The NCUA board unanimously approved an interagency notice of proposed rulemaking that would amend the Uniform Rules of Practice and Procedure (Uniform Rules) via notation vote.

NCUA—and other federal financial regulators—identified sections of the Uniform Rules that should be modified to recognize electronic pleadings and communications in administrative hearings and other sections that require modification based on the experience of the agencies in administrative litigation.

The current Uniform Rules were developed when the agencies accepted only paper pleadings. The proposed regulation would recognize the use of electronic communications in all aspects of administrative hearings.

Comments on the proposed rule will be accepted until June 13.

The NCUA board approved the notice of proposed rulemaking on Nov. 19, 2021. The agency expects this change will increase the efficiency and fairness of administrative adjudications.