(a) Non-standard contracts. A non-standard contract is a contract that does not use the model contract provisions. Non-standard contracts submitted in compliance with the provisions of Texas Finance Code, §341.502(c) will be reviewed to determine that the contract is written in plain language.
(b) Certification of readability. Contract filings subject to this chapter must be accompanied by a certification signed by an officer of the creditor or the entity submitting the form on behalf of the creditor. The certification must state that the contract is written in plain language and that the contract can be easily understood by the average consumer. The certification must state that the contract is printed in an easily readable font and type size, including a list of the typefaces used in the contract, the font sizes used in the contract, and the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level score of the contract. The OCCC will prescribe the form of the certification.
(c) Filing requirements. Contract filings must be identified as to the transaction type. Contract filings must be submitted in accordance with the OCCC's instructions and the following requirements:
  (1) Microsoft Word format. One copy must be submitted in a Microsoft Word format with the document having either a .doc or .docx extension. The Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level score of the contract must be based on the Microsoft Word readability statistics function for the Microsoft Word version of the contract.
  (2) PDF format. One copy must be submitted in a text-searchable PDF format so that the contract may be visually reviewed in its entirety. The page size must be 8.5 inches by 11 inches or 8.5 inches by 14 inches. The PDF may not be locked or restricted in a way that prohibits comparison of different versions of the contract.
  (3) No other formats permitted. The OCCC will not accept paper filings or any other unlisted formats for non-standard contract filings.
  (4) Maximum Flesch-Kincaid score. The maximum Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level score for a Chapter 348 contact filing is grade 11.
(d) Contact person. One person must be designated as the contact person for each filing submitted. Each submission must provide the name, address, phone number, and if available, the email address and fax number of the contact person for that filing. If the contracts are submitted by anyone other than the company itself, the contracts must be accompanied by a dated letter which contains a description of the anticipated users of the contracts and designates the legal counsel or other designated contact person for that filing.
(e) Commercial vehicle. Pursuant to Texas Finance Code, §341.502(a), a motor vehicle retail installment sales contract involving a commercial vehicle does not have to be submitted in accordance with this section.

Source Note: The provisions of this §84.802 adopted to be effective May 8, 2008, 33 TexReg 3584; amended to be effective November 5, 2009, 34 TexReg 7610; amended to be effective November 8, 2012, 37 TexReg 8780; amended to be effective November 5, 2015, 40 TexReg 7623; amended to be effective December 31, 2020, 45 TexReg 9416