March 11, 2003

Seems as if the old adage "March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb" may hold true this year. After the ice and snow in late February, I think we're all ready for the thaw to commence. Even with the inclement weather, TLTA continues to make significant headway in several key areas.  

RESPA Reform – We continue to be concerned about the effect of HUD's RESPA reform proposal. The TLTA Board has recently voted to engage Piper Rudnick, one of the largest and most diverse Federal Affairs and Legislative practices in the country, to represent TLTA in its opposition to this proposal. As we take a more proactive stance in regards to RESPA, we must also be aware of the investment of funds and resources required to do so. If we do not take any action, I believe all of us will eventually suffer the consequences. I hope you will lend your support to this effort as we endeavor to represent your interests at the national level.

TLTA's first Day at the Capitol held on February 19 was a great success. We had almost 50 members on hand to meet with their legislators, and to get an update on the legislature's activities from Sen. Jeff Wentworth, R-San Antonio. This event was an excellent opportunity for many of us to sharpen our lobbying skills while increasing TLTA's presence at the legislative level. If you didn't participate in Day at the Capitol, I would urge you to contact your legislator to voice your concerns and opinions. By increasing our involvement, I'm confident we can increase our impact on the political process.

The TLTA Lobby team has been busy monitoring and amending bills that affect the title insurance industry. Luckily, March 14 is the deadline to file bills-other than local bills, emergency appropriations, and bills that have been declared an emergency by the governor. As of March 7, over 3,000 bills have been filed. Click here for a summary of the bills that affect the title industry.  If you would like to download copies of any of the bills, please visit www.capitol.state.tx.us .

The Texas Department of Insurance published a proposed new procedural rule regarding payment and receiving/acceptance of rebates in the title insurance industry on February 21. This published rule is very similar to the version approved by the TLTA Board and submitted to TDI. Written comments on the proposed rebate rule can be submitted to TDI through March 24, 2003 . For more information click here.

TLTA will present its first seminar geared towards the managers in our industry in April. Stayingy Ahead of the Curve - Management Essentials for Title Industry Professionals will be held on Friday, April 11, 2003 at the Hilton Airport Austin. Click here for more information.

You also should have received the first promotional e-mail for the 2002-2003 TLTA Annual Conference, June 6-8 at The Woodlands Resort. Rediscover the Nature of Your Business and take advantage of the new weekend format and flexible fee options. Click here for more information, and watch your mail this month for the conference brochure and registration form.

Last but not least, the TLTA Board of Directors will meet in Austin on Wednesday, April 2, at the Inter-Continental Stephen F. Austin Hotel . As always, members are welcome to attend.

We continue to work hard to represent your interests as well as provide you with the tools for professional development and education. If you feel we're doing a good job, let us know. And, if there are other issues or concerns that you would like to see addressed, please feel free to contact me or a TLTA staff member.