Rep. Darren Soto (D-Orlando) today expressed great concern for a bill that has moved through two committees in Tallahassee, which makes it easier for banks to foreclose on homeowners in Florida.
Soto along with concerned legislators gathered outside the House chambers at the State Capitol for a press conference to voice their concerns for CS/HB 213.
This year, House Bill 213 was filed, which has been introduced in two committees where the bill was voted favorably (13-1 in Civil Justice Subcommittee & 12-4 in Economic Affairs Committee). Soto was the only legislator to vote against the bill in the Civil Justice Subcommittee.
If passed, CS/HB 213 would weaken homeowners’ rights and reduce the burden of proof for lenders, making it easier for banksters to seize foreclosed property.
“With Florida being one of the hardest hit states for foreclosures, it becomes critical that the solutions we adopt will help rather than hurt homeowners,” Soto said at the press conference. “I will be working with my peers to assure that any legislation passed will move us in the right direction while protecting property rights.”
Soto earlier filed legislation to increase rights of homeowners during each of the legislative sessions he has served in office. But, the Republican leadership has blocked him from presenting the bills in committee or on the House floor.
One positive aspect of the current legislation is that it reduces the statute of limitations for foreclosure debt from five to two years.
