[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 246 (Thursday, December 23, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 80813-80817]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-32230]


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FEDERAL FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS EXAMINATION COUNCIL

[Docket No. AS10-12]


Appraisal Subcommittee (ASC); ASC Rules of Operation; Amended

AGENCY: Appraisal Subcommittee of the Federal Financial Institutions 
Examination Council.

ACTION: Notice of adoption of amended ASC Rules of Operation by vote of 
the ASC at its December 8, 2010 meeting. The amended ASC Rules of 
Operation supersede the ASC Rules of Operation as published in 56 FR 
28561 (June 21, 1991), and as previously amended by 56 FR 33451 (July 
22, 1991); therefore, 56 FR 28561 and 56 FR 33451 will be withdrawn, 
removed, and deleted upon publication of the amended ASC Rules of 
Operation.

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SUMMARY: This notice announces the Appraisal Subcommittee (ASC) of the 
Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council's (FFIEC) adoption 
of its amended ASC Rules of Operation. The ASC Rules of Operation serve 
as corporate bylaws outlining the ASC's purpose, functions, authority, 
organization and operation.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 1102 (12 U.S.C. 3310) of Title XI of 
the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 
1989 (Title XI) established the ASC. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform 
and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the Dodd-Frank Act) amended 
numerous provisions in Title XI. The amended ASC Rules of Operation 
reflect the amendments to Title XI brought about by the Dodd-Frank Act, 
and describe, among other things, the organization of ASC meetings, 
notice requirements for meetings, quorum requirements, and certain 
practices regarding the disclosure of information.

DATES: Effective Date: Immediately.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James R. Park, Executive Director, at 
(202) 595-7575, or Alice M. Ritter, General Counsel, at (202) 595-7577, 
via Internet e-mail at [email protected] and [email protected], respectively, or 
by U.S. Mail at Appraisal Subcommittee, 1401 H Street, NW., Suite 760, 
Washington, DC 20005.
* * * * *

ASC Rules of Operation

Article I

Nature and Purpose

    Section 1.01. Appraisal Subcommittee Established.
    The Appraisal Subcommittee (ASC) is established by Title XI of the 
Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 
(Title XI), as amended by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and 
Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (Dodd-Frank Act).
    Section 1.02. Definitions.
    (1) Appraisal Subcommittee; ASC. The terms ``Appraisal 
Subcommittee'' and ``ASC'' mean the Appraisal Subcommittee of the 
Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council.
    (2) Title XI. The term ``Title XI'' means Title XI of the Financial 
Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 (Pub. L 101-
73, 103 Stat. 511 (1989) 12 U.S.C. 3310, 3331-3351).
    (3) Federal financial institutions regulatory agencies. The term 
``Federal financial institutions regulatory agencies'' means the Board 
of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Deposit 
Insurance Corporation, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, 
the Office of Thrift Supervision, and the National Credit Union 
Administration.
    (4) ASC members. The term ``ASC members'' means those persons 
designated as representatives to the Appraisal Subcommittee pursuant 
to:
    a) section 1011 of the Federal Financial Institutions Examination 
Council Act of 1978 (12 U.S.C. 3310), as added by section 1102 of Title 
XI and amended by section 1473(s) of the Dodd-Frank Act; and
    b) the Department of Housing and Urban Development pursuant to 12 
U.S.C. 1708(e)(2).
    (5) Member agency. The term ``member agency'' means those agencies 
authorized to appoint designees to the Appraisal Subcommittee described 
in:
    a) section 1011 of the Federal Financial Institutions Examination 
Council Act of 1978 (12 U.S.C. 3310), as added by section 1102 of Title 
XI and amended by section 1473(s) of the Dodd-Frank Act; and
    b) the Department of Housing and Urban Development pursuant to 12 
U.S.C. 1708(e)(2).
    (6) Council. The term ``Council'' means the Federal Financial 
Institutions Examinations Council.
    (7) Chairperson. The term ``Chairperson'' means the Chairperson of

[[Page 80814]]

the Appraisal Subcommittee selected by the Council.
    (8) Vice Chairperson. The term ``Vice Chairperson'' means the Vice 
Chairperson of the Appraisal Subcommittee serving as either the 
outgoing Chairperson, or selected by the Appraisal Subcommittee in 
accordance with section 3.04.a below.
    (9) Secretary. The term ``Secretary'' means the Executive Director 
of the Appraisal Subcommittee of the Federal Financial Institutions 
Examination Council, or his/her designee. The Secretary may delegate 
the ministerial duties of Secretary to staff.
    (10) Staff. The term ``staff'' means the office personnel of the 
Appraisal Subcommittee of the Federal Financial Institutions 
Examination Council.
    (11) Meeting. The term ``meeting'' means the deliberations 
(including those conducted by conference telephone call, or by any 
other method) of at least four ASC members where such deliberations 
determine or result in the joint conduct or disposition of agency 
business. Meetings may be held in open session or closed session as 
authorized by law. (See sections 3.06 thru 3.09 below.)
    (12) Open Session. The term ``open session'' means a properly 
noticed meeting, pursuant to section 3.07 below, of the ASC that is 
open to public observation. Members of the public are welcome to attend 
and observe, but are required to notify staff in advance in accordance 
with established policy.
    (13) Closed Session. The term ``closed session'' means a properly 
noticed meeting, pursuant to section 3.07 below, of the ASC that is 
closed to attendance by ASC members only, and any other persons 
requested to be in attendance by the ASC members. The ASC may meet in 
closed session to discuss personnel matters, and/or to discuss 
Compliance Reviews prior to taking action on final Compliance Review 
Reports. The subject matter discussed in any closed session shall be 
described in the Federal Register notice of the meeting.
    (14) Briefing. The term ``briefing'' typically means informal 
background discussions among ASC members and staff which clarify issues 
and expose varying views. A briefing is not a meeting, and as such, is 
not subject to notice or open session meeting provisions. Briefings may 
be called by the Chairperson, ASC members or staff. Briefings may be 
held by any means preferable to those attending. Summary notes shall be 
taken concerning matters discussed. Briefings may also include sessions 
with individuals from outside the agency where ASC members listen to a 
presentation and may elicit additional information.
    (15) Notation Vote. The term ``notation vote'' means transaction of 
business, in accordance with section 3.13 below, by circulation of 
written items, when it has been determined that the business to be 
conducted is routine or noncontroversial.
    (16) Federally related transaction. The term ``federally related 
transaction'' means any real estate-related financial transaction 
which--
    (A) a Federal financial institutions regulatory agency engages in, 
contracts for, or regulates; and
    (B) requires the services of an appraiser.
    Section 1.03. ASC Functions.
    The functions of the ASC are set forth in section 1103 of Title XI 
(12 U.S.C. 3332).
    Section 1.04. Authority.
    Except as otherwise provided in Title XI, all authority for 
carrying out the functions of the ASC shall reside in the ASC; however, 
from time to time, the ASC may delegate any of its authority as it 
deems appropriate to ASC members, officers, or employees pursuant to 
the ASC Delegations of Authority, or other documents, including, but 
not limited to, ASC regulations, Policy Statements, manuals, position 
descriptions, orders and certain instructions, or as otherwise 
authorized by law. As provided in section 1105 of Title XI (l2 U.S.C. 
3334), the Chairperson of the ASC shall have authority to appoint such 
officers and staff as may be necessary to carry out the functions of 
the ASC.

Article 11

Assessments

    Section 2.01. Assessments.
    In accordance with section 1109 of Title XI (12 U.S.C. 3338), the 
ASC shall have the authority to receive an annual fee of not more than 
$40 from each State licensed or certified appraiser eligible to perform 
appraisals in federally related transactions. The fee may be modified 
up to a maximum of $80 per annum in accordance with section 1109 
(a)(4)(A) of Title XI. At such time that section 1124 (a) and (e) of 
Title XI are implemented, thereby requiring payment of the annual 
registry fee by appraisal management companies, the ASC shall have the 
authority to receive an annual fee from each appraisal management 
company in accordance with section 1109 (a)(4)(B) of Title XI.

Article III

Organization and Operation of the ASC

    Section 3.01. ASC Members.
    The members of the ASC shall be those persons described in section 
1102 of Title XI (12 U.S.C. 3310), and, pursuant to 12 U.S.C. 
1708(e)(2), the Secretary (or designee) of the Department of Housing 
and Urban Development. (See section 1.02 (4)).
    Section 3.02. General Powers.
    The affairs, business and property of the ASC shall be managed by 
the Chairperson of the ASC pursuant to the ASC's direction and the 
ASC's powers shall include those set forth in section 1106 of Title XI 
(12 U.S.C. 3335). The Subcommittee does not have the authority to lease 
office space in its own name and must rely on the General Services 
Administration (GSA) for the procurement of office space by entering 
into an occupancy agreement with the GSA for space leased by the GSA.
    Section 3.03. Compensation and Expenses of ASC Members.
    Each ASC member shall serve on the ASC without compensation other 
than that received from their respective employing Federal agency; but 
each ASC member shall be entitled to an advance or reimbursement for 
reasonable expenses in carrying out their official duties as an ASC 
member. Such advance or reimbursement shall be made only upon written 
request accompanied by adequate documentation of such expenses.
    Section 3.04. Chairperson of the ASC.
    In accordance with section 1104(a) of Title XI (12 U.S.C. 3333(a), 
the Council shall elect a Chairperson of the ASC. The term of office of 
the Chairperson shall be for a two-year term. The Chairperson's term 
shall expire on March 31 every other year. The Chairperson shall carry 
out all duties required by Title XI and these Rules, and shall perform 
such other duties as from time to time may be assigned by the ASC.
    Section 3.04.a Vice Chairperson of the ASC.
    The outgoing Chairperson shall serve as the Vice Chairperson for a 
period of one year, with the term ending March 31. During the March 
meeting, the ASC shall vote upon a Vice Chairperson to serve for the 
next one-year term, which shall coincide with the 2nd year of the 
Chairperson's two-year term. It is anticipated that the Vice 
Chairperson could serve as the next Chairperson, if so elected by the 
Council. The Vice Chairperson shall assist the Chairperson as needed, 
and shall act on behalf of the ASC in the absence or incapacity of the 
Chairperson.
    Section 3.05. ASC member Vacating Position in Respective Agency.
    A person shall remain an ASC member of the ASC until that person 
resigns or is no longer employed by the designating agency, or until 
the agency

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head designates a replacement. If the vacating ASC member is 
Chairperson of the ASC, a succeeding Chairperson shall be selected by 
the Council under section 1104(a) of Title XI (12 U.S.C. 3333(a)).
    Section 3.06. Organization of ASC Meetings.
    (a) The Chairperson of the ASC shall preside at ASC meetings. In 
his or her absence, the Vice Chairperson shall preside at such ASC 
meeting.
    (b) The ASC shall hold its meetings in public session, but may 
close certain portions of its meetings related to personnel matters, or 
to discuss Compliance Reviews prior to taking action on final 
Compliance Review Reports. The subject matter discussed in any closed 
or executive session shall be described in the Federal Register notice 
of the meeting.
    (c) The Secretary shall draft and transmit the minutes of the 
meeting to each ASC member. The Secretary shall be responsible for 
recording the minutes, including the full text of each resolution voted 
on by the ASC and the substance of each action voted on by the ASC as 
well as the vote. The Secretary will be responsible for certifying or 
attesting to true copies of the minutes, or other documents, stating 
that actions were in fact taken by the ASC. The Secretary will also be 
responsible for maintaining and preserving at a single place, available 
for inspection at reasonable times by any ASC member or any person 
designated by any ASC member, the complete minutes of the proceedings 
of the ASC.
    (d) Regular meetings of the ASC shall be held in Washington, DC, at 
a location designated by the Chairperson, or in such other place as the 
ASC may designate. Special meetings shall be held in such place and at 
such location as designated by the calling party or parties. Regular 
and special meetings shall be noticed as set forth in section 3.07(a) 
and (b) below.
    (e) Regular meetings of the ASC shall be held at least monthly, 
unless not practicable, at the call of the Chairperson. Special 
meetings shall be held as provided in section 3.07(b) below.
    Section 3.07. Notice of Meetings.
    (a) The Secretary shall send a notice of each regular meeting, 
whether open session or closed session, to the Federal Register for 
publication at least seven (7) days prior to the date the regular 
meeting is to be held, and to each ASC member by facsimile or email at 
least seven (7) days prior to the date of the regular meeting. Every 
regular meeting notice shall specify the date, time, place and subject 
matter of the meeting.
    (b) The Chairperson or any four (4) or more ASC members may call a 
special meeting, in which case, notice posting date, time, place and 
subject matter of the special meeting shall be published in the Federal 
Register and distributed to each ASC member as soon as practicable.
    (c) A waiver of any meeting notice signed by an ASC member shall be 
the equivalent of timely receipt by that ASC member of notice. An ASC 
member's attendance at any meeting shall constitute waiver of notice of 
that meeting unless the ASC member attends solely for the purpose of 
objecting to the transaction of any business because the meeting was 
not lawfully called or convened.
    Section 3.08. Quorum, Manner of Acting and Adjournment.
    (a) At any regular or special meeting, the presence of a majority 
of the ASC members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of 
business. For the purpose of the preceding sentence, an alternate will 
count only if he/she has been so designated in writing by the head of 
the respective member agency. The acts voted by a majority of ASC 
members present at such meeting shall be the acts of the ASC. An ASC 
member who is present at a meeting but who abstains from voting on any 
matter shall be counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum is 
present, whether that ASC member withdraws from or remains in the 
meeting during such vote. A majority of the ASC members present at any 
meeting, whether or not there is a quorum present, may adjourn the 
meeting. In transacting the business of the ASC, each ASC member shall 
be entitled to only one vote.
    (b) No item shall be voted upon by the ASC except (1) where notice 
that the item will be on the agenda of a regular meeting has been given 
pursuant to section 3.07 above, (2) where written notice that the item 
will be on the agenda of any meeting is delivered to each ASC member at 
least two (2) full business days prior to the date of such meeting, or 
(3) upon the unanimous consent of all ASC members.
    Section 3.09. Agenda of ASC Meetings.
    (a) The agenda for meetings shall be determined by the Chairperson 
in consultation with the Secretary, or where appropriate by the four 
(4) or more ASC members calling the meeting; provided that the 
Chairperson shall include any item on the agenda when he/she receives a 
request in writing from any single ASC member at least three (3) full 
business days prior to the date of the meeting.
    (b) Any ASC member may request during any regular or special 
meeting that an item be placed on the agenda of that meeting. The item 
shall be placed on the agenda for discussion but only if a majority of 
those present approve the request.
    Section 3.10. Certain Interest of the ASC members.
    No person serving as an officer or employee of the ASC shall be 
deemed to have an interest adverse to the interest of the ASC solely 
because that person is employed by a Federal agency and assigned to the 
ASC. No ASC member shall be required to abstain from voting on any 
matter solely because the Federal agency employing that member is or 
will be affected. No act of the ASC shall be subject to challenge, or 
in any way be affected by participation of said ASC member in such 
vote.
    Section 3.11. Proxies.
    A member agency may designate an alternate from his or her agency 
to carry out the ASC member's duties. Such alternate may act in all 
matters as an ASC member, except that he/she may not act as the 
presiding officer of an ASC meeting.
    Section 3.12. Use of Conference Call Communications Equipment.
    Any or all ASC members may participate in a meeting through the use 
of conference call telephone or similar communications equipment, by 
means of which all persons participating in the meeting can 
simultaneously speak and hear each other. Any ASC member so 
participating in the meeting shall be deemed to be present for all 
purposes. Actions taken by the ASC at meetings where one or more ASC 
members participate through the use of such equipment, including the 
votes of each ASC member, shall be recorded in the minutes of the 
meeting.
    Section 3.13. Notation Vote: Transaction of Business by Circulation 
of Written Items.
    Any other provision of these Rules to the contrary notwithstanding, 
business may be conducted by the ASC by the circulation of written 
items to all ASC members. The Secretary, in consultation with the 
Chairperson: (1) Shall determine whether items qualify for this 
expedited voting method because they are routine or noncontroversial; 
and (2) shall specify a deadline for the receipt of ASC members' 
responses. Qualifying items may be transmitted in paper or electronic 
format. The Secretary shall confirm each ASC member's actual receipt of 
items, and the response period shall be measured from the day of actual 
receipt. ASC members may vote in one of three ways: approve,

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disapprove or veto. The matter shall be approved or disapproved by a 
majority vote of the ASC members participating in the voting process, 
so long as the voting ASC members comprise a quorum, as generally 
defined in Section 3.08(a). A vote to veto will cause the matter to be 
placed on the agenda of the next scheduled ASC meeting, as governed by 
Section 3.09. The disposition of each written item circulated for vote, 
including the vote of each ASC member, shall be recorded in the minutes 
of the next meeting of the ASC following the date the notation vote 
closed.

Article IV

Officers and Employees

    Section 4.01. Permanent Officers and Employees.
    (a) Except as otherwise specifically directed by the ASC, its 
Chairperson shall have power to appoint and terminate such officers and 
employees as from time to time are deemed necessary to carry out the 
ASC's mission. Position descriptions will be written for all permanent 
personnel employed by the ASC. Procedures relative to the appointment, 
termination, and compensation practices of the ASC shall be consistent 
with the appointment and compensation practices of the Council, or in 
accord with the policies set forth in Title 5, United States Code and 
applicable OPM rules and regulations.
    (b) The ASC may adopt from time to time such rules or regulations 
governing the conduct of officers and employees as it deems 
appropriate.
    Section 4.02. Officers and Employees Detailed From Federal 
Agencies.
    Any person in the employ of any Federal agency detailed to the ASC 
shall be considered an officer or employee of the ASC. Such persons 
shall be assigned to and serve the ASC for a designated, but renewable, 
period of time, and salaries and benefits received by such officers or 
employees shall be paid to them by the agency from which that officer 
or employee is assigned. All salaries and benefits received by such 
officers and employees shall be reimbursed by the ASC to the detailee's 
home agency. Each Federal agency will apply its own rules, regulations, 
and policies to the circumstances under which officers or employees 
assigned to the ASC may resume their duties at that agency upon 
termination of assignment to the ASC.

Article V

Fiscal Year

    Section 5.01. Fiscal Year.
    The ASC budget shall be prepared on the basis of a fiscal year 
ending on September 30th.

Article VI

Amendments

    Section 6.01. Amendments. Unless specifically stated herein, any of 
these Rules may be altered, amended or repealed, or new Rules may be 
adopted at any meeting, regular or special, of the ASC by the 
affirmative act of a majority of all ASC members, so long as such 
action is consistent with the requirements of applicable law. 
Amendments to these Rules shall not be given retroactive effect.

Article VII

Public Information

    Section 7.01. Freedom of Information Act.
    The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a Federal law that gives 
the public the right to make requests for Federal agency records. All 
Federal agencies are required to make requested records available 
unless the records are protected from disclosure by certain FOIA 
exemptions. The ASC has adopted regulations (12 CFR 1102). Subpart D of 
the regulations implements FOIA and describes the procedures for 
persons to request documents from the ASC. This information is also 
available on the ASC website at www.asc.gov.
    Section 7.02. Public Statements and Statements to the Press.
    No written statements shall be made to the press expressing the 
ASC's policy or descriptive of its action except as authorized by the 
ASC. Such statements shall be issued, when authorized and approved, 
through the office of the Executive Director as delegated by the 
Chairperson. Where an individual ASC member is responding on issues 
pending before the ASC, that ASC member should use best efforts to 
alert other ASC members and the Secretary concerning the substance of 
the response as soon as possible.
    Section 7.03. Disclaimer.
    Except when otherwise authorized by the ASC, individual ASC 
members, officers and employees shall include in written statements and 
oral presentations the following disclaimer of responsibility:
    The Appraisal Subcommittee, as a matter of policy, disclaims 
responsibility for any private publication or statement by any of its 
Subcommittee members, officers, or employees. The views expressed 
herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views 
of the Subcommittee.
    The wording of the disclaimer may vary with the circumstances so 
long as its substance is clearly communicated. Any written statement or 
oral presentation which reflects Subcommittee positions must set forth 
those positions accurately and, if it contains differences with 
Subcommittee positions, it should clearly state that such positions are 
solely those of the author.

Article VIII

Advisory Committee

    Section 8.01. Appointment of an Advisory Group.
    Subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App. 1-14) 
and to such procedures as it may from time to time adopt, the ASC may 
establish nonvoting advisory group(s). Such advisory group(s) shall 
meet with the ASC on a schedule determined by the ASC. Members of the 
advisory group(s) may receive from the ASC an allowance, in an amount 
to be determined by the ASC, for necessary expenses incurred in 
attending such meetings.

Article IX

Administrative Support

    Section 9.01. Service of Administrative Support.
    (a) To insure that the orderly administration of the affairs of the 
ASC is accomplished, administrative support functions shall be provided 
by the permanent staff of the ASC with assistance, when needed, from 
staff of the member agencies.
    (b) The Chairperson shall have the authority to negotiate and 
execute agreements regarding personnel, payroll, grant administration, 
procurement, and other services, consistent with directives of the ASC. 
In executing this authority, the Chairperson shall be authorized to 
obtain such administrative support services as he/she deems necessary.

Article X

Report to Congress

    Section 10.01. Annual Report to Congress.
    In accordance with section 1103 of Title XI (12 U.S.C. 3332), the 
ASC shall transmit an annual report to Congress not later than June 15 
of each year that describes the manner in which each function assigned 
to the Appraisal Subcommittee has been carried out during the preceding 
year. The report shall also detail the activities of the Appraisal 
Subcommittee, including the results of Compliance Reviews of State 
appraiser regulatory agencies, and provide an accounting of disapproved

[[Page 80817]]

actions and warnings taken in the previous year, including a 
description of the conditions causing the disapproval and actions taken 
to achieve compliance.
    Section 10.02. Preparation of Reports.
    The Executive Director or other party as designated by the ASC is 
directed to prepare in a timely fashion, for review and approval by the 
ASC, the annual report and such other documents concerning the 
activities or decisions or recommendations of the ASC as is required by 
law or requested by the Congress or any other party.

Article XI

Conduct

    Section 11.01. Ethics Provision.
    The ASC members of the ASC and its officers and employees shall be 
required to abide by a code of ethics, consistent with applicable law.
* * * * *

    By the Appraisal Subcommittee.

    Dated: December 17, 2010.
Deborah S. Merkle,
Chairman.
[FR Doc. 2010-32230 Filed 12-22-10; 8:45 am]
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