March 19, 2014

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New GSE Reform Draft Proposal Includes Title Insurance Requirement

By Jim Hyland | TLTA Federal Legislative Counsel
On Sunday, the Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, Tim Johnson (D-SD), and the Ranking Republican, Mike Crapo (R-ID) released a draft proposal that would overhaul Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and create a new housing finance system. The 442-page proposal is very extensive and detailed. The purpose is to reduce the exposure of the federal government to avoid having to bailout Fannie and Freddie for hundreds of billions of dollars again. Of interest to the title industry is specific language that eligible mortgages to be sold into the secondary market should have clear title and that requirement could be satisfied with title insurance. Read More »

Use New TDI Licensing Forms to Avoid Processing Delays

The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) would like to remind agents that the new versions of licensing applications and other licensing forms are now available and should be used going forward. These forms are available on the TDI website here. Beginning April 1, processing delays could occur if any of old versions of these forms are used.

TLTA Regulatory Committee Meets in Austin

The TLTA Regulatory Committee, chaired by James Dudley, met in Austin on Tuesday to discuss reports from subcommittees and new issues that the committee will be working to address. The committee also formed several new subcommittees to look at a variety of potential rule changes. If you have an issue you want the Regulatory Committee to consider, please complete this form. If you have any questions, please contact Government Affairs Assistant David Glenn at 512.879.2891 or [email protected].     

Hensarling Calls on CFPB to Open Closed Meetings

HousingWire | March, 17, 2014
The head of the House Financial Services Committee is calling on Consumer Finance Protection Bureau director Richard Cordray to open up the its four advisory council meetings to the public and press. “Instead of operating behind closed doors, it’s time for the CFPB to live up to its oft-stated commitment to transparency and openness. In the interest of true, genuine transparency and open government, Director Cordray can and should use ‘Sunshine Week’ to take immediate steps that bring the CFPB into the sunlight,” U.S. Rep. and HFSC Chairman Jeb Hensarling, R-Texas said in a written and video statement. Read More »

Register for These Upcoming Hot Topic Webinars!

Probate and Entity Issues: What You Need to Close
Wednesday, March 19 | 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Presented by:
Mark Peña, Attorney at Law, Lewis, Monroe & Peña, Edinburg
Live Version | On-Demand Version

Quickbooks and the TDI Agent Experience Report
Tuesday, March 25 | 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Presented by:
Nancy Waggoner, Vice President/Controller/CPA, Republic Title of Texas, Inc.
Live Version | On-Demand Version

What Texas Title Agents Need to Know About the New CFPB Closing Disclosure Rule
Tuesday, April 22 | 2 - 3:30 p.m.
Presented by:
Celia C. Flowers, Attorney, Flowers Davis, PLLC and East Texas Title Companies
Janet S. Minke, CTIA, Vice-President, Underwriting Support Services, Alliant National Title Insurance Company
Leslie Wyatt, Director of Industry Relations, SoftPro
Live Version | On-Demand Version