March 25, 2015
Federal Legislation: TLTA Letter Urges Support of Small Business Advisory Board Act
Earlier this week, TLTA President, Dawn Moore wrote a letter to the Chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Financial Services urging support of the Small Business Advisory Board Act. Read the full letter
here.
This important legislation is being considered by the House Financial Services Committee this week. The bill would amend the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 to direct the Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to establish a Small Business Advisory Board to advise and consult with the Bureau. Currently, there is no mechanism for the title insurance industry or other similar businesses to formally interact with the Bureau and this legislation would establish such a mechanism.
ALTA was instrumental in the development of this legislation and you can read their latest letter of support
here.
Proposed Tax Reform Threatens 1031 Exchanges – Write or Call Your Congressmen Today to Share Your Concerns
By Jim Hyland, Pennsylvania Avenue Group, TLTA Federal Counsel
Congress is once again considering major tax reform. New Senate Finance Chairman Senator Orin Hatch (R-UT) has already established five working groups on the U.S. Senate Finance Committee to begin looking at a major tax overhaul. New House Ways and Means Chairman and former Vice Presidential candidate Paul Ryan (R-WI) has also vowed to move forward on comprehensive tax reform.
Read More>>
Texas Legislature: TLTA Board Takes Positions on Bills That Could Impact the Industry
The TLTA Board of Directors took positions yesterday on a variety of bills that could impact the land title industry in Texas.
The Board adopted a statement that "TLTA generally opposes any legislation that will result in a less efficient recordation process for land records." The Board also adopted positions on specific bills which TLTA has been working on with stakeholders including TDI, the County and District Clerks Association, members of the Elder Law section of the Bar and House and Senate members.
The Board also voted to support
HB 1357 Sheets/
SB 572 Eltife
Relating to certain title insurance policy liability and reinsurance requirements.
Click here for a complete list of bills that TLTA is tracking this legislative session.
TLTA Signs Letter of Support for Senate Tax Relief Package
TLTA, along with leaders of related industry groups, signed a
letter to express
strong support for the property tax and business relief efforts contained in
the Senate Tax Relief package.
The Senate Tax Relief package was voted out of the Senate Finance Committee last week and has been set on the Senate Intent calendar to be heard in the Senate Chamber. The package includes three bills and one joint resolution:
SB 1 would provide more than $2 billion in tax relief and increase the mandatory homestead exemption for school district taxes from $15,000 to 25 percent of the Texas home median market value
SB 7 would provide $1.8 billion in franchise tax relief and reduce the franchise tax by 15 percent
SB 8 would increase the total revenue exemption in the franchise tax from $1 million to $4 million
SJR 1 would prohibit the imposition of a tax on the conveyance of an interest in real property
Clarity Needed on New Rules for Real Estate Settlements
The Hill | March 17, 2015
Mortgage lenders and real estate settlement companies will soon implement new forms for real estate transactions aimed at easing confusion for consumers at the closing table. The Dodd Frank Wall Street Reform Act directed the CFPB to push out the new disclosure forms.
Read More>>
Former CFPB Executive Highlights Hot Spots in TILA/RESPA
Housingwire | March 16, 2015
CFPB Deputy Assistant Director Benjamin Olson recently spoke during a webinar to help lenders sort through the upcoming changes with the new TILA/RESPA Integrated Disclosures.
Read More>>
The Fed's Getting Closer to Raising Rates
Washington Post | March 16, 2015
The Federal Reserve has kept interest rates near zero since the financial crisis. The Central Bank, however, will likely indicate that rates will be increasing soon, possibly as early as June.
Read More>>
Why Earn a Professional Certification?
As you know, lenders and their regulators are asking title agents to meet certain new standards. Becoming part of the elite group of Texas certified professionals is an ideal way to set you and your company apart in this new competitive environment!
March 31st Deadline for Dallas, Houston & McAllen Exams
Apply Now
April 8th Deadline for Austin Exam
Apply Now
Who Should Apply?
If you've been in the industry for several years, you likely have the experience to take the exam.
See the
application for more information about the requirements.
Sign Up Today for TLTA South Texas Seminar on April 11th
NEW THIS YEAR: TLTA is bringing two hot topic sessions to McAllen on Saturday, April 11. Choose between the TILA/RESPA Readiness Training Session to get you ready for the new regulations going into effect in August or pick the Endorsements, Exclusions & Examination Session, perfect for plant and policy personnel!
Click Here for more info.
Register Today!
Registration Is Now Open For the TLTA Annual Conference and Business Meeting!
Review the tentative
schedule,
get registered and
make your hotel reservation today.
Register by April 30 to be eligible for free conference registration drawing
Register now to save money
NEW THIS YEAR! Optional Pre-Conference program scheduled for June 17 at the Gaylord:
TLTA TRID Readiness Series Phase II
Hands-On, How-To Workshop that will take you through the new Closing Disclosure using case studies. Grab a calculator and a pencil and plan to join us!
10am-4pm includes lunch
Click here for Pre-Conference Program
Register Today!
Avoiding TDI Audit Violations: A Focus On Everyday Compliance
Thursday, April 9
Presenters:
Robert York - Texas Department of Insurance; Manager of Title Examinations
Brenda Nelson - Old Republic National Title Insurance Company
Nancy Waggoner - Republic Title of Texas
Register Today!