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Massachusetts issues FAQs regarding recently passed law imposing moratoriums on foreclosures and evictions
Massachusetts issued responses to frequently asked questions regarding An Act Providing for a Moratorium on Evictions and Foreclosures During the Covid-19 Emergency, which was signed into law and effective on April 20, 2020. The FAQs provide guidance to borrowers on the foreclosure moratorium and forbearance period under the act and includes a section addressing reverse mortgages. The FAQs also provide guidance to lenders and servicers with respect to implementation of the act.
District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking issues FAQs
The District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking issued responses to frequently asked questions regarding the effect of Covid-19 on the administration of securities laws and regulations of the District of Columbia. The FAQs respond to questions regarding filings, the processing of licensing or registration applications, and remote work for securities professionals, among others.
Kansas issues executive order extending certain orders relating to the Covid-19 pandemic
On April 30, the Kansas governor issued an executive order delaying the sunset date of several existing executive orders relating to Covid-19 to May 31, 2020, or until the statewide state of disaster emergency relating to Covid-19 expires, whichever is earlier, with some exceptions. Among others, the executive order delays the sunset date for the order halting certain foreclosures and evictions (previously covered here) as well as the order temporarily allowing notaries and witnesses to act via audio-visual technology (previously covered here).
Georgia extends “sheltering in place” requirements
On April 30, the Georgia governor issued an executive order renewing the public health state of emergency, which was set to expire on May 13, for 30 days. The executive order extends the state’s “sheltering in place” requirements until June 12, 2020.
Delaware modifies state of emergency declaration
On April 30, the Delaware governor issued a fourteenth modification of the state’s emergency declaration, providing additional protections for Delaware renters with respect to payments under rental agreements.
Georgia governor issues renewal of state of emergency
On April 30, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp issued an executive order renewing the public health state of emergency. The extension renews Kemp’s previous emergency order set to expire on May 13. The extension is valid for an additional 30 days and will expire on June 13.
D.C. attorney general alerts residents about debt collection protection
On April 30, D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine issued an alert informing district residents about debt collection protection during the Covid-19 crisis. According to Racine, residents are protected from the majority of debt collection activities during the state of emergency in place for the district. The consumer protections are a result of a proposal passed by D.C. Council on April 10, and are valid throughout the state of emergency plus an additional 60 days afterwards.
Colorado governor amends and extends executive order limiting evictions and foreclosures and provides unemployment relief for those impacted
On April 30, Colorado Governor Jared Polis amended and extended a previous executive order that limited foreclosures, evictions, and cancellations of utility services as a result of nonpayment and provided an expedited lane for unemployment insurance claims for workers impacted by the Covid-19 crisis. The amendments to Polis’ initial order primarily deal with various aspects of foreclosure, eviction, tenant payment plans, and energy initiatives to assist low income Coloradans. Among other things, the amendments prohibit landlords and lenders from evicting tenants or from charging late fees or penalties for any breach of a lease or rental agreement due to nonpayment. The extension is valid for 30 days, unless extended further by subsequent executive order.
Colorado governor extends executive order allowing remote notarizations
On April 30, Colorado Governor Jared Polis extended a previous executive order allowing remote notarizations due to the Covid-19 crisis. The initial order, issued on March 27, waived the in-person requirement for notarizations. The extension is valid for 30 days, unless extended further by subsequent executive order.
Maryland regulator issues guidance for non-depository institutions on CARES Act relief payments
On April 30, the Maryland commissioner of financial regulation issued guidance for non-depository financial services providers in light of the April 29 executive order prohibiting garnishment or setoff of CARES Act recovery rebates. The guidance notes that all entities licensed by the commissioner must comply with the executive order, and that if an institution inadvertently receives proceeds of a CARES Act recovery rebate, it should try to permit those funds to be used by the intended recipient. Finally, the guidance notes that institutions found to be willfully or negligently violating the executive order may be subject to regulatory action. Any entity that seeks to engage in collection efforts against CARES Act rebate payments would be in violation of the Maryland Debt Collection Practices Act.