January 23, 2026

In This Issue:

  • Early Voting Underway for Tarrant County-Based Senate District 9 Special Election Runoff To Be Held Jan. 31
  • Fidelity Objects to Federal Magistrate's Recommendation in Suit Challenging Implementation of FinCEN’s New Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule Scheduled to Go Into Effect March 1.
  • ALTA: Fraud Prevention Is a Hidden Key to Housing Affordability
  • Compliance Reminder: Guaranty Fee Reports Due Feb. 1

Early Voting Underway for Tarrant County-Based Senate District 9 Special Election Runoff To Be Held Jan. 31

TLTA  | Jan. 22, 2026

The winner of this special election will fulfill the remainder of now-acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock's unexpired term. Both candidates are also running in the primary election to be held March 31 that will determine who will serve that seat when the 90th Legislative Session commences next January.

If you have questions about the candidates in this race, please contact TLTA Vice President of Government Relations and Counsel Aaron Day. 

Read More About This Special Election Runoff »

Fidelity Objects to Federal Magistrate's Recommendation in Suit Challenging Implementation of FinCEN’s New Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule Scheduled to Go Into Effect March 1.

TLTA | Jan. 22, 2026

In December a U.S. magistrate recommended that the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida grant FinCEN’s cross-motion for summary judgment in Fidelity National Financial, Inc., et al. v. U.S. Department of the Treasury, et al., Case No. 3:25-cv-554 (M.D. Fla.). In the suit, Fidelity National Financial and Fidelity National Title Insurance Company are challenging the new FinCEN rule requiring reporting of certain all-cash residential real estate transactions.

In response to the magistrate's recommendation, Fidelity filed these objections to the magistrate's report.

Earlier this month, FinCEN answered Fidelity's objections.
 
The new FinCEN rule challenged in the suit would expand and replace FinCEN’s prior temporary, geographically limited Geographic Targeting Orders (GTOs). The magistrate’s recommendation, if adopted, could clear the way for nationwide enforcement of the rule beginning March 1.

Background

FinCEN's GTO reporting is being expanded to all markets nationwide, requiring new reporting for certain all-cash residential real estate transfers. The new reporting requirements are scheduled to be implemented March 1. Learn more here.

Only 30 Business Days Remain Before Implementation Date of the New Reporting Rule. Are You Ready?

TLTA is hosting a 2-hour compliance clinic that builds on prior TLTA training and focuses on applying the new rule using the most current FinCEN materials. Presenters will walk through how to identify reportable transactions, confirm the reporting person, and complete the Real Estate Report using real-world examples. The session will also address common exemptions and exclusions, operational decision points, and updated guidance affecting workflows, data collection, and reporting timelines.

This clinic is designed for title professionals who want clarity and confidence heading into March—whether you are finalizing internal procedures, training staff, or pressure-testing how the rule will impact day-to-day closings.

FinCEN Real Estate Reporting Rule: Final Prep Before March 1 Effective Date
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
CE: 2 hours Escrow/MCLE

ALTA: Fraud Prevention Is a Hidden Key to Housing Affordability

ALTA | Jan. 22, 2026

When policymakers talk about housing affordability, the focus is usually on interest rates, inventory shortages, zoning reform, or construction costs. All are important. But one factor rarely making the conversation is fraud prevention – and the quiet role the title insurance industry plays in keeping housing attainable.

Read More »

Compliance Reminder: Guaranty Fee Reports Due Feb. 1 - Failure to Submit Could Lead to TDI Enforcement

TLTA | Jan. 14, 2026

Guaranty Fee reports for the fourth quarter of 2025 are due to TTIGA Feb. 1. Failure to submit reports could result in enforcement action from TDI.

Remittance Forms and Other Guaranty Fee Info »

TLTA Editor's Note: TLTA's Compliance Checklist and Reporting Calendar for title agents was recently updated. And, we hosted a new compliance clinic live earlier this week: The Title Agent Compliance Checklist: Reporting Deadlines, Requirements, and Audit Readiness. The new clinic will be available as an on-demand webinar starting next week.