[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD01344-11-0
S. 7580 2
(IV) SINGLE LUMP SUM PAYMENT OPTION. UNDER THE SINGLE LUMP SUM PAYMENT
OPTION, THE BORROWER RECEIVES AN AMOUNT FROM THE LENDER THAT DOES NOT
EXCEED THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF LOAN PROCEEDS. SET ASIDES REQUIRED FOR
DISBURSEMENTS SUCH AS LOAN CLOSING COSTS OR FOR MONTHLY MAINTENANCE
FEES, WILL BE DEDUCTED FROM THE AMOUNT OF PROCEEDS AVAILABLE TO THE
BORROWER.
(C) AUTHORIZED LENDER. ANY BANK, TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL BANKING ASSO-
CIATION, SAVINGS BANK, SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION, FEDERAL SAVINGS
BANK, FEDERAL SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION, CREDIT UNION, OR FEDERAL
CREDIT UNION OR ANY LICENSED MORTGAGE BANKER APPROVED FOR THE MAKING OF
REVERSE MORTGAGE LOANS BY THE SUPERINTENDENT OR ANY ENTITY EXEMPTED FROM
LICENSING PURSUANT TO SECTION FIVE HUNDRED NINETY OF THIS CHAPTER AND
APPROVED FOR THE MAKING OF REVERSE MORTGAGE LOANS BY THE SUPERINTENDENT.
(D) BORROWER. A TENANT IN SEVERALTY WHO IS SIXTY-TWO YEARS OF AGE OR
OLDER, OR IF THE COOPERATIVE APARTMENT UNIT IS HELD BY TENANTS BY THE
ENTIRETY OR BY JOINT TENANCY, THE YOUNGEST OF WHICH IS SIXTY-TWO YEARS
AGE OR OLDER.
(E) SUPERINTENDENT. THE SUPERINTENDENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES OF THIS
STATE.
(F) DEPARTMENT. THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES OF THIS STATE.
(G) THIRD-PARTY CONTACT. THE LENDER MUST ASK THE BORROWER IF THEY WANT
TO DESIGNATE A THIRD-PARTY CONTACT, SUCH AS A FAMILY MEMBER, TRUSTED
FRIEND, ADVISOR OR OTHER PARTY WHOM THE BORROWER WOULD LIKE TO BE
CONTACTED. IT SHALL BE THE BORROWER'S DISCRETION TO CHOOSE IF THE THIRD-
PARTY CONTACT IS TO BE CONTACTED IF (I) THE BORROWER HAS NOT RETURNED
THE OCCUPANCY FORM, AND/OR (II) THE LOAN IS IN DEFAULT FOR ANY REASON
AND THE LENDER PLANS TO PROCEED ON COLLECTING ON THE LOAN, I.E., INITI-
ATING EVICTION OR FORECLOSURE AND/OR (III) THE BORROWER CANNOT BE
REACHED.
2. A COOPERATIVE APARTMENT UNIT LOAN PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION SHALL BE
SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING:
(A) THE BORROWER SHALL BE GRANTED LIFETIME POSSESSION OF THE SUBJECT
PREMISES OF THE COOPERATIVE APARTMENT UNIT WHICH IS THE SECURITY FOR THE
REVERSE COOPERATIVE APARTMENT UNIT LOAN, AS LONG AS SUCH APARTMENT UNIT
REMAINS THE BORROWERS' PRIMARY RESIDENCE AND THE BORROWER IS NOT IN
DEFAULT UNDER THE REVERSE COOPERATIVE APARTMENT UNIT LOAN. THE BORROWER
OR BORROWERS MUST CERTIFY ANNUALLY ON EACH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LOAN, THAT
THEY RESIDE IN THE UNIT AND THAT IT IS THEIR PRIMARY RESIDENCE;
(B) THE LENDER SHALL ASK THE BORROWER IF THEY DESIGNATE A THIRD PARTY
CONTACT, COLLECT SUCH INFORMATION FROM THE BORROWER AND UPDATE SUCH
INFORMATION ANNUALLY ON EACH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LOAN;
(C) SUBJECT TO SUCH RULES OR REGULATIONS AS THE SUPERINTENDENT MAY
ADOPT, A REVERSE COOPERATIVE APARTMENT UNIT LOAN SHALL BE MADE AT EITHER
A FIXED OR VARIABLE RATE OF INTEREST;
(D) SUBJECT TO SUCH RULES OR REGULATIONS AS THE SUPERINTENDENT MAY
ADOPT, THE AUTHORIZED LENDER MAY REQUIRE A BORROWER TO ESTABLISH A SET
ASIDE ACCOUNT FOR THE PURPOSES OF PAYING PROPERTY TAXES, MAINTENANCE OR
COOPERATIVE FEES, INSURANCE PREMIUMS OF THE PROPERTY SECURING THE
REVERSE COOPERATIVE APARTMENT UNIT LOAN, OR FOR THE PAYMENT OF ANY OTHER
FEES AND EXPENSES;
(E) A LENDER WHO FAILS TO MAKE LOAN ADVANCES AS REQUIRED IN THE LOAN
DOCUMENTS, AND FAILS TO CURE AN ACTUAL DEFAULT AFTER NOTICE AS SPECIFIED
IN THE LOAN DOCUMENTS, SHALL FORFEIT ANY RIGHT TO COLLECT INTEREST OR
SERVICE CHARGES UNDER THE CONTRACT. THE LENDER'S RIGHT TO RECOVERY AT
LOAN MATURITY SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE OUTSTANDING BALANCE AS OF THE
DATE OF LENDER'S DEFAULT, MINUS ALL INTEREST. HOWEVER, A LENDER SHALL
S. 7580 3
NOT BE REQUIRED TO MAKE LOAN ADVANCES UNDER A LOAN IF THE BORROWER IS IN
DEFAULT UNDER THE LOAN;
(F) THE OUTSTANDING BALANCE MAY BE PREPAID IN FULL BY THE BORROWER
WITHOUT PENALTY AT ANY TIME DURING THE REVERSE COOPERATIVE APARTMENT
UNIT LOAN TERM;
(G) AN AUTHORIZED LENDER IS PROHIBITED FROM USING OR ATTACHING ANY
PROPERTY OR ASSET OF THE BORROWER OR HEIRS OF THE BORROWER EXCEPT THE
APARTMENT UNIT SECURING THE REVERSE COOPERATIVE APARTMENT UNIT LOAN IN
SETTLEMENT OF A REVERSE LOAN OBLIGATION--THE LOAN IS A NON-RECOURSE
LOAN;
(H) AN AUTHORIZED LENDER SHALL DELIVER TO THE APPLICANT UPON APPLICA-
TION, A STATEMENT PREPARED BY THE DEPARTMENT PROVIDING THE CONTACT
INFORMATION FOR NEW YORK APPROVED, OR U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND
URBAN DEVELOPMENT APPROVED, REVERSE MORTGAGE HOUSING COUNSELORS WITH
COOPERATIVE HOUSING TRAINING APPROVED BY THE DEPARTMENT WHOM THE COOPER-
ATIVE APARTMENT OWNER CAN CALL FOR INDEPENDENT COUNSELING AND INFORMA-
TION SERVICES. FURTHER, NO REVERSE LOAN COMMITMENT SHALL BE ISSUED BY
THE AUTHORIZED LENDER UNTIL THE APPLICANT PRESENTS, IN WRITING, A FORM
THAT CERTIFIES THE TERMS OF THE REVERSE COOPERATIVE APARTMENT UNIT LOAN
HAVE BEEN EXPLAINED TO THEM BY A NEW YORK OR U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING
AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT APPROVED REVERSE MORTGAGE HOUSING COUNSELOR WITH
COOPERATIVE HOUSING TRAINING APPROVED BY THE DEPARTMENT. THE FORM OF
SUCH STATEMENT AND AFFIDAVIT AND COOPERATIVE HOUSING COUNSELING SERVICES
SHALL BE APPROVED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT;
(I) AN AUTHORIZED LENDER SHALL DELIVER TO AN APPLICANT SUCH DISCLO-
SURES AS MAY BE REQUIRED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT WHICH SHALL DESCRIBE THE
RELEVANT PORTIONS OF THE REVERSE LOAN BEING OFFERED, AND SHALL INCLUDE
BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
(I) A SCHEDULE OF PAYMENTS TO AND FROM THE BORROWER AND THE TOTAL
PAYMENTS IN DOLLARS OVER THE LIFE EXPECTANCY OF THE YOUNGEST BORROWER OF
THE REVERSE COOPERATIVE APARTMENT UNIT LOAN FOR THE BORROWER;
(II) A STATEMENT PROMINENTLY DISPLAYED ADVISING APPLICANTS TO CONSULT
WITH APPROPRIATE AUTHORITIES REGARDING TAX AND ESTATE PLANNING CONSE-
QUENCES OF A REVERSE COOPERATIVE APARTMENT UNIT LOAN;
(III) WHERE APPLICABLE A DESCRIPTION OF PREPAYMENT AND REFINANCING
FEATURES;
(IV) TO THE EXTENT DETERMINABLE AT OR PRIOR TO THE INCEPTION OF THE
REVERSE COOPERATIVE APARTMENT UNIT LOAN, THE INTEREST RATE AND, AN ESTI-
MATE OF THE TOTAL INTEREST PAYABLE ON THE REVERSE COOPERATIVE APARTMENT
UNIT LOAN;
(V) A STATEMENT CONCERNING THE COMPLIANCE OF THE LENDER WITH THE
CRITERIA ESTABLISHED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT THAT AN AUTHORIZED LENDER
MUST MEET BEFORE IT MAY MAKE REVERSE COOPERATIVE APARTMENT UNIT LOANS
PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION;
(VI) A STATEMENT SETTING FORTH THOSE EVENTS WHICH WOULD CAUSE THE LOAN
TO BECOME DUE AND PAYABLE (OR CAUSE THE BORROWER TO DEFAULT) THE REVERSE
COOPERATIVE APARTMENT UNIT LOAN;
(VII) THE LOAN IS SUBJECT TO A THREE DAY RIGHT OF RESCISSION BY THE
BORROWER; AND
(VIII) A FINANCIAL STATEMENT SETTING FORTH AN ESTIMATE OF ALL COSTS
ASSOCIATED WITH THE LOAN;
(J) AN AUTHORIZED LENDER SHALL DELIVER TO EACH BORROWER AT THE TIME OF
CLOSING OF A REVERSE COOPERATIVE UNIT LOAN TWO COPIES OF THE BORROWER'S
RIGHT TO CANCEL AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR HOW TO CANCEL THE LOAN TO BE
PRESCRIBED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT;
S. 7580 4
(K) A REVERSE COOPERATIVE APARTMENT UNIT LOAN PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION
SHALL EXPRESSLY AND CONSPICUOUSLY BEAR A LEGEND IDENTIFYING IT AS SUCH
IN AT LEAST FOURTEEN-POINT FONT;
(L) A REVERSE COOPERATIVE APARTMENT UNIT LOAN SHALL CLEARLY SET FORTH
THE TERMS FOR WHEN THE LOAN BECOMES DUE AND PAYABLE, INCLUDING:
(I) REGARDLESS OF LOAN PAYOUT OPTION CHOSEN BY THE BORROWER, THE LOAN
NOTE SHALL STATE THAT THE OUTSTANDING LOAN BALANCE WILL NOT BE DUE AND
PAYABLE IN FULL UNTIL THE LAST BORROWER DIES, OR IF A BORROWER CONVEYS
ALL OF HIS OR HER TITLE IN THE PROPERTY AND NO OTHER BORROWER RETAINS
TITLE TO THE PROPERTY; AND
(II) THE LOAN NOTE SHALL STATE THAT THE OUTSTANDING LOAN BALANCE SHALL
BE DUE AND PAYABLE IN FULL IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING OCCUR:
(1) THE PROPERTY CEASES TO BE THE PRIMARY RESIDENCE OF A BORROWER FOR
REASONS OTHER THAN DEATH AND THE PROPERTY IS NOT THE PRIMARY RESIDENCE
OF AT LEAST ONE OTHER BORROWER;
(2) FOR A PERIOD OF LONGER THAN TWELVE CONSECUTIVE MONTHS, A BORROWER
FAILS TO OCCUPY THE PROPERTY BECAUSE OF PHYSICAL OR MENTAL ILLNESS AND
THE PROPERTY IS NOT THE PRIMARY RESIDENCE OF AT LEAST ONE OTHER BORROW-
ER; OR
(3) AN OBLIGATION OF THE BORROWER UNDER THE LOAN NOTE IS NOT MET;
(M) IN THE EVENT THAT AN AUTHORIZED LENDER OR HOLDER OF THE REVERSE
COOPERATIVE APARTMENT UNIT LOAN DETERMINES THE LOAN IS IN DEFAULT AND
INTENDS TO INITIATE PROCEEDINGS PURSUANT TO THE NOTE, THE LENDER SHALL
NOTIFY THE BORROWER'S THIRD-PARTY CONTACT. IN THE EVENT THAT THE BORROW-
ER HAS NOT DESIGNATED A THIRD-PARTY CONTACT TO RECEIVE SUCH NOTICE OF
FORECLOSURE, THEN THE AUTHORIZED LENDER OR THE HOLDER OF SAID REVERSE
COOPERATIVE APARTMENT UNIT LOAN SHALL NOTIFY THE LOCAL OR COUNTY OFFICE
FOR THE AGING OF ITS INTENT TO COMMENCE FORECLOSURE PROCEEDINGS. SUCH
ENTITY SHALL TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION TO PROTECT THE INTERESTS OF THE
BORROWER;
(N) A REVERSE COOPERATIVE APARTMENT UNIT LOAN SECURED BY A UNIT IN A
COOPERATIVE HOUSING CORPORATION SHALL ALSO BE SUBJECT TO THE PRIOR
APPROVAL BY THE COOPERATIVE'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS; AND
(O) NO REVERSE COOPERATIVE APARTMENT UNIT LOAN SHALL BE SUBJECT TO
MANDATORY BINDING ARBITRATION.
3. A REVERSE COOPERATIVE APARTMENT UNIT LOAN PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION
MAY:
(A) PROVIDE THAT AN AUTHORIZED LENDER MAY, CONSISTENT WITH FEDERAL
LAWS AND REGULATIONS, INCLUDE A DUE-ON-SALE CLAUSE IN ITS REVERSE COOP-
ERATIVE APARTMENT UNIT LOAN AGREEMENT AND AT ITS OPTION EXERCISE AND
ENFORCE SUCH CLAUSE IN ACCORDANCE WITH ITS TERMS; AND
(B) PROVIDE THAT THE BORROWER'S CLOSING COSTS, INCLUDING BUT NOT
LIMITED TO LOAN OR COMMITMENT FEES IF ANY, INSURANCE PREMIUMS, REPAIRS,
LEGAL FEES, THE COSTS OF THIRD PARTY COUNSELING, THE COSTS OF PAYING OFF
ANY EXISTING MORTGAGES OR LIENS, AND OTHER APPROPRIATE COSTS BE INCLUDED
IN THE PRINCIPAL OF THE REVERSE COOPERATIVE APARTMENT UNIT LOAN AND
DISBURSED OUT OF THE LOAN PROCEEDS AT CLOSING.
4. THE SUPERINTENDENT SHALL ADOPT SUCH RULES OR REGULATIONS AS HE OR
SHE CONSIDERS APPROPRIATE TO GOVERN A REVERSE COOPERATIVE APARTMENT UNIT
LOAN MADE PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION. NO REVERSE COOPERATIVE APARTMENT
UNIT LOAN SHALL BE MADE UNLESS IT CONFORMS TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS
SECTION AND SUCH RULES AND REGULATIONS AS THE SUPERINTENDENT MAY ADOPT.
5. NO AUTHORIZED LENDER OR ANY OTHER PARTY OR ENTITY SHALL IN ANY
MANNER, IN THE MARKETING OR OFFERING OF REVERSE COOPERATIVE APARTMENT
UNIT LOANS, ENGAGE IN ANY UNFAIR OR DECEPTIVE PRACTICES IN CONNECTION
S. 7580 5
WITH THE MARKETING OR OFFERING OF REVERSE COOPERATIVE APARTMENT UNIT
LOANS, AND, ADDITIONALLY, SHALL NOT:
(A) USE THE WORDS "PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT" IN ANY COMMERCIAL,
MAILING, ADVERTISEMENT OR WRITING RELATING THERETO;
(B) USE THE WORDS "GOVERNMENT INSURED" OR OTHER SIMILAR LANGUAGE
REPRESENTING THAT REVERSE COOPERATIVE APARTMENT UNIT LOANS ARE INSURED,
SUPPORTED AND SPONSORED BY ANY GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY IN ANY COMMERCIAL,
MAILING, ADVERTISEMENT OR WRITING RELATING THERETO; OR
(C) REPRESENT THAT ANY SUCH LOAN IS OTHER THAN A COMMERCIAL PRODUCT.
6. (A) EVERY AUTHORIZED LENDER AND ASSIGNEE MUST OBTAIN A SURETY BOND
IN THE AMOUNT OF ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR THE BENEFIT OF CLAIMS
AGAINST THE LENDER/ASSIGNEE FOR FAILURE TO PERFORM THEIR OBLIGATIONS TO
THE BORROWER. THE SUPERINTENDENT WILL HOLD THE SURETY BOND. IN ADDITION,
A LENDER OR ASSIGNEE SHALL MAINTAIN AN IRREVOCABLE STANDBY LETTER OF
CREDIT FROM A FINANCIAL INSTITUTION APPROVED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT IN
FAVOR OF THE LENDER OR ASSIGNEE IN AN AMOUNT NECESSARY TO FUND ALL
REVERSE MORTGAGE LOAN REQUIREMENTS ANTICIPATED OVER THE NEXT TWELVE
MONTHS FOR LOANS THEN ON THE LENDER'S BOOKS AND THOSE EXPECTED TO BE
MADE OVER THE NEXT TWELVE MONTHS OR THREE MILLION DOLLARS, WHICHEVER IS
GREATER. THE INITIAL TERM OF THE LETTER OF CREDIT SHALL BE AT LEAST TWO
YEARS. A LENDER OR ASSIGNEE ALSO SHALL MAINTAIN A MINIMUM CAPITAL OF TEN
MILLION DOLLARS. A LENDER MAY RELY UPON ITS PARENT COMPANY TO MEET THE
MINIMUM CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS. THE REQUIREMENTS FOR A LETTER OF CREDIT
SHALL NOT APPLY TO LOANS THAT ARE FULLY FUNDED AT CONSUMMATION. THE
MINIMUM CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS SHALL NOT APPLY TO LENDERS OR ASSIGNEES
THAT SELL LOANS IN THE SECONDARY MARKET TO A FINANCIALLY VIABLE FINAN-
CIAL INSTITUTION, AND THE SUPERINTENDENT SHALL DEFINE THE REQUIREMENTS
OF WHAT CONSTITUTES A "FINANCIALLY VIABLE FINANCIAL INSTITUTION PRIOR TO
ANY SECONDARY MARKET SALE".
(B) EVERY AUTHORIZED LENDER OR ITS AGENT SHALL PROVIDE, WITH ANY
SOLICITATION FOR REVERSE COOPERATIVE APARTMENT UNIT LOAN PRODUCTS MAILED
TO A PHYSICAL ADDRESS WITHIN THE STATE, SUPPLEMENTAL CONSUMER PROTECTION
MATERIALS THE CONTENT AND FORM OF WHICH SHALL BE SPECIFIED BY THE SUPER-
INTENDENT OR HIS OR HER DESIGNEE.
(C) EVERY AUTHORIZED LENDER SHALL PROVIDE EACH APPLICANT OR POTENTIAL
APPLICANT FOR A REVERSE COOPERATIVE APARTMENT UNIT LOAN WITH THE TELE-
PHONE NUMBER AND INTERNET WEBSITE ADDRESS PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT FOR
THE PURPOSES OF ACQUIRING REVERSE COOPERATIVE APARTMENT UNIT LOAN COUN-
SELING.
(D) THE SUPERINTENDENT IS AUTHORIZED TO PROMULGATE SUCH RULES AND
REGULATIONS AS HE OR SHE SHALL DEEM NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT THE
PROVISIONS OF THIS SUBDIVISION.
7. FOR REVERSE COOPERATIVE APARTMENT UNIT LOANS, AUTHORIZED LENDER AND
THEIR AGENTS SHALL:
(A) PROVIDE A MONTHLY ACCOUNT STATEMENT, AND FOR ALL BORROWERS WHOSE
MAINTENANCE FEES, SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS MORTGAGE INSURANCE PAYMENTS, HOME-
OWNERS INSURANCE PAYMENTS, OR PAYMENTS STEMMING FROM ANY OTHER PROPERTY
OBLIGATION OR OBLIGATIONS ARE ADMINISTERED BY THE AUTHORIZED LENDER, AND
WHERE THESE PAYMENTS ARE DERIVED FROM THE PROCEEDS OF THE LOAN, THE
AUTHORIZED LENDER SHALL PROVIDE ON THE BORROWER'S ACCOUNT STATEMENT THE
CURRENT BALANCE REMAINING IN THE BORROWER'S LINE OF CREDIT OR LIFETIME
EXPECTANCY SET ASIDE, THE PROJECTED ANNUAL PROPERTY CHARGES FOR THAT
YEAR, AND A NOTICE WHICH READS IN AT LEAST FOURTEEN POINT TYPE:
"YOUR MAINTENANCE FEES AND SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS ARE CURRENTLY BEING
PAID BY THE PROCEEDS OF THIS LOAN. THE FUNDS THAT HAVE BEEN SET ASIDE
ARE EXPECTED TO BE EXHAUSTED AFTER THE MAINTENANCE FEES AND SPECIAL
S. 7580 6
ASSESSMENT PAYMENTS OF (SPECIFY EXPECTED MONTH AND YEAR). IF THE
PROCEEDS OF THIS LOAN CANNOT PAY THE MAINTENANCE FEES AND SPECIAL
ASSESSMENTS, YOU MUST PAY THESE OBLIGATIONS OR YOUR COOP SHARES MAY BE
LOST TO FORECLOSURE. PLEASE NOTE THAT MAINTENANCE FEES AND SPECIAL
ASSESSMENTS CAN VARY SO YOU SHOULD CONTINUE TO REVIEW THIS NOTICE FOR
CHANGES."
(B) BY TELEPHONE AND FIRST CLASS MAIL, INFORM AND PROVIDE NOTICE TO A
BORROWER WHEN HIS OR HER HOME EQUITY LINE OF CREDIT OR LIFE EXPECTANCY
SET ASIDE IS DEPLETED TO TWENTY PERCENT OR LESS OF ITS VALUE. SUCH
NOTICE SHALL INFORM THE BORROWER OF HIS OR HER OBLIGATIONS RELATING TO
SUCH REAL PROPERTY INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, MORTGAGE INSURANCE,
HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE AND REAL PROPERTY TAXES PREVIOUSLY PAID BY SUCH
LINE OF CREDIT OR LIFE EXPECTANCY SET ASIDE, AND THAT SUCH OBLIGATIONS
MUST CONTINUE TO BE PAID WHEN THE HOME EQUITY LINE OF CREDIT OR LIFE
EXPECTANCY SET ASIDE IS DEPLETED. SUCH NOTICE SHALL USE PLAIN LANGUAGE,
WRITTEN IN A CLEAR AND COHERENT MANNER USING WORDS WITH COMMON AND EVERY
DAY MEANINGS, APPROPRIATELY DIVIDED AND CAPTIONED BY ITS VARIOUS
SECTIONS. IF THE LENDER OR ITS AGENT IS UNABLE TO CONTACT THE BORROWER
BY TELEPHONE, NOTICE MUST BE SENT TO THE THIRD-PARTY CONTACT IF AUTHOR-
IZED BY THE BORROWER.
(C) EACH AUTHORIZED LENDER SHALL, BY TELEPHONE AND FIRST CLASS MAIL,
INFORM AND PROVIDE NOTICE TO A BORROWER WHEN HIS OR HER HOME EQUITY LINE
OF CREDIT OR LIFE EXPECTANCY SET ASIDE IS DEPLETED. SUCH NOTICE SHALL
INFORM THE BORROWER OF HIS OR HER OBLIGATIONS RELATING TO THE COOPER-
ATIVE APARTMENT UNIT INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, MORTGAGE INSURANCE,
HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE AND REAL PROPERTY TAXES, AND THAT THE HOME EQUITY
LINE OF CREDIT OR LIFE EXPECTANCY SET ASIDE WILL NO LONGER PAY THESE
OBLIGATIONS. SUCH NOTICE SHALL USE PLAIN LANGUAGE, WRITTEN IN A CLEAR
AND COHERENT MANNER USING WORDS WITH COMMON AND EVERY DAY MEANINGS,
APPROPRIATELY DIVIDED AND CAPTIONED BY ITS VARIOUS SECTIONS.
8. IN THE EVENT THAT AN AUTHORIZED LENDER DETERMINES A REVERSE COOPER-
ATIVE APARTMENT UNIT LOAN TO BE IN DEFAULT ON THE BASIS THAT THE COOPER-
ATIVE APARTMENT IS NO LONGER THE PRIMARY RESIDENCE OF OR OCCUPIED BY THE
BORROWER, IF DURING THE VERIFICATION OF THE BORROWER'S PRIMARY RESIDENCE
AND/OR OCCUPANCY NO RESPONSES ARE RECEIVED IN RESPONSE TO MAILINGS
RELATING THERETO, SUCH LENDER SHALL CAUSE A TELEPHONE CALL TO BE MADE TO
THE BORROWER, OR IF THE BORROWER IS UNREACHABLE BY TELEPHONE, TO THE
THIRD-PARTY CONTACT IF DESIGNATED, AND AN IN PERSON VISIT TO BE MADE TO
THE BORROWER AT THE COOPERATIVE APARTMENT TO BE MADE PRIOR TO THE
COMMENCEMENT OF ANY PROCEEDING TO ENFORCE THE LENDER'S RIGHTS UNDER THE
NOTE. DURING SUCH VISIT, THE AUTHORIZED LENDER OR ITS AGENT SHALL
PROVIDE CLEAR INFORMATION AS TO WHO THEY ARE, THAT THE VISIT PERTAINS TO
THE REVERSE COOPERATIVE APARTMENT UNIT LOAN, THE REASON FOR THE HOME
VISIT, AND THE TELEPHONE NUMBER TO CALL FOR FURTHER INFORMATION. THE
AUTHORIZED LENDER MUST WAIT AT LEAST THIRTY DAYS FOLLOWING SUCH VISIT,
IN ADDITION TO ANY ADDITIONAL TIME OR NOTICE REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIED BY
ANY OTHER PROVISION OF LAW, BEFORE INITIATING A FORECLOSURE ACTION ON
THE BASIS THAT THE COOPERATIVE APARTMENT IS NO LONGER THE PRIMARY RESI-
DENCE OF THE BORROWER. IF THE BORROWER CONTACTS THE AUTHORIZED LENDER
AND PROVIDES PROOF OF RESIDENCE OR OCCUPANCY AFTER SUCH VISIT BUT BEFORE
THE COMMENCEMENT OF A PROCEEDING TO ENFORCE THE LENDER'S RIGHTS UNDER
THE NOTE, THE AUTHORIZED LENDER SHALL BE BARRED FROM INITIATING SUCH
ACTION. FURTHERMORE, NO AUTHORIZED LENDER SHALL CHARGE A BORROWER ANY
FEE FOR ANY SUCH VISIT AND INSPECTION. THIS PROHIBITION ON THE IMPOSI-
TION OF FEES SHALL INCLUDE ANY AND ALL INSPECTIONS CONDUCTED BY THE
S. 7580 7
AUTHORIZED LENDER TO VERIFY THE STATUS OF THE REVERSE COOPERATIVE APART-
MENT UNIT LOAN, OR ANY SUSPECTED OR ACTUAL DEFAULT CONDITION.
9. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY INCONSISTENT PROVISION OF LAW, THE PRIORITY OF
THE LIEN OF A REVERSE COOPERATIVE APARTMENT UNIT LOAN, INCLUDING THE
LIEN FOR ALL PRINCIPAL, INTEREST, FEES, COSTS, AND OTHER CHARGES
ASSESSED IN CONNECTION WITH THE REVERSE LOAN, SHALL DATE FROM THE FILING
OF A UCC-1 NOTICE FOR THE LOAN IRRESPECTIVE OF THE DATE OF ANY ADVANCE
OF REVERSE LOAN PROCEEDS OR THE DATE BY WHICH AN AUTHORIZED LENDER SHALL
BE ENTITLED TO ACCRUED BUT UNPAID INTEREST, FEES, COSTS OR OTHER CHARG-
ES.
10. NOTHING IN THIS SECTION SHALL BE CONSTRUED TO LIMIT, IMPAIR OR
OTHERWISE AFFECT THE PRIORITY, UNDER APPLICABLE LAW, OF ANY OTHER MORT-
GAGE, DEED OF TRUST, ENCUMBRANCE OR LIEN WHICH WAS FILED PRIOR TO THE
EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION.
11. THE SALE OR TRANSFER OF THE INTEREST IN THE COOPERATIVE APARTMENT
UNIT SECURING THE REVERSE COOPERATIVE APARTMENT UNIT LOAN TO A PERSON
OTHER THAN AN ORIGINAL BORROWER OR BORROWERS SHALL RESULT IN THE TERMI-
NATION OF THE REVERSE LOAN.
12. ANY PERSON WHO HAS BEEN INJURED BY REASON OF ANY VIOLATION OF THIS
SECTION OR ANY VIOLATION OF THE RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT
RELATING TO THE REVERSE COOPERATIVE APARTMENT UNIT LOAN PROGRAM MAY
BRING AN ACTION IN HIS OR HER OWN NAME TO RECOVER TREBLE HIS OR HER
ACTUAL DAMAGES, PLUS THE PREVAILING PLAINTIFF'S REASONABLE ATTORNEYS'
FEES.
13. COMPLIANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION SHALL BE CONDITIONS
PRECEDENT TO COMMENCING AN ACTION TO FORECLOSE UPON A REVERSE COOPER-
ATIVE APARTMENT UNIT LOAN WHICH IS SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS
SECTION, AND THE FAILURE TO COMPLY THEREWITH SHALL BE A COMPLETE DEFENSE
TO SUCH ACTION.
§ 2. Subsection (f) of section 9-611 of the uniform commercial code is
amended by adding a new paragraph 1-a to read as follows:
(1-A) NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER PROVISION OF LAW, WITH REGARD TO A
REVERSE COOPERATIVE APARTMENT UNIT LOAN, AT LEAST FORTY-FIVE DAYS BEFORE
A SECURED PARTY, AS DEFINED UNDER SECTION 9-102(A)(73), OR ITS AGENT
TAKES ANY STEPS TO DISPOSE OF ITS COLLATERAL, AS PROVIDED FOR IN SECTION
9-610, THE SECURED PARTY OR ITS AGENT SHALL GIVE NOTICE TO THE BORROWER,
AND SEPARATE NOTICE TO THE BORROWER'S DESIGNATED THIRD-PARTY IF ONE HAS
BEEN DESIGNATED IN AT LEAST FOURTEEN-POINT TYPE EXCEPT FOR THE HEADING
WHICH SHALL BE IN AT LEAST SIXTEEN-POINT TYPE. THE NOTICE SHALL INCLUDE
THE FOLLOWING:
YOU COULD LOSE YOUR COOPERATIVE APARTMENT UNIT TO FORECLOSURE.
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING NOTICE CAREFULLY.
DATE
BORROWER'S ADDRESS
LOAN NUMBER:
PROPERTY ADDRESS:
DEAR BORROWER(S) {OR HEIRS OF DEBTOR?}:
AS OF ___________, YOUR REVERSE COOPERATIVE APARTMENT UNIT LOAN IS IN
DEFAULT. UNDER NEW YORK STATE LAW, WE ARE REQUIRED TO SEND YOU THIS
NOTICE TO INFORM YOU THAT YOU MAY BE AT RISK OF LOSING YOUR HOME.
YOUR REVERSE LOAN IS IN DEFAULT BECAUSE YOU HAVE NOT COMPLIED WITH THE
FOLLOWING CONDITIONS OF YOUR LOAN:
_____ YOU ARE NOT OCCUPYING YOUR COOPERATIVE APARTMENT UNIT AS YOUR
PRIMARY RESIDENCE
_____ YOU DID NOT SUBMIT THE REQUIRED ANNUAL CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY
_____ THE NAMED BORROWER ON THE REVERSE LOAN HAS DIED
S. 7580 8
_____ YOU DID NOT PAY MAINTENANCE ON YOUR UNIT TO THE COOPERATIVE CORPO-
RATION, AND {SERVICER} PAID YOUR MAINTENANCE FOR YOU ON THE FOLLOWING
DATE(S) IN THE FOLLOWING AMOUNT(S):________________________________
____________________________________
_____ YOU DID NOT MAKE REQUIRED REPAIRS TO YOUR UNIT
IF THE CLAIM IS BASED ON YOUR FAILURE TO PAY MAINTENANCE TO THE COOPER-
ATIVE CORPORATION, YOU CAN CURE THIS DEFAULT BY MAKING THE PAYMENT OF
$____________ FOR THE ADVANCES WE MADE TOWARDS THESE PAYMENTS ON YOUR
BEHALF.
YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO DISPUTE THE CLAIMS LISTED ABOVE BY CONTACTING US,
BY CALLING ___________ OR SENDING A LETTER TO __________________. THIS
MAY INCLUDE PROOF OF PAYMENTS MADE FOR WATER AND SEWER CHARGES OR A
CURRENT DECLARATION PAGE FROM YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY, OR ANY OTHER PROOF
TO DISPUTE THE SERVICER'S CLAIM.
OPTIONS MAY BE AVAILABLE FOR YOU TO CURE YOUR DEFAULT. SOME OF THESE
OPTIONS ARE LISTED BELOW. YOU MAY CONTACT {SERVICER} AT {TOLL-FREE
NUMBER} TO DISCUSS YOUR OPTIONS.
IF YOU ARE IN DEFAULT FOR FAILURE TO PAY MAINTENANCE, YOU MAY QUALIFY
FOR A RE-PAYMENT PLAN TO CURE THE DEFAULT BALANCE OWED.
ATTACHED TO THIS NOTICE IS A LIST OF NEW YORK APPROVED HOUSING COUN-
SELING AGENCIES AND LEGAL SERVICES IN YOUR AREA WHICH PROVIDE FREE COUN-
SELING. A STATEWIDE LISTING BY COUNTY IS ALSO AVAILABLE AT
HTTP://WWW.DFS.NY.GOV/CONSUMER/MORTG NYS NP COUNSELING AGENCIES.HTM.
YOU MAY ALSO CALL YOUR LOCAL DEPARTMENT OF AGING FOR A REFERRAL OR CALL
311 IF YOU LIVE IN NEW YORK CITY.
QUALIFIED FREE HELP IS AVAILABLE; WATCH OUT FOR COMPANIES OR PEOPLE WHO
CHARGE A FEE FOR THESE SERVICES.
YOU MAY ALSO CONTACT {SERVICER} DIRECTLY AT __________ AND ASK TO
DISCUSS ALL POSSIBLE OPTIONS TO ALLOW YOU TO CURE YOUR DEFAULT AND
PREVENT THE FORECLOSURE OF YOUR HOME. WHILE WE CANNOT ENSURE THAT A
RESOLUTION IS POSSIBLE, WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO TAKE IMMEDIATE STEPS TO TRY
TO ACHIEVE A RESOLUTION. THE LONGER YOU WAIT, THE FEWER OPTIONS YOU MAY
HAVE.
IF YOU HAVE NOT TAKEN ANY ACTIONS TO RESOLVE THIS MATTER WITHIN NINETY
DAYS FROM THE DATE THIS NOTICE WAS MAILED, WE WILL HAVE THE RIGHT TO
TAKE YOUR COOPERATIVE SHARES FROM YOU.
IF YOU NEED FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL THE NEW YORK STATE DEPART-
MENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES' TOLL-FREE HELPLINE AT 877-226-5697 OR VISIT
THE DEPARTMENT'S WEBSITE AT HTTP://WWW.DFS.NY.GOV.
IMPORTANT: YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN YOUR UNIT UNTIL YOU RECEIVE A
COURT ORDER TELLING YOU TO LEAVE THE PROPERTY. IF A FORECLOSURE ACTION
IS FILED AGAINST YOU IN COURT, YOU STILL HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN THE
UNIT UNTIL A COURT ORDERS YOU TO LEAVE. YOU LEGALLY REMAIN THE OWNER OF
YOUR COOPERATIVE SHARES AND ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE UNIT UNTIL THE
SHARES ARE TRANSFERRED TO A NEW OWNER THROUGH A SALE. HOWEVER, THERE
WILL BE NO COURT PROCEEDING BEFORE THE SHARES ARE TRANSFERRED TO A NEW
OWNER. AFTER THE SHARES ARE TRANSFERRED, THE NEW OWNER MAY BEGIN A COURT
PROCEEDING TO EVICT YOU FROM THE UNIT.
THIS NOTICE IS NOT AN EVICTION NOTICE.
§ 3. The civil practice law and rules is amended by adding a new rule
3410 to read as follows:
RULE 3410. FACE-TO-FACE MEETING FOR FORECLOSURE OF REVERSE COOPERATIVE
APARTMENT UNIT LOANS. (A) FOR PURPOSES OF THIS RULE, DEFAULT SHALL ONLY
INCLUDE A BORROWER'S BREACH OF AN OBLIGATION UNDER THE REVERSE MORTGAGE
COOPERATIVE LOAN AGREEMENT, AND SHALL NOT INCLUDE DEATH OF THE BORROWER
OR THE BORROWER'S PERMANENT VACATING OF THE COOPERATIVE UNIT.
S. 7580 9
(B) IN ANY ACTION RECOVERY INVOLVING A BORROWER'S DEFAULT UNDER A
REVERSE COOPERATIVE APARTMENT UNIT LOAN, AS DEFINED IN PARAGRAPH (A) OF
SUBDIVISION ONE OF SECTION SIX-O OF THE BANKING LAW, THE LENDER SHALL
FILE A PETITION WITH THE SUPREME COURT OF THE COUNTY IN WHICH THE COOP-
ERATIVE APARTMENT IS LOCATED STATING THAT THE LOAN IS IN DEFAULT AND THE
REASON FOR THE DEFAULT. THE PETITION MUST BE SERVED ON THE BORROWER
PURSUANT TO SECTION THREE HUNDRED EIGHT OF THIS CHAPTER. WITHIN TEN DAYS
OF THE DATE OF SERVICE OF THE NOTICE TO THE BORROWER, THE PETITIONER
MUST FILE A SPECIALIZED REQUEST FOR JUDICIAL INTERVENTION WITH THE
CLERK. WITHIN SIXTY DAYS OF RECEIPT OF THE NOTICE OR ON SUCH ADJOURNED
DATE AS HAS BEEN AGREED TO BY THE PARTIES, THE COURT SHALL HOLD A MANDA-
TORY SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE FOR THE PURPOSE OF HOLDING SETTLEMENT
DISCUSSIONS PERTAINING TO THE RELATIVE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE
PARTIES UNDER THE LOAN DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO:
1. DETERMINING WHETHER THE PARTIES CAN REACH A MUTUALLY AGREEABLE
RESOLUTION TO HELP THE BORROWER AVOID LOSING HIS OR HER COOPERATIVE
APARTMENT UNIT, AND EVALUATING THE POTENTIAL FOR A RESOLUTION OR OTHER
WORKOUT OPTIONS MAY BE AGREED; OR
2. WHATEVER OTHER PURPOSES THE COURT DEEMS APPROPRIATE.
(C) AT ANY MEETING HELD PURSUANT TO THIS RULE, THE LENDER AND THE
BORROWER SHALL APPEAR IN PERSON OR BY COUNSEL, AND EACH PARTY'S REPRE-
SENTATIVE AT THE MEETING SHALL BE FULLY AUTHORIZED TO DISPOSE OF THE
MATTER. IF THE BORROWER IS APPEARING WITHOUT COUNSEL, THE COURT SHALL
INFORM THE BORROWER OF THE NATURE OF THE ACTION AND HIS OR HER RIGHTS
AND RESPONSIBILITIES. WHERE APPROPRIATE, THE COURT MAY PERMIT THE
BORROWER OR A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE BORROWER OR THE DEFENDANT TO ATTEND
THE SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE TELEPHONICALLY OR BY VIDEO-CONFERENCE.
(D) UPON THE FILING OF THE NOTICE OF DEFAULT WITH THE COURT, THE COURT
SHALL SEND EITHER A COPY OF THE NOTICE OR THE BORROWER'S NAME, ADDRESS
AND TELEPHONE NUMBER (IF AVAILABLE) TO A HOUSING COUNSELING AGENCY OR
AGENCIES ON A LIST DESIGNATED BY THE DEPARTMENT FOR THE GEOGRAPHIC
REGION IN WHICH THE BORROWER RESIDES. SUCH INFORMATION SHALL BE USED BY
THE DESIGNATED HOUSING COUNSELING AGENCY OR AGENCIES EXCLUSIVELY FOR THE
PURPOSE OF MAKING THE BORROWER AWARE OF HOUSING COUNSELING AND FORECLO-
SURE PREVENTION SERVICES AND OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO THEM.
(E) THE COURT SHALL PROMPTLY SEND A NOTICE TO PARTIES ADVISING THEM OF
THE TIME AND PLACE OF THE MEETING, THE PURPOSE OF THE MEETING AND THE
REQUIREMENTS OF THIS RULE. THE NOTICE SHALL BE IN A FORM PRESCRIBED BY
THE COURT, AND SHALL ADVISE THE PARTIES OF THE DOCUMENTS THAT THEY SHALL
BRING TO THE MEETING.
(F) BOTH THE LENDER AND THE BORROWER SHALL NEGOTIATE IN GOOD FAITH TO
REACH A MUTUALLY AGREEABLE RESOLUTION, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO A
RE-PAYMENT AGREEMENT, OR ANY OTHER LOSS MITIGATION, IF POSSIBLE. COMPLI-
ANCE WITH THE OBLIGATION TO NEGOTIATE IN GOOD FAITH PURSUANT TO THIS
RULE SHALL BE MEASURED BY THE TOTALITY OF THE CIRCUMSTANCES, INCLUDING
BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING FACTORS:
1. COMPLIANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS RULE AND APPLICABLE REGU-
LATIONS PERTAINING TO THE FACE-TO-FACE MEETING PROCESS;
2. COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE LENDING AND SERVICING LAWS, RULES, REGU-
LATIONS, INVESTOR DIRECTIVES, AND LOSS MITIGATION STANDARDS OR OPTIONS;
AND
3. CONDUCT CONSISTENT WITH EFFORTS TO REACH A MUTUALLY AGREEABLE
RESOLUTION, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, AVOIDING UNREASONABLE DELAY,
APPEARING AT THE MEETING WITH AUTHORITY TO FULLY DISPOSE OF THE MATTER,
AVOIDING MOVING FORWARD TO TAKE POSSESSION WHILE LOSS MITIGATION APPLI-
S. 7580 10
CATIONS AND ATTEMPTS ARE PENDING, AND PROVIDING ACCURATE INFORMATION TO
THE DEPARTMENT AND ALL PARTIES.
NEITHER OF THE PARTIES' FAILURE TO MAKE THE OFFER OR ACCEPT THE OFFER
MADE BY THE OTHER PARTY IS SUFFICIENT TO ESTABLISH A FAILURE TO NEGOTI-
ATE IN GOOD FAITH.
(G) UPON A FINDING BY THE COURT THAT THE PLAINTIFF FAILED TO NEGOTIATE
IN GOOD FAITH PURSUANT TO SUBDIVISION (F) OF THIS RULE, THE COURT SHALL,
AT A MINIMUM, TOLL THE ACCUMULATION AND COLLECTION OF INTEREST, COSTS,
AND FEES DURING ANY UNDUE DELAY CAUSED BY THE PLAINTIFF, AND WHERE
APPROPRIATE, THE COURT MAY ALSO IMPOSE ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING:
1. COMPEL PRODUCTION OF ANY DOCUMENTS REQUESTED BY THE COURT OR THE
COURT'S DESIGNEE DURING THE SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE;
2. IMPOSE A CIVIL PENALTY PAYABLE TO THE STATE THAT IS SUFFICIENT TO
DETER REPETITION OF THE CONDUCT AND IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED TWENTY-
FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS;
3. THE COURT MAY AWARD ACTUAL DAMAGES, FEES, INCLUDING ATTORNEY FEES
AND EXPENSES TO THE DEFENDANT AS A RESULT OF PLAINTIFF'S FAILURE TO
NEGOTIATE IN GOOD FAITH; OR
4. AWARD ANY OTHER RELIEF THAT THE COURT DEEMS JUST AND PROPER.
(H) A PARTY TO A DEFAULT ACTION MAY NOT CHARGE, IMPOSE, OR OTHERWISE
REQUIRE PAYMENT FROM THE OTHER PARTY FOR ANY COST, INCLUDING BUT NOT
LIMITED TO ATTORNEYS' FEES, FOR APPEARANCE AT OR PARTICIPATION IN THE
SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE PROCESS.
(I) THIS RULE SHALL NOT APPLY IF:
1. THE BORROWER DIES AND THERE IS NO SURVIVING BORROWER, UNLESS: (I)
THE LAST SURVIVING BORROWER'S SPOUSE, IF ANY, IS A RESIDENT OF THE PROP-
ERTY SUBJECT TO FORECLOSURE; OR (II) THE LAST SURVIVING BORROWER'S
SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST WHO BY BEQUEST OR THROUGH INTESTACY, OWNS, OR HAS
A CLAIM TO THE OWNERSHIP OF THE PROPERTY SUBJECT TO FORECLOSURE, AND WHO
WAS A RESIDENT OF SUCH PROPERTY AT THE TIME OF DEATH OF SUCH LAST
SURVIVING BORROWER; OR THE BORROWER DOES NOT RESIDE IN THE UNIT AFTER
SUCH NON-OCCUPANCY BY THE BORROWER AS VERIFIED BY THE LENDER AND THE
LENDER HAS TAKEN ACTION AS REQUIRED BY SUBDIVISION EIGHT OF SECTION
SIX-O OF THE BANKING LAW; OR
2. A REPAYMENT PLAN OR OTHER WORKOUT CONSISTENT WITH THE BORROWER'S
CIRCUMSTANCES IS ENTERED INTO TO BRING THE BORROWER'S ACCOUNT CURRENT OR
OTHERWISE CURE THE DEFAULT THUS MAKING A MEETING UNNECESSARY.
§ 4. The superintendent of financial services shall convene a working
group comprised of industry and consumer representatives to study the
availability of reverse mortgage counselors within the state of New
York, and assess their experience and availability to provide counseling
in connection with non-government insured reverse mortgages, and to
address any other matters the superintendent deems necessary pursuant to
this act. The superintendent shall report on its findings and make
recommendations based upon such findings.
§ 5. This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after
it shall have become a law. Effective immediately, the addition, amend-
ment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implemen-
tation of this act on its effective date are authorized to be made and
completed on or before such effective date.