Wednesday, December 23, 2020
After months of stalled negotiations, Congress has passed sweeping new COVID-19 relief legislation that, among other things, revitalizes and revises the Paycheck Protection Program. The new legislation reopens the program to first time borrowers, provides greater flexibility for how borrowers may use PPP funds and also adds a mechanism by which businesses that already received a PPP loan will be able to take advantage of a new round of “second draw” funding. Notably, the new legislation reiterates and clarifies the safe harbor provision for lenders. Highlights of the legislation are as follows:
Timing
The updated lending program is expected to be in place soon, as the legislation requires that the SBA issue effectuating regulations within 10 days of enactment. Under the new law, the PPP program will be open until March 31, 2021.