conditions. The applicant shall enter into a written agreement with the banking commissioner concerning the conditions on or before the 30th day after the date of notification of conditional approval. An agreement entered into by the applicant and the banking commissioner concerning conditional approval is enforceable against the applicant and the trust company and is considered for all purposes an agreement under the provisions of Finance Code, §185.002(a) [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-6.002(a) ]. In the event that an applicant who has received conditional approval does not enter into an agreement with the banking commissioner as required by this subsection, the banking commissioner shall set the matter for hearing.

(j) - (l) (No change.)

(m) Hearing on application. The banking commissioner shall set an application for hearing on or before the 60th day after notice is published as required by Finance Code, §183.003 [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-4.003 ], and subsection (i) of this section. The notice of hearing must comply with Government Code, §2001.051, and shall state that the purpose of the hearing is to give the applicant an opportunity to show all required qualifications for the banking commissioner's approval of the acquisition or change of control application have been met. The applicant has the burden of showing all such required qualifications by a preponderance of evidence. After the hearing, the banking commissioner shall grant or deny the application based solely upon the evidence presented at the hearing. An applicant may not appeal denial of an application or conditional approval of an application until a final order is issued. If after a hearing has been held, the banking commissioner has entered an order denying the application, and the order has become final, the applicant may appeal the final order as provided by Finance Code, §183.004 [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-4.004 ], and Government Code, Chapter 2001.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 21, 2002.

TRD-200203905

Everette D. Jobe

Certifying Official

Texas Department of Banking

Proposed date of adoption: August 16, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 475-1300


Subchapter F. APPLICATION FOR MERGER, CONVERSION, OR SALE OF ASSETS

7 TAC §§21.61, 21.62, 21.64, 21.67, 21.68, 21.72, 21.76

The amendments are proposed under Finance Code, §181.003, which authorizes the commission to adopt rules to accomplish the purposes of the Texas Trust Company Act, Finance Code, Title 3, Subtitle F.

Finance Code, Title 3, Subtitle F, is affected by the proposal.

§21.61.Definitions.

(a) Words and terms used in this subchapter that are defined in the Trust Company Act or in §21.1 if this title [ Texas Civil Statutes, Articles 342a-1.001 et seq ], have the same meanings as defined therein.

(b) The following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates the contrary.

(1) - (15) (No change.)

(16) Share exchange--A transaction by which one or more trust companies, fiduciary institutions, or other entities acquire all of the outstanding shares of one or more classes or series of one or more trust companies under the authority of Finance Code, §182.301 [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-3.301 ], and the Texas Business Corporation Act, Article 5.02.

(17) Trust company--A state trust company as defined by Finance Code, §181.002(a) [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 1.002(a)(46) ].

(18) (No change.)

§21.62.General.

Without the prior written consent of the banking commissioner, a trust company may not consummate a merger, conversion, sale of assets, purchase of assets, or share exchange. Except as otherwise provided by Finance Code, Chapter 182, Subchapters D - F [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a, Chapter 3, Subchapters D, E, and F ], or this subchapter, an application must be filed with the banking commissioner for review and consideration of the proposed transaction.

§21.64.Application for Merger or Share Exchange.

(a) Scope. This section governs an application for merger or share exchange pursuant to Finance Code, §§182.301 et seq [ Texas Civil Statutes, Articles 342a-3.301 et seq ]. This section does not apply to a merger that results in a trust company becoming another fiduciary institution under another regulatory system pursuant to Finance Code, §182.501 [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-3.501 ], or other applicable law, and such transactions are governed by §21.67 of this title (relating to Merger, Reorganization, or Conversion of a Trust Company Into Another Fiduciary Institution).

(b) - (c) (No change.)

(d) Public notice. Not earlier than 14 days before or later than the 14th day after the date of the initial submission of the [ Within 14 days prior to or after submission of the initial ] application, the applicant shall publish notice in accordance with the requirements of §21.5 of this title (relating to Public Notice) in the specified communities where the home office of the applicant, the target entity, and the resulting trust company are located.

(e) Approval by the banking commissioner and filings with a chartering agency.

(1) The banking commissioner shall approve a merger or share exchange only if the application indicates substantial compliance with all conditions of Finance Code, §182.302(c) [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-3.302(c) ].

(2) (No change.)

(3) After approval of an application under this section by the banking commissioner, the articles of merger or share exchange previously filed with the chartering agency, if applicable, will be accepted and a certificate of merger or share exchange will be issued by the banking commissioner who shall perform the duties required by Finance Code, §182.303(a) [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-3.303(a) ]. With respect to a transaction that requires filing with the Texas secretary of state, if the banking commissioner does not approve the articles of merger or share exchange on or before the 90th day after the filing of the articles of merger with the Texas secretary of state, the applicant must refile the articles of merger or share exchange with both the Texas secretary of state and with the banking commissioner.

(4) (No change.)

(5) The date of issuance of the certificate of merger or share exchange by the banking commissioner constitutes the date of approval pursuant to Finance Code, §182.303(b) [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-3.303(b) ], unless the merger or exchange agreement provides for a later effective date which has been approved by the banking commissioner.

§21.67.Notice of Merger, Reorganization, or Conversion of a Trust Company into Another Fiduciary Institution.

(a) Scope. This section governs notice of the merger, reorganization, or conversion of a trust company into another form of fiduciary institution in a manner that results in extinguishment of the trust company charter, pursuant to Finance Code, §182.501 [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-3.501 ], or other applicable law.

(b) (No change.)

(c) Notices, publication, and certificate of authority.

(1) The applicant shall submit a copy of the published notice of the proposed transaction required by the successor regulatory authority or shall publish notice as required by §21.5 of this title (relating to Public Notice). Submission of such notice, with the publisher's certificate required by subsection (b)(6) of this section, is considered notice of the transaction in accordance with Finance Code, §182.501(c)(2) [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 3421-3.501(c)(2) ]. The banking commissioner may require, upon written notice to the applicant, such other publication requirements at such times and places and in such manner as considered appropriate.

(2) (No change.)

(d) (No change.)

§21.68.Opinion of Legal Counsel.

(a) - (b) (No change.)

(c) Unless specifically noted in the opinion, the banking commissioner will assume that the opinions expressed are based upon and subject to the assumptions, qualifications, limitations and exceptions set forth in the Accord, provided the Accord is incorporated by reference. In addition, whether or not stated in the Accord, if specifically noted in the opinion, counsel:

(1) - (3) (No change.)

(4) may qualify the opinions given as opinions solely for the benefit of the banking commissioner that may not be quoted in whole or in part or otherwise referred to in another document or report, and that may not be furnished to a person or entity other than the banking commissioner and the department without the written consent of counsel, except as may be permitted or required by law, including Finance Code, §§181.301 et seq [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-2.101 et seq ], and Government Code, Chapter 552.

(d) - (f) (No change)

§21.72.Approval; Conditional Approval; Denial of Application; Hearings.

(a) - (d) (No change.)

(e) Hearings on denial of applications. Requests for hearing under this subchapter will be forwarded to the administrative law judge who shall enter appropriate orders and conduct the hearing on or before a date that is 60 days after the date the request for hearing was received, or as soon after that as is reasonably possible, under Chapter 9 of this title (relating to Rules of Procedure for Contested Case Hearings, Appeals, and Rulemaking) and [ the ] Government Code, Chapter 2001. A proposal for decision, exceptions and replies to such proposal for decision, the final decision of the banking commissioner, and motions for rehearing are governed by Chapter 9 of this title. An applicant may not appeal denial of an application or conditional approval of an application until a final order is issued. After a hearing and final order, the applicant may appeal the final order as provided in Finance Code, §§181.202 - 181.204 [ the Act, §31.202 ].

§21.76.Confidentiality.

Information obtained by the banking commissioner under this subchapter is presumed to be public information unless such information is confidential under Finance Code, §§181.301 et seq [ Texas Civil Statutes, Articles 342a-2.101 et seq ], or under exceptions contained in Government Code, Chapter 552. The applicant has the burden to request confidential treatment for specified information, to segregate and mark documents claimed to be confidential, and to specifically reference the provision of law that allows confidential treatment.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 21, 2002.

TRD-200203906

Everette D. Jobe

Certifying Official

Texas Department of Banking

Proposed date of adoption: August 16, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 475-1300


Subchapter G. CHARTER AMENDMENTS AND CERTAIN CHANGES IN OUTSTANDING STOCK

7 TAC §21.91, §21.92

The amendments are proposed under Finance Code, §181.003, which authorizes the commission to adopt rules to accomplish the purposes of the Texas Trust Company Act, Finance Code, Title 3, Subtitle F.

Finance Code, Title 3, Subtitle F, is affected by the proposal.

§21.91.Acquisition and Retention of Shares as Treasury Stock.

(a) Permitted acquisition of treasury stock. Pursuant to Finance Code, §§182.103, 184.101, and 184.102 [ Texas Civil Statutes, Articles 342a-3.103, 342a-5.101, and 342a-5.102 ], a trust company may acquire its own shares to be held as treasury stock, if prior notice of the proposed transaction is filed with the banking commissioner pursuant to subsection (b) of this section and the plan of acquisition has not been disapproved by the banking commissioner pursuant to subsection (d) of this section.

(b) - (c) (No change.)

(d) Disapproval. The banking commissioner may disapprove the proposed plan of acquisition if the banking commissioner concludes that the trust company's plan of acquisition:

(1) (No change.)

(2) may threaten the adequacy of the trust company's liquidity and the requirements of Finance Code, §184.101(b) [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-5.101(b) ];

(3) may threaten the adequacy of the trust company's equity capital or its restricted capital, or could result in a trust company failing to maintain the minimum required level in restricted capital set forth in Finance Code, §182.103 [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-3.103 ], or §17.1(b) of this title; or

(4) (No change.)

(e) - (h) (No change.)

§21.92.Amendment of Articles To Effect a Reverse Stock Split.

(a) Definitions. The following words and terms when used in this section shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

(1) - (3) (No change.)

(4) Share--A unit representing ownership of at least part of the proprietary interests of a trust company, whether or not divided or subdivided by means of classes, series, relative rights, or preferences; and includes a stock or similar security; or a security convertible, with or without consideration, into such a security, or carrying a warrant or right to subscribe to or purchase such a security; or such warrant or right; or another security determined by the banking commissioner to be an equity security as defined by Finance Code, §181.002(a) [ pursuant to Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-1.002(a)(44) ].

(5) (No change.)

(b) Procedure. Pursuant to Finance Code, §182.101 [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-3.101 ], to effectuate a reverse stock split in compliance with this section, a trust company shall:

(1) - (2) (No change.)

(c) Application. A trust company proposing a reverse stock split transaction shall file with the banking commissioner a written application seeking approval of the proposed amendment to its articles of association, stating the results of the vote of shareholders regarding the proposed reverse stock split and stating the percentage of shares of unaffiliated shareholders that were voted in favor of the proposed reverse stock split, or undertaking to supplement the application after conditional approval is obtained to provide shareholder approval information, setting forth or including as exhibits the following:

(1) the original and one copy of the proposed amendment to the articles of association, to be processed in the manner required by Finance Code, §182.101 [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-3.101 ], and a description of the material terms of the proposed reverse stock split, including terms or arrangements relating to any shareholder of the trust company which are not identical to those relating to other shareholders of the same class;

(2) - (14) (No change.)

(d) Standards for approval.

(1) The banking commissioner shall process the proposed reverse stock split in accordance with Finance Code, §182.101(d) [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-3.101(d) ]. The banking commissioner shall require that the reverse stock split be for a valid business purpose of the trust company, viewed as an entity distinct from its affiliates, and be accomplished through fair dealing with and a fair price to unaffiliated shareholders. The banking commissioner may impose conditions on approval, including a condition that an independent appraisal report be obtained regarding the value of the unaffiliated shareholders' shares, exclusive of any element of value arising from the accomplishment or expectation of the proposed transaction, and without minority discount. Share value determined by an independent and properly prepared appraisal report that is fully disclosed to trust company shareholders or by the market price of publicly traded shares will be presumed to be a fair value unless extenuating circumstances to the contrary are specifically noted.

(2) In the event approval of the banking commissioner is obtained prior to approval by shareholders, the trust company shall file a statement with the banking commissioner certifying that any future event or condition upon which the approval of the transaction was conditioned has been satisfied and the date that each such condition was satisfied. Upon receipt of such statement, the banking commissioner shall file the approved amendment to the articles of association in accordance with Finance Code, §182.101(e) [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-3.101(d) ].

(3) (No change.)

(e) Exemptions.

(1) (No change.)

(2) An amendment to the articles of association that implements a reverse stock split exempt from this section is filed and processed in accordance with Finance Code, §182.101 [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 342a-3.101 ].

(3) (No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 21, 2002.

TRD-200203907

Everette D. Jobe

Certifying Official

Texas Department of Banking

Proposed date of adoption: August 16, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 475-1300


Subchapter F. APPLICATION FOR MERGER, CONVERSION, OR SALE OF ASSETS

7 TAC §21.71

(Editor's note: The text of the following section proposed for repeal will not be published. The section may be examined in the offices of the Texas Department of Banking or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

The Finance Commission of Texas (the commission), proposes the repeal of §21.71, concerning waiver of requirements.

Section 21.71 authorizes the banking commissioner to waive a requirement in Chapter 21, Subchapter F, concerning applications for merger, conversion, or sale of assets. The commission proposes to repeal the provision as unnecessary after the commission adopts new §21.9, which will authorize the commissioner to waive or modify any requirement in Chapter 21. The commission is concurrently proposing new §21.9 in this issue of the Texas Register .

Gayle Griffin, Deputy Commissioner, Texas Department of Banking, has determined that, for each year of the first five years that the repeal is in effect, there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the repeal.

Mr. Griffin also has determined that, for each of the first five years the repeal as proposed will be in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of the repeal is deletion of an unnecessary regulation. There is no anticipated cost to persons who are required to comply with the repeal as proposed. There will be no adverse economic effect on small businesses.

Comments concerning the proposed repeal should be submitted within 30 days of publication to Robin Robinson, Assistant General Counsel, Texas Department of Banking, 2601 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas 78705-4294, or by email to robin.robinson@banking.state.tx.us.

The repeal is proposed under Finance Code, §181.003, which authorizes the commission to adopt rules to accomplish the purposes of the Texas Trust Company Act, Finance Code, Title 3, Subtitle F.

Finance Code, Title 3, Subtitle F is affected by the proposed repeal.

§21.71.Waiver of Requirements.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 21, 2002.

TRD-200203908

Everette D. Jobe

Certifying Official

Texas Department of Banking

Proposed date of adoption: August 16, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 475-1300