Legislative Developments

The Maryland General Assembly is considering a bill that would establish that the provision authorizing a mortgagor or grantor to refinance the indebtedness secured by a first mortgage or deed of trust without obtaining permission from the holder of a junior lien does not apply to government junior liens. Read on for more details.

The Oklahoma Legislature is considering legislation that would require title insurance policies to include owner’s title insurance. Read on for more details.

The Arizona Legislature is considering a bill relating to the foreclosure of the right to redeem a tax lien. Read on for more details.

The Oklahoma Legislature is considering legislation that would impose time requirements for the provision of copies of recorded covenants and restrictions to buyers. Read on for more details.

The Alabama Legislature is considering a bill to expand the Alabama Residential Mortgage Satisfaction Act to require recordation of satisfaction to include mortgages securing commercial agricultural properties. It would rename the act the Alabama Residential and Agricultural Mortgage Satisfaction Act. Read on for more details.

The Washington Legislature is considering a bill to fund the state insurance commissioner’s criminal investigation unit by creating the insurance commissioner’s fraud account. Read on for more details.

The Virginia General Assembly is considering a bill that would create a prohibition against payment or receipt of settlement services kickbacks, rebates, commissions and other payments. It also provides specific criminal and civil penalties. Read on for more details.

The West Virginia Legislature has introduced the Uniform Real Property Electronic Recording Act, a bill that would clarify the law regarding electronic recording of real property documents. It initially was drafted by the Uniform Law Commission and has been adopted in 36 states. Read on for more details.

The West Virginia Legislature is considering legislation relating to the theft of consumer identity protections, including specific protection for theft of identity information of persons 60 years of age or older or individuals under 18 years of age. Read on for more details.

The New York Assembly is considering a bill that would amend the state’s real property law regarding the compensation of buyer’s agents in real estate transactions. Read on for more details.