Top Advocacy Issues We are Watching
Data Privacy
With states passing inconsistent laws and no uniform federal law ad- dressing data privacy, there's a patchwork of rules for companies to comply with.
Learn More About Data PrivacyDigital Closings: SECURE Notarization Act
The Securing and Enabling Commerce Using Remote and Electronic Notarization Act (SECURE Notarization Act) is bipartisan federal legisla- tion that permits immediate nationwide use of remote online notarization.
Learn More About SECUREGood Funds
The use of various payment rails in real estate transactions is governed by state Good Funds laws. These laws set requirements for acceptable forms of closing funds.
Learn More About Good FundsRisks of Alternatives to Title Insurance
ALTA continues to take the lead in engaging with state regulators, the FHFA, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and lenders about the risks of waiving title insurance requirements.
Learn More About Risks of Alternatives to Title InsuranceDiscriminatory Covenants
ALTA opposes any form of housing discrimination and proactively works toward solutions that address illegal discriminatory covenants recorded in the public records.
Learn More About Discriminatory CovenantsNon-Title Recorded Agreements for Personal Service
ALTA supports efforts to protect consumers by prohibiting the filing of unfair real estate fee agreements in property records. ALTA advocates for state laws and regulations preventing enforcement of NTRAPS.
Learn More About NTRAPSYour Voice Matters
TAN is the premier grassroots organization promoting the importance of the land title insurance industry. In the current regulatory environment, our industry faces threats of new policies at both the state and federal levels that could seriously affect your business.
Join TANLatest Advocacy News
Seller Impersonation Fraud Education Resources
July 11, 2024
Sophisticated fraudsters are using the real property owners' Social Security and drivers' license numbers in transactions, as well as legitimate notary credentials, to commit seller impersonation fraud and illegally sell commercial or residential property. ALTA has created several handouts to educate your staff and consumers about this threat. There also is a document that ALTA members can customize and is available in several languages.
A Practical Cybersecurity Roadmap for Title Agents
July 10, 2024
By now, the message is clear for the title industry: Cyber threats are real, and no one is immune. Even if most agree that cyber defenses are critical, where does a title agent start—especially on a budget hampered by weak market conditions? Listen to this Stavvy-sponsored ALTA Insights webinar recording to get a practical, step-by-step guide to help your agency or law firm bolster its cyber defenses. Presenters offer tips to help small businesses dodge unnecessary expenses and leverage their budgets for maximum security.
MISMO Seeks Public Comment on Updates to Remote Online Notarization Standards
July 9, 2024
The Remote Online Notarization (RON) Standards V2 is the result of industry collaboration to update the standards to include essential updates identified during the implementation process. ALTA’s Digital Closing and Digital Process Impact workgroups is reviewing the updates.
The Hidden World of Money Mules
July 2, 2024
Money mules are typically individuals that criminals recruit to transfer illegally obtained money between different bank accounts. They can be witting or unwitting accomplices in these transactions. The promise of easy money might lure them in, or they may be completely unaware that they're participating in illegal activities.
House Legislators Urge FHFA Inspector General to Examine Title Waiver Pilot
June 27, 2024
During a hearing on June 26, House Republicans pressed the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s (FHFA) inspector general to look into the handling of two controversial pilot programs—including a title waiver pilot—that would expand the government’s role in the housing market.
Report Highlights Court Battles Over Wire Fraud Liability
June 25, 2024
There’s been an alarming rise in real estate wire fraud, and it’s having a devastating impact on the title industry as well as consumers. Those victimized by such scams are turning to the courts to seek damages after their life savings or business liquidity is stolen by scammers. In a new report, CertifID analyzed more than 100 real estate wire fraud cases, and concluded that it’s becoming clear that title companies, law firms, banks and real estate professionals may bear potential liability if client funds are diverted to fraudulent accounts. Read on for analysis of a bank's liability, recent legal battles involving title companies, takeaways from the court decisions and risk mitigation strategies.
All Advocacy Issues
Anti-Money Laundering/FinCEN
Data Privacy
Digital Closings/Remote Online Notarization
Discriminatory Covenants
Elder Real Estate Fraud
Federal Advocacy
Flood Insurance
Foreclosure
Foreign Ownership of Land
Heirs' Property
Native American Lands
Non-Title Recorded Agreements for Personal Service (NTRAPS)
Predictable Recording Fees
Real Time Payments / Good Funds
Redaction/Record Shielding
Serving Consumers and Communities
State Advocacy
State Legislation Tracking Map
Title Waiver Pilot
Unregulated Title Insurance Alternatives