On October 22, 1994, the President signed Public Law 103-403, the Small Business Administration Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 1994. Section 217 of that Act added a new section 508 to the Small Business Investment Act, 15 U.S.C. 695 et seq. This new section authorizes the Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish a Premier Certified Lenders Program. This rule, published in accordance with Public Law 103-403, is intended to implement this new program.