May 12, 2021

In This Issue:

  • TLTA Legislative Update
  • Gov. Abbott Appoints Marchant to Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs
  • A Different Lesson in Property Stipulations

TLTA Legislative Update

TLTA | May 12, 2021
Great news for TLTA this week as the Texas Legislature enters the final three weeks of the 87th Session: SB 885, Sen. Hughes' Quitclaim Bill that TLTA is working to pass this session, has been passed by both the Senate and House and is now headed to Gov. Abbott's desk. Great work legislative team!
 
The other bill we are working to pass this session, HB 3115 by Rep. Shine, the Homestead Certainty Bill, was passed by the House Tuesday, May 11, and is awaiting referral to a Senate Committee. 
For your reference, here's our Master Legislative Tracking List and Action Report, which was updated today, April 28. This report includes updates on the bills TLTA is trying to pass this session, updates regarding other bills on which TLTA's Board of Directors has taken positions, as well as a link to the larger list of more than 150 bills on which we are working this session. Click the image to access this helpful tool:
 
 
 
Only 20 days remain in the 87th Legislative Session, but special sessions are expected due to redistricting and other issues. 
 

Bills TLTA Is Trying to Pass

The bills TLTA is trying to pass during the 87th Legislative Session were approved by TLTA's Board of Directors  as recommended by our Legislative Committee , which is chaired by Steve Streiff. TLTA is seeking passage of two statutory changes that would improve real estate transactions:
In addition to the bills we are trying to pass listed above, you can review our broader Master Legislative Tracking List and Action Report, which includes other bills on which TLTA's Board has taken positions, as well as a link to a list of the more than 150 bills we are working this session. We have been actively addressing concerns and seeking improvements to these bills to avoid unintended consequences and preserve our daily functions as title agents and underwriters.  

Questions about TLTA's legislative process and how you can get involved?

 The TLTA Legislative Committee, our Local Legislative Liaisons, our Grassroots Network and our PAC Board of Governors are all part of our team of engaged legislative advocates. Learn More About TLTA's Legislative Process and How You Can Get Involved »

Gov. Abbott Appoints Marchant to Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs

Gov. Abbott's Press Office | May 6, 2021
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Kenny Marchant to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs for a term set to expire on January 31, 2025. The agency administers various federal funds to local residents through partnerships with cities, counties, nonprofits, private developers and public housing authorities. The funds are used for affordable housing and other low-income community services.  The board is responsible for awarding the funds and overseeing the contracts.
 
Read the Press Release »
 

A Different Lesson in Property Stipulations

JD Supra | May 4, 2021
The Texas Supreme Court in Concho Resources, Inc. v. Ellison enforced a boundary stipulation involving an unambiguous deed about which there had been no dispute. 
 
Read More »
Read TLTA's Amicus Letter Referenced Herein »
 
Editor's Note: TLTA submitted an Amicus letter to the Texas Supreme Court regarding the case discussed in this article, and TLTA's letter and positions are referenced in the article. TLTA's Judiciary Committee, which is chaired by Leslie Johnson, is responsible for recommending to our board of directors TLTA's position on court decisions that could affect the defense of title companies and title agents. The committee is recommending the submission of an additional Amicus letter in the case referenced above, in favor of rehearing to ask the court to explicitly limit the opinion to the defense of estoppel and make clear it’s not a title decision. We will provide an update if/when a new letter is approved by TLTA's board. Review the library of Amicus letters filed by TLTA on the industry's behalf.
 


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