January 9, 2025
In This Issue:
- Legislative Update: Texas Legislature's 89th Session Commences Next Week Jan. 14; Legislation TLTA's Advocacy Team Is Tracking
- New Statistical Codes Implemented Jan. 1 - TDI Resource Includes Old and New Codes for Easy Reference
- New TREC Form Changes Were Implemented Jan. 3 - Highlights of Changes Relevant to Title Agents
- Justice Blacklock Named New Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court; James Sullivan Appointed to Fill Vacancy Left When Nathan Hecht Retired
- Texas Realtors: How You—And Property Owners—Can Stop Seller Impersonation Fraud
Legislative Update: Texas Legislature's 89th Session Commences Next Week Jan. 14; Legislation TLTA's Advocacy Team Is Tracking
TLTA | Jan. 9, 2025
The Texas Legislature's 89th Session will commence this Tuesday, Jan. 14.
Already several bills have been filed that TLTA's Advocacy Team will be engaging with, including foreign ownership of real property, uniform petition act reform regarding heirs properties, and colonia contract regulation. Additionally, we continue to work with the Legislative Council on bill drafts for our affirmative agenda which will include bills to address deed fraud, memorandum of contract filings, fees regarding electronic copies of real property records, and MUD notices.
Here are other legislative happenings worth noting that will shape the 89th Session and our industry's work at the Texas Capitol:
New Speaker of the Texas House Means New Leadership Roles and Committee Assignments
Speaker Dade Phelan announced he will not seek reelection to serve as Speaker of the Texas House. There are several candidates vying to replace him. Learn more in this Dateline coverage of the Speaker's Race.
Changes in leadership of the Texas House will produce new committee assignments and the establishment of new leadership roles that could impact our industry's legislative agenda. We are monitoring closely the ongoing battle to secure the speakership.
New Members Will Be Sworn In - Help Us Welcome Them and Share Our Industry's Priorities During TLTA's Day at the Capitol Feb. 10-11
More than 30 new members of the Texas House and Senate will be sworn in next week. Your TLTA Advocacy Team has been getting to know these new lawmakers and sharing information about industry's priorities and the importance of strengthening the state's real estate market.
With all of these new faces, new leadership roles and the staggering number of bills to be considered, TLTA's Day at the Capitol is more important than ever. You can help by making your plan to join us for TLTA's Day at the Capitol Feb. 10-11. 2025.
Prefiled Legislation TLTA's Advocacy Team Is Tracking
Bills related to eminent domain, land use, HOA's and more were filed by lawmakers during the 89th Session prefiling period. Review 89th Session Bills of Interest your TLTA Advocacy Team is tracking this session. Note that this list will grow as more bills are filed when the session commences next week.
New Statistical Codes Implemented Jan. 1 - TDI Resource Includes Old and New Codes for Easy Reference
TLTA | Jan. 9, 2024
The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) revised the Texas Title Insurance Statistical Plan, and the changes were effective as of Jan. 1, 2025.
These revisions include updates to stat codes for items adopted by TDI on Nov. 1, 2024. To review the Nov. 1 changes and learn more about the rulemaking process click here.
TDI Publishes Stat Plan Resource
Texas Title Insurance Statistical Plan Expiring December 31, 2024
Texas Title Insurance Statistical Plan Effective January 1, 2025
Additional resources can be found on TDI's title insurance page.
Stay Updated: Subscribe to the TLTA Basic Manual Service
Ensure you’re always up-to-date with the latest changes to the Basic Manual, including important updates like these statistical plan revisions. If you’re already a subscriber, don’t forget to renew—subscriptions expire Dec. 31.
Subscribe or renew today »
New TREC Form Changes Were Implemented Jan. 3 - Highlights of Changes Relevant to Title Agents
TLTA | Jan. 9, 2024
TREC adopted a number of contract form changes at its meeting Nov. 4, 2024. The new forms became mandatory Jan. 3. The changes are enumerated here, along with redlines of the changes and other resources.
Looking for changes that might impact your title operations? Check out these TREC form change highlights published in Dateline at the end of 2024.
Justice Blacklock Named New Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court; James Sullivan Appointed to Fill Vacancy Left When Nathan Hecht Retired
Texas Tribune | Jan. 6, 2025
Learn more about recent changes in the Texas Supreme Court.
Texas Realtors: How You—And Property Owners—Can Stop Seller Impersonation Fraud
Texas Realtors | December 2024
Seller impersonation fraud is a growing and increasingly sophisticated scam facing Texas landowners. The swindle can take months of legal hassles and title work to repair while costing thousands of dollars to property owners and potential buyers.
Real estate and title professionals can be the first lines of defense. Your careful vetting can stop fraudsters early on. But property owners also can help protect themselves.
Here are tips from two experts you can share with your clients and contacts.
Read More »
TLTA Editor's Note: We're proud to share this valuable resource with you, which features perspective and insights from two TLTA members, Roland Love, Chair of TLTA's Regulatory Committee, and Latra Szal, who serves on TLTA's Legislative and Regulatory committees.