The first hearing regarding House Bill 3 (Foreclosure Prevention Legislation) in the Senate took place last Tuesday afternoon in the Finance Committee.  Representative Foley and I provided sponsor testimony and answered questions from the committee. 
 
Unfortunately, this important bill has languished in the Senate for many months.  I hope that the Senate is now sincere in moving this bill forward as it is an important step in keeping people in their homes and protecting our neighborhoods. 

I enjoyed the opportunity to go before the Criminal Justice Committee, Chaired by Representative Tyrone Yates, to give sponsor testimony on House Bill 265.  Basically, the bill says that if an assault, an aggravated assault or a felonious assault is committed against a Citizen on Patrol who is on duty and clearly identified, the penalty for the assault will be increased to reflect the same penalty against a Peace Officer (or a police officer).  The Citizens on Patrol put their safety on the line every time they go out on a patrol and are deserving of this added layer of protection

The legislature is back in session and those of us who worked to pass House Bill 3, the Foreclosure Prevention Legislation, are anxious to have the Senate take up the legislation.  The bill was referred to the Finance Committee before recess and left to lanquish during the budget process.  It is important that this legislation get prompt hearings, as there are still many foreclosures being filed and much work to do to keep people in their homes.  To summarize, House Bill 3 calls for a six month moratorium on foreclosures during which time the borrower must