Friday, March 27, 2020
CARES Act Stimulus Plan
Provisions of Interest to Arkansas Banks

The recently enacted Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) creates an SBA loan program focused on supporting funding of payroll and other operating costs for small businesses – referred to as the Paycheck Protection Program.  These loans may be forgiven if certain criteria are satisfied.  

The CARES Act authorizes the SBA to extend lending authority under the program to any financial institution that has the ability to “process, close, disburse and service loans”, meaning that even non-SBA lenders will have the opportunity to originate these loans for their customers.   Our firm has prepared a separate memorandum detailing the eligibility and other provisions of the Paycheck Protection Program accessible here .  

While the SBA will issue regulations to better detail the operable provisions of the act, banks should initially be aware of the following: 

(1)   The only underwriting requirements contained in the law are that (A) the borrower’s business was operational on February 15, 2020, and (B) the borrower was paying salaries and payroll taxes at that time. 

(2) These loans are 100 percent guaranteed by the SBA. 

(3) The maximum interest rate on new loans is 4.00 percent.

(4)   The maximum term is 10-years and each borrower will receive a complete payment deferral for at least 6 months and not more than 1 year. 

(5) The loans are unsecured and do not require a personal guaranty.

(6)   For regulatory capital purposes, each covered loan will have a risk weight of zero percent. 

(7) The SBA will reimburse lenders for processing costs at a specified rate depending on the balance of the loan at funding: 
  • 5 percent for loans not exceeding $350,000; 
  • 3 percent for loans of more than $350,000 and less than $2,000,000; and
  • 1 percent for loans at or above $2,000,000.

(8) Loans may be forgiven generally based on the borrower continuing to employ its employees – with the amount forgiven reduced to the extent that the borrower has laid off employees and/or reduced employee compensation above a specified level.

(9) Determinations of the amount eligible to be forgiven are made by the “lender” – and the lender is held harmless from liability for this decision provided it has received the required documentation from the borrower as provided in the law. 

(10) For any loan that is forgiven, the SBA will pay the lender the amount of the forgiven loan (plus accrued interest) within 90 days. 

We are reviewing developments concerning the CARES Act and related legislative and regulatory matters as they occur.  Please contact our office if we can assist with any issues during this challenging time.
THE CARES ACT & ITS IMPACT IN OTHER INDUSTRIES
BUSINESS
  • Forgivable Loans
  • Loan Underwriting
  • Loan Terms
  • Amount Allowed to Borrow

HEALTHCARE
  • Medical Supplies and Drug Shortages
  • Mandated Coverage of COVID-19 Testing
  • Mandated Coverage of COVID-19 Preventative Services
  • Adjustment of Payment for Hospitals
  • Telehealth

  • Insurance Provisions
  • Expanded Coverage
  • Employee Retention Tax Credit
  • Payroll Tax Delays
Banking & Finance Attorneys
Regulatory Compliance, Securities & Corporate Transactions
Kael K. Bowling
Commercial Litigation
Commercial Lending, Real Estate & Troubled Debt Restructuring & Bankruptcy
Commercial Lending &
Corporate Transactions
Bankruptcy & Creditor's Rights
ERISA, Employee Benefits

Bankruptcy & Creditor's Rights

Labor & Employment

Commercial Lending, Tax Credit Financing & New Markets Tax Credits

Banking Litigation

Trust & Estate Planning
Robert T. Smith  heads the Finance and Commercial Transactions Practice Group.His diverse corporate practice focuses on representing companies and financial institutions in general business, transactional, securities and regulatory matters. 

Disclaimer:  The information included here is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be a substitute for legal advice nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel. For more information or if you have further questions, please contact one of our  Attorneys.

About the Firm

Friday, Eldredge & Clark, LLP is a full-service law firm representing businesses, non-profits, governmental and individual clients in Arkansas and across the United States. We are the largest law firm in Arkansas and one of the oldest — tracing our historical roots back almost 150 years. Our success stems from strong internal leadership and a continuously sharp focus on our clients' needs. We provide clients single-source convenience by offering a wide range of services in more than 50 areas of law. Although the firm is known for its rich history and vast scope of services, it is committed to further growth and development to serve our clients better and put them at the focus of our work - every day.