The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) is publishing a final rule amending part 32, the regulation governing the percentage of capital and surplus that a national bank may loan to any one borrower. This final rule establishes a three-year pilot program that creates new special lending limits for 1-4 family residential real estate loans and loans to small businesses. Eligible national banks with main offices located in states that have a lending limit available for residential real estate, small business or unsecured loans that is higher than the current Federal limit may apply to take part in the pilot program. We will review and evaluate national banks' experience with the special limits over the three-year pilot period and determine at the end of the pilot whether to extend the program and retain, modify or rescind the exceptions. The final rule also permanently modifies the lending limit exemption for loans to or guaranteed by obligations of state and local governments.