March 26, 2009

Ross pleased at signing of distressed properties bill fix

Senate Bill 5221, supported by Rep. Charles Ross, was signed into law Wednesday. Ross, R-Naches, co-sponsored the House version of the measure.

The bill makes corrections to an oversight found in a bill passed last year addressing distressed homeowners. Last year's bill had an unintended effect of preventing real estate brokers and sales people from helping people in foreclosures.

"The original law was aimed at preventing foreclosure scams and protecting homeowners, but it actually prevented that help," Ross said. "Real estate professionals were included in the definition of 'distressed home consultant' and then could not carry out some of their daily job duties."

After the 2008 Legislature, realtors, consumer protection advocates, attorneys and state officials worked to make the corrections to the law to allow realtors to continue their normal business while also protecting consumers.

"This will not only safeguard realtors against huge liability risks, but also make sure we're helping out folks who have been vulnerable to foreclosure scams," Ross said. "I'm pleased to see the quick work of everyone involved to make this correction."

With an emergency clause, the bill goes into effect Wednesday.

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