November 14, 2024
In This Issue:
- In Memoriam: TLTA Past President and Longtime PAC Chair Bert Massey
- TREC Meeting Recap: Contract Form Changes Coming in 2025
- FinCEN Alert on Fraud Schemes Involving Deepfake Media Targeting Financial Institutions
- Texas Society of Professional Surveyors: Updated Manual of Practice
- Legislative Update: Election Results; Save the Date for Our Industry's Day at the Texas Capitol
- TDI: Two Vacant Slots for Public Members on TTIGA Board - Applications Due. Nov. 18
In Memoriam: TLTA Past President and Longtime PAC Chair Bert Massey
TLTA | Nov. 14, 2024
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bert Massey, a cherished member of the TLTA family whose contributions to our community and the title industry are immeasurable. Serving as TLTA President from 1981-82, Bert's leadership established the TLTAPAC, laying the foundation for the political advocacy that has protected and advanced our industry for decades. Bert continued his lifelong dedication to TLTA and our mission as Chair of the PAC Board for many decades, assuming the role of Chair Emeritus in 2023.

Bert was a past Title Person of the Year, an Honorary TLTA Member, and a recipient of the President’s Award—honors that reflect his legacy of leadership, generosity, and commitment to the industry. His influence and dedication will be remembered by TLTA and the title community for years to come.
We share our condolences with Bert’s family and friends during this time of loss. A celebration of Bert's life will be held as follows:
Celebration of Life - Nov. 21 - 2-3 PM (CT)
First Baptist Church Brownwood
208 Austin Avenue
Brownwood, TX 76801
TREC Meeting Recap: Contract Form Changes Coming in 2025
Texas Real Estate Commission| Nov. 12, 2024
Multiple contract form changes were adopted by the Texas Real Estate Commission during the November 4 TREC Meeting after being recommended by the Broker-Lawyer Committee (BLC).
What you can find in the November TREC meeting recap:
- Adopted changes
- Changes you can comment on
- Committee appointments
- And more
Read the Meeting Recap and Review Changes »
FinCEN Alert on Fraud Schemes Involving Deepfake Media Targeting Financial Institutions
FinCEN | Nov. 13 2024
The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) issued an alert to help financial institutions identify fraud schemes associated with the use of deepfake media created with generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools. The alert explains typologies associated with these schemes, provides red flag indicators to assist with identifying and reporting related suspicious activity, and reminds financial institutions of their reporting requirements under the Bank Secrecy Act.
Read the Alert »
Review the Press Release »
Texas Society of Professional Surveyors: 2024 Manual of Practice
TSPS | September 2024
Earlier this year the Texas Society of Professional Surveyors updated their TSPS Manual of Practice.
The updated manual was effective as of Sept. 30, 2024.
Review the Updated Manual »
Review the Redline to Track Changes from the Old Edition to the New »
Legislative Update: Election Results; Save the Date for Our Industry's Day at the Texas Capitol
TLTA | Nov. 7, 2024
Tuesday's election included a number of competitive races for the Texas Legislature, and there will be some new officials in Austin when the next legislative session commences in January 2025. TLTA's Advocacy Team congratulates the winners of these races and looks forward to connecting with them as we work together on behalf of the state's real estate market. Some legislative changes to note can be found below:
Texas House
Following this election, the Republican majority in Texas House increases by two seats to 88-62. Here are the seats that changed hands:
HD 34 (seat formerly held by Rep. Abel Herrero, who retired)
Republican: Denise Villalobos (55%) Winner
Democrat: Solomon Ortiz (44%)
HD 80 (seat formerly held by Rep. Tracy King, who retired)
Republican: Don McLaughlin (63%) Winner
Democrat: Cecilia Castellano (37%)
Review results of all competitive races in Texas House »
Texas Senate
In SD 27, Republican Adam Hinojosa defeated incumbent Sen. Morgan LaMantia. The Republican majority in Texas Senate will increase by one seat to 20-11.
Learn more about Senator-elect Hinojosa »
Day at the Capitol - Save the Date - Feb. 10-11, 2025
The Texas Legislature's 89th Session will commence in January 2025, and as we do every session, our industry will host a Day at the Capitol to share our story with lawmakers and staff.
Please mark your calendar and make your plan to join us. Registration for this crucial industry event will open later this month.
TLTA Editor's Note: Many of our industry's friends and partners running for office enjoyed victories during Tuesday's election, including TLTA Board Member, Mark Scott, who won a seat on the Corpus Christi City Council. Congrats, Mark!
Congratulations too to the slew of industry professionals who won seats in local governments and the Texas Legislature. We're grateful for the opportunity to work with you as you help lead our communities.
TDI: Two Vacant Slots for Public Members on TTIGA Board - Applications Due. Nov. 18
TLTA | Nov. 7, 2024
The Texas Department of Insurance offers a number of opportunities to volunteer on a slate of boards and committees related to TDI's operations.
Currently there are two vacant slots for public members on the Texas Title Insurance Guaranty Association (TTIGA) board of directors. Applications are due Nov. 18.
Learn More About TTIGA Openings »
Review Other Volunteer Opportunities at TDI and How to Apply »