12 USC 5561 - Definitions

Collapse to view only § 5561. Definitions

§ 5561. Definitions
§ 5562.
§ 5563. Hearings and adjudication proceedings
§ 5564. Litigation authority
§ 5565. Relief available
§ 5566. Referrals for criminal proceedings
§ 5567. Employee protection

§ 5561. Definitions

For purposes of this part, the following definitions shall apply:

(1) Bureau investigation

(2) Bureau investigator

(3) Custodian

(4) Documentary material

(5) Violation

(Pub. L. 111–203, title X, § 1051, July 21, 2010, 124 Stat. 2018.)

§ 5562.

(a)

Joint investigations

(1)

In general

(2)

Fair lending

(b)

Subpoenas

(1)

In general

(2)

Failure to obey

(3)

Contempt

(c)

Demands

(1)

In general

Whenever the Bureau has reason to believe that any person may be in possession, custody, or control of any documentary material or tangible things, or may have any information, relevant to a violation, the Bureau may, before the institution of any proceedings under the Federal consumer financial law, issue in writing, and cause to be served upon such person, a civil investigative demand requiring such person to—

(A) produce such documentary material for inspection and copying or reproduction in the form or medium requested by the Bureau;

(B) submit such tangible things;

(D) give oral testimony concerning documentary material, tangible things, or other information; or

(E) furnish any combination of such material, answers, or testimony.

(2)

Requirements

(3)

Production of documents

Each civil investigative demand for the production of documentary material shall—

(A) describe each class of documentary material to be produced under the demand with such definiteness and certainty as to permit such material to be fairly identified;

(B) prescribe a return date or dates which will provide a reasonable period of time within which the material so demanded may be assembled and made available for inspection and copying or reproduction; and

(4)

Production of things

Each civil investigative demand for the submission of tangible things shall—

(A) describe each class of tangible things to be submitted under the demand with such definiteness and certainty as to permit such things to be fairly identified;

(B) prescribe a return date or dates which will provide a reasonable period of time within which the things so demanded may be assembled and submitted; and

(5)

Demand for written reports or answers

Each civil investigative demand for written reports or answers to questions shall—

(A) propound with definiteness and certainty the reports to be produced or the questions to be answered;

(B) prescribe a date or dates at which time written reports or answers to questions shall be submitted; and

(6)

Oral testimony

Each civil investigative demand for the giving of oral testimony shall—

(A) prescribe a date, time, and place at which oral testimony shall be commenced; and

(B) identify a Bureau investigator who shall conduct the investigation and the custodian to whom the transcript of such investigation shall be submitted.

(7)

Service

Any civil investigative demand issued, and any enforcement petition filed, under this section may be served—

(A) by any Bureau investigator at any place within the territorial jurisdiction of any court of the United States; and

(B) upon any person who is not found within the territorial jurisdiction of any court of the United States—

(i) in such manner as the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure prescribe for service in a foreign nation; and

(ii) to the extent that the courts of the United States have authority to assert jurisdiction over such person, consistent with due process, the United States District Court for the District of Columbia shall have the same jurisdiction to take any action respecting compliance with this section by such person that such district court would have if such person were personally within the jurisdiction of such district court.

(8)

Method of service

Service of any civil investigative demand or any enforcement petition filed under this section may be made upon a person, including any legal entity, by—

(A) delivering a duly executed copy of such demand or petition to the individual or to any partner, executive officer, managing agent, or general agent of such person, or to any agent of such person authorized by appointment or by law to receive service of process on behalf of such person;

(B) delivering a duly executed copy of such demand or petition to the principal office or place of business of the person to be served; or

(C) depositing a duly executed copy in the United States mails, by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, duly addressed to such person at the principal office or place of business of such person.

(9)

Proof of service

(A)

In general

(B)

Return receipts

(10)

Production of documentary material

(11)

Submission of tangible things

(12)

Separate answers

(13)

Testimony

(A)

In general

(i)

Oath and recordation

(ii)

Transcription

(iii)

Transmission to custodian

(B)

Parties present

(C)

Location

(D)

Attorney representation

(i)

In general

(ii)

Authority

(iii)

Objections

(iv)

Refusal to answer

If a person described in clause (i) refuses to answer any question—(I) the Bureau may petition the district court of the United States pursuant to this section for an order compelling such person to answer such question; and(II) if the refusal is on grounds of the privilege against self-incrimination, the testimony of such person may be compelled in accordance with the provisions of section 6004 of title 18.

(E)

Transcripts

For purposes of this subsection—

(i) after the testimony of any witness is fully transcribed, the Bureau investigator shall afford the witness (who may be accompanied by an attorney) a reasonable opportunity to examine the transcript;

(ii) the transcript shall be read to or by the witness, unless such examination and reading are waived by the witness;

(iii) any changes in form or substance which the witness desires to make shall be entered and identified upon the transcript by the Bureau investigator, with a statement of the reasons given by the witness for making such changes;

(iv) the transcript shall be signed by the witness, unless the witness in writing waives the signing, is ill, cannot be found, or refuses to sign; and

(v) if the transcript is not signed by the witness during the 30-day period following the date on which the witness is first afforded a reasonable opportunity to examine the transcript, the Bureau investigator shall sign the transcript and state on the record the fact of the waiver, illness, absence of the witness, or the refusal to sign, together with any reasons given for the failure to sign.

(F)

Certification by investigator

(G)

Copy of transcript

(H)

Witness fees

(d)

Confidential treatment of demand material

(1)

In general

(2)

Disclosure to Congress

(e)

Petition for enforcement

(1)

In general

(2)

Service of process

(f)

Petition for order modifying or setting aside demand

(1)

In general

(2)

Compliance during pendency

(3)

Specific grounds

(g)

Custodial control

(h)

Jurisdiction of court

(1)

In general

(2)

Appeal

(Pub. L. 111–203, title X, § 1052, July 21, 2010, 124 Stat. 2019.)

§ 5563. Hearings and adjudication proceedings

(a) In generalThe Bureau is authorized to conduct hearings and adjudication proceedings with respect to any person in the manner prescribed by chapter 5 of title 5 in order to ensure or enforce compliance with—

(1) the provisions of this title,1

1 See References in Text note below.

including any rules prescribed by the Bureau under this title; 1 and

(2) any other Federal law that the Bureau is authorized to enforce, including an enumerated consumer law, and any regulations or order prescribed thereunder, unless such Federal law specifically limits the Bureau from conducting a hearing or adjudication proceeding and only to the extent of such limitation.

(b) Special rules for cease-and-desist proceedings

(1) Orders authorized

(A) In general

(B) Content of notice

(D) Procedure

(2) Effectiveness of order

(3) Decision and appeal

(4) Appeal to court of appeals

(5) No stay

(1) In general

(2) Appeal

(3) Incomplete or inaccurate records

(A) Temporary orderIf a notice of charges served under subsection (b) specifies, on the basis of particular facts and circumstances, that the books and records of a covered person or service provider are so incomplete or inaccurate that the Bureau is unable to determine the financial condition of that person or the details or purpose of any transaction or transactions that may have a material effect on the financial condition of that person, the Bureau may issue a temporary order requiring—

(i) the cessation of any activity or practice which gave rise, whether in whole or in part, to the incomplete or inaccurate state of the books or records; or

(ii) affirmative action to restore such books or records to a complete and accurate state, until the completion of the proceedings under subsection (b)(1).

(B) Effective periodAny temporary order issued under subparagraph (A)—

(i) shall become effective upon service; and

(ii) unless set aside, limited, or suspended by a court in proceedings under paragraph (2), shall remain in effect and enforceable until the earlier of—(I) the completion of the proceeding initiated under subsection (b) in connection with the notice of charges; or(II) the date the Bureau determines, by examination or otherwise, that the books and records of the covered person or service provider are accurate and reflect the financial condition thereof.

(d) Special rules for enforcement of orders

(1) In general

(2) Exception

(e) Rules

(Pub. L. 111–203, title X, § 1053, July 21, 2010, 124 Stat. 2025.)

§ 5564. Litigation authority

(a) In general

(b) Representation

(d) Notice to the Attorney General

(1) In general

(2) Notice and coordination

(A) Notice of other actions

(B) Coordination

(e) Appearance before the Supreme Court

(f) Forum

(g) Time for bringing action

(1) In general

(2) Limitations under other Federal laws

(A) In general

(B) Bureau authority

(Pub. L. 111–203, title X, § 1054, July 21, 2010, 124 Stat. 2028.)

§ 5565. Relief available

(a) Administrative proceedings or court actions

(1) Jurisdiction

(2) Relief

Relief under this section may include, without limitation—

(A) rescission or reformation of contracts;

(B) refund of moneys or return of real property;

(D) disgorgement or compensation for unjust enrichment;

(E) payment of damages or other monetary relief;

(F) public notification regarding the violation, including the costs of notification;

(G) limits on the activities or functions of the person; and

(H) civil money penalties, as set forth more fully in subsection (c).

(3) No exemplary or punitive damages

(b) Recovery of costs

(1) In general

(2) Penalty amounts

(A) First tier

(B) Second tier

(3) Mitigating factors

In determining the amount of any penalty assessed under paragraph (2), the Bureau or the court shall take into account the appropriateness of the penalty with respect to—

(A) the size of financial resources and good faith of the person charged;

(B) the gravity of the violation or failure to pay;

(C) the severity of the risks to or losses of the consumer, which may take into account the number of products or services sold or provided;

(D) the history of previous violations; and

(E) such other matters as justice may require.

(4) Authority to modify or remit penalty

(5) Notice and hearing

No civil penalty may be assessed under this subsection with respect to a violation of any Federal consumer financial law, unless—

(A) the Bureau gives notice and an opportunity for a hearing to the person accused of the violation; or

(B) the appropriate court has ordered such assessment and entered judgment in favor of the Bureau.

(Pub. L. 111–203, title X, § 1055, July 21, 2010, 124 Stat. 2029.)

§ 5566. Referrals for criminal proceedings

If the Bureau obtains evidence that any person, domestic or foreign, has engaged in conduct that may constitute a violation of Federal criminal law, the Bureau shall transmit such evidence to the Attorney General of the United States, who may institute criminal proceedings under appropriate law. Nothing in this section affects any other authority of the Bureau to disclose information.

(Pub. L. 111–203, title X, § 1056, July 21, 2010, 124 Stat. 2031.)

§ 5567. Employee protection

(a) In general

No covered person or service provider shall terminate or in any other way discriminate against, or cause to be terminated or discriminated against, any covered employee or any authorized representative of covered employees by reason of the fact that such employee or representative, whether at the initiative of the employee or in the ordinary course of the duties of the employee (or any person acting pursuant to a request of the employee), has—

(1) provided, caused to be provided, or is about to provide or cause to be provided, information to the employer, the Bureau, or any other State, local, or Federal, government authority or law enforcement agency relating to any violation of, or any act or omission that the employee reasonably believes to be a violation of, any provision of this title 1

1 See References in Text note below.

or any other provision of law that is subject to the jurisdiction of the Bureau, or any rule, order, standard, or prohibition prescribed by the Bureau;

(2) testified or will testify in any proceeding resulting from the administration or enforcement of any provision of this title 1 or any other provision of law that is subject to the jurisdiction of the Bureau, or any rule, order, standard, or prohibition prescribed by the Bureau;

(3) filed, instituted, or caused to be filed or instituted any proceeding under any Federal consumer financial law; or

(4) objected to, or refused to participate in, any activity, policy, practice, or assigned task that the employee (or other such person) reasonably believed to be in violation of any law, rule, order, standard, or prohibition, subject to the jurisdiction of, or enforceable by, the Bureau.

(b) Definition of covered employee

(1) Complaint

(A) In general

(B) Actions of Secretary of Labor

Upon receipt of such a complaint, the Secretary of Labor shall notify, in writing, the person named in the complaint who is alleged to have committed the violation, of—

(i) the filing of the complaint;

(ii) the allegations contained in the complaint;

(iii) the substance of evidence supporting the complaint; and

(iv) opportunities that will be afforded to such person under paragraph (2).

(2) Investigation by Secretary of Labor

(A) In general

Not later than 60 days after the date of receipt of a complaint filed under paragraph (1), and after affording the complainant and the person named in the complaint who is alleged to have committed the violation that is the basis for the complaint an opportunity to submit to the Secretary of Labor a written response to the complaint and an opportunity to meet with a representative of the Secretary of Labor to present statements from witnesses, the Secretary of Labor shall—

(i) initiate an investigation and determine whether there is reasonable cause to believe that the complaint has merit; and

(ii) notify the complainant and the person alleged to have committed the violation of subsection (a), in writing, of such determination.

(B) Notice of relief available

(3) Grounds for determination of complaints

(A) In general

(B) Rebuttal evidence

(4) Issuance of final orders; review procedures

(A) Timing

(B) Penalties

(i) Order of Secretary of Labor

If, in response to a complaint filed under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Labor determines that a violation of subsection (a) has occurred, the Secretary of Labor shall order the person who committed such violation—

(I) to take affirmative action to abate the violation;(II) to reinstate the complainant to his or her former position, together with compensation (including back pay) and restore the terms, conditions, and privileges associated with his or her employment; and(III) to provide compensatory damages to the complainant.

(ii) Penalty

(D) De novo review

(i) Failure of the Secretary to act

(ii) Procedures

A proceeding under clause (i) shall be governed by the same legal burdens of proof specified in paragraph (3). The court shall have jurisdiction to grant all relief necessary to make the employee whole, including injunctive relief and compensatory damages, including—

(I) reinstatement with the same seniority status that the employee would have had, but for the discharge or discrimination;(II) the amount of back pay, with interest; and(III) compensation for any special damages sustained as a result of the discharge or discrimination, including litigation costs, expert witness fees, and reasonable attorney fees.

(E) Other appeals

(5) Failure to comply with order

(A) Actions by the Secretary

(B) Civil actions to compel compliance

(D) Mandamus proceedings

(d) Unenforceability of certain agreements

(1) No waiver of rights and remedies

(2) No predispute arbitration agreements

(3) Exception

(Pub. L. 111–203, title X, § 1057, July 21, 2010, 124 Stat. 2031.)