February 2007

January 2007

  • January 1, 2007

    January 2007 Legal Briefs

    Recent Amendments to Health Savings Account Provisions HSA Contribution Amounts Reimbursing Medical Expenses Accumulating Tax-Advantaged Savings Full Deduction in First Year Transfer from IRA to HAS Index for 2006

December 2006

  • December 1, 2006

    December 2006 Legal Briefs

    Defense Authorization Act – Restrictions on Loans to Service Members and Their Dependents Background What Transactions are Covered? “Interest” Limited to 36% All Fees are “Interest” New Definition of “APR” No Lender Access to Bank Account No Renewal of Debt No Mandatory Arbitration Non-complying Contracts Void Criminal Provision What Persons are Covered?

November 2006

  • November 1, 2006

    November 2005 Legal Briefs

    Processing through Dallas Fed Affects Availability Schedule FDIC Guidance on Establishing a Bank Ethics Program Written Bank Policies Specific Provisions a. Safeguarding Customer Information b. Integrity of Bank Records c. Strong Internal Controls   d. Speaking Candidly with Examiners e. Accepting Gifts and Favors   f. Avoiding Self-Dealing   g. Observing Other Laws   h. Other Matters

  • November 1, 2006

    November 2006 Legal Briefs

    Pension Reform: Useful Changes to IRA Provisions IRA Contribution Limits. Tax Refunds & Other Transfers to IRA’s. IRA’s of Guards & Reservists. IRA Distributions to Charities Understanding the Tax Advantages: 50% limit on charitable contributions doesn’t apply. Deductions and credits don’t phase out.  Reducing RMD’s in future years.  Rollover to “Inherited IRA” Easier Conversion to Roth IRA’s

October 2006

  • October 1, 2006

    October 2006 Legal Briefs

    Cleanup Changes in 2006 to Mechanic’s Lien Provisions Background Obsolete Provisions What Services Are Covered Certificate of Title Property with Liens Change in Time Period Rental-Related Changes to Section 91 Revisions to Section 180 "Other Property” Mechanic’s Liens Section 91A vs. Section 197 Section 91A Notice Procedures Assistance in Researching Titles Property Removed without Permission; Release Obtained by Bad Check …

September 2006

  • September 1, 2006

    September 2006 Legal Briefs

    Payroll Card Accounts & Regulation E Changes “Payroll Card Account” DHS Cards vs. Payroll Cards Is a Payroll Card Useful? Advantages to Consumers Employer Considerations Advantages for Banks Payroll Cards Not Mandatory? No Periodic Statements Consumers Who Don’t Want Statements Error Resolution Limits on Liability Modified Disclosures

August 2006

  • August 1, 2006

    August 2006 Legal Briefs

    New Law Provides for Credit Report Freezes Legislative Background Security Freeze Request Authorizing a Temporary Release Is a “Freeze” a Good Idea? Assistance with Temporary Releases Assistance with Security Freezes Lender Exceptions to Security Freeze Other Exceptions to Security Freeze Excluded Entities Notice of Changes Security Freeze Notice Required Fines & Penalties

July 2006

  • July 1, 2006

    May 2006 Legal Briefs

    Consumer Loan Dollar Amounts Adjusting on July 1      a. Increased Late Fees    b. “508B” and “508A” Loans    c. Dealer Paper “No Deficiency” Amount   Money Transmitters Must Register With Banking Department July 1 Deadline for Continuation Statements for Oil and Gas Searching UCC-1’s in Only One Filing Office as of July 1, 2006 Duration of Fixture Filings …

  • July 1, 2006

    July 2006 Legal Briefs

    Deceptive Use of a Bank’s Name in Soliciting Customers Insurance Practices Disclosure of Non-Authorization Comparing the Statutes Exploitation of Disabled or Elderly Adults “Elderly” Defined “Disabled” Not Defined "Lacks Capacity to Consent” “Exploitation” Defined Criminal Penalties Knowledge of Incapacity Reporting to Authorities