§ 397-A:20 — Penalties

New Hampshire § 397-A:20

• Jurisdiction: New Hampshire
• Title XXXV: BANKS AND BANKING; LOAN ASSOCIATIONS; CREDIT UNIONS
• Ch. 397-A: LICENSING OF NONDEPOSITORY MORTGAGE BANKERS, BROKERS, AND SERVICERS

Text

I. Any person who violates any provision of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor for each violation if a natural person, or guilty of a felony if any other person.
I-a. Any person who willfully violates any provisions of RSA 397-A:17, III or IV or a cease and desist order or injunction issued pursuant to RSA 397-A:19 shall be guilty of a class B felony. Each of the acts specified shall constitute a separate offense and a prosecution or conviction for any one of such offenses shall not bar prosecution or conviction of any other offense.
II. Any person who knowingly violates any provision of this chapter, rule, or order of the commissioner may, upon notice and opportunity for hearing, except where another penalty is expressly provided, be subject to suspension or revocation of any registration or license, or imposition of an administrative fine not to exceed $2,500 for each violation in lieu of or in addition to suspension or revocation, as may be applicable under this title, for violation of the provision to which such rule or order relates. Each of the acts specified shall constitute a separate violation.
III. Any person who negligently violates any provision of this chapter, rule, or order of the commissioner may, upon notice and opportunity for hearing, except where another penalty is expressly provided, be subject to suspension, revocation, or denial of any registration or license, including the forfeiture of any application fee, or the imposition of an administrative fine not to exceed $1,500 for each violation, in lieu of or in addition to suspension or revocation, as may be applicable under this title, for violation of the provision to which such rule or order relates. Each of the acts specified shall constitute a separate violation.
IV. Every person who directly or indirectly controls a person liable under this section, every partner, principal executive officer or director of such person, every person occupying a similar status or performing a similar function, every employee of such person who materially aids in the act constituting the violation, and every licensee or person acting as a common law agent who materially aids in the acts constituting the violation, either knowingly or negligently, may, upon notice and opportunity for hearing, and in addition to any other penalty provided for by law, be subject to suspension, revocation, or denial of any registration or license, including the forfeiture of any application fee, or the imposition of an administrative fine not to exceed $2,500, or both. Each of the acts specified shall constitute a separate violation, and such administrative action or fine may be imposed in addition to any criminal or civil penalties imposed. No person shall be liable under this paragraph who shall sustain the burden of proof that such person did not know, and in the exercise of reasonable care could not have known, of the existence of facts by reason of which the liability is alleged to exist.
V. The attorney general on the commissioner's behalf, may, with or without prior administrative action by the commissioner, bring an action against any person in any superior court in this state to enjoin the acts or practices of such person and to enforce compliance with this chapter or any rule or order under this chapter. Upon a proper showing, a permanent or temporary injunction, bar, restraining order, or writ of mandamus shall be granted and a receiver may be appointed for the defendant or the defendant's assets. The court shall not require the commissioner or attorney general to post a bond. The court shall have the power to enforce obedience to such injunction, in addition to all of the court's customary powers, by a fine not exceeding $10,000 or by imprisonment, or both. In a proceeding in superior court under this paragraph where the state prevails, the commissioner and the attorney general shall be entitled to recover all costs and expenses of investigation, and the court shall include the costs in its final judgment.
VI. Any licensee that violates any provision of RSA 397-A:9 shall be liable to the mortgagor for:
(a) Any penalties, interest, or other charges levied by the taxing authority or insurance company as a result of such violation; and
(b) Any actual damages suffered by the mortgagor as a result of such violation, including, but not limited to, late payment penalties and associated interest, and any amount which would have been paid by an insurer for a casualty or liability claim had the insurance policy not been canceled for nonpayment by the mortgage servicing company; and
(c) In the case of any successful action to enforce the foregoing liability, the costs of the action together with reasonable attorney's fees as determined by the court.
VII. After notice and opportunity for hearing, the commissioner may enter an order of rescission, restitution, or disgorgement of profits directed to a person who has violated this chapter, or a rule or order under this chapter. Rescission, restitution, or disgorgement of profits shall be in addition to any other penalty provided for under this chapter or RSA 383:10-d.
VIII. In addition to any other penalty provided for under this chapter, after notice and opportunity for hearing, the commissioner may assess fines and penalties against a mortgage loan originator in an amount not to exceed $25,000 if the commissioner finds that such loan originator has violated or failed to comply with any requirement of the S.A.F.E. Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008, Public Law 110-289, Title V, or any regulation or order issued thereunder. Each of the acts specified shall constitute a separate violation.

Legislative History

2016, 289:1, eff. Aug. 20, 2016.