Texas Senate Bill SB1375

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/27/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/5/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/20/09

Caption

Relating to the establishment of the Texas savvy homeowner program.

Impact

By instituting this program, SB1375 seeks to create a more informed homeowner demographic within Texas. It requires the Department of Housing and Community Affairs to develop tailored best practices for refinancing and to provide individualized counseling sessions for participants. The act aims to equip homeowners with crucial knowledge that could lead to better financial decisions regarding their mortgage modifications and refinancing activities, ultimately contributing to the long-term stability of the housing market.

Summary

Senate Bill 1375 establishes the Texas Savvy Homeowner Program aimed at providing educational resources and assistance for homeowners who have received mortgage loan assistance. This program is designed to enhance the understanding of refinancing options, protecting homeowners from predatory lending practices, and ensuring they are informed about the best available mortgage terms. The bill mandates that participation in the program is required for individuals receiving any mortgage assistance from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs or the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation starting from September 1, 2009.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding this bill pertains to the mandatory nature of participation for those who receive mortgage assistance. Critics may argue that mandatory participation could be burdensome for some individuals and question the scale of government involvement in what they believe should be a more personal financial decision. However, proponents assert that the potential benefits of increased awareness and prevention of predatory lending practices significantly outweigh these concerns, ultimately fostering a healthier environment for homeowners in Texas.