UTA and CMA members lobbied California State Senators and Assemblymembers on April 23rd. Twelve participants were briefed by UTA and CMA California lobbyist Mike Belote on legislation supported by UTA.

Attendees lobbied twelve different members and staff of Senate and Assembly on SB 2424; SB 1146 and AB 295. AB 2424 would have created an unworkable ‘conditional bid’ system in foreclosure sales but this language was removed. The bill now provides for reasonable postponements of foreclosure sales for borrowers who are actively attempting to sell their homes to avoid foreclosure. As a result of the successful negotiations with the bill’s author and supporters, UTA no longer opposes the bill.

SB 1146 is a bill sponsored by UTA. It makes several technical changes to refine and improve the foreclosure process, including clarifying the status of very small lenders under the Homeowners Bill of Rights, establishing a procedure for postponing foreclosures when a natural disaster or other unforeseen event impedes a foreclosure sale, and preventing unnecessary costs when a borrower pays off a loan to avoid foreclosure. There is no opposition to the bill.

AB 295 contains language from last year’s AB 1043. It is a consumer protection bill which will prevent ‘surplus funds chasers’ from preying on borrowers who have lost their homes to foreclosure. There is no opposition to the bill.

As UTA does not oppose any of the bills, the lobbying meetings this year served to educate members and staff and build important relationships.