Jan. 11, 2023

In This Issue:

  • 88th Texas Legislature: New Legislative Session Kicked Off Tuesday, TLTA Day at Capitol Less Than One Month Away, Bills of Interest
  • TDI News
  • FinCEN Expects to Propose New Anti-Money Laundering Rule in April
  • ALTA Asks FTC to Provide Clear Definition of a 'Junk Fee'

88th Texas Legislature: New Legislative Session Kicked Off Tuesday, TLTA Day at Capitol Less Than One Month Away, Bills of Interest

TLTA | Jan. 11, 2023
The Texas Legislature's 88th Session kicked off earlier this week. The opening day was marked by ceremony and honors. Speaker of the Texas House Dade Phelan was reelected, Sen. Kelly Hancock, R-North Richland Hills, was named president pro-tempore of the Senate, and new members were sworn in (click and scroll down to see new members this session). 
 
The House and Senate are adopting their rules this week, and we will start watching for committee assignments in coming weeks. 
 
Day at Capitol Less Than One Month Away 
 


Two Easy Steps to Join Us For This Important Industry Event
 
1) Register now
It's time to start scheduling appointments with legislators
 
2) Book your hotel room before group rate expires
Day at the Capitol hotel group rate expires Saturday, January 21
 

Bills to Watch

TLTA's legislative team reviews all bills filed during the session and monitors those that might impact our industry or the state's real estate marketplace. If these bills begin to move through the process and TLTA takes official positions on them, we’ll provide more detailed information about our stance and how they might affect you and your business. Review Current Bills to Watch List. 

TDI News

TDI Proposes New Process for Licensees Requesting Codes for Fingerprint Services

Texas Department of Insurance | Jan. 9, 2023
 
The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) proposes adding language that states for a natural person, agency, or company to be eligible for a specific license, registration, certification, or association with a regulated agency or company, the applicant must start the application or registration process by submitting a formal request for a fingerprint service code.
 
Review Proposal and Submit Comments »
 
 

TDI Announces New Executive Leadership

Texas Department of Insurance | Dec. 27, 2023
 
The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) announces its chief deputy commissioner and new leadership for its Administrative Operations, Life and Health, and General Counsel divisions.
 
Meet New Additions to TDI's Talentced Team »
 
 

ICYMI: TDI Recently Moved – Be Sure to Check Address Before Submitting Forms and Correspondence to Agency Via U.S. Mail

TLTA | Jan. 11, 2023
 
In 2022, TDI moved from the William P. Hobby Jr. Building in downtown Austin to the Barbara Jordan State Office Building north of the Texas Capitol. If you send forms or other correspondence to TDI using their physical address, be sure you're using the updated address. Need a mailing address for title licensing and examination divisions? Contact those divisions as follows:
 
[email protected]
512.676.6880
 
[email protected]
512.676.6475
 

FinCEN Expects to Propose New Anti-Money Laundering Rule in April

ALTA | Jan. 5, 2023
FinCEN intends to issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to address money laundering (AML) threats in the U.S. real estate sector in April, the Department of the Treasury indicated on its website.

During his keynote address during the ABA/ABA Financial Crimes Enforcement Conference in December, FinCEN Acting Director Himamauli Das mentioned the potential for a new AML rule in 2023. Das said FinCEN is focused on increasing transparency in U.S. real estate transactions and “to prevent corrupt elites and others from using the U.S. real estate market to launder and hide their ill-gotten wealth.”

Read More »
 

ALTA Asks FTC to Provide Clear Definition of a 'Junk Fee'

ALTA | Jan. 10, 2023
ALTA submitted a letter in response to the Federal Trade Commission’s advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) to address certain deceptive or unfair acts or practices relating to fees.
 
Read  ALTA's Letter to FTC »
Review Background Info From ALTA on FTC's ANPR »