May 28, 2004

  

Mindy Carr
Director of Government Affairs

 Special session ends with no results
The 4th Special Session ended with lawmakers unable to find a replacement for public school financing known as "Robin Hood." It is expected that the Governor will call another special session in the near future. In the meantime, TLTA will be working with other building trade groups to address our concerns regarding the mandatory sales price disclosure issue.  More story

Don’t forget to register for the PAC Breakfast at the Annual Conference
Paul Burka, Executive Editor of Texas Monthly magazine will be this year’s speaker at the Annual PAC Breakfast held in conjunction with the Annual Conference. You'll enjoy hearing Paul's perspective on the 2005 Legislative session, as well as other political "tidbits." Proceeds from this event will go to support the PAC's legislative efforts. Click here to register.

HUD Secretary says he will move forward on RESPA reform
HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson testified before the House Financial Services Committee on Thursday, May 20 and told members that he will move forward on RESPA reform following an internal review and consideration of some questions that the Office of Management and Budget had proposed in their review of the proposed rule. More story

Looking for answers to your RESPA questions?
The Department of Housing and Urban Development website has a section designed to answer questions regarding the Real Estate Procedure Act. Log on to www.hud.gov  and look on the right hand side of the link for “Lenders” then click on RESPA. You will find general information on RESPA, recent enforcement actions, FAQ’s and rules and regulations.

  P-53 Update
The Texas Department of Insurance has announced a new feature on their Web site addressing questions about the recently adopted P-53 Rule. More story

Come one, come all and have a ball – Support the TLTA PAC
For those lucky members attending the TLTA Annual Conference in Corpus, you will have the opportunity to bid on some great items at our 3rd Annual TLTA PAC Silent Auction. We have baseball tickets (awesome seats), vacation get-a-ways, collector’s items, popular electronics, and much much more. The auction will be held in conjunction with the opening night party at the Texas State Aquarium. This is a fun way to support the PAC and get something BACK!

Reminders for 2004 statistical reports
This is a reminder to all Texas title insurance agents to submit information relating to title experience to TDI by the deadline. Electronic (TACS) reports must be postmarked by June 1, 2004. Hard copy statistical reports need postmarked by May 17, 2004. For more information, click here.

Texas title insurance companies are required to submit their information by June 25, 2004. For more information, please click here.

Changes made to overtime eligibility rules
The Department of Labor has issued final pro-business regulations governing overtime eligibility for “white collar” workers under the Fair Labor Standards Act. More story