May 8, 2025
In This Issue:
- TDI Publishes Underwriter Experience Report 2019-23
- Texas Legislature 89th Session Update: Memorandum of Contract Bill on TLTA's Affirmative Legislative Agenda Passed by Texas House
- Gov. Abbott Names Woodroof Chair of Texas Real Estate Commission, Appoints Davis and Goodwin
TDI Publishes Underwriter Experience Report 2019-23
TLTA | May 6, 2025
The Texas Department of Insurance published the Title Underwriters Experience Report for 2019-2023.
Texas Insurance Code §2703.153 requires each title insurance company and title insurance agent engaged in the business of title insurance in Texas to annually submit business data to TDI. TDI uses this data to set title insurance premium rates.
Review Title Underwriters Experience Report for 2019-2023 »
This Report Is Also Available as a Downloadable Excel File »
Looking for older experience reports? You can
find them here.
Texas Legislature 89th Session Update: Memorandum of Contract Bill on TLTA's Affirmative Legislative Agenda Passed by Texas House
TLTA | May 8, 2025
Less than 25 days remain in the Texas Legislature's 89th Session, and end-of-session deadlines start to kick in next week.
TLTA's advocacy team continues working to advance the bills on our affirmative legislative agenda. You can see
updates on the status of those bills here.
HB 4063 (Memorandum of Contract Bill on TLTA's Affirmative Legislative Agenda) passed by Texas House
As previously reported, title agents are increasingly noticing Memorandum of Contracts on residential properties. These notices are creating complications at the closing table and opportunities for abuse.
It has been reported that often the filer of the notice will extract payment unrelated to the terms of the contract to “simply go away.” In these instances, the Memorandum of Contract perpetuates a form of “greenmail”, taking advantage of the duress the Seller faces in a property sale transaction.
TLTA has been working with Rep. Ordaz to win approval of
HB 4063, which would amend the statute governing filing of these problematic contracts. We're grateful to the Texas House for passing this important legislation, which is part of TLTA's affirmative legislative agenda. We continue working with the Texas Senate to win their approval.
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 »
HB 5173 »
County Clerk Recording Fee - SB 1547 (Zaffirini) and HB 3733 (Orr)
SB 1547 »
HB 3733 »
Review TLTA’s one-pager on this legislation »
Status of the TLTA Affirmative Agenda Bills Listed Above
You can find the status of the
bills listed above here.
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 »
Gov. Abbott Names Woodroof Chair of Texas Real Estate Commission, Appoints Davis and Goodwin
Gov. Abbott's Media Team | May 6, 2025
Gov. Greg Abbott appointed Kristi Davis and James B. Goodwin to the Texas Real Estate Commission for terms set to expire on January 31, 2031. Additionally, the Governor named Mark Woodroof as chair of the board.
These appointments are subject to Texas Senate confirmation.
Learn more about the appointees by reading the Governor's press release »