Moore expects title-clearing bill to move soon
A controversial bill that proponents say would solidify sales of foreclosed homes could be up before the Senate soon, after action planned for Thursday was delayed for Rosh Hashanah, according to Sen. Michael Moore, a supporter of the legislation.
Supporters of the bill argue it would provide some certainty for purchasers of foreclosed properties who become stuck in limbo - unable to sell or refinance - when the property's title is in dispute. Opponents argue its passage would bar people who were foreclosed on illegally from taking necessary actions to regain their former homes.
The Legislature sent the bill to Gov. Deval Patrick in the final minutes of its last formal session, early in the morning of Aug. 1. Patrick sent the bill back to the Legislature with an amendment, extending the window when titles can remain in dispute from three years to 10 years.
"We have people who have bought homes in good faith," said Moore, D-Millbury, who is hoping the governor's amendment will not be adopted and the bill will be returned to the governor's desk.
Grace Ross, a foreclosure activist, said the 10-year window is already a compromise and is not an arbitrary number, but rather attempts to include those who were foreclosed on in 2004 when she said illegal foreclosures began ramping up. Ross also criticized the current legislation for not including a provision for notifying the people who could be affected by the law.
The bill was on an agenda for the Senate Thursday, which indicated the governor's amendment would be rejected.
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