USC Subchapter VII

in effect

12 U.S.C. § 5621 Purpose

The purpose of this subchapter is to encourage initiatives for financial products and services that are appropriate and accessible for millions of Americans who are not fully incorporated into the financial mainstream.

12 U.S.C. § 5622 Definitions

In this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply: (1) AccountThe term “account” means an agreement between an individual and an eligible entity under which the individual obtains from or through the entity 1 or more banking products and services, and includes a deposit account, a savings account (including a money market savings account), an account for a closed-end loan, and other products or services, as the Secretary deems appropriate. (2) Community development financial institutionThe term “community development financial institution” has the same meaning as in section 4702(5) of this title. (3) Eligible entityThe term “eligible entity” means—(A) an organization described in section 501(c)(3) of title 26, and exempt from tax under section 501(a) of such title; (B) a federally insured depository institution; (C) a community development financial institution; (D) a State, local, or tribal government entity; or (E) a partnership or other joint venture comprised of 1 or more of the entities described in subparagraphs (A) through (D), in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary under this subchapter. (4) Federally insured depository institutionThe term “federally insured depository institution” means any insured depository institution (as that term is defined in section 1813 of this title) and any insured credit union (as that term is defined in section 1752 of this title).

12 U.S.C. § 5623 Expanded access to mainstream financial institutions

(a) In generalThe Secretary is authorized to establish a multiyear program of grants, cooperative agreements, financial agency agreements, and similar contracts or undertakings to promote initiatives designed—(1) to enable low- and moderate-income individuals to establish one or more accounts in a federally insured depository institution that are appropriate to meet the financial needs of such individuals; and (2) to improve access to the provision of accounts, on reasonable terms, for low- and moderate-income individuals. (b) Program eligibility and activities(1) In generalThe Secretary shall restrict participation in any program established under subsection (a) to an eligible entity. Subject to regulations prescribed by the Secretary under this subchapter, 1 or more eligible entities may participate in 1 or several programs established under subsection (a). (2) Account activitiesSubject to regulations prescribed by the Secretary, an eligible entity may, in participating in a program established under subsection (a), offer or provide to low- and moderate-income individuals products and services relating to accounts, including—(A) small-dollar value loans; and (B) financial education and counseling relating to conducting transactions in and managing accounts.

12 U.S.C. § 5624 Low-cost alternatives to small dollar loans

(a) Grants authorizedThe Secretary is authorized to establish multiyear demonstration programs by means of grants, cooperative agreements, financial agency agreements, and similar contracts or undertakings, with eligible entities to provide low-cost, small loans to consumers that will provide alternatives to more costly small dollar loans. (b) Terms and conditions(1) In generalLoans under this section shall be made on terms and conditions, and pursuant to lending practices, that are reasonable for consumers. (2) Financial literacy and education opportunities(A) In generalEach eligible entity awarded a grant under this section shall promote and take appropriate steps to ensure the provision of financial literacy and education opportunities, such as relevant counseling services, educational courses, or wealth building programs, to each consumer provided with a loan pursuant to this section. (B) Authority to expand accessAs part of the grants, agreements, and undertakings established under this section, the Secretary may implement reasonable measures or programs designed to expand access to financial literacy and education opportunities, including relevant counseling services, educational courses, or wealth building programs to be provided to individuals who obtain loans from eligible entities under this section.

12 U.S.C. § 5625 Procedural provisions

An eligible entity desiring to participate in a program or obtain a grant under this subchapter shall submit an application to the Secretary, in such form and containing such information as the Secretary may require.

12 U.S.C. § 5626 Authorization of appropriations

(a) Authorization to the SecretaryThere are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary, such sums as are necessary to both administer and fund the programs and projects authorized by this subchapter, to remain available until expended. (b) Authorization to the FundThere is authorized to be appropriated to the Fund for each fiscal year beginning in fiscal year 2010, an amount equal to the amount of the administrative costs of the Fund for the operation of the grant program established under this subchapter.

12 U.S.C. § 5627 Regulations

(a) In generalThe Secretary is authorized to promulgate regulations to implement and administer the grant programs and undertakings authorized by this subchapter. (b) Regulatory authorityRegulations prescribed under this section may contain such classifications, differentiations, or other provisions, and may provide for such adjustments and exceptions for any class of grant programs, undertakings, or eligible entities, as, in the judgment of the Secretary, are necessary or proper to effectuate the purposes of this subchapter, to prevent circumvention or evasion of this subchapter, or to facilitate compliance with this subchapter.

12 U.S.C. § 5628 Evaluation and reports to Congress

For each fiscal year in which a program or project is carried out under this subchapter, the Secretary shall submit a report to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives containing a description of the activities funded, amounts distributed, and measurable results, as appropriate and available.