January 14, 2015
It's Opening Week for the 84th Legislature!
While it will still take a few weeks to get a legislative session moving at full speed, the 84th Legislature
convened on Tuesday, Jan. 13 with the swearing in of members of the House and Senate. San Antonio Republican, Joe Straus, will start his fourth term as Texas House Speaker. The House voted 127-19 to keep Straus in power for the 84th legislative session. Straus was first elected Speaker in 2009. Former State Senator Dan Patrick (R-Houston) will be sworn in as Lieutenant Governor on Jan. 20. Watch for more updates from TLTA throughout the legislative session.
Former Abbott Deputy Named Insurance Commissioner
Governor Rick Perry's office announced Jan. 12th that he has appointed David Mattax of Austin as Commissioner of Insurance. Mattax is replacing former Commissioner Julia Rathgeber, who resigned her position at the Texas Department of Insurance to serve as Governor-Elect Greg Abbott’s Deputy Chief of Staff, effective January 20th. According to the
Texas Tribune and the
Austin American-Statesman, Mattax, a deputy from former Attorney General Abbott's office who worked on defense and financial litigation, may serve as a temporary replacement for outgoing Commissioner Rathgeber, who has indicated she would like to return to her role as Commissioner this summer.
Day at the Capitol: Hotel Deadline Extended to Jan. 16 -
Sign Up Now!
To paraphrase Uncle Sam, We want you for TLTA’s Day at the Capitol! TLTA’s Day at the Capitol, February 2-3, is for every title professional. It is an excellent opportunity to speak directly with your legislators about the issues impacting the title industry and ultimately your bottom line. With the important issues our industry faces, it’s crucial to show our strength in numbers and have our voices heard during the 84th Legislative Session. By attending, you’re making a difference in the future of your business and your industry. We had a great turnout for the 2013 Day at the Capitol and we need to expand that turnout even more this year, so please sign up today!
NOTE: Cut-off date for TLTA’s group rate is Friday, January 16. The TLTA group rate is not guaranteed as rooms are limited. Book today!
Register >> Book Hotel>>
Hegar: "Moderate Expansion" of Economy is Expected
Texas Tribune | January 12, 2015
There has been concern that tumbling oil prices could push the Texas economy into a recession, but amid these concerns Comptroller Glenn Hegar was optimistic when speaking about the Texas economy, announcing lawmakers will have $113 billion to haggle over while crafting its next two-year budget.
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Obama to Cut FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums to Boost Homeownership
The Washington Post | January 7, 2015
The White House announced Wednesday that the FHA will lower the fees it charges borrowers. The goal is to save homebuyers several hundred dollars a year and help jump start the housing market. According to the White House new borrowers can expect to save about $900 a year.
Read More>>
CFPB Appoints Enforcement Chief
Reverse Mortgage Daily | January 8, 2015
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau named Tony Alexis as the agency's new enforcement chief. Alexis was a U.S. attorney for 13 years.
Read More>>
Kicking Dodd-Frank in the Teeth
The New York Times | January 10, 2015
The 14th Congress just got underway with one clear goal, to further rollback regulations in place to keep financial markets safe from Wall Street practices. The bill s called Promoting Job Creation and Reducing Small Business Burdens Act.
Read More>>
Obama Signs TRIA Despite Dodd-Frank Provision
The Hill | January 12, 2015
President Obama signed a six-year reauthorization of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) that included a provision opposed to change the 2010 Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Law. TRIA allows the federal government to pay businesses after catastrophic terrorist attacks exceeding $200 million in damage.
Read More>>
CFPB Launches Owning a Home
CFPB has put together a tool for homebuyers to keep them informed when it comes to locking down a mortgage. The Owning a Home tool will allow homebuyers to learn about their various loan options, check interest rates, prepare for closing and understand the closing forms. Check out the new Owning a Home tool
here.
TLTA has a CFPB webpage that can help you stay up to date on relevant information from CFPB.
Decedent's Estates, with a Focus on Intestacy
Wednesday, January 14 | 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Presented by:
Michael Savas, Vice President, Senior Texas Counsel, First American Title Insurance Company
Live Version |
On-Demand Version
Voluntary Liens: Creation, Homestead, Creditors & More
Wednesday, January 21 | 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Presented By:
G. Roland Love, Attorney, Winstead PC, Dallas
Live Version |
On-Demand Version
Understanding & Complying With P-53 & Anti-Rebating Laws
The Ethical Title Professional
Surveys - Don't Be Out of Bounds!
Bankruptcy - A Title Insurance Perspective
CFPB Integrated Mortgage Disclosures: Only 9 Months Away