Connecticut House Bill HB05164

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/19
• Refer: 1/11/19

Caption

An Act Prohibiting The Lender Of A Home Equity Loan From Seeking A Deficiency Judgment Against Certain Borrowers.

Impact

If enacted, HB 05164 would directly affect the way lenders handle home equity loans for individuals whose homes have been structurally compromised by pyrrhotite. By preventing lenders from seeking deficiency judgments, the bill aims to alleviate some of the financial distress faced by these homeowners. This type of protection is essential in ensuring that residents are not left with overwhelming debts in cases where the value of their property drastically declines due to issues beyond their control, reinforcing economic stability for affected families.

Summary

House Bill 05164 aims to protect homeowners whose properties have crumbling foundations caused by pyrrhotite from facing deficiency judgments related to their home equity loans. The bill proposes an amendment to Chapter 846 of the general statutes, specifically prohibiting lenders from pursuing deficiency judgments against borrowers impacted by this particular issue. The primary intent of the bill is to safeguard financially vulnerable homeowners from additional financial burdens associated with their home equity loans when their property is compromised.

Contention

Notable points of contention around the bill may arise regarding its broader implications for the lending industry. Opponents may argue that prohibiting deficiency judgments could lead to increased risk for lenders, potentially affecting the availability of home equity loans or resulting in higher interest rates for borrowers overall. Supporters of the bill, however, emphasize the moral obligation to protect homeowners from financial ruin due to unforeseen circumstances relating to their property, particularly when the state itself recognizes the issues caused by pyrrhotite as significant.