June 8, 2023
In This Issue:
- 88th Texas Legislature: Update on Special Session #1, Governor's Veto Period Continues Through June 18, ICYMI: TLTA's 88th Regular Session Report
- Fannie Mae’s Mission Creep
- Update on TREC Meeting May 16
88th Texas Legislature: Update on Special Session #1, Governor's Veto Period Continues Through June 18, ICYMI: TLTA's 88th Regular Session Report
TLTA | June 7, 2023
Update on Special Session # 1
Last week, immediately following the adjournment of the 88th Regular Session, Gov. Abbott called the 1st special session of the 88th Texas Legislature. The Governor's call for Special Session #1 included two issues: property taxes and border security.
The Senate passed their version of the special session property tax bill,
SB 1. The House then passed their version,
HB 1, and immediately adjourned Sine Die (i.e., done with their work for Special Session #1). The Lt. Gov. responded to the House's adjournment with clear statements that the Senate would not accept the House's plan and would continue to work. You can learn more on the continued special session impasse in this
report from the Texas Tribune.
Your TLTA staff and advocacy team are monitoring the special session closely and will alert you if there is progress to report related to property taxes, or if new issues are raised that might impact our industry or the real estate marketplace.
Veto Period In Progress Now Through June 18
Gov. Abbott has until June 18 to sign, allow enactment without his signature, or veto bills that made it to his desk during the 88th Regular Session.
Your TLTA staff and advocacy team are monitoring this process closely and will alert you if there are vetoes relevant to our industry or that impact any of the bills in our Regular Session Update linked below.
ICYMI: TLTA Successfully Protects the Industry During Uniquely Challenging Legislative Session
The Regular Session of the 88th Texas Legislature adjourned last week. In addition to passing our proactive TLTA Legislative Agenda, TLTA actively engaged numerous bills this session, preventing threatening bills from passing and amending several bills to protect the title industry and real estate system.
Review TLTA's Session Results Full Report »
Fannie Mae’s Mission Creep
Forbes | June 1, 2023
Just fifteen years after the bailout of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac cost American taxpayers $187 billion, the government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) are intent upon expanding their authority once again without the approval of regulators, Congress, or the real estate industry.
Fannie Mae recently moved to expand its role in the nation’s real estate system far beyond its stated charter. The enterprise – which is still under conservatorship – is playing with fire.
Read More »
Update on TREC Meeting May 16
TREC | May 23, 2023
To reach more license holders, the Texas Real Estate Commission broke away from its Austin headquarters for the first time ever to meet in Houston on May 16. It was TREC’s second meeting of 2023. There were more than 80 attendees.
TREC’s Chair, Scott Kesner, opened the meeting with a welcome to TREC’s newest Commissioners: Chance Brown, Renee Harvey Lowe, and Stuart Bernstein.
Read More, Including Rule Changes Related to Broker Responsibility, Lookback Period, and Inspections »