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H.B. 23

             1     

MORTGAGE PRACTICES ACT REVISIONS

             2     
2002 GENERAL SESSION

             3     
STATE OF UTAH

             4     
Sponsor: Gerry A. Adair

             5      This act amends the Utah Residential Mortgage Practices Act. The act adds definitions and
             6      replaces certain terms. The act clarifies the division's rulemaking authority. The act deletes
             7      expired provisions and simplifies certain others. The act clarifies standards for
             8      reinstatement of the registration of an individual or entity whose registration has been
             9      revoked. The act makes it discretionary for the director to file suit against violators who do
             10      not seek an adjudicative hearing or against whom a permanent cease and desist order has
             11      been issued in agency action.
             12      This act affects sections of Utah Code Annotated 1953 as follows:
             13      AMENDS:
             14          61-2c-102, as last amended by Chapter 347, Laws of Utah 2001
             15          61-2c-103, as enacted by Chapter 329, Laws of Utah 2000
             16          61-2c-104, as enacted by Chapter 329, Laws of Utah 2000
             17          61-2c-105, as enacted by Chapter 329, Laws of Utah 2000
             18          61-2c-106, as enacted by Chapter 329, Laws of Utah 2000
             19          61-2c-201, as enacted by Chapter 329, Laws of Utah 2000
             20          61-2c-202, as enacted by Chapter 329, Laws of Utah 2000
             21          61-2c-203, as enacted by Chapter 329, Laws of Utah 2000
             22          61-2c-204, as enacted by Chapter 329, Laws of Utah 2000
             23          61-2c-205, as enacted by Chapter 329, Laws of Utah 2000
             24          61-2c-301, as enacted by Chapter 329, Laws of Utah 2000
             25          61-2c-302, as enacted by Chapter 329, Laws of Utah 2000
             26          61-2c-401, as enacted by Chapter 329, Laws of Utah 2000
             27          61-2c-402, as enacted by Chapter 329, Laws of Utah 2000


             28          61-2c-403, as enacted by Chapter 329, Laws of Utah 2000
             29      Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
             30          Section 1. Section 61-2c-102 is amended to read:
             31           61-2c-102. Definitions.
             32          As used in this chapter:
             33          (1) "Affiliate" means [a person] an individual or an entity that directly, or indirectly
             34      through one or more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by, or is under common control with,
             35      a specified [person] individual or entity.
             36          (2) "Applicant" means [a person] an individual or entity applying for registration under
             37      this chapter.
             38          (3) (a) "Business of residential mortgage loans" means for compensation to:
             39          (i) make or originate a residential mortgage loan;
             40          (ii) directly or indirectly solicit, process, place, or negotiate a residential mortgage loan for
             41      another; or
             42          (iii) render services related to the origination, processing, or funding of a residential
             43      mortgage loan including:
             44          (A) taking applications;
             45          (B) obtaining verifications and appraisals; and
             46          (C) communicating with the borrower and lender.
             47          (b) "Business of residential mortgage loans" does not include the performance of clerical
             48      functions such as:
             49          (i) gathering information related to a residential mortgage loan on behalf of the prospective
             50      borrower or a person registered under this chapter; or
             51          (ii) requesting or gathering information, word processing, sending correspondence, or
             52      assembling files by an individual who works under the instruction of a person registered under this
             53      chapter.
             54          (4) "Closed-end" means a loan with a fixed amount borrowed and which does not permit
             55      additional borrowing secured by the same collateral.
             56          [(4)] (5) "Commission" means the Residential Mortgage Regulatory Commission created
             57      in Section 61-2c-104 .
             58          [(5)] (6) "Compensation" means anything of economic value that is paid, loaned, granted,


             59      given, donated, or transferred to [a person] an individual or entity for or in consideration of:
             60          (a) services;
             61          (b) personal or real property; or
             62          (c) other thing of value.
             63          [(6)] (7) "Control" means the power, directly or indirectly, to:
             64          (a) direct or exercise a controlling influence over:
             65          (i) the management or policies of an entity; or
             66          (ii) the election of a majority of the directors, officers, managers, or managing partners of
             67      an entity;
             68          (b) vote 20% or more of any class of voting securities of an entity by an individual; or
             69          (c) vote more than 5% of any class of voting securities of an entity by [a person other than
             70      an individual] another entity.
             71          (8) "Control Person" means any individual or entity which directly manages or controls
             72      another entity's transaction of the business of residential mortgage loans secured by Utah
             73      dwellings.
             74          [(7)] (9) "Depository institution" is as defined in Section 7-1-103 .
             75          [(8)] (10) "Director" means the director of the division.
             76          [(9)] (11) "Division" means the Division of Real Estate.
             77          [(10)] (12) "Dwelling" means a residential structure attached to real property that contains
             78      one to four units including any of the following if used as a residence:
             79          (a) a condominium unit;
             80          (b) a cooperative unit;
             81          (c) a manufactured home; or
             82          (d) a house.
             83          (13) "Entity" means any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, company,
             84      association, joint venture, business trust, trust, or other organization.
             85          [(11)] (14) "Executive director" means the executive director of the Department of
             86      Commerce.
             87          [(12)] (15) "Record" means information that is:
             88          (a) prepared, owned, received, or retained by [a person] an individual or entity; and
             89          (b) (i) inscribed on a tangible medium; or


             90          (ii) (A) stored in an electronic or other medium; and
             91          (B) retrievable in perceivable form.
             92          (16) "Registrant" means an individual or entity registered with the division under this
             93      chapter.
             94          [(13)] (17) "Residential mortgage loan" means a closed-end, first mortgage loan or
             95      extension of credit, if:
             96          (a) the loan or extension of credit is secured by a:
             97          (i) mortgage;
             98          (ii) deed of trust; or
             99          (iii) lien interest; and
             100          (b) the mortgage, deed of trust, or lien interest described in Subsection [(13)] (17)(a):
             101          (i) is on a dwelling located in the state; and
             102          (ii) created with the consent of the owner of the residential real property.
             103          [(14)] (18) "State" means:
             104          (a) a state, territory, or possession of the United States;
             105          (b) the District of Columbia; or
             106          (c) the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
             107          Section 2. Section 61-2c-103 is amended to read:
             108           61-2c-103. Powers and duties of the division.
             109          (1) The division shall administer this chapter.
             110          (2) In addition to any power or duty expressly provided in this chapter, the division may:
             111          (a) receive and act on complaints including:
             112          (i) taking action designed to obtain voluntary compliance with this chapter; or
             113          (ii) commencing administrative or judicial proceedings on the division's own initiative;
             114          (b) establish programs for the education of consumers with respect to residential mortgage
             115      loans;
             116          (c) (i) make studies appropriate to effectuate the purposes and policies of this chapter; and
             117          (ii) make the results of the studies described in Subsection (2)(c)(i) available to the public;
             118      and
             119          (d) employ any necessary hearing examiners, investigators, clerks, and other employees
             120      and agents.


             121          (3) The division shall make rules [when authorized by this chapter] for the administration
             122      of this chapter in accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act[.],
             123      including:
             124          (a) registration procedures for individuals and entities required by this chapter to register
             125      with the division;
             126          (b) proper handling of funds received by registrants;
             127          (c) record-keeping requirements by registrants; and
             128          (d) standards of conduct for registrants.
             129          (4) (a) The division shall make available to the public a list of the names and addresses of
             130      all [persons registered under this chapter] registrants.
             131          (b) The division may charge a fee established by the division in accordance with Section
             132      63-38-3.2 for obtaining the list described in Subsection (4)(a).
             133          Section 3. Section 61-2c-104 is amended to read:
             134           61-2c-104. Residential Mortgage Regulatory Commission.
             135          (1) There is created within the division the Residential Mortgage Regulatory Commission
             136      consisting of:
             137          (a) the following members appointed by the executive director with the approval of the
             138      governor:
             139          (i) two members having at least three years of experience in transacting the business of
             140      residential mortgage loans; and
             141          (ii) two members from the general public; and
             142          (b) the commissioner of the Department of Financial Institutions or the commissioner's
             143      designee.
             144          (2) (a) Except as required by Subsection (2)(b), the executive director shall appoint each
             145      new member or reappointed member subject to appointment by the executive director to a
             146      four-year term ending June 30.
             147          (b) Notwithstanding the requirements of Subsection (2)(a), the executive director shall,
             148      at the time of appointment or reappointment, adjust the length of terms to ensure that the terms of
             149      commission members are staggered so that approximately half of the commission is appointed
             150      every two years.
             151          (c) If a vacancy occurs in the membership of the commission for any reason, the


             152      replacement shall be appointed for the unexpired term.
             153          (3) Members of the commission shall annually select one member to serve as chair.
             154          (4) (a) The commission shall meet at least quarterly.
             155          (b) The director may call a meeting in addition to the meetings required by Subsection
             156      (4)(a):
             157          (i) at the discretion of the director;
             158          (ii) at the request of the chair of the commission; or
             159          (iii) at the written request of three or more commission members.
             160          (5) (a) Three members of the commission constitute a quorum for the transaction of
             161      business.
             162          (b) The action of a majority of a quorum present is an action of the commission.
             163          (6) (a) (i) Members who are not government employees shall receive no compensation or
             164      benefits for their services, but may receive per diem and expenses incurred in the performance of
             165      the member's official duties at the rates established by the Division of Finance under Sections
             166      63A-3-106 and 63A-3-107 .
             167          (ii) Members who are not government employees may decline to receive per diem and
             168      expenses for their service.
             169          (b) (i) State government officer and employee members who do not receive salary, per
             170      diem, or expenses from their agency for their service may receive per diem and expenses incurred
             171      in the performance of their official duties from the commission at the rates established by the
             172      Division of Finance under Sections 63A-3-106 and 63A-3-107 .
             173          (ii) State government officer and employee members may decline to receive per diem and
             174      expenses for their service.
             175          (7) The commission shall:
             176          (a) concur in the registration [of persons] or denial of registration of individuals and entities
             177      under this chapter in accordance with Part 2, Registration;
             178          (b) take disciplinary action with the concurrence of the director in accordance with Part
             179      4, Enforcement; and
             180          (c) advise the division concerning matters related to the administration and enforcement
             181      of this chapter.
             182          Section 4. Section 61-2c-105 is amended to read:


             183           61-2c-105. Scope of chapter.
             184          (1) (a) This chapter applies to a closed-end residential mortgage loan secured by a first lien
             185      or equivalent security interest on a dwelling.
             186          (b) This chapter does not apply to a transaction covered by Title 70C, Utah Consumer
             187      Credit Code.
             188          (2) The following are exempt from this chapter:
             189          (a) the federal government;
             190          (b) a state;
             191          (c) a political subdivision of a state;
             192          (d) an agency of or entity created by a governmental entity described in Subsections (2)(a)
             193      through (c) including:
             194          (i) the Utah Housing Finance Agency created in Title 9, Chapter 4, Part 9, Utah Housing
             195      [Finance Agency] Corporation Act;
             196          (ii) the Federal National Mortgage Corporation;
             197          (iii) the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation;
             198          (iv) the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation;
             199          (v) the Resolution Trust Corporation;
             200          (vi) the Government National Mortgage Association;
             201          (vii) the Federal Housing Administration;
             202          (viii) the National Credit Union Administration;
             203          (ix) the Farmers Home Administration; and
             204          (x) the Department of Veterans Affairs;
             205          (e) a depository institution;
             206          (f) an affiliate of a depository institution;
             207          (g) an employee or agent of an entity described in Subsections (2)(a) through (f) when that
             208      person acts on behalf of the entity described in Subsections (2)(a) through (f);
             209          (h) [a person] an individual or entity:
             210          (i) [who] that makes a loan:
             211          (A) secured by an interest in real property;
             212          (B) with the [person's] individual's or the entity's own money; and
             213          (C) for the [person's] individual's or entity's own investment; and


             214          (ii) that does not engage in the business of making loans secured by an interest in real
             215      property;
             216          (i) [a person] an individual or entity who receives a mortgage, deed of trust, or lien interest
             217      on real property if the [person] individual or entity:
             218          (i) is the seller of real property; and
             219          (ii) receives the mortgage, deed of trust, or lien interest on real property as security for a
             220      separate money obligation;
             221          (j) [a person] an individual or entity who receives a mortgage, deed of trust, or lien interest
             222      on real property if:
             223          (i) the [person] individual or entity receives the mortgage, deed of trust, or lien interest
             224      as security for an obligation payable on an installment or deferred payment basis;
             225          (ii) the obligation described in Subsection (2)(j)(i) arises from [a person] an individual
             226      or entity providing materials or services used in the improvement of the real property that is the
             227      subject of the mortgage, deed of trust, or lien interest; and
             228          (iii) the mortgage, deed of trust, or lien interest was created without the consent of the
             229      owner of the real property that is the subject of the mortgage, deed of trust, or lien interest;
             230          (k) a nonprofit corporation that:
             231          (i) is exempt from paying federal income taxes;
             232          (ii) is certified by the United States Small Business Administration as a small business
             233      investment company;
             234          (iii) is organized to promote economic development in this state; and
             235          (iv) has as its primary activity providing financing for business expansion;
             236          (l) a court appointed fiduciary; or
             237          (m) an attorney admitted to practice law in this state:
             238          (i) if the attorney is not principally engaged in the business of negotiating residential
             239      mortgage loans; and
             240          (ii) when the attorney renders services in the course of the attorney's practice as an
             241      attorney.
             242          (3) (a) Notwithstanding Subsection (2)(m), an attorney exempt from this chapter may not
             243      engage in conduct described in Section 61-2c-301 when transacting business of residential
             244      mortgage loans.


             245          (b) If an attorney exempt from this chapter violates Subsection (3)(a), the attorney:
             246          (i) is not subject to enforcement by the division under Part 4, Enforcement; and
             247          (ii) is subject to disciplinary action generally applicable to an attorney admitted to practice
             248      law in this state.
             249          (c) If the division receives a complaint alleging an attorney exempt from this chapter is in
             250      violation of Subsection (3)(a), the division shall forward the complaint to the Utah State Bar for
             251      disciplinary action.
             252          Section 5. Section 61-2c-106 is amended to read:
             253           61-2c-106. Addresses provided the division.
             254          (1) In providing an address to the division under this chapter, a physical location or street
             255      address shall be provided.
             256          (2) [A person] An individual or entity registered under this chapter will be considered to
             257      have received any notification that is mailed to the last address furnished to the division by the
             258      individual, or by a control person of the entity, registered under this chapter.
             259          Section 6. Section 61-2c-201 is amended to read:
             260           61-2c-201. Registration required of individuals and entities engaged in the business
             261      of residential mortgage loans.
             262          (1) [A person] Unless exempt from this chapter under Section 61-2c-105 , an individual
             263      or entity may not transact the business of residential mortgage loans [in this state unless that person
             264      is: (a) registered], as defined in Section 61-2c-102 , without registering under this chapter[; or].
             265          [(b) exempt from this chapter under Section 61-2c-105 .]
             266          (2) For purposes of this chapter, [a person] an individual or entity transacts business in
             267      this state if:
             268          (a) (i) the [person] individual or entity engages in an act that constitutes the business of
             269      residential mortgage loans; and
             270          (ii) (A) the act described in Subsection (2)(a)(i) is directed to or received in this state; [or]
             271      and
             272          (B) the real property that is the subject of the act described in Subsection (2)(a)(i) is
             273      located in this state; or
             274          (b) [that person represents that the person] a representation is made by the individual or
             275      entity that the individual or entity transacts the business of residential mortgage loans in this state.


             276          (3) Unless otherwise exempted under this chapter, registration under this chapter is
             277      required of both:
             278          (a) the individual who directly transacts the business of residential mortgage loans; and
             279          (b) if the individual transacts business as an employee or agent of [another person] an
             280      entity or individual, the [person] entity or individual for [which] whom the [individual] employee
             281      or agent transacts the business of residential mortgage loans.
             282          [(4) (a) Notwithstanding Subsection (1), a person described in Subsection (4)(b):]
             283          [(i) is not required to be registered under this chapter until July 1, 2001; and]
             284          [(ii) notwithstanding Subsection (4)(a)(i), on or after July 1, 2000, is subject to Parts 3 and
             285      4.]
             286          [(b) Subsection (4)(a) applies to a person that as of July 1, 2000, has:]
             287          [(i) filed written notification with the Department of Financial Institutions under Title 70D,
             288      Chapter 1, Mortgage Lending and Servicing Act; and]
             289          [(ii) paid the required fees to the Department of Financial Institutions in accordance with
             290      Section 70D-1-10 .]
             291          Section 7. Section 61-2c-202 is amended to read:
             292           61-2c-202. Registration procedures.
             293          (1) To apply for registration under this chapter [a person] an individual or entity shall:
             294          (a) submit to the division a registration statement that:
             295          (i) lists any name under which the [person] individual or entity will transact business in
             296      this state;
             297          (ii) lists the address of the principal business location of the [person] applicant;
             298          (iii) if the [person is not an individual] applicant is an entity, lists the control persons [that
             299      exercise control] of [that person] the applicant;
             300          (iv) demonstrates to the satisfaction of the division with the concurrence of the
             301      commission that the [person] applicant meets the qualifications listed in Section 61-2c-203 ; and
             302          (v) includes any information required by the division by rule;
             303          (b) pay to the division:
             304          (i) an application fee established by the division in accordance with Section 63-38-3.2 ; and
             305          (ii) the reasonable expenses incurred in processing the application for registration
             306      including the costs incurred by the division under Subsection (4);


             307          (c) meet the requirements under Section 61-2c-204 for:
             308          (i) obtaining a surety bond;
             309          (ii) depositing assets; or
             310          (iii) providing a letter of credit; and
             311          (d) comply with Subsection (4).
             312          (2) The division, with the concurrence of the commission, shall grant a registration to [a
             313      person] an applicant if the division finds that the [person] applicant:
             314          (a) meets the qualifications of Sections 61-2c-203 and 61-2c-204 ; and
             315          (b) complies with this section.
             316          (3) In accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46b, Administrative Procedures Act, [a person]
             317      an applicant who is denied registration under this chapter may submit a request for agency review
             318      to the executive director within 30 days following the issuance of the order denying the
             319      registration.
             320          (4) (a) An individual applying for registration under this chapter [or] and any [individual
             321      exercising control over the person applying for registration under this section] control person of
             322      the applicant shall:
             323          (i) submit a fingerprint card in a form acceptable to the division at the time the registration
             324      statement is filed; and
             325          (ii) consent to a fingerprint background check by:
             326          (A) the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification; and
             327          (B) the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
             328          (b) The division shall request the Department of Public Safety to complete a Federal
             329      Bureau of Investigation criminal background check for each [person applying for registration under
             330      this chapter] applicant and each control person of an applicant through a national criminal history
             331      system.
             332          (c) The [person applying for registration] applicant shall pay the cost of:
             333          (i) the fingerprinting required by this section; and
             334          (ii) the background check required by this section.
             335          (d) (i) A registration under this chapter is conditional pending completion of the criminal
             336      background check required by this Subsection (4).
             337          (ii) If a criminal background check discloses that [the person applying for registration] an


             338      applicant or an applicant's control person failed to accurately disclose a criminal history, the
             339      registration shall be immediately and automatically revoked.
             340          (iii) [A person] An individual or entity whose conditional registration is revoked under
             341      Subsection (4)(d)(ii) may appeal the revocation in a hearing conducted:
             342          (A) after the revocation; and
             343          (B) in accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46b, Administrative Procedures Act.
             344          Section 8. Section 61-2c-203 is amended to read:
             345           61-2c-203. Qualifications for registration.
             346          (1) To qualify for registration under this chapter, an individual shall:
             347          (a) have good moral character and the competency to transact the business of residential
             348      mortgage loans;
             349          (b) not have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude in the
             350      five years preceding the date the individual applies for registration, except as provided in
             351      Subsection (3);
             352          (c) not have had a license or registration suspended, revoked, surrendered, canceled, or
             353      denied in the five years preceding the date the individual applies for registration, except as
             354      provided in Subsection (3), if:
             355          (i) the registration or license is issued by this state or another jurisdiction; and
             356          (ii) the suspension, revocation, surrender, cancellation, or denial is based on misconduct
             357      in a professional capacity that relates to good moral character or the competency to transact the
             358      business of residential mortgage loans.
             359          (2) [If the person is not an individual, to] To qualify for registration under this chapter [the
             360      person shall: (a) at all times during the term of the registration, have at least one of the following]
             361      an entity may not have:
             362          (a) any of the following individuals in management who fails to meet the requirements of
             363      Subsection (1)[(a)]:
             364          (i) a manager or a managing partner;
             365          (ii) a director;
             366          (iii) an executive officer; or
             367          (iv) an individual occupying a position or performing functions similar to those described
             368      in Subsections (2)(a)(i) through (iii); and


             369          (b) [not have] a control person [that exercises control of the person registered under this
             370      chapter:] who fails to meet the requirements of Subsection (1).
             371          [(i) have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude in the five
             372      years preceding the date the person applies for registration; or]
             373          [(ii) have had a license or registration suspended, revoked, surrendered, canceled, or
             374      denied in the five years preceding the date the person applies for registration if:]
             375          [(A) the registration or license is issued by this state or another jurisdiction; and]
             376          [(B) the suspension, revocation, surrender, cancellation, or denial is based on misconduct
             377      in a professional capacity that relates to good moral character or the competency to transact the
             378      business of residential mortgage loans.]
             379          (3) [(a)] If [a] an individual or a control person [described in Subsection (3)(b)] of an
             380      entity fails to meet the requirements of Subsection (1)(b) or (c), but otherwise meets the
             381      qualifications for registration, and provides evidence satisfactory to the division with the
             382      concurrence of the commission that the individual or control person has good moral character and
             383      the competency to transact the business of residential mortgage loans, notwithstanding
             384      [Subsections (1) and (2) and Section 61-2c-402 ,] the failure to meet the requirements of Subsection
             385      (1)(b) or (c) the division may permit [that person] that individual or entity to be registered under
             386      this chapter.
             387          [(b) Subsection (3)(a) applies to a person that meets the qualifications for registration
             388      except that the person or a person that exercises control of the person:]
             389          [(i) has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude in the five
             390      years preceding the date the person applies for registration; or]
             391          [(ii) has had a license or registration suspended, revoked, surrendered, canceled, or denied
             392      in the five years preceding the date the person applies for registration if:]
             393          [(A) the registration or license is issued by this state or another jurisdiction; and]
             394          [(B) the suspension, revocation, surrender, cancellation, or denial is based on misconduct
             395      in a professional capacity that relates to good moral character or the competency to transact the
             396      business of residential mortgage loans.]
             397          Section 9. Section 61-2c-204 is amended to read:
             398           61-2c-204. Requirements for bonding, letter of credit, or deposit of assets.
             399          (1) If an applicant is an individual, the applicant shall:


             400          (a) file with the division a surety bond:
             401          (i) that meets the requirements of Subsection (3); and
             402          (ii) in the amount not less than $10,000; or
             403          (b) demonstrate to the satisfaction of the division that:
             404          (i) the applicant is an employee or agent of [a person] an entity registered under this
             405      chapter; and
             406          (ii) the acts of the applicant are covered by a surety bond filed with the division under
             407      Subsection (2) by [a person] the entity registered under this chapter for which the applicant is an
             408      employee or agent.
             409          (2) If the applicant is [not] an [individual] entity, the applicant shall file with the division
             410      a surety bond:
             411          (a) that meets the requirements of Subsection (4); and
             412          (b) in an amount not less than $25,000.
             413          (3) A surety bond filed under this section shall name as beneficiaries:
             414          (a) the state, for payment of costs incurred and charges made in connection with an
             415      enforcement action under Part 4, Enforcement, against the applicant including costs and charges
             416      relating to an examination or investigation; and
             417          (b) after all claims and charges of the state have been paid in full, any person who has a
             418      claim against the surety on the bond based on any default or violation of any duty or obligation of
             419      the applicant.
             420          (4) If an applicant is [not] an [individual] entity, a surety bond filed under this section
             421      shall:
             422          (a) comply with Subsection (3); and
             423          (b) cover the acts of:
             424          (i) the [person] entity registered under this chapter;
             425          (ii) any control person [exercising control] of the [person] entity registered under this
             426      chapter; and
             427          (iii) any agent or employee of the [person] entity registered under this chapter.
             428          (5) If an individual registered under this chapter does not file a surety bond under this
             429      section because at the time of applying for registration that person met the requirements of
             430      Subsection (1)(b), the individual shall post a surety bond meeting the requirements of Subsections


             431      (1) and (3) by no later than 30 days from the day on which the person is not covered by a surety
             432      bond in accordance with Subsection (1)(b).
             433          (6) Notwithstanding the other provisions of this section, an applicant can comply with the
             434      requirements of this section, if the applicant deposits assets with or provides a letter of credit to
             435      the division:
             436          (a) in the amounts required for a surety bond; and
             437          (b) subject to the same surety conditions of Subsections (3) and (4).
             438          Section 10. Section 61-2c-205 is amended to read:
             439           61-2c-205. Term of registration -- Renewal -- Reporting of changes.
             440          (1) (a) A registration under this chapter is valid for a two-year period.
             441          (b) Notwithstanding Subsection (1)(a), the time period of a registration may be extended
             442      or shortened by as much as one year to maintain or change a renewal cycle established by rule by
             443      the division.
             444          (2) To renew a registration, no later than 30 days before the date the registration expires,
             445      [a person registered under this chapter] a registrant shall:
             446          (a) file a registration statement meeting the requirements of Section 61-2c-202 ; and
             447          (b) pay a fee to the division established by the division in accordance with Section
             448      63-38-3.2 .
             449          (3) (a) [A person registered] A registrant under this chapter shall amend its registration
             450      statement filed with the division within ten days of the date on which there is a change in:
             451          (i) a name under which the [person] registrant transacts the business of residential
             452      mortgage loans in this state;
             453          (ii) the [address of the principal business] location of the [person] registrant;
             454          (iii) [if the person is not an individual,] the control persons [who exercise control of the
             455      person registered under this chapter] of the registrant; or
             456          (iv) any other information that is defined as material by rule made by the division.
             457          (b) Failure to notify the division of a change described in Subsection (3)(a) is separate
             458      grounds for disciplinary action against [a person registered under this chapter] a registrant.
             459          (4) A [person licensed under this chapter] registrant shall notify the division [in writing]
             460      by sending the division a signed statement within ten business days of:
             461          (a) a conviction of any criminal offense; [or]


             462          (b) filing a personal bankruptcy or bankruptcy of a business that transacts the business of
             463      residential mortgage loans[.]; or
             464          (c) the suspension, revocation, surrender, cancellation, or denial of a professional license
             465      or professional registration of the registrant, whether the license or registration is issued by this
             466      state or another jurisdiction.
             467          Section 11. Section 61-2c-301 is amended to read:
             468           61-2c-301. Prohibited conduct -- Violations of the chapter.
             469          (1) [A person] An individual or entity transacting the business of residential mortgage
             470      loans in this state may not:
             471          (a) give or receive compensation or anything of value in exchange for a referral of
             472      residential mortgage loan business unless the compensation or thing of value is de minimis as
             473      defined by the division;
             474          (b) charge a fee in connection with a residential mortgage loan transaction:
             475          (i) that is excessive; or
             476          (ii) if the [person] individual or entity does not comply with Section 70D-1-6 ;
             477          (c) give or receive compensation or anything of value in exchange for a referral of
             478      settlement or loan closing services related to a residential mortgage loan transaction;
             479          (d) make a false statement or representation for purposes of inducing a lender to extend
             480      credit as part of a residential mortgage loan transaction;
             481          (e) give or receive compensation or anything of value to influence the independent
             482      judgment of an appraiser in reaching a value conclusion in a residential mortgage loan transaction;
             483          (f) violate or not comply with:
             484          (i) this chapter;
             485          (ii) an order of the commission or division; or
             486          (iii) a rule made by the division;
             487          (g) fail to respond within the required time period to:
             488          (i) a notice or complaint of the division; or
             489          (ii) a request for information from the division;
             490          (h) make false representations to the division, including in a registration statement;
             491          (i) engage in unprofessional conduct as defined by rule; or
             492          (j) engage in an act or omission in transacting the business of residential mortgage loans


             493      that constitutes dishonesty, fraud, or misrepresentation.
             494          (2) [A person violates this chapter if, for a criminal offense involving moral turpitude,
             495      whether] Whether or not the crime is related to the business of residential mortgage loans, [that
             496      person while registered under this chapter] it is a violation of this chapter for a registrant or a
             497      control person of a registrant to do any of the following with respect to a criminal offense which
             498      involves moral turpitude:
             499          (a) [is] be convicted;
             500          (b) [pleads] plead guilty or nolo contendere;
             501          (c) [enters] enter a plea in abeyance; or
             502          (d) [is] be subjected to a criminal disposition similar to the ones described in Subsections
             503      (2)(a) through (c).
             504          Section 12. Section 61-2c-302 is amended to read:
             505           61-2c-302. Record requirements.
             506          (1) For the time period specified in Subsection (2), [a person registered under this chapter]
             507      a registrant shall make or possess any record required for that [person] registrant by a rule made
             508      by the division.
             509          (2) [A person registered under this chapter] A registrant shall maintain in its possession
             510      a record described in Subsection (1) until the later of [25 months] four years from the [date] last
             511      to occur of the following:
             512          (a) the final entry on a residential mortgage loan is made by that [person] registrant;
             513          (b) if the residential mortgage loan is serviced by the [person] registrant:
             514          (i) the residential mortgage loan is paid in full; or
             515          (ii) the [person] registrant ceases to service the residential mortgage loan; or
             516          (c) if the residential mortgage loan is not serviced by the [person] registrant, the residential
             517      mortgage loan is closed.
             518          Section 13. Section 61-2c-401 is amended to read:
             519           61-2c-401. Investigations -- Subpoena power of division.
             520          (1) The division may investigate or cause to be investigated the actions of:
             521          [(a) a person registered under this chapter;]
             522          (a) a registrant and the control persons of any registrant;
             523          (b) [a person applying] an applicant for registration under this chapter, and the control


             524      persons of any applicant; or
             525          (c) [a person who] any individual or entity that transacts the business of residential
             526      mortgage loans within this state, and the control persons of any such entity.
             527          (2) In conducting [an investigation] investigations and adjudicative proceedings, the
             528      division may:
             529          (a) subpoena witnesses;
             530          (b) take evidence;
             531          (c) require by subpoena duces tecum the production of books, papers, contracts, records,
             532      other documents, or information considered relevant to an investigation; and
             533          (d) serve a subpoena by certified mail.
             534          (3) A failure to respond to a subpoena served by the division is considered as a separate
             535      violation of this chapter.
             536          Section 14. Section 61-2c-402 is amended to read:
             537           61-2c-402. Disciplinary action.
             538          (1) Subject to the requirements of this section, if [a person] an individual or entity required
             539      to be registered under this chapter violates this chapter, the commission with the concurrence of
             540      the director, may:
             541          (a) impose a civil penalty against the [person] individual or entity in an amount not to
             542      exceed $500 per violation;
             543          (b) do any of the following to a registration under this chapter:
             544          (i) suspend;
             545          (ii) revoke;
             546          (iii) place on probation;
             547          (iv) deny renewal; or
             548          (v) deny reinstatement; or
             549          (c) do both Subsections (1)(a) and (b).
             550          (2) (a) Before the commission and the division may take an action described in Subsection
             551      (1) [against a person required to be registered under this chapter], the division shall:
             552          (i) give notice to [that person] the individual or entity; and
             553          (ii) schedule an adjudicative proceeding.
             554          (b) If after the adjudicative proceeding scheduled under Subsection (2)(a), the commission


             555      [determines] and the director determine that [a person] an individual or entity required to be
             556      registered under this section has violated this chapter, the commission may take an action
             557      described in Subsection (1)[: (i)] by written order[ of the commission; and].
             558          [(ii) with the concurrence of the director.]
             559          (3) [(a)] In accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46b, Administrative Procedures Act, [a
             560      person] an individual or entity against whom disciplinary action is taken under this section may
             561      seek review by the executive director of the disciplinary action.
             562          [(b)] (4) If [the person described in Subsection (3)(a)] an individual or entity prevails in
             563      [the] a judicial appeal and the court finds that the state action was undertaken without substantial
             564      justification, the court may award reasonable litigation expenses to that [person] individual or
             565      entity as provided under Title 78, Chapter 27a, Small Business Equal Access to Justice Act.
             566          [(4)] (5) (a) An order issued under this section takes effect 30 days after the service of the
             567      order unless otherwise provided in the order.
             568          (b) If an appeal of an order issued under this section is taken by [a person registered under
             569      this chapter] an individual or entity, the division may stay enforcement of the commission's order
             570      in accordance with Section 63-46b-18 .
             571          [(5)] (6) If ordered by the court of competent jurisdiction, the division shall promptly take
             572      an action described in Subsection (1)(b) against a registration granted under this chapter.
             573          [(6)] (7) (a) If a [person's] registration under this chapter is revoked, the [person]
             574      individual or entity may apply to have [its] the registration reinstated by complying with the
             575      requirements of Section 61-2c-202 for registration.
             576          (b) Notwithstanding Subsection [(6)] (7)(a), if a [person's] registration under this chapter
             577      is revoked, [that person] the individual or entity may not apply for reinstatement of the registration
             578      sooner than five years after the date the registration is revoked in accordance with this section.
             579          (c) If an individual or entity whose registration has been revoked applies for reinstatement
             580      in accordance with Subsection (7)(b), the commission and the division may grant the application
             581      for reinstatement if they find that:
             582          (i) There has been good conduct on the part of the applicant subsequent to the events that
             583      led to the revocation, and that the subsequent good conduct outweighs the events which led to the
             584      revocation; and
             585          (ii) The interest of the public is not likely to be harmed by the granting of the registration.


             586          Section 15. Section 61-2c-403 is amended to read:
             587           61-2c-403. Cease and desist orders.
             588          (1) (a) The director may issue and serve [on a person] by certified mail, or by personal
             589      service, on an individual or entity an order to cease and desist if:
             590          (i) the director has reason to believe that [a person] the individual or entity has been or is
             591      engaging in acts constituting a violation of this chapter; and
             592          (ii) it appears to the director that it would be in the public interest to stop the acts.
             593          (b) Within ten days after [receiving] service of the order, the [person on whom the order
             594      is served] party named in the order may request an adjudicative proceeding to be held in
             595      accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46b, Administrative Procedures Act.
             596          (c) Pending the hearing, the cease and desist order shall remain in effect.
             597          (2) (a) After the hearing described in Subsection (1), if the [commission with the
             598      concurrence of the] director finds that the acts of the [person] individual or entity violate this
             599      chapter, the director shall issue an order making the cease and desist order permanent.
             600          (b) (i) The director [shall] may file suit in the name of the division to enjoin and restrain
             601      [a person] an individual or entity on whom an order is served under this section from violating this
             602      chapter if:
             603          (A) (I) the [person] individual or entity did not request a hearing under Subsection (1); or
             604          (II) a permanent cease and desist order is issued against the [person] individual or entity
             605      following a hearing or stipulation; and
             606          (B) (I) the [person] individual or entity fails to cease the acts; or
             607          (II) after discontinuing the acts, the [person] individual or entity again commences the acts.
             608          (ii) The suit described in Subsection (2)(b)(i) shall be filed in the district court in the
             609      county:
             610          (A) in which the acts occurred;
             611          (B) where the [person] individual resides; or
             612          (C) where the [person] individual or entity carries on business.
             613          (3) The cease and desist order issued under this section may not interfere with or prevent
             614      the prosecution of a remedy or action enforcement under this chapter.
             615          (4) [A] An individual or a control person of an entity who violates a cease and desist order
             616      issued under this section is guilty of a class A misdemeanor.






Legislative Review Note
    as of 10-29-01 11:17 AM


A limited legal review of this legislation raises no obvious constitutional or statutory concerns.

Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel


Committee Note

The Business and Labor Interim Committee recommended this bill.


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