LBD01954-01-5
A. 258 2
ANOTHER AND THE BUSINESS OF A BUYER OF DEBTS WHO SEEKS TO COLLECT SUCH
DEBTS EITHER DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, AS WELL AS THE BUSINESS OF ANY
CREDITOR COLLECTING ITS OWN DEBTS IF SUCH CREDITOR USES ANY NAME OTHER
THAN ITS OWN THAT WOULD SUGGEST OR INDICATE THAT SOMEONE OTHER THAN SUCH
CREDITOR IS COLLECTING OR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT SUCH DEBTS.
3. "EARNED BUT UNPAID INCOME" MEANS WAGES OR COMPENSATION THAT HAVE
BEEN EARNED OR HAVE ACCRUED TO THE BENEFIT OF A CONSUMER BUT HAVE NOT
BEEN PAID BY AN OBLIGOR TO THAT CONSUMER FOR LABOR OR SERVICES PERFORMED
FOR OR ON BEHALF OF AN OBLIGOR.
4. "EARNED INCOME ACCESS RATE CAP" MEANS THE LIMIT ON THE AMOUNT THAT
MAY BE CHARGED FOR AN EARNED INCOME ACCESS TRANSACTION THAT IS ESTAB-
LISHED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT BY REGULATION.
5. "EARNED INCOME ACCESS TRANSACTION" MEANS THE PAYMENT OF EARNED BUT
UNPAID INCOME TO A CONSUMER AT A TIME OTHER THAN THE CONSUMER'S REGULAR
PAYDAY OR OTHER REGULARLY SCHEDULED TIME ON WHICH THE OBLIGOR PAYS TO
THE CONSUMER WAGES OR COMPENSATION EARNED OR THAT HAVE ACCRUED TO THE
BENEFIT OF SUCH CONSUMER.
6. "EARNED INCOME ACCESS PROVIDER" OR "PROVIDER" MEANS A PERSON OR
ENTITY THAT:
(A) PROVIDES, OR OFFERS TO PROVIDE, ON BEHALF OF AN OBLIGOR EARNED
INCOME ACCESS TRANSACTIONS TO CONSUMERS EARNING WAGES OR COMPENSATION
FROM THE OBLIGOR; OR
(B) OFFERS EARNED INCOME ACCESS TRANSACTIONS TO, OR ENTERS INTO EARNED
INCOME TRANSACTIONS WITH, CONSUMERS.
7. "EXEMPT ORGANIZATION" SHALL MEAN ANY BANKING ORGANIZATION, FOREIGN
BANKING CORPORATION LICENSED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT OR THE COMPTROLLER OF
THE CURRENCY TO TRANSACT BUSINESS IN THIS STATE, NATIONAL BANK, FEDERAL
SAVINGS BANK, FEDERAL SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION, FEDERAL CREDIT
UNION, OR ANY BANK, TRUST COMPANY, SAVINGS BANK, SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSO-
CIATION, OR CREDIT UNION ORGANIZED UNDER THE LAWS OF ANY OTHER STATE OR
ANY INSTRUMENTALITY CREATED BY THE UNITED STATES OR ANY STATE WITH THE
POWER TO MAKE MORTGAGE LOANS. SUBJECT TO SUCH REGULATIONS AS MAY BE
PROMULGATED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT, "EXEMPT ORGANIZATION" MAY ALSO
INCLUDE ANY SUBSIDIARY OF SUCH ENTITIES.
8. "NON-RECOURSE" MEANS THE UNAVAILABILITY OF ANY LEGAL CAUSE OF
ACTION OR REMEDY AGAINST A CONSUMER RELATING TO AN EARNED INCOME ACCESS
TRANSACTION.
9. "NOTICE" MEANS COMMUNICATION FROM THE PROVIDER TO THE CONSUMER IN A
CLEAR AND CONSPICUOUS MANNER.
10. "OBLIGOR" MEANS A PERSON OR ENTITY WHO IS OBLIGATED TO PAY A
CONSUMER ANY SUM OF MONEY ON AN HOURLY, PROJECT-BASED, PIECEWORK, OR
OTHER BASIS FOR LABOR OR SERVICES PERFORMED BY THE CONSUMER FOR OR ON
BEHALF OF THAT PERSON OR ENTITY. OBLIGOR DOES NOT INCLUDE THE CUSTOMER
OF AN OBLIGOR OR ANOTHER THIRD PARTY THAT HAS AN OBLIGATION TO MAKE ANY
PAYMENT TO A CONSUMER BASED SOLELY ON THE CONSUMER'S AGENCY RELATIONSHIP
WITH THE OBLIGOR.
11. "FEES" MEANS ANY AMOUNT CHARGED BY A PROVIDER TO A CONSUMER FOR AN
EARNED INCOME ACCESS TRANSACTION, INCLUDING AMOUNTS TO BE PAID AS
DESCRIBED IN PARAGRAPH (I) OF SUBDIVISION TWO OF SECTION THREE HUNDRED
SEVENTY-FOUR-GG OF THIS ARTICLE.
12. "PROCEEDS" MEANS FUNDS RECEIVED BY A CONSUMER PURSUANT TO AN
EARNED INCOME ACCESS TRANSACTION.
§ 374-BB. LICENSE. 1. NO PERSON OR ENTITY, EXCEPT FOR AN EXEMPT ORGAN-
IZATION AS DEFINED IN THIS ARTICLE, SHALL ENGAGE IN THE BUSINESS OF
PROVIDING OR OFFERING EARNED INCOME ACCESS TRANSACTIONS TO CONSUMERS, OR
A. 258 3
ENTER INTO AN EARNED INCOME ACCESS TRANSACTION WITH A CONSUMER, WITHOUT
FIRST OBTAINING A LICENSE.
2. AN APPLICATION FOR A LICENSE UNDER THIS ARTICLE SHALL BE IN WRIT-
ING, UNDER OATH AND IN THE FORM PRESCRIBED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT.
3. AT THE TIME OF FILING AN APPLICATION FOR A LICENSE, THE APPLICANT
SHALL PAY TO THE SUPERINTENDENT AN APPLICATION FEE. THE APPLICATION FEE
SHALL BE AS PRESCRIBED PURSUANT TO SECTION EIGHTEEN-A OF THIS CHAPTER.
4. A LICENSE GRANTED PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE SHALL BE VALID UNLESS
REVOKED OR SUSPENDED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT OR SURRENDERED BY THE LICEN-
SEE.
§ 374-CC. ACTION BY SUPERINTENDENT ON APPLICATION. 1. AFTER THE FILING
OF AN APPLICATION FOR A LICENSE ACCOMPANIED BY PAYMENT OF THE FEES FOR
LICENSE AND INVESTIGATION, IT SHALL BE SUBSTANTIVELY REVIEWED. AFTER THE
APPLICATION IS DEEMED SUFFICIENT AND COMPLETE, THE SUPERINTENDENT SHALL
ISSUE THE LICENSE, OR THE SUPERINTENDENT MAY REFUSE TO ISSUE THE LICENSE
IF THE SUPERINTENDENT SHALL FIND THAT THE FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY,
EXPERIENCE, CHARACTER AND GENERAL FITNESS OF THE APPLICANT OR ANY PERSON
ASSOCIATED WITH THE APPLICANT ARE NOT SUCH AS TO COMMAND THE CONFIDENCE
OF THE COMMUNITY AND TO WARRANT THE BELIEF THAT THE BUSINESS WILL BE
CONDUCTED HONESTLY, FAIRLY AND EFFICIENTLY WITHIN THE PURPOSES AND
INTENT OF THIS ARTICLE. FOR THE PURPOSE OF THIS SUBDIVISION, THE APPLI-
CANT SHALL BE DEEMED TO INCLUDE ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE APPLICANT IF IT
IS A PARTNERSHIP OR UNINCORPORATED ASSOCIATION, AND ALL THE STOCKHOLD-
ERS, OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF THE APPLICANT IF IT IS A CORPORATION.
SUCH LICENSE TO ENGAGE IN BUSINESS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF
THIS ARTICLE AT THE LOCATION SPECIFIED IN THE APPLICATION SHALL BE
EXECUTED IN TRIPLICATE BY THE SUPERINTENDENT AND THE SUPERINTENDENT
SHALL TRANSMIT ONE COPY THEREOF TO THE APPLICANT, FILE A COPY IN THE
OFFICE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES, AND FILE A COPY IN THE
OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF THE COUNTY IN WHICH IS LOCATED THE PLACE DESIG-
NATED IN SUCH LICENSE.
2. IF THE SUPERINTENDENT REFUSES TO ISSUE A LICENSE, THE SUPERINTEN-
DENT SHALL NOTIFY THE APPLICANT OF THE DENIAL, RETURN TO THE APPLICANT
THE SUM PAID AS A LICENSE FEE, BUT RETAIN THE INVESTIGATION FEE TO COVER
THE COSTS OF INVESTIGATING THE APPLICANT.
3. EACH LICENSE ISSUED PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE SHALL REMAIN IN FULL
FORCE UNLESS IT IS SURRENDERED BY THE LICENSEE, REVOKED OR SUSPENDED.
§ 374-DD. LICENSE PROVISIONS AND POSTING. 1. A LICENSE ISSUED UNDER
THIS ARTICLE SHALL STATE THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE LICENSEE, AND IF
THE LICENSEE BE A CO-PARTNERSHIP OR ASSOCIATION, THE NAMES OF THE
MEMBERS THEREOF, AND IF A CORPORATION THE DATE AND PLACE OF ITS INCORPO-
RATION.
2. SUCH LICENSE SHALL BE KEPT CONSPICUOUSLY POSTED IN THE OFFICE OF
THE LICENSEE AND ON THE MOBILE APPLICATION OR WEBSITE OF THE LICENSEE
AND SHALL NOT BE TRANSFERABLE OR ASSIGNABLE.
§ 374-EE. GROUNDS FOR SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF LICENSE; PROCEDURE.
1. A LICENSE GRANTED PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION SHALL NOT BE RENEWED, AND
SHALL BE REVOKED OR SUSPENDED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT UPON A FINDING THAT:
(A) THE LICENSEE HAS NOT COMPLIED WITH REPORTING REQUIREMENTS;
(B) THE LICENSEE HAS VIOLATED ANY PROVISION OF THIS ARTICLE, THE ACT
OF CONGRESS ENTITLED "TRUTH IN LENDING ACT" AND THE REGULATIONS THERE-
UNDER, AS SUCH ACT AND REGULATIONS MAY FROM TIME TO TIME BE AMENDED OR
ANY RULE OR REGULATION LAWFULLY MADE BY THE SUPERINTENDENT UNDER AND
WITHIN THE AUTHORITY OF THIS ARTICLE;
A. 258 4
(C) ANY FACT OF CONDITION EXISTS WHICH, IF IT HAD EXISTED AT THE TIME
OF THE ORIGINAL APPLICATION FOR SUCH LICENSE, CLEARLY WOULD HAVE
WARRANTED THE SUPERINTENDENT'S REFUSAL TO ISSUE SUCH LICENSE; OR
(D) THE LICENSEE HAS FAILED TO PAY ANY SUM OF MONEY LAWFULLY DEMANDED
BY THE SUPERINTENDENT OR TO COMPLY WITH ANY DEMAND, RULING OR REQUIRE-
MENT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT.
2. ANY LICENSEE MAY SURRENDER ANY LICENSE BY DELIVERING TO THE SUPER-
INTENDENT WRITTEN NOTICE THAT THE LICENSEE THEREBY SURRENDERS SUCH
LICENSE, BUT SUCH SURRENDER SHALL NOT AFFECT SUCH LICENSEE'S CIVIL OR
CRIMINAL LIABILITY FOR ACTS COMMITTED PRIOR TO SUCH SURRENDER.
3. EVERY LICENSE ISSUED HEREUNDER SHALL REMAIN IN FORCE AND EFFECT
UNTIL THE SAME SHALL HAVE BEEN SURRENDERED, REVOKED, SUSPENDED, OR SHALL
HAVE EXPIRED, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE, BUT THE
SUPERINTENDENT SHALL HAVE AUTHORITY TO REINSTATE SUSPENDED LICENSES OR
TO ISSUE NEW LICENSES TO A LICENSEE WHOSE LICENSE OR LICENSES SHALL HAVE
BEEN REVOKED IF NO FACT OR CONDITION THEN EXISTS WHICH CLEARLY WOULD
HAVE WARRANTED THE SUPERINTENDENT'S REFUSAL TO ISSUE SUCH LICENSE.
4. WHENEVER THE SUPERINTENDENT SHALL REVOKE OR SUSPEND A LICENSE
ISSUED PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE, THE SUPERINTENDENT SHALL FORTHWITH
EXECUTE IN TRIPLICATE A WRITTEN ORDER TO THAT EFFECT. THE SUPERINTENDENT
SHALL FILE ONE COPY OF SUCH ORDER IN THE OFFICE OF THE DEPARTMENT, FILE
ANOTHER IN THE OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF THE COUNTY IN WHICH IS LOCATED THE
PLACE DESIGNATED IN SUCH LICENSE AND FORTHWITH SERVE THE THIRD COPY UPON
THE LICENSEE, WHICH ORDER MAY BE REVIEWED IN THE MANNER PROVIDED BY
ARTICLE SEVENTY-EIGHT OF THE CIVIL PRACTICE LAW AND RULES. SUCH SPECIAL
PROCEEDING FOR REVIEW AS AUTHORIZED BY THIS SECTION MUST BE COMMENCED
WITHIN THIRTY DAYS FROM THE DATE OF SUCH ORDER OF SUSPENSION OR REVOCA-
TION.
5. THE SUPERINTENDENT MAY, ON GOOD CAUSE SHOWN, OR WHERE THERE IS A
SUBSTANTIAL RISK OF PUBLIC HARM, WITHOUT NOTICE AND A HEARING, SUSPEND
ANY LICENSE ISSUED PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE FOR A PERIOD NOT EXCEEDING
THIRTY DAYS, PENDING INVESTIGATION. "GOOD CAUSE", AS USED IN THIS SUBDI-
VISION, SHALL EXIST ONLY WHEN THE LICENSEE HAS ENGAGED IN OR IS LIKELY
TO ENGAGE IN A PRACTICE PROHIBITED BY THIS ARTICLE OR ENGAGES IN DISHON-
EST OR INEQUITABLE PRACTICES WHICH MAY CAUSE SUBSTANTIAL HARM TO THE
PERSONS AFFORDED THE PROTECTION OF THIS ARTICLE.
§ 374-FF. INVESTIGATIONS AND EXAMINATIONS. 1. THE SUPERINTENDENT SHALL
HAVE THE POWER TO MAKE SUCH INVESTIGATIONS AS THE SUPERINTENDENT SHALL
DEEM NECESSARY TO DETERMINE WHETHER ANY PROVIDER OR ANY OTHER PERSON HAS
VIOLATED ANY OF THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE, OR WHETHER ANY LICENSEE
HAS CONDUCTED ITSELF IN SUCH MANNER AS WOULD JUSTIFY THE REVOCATION OF
ITS LICENSE, AND TO THE EXTENT NECESSARY THEREFOR, THE SUPERINTENDENT
MAY REQUIRE THE ATTENDANCE OF AND EXAMINE ANY PERSON UNDER OATH, AND
SHALL HAVE THE POWER TO COMPEL THE PRODUCTION OF ALL RELEVANT BOOKS,
RECORDS, ACCOUNTS, AND DOCUMENTS.
2. THE SUPERINTENDENT SHALL HAVE THE POWER TO MAKE SUCH EXAMINATIONS
OF THE BOOKS, RECORDS, ACCOUNTS AND DOCUMENTS USED IN THE BUSINESS OF
ANY LICENSEE AS THE SUPERINTENDENT SHALL DEEM NECESSARY TO DETERMINE
WHETHER ANY SUCH LICENSEE HAS VIOLATED ANY OF THE PROVISIONS OF THIS
ARTICLE.
3. THE EXPENSES INCURRED IN MAKING ANY EXAMINATION PURSUANT TO SUBDI-
VISION TWO OF THIS SECTION SHALL BE ASSESSED AGAINST AND PAID BY THE
LICENSEE SO EXAMINED, EXCEPT THAT TRAVELING AND SUBSISTENCE EXPENSES SO
INCURRED SHALL BE CHARGED AGAINST AND PAID BY LICENSEES IN SUCH
PROPORTIONS AS THE SUPERINTENDENT SHALL DEEM JUST AND REASONABLE, AND
SUCH PROPORTIONATE CHARGES SHALL BE ADDED TO THE ASSESSMENT OF THE OTHER
A. 258 5
EXPENSES INCURRED UPON EACH EXAMINATION. UPON WRITTEN NOTICE BY THE
SUPERINTENDENT OF THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF SUCH ASSESSMENT, THE LICENSEE
SHALL BECOME LIABLE FOR AND SHALL PAY SUCH ASSESSMENT TO THE SUPERINTEN-
DENT.
4. ALL REPORTS OF EXAMINATIONS AND INVESTIGATIONS, AND ALL CORRESPOND-
ENCE AND MEMORANDA CONCERNING OR ARISING OUT OF SUCH EXAMINATIONS OR
INVESTIGATIONS, INCLUDING ANY DULY AUTHENTICATED COPY OR COPIES THEREOF
IN THE POSSESSION OF ANY LICENSEE OR THE DEPARTMENT, SHALL BE CONFIDEN-
TIAL COMMUNICATIONS, SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO SUBPOENA AND SHALL NOT BE
MADE PUBLIC UNLESS, IN THE JUDGMENT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT, THE ENDS OF
JUSTICE AND THE PUBLIC ADVANTAGE WILL BE SUBSERVED BY THE PUBLICATION
THEREOF, IN WHICH EVENT THE SUPERINTENDENT MAY PUBLISH OR AUTHORIZE THE
PUBLICATION OF A COPY OF ANY SUCH REPORT OR OTHER MATERIAL REFERRED TO
IN THIS SUBDIVISION, OR ANY PART THEREOF, IN SUCH MANNER AS THE SUPER-
INTENDENT MAY DEEM PROPER.
§ 374-GG. COMPLIANCE. 1. AN EARNED INCOME ACCESS PROVIDER SHALL NOT
OPERATE IN THIS STATE UNLESS:
(A) THE PROVIDER IS LICENSED PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE, UNLESS THE
PROVIDER IS AN EXEMPT ORGANIZATION PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE;
(B) IN THE EVENT A PROVIDER TAKES CUSTODY OF A CONSUMER'S EARNED BUT
UNPAID INCOME BEFORE PAYING PROCEEDS TO THE CONSUMER, THE PROVIDER
ENSURES THAT THE PROCEEDS ARE FULLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT
INSURANCE CORPORATION AT THE CONSUMER'S INDIVIDUAL ACCOUNT LEVEL;
(C) THE PROVIDER COMPLIES WITH NATIONAL AUTOMATED CLEARING HOUSE ASSO-
CIATION RULES, AND WHEN A DEBIT IS INITIATED TO A CONSUMER'S ACCOUNT FOR
A PAYMENT, AND THE DEBIT IS RETURNED FOR INSUFFICIENT OR UNCOLLECTED
FUNDS, THE DEBIT CAN BE REINITIATED ONLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH PARAGRAPH
(D) OF SUBDIVISION TWO OF THIS SECTION;
(D) THE PROVIDER DOES NOT PROVIDE TO ANY THIRD PARTY, INCLUDING OBLI-
GORS, ANY NON-PUBLIC PERSONAL INFORMATION ABOUT CONSUMERS EXCEPT IN
COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE FEDERAL AND STATE LAW, AND THE PROVIDER DOES
NOT SELL, SHARE, OR OTHERWISE DISCLOSE PERSONAL INFORMATION THAT THE
PROVIDER SOLICITS OR COLLECTS FROM CONSUMERS IN CONNECTION WITH OFFERING
EARNED INCOME ACCESS TRANSACTIONS OR RELATED SERVICES;
(E) THE PROVIDER GIVES NOTICE TO THE CONSUMER OF THE COSTS OF EARNED
INCOME TRANSACTIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULES ESTABLISHED BY THE SUPER-
INTENDENT; AND
(F) THE PROVIDER, NO LESS FREQUENTLY THAN QUARTERLY, DELIVERS NOTICE
IN WRITING TO EACH CONSUMER TO WHOM IT HAS PAID PROCEEDS IN THAT QUARTER
CONTAINING INFORMATION TO BE PRESCRIBED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT, INCLUDING
BUT NOT LIMITED TO AN ITEMIZATION OF TRANSACTIONS AND COSTS, THE TOTAL
AMOUNT THE CONSUMER HAS PAID IN FEES, INFORMATION ON HOW TO REPORT
COMPLAINTS TO THE PROVIDER AND TO THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES,
DEFINITIONS OF TERMS USED IN THE NOTICE, AND AN EXPLANATION OF THE COSTS
OF THE SERVICES PROVIDED;
2. IT IS A VIOLATION OF THIS ARTICLE TO CONDUCT AN EARNED INCOME
ACCESS TRANSACTION UNLESS:
(A) THE TRANSACTION IS NON-RECOURSE;
(B) THE PROVIDER HAS A REASONABLE BASIS TO BELIEVE THAT THE TOTAL
AMOUNT OF THE PROCEEDS AND FEES ASSOCIATED WITH THE TRANSACTION DOES NOT
EXCEED A PERCENTAGE, TO BE SET BY THE SUPERINTENDENT, OF THE CONSUMER'S
EARNED BUT UNPAID INCOME;
(C) THE PROVIDER DOES NOT ENGAGE IN DEBT COLLECTION ACTIVITY OR RETAIN
THE SERVICES OF ANOTHER TO ENGAGE IN DEBT COLLECTION ACTIVITY IN
CONNECTION WITH THE EARNED INCOME ACCESS TRANSACTION AND DOES NOT CONVEY
THE DEBT ITSELF;
A. 258 6
(D) IF REPAYMENT IS TO BE MADE THROUGH A DEBIT OF A CONSUMER'S
ACCOUNT, THE DEBIT IS MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULES ESTABLISHED BY THE
SUPERINTENDENT;
(E) THE PROVIDER CHARGES A FEE FOR THE EARNED INCOME ACCESS TRANS-
ACTION THAT DOES NOT EXCEED THE EARNED INCOME ACCESS RATE CAP OR CHARGES
NO FEE FOR THE EARNED INCOME ACCESS TRANSACTION;
(F) NO PORTION OF THE EARNED BUT UNPAID INCOME TO BE PAID AS PART OF
THE EARNED INCOME ACCESS TRANSACTION IS USED BEFORE RECEIPT BY THE
CONSUMER TO SETTLE OR PAY DOWN AN OBLIGATION ARISING FROM A PRIOR EARNED
INCOME ACCESS TRANSACTION, AND NO PROCEEDS ROLL OVER OR ARE STRUCTURED
IN ANY WAY TO CREATE ANY CONTINUING OBLIGATION TO THE PROVIDER ON THE
PART OF A CONSUMER;
(G) THE CONSUMER RECEIVES THE PROCEEDS NO LESS THAN ONE BUSINESS DAY
PRIOR TO THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED DATE ON WHICH THE OBLIGOR IS SCHE-
DULED TO PAY EARNED WAGES OR INCOME TO SUCH CONSUMER;
(H) BEFORE A CONSUMER ENTERS INTO THE EARNED INCOME ACCESS TRANS-
ACTION, THE PROVIDER GIVES THE CONSUMER NOTICE, IN WRITING, OF ALL FEES
ASSOCIATED WITH THE EARNED INCOME ACCESS TRANSACTION AND THE COST OF THE
TRANSACTION, INCLUDING THE COST EXPRESSED AS AN ANNUAL PERCENTAGE RATE;
(I) IF THE PROVIDER OFFERS CONSUMERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO PAY AN ADDI-
TIONAL AMOUNT FOR AN EARNED INCOME ACCESS TRANSACTION VOLUNTARILY, SUCH
AS A TIP, (I) THE PROVIDER GIVES NOTICE TO THE CONSUMER IN WRITING THAT
PAYING SUCH ADDITIONAL AMOUNT IS NOT REQUIRED FOR THE CONSUMER TO
RECEIVE THE PROCEEDS, (II) THE PROVIDER DOES NOT SUGGEST AN AMOUNT TO
THE CONSUMER BY, FOR EXAMPLE, OFFERING AMOUNT OPTIONS FROM WHICH THE
CONSUMER MAY SELECT OR PRE-FILLING AN AMOUNT IN ANY FORM USED IN THE
TRANSACTION PROCESS, OR OTHERWISE USING A TRANSACTION PROCESS DESIGNED
TO REQUIRE THE CONSUMER TO TAKE AFFIRMATIVE ACTION TO AVOID OR OPT OUT
OF PAYING SUCH ADDITIONAL AMOUNT, AND (III) SUCH VOLUNTARY PAYMENT
AMOUNTS DO NOT, WHEN ADDED TO THE TOTAL COST OF THE TRANSACTION, CAUSE
THE TOTAL FEES FOR THE EARNED INCOME ACCESS TRANSACTION TO EXCEED THE
EARNED INCOME ACCESS RATE CAP;
(J) THE PROVIDER DOES NOT CHARGE A LATE FEE OR PREPAYMENT PENALTY ON
THE EARNED INCOME ACCESS TRANSACTION;
(K) THE PROVIDER DOES NOT PULL A CREDIT REPORT OR OTHERWISE ASSESS
CREDIT RISK OF THE CONSUMER PRIOR TO, DURING, OR AFTER THE EARNED INCOME
ACCESS TRANSACTION EXCEPT THAT THE PROVIDER MAY VERIFY THE CONSUMER'S
SOURCE OF INCOME AS PART OF DETERMINING THE AMOUNT OF THE PROCEEDS;
(L) THE PROVIDER DOES NOT REPORT ON THE EARNED INCOME ACCESS TRANS-
ACTION TO A CONSUMER REPORTING AGENCY PRIOR TO, DURING, OR AFTER THE
TRANSACTION;
(M) THE PROVIDER DOES NOT REQUIRE A CONSUMER TO WAIVE THE RIGHT TO
CLASS ACTION TO ENGAGE IN AN EARNED INCOME ACCESS TRANSACTION;
(N) THE PROVIDER GIVES A CONSUMER WRITTEN NOTICE OF ANY AMENDMENT TO
THE CONTRACT OR TERMS OF SERVICE FOR EARNED INCOME ACCESS TRANSACTIONS,
AND THE CONSUMER AGREES TO SUCH AMENDMENTS BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH AN
EARNED INCOME ACCESS TRANSACTION TO WHICH SUCH AMENDMENTS WOULD APPLY;
AND
(O) THE CONSUMER IS EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER.
3. TRANSACTIONS MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS SECTION SHALL NOT BE
SUBJECT TO USURY LAWS.
4. IF A PROVIDER CHARGES INDIRECT TRANSACTION FEES, SUCH FEES SHALL
NOT EXCEED THE MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE AMOUNT AS SET BY THE SUPERINTENDENT.
§ 374-HH. ADVERTISING. 1. NO ADVERTISEMENT FOR AN EARNED INCOME ACCESS
TRANSACTION SERVICE SHALL BE MISLEADING OR OTHERWISE DECEPTIVE.
A. 258 7
2. AN ADVERTISEMENT FOR EARNED INCOME ACCESS TRANSACTION SERVICE SHALL
CLEARLY AND ACCURATELY DISCLOSE THE COSTS OF THE SERVICE TO CONSUMERS.
3. THE SUPERINTENDENT SHALL ADOPT RULES GOVERNING ADVERTISING OF
EARNED INCOME TRANSACTION SERVICES CONSISTENT WITH THE PURPOSES OF THIS
SECTION.
§ 374-II. REGULATIONS AND RULINGS. THE SUPERINTENDENT IS HEREBY
AUTHORIZED AND EMPOWERED TO MAKE SUCH RULES AND REGULATIONS, CONDUCT
HEARINGS AND MAKE SUCH SPECIFIC RULINGS, ORDERS, DEMANDS AND FINDINGS AS
MAY BE NECESSARY FOR THE PROPER CONDUCT OF THE BUSINESS AUTHORIZED AND
LICENSED UNDER AND FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF THIS ARTICLE.
§ 374-JJ. CHANGES IN CONTROL. 1. IT SHALL BE UNLAWFUL EXCEPT WITH THE
PRIOR APPROVAL OF THE SUPERINTENDENT FOR ANY ACTION TO BE TAKEN WHICH
RESULTS IN A CHANGE OF CONTROL OF THE BUSINESS OF A LICENSEE. PRIOR TO
ANY CHANGE OF CONTROL, THE PERSON DESIROUS OF ACQUIRING CONTROL OF THE
BUSINESS OF A LICENSEE SHALL MAKE WRITTEN APPLICATION TO THE SUPERINTEN-
DENT AND PAY AN INVESTIGATION FEE AS PRESCRIBED PURSUANT TO SECTION
EIGHTEEN-A OF THIS CHAPTER TO THE SUPERINTENDENT. THE APPLICATION SHALL
CONTAIN SUCH INFORMATION AS THE SUPERINTENDENT, BY RULE OR REGULATION,
MAY PRESCRIBE AS NECESSARY OR APPROPRIATE FOR THE PURPOSE OF MAKING THE
DETERMINATION REQUIRED BY SUBDIVISION TWO OF THIS SECTION.
2. THE SUPERINTENDENT SHALL APPROVE OR DISAPPROVE THE PROPOSED CHANGE
OF CONTROL OF A LICENSEE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF SUBDIVI-
SION ONE OF THIS SECTION.
3. FOR A PERIOD OF SIX MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF QUALIFICATION THEREOF
AND FOR SUCH ADDITIONAL PERIOD OF TIME AS THE SUPERINTENDENT MAY
PRESCRIBE, IN WRITING, THE PROVISIONS OF SUBDIVISIONS ONE AND TWO OF
THIS SECTION SHALL NOT APPLY TO A TRANSFER OF CONTROL BY OPERATION OF
LAW TO THE LEGAL REPRESENTATIVE, AS HEREINAFTER DEFINED, OF ONE WHO HAS
CONTROL OF A LICENSEE. THEREAFTER, SUCH LEGAL REPRESENTATIVE SHALL
COMPLY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF SUBDIVISIONS ONE AND TWO OF THIS SECTION.
THE PROVISIONS OF SUBDIVISIONS ONE AND TWO OF THIS SECTION SHALL BE
APPLICABLE TO AN APPLICATION MADE UNDER SUCH SECTION BY A LEGAL REPRE-
SENTATIVE.
4. THE TERM "LEGAL REPRESENTATIVE", FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION,
SHALL MEAN ONE DULY APPOINTED BY A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION TO
ACT AS EXECUTOR, ADMINISTRATOR, TRUSTEE, COMMITTEE, CONSERVATOR OR
RECEIVER, INCLUDING ONE WHO SUCCEEDS A LEGAL REPRESENTATIVE AND ONE
ACTING IN AN ANCILLARY CAPACITY THERETO IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE
PROVISIONS OF SUCH COURT APPOINTMENT.
5. AS USED IN THIS SECTION: (A) THE TERM "PERSON" INCLUDES AN INDIVID-
UAL, PARTNERSHIP, CORPORATION, ASSOCIATION OR ANY OTHER ORGANIZATION,
AND (B) THE TERM "CONTROL" MEANS THE POSSESSION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY,
OF THE POWER TO DIRECT OR CAUSE THE DIRECTION OF THE MANAGEMENT AND
POLICIES OF A LICENSEE, WHETHER THROUGH THE OWNERSHIP OF VOTING STOCK OF
SUCH LICENSEE, THE OWNERSHIP OF VOTING STOCK OF ANY PERSON WHICH
POSSESSES SUCH POWER OR OTHERWISE. CONTROL SHALL BE PRESUMED TO EXIST IF
ANY PERSON, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, OWNS, CONTROLS OR HOLDS WITH POWER
TO VOTE TEN PER CENTUM OR MORE OF THE VOTING STOCK OF ANY LICENSEE OR OF
ANY PERSON WHICH OWNS, CONTROLS OR HOLDS WITH POWER TO VOTE TEN PER
CENTUM OR MORE OF THE VOTING STOCK OF ANY LICENSEE, BUT NO PERSON SHALL
BE DEEMED TO CONTROL A LICENSEE SOLELY BY REASON OF BEING AN OFFICER OR
DIRECTOR OF SUCH LICENSEE OR PERSON. THE SUPERINTENDENT MAY IN THE
SUPERINTENDENT'S DISCRETION, UPON THE APPLICATION OF A LICENSEE OR ANY
PERSON WHO, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, OWNS, CONTROLS OR HOLDS WITH POWER
TO VOTE OR SEEKS TO OWN, CONTROL OR HOLD WITH POWER TO VOTE ANY VOTING
STOCK OF SUCH LICENSEE, DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT THE OWNERSHIP, CONTROL
A. 258 8
OR HOLDING OF SUCH VOTING STOCK CONSTITUTES OR WOULD CONSTITUTE CONTROL
OF SUCH LICENSEE FOR PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION.
§ 374-KK. VIOLATION AND PENALTIES. 1. ANY PERSON, INCLUDING ANY
MEMBER, OFFICER, DIRECTOR OR EMPLOYEE OF A PROVIDER, WHO VIOLATES OR
PARTICIPATES IN THE VIOLATION OF ANY PROVISION OF THIS ARTICLE, OR WHO
KNOWINGLY MAKES ANY INCORRECT STATEMENT OF A MATERIAL FACT IN ANY APPLI-
CATION, REPORT OR STATEMENT FILED PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE, OR WHO KNOW-
INGLY OMITS TO STATE ANY MATERIAL FACT NECESSARY TO GIVE THE SUPERINTEN-
DENT ANY INFORMATION LAWFULLY REQUIRED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT OR REFUSES
TO PERMIT ANY LAWFUL INVESTIGATION OR EXAMINATION, SHALL BE GUILTY OF A
MISDEMEANOR AND, UPON CONVICTION, SHALL BE FINED NOT MORE THAN FIVE
HUNDRED DOLLARS OR IMPRISONED FOR NOT MORE THAN SIX MONTHS OR BOTH, IN
THE DISCRETION OF THE COURT.
2. NO PROVIDER SHALL MAKE, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, ORALLY OR IN WRIT-
ING, OR BY ANY METHOD, PRACTICE OR DEVICE, A REPRESENTATION THAT SUCH
PROVIDER IS LICENSED UNDER THE BANKING LAW EXCEPT THAT A LICENSEE UNDER
THIS CHAPTER MAY MAKE A REPRESENTATION THAT THE LICENSEE IS LICENSED AS
AN EARNED INCOME ACCESS PROVIDER UNDER THIS CHAPTER.
§ 374-LL. BOOKS AND RECORDS; REPORTS. 1. THE PROVIDER SHALL KEEP AND
USE IN ITS BUSINESS SUCH BOOKS, ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS AS WILL ENABLE THE
SUPERINTENDENT TO DETERMINE WHETHER SUCH PROVIDER IS COMPLYING WITH THE
PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE AND WITH THE RULES AND REGULATIONS LAWFULLY
MADE BY THE SUPERINTENDENT HEREUNDER. EVERY PROVIDER SHALL PRESERVE SUCH
BOOKS, ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS FOR AT LEAST SIX YEARS AFTER MAKING THE
FINAL ENTRY IN RESPECT TO ANY EARNED WAGE ACCESS TRANSACTION RECORDED
THEREIN; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THE PRESERVATION OF PHOTOGRAPHIC REPROD-
UCTIONS THEREOF OR RECORDS IN PHOTOGRAPHIC FORM SHALL CONSTITUTE COMPLI-
ANCE WITH THIS REQUIREMENT.
2. BY A DATE TO BE SET BY THE SUPERINTENDENT, EACH PROVIDER SHALL
ANNUALLY FILE A REPORT WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT GIVING SUCH INFORMATION
AS THE SUPERINTENDENT MAY REQUIRE CONCERNING THE BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS
DURING THE PRECEDING CALENDAR YEAR OF THE PROVIDER WITHIN THE STATE
UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THIS ARTICLE. SUCH REPORT SHALL BE SUBSCRIBED AND
AFFIRMED AS TRUE BY THE PROVIDER UNDER THE PENALTIES OF PERJURY AND BE
IN THE FORM PRESCRIBED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT. IN ADDITION TO SUCH ANNUAL
REPORTS, THE SUPERINTENDENT MAY REQUIRE OF PROVIDERS SUCH ADDITIONAL
REGULAR OR SPECIAL REPORTS AS THE SUPERINTENDENT MAY DEEM NECESSARY TO
THE PROPER SUPERVISION OF PROVIDERS UNDER THIS ARTICLE. SUCH ADDITIONAL
REPORTS SHALL BE IN THE FORM PRESCRIBED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT AND SHALL
BE SUBSCRIBED AND AFFIRMED AS TRUE UNDER THE PENALTIES OF PERJURY.
§ 374-MM. SEVERABILITY. IF ANY PROVISION OF THIS ARTICLE OR THE APPLI-
CATION THEREOF TO ANY PERSON OR CIRCUMSTANCES IS HELD INVALID, THE INVA-
LIDITY THEREOF SHALL NOT AFFECT OTHER PROVISIONS OR APPLICATIONS OF THE
ARTICLE WHICH CAN BE GIVEN EFFECT WITHOUT THE INVALID PROVISION OR
APPLICATION, AND TO THIS END THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE ARE SEVERA-
BLE.
§ 2. Subdivision 1 of section 36 of the banking law, as amended by
chapter 146 of the laws of 1961, is amended to read as follows:
1. The superintendent shall have the power to examine every banking
organization, every bank holding company and any non-banking subsidiary
thereof (as such terms "bank holding company" and "non-banking subsid-
iary" are defined in article three-A of this chapter) and every licensed
lender AND LICENSED EARNED INCOME ACCESS PROVIDER at any time prior to
its dissolution whenever in [his] THE judgment OF SUCH SUPERINTENDENT
such examination is necessary or advisable.
A. 258 9
§ 3. Subdivisions 3 and 5 of section 37 of the banking law, as amended
by chapter 360 of the laws of 1984, are amended to read as follows:
3. In addition to any reports expressly required by this chapter to be
made, the superintendent may require any banking organization, licensed
lender, LICENSED EARNED INCOME ACCESS PROVIDER, licensed casher of
checks, licensed mortgage banker, foreign banking corporation licensed
by the superintendent to do business in this state, bank holding company
and any non-banking subsidiary thereof, corporate affiliate of a corpo-
rate banking organization within the meaning of subdivision six of
section thirty-six of this article and any non-banking subsidiary of a
corporation which is an affiliate of a corporate banking organization
within the meaning of subdivision six-a of section thirty-six of this
article to make special reports to [him] THE SUPERINTENDENT at such
times as [he] SUCH SUPERINTENDENT may prescribe.
5. The superintendent may extend at [his] THEIR discretion the time
within which a banking organization, foreign banking corporation
licensed by the superintendent to do business in this state, bank hold-
ing company or any non-banking subsidiary thereof, licensed casher of
checks, licensed mortgage banker, private banker, LICENSED EARNED INCOME
ACCESS PROVIDER or licensed lender is required to make and file any
report to the superintendent.
§ 4. Section 39 of the banking law, as amended by section 3 of part L
of chapter 58 of the laws of 2019, is amended to read as follows:
§ 39. Orders of superintendent. 1. To appear and explain an apparent
violation. Whenever it shall appear to the superintendent that any bank-
ing organization, bank holding company, registered mortgage broker,
licensed mortgage banker, licensed student loan servicer, registered
mortgage loan servicer, licensed mortgage loan originator, licensed
lender, LICENSED EARNED INCOME ACCESS PROVIDER, licensed casher of
checks, licensed sales finance company, licensed insurance premium
finance agency, licensed transmitter of money, licensed budget planner,
out-of-state state bank that maintains a branch or branches or represen-
tative or other offices in this state, or foreign banking corporation
licensed by the superintendent to do business or maintain a represen-
tative office in this state has violated any law or regulation, [he or
she] THE SUPERINTENDENT may, in [his or her] THEIR discretion, issue an
order describing such apparent violation and requiring such banking
organization, bank holding company, registered mortgage broker, licensed
mortgage banker, licensed student loan servicer, licensed mortgage loan
originator, licensed lender, LICENSED EARNED INCOME ACCESS PROVIDER,
licensed casher of checks, licensed sales finance company, licensed
insurance premium finance agency, licensed transmitter of money,
licensed budget planner, out-of-state state bank that maintains a branch
or branches or representative or other offices in this state, or foreign
banking corporation to appear before [him or her] SUCH SUPERINTENDENT,
at a time and place fixed in said order, to present an explanation of
such apparent violation.
2. To discontinue unauthorized or unsafe and unsound practices. When-
ever it shall appear to the superintendent that any banking organiza-
tion, bank holding company, registered mortgage broker, licensed mort-
gage banker, licensed student loan servicer, registered mortgage loan
servicer, licensed mortgage loan originator, licensed lender, LICENSED
EARNED INCOME ACCESS PROVIDER, licensed casher of checks, licensed sales
finance company, licensed insurance premium finance agency, licensed
transmitter of money, licensed budget planner, out-of-state state bank
that maintains a branch or branches or representative or other offices
A. 258 10
in this state, or foreign banking corporation licensed by the super-
intendent to do business in this state is conducting business in an
unauthorized or unsafe and unsound manner, [he or she] THE SUPERINTEN-
DENT may, in [his or her] THEIR discretion, issue an order directing the
discontinuance of such unauthorized or unsafe and unsound practices, and
fixing a time and place at which such banking organization, bank holding
company, registered mortgage broker, licensed mortgage banker, licensed
student loan servicer, registered mortgage loan servicer, licensed mort-
gage loan originator, licensed lender, LICENSED EARNED INCOME ACCESS
PROVIDER, licensed casher of checks, licensed sales finance company,
licensed insurance premium finance agency, licensed transmitter of
money, licensed budget planner, out-of-state state bank that maintains a
branch or branches or representative or other offices in this state, or
foreign banking corporation may voluntarily appear before [him or her]
SUCH SUPERINTENDENT to present any explanation in defense of the prac-
tices directed in said order to be discontinued.
3. To make good impairment of capital or to ensure compliance with
financial requirements. Whenever it shall appear to the superintendent
that the capital or capital stock of any banking organization, bank
holding company or any subsidiary thereof which is organized, licensed
or registered pursuant to this chapter, is impaired, or the financial
requirements imposed by subdivision one of section two hundred two-b of
this chapter or any regulation of the superintendent on any branch or
agency of a foreign banking corporation or the financial requirements
imposed by this chapter or any regulation of the superintendent on any
licensed lender, LICENSED EARNED INCOME ACCESS PROVIDER, registered
mortgage broker, licensed mortgage banker, licensed student loan servi-
cer, licensed casher of checks, licensed sales finance company, licensed
insurance premium finance agency, licensed transmitter of money,
licensed budget planner or private banker are not satisfied, the super-
intendent may, in the superintendent's discretion, issue an order
directing that such banking organization, bank holding company, branch
or agency of a foreign banking corporation, registered mortgage broker,
licensed mortgage banker, licensed student loan servicer, licensed lend-
er, LICENSED EARNED INCOME ACCESS PROVIDER, licensed casher of checks,
licensed sales finance company, licensed insurance premium finance agen-
cy, licensed transmitter of money, licensed budget planner, or private
banker make good such deficiency forthwith or within a time specified in
such order.
4. To make good encroachments on reserves. Whenever it shall appear to
the superintendent that either the total reserves or reserves on hand of
any banking organization, branch or agency of a foreign banking corpo-
ration are below the amount required by or pursuant to this chapter or
any other applicable provision of law or regulation to be maintained, or
that such banking organization, branch or agency of a foreign banking
corporation is not keeping its reserves on hand as required by this
chapter or any other applicable provision of law or regulation, [he or
she] THE SUPERINTENDENT may, in [his or her] THEIR discretion, issue an
order directing that such banking organization, branch or agency of a
foreign banking corporation make good such reserves forthwith or within
a time specified in such order, or that it keep its reserves on hand as
required by this chapter.
5. To keep books and accounts as prescribed. Whenever it shall appear
to the superintendent that any banking organization, bank holding compa-
ny, registered mortgage broker, licensed mortgage banker, licensed
student loan servicer, registered mortgage loan servicer, licensed mort-
A. 258 11
gage loan originator, licensed lender, LICENSED EARNED INCOME ACCESS
PROVIDER, licensed casher of checks, licensed sales finance company,
licensed insurance premium finance agency, licensed transmitter of
money, licensed budget planner, agency or branch of a foreign banking
corporation licensed by the superintendent to do business in this state,
does not keep its books and accounts in such manner as to enable [him or
her] THE SUPERINTENDENT to readily ascertain its true condition, [he or
she] SUCH SUPERINTENDENT may, in [his or her] THEIR discretion, issue an
order requiring such banking organization, bank holding company, regis-
tered mortgage broker, licensed mortgage banker, licensed student loan
servicer, registered mortgage loan servicer, licensed mortgage loan
originator, licensed lender, LICENSED EARNED INCOME ACCESS PROVIDER,
licensed casher of checks, licensed sales finance company, licensed
insurance premium finance agency, licensed transmitter of money,
licensed budget planner, or foreign banking corporation, or the officers
or agents thereof, or any of them, to open and keep such books or
accounts as [he or she] THE SUPERINTENDENT may, in [his or her] THEIR
discretion, determine and prescribe for the purpose of keeping accurate
and convenient records of its transactions and accounts.
6. As used in this section, "bank holding company" shall have the same
meaning as that term is defined in section one hundred forty-one of this
chapter.
§ 5. Paragraph (a) of subdivision 1 of section 44 of the banking law,
as amended by section 4 of part L of chapter 58 of the laws of 2019, is
amended to read as follows:
(a) Without limiting any power granted to the superintendent under any
other provision of this chapter, the superintendent may, in a proceeding
after notice and a hearing, require any safe deposit company, licensed
lender, LICENSED EARNED INCOME ACCESS PROVIDER, licensed casher of
checks, licensed sales finance company, licensed insurance premium
finance agency, licensed transmitter of money, licensed mortgage banker,
licensed student loan servicer, registered mortgage broker, licensed
mortgage loan originator, registered mortgage loan servicer or licensed
budget planner to pay to the people of this state a penalty for any
violation of this chapter, any regulation promulgated thereunder, any
final or temporary order issued pursuant to section thirty-nine of this
article, any condition imposed in writing by the superintendent in
connection with the grant of any application or request, or any written
agreement entered into with the superintendent.
§ 6. 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.