April 4, 2025
In This Issue:
- Texas Legislature 89th Session Update: Texas Senate Passes TLTA Supported County Clerk Recording Fee Bill, Legislative Committee Chair Steve Streiff Testifies in Support of SB 1810
- FinCEN Removes BOI / CTA Reporting Requirements for U.S. Companies and U.S. Persons
Texas Legislature 89th Session Update: TLTA Testifies on Foreign Ownership Bill, Other Legislation That Could Impact Our Industry's Operations
TLTA | April 3, 2025
Less than 60 days remain in the Texas Legislature's 89th Session, and activity in the Texas Capitol continues around the clock. Learn more about the work being done by your TLTA advocacy team in the highlights below.
TLTA Vice President of Government Relations and Counsel Aaron Day testifies on foreign ownership bill as committee adopts key changes that TLTA's advocacy team and building trades partners recommended
Foreign ownership of U.S. real estate continues to be a hot button political issue, and once again this session bills have been filed attempting to address this issue. TLTA and our building trades partners continue working in tandem to provide guidance to lawmakers trying to find workable solutions for the lawmakers to consider.
As reported in a previous edition of Dateline, earlier versions of these foreign ownership bills would have greatly impacted our industry when closing each transaction. Thanks to our community's good work and the leadership of the elected officials advancing these bills, the foreign ownership bills with the greatest momentum (SB 17 and HB 17) now ensure that the integrity of title is maintained and that TLTA members are not deputized to enforce the law, conduct extensive due diligence, or face new liability.
On Wednesday, TLTA Vice President of Government Relations and Counsel Aaron Day testified on
HB 17. Click the image below to
watch Aaron's testimony:
Click image above to watch Aaron Day's testimony
TLTA Legislative Counsel Allen Place testifies on HB 3704
Longtime TLTA Legislative Counsel Allen Place testified in the House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence Committee this week on behalf of TLTA in support of
HB 3704. Allen, who is a criminal defense appeals lawyer, a former legislator and a former title agent, was an effective resource for our industry and the Texas Legislature on this bill, which would raise the standards for notaries including some basic required education and criminal liability for notarizations without witnessing the signatures. You can
watch Allen's testimony by clicking the image below.
Click image above to watch Allen Place's testimony
ICYMI: Texas Senate passes SB 1547 (County Clerk Recording Fee) – a must pass bill on TLTA’s affirmative legislative agenda
Last week the Texas Senate passed
SB 1547, the county clerk recording fee bill TLTA is working to pass this session. This important clean-up legislation aims to correct language in the Texas Local Government Code that was amended last legislative session, creating a conflict of law relative to charges for electronic copies for real property records.
Learn more here.
We're grateful for Sen. Zaffirini’s leadership on this legislation and offer our thanks to the Senate who unanimously approved the bill, sending it to the Texas House for that chamber’s consideration. We look forward to working with members of the Texas House, including companion bill author Rep. Orr, to secure final passage of this legislation correcting a problematic and costly drafting oversight from last session.
TLTA’s affirmative legislative agenda for the 89th Session
TLTA's advocacy team is supporting passage of the following bills during the 89th Legislative Session. These statutory changes would improve real estate transactions statewide:
Memorandum of Contract - HB 4063 (Ordaz)
HB 4063 »
Review TLTA's one-pager on this legislation »
Negotiated Rulemaking Implementation - SB 2433 (Parker), SB 2861 (Hughes)
SB 2433 »
SB 2861 »
Deed Fraud Self Help - SB 1734 (West) and HB 4531 (Bhojani)
SB 1734 »
HB 4531 »
Review TLTA's one-pager on this legislation »
Statistical Report Deadlines - SB 1810 (Schwertner) and HB 3502 (Rep. King)
Note: Amended language expected pending stakeholder input.
SB 1810 »
HB 3502 »
Review TLTA's one-pager on this legislation »
County Clerk Recording Fee - SB 1547 (Zaffirini) and HB 3733 (Orr)
SB 1547 »
HB 3733 »
Review TLTA’s one-pager on this legislation »
These affirmative legislative agenda items were approved by TLTA's Board of Directors as recommended by our Legislative Committee, which is chaired by Steve Streiff. These statutory changes would improve real estate transactions statewide.
Legislation TLTA's Advocacy Team Is Tracking
Bills related to adverse possession, land use, HOA's and more have been filed by lawmakers.
Review the 89th Session Bills of Interest your TLTA Advocacy Team is tracking this session.
Questions About TLTA's Legislative Process?
TLTA's Legislative Committee, Local Legislative Liaisons, our industry's grassroots network and the TLTA PAC Board of Governors are all part of TLTA's team of engaged legislative advocates.
Learn More About TLTA's Legislative Process and How You Can Get Involved »
FHFA Replaces Freddie Mac Board Member Amid Other Changes
Housingwire | April 1, 2025
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) continues to make leadership changes at the board and executive levels of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.
Read More »