Nov. 9, 2022
In This Issue:
- Election Results, Legislative Session Ahead, and TLTA Day at the Texas Capitol
- FTC Exploring Rule to Crack Down on Junk Fees
- TREC Adopts Revised Forms, Proposes Rule Changes to Clarify the Unauthorized Practice of Law
- More Info on Deed Fraud Services
- It's Not Too Late to Register for Tomorrow's Bankruptcy Basics Webinar
Election Results, Legislative Session Ahead, and TLTA Day at the Texas Capitol
TLTA | Nov. 9 2022
All of Texas' state senators and state representatives were up for election this cycle after the redrawing of political districts last year based on the 2020 census. While there were no major surprises in last night's election, the results will impact our work at the Texas Legislature during the legislative session that commences in January.
Election Results by Contest »
Overview of Results Related to Texas Legislature »
Please note that not all election returns are official yet and some votes have not been counted. Election analysis and data should be treated as tentative until all results are finalized and officially announced in the coming days. For example, there's likely to be a recount in SD 27, where it appears Morgan LaMantia (D) defeated Adam Hinojosa (R), 50.2%-49.8%.
All in all, we'll be welcoming nearly 40 new Texas legislators when the 88th Legislative Session kicks off in January, and your TLTA PAC and advocacy team have our work cut out for us educating those new members about title insurance – what we do and why our work is so important.
The election results are an important reminder that maintaining effective lines of communication with the lawmakers who oversee our regulated industry remains a top priority, and your participation in
TLTA's Day at the Capitol Feb. 7-8 is crucial to our success. We plan to pack the halls of the Texas Capitol with title professionals in February –
join us!
As always, if you would like to discuss the impact of this election on our industry, please contact TLTA's Government Affairs Director,
Aaron Day.
FTC Exploring Rule to Crack Down on Junk Fees
ALTA | Nov. 1, 2022
Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
announced it is exploring a rule to crack down on so-called “junk fees.” The FTC describes these fees as “unnecessary, unavoidable or surprise charges that inflate costs while adding little to no value.” The agency is seeking public comment on the harms from these fees and unfair or deceptive tactics companies use to impose them.
The FTC’s
Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking references the CFPB’s Request for Information (RFI) from earlier this year that was focused on “junk fees” surrounding consumer financial products or services. ALTA submitted a
comment letter in response to the CFPB’s RFI in March.
ALTA is reviewing the FTC’s ANPRM in light of ALTA's engagement on the CFPB’s RFI on the same topic.
TREC Adopts Revised Forms, Proposes Rule Changes to Clarify the Unauthorized Practice of Law
Texas Real Estate Commission | Nov. 9, 2022
The Texas Real Estate Commission met November 7 and received updates from advisory committees and staff, adopted revised forms, and proposed revisions to rules related to the inspection form and the unauthorized practice of law.
Learn More »
More Info on Deed Fraud Services
TLTA | Nov. 9, 2022
Many of you continue to receive questions from customers and others in your community about the deed fraud products and services. Below are some resources we've encourtered in recent months you can share when asked about these services:
Title Theft Defrocked »
Scammers can steal the title to your home, but it's rare and easily preventable »
Questionable claims found in Home Title Lock ads »
An Infomercial Protection Racket »
Prolific ads push questionable claims about US 'crime wave' »
It's Not Too Late to Register for Tomorrow's Bankruptcy Basics Webinar
CE CREDITS
1 hr Escrow
1 hr MCLE
This intermediate webinar, Bankruptcy Basics, is tailored for legal professionals seeking to grow their understanding of the current basic concepts of bankruptcy and current exemptions as they relate to real estate closing. In addition to the fundamental concepts involved in various bankruptcy chapters, Bankruptcy Basics will discuss closing issues and requirements that are unique to sales out of bankruptcy estates filed under different chapters of the Bankruptcy Code.
Attendees will gain an understanding of what requirements may be made by underwriters when reselling property from a bankruptcy estate, which they can use to better fulfill their legal and professional duties toward one another, clients, and the courts.
Presenter:
Thad Barreneche
Title Resources Group
Webinar Rating: 1_intermediate_312795.png (Intermediate)
Cost: $40 for TLTA members / $54 for non-members
Watch it live and ask the presenter questions
Tomorrow, Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022
10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Register Now
Looking for more educational tools?
Check out TLTA's collection of more than 80 on-demand webinars and videos!