No. 37678 (Amendment): Rule R162-2c. Utah Residential Mortgage Practices and Licensing Rules

(Amendment)

DAR File No.: 37678
Filed: 05/31/2013 04:36:42 PM

RULE ANALYSIS

Purpose of the rule or reason for the change:

The purpose of this amendment is to: 1) update the references to a lending manager in the context of the National Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS) so that it matches the description in the NMLS; 2) update and make minor revisions to the Utah school and course certification process; 3) require licensees to annually complete a division-approved course on Utah law; 4) impose new affirmative duties on schools while removing others; and 5) remove certain affirmative duties on instructors.

Summary of the rule or change:

The changes: 1) remove the term "principal" from references in the rules to "principal lending manager" that are associated with the National Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS) to reflect the NMLS's description which only identifies a lending manger while the Division of Real Estate further classifies these individuals as a principal lending manager, branch lending manager, or associate lending manager; 2)(a) modify the school certification process by requiring the school to provide an email address for the school, its director, and owner; and by requiring the school to state the type of instruction method used in its courses; 2)(b) remove the initial school certification requirement of listing the offered courses, a schedule of the courses, and proof that the division certified each course; 2)(c) require a school seeking to renew its certification to list proposed courses, a proposed schedule, and supply the same information as required for course certification; 2)(d) for course certification, require that the school provide a copy of each quiz with an answer key; 2)(e) clarifying that prelicensing courses expire and are automatically renewed at the same time as the school certification; 3) require licensees to annually complete a division approved course on Utah law, beginning in the 2014 renewal period; and 4) impose new affirmative duties on schools to provide a course completion certificate to students and ensure that the course materials are current.

State statutory or constitutional authorization for this rule:

• Subsection 61-2c-103(3)

Anticipated cost or savings to:

the state budget:

The state will save staff time and therefore money where the school provides email addresses because Division staff will spend less time attempting to contact the school's administrators. Minor staff time will be required to review and approve the course on Utah law. Thus, on balance the state budget will not be affected.

local governments:

Local governments are not required to comply with or enforce the rules governing the mortgage industry. Therefore, no fiscal impact to local government will result from this filing.

small businesses:

Small businesses may have minor effects; specifically, schools would be required to submit new information for course and school certification. However, these costs will be mitigated by the elimination of other requirements. Moreover, schools already retain this new information required to be submitted and should incur minimal cost in providing it to the Division. Finally, schools may see a minimal cost in meeting the new affirmative duties by providing a course completion certificate and keeping their materials up to date.

persons other than small businesses, businesses, or local governmental entities:

Small businesses may have minor effects; specifically, schools would be required to submit new information for course and school certification. However, these costs will be mitigated by the elimination of other requirements. Moreover, schools already have this new information required to be submitted and should incur minimal cost in providing it to the Division. Finally, schools may see a minimal cost in meeting the new affirmative duties by providing a course completion certificate and keeping their materials up to date.

Compliance costs for affected persons:

Small businesses may have minor effects; specifically, schools would be required to submit new information for course and school certification. However, these costs will be mitigated by the elimination of other requirements. Moreover, schools already have this new information required to be submitted and should incur minimal cost in providing it to the Division. Finally, schools may see a minimal cost in meeting the new affirmative duties by providing a course completion certificate and keeping their materials up to date.

Comments by the department head on the fiscal impact the rule may have on businesses:

As stated above, any costs to mortgage education providers that are attendant to the proposed course certification and course content requirements should be offset by the removal of existing language that requires education providers to submit to the Division student evaluations of each course taught. In the balance, businesses are not expected to experience any meaningful costs as a result of these proposed amendments.

Francine Giani, Executive Director

The full text of this rule may be inspected, during regular business hours, at the Division of Administrative Rules, or at:

Commerce
Real Estate
HEBER M WELLS BLDG
160 E 300 S
SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84111-2316

Direct questions regarding this rule to:

• Ben Jensen at the above address, by phone at 801-530-6603, by FAX at 801-526-4387, or by Internet E-mail at [e-mail]

Interested persons may present their views on this rule by submitting written comments to the address above no later than 5:00 p.m. on:

07/15/2013

This rule may become effective on:

07/22/2013

Authorized by:

Francine Giani, Executive Director

RULE TEXT

R162. Commerce, Real Estate.

R162-2c. Utah Residential Mortgage Practices and Licensing Rules.

R162-2c-102. Definitions.

(1) The acronym "ALM" stands for associate lending manager.

(2) The acronym "BLM" stands for branch lending manager.

(3) "Certification" means authorization from the division to:

(a) establish and operate a school that provides courses for Utah-specific prelicensing education or continuing education; or

(b) function as an instructor for courses approved for Utah-specific prelicensing education or continuing education.

(4) "Credit hour" means 50 minutes of instruction within a 60-minute time period, allowing for a ten-minute break.

(5) "Control person" is defined in Section 61-2c-102(1)(p).

(6) "Expired license" means a license that is not renewed according to applicable deadlines, but is eligible to be reinstated.

(7) "Individual applicant" means any individual who applies to obtain or renew a license to practice as a mortgage loan originator or lending manager.

(8) "Incentive program" means a program through which a licensed entity may, pursuant to Subsection R162-2c-301b, pay a licensed mortgage loan originator who is sponsored by the entity for bringing business into the entity.

(9) "Instruction method" means the forum through which the instructor and student interact and may be:

(a) classroom: traditional instruction where instructors and students are located in the same physical location;

(b) classroom equivalent: an instructor-led course where the instructor and students may be in two or more physical locations; or

(c) online: instructor and student interact through an online classroom.

(10) "Instructor applicant" means any individual who applies to obtain or renew certification as an instructor of Utah-specific pre-licensing or continuing education courses.

(11)(a) "Lending manager" is defined in Section 61-2c-102(1)(aa).

(b) "Lending manager license" includes:

(i) a principal lending manager license;

(ii) an associate lending manager license; and

(iii) a branch lending manager license.

(12) The acronym "LM" stands for lending manger and includes the following licensing designations:

(a) principal lending manager;

(b) associate lending manager; and

(c) branch lending manager.

(13) "Mortgage entity" means any entity that:

(a) engages in the business of residential mortgage lending;

(b) is required to be licensed under Section 61-2c-201; and

(c) operates under a business name or other trade name that is registered with the Division of Corporations and Commercial Code.

(14) "Nationwide database" means the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry.

(15) The acronym "NMLS" stands for Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System.

(16) "Other trade name" means any assumed business name under which an entity does business.

(17) "Personal information" means a person's first name or first initial and last name, combined with any one or more of the following data elements relating to that person when either the name or data element is unencrypted or not protected by another method that renders the data unreadable or unusable:

(a) Social Security number;

(b) financial account number, or credit or debit card number; or

(c) driver license number or state identification card number.

(18) The acronym "PLM" stands for principal lending manager.

(19) "Qualifying individual" means the [P]LM, managing principal, or qualified person who is identified on the MU1 form in the nationwide database as the person in charge of an entity.

(20) "Reapplication" or "reapply" refers to a request for licensure that is submitted after the deadline for reinstatement expires and the license has become terminated.

(21) "Reinstatement" or "reinstate" refers to a request for a licensure that is submitted after the applicable December 31 license expiration date passes and by or before February 28 of the following calendar year.

(22) As used in Subsection R162-2c-201, "relevant information" includes:

(a) court dockets;

(b) charging documents;

(c) orders;

(d) consent agreements; and

(e) any other information the division may require.

(23) "Restricted license" means any license that is issued subject to a definite period of suspension or terms of probation.

(24) "Safeguard" means to prevent unauthorized access, use, disclosure, or dissemination.

(25) "School" means

(a) any college or university accredited by a regional accrediting agency that is recognized by the United States Department of Education;

(b) any community college;

(c) any vocational-technical school;

(d) any state or federal agency or commission;

(e) any nationally recognized mortgage organization that has been approved by the commission;

(f) any Utah mortgage organization that has been approved by the commission;

(g) any local mortgage organization that has been approved by the commission; or

(h) any proprietary mortgage education school that has been approved by the commission.

(26) "School applicant" means a director or owner of a school who applies to obtain or renew a school's certification.

(27) "Terminated license" means a license that was not renewed or reinstated according to applicable deadlines.

 

R162-2c-201. Licensing and Registration Procedures.

(1) Mortgage loan originator.

(a) To obtain a Utah license to practice as a mortgage loan originator, an individual who is not currently and validly licensed in any state shall:

(i) evidence good moral character pursuant to R162-2c-202(1);

(ii) evidence competency to transact the business of residential mortgage loans pursuant to R162-2c-202(2);

(iii) evidence financial responsibility pursuant to R162-2c-202(3);

(iv) obtain a unique identifier through the nationwide database;

(v) successfully complete, within the 12-month period prior to the date of application, 15 hours of Utah-specific pre-licensing education as approved by the division;

(vi)(A) successfully complete 20 hours of pre-licensing education as approved by the nationwide database according to the nationwide database outline for national course curriculum; or

(B) if the individual previously passed the 20-hour national course, obtained a license, and thereafter allowed the license to expire, successfully complete continuing education:

(I) approved by the nationwide database; and

(II) in the number of hours that would have been required to renew the expired license in the year in which the individual allowed the license to expire;

(vii) take and pass the examinations that meet the requirements of Section 61-2c-204.1(4) and that:

(A) are approved and administered through the nationwide database; and

(B) consist of a national component and a Utah-specific state component;

(viii) request licensure as a mortgage loan originator through the nationwide database;

(ix) authorize a criminal background check and submit fingerprints through the nationwide database;

(x) authorize the nationwide database to provide the individual's credit report to the division for review;

(xi) provide to the division all relevant information regarding "yes" answers to disclosure questions found within the application submitted on the MU4 form;

(xii) record with the nationwide database a mailing address, if the applicant is not able to accept mail at the physical location or street address that is required to be on record with the nationwide database pursuant to Section 61-2c-106(1)(a);

(xiii) complete, sign, and submit to the division a social security verification form as provided by the division; and

(xiv) pay all fees through the nationwide database as required by the division and by the nationwide database.

(b) To obtain a Utah license to practice as a mortgage loan originator, an individual who is currently and validly licensed in another state shall:

(i) evidence good moral character pursuant to R162-2c-202(1);

(ii) evidence competency to transact the business of residential mortgage loans pursuant to R162-2c-202(2);

(iii) evidence financial responsibility pursuant to R162-2c-202(3);

(iv)(A) successfully complete, within the 12-month period prior to the date of application, 15 hours of Utah-specific mortgage loan originator prelicensing education; and

(B) take and pass the Utah-specific state examination component;

(v) provide to the division all relevant information regarding "yes" answers to disclosure questions found within the application submitted on the MU4 form;

(vi) record with the nationwide database a mailing address, if the applicant is not able to accept mail at the physical location or street address that is required to be on record with the nationwide database pursuant to Section 61-2c-106(1)(a);

(vii) request licensure as a mortgage loan originator through the nationwide database;

(viii) authorize a criminal background check through the nationwide database;

(ix) authorize the nationwide database to provide the individual's credit report to the division for review;

(x) complete, sign, and submit to the division a social security verification form as provided by the division; and

(xi) pay all fees through the nationwide database as required by the division and by the nationwide database.

(2) Lending manager. To obtain a Utah license to practice as an LM, an individual shall:

(a) evidence good moral character pursuant to R162-2c-202(1);

(b) evidence competency to transact the business of residential mortgage loans pursuant to R162-2c-202(2);

(c) evidence financial responsibility pursuant to R162-2c-202(3);

(d) provide to the division:

(i) the individual's unique identifier as assigned through the nationwide database; and

(ii) evidence that the individual has taken and passed:

(A) the 20-hour national mortgage loan originator prelicensing course; and

(B) the mortgage loan originator examinations that:

(I) meet the requirements of Section 61-2c-204.1(4);

(II) are approved and administered through the nationwide database; and

(III) consist of a national component and a Utah-specific state component;

(e) obtain approval from the division to take the Utah-specific LM prelicensing education by evidencing that the applicant has satisfied, during the five-year period preceding the date of application, the experience requirement of Section 61-2c-206(1)(d) through:

(i)(A) three years full-time experience originating first-lien residential mortgages pursuant to Section 61-2c-102(1)(ee)(i)(A):

(I) under a license issued by a state regulatory agency; or

(II) as an employee of a depository institution; and

(B) evidence of having originated a minimum of 45 first-lien residential mortgages; or

(ii)(A)(I) two years full-time experience as described in this Subsection (2)(e)(i)(A); and

(II) additional full-time experience per the equivalency calculation in Subsection R162-2c-501a; and

(B)(I) evidence of having originated a minimum of 30 first-lien residential mortgages; and

(II) up to 15 additional points according to the experience points schedule in Subsection R162-2c-501b;

(f) within the 12-month period preceding the date of application, successfully complete 40 hours of Utah-specific [P]LM prelicensing education as certified by the division;

(g) take and pass a lending manager examination as approved by the commission;

(h) provide to the division all relevant information regarding "yes" answers to disclosure questions found within the application submitted on the MU4 form;

(i) record with the nationwide database a mailing address, if the applicant is not able to accept mail at the physical location or street address that is required to be on record with the nationwide database pursuant to Section 61-2c-106(1)(a);

(j)(i) register in the nationwide database by selecting the "lending manager" license type and completing the associated MU4 form; and

(ii) designate in the nationwide database whether the individual will be acting for the sponsoring entity as:

(A) the principal lending manager;

(B) an associate lending manager; or

(C) a branch lending manager;

(k) authorize a criminal background check and submit fingerprints through the nationwide database;

(l) authorize the nationwide database to provide the individual's credit report to the division for review;

(m) complete, sign, and submit to the division a social security verification form as provided by the division; and

(n) pay all fees through the nationwide database as required by the division and by the nationwide database.

(3) Mortgage entity.

(a) To obtain a Utah license to operate as a mortgage entity, a person shall:

(i) establish that all control persons meet the requirements for moral character pursuant to R162-2c-202(1);

(ii) establish that all control persons meet the requirements for competency pursuant to R162-2c-202(2);

(iii) register any other trade name with the Division of Corporations and Commercial Code;

(iv) register the entity in the nationwide database by:

(A) submitting an MU1 form that includes:

(I) all required identifying information;

(II) the name of the PLM who, pursuant to Subsection R162-2c-301a(3)(a)(iv), will serve as the entity's qualifying individual;

(III) the name of any LM who, pursuant to Subsection R162-2c-301a(3)(a)(iv), will serve as a branch lending manager;

(IV) the name of any individuals who may serve as control persons;

(V) the entity's registered agent; and

(VI) any other trade name under which the entity will operate; and

(B) creating a sponsorship through the nationwide database that identifies the mortgage loan originator(s) sponsored by the entity;

(v) register any branch office operating from a different location than the entity;

(vi) pay all fees through the nationwide database as required by the division and by the nationwide database;

(vii) provide to the division proof that any assumed business name or other trade name is registered with the Division of Corporations and Commercial Code;

(viii) provide to the division all court documents related to any criminal proceeding not disclosed through a previous application or renewal and involving any control person;

(ix) provide to the division complete documentation of any action taken by a regulatory agency against:

(A) the entity itself; or

(B) any control person; and

(C) not disclosed through a previous application or renewal; and

(x) provide to the division a notarized letter on company letterhead, signed by the owner or president of the entity, authorizing the PLM to use the entity's name.

(b) Restrictions on entity name. No license may be issued by the division to an entity that proposes to operate under a name that closely resembles the name of another entity licensee, or that the division determines might otherwise be confusing or misleading to the public.

(4) Branch office.

(a) To register a branch office with the division, a person shall:

(i) obtain a Utah entity license for the entity under which the branch office will be registered;

(ii) submit to the nationwide database an MU3 form that includes:

(A) all required identifying information; and

(B) the name of the LM who will serve as the branch lending manager;

(iii) create a sponsorship through the nationwide database that identifies the mortgage loan originator(s) who will work from the branch office; and

(iv) pay all fees through the nationwide database as required by the division and by the nationwide database.

(b) A person who registers another trade name and operates under that trade name from an address that is different from the address of the entity shall register the other trade name as a branch office pursuant to this Subsection (4).

(c)(i) A PLM may not simultaneously serve as a BLM if Subsection R162-2c-301a(3)(a)(iv)(B) applies.

(ii) An individual may not serve as the BLM for more than one branch at any given time.

(5) Licenses not transferable.

(a) A licensee shall not transfer the licensee's license to any other person.

(b) A licensee shall not allow any other person to work under the licensee's license.

(c) If a change in corporate structure of a licensed entity creates a separate and unique legal entity, that entity shall obtain a unique license, and shall not operate under any existing license.

(6) Expiration of test results.

(a) Scores for the mortgage loan originator licensing examination shall be valid for five years.

(b) Scores for the LM exam shall be valid for 90 days.

(7) Incomplete LM application.

(a) The division may grant a 30-day extension of the 90-day application window upon a finding that:

(i) an applicant has made a good faith attempt to submit a completed application; but

(ii) requires more time to provide missing documents or to obtain additional information.

(b) If the applicant does not supply the required documents or information within the 30-day extension, the division may deny the application as incomplete.

(8) Nonrefundable fees. All fees are nonrefundable, regardless of whether an application is granted or denied.

(9) Other trade names.

(a) The division shall not approve a license for any person operating under an assumed business name that poses a reasonable likelihood of misleading the public into thinking that the person is:

(i) endorsed by the division, the state government, or the federal government;

(ii) an agency of the state or federal government; or

(iii) not engaged in the business of residential mortgage loans.

(b) A mortgage entity that operates under another trade name shall register the other trade name by including it on the MU1 form and obtaining the required registration.

 

R162-2c-203. Utah-Specific Education Certification.

(1) School certification.

(a) A school offering Utah-specific education shall certify with the division before providing any instruction.

(b) To certify, a school applicant shall prepare and supply the following information to the division:

(i) contact information, including:

(A) name, phone number, email address, and address of the physical facility;

(B) name, phone number, email address, and address of any school director;

(C) name, phone number, email address, and address of any school owner; and

(D) an e-mail address where correspondence will be received by the school;

(ii) evidence that all school directors and owners meet the moral character requirements outlined in R162-2c-202(1) and the competency requirements outlined in R162-2c-202(2);

(iii) school description, including:

(A) type of school;[ and]

(B) description of the school's physical facilities; and

(C) type of instruction method;

[(iv) list of courses offered;

(v) proof that each course has been certified by the division;

]( iv[i]) list of the instructor(s), including any guest lecturer(s), who will be teaching each course;

(v[ii]) proof that each instructor:

(A) has been certified by the division; or

(B) is exempt from certification under Subsection 203(5)(f);

[(viii) schedule of courses offered, including the days, times, and locations of classes;

]( vi[x]) statement of attendance requirements as provided to students;

( vii[x]) refund policy as provided to students;

([xi]viii) disclaimer as provided to students; and

( ix[ii]) criminal history disclosure statement as provided to students.

(c) Minimum standards.

(i) The course schedule may not provide or allow for more than eight credit hours per student per day.

(ii) The attendance statement shall require that each student attend at least 90% of the scheduled class time.

(iii) The disclaimer shall adhere to the following requirements:

(A) be typed in all capital letters at least 1/4 inch high; and

(B) state the following language: "Any student attending (school name) is under no obligation to affiliate with any of the mortgage entities that may be soliciting for licensees at this school."

(iv) The criminal history disclosure statement shall:

(A) be provided to students while they are still eligible for a full refund; and

(B) clearly inform the student that upon application with the nationwide database, the student will be required to:

(I) accurately disclose the student's criminal history according to the licensing questionnaire provided by the nationwide database and authorized by the division; and

(II) provide to the division complete court documentation relative to any criminal proceeding that the applicant is required to disclose;

(C) clearly inform the student that the division will consider the applicant's criminal history pursuant to R162-2c-202(1) in making a decision on the application; and

(D) include a section for the student's attestation that the student has read and understood the disclosure.

(d) Within ten days after the occurrence of any material change in the information outlined in Subsection (1), the school shall provide to the division written notice of that change.

(2) School certification expiration and renewal.[(e)] A school certification expires 24 months from the date of issuance and must be renewed before the expiration date in order for the school to remain in operation. To renew, a school applicant shall:

(a)[(i)] complete a renewal application as provided by the division;[and]

(b)[(ii)] pay a nonrefundable renewal fee[.];

(c) provide a list of all proposed courses with a projected schedule of days, times, and locations of classes; and

(d) provide the information specified in Subsection 3(c) for Utah-specific course certification for the division's evaluation of each proposed course.

(3)[(2)] Utah-specific course certification.

(a) A school providing a Utah-specific course shall certify the course with the division before offering the course to students.

(b) Application shall be made at least 30 days prior to the date on which a course requiring certification is proposed to begin.

(c) To certify a course, a school applicant shall prepare and supply the following information:

(i) instruction method;

(ii) outline of the course, including:

(A) a list of subjects covered in the course;

(B) reference to the approved course outline for each subject covered;

(C) length of the course in terms of hours spent in classroom instruction;

(D) number of course hours allocated for each subject;

(E) at least three learning objectives for every hour of classroom time;

(F) instruction format for each subject; i.e, lecture or media presentation;

(G) name and credentials of any guest lecturer; and

(H) list of topic(s) and session(s) taught by any guest lecturer;

(iii) a list of the titles, authors, and publishers of all required textbooks;

(iv) copies of any workbook used in conjunction with a non-lecture method of instruction;

(v) [the number]a copy of each quiz[zes] and examination[s], with an answer key; and

(vi) the grading system, including methods of testing and standards of grading.

(d) Minimum standards.

(i) All texts, workbooks, supplement pamphlets and other materials shall be appropriate, current, accurate, and applicable to the required course outline.

(ii) The course shall cover all of the topics set forth in the associated outline.

(iii) The lecture method shall be used for at least 50% of course instruction unless the division gives special approval otherwise.

(iv) A school applicant that uses a non-lecture method for any portion of course instruction shall provide to the student:

(A) an accompanying workbook as approved by the division for the student to complete during the instruction; and

(B) a certified instructor available within 48 hours of the non-lecture instruction to answer student questions.

(v) The division shall not approve an online education course unless:

(A) there is a method to ensure that the enrolled student is the person who actually completes the course;

(B) the time spent in actual instruction is equivalent to the credit hours awarded for the course; and

(C) there is a method to ensure that the student comprehends the material.

(4)[(3)] Course expiration and renewal.

(a) A prelicensing course expires at the same time the school certification expires.

(b) A prelicensing course certification is renewed automatically when the school certification is renewed.[ A certification for a 15-hour Utah-specific prelicensing course expires two years from the date of certification.]

(5)[(4)] Education committee.

(a) The commission may appoint an education committee to:

(i) assist the division and the commission in approving course topics; and

(ii) make recommendations to the division and the commission about:

(A) whether a particular course topic is relevant to residential mortgage principles and practices; and

(B) whether a particular course topic would tend to enhance the competency and professionalism of licensees.

(b) The division and the commission may accept or reject the education committee's recommendation on any course topic.

(6)[(5)] Instructor certification.

(a) Except as provided in this Subsection ([5]6)(f), an instructor shall certify with the division before teaching a Utah-specific course.

(b) Application shall be made at least 30 days prior to the date on which the instructor proposes to begin teaching.

(c) To certify as an instructor of mortgage loan originator prelicensing courses, an individual shall provide evidence of:

(i) a high school diploma or its equivalent;

(ii)(A) at least five years of experience in the residential mortgage industry within the past ten years; or

(B) successful completion of appropriate college-level courses specific to the topic proposed to be taught;

(iii)(A) a minimum of twelve months of full-time teaching experience;

(B) part-time teaching experience that equates to twelve months of full-time teaching experience; or

(C) participation in instructor development workshops totaling at least two days in length; and

(iv) having passed, within the six-month period preceding the date of application, the[ principal] lending manager licensing examination.

(d) To certify as an instructor of [P]LM prelicensing courses, an individual shall:

(i) meet the general requirements of this Subsection 6[5](c); and

(ii) meet the specific requirements for any of the following courses the individual proposes to teach.

(A) Management of a Residential Mortgage Loan Office: at least two years practical experience in managing an office engaged in the business of residential mortgage loans.

(B) Mortgage Lending Law: two years practical experience in the field of real estate law; and either:

(I) current active membership in the Utah Bar Association; or

(II) degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school.

(C) Advanced Appraisal:

(I) at least two years practical experience in appraising; and

(II) current state-certified appraiser license.

(D) Advanced Finance:

(I) at least two years practical experience in real estate finance; and

(II) association with a lending institution as a loan originator.

(e) To act as an instructor of continuing education courses, an individual shall certify through the nationwide database.

(f) The following instructors are not required to be certified by the division:

(i) a guest lecturer who:

(A) is an expert in the field on which instruction is given;

(B) provides to the division a resume or similar documentation evidencing satisfactory knowledge, background, qualifications, and expertise; and

(C) teaches no more than 20% of the course hours;

(ii) a college or university faculty member who evidences academic training, industry experience, or other qualifications acceptable to the division;

(iii) an individual who:

(A) evidences academic training, industry experience, or other qualifications satisfactory to the division; and

(B) receives approval from the commission; and

(iv) a division employee.

(g) Renewal.

(i) An instructor certification for Utah-specific prelicensing education expires 24 months from the date of issuance and shall be renewed before the expiration date.

(ii) To renew an instructor certification for Utah-specific prelicensing education, an applicant shall submit to the division:

(A) evidence of having taught at least 20 hours of classroom instruction in a certified mortgage education course during the preceding two years;

(B) evidence of having attended an instructor development workshop sponsored by the division during the preceding two years; and

(C) a renewal fee as required by the division.

(iii) To renew an instructor certification for continuing education, an individual shall certify through the nationwide database.

(h) Reinstatement.

(i) An instructor who is certified by the division may reinstate an expired certification within 30 days of expiration by:

(A) complying with this Subsection (6[5])(g); and

(B) paying an additional non-refundable late fee.

(ii) Until six months following the date of expiration, an instructor who is certified by the division may reinstate a certification that has been expired more than 30 days by:

(A) complying with this Subsection (6[5])(g);

(B) paying an additional non-refundable late fee; and

(C) completing six classroom hours of education related to residential mortgages or teaching techniques.

(7)[(6)](a) The division may monitor schools and instructors for:

(i) adherence to course content;

(ii) quality of instruction and instructional materials; and

(iii) fulfillment of affirmative duties as outlined in R162-2c-301a(5)(a) and R162-2c-301a(6)(a).

(b) To monitor schools and instructors, the division may:

(i) collect and review evaluation forms; or

(ii) assign an evaluator to attend a course and make a report to the division.

 

R162-2c-204. License Renewal, Reinstatement, and Reapplication.

(1) Deadlines.

(a) License renewal.

(i) To renew on time, a person who holds an active license as of October 31 shall renew by December 31 of the same calendar year.

(ii)(A) A person who obtains a license on or after November 1 shall renew by December 31 of the following calendar year.

(B) A person who is not required to renew in the first year of licensure pursuant to this Subsection (1)(a)(ii)(A) shall nevertheless complete, prior to December 31 of the first year of licensure, continuing education as required for renewal pursuant to Subsection R162-2c-204(3)(a) if the individual did not complete the mortgage loan originator national pre-licensing education during the calendar year.

(b) Reinstatement. The deadline to reinstate a license that expires on December 31 is February 28 of the year following the date of expiration.

(c) After the reinstatement deadline passes, a person shall reapply for licensure pursuant to Subsection R162-2c-204(3)(c).

(2) Qualification for renewal.

(a) Character.

(i) Individuals applying to renew or reinstate a license shall evidence that they maintain good moral character, honesty, integrity, and truthfulness as required for initial licensure.

(ii) An individual applying for a renewed license may not have:

(A) a felony that resulted in a conviction or plea agreement during the renewal period; or

(B) a finding of fraud, misrepresentation, or deceit entered against the applicant by a court of competent jurisdiction or a government agency and occurring within the renewal period.

(iii) The division may deny an individual applicant a renewed license upon evidence, as outlined in Subsection R162-2c-202(1)(b), of circumstances that reflect negatively on the applicant's character, honesty, integrity, or truthfulness and that:

(A) occurred during the renewal period; or

(B) were not disclosed and considered in a previous application or renewal.

(iv) The division may deny an entity applicant a renewed license upon evidence that a control person fails to meet the standards for character, honesty, integrity, and truthfulness required of individual applicants.

(b) Competency.

(i) Individual applicants and control persons shall evidence that they maintain the competency required for initial licensure.

(ii) The division may deny an individual applicant a renewed license upon evidence, as outlined in Subsection R162-2c-202(2), of circumstances that reflect negatively on the applicant's competency and that:

(A) occurred during the renewal period; or

(B) were not disclosed and considered in a previous application or renewal.

(iii) The division may deny an entity applicant a renewed license upon evidence that a control person fails to meet the standard for competency required of individual applicants.

(3) Education requirements for renewal, reinstatement, and reapplication.

(a) License renewal.

(i) Except as provided in this Subsection (3)(a)(ii), an individual who holds an active license as of January 1 of the calendar year shall complete, within the calendar year in which the individual's license is scheduled to expire, the following courses, none of which may be duplicative of courses taken in the same or preceding renewal period:

(A) beginning with the 2014 renewal, a division-approved course on Utah law, completed annually; and

(B) eight hours of continuing education approved through the nationwide database, as follows:

[ (A) approved through the nationwide database;

(B) consisting of:

](I) three hours federal laws and regulations;

(II) two hours ethics (fraud, consumer protection, fair lending issues);

(III) two hours training related to lending standards for non-traditional mortgage products; and

(IV) one hour undefined instruction on mortgage origination[; and

(C) non-duplicative of courses taken in the same or preceding renewal period].

(ii) An individual who completes the mortgage loan originator national pre-licensing education between January 1 and December 31 of the calendar year is exempt from continuing education , including the division-approved course on Utah law specified in Subsection (3)(a)(i)(A), for the renewal period ending December 31 of the same calendar year.

(b) Reinstatement. To reinstate an expired mortgage loan originator or lending manager license, an individual shall, by February 28 of the calendar year following the date on which the license expired, complete :[eight hours of continuing education:]

(i) the division-approved course on Utah law specified in Subsection (3)(a)(i)(A); and

(ii)[(i)] eight hours of continuing education:

(A) in topics listed in this Subsection (3)(a)(i) (B); and

[(ii)(A)](B)(I) approved by the nationwide database as "continuing education" if completed prior to the date of expiration; or

[(B)](II) approved by the nationwide database as "late continuing education" if completed between the date of expiration and the deadline for reinstatement.

(c) Reapplication.

(i) To reapply for licensure after the reinstatement deadline passes and by or before December 31 of the calendar year following the date on which the license expired, an individual shall complete the division-approved course on Utah law and continuing education requirement outlined in this Subsection (3)(b).

(ii) To reapply for licensure after the deadline described in this Subsection (3)(c)(i) passes, an individual shall:

(A) complete eight hours of continuing education:

(I) in topics listed in this Subsection (3)(a)(i); and

(II) approved by the nationwide database as "late continuing education"; and

(B) within the 12-month period preceding the date of reapplication, take and pass:

(I) the 15-hour Utah-specific mortgage loan originator pre-licensing education, if the terminated license was a mortgage loan originator license; or

(II) the 40-hour Utah-specific [principal ]lending manager pre-licensing education and associated examination, if the terminated license was a lending manager license[.]; and

(C) complete the division-approved course on Utah law specified in Subsection (3)(a)(i)(A).

(4) Renewal, reinstatement, and reapplication procedures.

(a) An individual licensee shall:

(i) evidence having completed education as required by Subsection R162-2c-204(3);

(ii) submit to the division the jurisdiction-specific documents and information required by the nationwide database; and

(iii) submit through the nationwide database:

(A) a request for renewal, if renewing or reinstating a license; or

(B) a request for a new license, if reapplying; and

(iv) pay all fees as required by the division and by the nationwide database, including all applicable late fees.

(b) An entity licensee shall:

(i) submit through the nationwide database a request for renewal;

(ii) submit to the division the jurisdiction-specific documents and information required by the nationwide database;

(iii) renew the registration of any branch office or other trade name registered under the entity license; and

(iv) pay through the nationwide database all fees, including all applicable late fees, required by the division and by the nationwide database.

 

R162-2c-301a. Unprofessional Conduct.

(1) Mortgage loan originator.

(a) Affirmative duties. A mortgage loan originator who fails to fulfill any affirmative duty shall be subject to discipline under Sections 61-2c-401 through 405. A mortgage loan originator shall:

(i) solicit business and market products solely in the name of the mortgage loan originator's sponsoring entity;

(ii) conduct the business of residential mortgage loans solely in the name of the mortgage loan originator's sponsoring entity;

(iii) remit to any third party service provider the fee(s) that have been collected from a borrower on behalf of the third party service provider, including:

(A) appraisal fees;

(B) inspection fees;

(C) credit reporting fees; and

(D) insurance premiums;

(iv) turn all records over to the sponsoring entity for proper retention and disposal; and

(v) comply with a division request for information within 10 business days of the date of the request.

(b) Prohibited conduct. A mortgage loan originator who engages in any prohibited activity shall be subject to discipline under Sections 61-2c-401 through 405. A mortgage loan originator may not:

(i) charge for services not actually performed;

(ii) require a borrower to pay more for third party services than the actual cost of those services;

(iii) withhold, without reasonable justification, payment owed to a third party service provider in connection with the business of residential mortgage loans;

(iv) alter an appraisal of real property; or

(v) unless acting under a valid real estate license and not under a mortgage license, perform any act that requires a real estate license under Title 61, Chapter 2f, including:

(A) providing a buyer or seller of real estate with a comparative market analysis;

(B) assisting a buyer or seller to determine the offering price or sales price of real estate;

(C) representing or assisting a buyer or seller of real estate in negotiations concerning a possible sale of real estate;

(D) advertising the sale of real estate by use of any advertising medium;

(E) preparing, on behalf of a buyer or seller, a Real Estate Purchase Contract, addendum, or other contract for the sale of real property; or

(F) altering, on behalf of a buyer or seller, a Real Estate Purchase Contract, addendum, or other contract for the sale of real property.

(c) A mortgage loan originator does not engage in an activity requiring a real estate license where the mortgage loan originator:

(i) offers advice about the consequences that the terms of a purchase agreement might have on the terms and availability of various mortgage products;

(ii) owns real property that the mortgage loan originator offers "for sale by owner"; or

(iii) advertises mortgage loan services in cooperation with a "for sale by owner" seller where the advertising clearly identifies:

(A) the owner's contact information;

(B) the owner's role;

(C) the mortgage loan originator's contact information; and

(D) the specific mortgage-related services that the mortgage loan originator may provide to a buyer; or

(iv) advertises in conjunction with a real estate brokerage where the advertising clearly identifies the:

(A) contact information for the brokerage;

(B) role of the brokerage;

(C) mortgage loan originator's contact information; and

(D) specific mortgage-related services that the mortgage loan originator may provide to a buyer.

(2) Lending manager.

(a) Affirmative duties. A lending manager who fails to fulfill any affirmative duty shall be subject to discipline under Sections 61-2c-401 through 405.

(b) An LM who is designated in the nationwide database as the principal lending manager of an entity shall:

(i) be accountable for the affirmative duties outlined in Subsection (1)(a);

(ii) provide to all sponsored mortgage loan originators and unlicensed staff specific written policies as to their affirmative duties and prohibited activities, as established by:

(A) federal law governing residential mortgage lending;

(B) state law governing residential mortgage lending and including the Utah Residential Mortgage Practices Act; and

(C) administrative rules promulgated by the division under authority of the Utah Residential Mortgage Practices Act;

(iii) exercise reasonable supervision over all sponsored mortgage loan originators and over all unlicensed staff by:

(A) directing the details and means of their work activities;

(B) requiring that they read and agree to comply with the Utah Residential Mortgage Practices Act and the rules promulgated thereunder;

(C) requiring that they conduct all residential mortgage loan business in the name of the sponsoring entity; and

(D) prohibiting unlicensed staff from engaging in any activity that requires licensure;

(iv) establish and enforce written policies and procedures for ensuring the independent judgment of any underwriter employed by the PLM's sponsoring entity;

(v) establish and follow procedures for responding to all consumer complaints;

(vi) personally review any complaint relating to conduct by a sponsored mortgage loan originator or unlicensed staff member that might constitute a violation of federal law, state law, or division administrative rules;

(vii) establish and maintain a quality control plan that:

(A) complies with HUD/FHA requirements;

(B) complies with Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae requirements; or

(C) includes, at a minimum, procedures for:

(I) performing pre-closing and post-closing audits of at least ten percent of all loan files; and

(II) taking corrective action for problems identified through the audit process; and

(viii) review for compliance with applicable federal and state laws all advertising and marketing materials and methods used by:

(A) the PLM's sponsoring entity; and

(B) the entity's sponsored mortgage loan originators; and

(ix)(A) actively supervise:

(I) any ALM sponsored by the entity; and

(II) any BLM who is assigned to oversee the mortgage loan origination activities of a branch office; and

(B) remain personally responsible and accountable for adequate supervision of all sponsored mortgage loan originators, unlicensed staff, and entity operations throughout all locations.

(c) An LM who is designated as a branch lending manager in the nationwide database shall:

(i) work from the branch office the LM is assigned to manage;

(ii) personally oversee all mortgage loan origination activities conducted through the branch office; and

(iii) personally supervise all mortgage loan originators and unlicensed staff affiliated with the branch office.

(d) Prohibited conduct. An LM who engages in any prohibited activity shall be subject to discipline under Sections 61-2c-401 through 405. An LM may not engage in any activity that is prohibited for a mortgage loan originator or a mortgage entity.

(3) Mortgage entity.

(a) Affirmative duties. A mortgage entity that fails to fulfill any affirmative duty shall be subject to discipline under Sections 61-2c-401 through 405. A mortgage entity shall:

(i) remit to any third party service provider the fee(s) that have been collected from a borrower on behalf of the third party service provider, including:

(A) appraisal fees;

(B) inspection fees;

(C) credit reporting fees; and

(D) insurance premiums;

(ii) retain and dispose of records according to R162-2c-302; and

(iii) comply with a division request for information within 10 business days of the date of the request;

(iv)(A) notify the division of the location from which the entity's PLM will work; and

(B) if the entity originates Utah loans from a location where the PLM is not present to oversee and supervise activities related to the business of residential mortgage loans, assign a separate LM to serve as the BLM per Section 61-2c-102(1)(e); and

(v) if using an incentive program, strictly comply with Subsection R162-2c-301b.

(b) Prohibited conduct. A mortgage entity shall be subject to discipline under Sections 61-2c-401 through 405 if:

(i) any sponsored mortgage loan originator or [P]LM engages in any prohibited conduct; or

(ii) any unlicensed employee performs an activity for which licensure is required.

(4) Reporting unprofessional conduct.

(a) The division shall report in the nationwide database any final disciplinary action taken against a licensee for unprofessional conduct.

(b) A licensee may challenge the information entered by the division into the nationwide database pursuant to Section 63G-2-603.

(5) School.

(a) Affirmative duties. A school that fails to fulfill any affirmative duty shall be subject to discipline under Sections 61-2c-401 through 405. A school shall:

(i) within 15 calendar days of any material change in the information outlined in R162-2c-203(1)(b), provide to the division written notice of the change;

(ii) with regard to the criminal history disclosure required under R162-2c-203(1)(b)( ix[ii]),

(A) obtain each student's signature before allowing the student to participate in course instruction;

(B) retain each signed criminal history disclosure for a minimum of two years; and

(C) make any signed criminal history disclosure available to the division upon request;

(iii) maintain a record of each student's attendance for a minimum of five years after enrollment;

(iv) upon request of the division, substantiate any claim made in advertising materials;

(v) maintain a high quality of instruction;

(vi) adhere to all state laws and regulations regarding school and instructor certification;

(vii) provide the instructor(s) for each course with the required course content outline;

(viii) require instructors to adhere to the approved course content;

[(ix)(A) at the conclusion of each class, require each student to complete a standard evaluation form as provided by the division; and

(B) return the completed evaluation forms to the division in a sealed envelope within 10 days of the last class session; and

]( ix) comply with a division request for information within 10 business days of the date of the request;[.]

(x) upon completion of the course requirements, provide a certificate of completion to each student; and

(xi) ensure that the material is current in courses taught on:

(A) Utah statutes;

(B) Utah administrative rules;

(C) federal laws; and

(D) federal regulations.

(b) Prohibited conduct. A school that engages in any prohibited activity shall be subject to discipline under Sections 61-2c-401 through 405. A school may not:

(i) accept payment from a student without first providing to that student the information outlined in R162-2c-203(1)(b)(vi[x]) through (ix[ii]);

(ii) continue to operate after the expiration date of the school certification and without renewing;

(iii) continue to offer a course after its expiration date and without renewing;

(iv) allow an instructor whose instructor certification has expired to continue teaching;

(v) allow an individual student to earn more than eight credit hours of education in a single day;

(vi) award credit to a student who has not complied with the minimum attendance requirements;

(vii) allow a student to obtain credit for all or part of a course by taking an examination in lieu of attending the course;

(viii) give valuable consideration to a person licensed with the division under Section 61-2c for referring students to the school;

(ix) accept valuable consideration from a person licensed with the division under Section 61-2c for referring students to a licensed mortgage entity;

(x) allow licensed mortgage entities to solicit prospective mortgage loan originators at the school during class time or during the 10-minute break that is permitted during each hour of instruction;

(xi) require a student to attend any program organized for the purpose of solicitation;

(xii) make a misrepresentation in its advertising;

(xiii) advertise in any manner that denigrates the mortgage profession;

(xiv) advertise in any manner that disparages a competitor's services or methods of operation;

(xv) advertise or teach any course that has not been certified by the division;

(xvi) advertise a course with language that indicates division approval is pending or otherwise forthcoming; or

(xvii) attempt by any means to obtain or to use in its educational offerings the questions from any mortgage examination unless the questions have been dropped from the current bank of exam questions.

(6) Instructor.

(a) Affirmative duties. An instructor who fails to fulfill any affirmative duty shall be subject to discipline under Sections 61-2c-401 through 405. An instructor shall:

(i) adhere to the approved outline for any course taught; and

[(ii)(A) at the conclusion of each class, require each student to complete a standard evaluation form as provided by the division; and

(B) return the completed evaluation forms to the division in a sealed envelope within 10 days of the last class session; and

](ii[i]) comply with a division request for information within 10 business days of the date of the request.

(b) Prohibited conduct. An instructor who engages in any prohibited activity shall be subject to discipline under Sections 61-2c-401 through 405. An instructor may not:

(i) continue to teach any course after the instructor's certification has expired and without renewing the instructor's certification; or

(ii) continue to teach any course after the course has expired and without renewing the course certification.

 

KEY: residential mortgage, loan origination, licensing, enforcement

Date of Enactment or Last Substantive Amendment: [June 7, 2012]2013

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 61-2c-103(3); 61-2c-402(4)(a)

 

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