News By Edition

The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama recently held that the Corporate Transparency Act is unconstitutional in a case brought by the National Small Business Association against the U.S. Treasury Department and its Financial Crimes Enforcement Network.

A lot has happened in several states to curb the use of unfair real estate fee agreements and prevent businesses like Florida-based real estate brokerage MV Realty from conducting business they feel prey on homeowners.

The Georgia General Assembly is considering legislation to modernize notarial services by electronic means and codify Supreme Court of Georgia opinions on what constitutes the unauthorized practice of law pertaining to real estate closings in the state.

The Connecticut Insurance Department issued Bulletin MC-25 RE: The Use of Artificial Intelligence Systems in Insurance.

As part of National Consumer Protection Week, the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services offered tips to consumers to help them safeguard their personal and financial information following recent national cybersecurity incidents impacting the insurance and financial services industries.

The Utah Department of Insurance issued Bulletin 2024-2 regarding the application of title insurance laws to affiliated title insurance businesses.

The Minnesota Legislature is considering legislation that would amend the state statute governing mortgage payment satisfaction.

The Hawaii State Legislature introduced legislation that would establish protection for public servants that prohibits, upon written request from the public servant or representative, any person or organization from disclosing personal information.

The South Dakota Legislature is considering legislation that would require sellers to disclose certain information prior to the sale of property bound by a homeowners’ association.

The Supreme Court of Montana heard a case to determine whether a title company was contractually liable to homebuyers for title insurance on disputed properties. The district court had granted summary judgment in the title company’s favor.

The New Hampshire Insurance Department issued a bulletin on the use of artificial intelligence systems by insurers.

The Georgia General Assembly is considering a bill that would require clerks of superior courts to obtain photographic identification cards of individuals who present deeds or other instruments for recording.

The Maine Legislature is considering legislation to implement protections against deed fraud.

The Louisiana State Legislature is considering legislation that would provide for electronic filing and record retention.

A title company and the seller of property disputed whether the seller owed the title company money after the company stepped in to pay off the lien. A trial court affirmed summary judgment in the company’s favor and the seller appealed.

The Florida Legislature is considering legislation that would require sellers of residential property to provide a disclosure of flood risks before the sale.

The Tennessee General Assembly is considering legislation that would require applicants for a title insurance producer license to complete a pre-licensing course.

Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services Director Anita Fox promoted an employee to serve as the new director of the office of appeals, legal research, and market regulation.