PLTA protects the interests of the title industry and title professionals by providing representation and advocacy on the legislative and judicial fronts.  We look after your business by being your voice in Harrisburg and on Capitol Hill. 

The Legislative and Judicial Committee, Offices, and staff consistently advocate for the members of PLTA on issues that are of impact to the land title industry.  This includes, but is not limited to, items such as  Remote Online Notarization (RON)  the modernization of Recorder of Deed Fees, Mechanics' Lien, Mortgage Satisfaction,  Deed Registration, Address  Confidentiality,  Unfair Realty Agreements, and Deed Fraud .            

PLTA also has legislative representation in Harrisburg, AxAdvocacy, who constantly monitor legislation and regulations, standing with PLTA in all of its legislative efforts.

In addition, PLTA represents your interests in the Courts of the Commonwealth and County Offices to insure the sanctity of the public record.

More Information is available at the Pennsylvania General Assembly and the AxAdvocacy Advocacy Updates.

PLTA Lobby Day 2025
On June 10, PLTA members, along with our Lobbyist, had the pleasure of walking the halls of the Capitol in Harrisburg to meet with Pennsylvania Legislators. Delegates continued to advocate for legislation that will modernize the existing laws concerning recording fees to move all of Pennsylvania to a system where title agents wouldn’t need to count the pages of the documents and the number of names to determine the recording fee in the average residential deal. This also gave us the opportunity to share what it is the members of our association do to help consumers every day and the importance of our role in the economy. 

PLTA Lobby Day Participants: Carrie Mann Esq. CLTP, & PLTA President, Old Republic Title; Erin Purcell, WFG National Title Insurance; Manny Chryssos Esq. CLTP & PLTA Vice President, FNF Family of Companies; Brian Foley, CLTP & PLTA Secretary, Stewart Title Guaranty Company; Kelli Ryan Esq. CLTP, Stewart Title Guaranty Company; Kevin Tuliszewski Esq., FNF Family of Companies and Jack Foley. 

The Legislative & Judicial Committee monitors legislative developments that affect the title industry in Pennsylvania. Below are only a few of the items of priority legislation that are receiving our attention and input with the help of our representatives at AxAdvocacy.                                                  

• HB 1658 - Rep. Joe Ciresi (D-Montgomery) Modernization of Recorder of Deed Fees 
  Amends the Recorder of Deeds Fee Law to repeal provisions relating to fee schedules and require county Recorders to define fees for recording documents such that they can be reliably accounted for during the closing process. Fees will no longer be dependent on page count, number of names, number of parcels, and number of marginal document references. This will greatly reduce the chance of inadvertent fee miscalculations, and the subsequent rejection of filings, resulting from last-minute changes in recordable documents.


• HB 986 - Rep. Morgan Cephas (D) Unfair Service Agreements for Homeowners
  The Unfair Real Estate Service Agreements Act provides for transparency in realty agreements; prohibits unfair real estate service agreements; and imposes penalties. Provides definitions. Asserts that unfair real estate service agreements are void, unenforceable and considered deceptive. Asserts that the recording of an unfair real estate service agreement is prohibited with additional specifications. Allows parties interested in the real property regarded in an unfair real estate service agreement may apply to a court of jurisdiction in the county where the recording exists to record a court order declaring the agreement unenforceable. Allows the right to recovery for consumers interested in the real property regarded in an unfair real estate service agreement by bringing civil action against the real estate service provider with additional guidelines. Mandates that nothing in this section will alter any part of the Real Estate Licensing and Registration Act.
  


• HB 78 - Rep. Ed Neilson (D-Philadelphia ) Protecting Consumer Information and Privacy
  The Consumer Data Privacy Act provides consumers the right to control their personal data. Provides for consumer data privacy to outline the rights and limits afforded to consumers in relation to their personal data. Provides for duties of controllers and for duties of processors to maintain personal data confidentiality. Imposes penalties for violations of the act.


• HB 1406 – Rep. Christopher Rabb (D – Philadelphia) Protecting Vulnerable Homeowners from Deed Fraud
  This bill would add as a second degree felony a “theft or attempted theft [involving] the title, deed or writing related to an interest in real property regardless of the value.” If made law, this would provide a clear and explicit criminal charge that authorities could use to prosecute and deter real estate fraud.

Have you learned of a legislative or judicial issue you would like us to discuss? Send an email to info@plta.org. Be sure to indicate that your email should be directed to the Legislative & Judicial Committee.