[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 120 (Friday, June 21, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29034-29038]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-12988]



[[Page 29034]]

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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Housing Service

7 CFR Parts 3550 and 3555

RIN 0575-AD13


Single Family Housing Direct and Guaranteed Loan Programs

AGENCY: Rural Housing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Rural Housing Service (RHS or Agency) published a proposed 
rule on August 31, 2018 to amend its regulations for the direct and 
guaranteed single family housing loan and grant programs. Through this 
action, RHS finalizes the rule as final based on public comments, but 
with a revision to the definition of rural area to cite the statute 
which defines rural area and with a technical correction to the 
suspension or debarment requirement.

DATES: Effective on July 22, 2019, except for the amendment to Sec.  
3550.63 which is effective on August 5, 2019.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shannon Chase, Finance and Loan 
Analyst, Single Family Housing Direct Loan Origination Branch, USDA 
Rural Development, STOP 0783, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 
20250-0783, Telephone: (515) 305-0399. Email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    In order to improve the delivery of the single family housing loan 
programs and to promote consistency among the programs when 
appropriate, RHS will make the following revisions to 7 CFR parts 3550 
and 3555.
    (1) Revising the definition of rural area in Sec.  3550.10 to refer 
to the definition found in section 520 of the Housing Act of 1949, as 
amended; and very low-, low-, and moderate-income definitions to allow 
for a two-tier income limit structure (income banding) for the single 
family housing direct loan and grant programs.
    The revision to the rural area definition is technical in nature, 
as the Agency's definition is already derived from the definition in 
section 520 of the Housing Act of 1949, as amended. The revision will 
minimize the need for the Agency to update its regulation and Handbooks 
in response to future changes to section 520 of the Housing Act of 
1949, as amended.
    The revisions to the income definitions will help minimize the 
impact of varying minimum wages established by the states and 
territories and the observed disconnect between minimum wages and the 
low median income in many areas. Under current regulations, the income 
of a household with two people earning the minimum wage would exceed 
the low-income eligibility limit in 39 to 93 percent of the counties in 
16 states and territories. In other words, under current regulations 
and income limits, the income from a two-person household earning 
minimum wage may be considered too high to qualify for a direct loan.
    In accordance with Section 501(b)(4) of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 
U.S.C. 1471(b)(4)), the terms ``low income families or persons'' and 
``very low-income families or persons'' mean those families and persons 
whose income do not exceed the respective levels established for low-
income families and very low-income families under the United States 
Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437 et seq.). The income levels in the 
Housing Act of 1937 are generally established by the U.S. Department of 
Housing and Urban Development (HUD). RHS currently uses the HUD income 
levels without income banding. However, HUD programs authorized by the 
Housing Act of 1937 focus on renting as opposed to home purchases, 
which contributes to the disqualification of households with minimum 
wage earners as described above. The Agency has been operating a pilot 
in 23 states to test the alternate methodology of a two-tier income 
limit structure to address this issue.
    For the pilot, the Agency used the authority in 42 U.S.C. 
1437a(b)(2)(D), which provides for HUD and USDA to consult on income 
ceilings for rural areas, taking into account the types of programs 
that will use the income ceilings as well as subsidy characteristics. 
Based on this authority, the Agency used a two-tier income limit 
structure for the single family housing programs which bands together 
1-4 person households using the 4-person income level set by HUD, and 
5-8 person households using the 8-person income level established by 
HUD. The pilot has successfully served more borrowers, providing 
meaningful homeownership opportunities to those who would otherwise be 
denied. The Agency will use income banding to determine all limits for 
very low-income, low-income, moderate-income, 38 year term and adjusted 
median income.
    Such banding has successfully been used to establish the moderate 
income limits in the guaranteed single family housing loan program for 
years (the term ``moderate income'' is not defined in Section 501(b)(4) 
of the Housing Act of 1949 and therefore is not restricted in the same 
way as ``very low-'' and ``low-income'').
    The Agency has consulted with HUD, and both agencies agree that the 
two-tier income limit approach is suitable for the USDA single family 
housing loan and grant programs. The impacted income definitions in 
Sec.  3550.10 are revised to state that the respective limit is ``an 
adjusted income limit developed in consultation with HUD''. The two-
tier income limits will be published annually via a Procedure Notice 
and posted to the Agency website at https://www.rd.usda.gov/files/RD-DirectLimitMap.pdf.
    The Agency is revising the definition of moderate income so that it 
does not exceed the moderate income limit established for the 
guaranteed single family housing loan program. The Agency will publish 
a specific limit in the program handbook.
    The revisions to the income definitions will ultimately allow the 
Agency and HUD to account for the differences between renting (which is 
the focus of HUD and 42 U.S.C. 1437 et seq.) and owning a home. This 
action will improve program availability to the intended recipients.
    (2) Revising Sec.  3550.54(d) to remove the requirement that net 
family assets be included in the calculation of repayment income.
    Currently, net family assets are considered for determining annual 
income, down payment purposes, and repayment income. The Agency will 
exclude net family assets from repayment income calculations because 
repayment income focuses on the income of those who sign the promissory 
note, whereas net family assets considers other family members. Net 
family assets will still be considered for annual income and down 
payment purposes.
    The Agency is revising the regulation so that the list of net 
family assets considered for annual income and down payment purposes 
would exclude amounts in voluntary retirement accounts such as 
individual retirement accounts (IRAs), 401(k) plans, Keogh accounts, 
and the cash value of life insurance policies.
    In addition, the Agency is excluding the value of tax advantaged 
college savings plans, the value of tax advantaged health or medical 
savings or spending accounts, and other amounts deemed by the Agency, 
from net family assets considered in the determination of annual income 
and down payments.
    Excluding these types of assets when considering annual income or 
down

[[Page 29035]]

payment requirements will help safeguard the assets for their intended 
purposes and promote a healthy financial support system for the 
household when it does incur education and health care costs, or enters 
retirement.
    The Agency is also removing from net family assets the value, in 
excess of the consideration received, for any business or household 
assets disposed of for less than the fair market value during the 2 
years preceding the income determination. This change recognizes that 
it is not productive or meaningful to consider assets which have been 
disposed of in the past.
    Lastly, the Agency is making two minor changes primarily for 
consistency between the direct and guaranteed single family housing 
loan regulations. The Agency will include in net family assets any 
equity in capital investments for consistency with the guaranteed 
single family housing loan regulations, as well as obtaining a full 
understanding of an applicant's financial condition before making a 
decision on a loan. In the exclusions from net family assets, the 
Agency will change the language from ``American Indian trust land'' to 
``American Indian restricted land''. The terms ``trust land'' and 
``restricted'' are often used interchangeably, and the revision is for 
consistency between the direct and guaranteed programs, and will not 
result in any substantive changes.
    (3) Revising the methodology used to determine the area loan limits 
in Sec.  3550.63(a) to use a percentage(s), as determined by the 
Agency, of the applicable local HUD section 203(b) limit.
    The revisions to the area loan limit methodology will streamline 
the determination of area loan limits and improve the reliability of 
the data set used to establish the area loan limits. The current 
process to annually establish the area loan limits uses a data set 
based on overly restrictive nationalized parameters and requires a 
significant amount of staff time on all levels (field, state, and 
national). Currently, Sec.  3550.63(a) allows for two methods that a 
State Director may use to establish area loan limits. The first option 
is based on the cost to construct a modest home plus the market value 
of an improved lot based on recent sales data. The second option allows 
the State Director to use State Housing Authority (SHA) limits as long 
as the limit is within 10 percent of the cost data plus the market 
value of the improved lot. This second option is rarely used because 
the SHA limits are usually not within the 10 percent limit.
    For the first option, the most widely used option, the Agency 
contracts with a third party that provides building cost data for real 
estate valuations to obtain construction costs, but those construction 
costs are based on parameters for homes that do not reflect the varied 
modest homes available to program borrowers. In addition, obtaining the 
market value is a time-consuming process relying on collecting and 
updating recent home sales data, which is particularly difficult given 
Agency staff appraiser shortages over the past few years.
    The Agency has been operating a pilot to test the alternate 
methodology of basing the area loan limits on a percentage of the FHA 
Forward One-Family mortgage limits (the HUD 203(b) limit). Under the 
pilot, 80 percent of the HUD 203(b) limit was used to establish the 
area loan limits in selected pilot states. The 80 percent was 
established based on a side-by-side, county-by-county comparison of the 
Agency's existing area loan limits to various percentages of the HUD 
203(b) limits. It was determined that 80 percent of the HUD 203(b) 
limits was adequate to cover the loan amounts in the majority of states 
(vs. lower percentages of 60-70 percent).
    While the pilot states generally experienced increases in their 
area loan limits, the increases were not significant, in part because 
an applicant's qualification amount continues to be limited to 
repayment ability, property eligibility criteria (for example, 
properties financed through the program are currently subject to 2,000 
square feet), and other factors. Average loan amounts in the pilot 
states increased 13.4 percent from Fiscal Year 2015 to 2017, while 
average loan amounts in the non-pilot states have increased 5.4 percent 
during the same period.
    The Agency believes the slightly higher percent increase in the 
pilot states is acceptable for several reasons. For example, the 
alternate methodology makes new construction under the program more 
feasible, and new construction can improve a rural community's housing 
stock and economy. In addition, this action will save the Agency more 
than $70,000 each year (which is the cost to obtain the construction 
cost data set from a nationally recognized residential cost provider). 
A significant amount of staff time will also be saved.
    The Agency will determine the percentage(s) based on housing market 
conditions and trends, and publish the percentage(s) in the program 
handbook. The resulting area loan limits will be posted to the Agency 
website at https://www.rd.usda.gov/files/RD-SFHAreaLoanLimitMap.pdf. 
The change allows the Agency to adjust the percentage(s) as necessary 
in order to be responsive to housing market conditions and trends.
    (4) Revising Sec.  3550.68(b)(2) to convert a borrower currently 
receiving payment assistance method 1 to payment assistance method 2 
should that borrower receive a subsequent loan. The change is related 
to the income banding proposal, as payment assistance method 2 will 
more closely align the subsidy provided with what is actually needed 
for affordability. The change avoids potentially over-subsidizing 
borrowers using payment assistance method 1 under the income banding 
system and reduces the potential for negative impacts to the program's 
subsidy rate. In addition, RHS is making a technical correction to the 
proposed regulatory text, which stated that the conversion would occur 
if a borrower ``received'' a subsequent loan, implying that the 
conversion to payment assistance method 2 would apply retroactively and 
only apply to loans already received. This meaning is not supported by 
the preamble to the proposed rule. The final regulatory text will 
correctly state that the conversion will occur if a borrower 
``receives'' a subsequent loan, to ensure that the conversion applies 
to any future loan.
    (5) Revising the definition of low-income in Sec.  3555.10 for the 
single family housing guaranteed loan program to allow for the two-tier 
income limit structure (income banding) discussed above. The two-tier 
income limits will be published annually via a Procedure Notice and 
posted to the Agency website at https://www.rd.usda.gov/files/RD-GRHLimitMap.pdf.
    The single family housing guaranteed loan program provides 
guarantees to lenders who make loans to low- and moderate-income 
borrowers in rural areas who are without sufficient resources or credit 
to obtain a loan without the guarantee. As mentioned, the guaranteed 
loan program already uses the two-tier income limit structure for 
moderate income limits. This change would allow the two-tier income 
limit structure to be used for determining the very low- and low-income 
limits in the guaranteed loan program.
    (6) Making a technical correction to the suspension or debarment 
requirement in Sec.  3550.53(f) to refer to 2 CFR parts 180 and 417, 
instead of 7 CFR 3017 which is obsolete.

[[Page 29036]]

II. Discussion of Relevant Public Comments Received on August 31, 2018, 
Proposed Rule

    The 60-day comment period for the proposed rule published at 83 FR 
44504 ended on October 30, 2018. A total of 30 comments were received. 
Commenters included affordable housing nonprofit organizations, the 
National Association of Home Builders, the National Association of 
Realtors, the National Council of State Housing Agencies, the National 
Rural Housing Coalition, the Rural Community Assistance Corporation and 
the public.
    Comments on the two-tier income limit structure (income banding). 
The Agency received several comments on the two-tier income limit 
structure, and whether that change will limit the program's ability to 
serve lower income borrowers, potentially allowing limited subsidy and 
loan dollars to go to higher income households. One commenter noted 
that while appropriation levels for the program have been modestly 
increased over time, these increases are not enough to meet the need, 
before expanding the pool of income eligible applicants through two-
tier income limits.
    The Agency also received a few comments about possible 
contradictions between the two-tier income limits and other HUD 
programs such as Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity Program (SHOP), 
Home Investment Partnerships program (HOME), and/or Community 
Development Block Grant (CDBG).
    Agency Response: The program is subject to a statutory requirement 
in section 502(d) of the Housing Act of 1949, as amended, which 
requires that (1) not less than 40 percent of the funds approved in 
appropriation Acts for use under this section shall be set aside and 
made available only for very low-income families or persons; and (2) 
not less than 30 percent of the funds allocated to each State under 
this section shall be available only for very low-income families or 
persons. This requirement serves to ensure that proportionate funding 
is available each year for very low-income households. In turn, the 
revision seeks to expand the program to account for areas where 
households with members earning minimum wage may currently be 
considered too high to qualify for a direct loan. Based on the pilot 
and other analysis, the Agency believes the income banding will help 
make loans available to households (such as those earning minimum wage) 
that were incongruously excluded from the program due to reliance on 
limits not tailored for the program's intended recipients. The Agency 
does not believe the changes will open the program to higher income 
households at the expense of lower income households, and adopts the 
changes as proposed.
    The Agency has consulted with HUD regarding the implications of 
differing income limits within its programs, and the Agency's two-tier 
income limits. HUD has not taken a position on changing income limits 
for SHOP, HOME, CDBG or other HUD administered programs.
    Comments on revising the methodology used to determine the area 
loan limits. The Agency received a couple of comments which did not 
support revising the methodology used to determine the area loan limits 
to use a percentage of the applicable local HUD section 203(b) limit. 
The commenters noted that the 203(b) loan limits are not based on 
housing sale prices except for high cost counties and would not be 
their preferred basis for determining loan limits for this program. 
While they generally do not object to changing the method, their 
concern was the proposed change will lead to larger loan sizes, and 
subsidy going to fewer borrowers with larger loans leading to less 
total loans and subsidy for lower-income borrowers.
    Agency Response: It is the Agency's expectation that by using a 
reasonable percentage(s) of the HUD section 203(b) limit, rather than 
the full limits, the Agency's respective area loan limits will reflect 
local, rural housing costs in a reasonable and consistent manner. Under 
the revision, the Agency will have the flexibility to establish a 
percentage(s) which will be responsive to housing market conditions and 
trends. These considerations, in conjunction with the expected cost 
savings to the Agency, suggest that this will be the most efficient and 
reasonable method, and the proposal is adopted without change.
    Comments on business or household assets disposed of for less than 
fair market value. The Agency received a couple of comments regarding 
the change which would no longer consider the value of business or 
household assets disposed of for less than fair market value during the 
previous two years, in excess of the consideration received, as net 
family assets. The commenters believe the existing policy helps protect 
the Agency from potential fraud, and that applicants selling or 
transferring assets for less than market value may be doing so to 
reduce their required contribution toward the purchase of the home, or 
to qualify for payment assistance.
    Agency Response: The change recognizes that it is not productive or 
meaningful to consider assets which have been disposed of in the past. 
The percentage of applicants who have documented that they disposed of 
assets for less than the market value in the preceding two years is 
nominal. When an applicant has disposed of assets in this manner, the 
market value of the asset in question generally does not exceed the 
applicable asset threshold for eligibility or down payment 
requirements. The proposal is adopted without change.
    Comments on converting borrowers from payment assistance method 1 
to method 2 should that borrower receive a subsequent loan. The Agency 
received a comment regarding whether the Agency is concerned with the 
amount of subsidy per household, or the total amount of subsidy awarded 
in any given fiscal year; and whether the Agency expects the total 
number of loans and amount of subsidy to increase.
    Agency Response: The Agency is watchful of subsidy levels on both a 
per household and cumulative basis. Standardized payment assistance 
formulas and periodic reviews of the households' pertinent financial 
information help to ensure that households do not receive more than the 
maximum subsidy allowed, which in turns controls the amount of 
cumulative subsidy that is provided. In addition, this revision will 
only impact existing borrowers currently under payment assistance 
method 1, who receive subsequent loans. It is expected that this 
revision will reduce the potential for a negative impact on the 
program's subsidy rate, while aligning future subsidy with what the 
applicable households need for affordability. Therefore, the Agency 
does not expect a significant increase in the number of loans or amount 
of subsidy because of this revision, and the proposal is adopted 
without change.

Statutory Authority

    Section 510(k) of Title V the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 
1480(k)), as amended, authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to 
promulgate rules and regulations as deemed necessary to carry out the 
purpose of that title.

Executive Order 12866

    The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has designated this rule 
as not significant under Executive Order 12866.

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Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform

    This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, Civil 
Justice Reform. Except where specified, all State and local laws and 
regulations that are in direct conflict with this rule will be 
preempted. Federal funds carry Federal requirements. No person is 
required to apply for funding under this program, but if they do apply 
and are selected for funding, they must comply with the requirements 
applicable to the Federal program funds. This rule is not retroactive. 
It will not affect agreements entered into prior to the effective date 
of the rule. Before any judicial action may be brought regarding the 
provisions of this rule, the administrative appeal provisions of 7 CFR 
part 11 must be exhausted.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA), Public 
Law 104-4, establishes requirements for Federal agencies to assess the 
effect of their regulatory actions on State, local, and tribal 
governments and the private sector. Under section 202 of the UMRA, the 
Agency generally must prepare a written statement, including a cost-
benefit analysis, for proposed and final rules with ``Federal 
mandates'' that may result in expenditures to State, local, or tribal 
governments, in the aggregate, or to the private sector, of $100 
million, or more, in any one year. When such a statement is needed for 
a rule, section 205 of the UMRA generally requires the Agency to 
identify and consider a reasonable number of regulatory alternatives 
and adopt the least costly, most cost-effective, or least burdensome 
alternative that achieves the objectives of the rule.
    This final rule contains no Federal mandates (under the regulatory 
provisions of Title II of the UMRA) for State, local, and tribal 
governments or the private sector. Therefore, this rule is not subject 
to the requirements of sections 202 and 205 of the UMRA.

Environmental Impact Statement

    This document has been reviewed in accordance with 7 CFR part 1970, 
subpart A, ``Environmental Policies.'' It is the determination of the 
Agency that this action does not constitute a major Federal action 
significantly affecting the quality of the human environment, and, in 
accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, Public 
Law 91-190, neither an Environmental Assessment nor an Environmental 
Impact Statement is required.

Executive Order 13132, Federalism

    The policies contained in this rule do not have any substantial 
direct effect on States, on the relationship between the national 
government and States, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government. Nor does this 
rule impose substantial direct compliance costs on State and local 
governments. Therefore, consultation with the States is not required.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    In compliance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et 
seq.) the undersigned has determined and certified by signature of this 
document that this rule, while affecting small entities, will not have 
an adverse economic impact on small entities. This rule does not impose 
any significant new requirements on program recipients nor does it 
adversely impact proposed real estate transactions involving program 
recipients as the buyers.

Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs

    This program/activity is not subject to the provisions of Executive 
Order 12372, which require intergovernmental consultation with State 
and local officials. (See the document related to 7 CFR part 3015, 
subpart V, at 48 FR 29112, June 24, 1983; 49 FR 22675, May 31, 1984; 50 
FR 14088, April 10, 1985.)

Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal 
Governments

    This Executive order imposes requirements in the development of 
regulatory policies that have tribal implications or preempt tribal 
laws. RHS has determined that the final rule does not have a 
substantial direct effect on one or more Indian tribe(s) or on either 
the relationship or the distribution of powers and responsibilities 
between the Federal Government and the Indian tribes. Thus, this final 
rule is not subject to the requirements of Executive Order 13175.

Programs Affected

    The following programs, which are listed in the Catalog of Federal 
Domestic Assistance, are affected by this final rule: Number 10.410, 
Very Low to Moderate Income Housing Loans (specifically the section 502 
direct and guaranteed loans), and Number 10.417, Very Low-Income 
Housing Repair Loans and Grants (specifically the section 504 direct 
loans and grants).

Paperwork Reduction Act

    In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 
3501 et seq.), the information collection activities associated with 
this rule are covered under OMB Number: 0575-0172. This final rule 
contains no new reporting or recordkeeping requirements that would 
require approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

E-Government Act Compliance

    RHS is committed to complying with the E-Government Act, 44 U.S.C. 
3601 et seq., to promote the use of the internet and other information 
technologies to provide increased opportunities for citizen access to 
Government information and services, and for other purposes.

Non-Discrimination Policy

    In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of 
Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its 
Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or 
administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on 
race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including 
gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital 
status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance 
program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil 
rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA 
(not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing 
deadlines vary by program or incident.
    Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of 
communication for program information (e.g., braille, large print, 
audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible 
Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or 
contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. 
Additionally, program information may be made available in languages 
other than English.
    To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA 
Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or 
write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the 
information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint 
form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA 
by:
    (1) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant

[[Page 29038]]

Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250-9410;
    (2) Fax: (202)690-7442; or
    (3) Email: [email protected].
    USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

List of Subjects in 7 CFR Parts 3550 and 3555

    Administrative practice and procedure, Environmental impact 
statements, Fair housing, Grant programs-housing and community 
development, Housing, Loan programs-housing and community development, 
Low and moderate income housing, Manufactured homes, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Rural areas.

    For the reasons stated in the preamble, chapter XXXV, title 7 of 
the Code of Federal Regulations, is amended as follows:

PART 3550--DIRECT SINGLE FAMILY HOUSING LOANS AND GRANTS

0
1. The authority citation for part 3550 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  5 U.S.C. 301; 42 U.S.C. 1480.

Subpart A--General

0
2. Section 3550.10 is amended by revising the definitions of ``low 
income'', ``moderate income'', ``rural area'', and ``very low-income'' 
to read as follows:


Sec.  3550.10   Definitions.

* * * * *
    Low income. An adjusted income limit developed in consultation with 
HUD under 42 U.S.C. 1437a(b)(2)(D).
* * * * *
    Moderate income. An adjusted income that does not exceed the 
moderate income limit for the guaranteed single family housing loan 
program authorized by Section 502(h) of the Housing Act of 1949, as 
amended.
* * * * *
    Rural area. An area defined in section 520 of the Housing Act of 
1949, as amended.
* * * * *
    Very low-income. An adjusted income limit developed in consultation 
with HUD under 42 U.S.C. 1437a(b)(2)(D).
* * * * *

Subpart B--Section 502 Origination

0
3. In Sec.  3550.53, paragraph (f) is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  3550.53  Eligibility requirements.

* * * * *
    (f) Suspension or debarment. Applications from applicants who have 
been suspended or debarred from participation in Federal programs will 
be handled in accordance with 2 CFR parts 180 and 417.
* * * * *

0
4. In Sec.  3550.54:
0
a. Revise the first sentence of paragraph (d) introductory text;
0
b. Revise paragraphs (d)(1) introductory text and (d)(1)(i);
0
c. Revise paragraphs (d)(1)(iv) through (vi);
0
d. Remove paragraph (d)(1)(vii);
0
e. Revise paragraphs (d)(2)(i) and (v); and
0
f. Add paragraphs (d)(2)(vi) through (x).
    The revisions and additions read as follows:


Sec.  3550.54   Calculation of income and assets.

* * * * *
    (d) Net family assets. Income from net family assets must be 
included in the calculation of annual income. * * *
    (1) Net family assets include, but are not limited to:
    (i) Equity in real property or other capital investments, other 
than the dwelling or site;
* * * * *
    (iv) Stocks, bonds, and other forms of capital investments that are 
accessible without retiring or terminating employment;
    (v) Lump sum receipts such as lottery winnings, capital gains, 
inheritances; and
    (vi) Personal property held as an investment.
    (2) * * *
    (i) Interest in American Indian restricted land;
* * * * *
    (v) Amounts in voluntary retirement plans such as individual 
retirement accounts (IRAs), 401(k) plans, and Keogh accounts (except at 
the time interest assistance is initially granted);
    (vi) The value of an irrevocable trust fund or any other trust over 
which no member of the household has control;
    (vii) Cash value of life insurance policies;
    (viii) The value of tax advantaged college savings plans (529 plan, 
Coverdell Education Savings Account, etc.);
    (ix) The value of tax advantaged health or medical savings or 
spending accounts; and
    (x) Other amounts deemed by the Agency not to constitute net family 
assets.

0
5. Effective on August 5, 2019, in Sec.  3550.63, paragraph (a)(1) is 
revised to read as follows:


Sec.  3550.63  Maximum loan amount.

* * * * *
    (a) * * *
    (1) The area loan limit is the maximum value of the property RHS 
will finance in a given locality. This limit is based on a 
percentage(s) of the applicable local HUD section 203(b) limit. The 
percentage(s) will be determined by the Agency and published in the 
program handbook. The area loan limits will be reviewed at least 
annually and posted to the Agency website.
* * * * *

0
6. In Sec.  3550.68, paragraph (b)(2) is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  3550.68  Payment subsidies.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (2) If a borrower receiving payment assistance using payment 
assistance method 1 receives a subsequent loan, payment assistance 
method 2 will be used to calculate the subsidy for the initial loan and 
subsequent loan.
* * * * *

PART 3555--GUARANTEED RURAL HOUSING PROGRAM

0
 7. The authority citation for part 3555 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 42 U.S.C. 1471 et seq.

Subpart A--General

0
8. Section 3555.10 is amended by revising the definition of ``low-
income'' to read as follows:


Sec.  3555.10   Definitions and abbreviations.

* * * * *
    Low-income. An adjusted income limit developed in consultation with 
HUD under 42 U.S.C. 1437a(b)(2)(D).
* * * * *

    Dated: June 12, 2019.
Bruce W. Lammers,
Administrator, Rural Housing Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-12988 Filed 6-20-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3410-XV-P