Connecticut House Bill HB05446

Connecticut 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/25
• Refer: 1/17/25

Caption

An Act Concerning The Fees Paid For A Title Search In A Foreclosure Judgment.

Impact

The implementation of HB 05446 is expected to standardize the costs related to title searches in foreclosure cases, potentially reducing financial burdens on litigants. With the specified cap on fees, property owners undergoing foreclosure may find themselves facing less unpredictability in legal costs. Furthermore, the clarity provided by the legislation about the allowable fee could streamline court proceedings by reducing disputes over costs between parties involved.

Summary

House Bill 05446 proposes amendments to section 52-249 of the general statutes, which pertains to the fees associated with conducting a title search during foreclosure proceedings. The bill aims to establish a maximum fee limit of $275 for title searches that occur after a lis pendens has been recorded. This would allow courts to determine what constitutes a reasonable fee for these searches and would ensure such fees are recoverable as part of the costs associated with foreclosure judgments.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 05446 may arise from stakeholders in the legal and real estate communities. Some may argue that the set fee of $275 could be too low to cover the actual costs incurred by title search companies, leading to financial strain on these businesses. Others may express concerns about how the determination of a 'reasonable' fee might vary across different courts or jurisdictions, potentially leading to inconsistent applications of the law. Ultimately, the bill seeks to balance the interests of both property owners and title search professionals as they navigate the foreclosure process.