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2018 Legislative Session (Week 3)
LOUISIANA REALTORS • March 29, 2018
This was a busy week at the Capitol and lots of bills are in various phases of the legislative process. The following provides an update on key pieces of legislation that the LR Lobbying Team is following and actively monitoring. For questions contact: Kim Callaway, Director of Legal & Government Affairs.
HOUSE BILL NO. 659, REPRESENTATIVE KENNY HAVARD –LIMITATIONS ON NON-CONSENSUAL TOWING
This bill would require sign off from law enforcement prior to any vehicle being towed by property owner. Current law allows a property owner to have a vehicle towed without permission of the vehicle owner or law enforcement as long the owner of the property or authorized representative signs off on the tow or there are signs posted on the property warning that a vehicle may be towed if improperly or illegally parked.
Louisiana REALTORS® is monitoring this bill as it progresses to ensure that property owners will be represented.
HOUSE BILL NO. 617, REPRESENTATIVE STEPHANIE HILFERTY – RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY DISCLOSURE
Louisiana REALTORS® had this legislation filed to clarify existing law following the Valobra v. Nelson case
and the subsequent changes to the residential property disclosure form.
The bill now heads to the House floor for further debate.
HOUSE BILL NO. 748, REPRESENTATIVE JULIE EMERSON – ESTABLISHES REVIEW OF OCCUPATIONAL LICENSES
This bill seeks to interject additional processes by which law and regulations regarding occupations and professions are established and modified.
Louisiana REALTORS® believes the bill is too vague as written and creates unnecessary problems for the real estate industry. We will discuss amendments with the author and if she is not amendable we will continue with our opposition.
SENATE BILL NO. 462, SENATOR DANNY MARTINY – INCLUSIONARY ZONING
The passage of Senate Bill No. 462 would allow property developers to build more units and protect private property rights. Louisiana REALTORS® will be putting out a Call for Action for you to encourage your Senator to support this legislation very soon.
HOUSE BILL NO. 383, REPRESENTATIVE PAULA DAVIS –FIRST TIME HOMEBUYER REBATE
This is Louisiana REALTORS’® initiative to establish a first-time home buyer rebate. This bill will be set for hearing by House Committee on Appropriations in the coming days. There remains an uphill battle to get this bill passed. Members of the House of Representatives remain open to the idea despite the budget deficit, but members of the Senate have expressed more resistance to the bill because of the budget deficit. Members should continue efforts to educate their legislators on the benefits this rebate could provide for future homeowners.
As previewed last week, NAR is pleased to share the latest consumer guide focused on preparing for homeownership. This guide covers what prospective buyers should consider as they kick off the home purchase process, including the importance of credit scores, mortgage pre-approval, down payments, budgeting, and educational resources. As a reminder, all guides in this series are available for download—in both English and Spanish—on facts.realtor . Please allow a few days for the Spanish version of the latest resource to be translated and uploaded. For ease of reference, below is a list of the most recent guides: NEW: Preparing for Homeownership Escrow and Earnest Money Pricing Your Home Preparing to Sell Your Home Fire Damage and Policy Coverage Thank you for your continued engagement with the “Consumer Guide” series and for sharing the resources with potential clients to ensure they have the information they need to be successful in their homebuying or selling journey. Remember that these guides are for informational purposes only and are not meant to enact or change any existing NAR policy. Be on the lookout for next week’s guide on Wednesday, which will cover property taxes.
As previewed last week, NAR is pleased to share the latest consumer guide focused on escrow. This guide covers what homebuyers should know about earnest money deposits, including the general terms and use cases in real estate transactions. As a reminder, all guides in this series are available for download—in both English and Spanish—on facts.realtor . Please allow a few days for the Spanish version of the latest resource to be translated and uploaded. For ease of reference, below is a list of the most recent guides: NEW: Escrow and Earnest Money Pricing Your Home Preparing to Sell Your Home Fire Damage and Policy Coverage Flood Insurance Thank you for your continued engagement with the “Consumer Guide” series and for sharing the resources with prospective clients to ensure they have the information they need to find success in their homebuying or selling journey. Remember that these guides are for informational purposes only and are not meant to enact or change any existing NAR policy. Be on the lookout for next week’s guide on Wednesday, which will cover preparing prospective buyers for homeownership.
The Louisiana REALTORS® Board of Directors will conduct several elections this Spring. Interested candidates that meet the qualification who are looking to serve at either the state association level or the national association level are encouraged to view the criteria and submit an application. An application that is not submitted on the appropriate form or not submitted pursuant to the instructions shall not be considered as submitted timely.
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