The Public Policy Priorities of Worldwide ERC® have been progressing in the past few months.
I am pleased to report that, despite a divided federal government, Worldwide ERC®’s public policy priorities have made progress.
Transferees’ data protection
Senators unanimously passed the Moving Americans Privacy Protection Act (S. 758), which protects sensitive personal information of transferees and military personnel shipping household goods to the United States. As an active participant in the issue, Worldwide ERC wrote to Sens. Steve Daines (R-MT), Gary Peters (D-MI), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), and Roger Marshall (R-KS) to support the bill. To support this reform, we have also worked with the American Trucking Associations, the International Association of Movers, the National Association of REALTORS®, and the Senior Executives Association. We are now focusing on advancing legislation in the United States Congress, where Congressmen Waltz (R-FL) and Pascrell (D-NJ) have introduced identical legislation (H.R. 1568).
E-Notarizations: Promoting Their Use
The House also passed SECURE Notarization Act (H.R. 1059) to establish a minimum set of standards for electronic and remote notarizations and require them to be recognized across state lines. ERC has long promoted this public policy – both independently and as part of the SECURE Act Coalition – which has become increasingly important as e-notarizations have increased since the pandemic, especially in real estate. Currently, the legislation faces an uphill climb in the Senate, where we will look for opportunities to move it.
Immigration Fees: Defending Against Increases
Earlier this month, we sent a comment letter to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement regarding its proposed rule to increase naturalization and immigration fees. In our letter, we expressed our concerns about the large fee increases and suggested several alternatives.
Members’ Voices Raised
The Texas SB 147 would prohibit certain foreign nationals from making certain property transactions in the state, and I’m grateful to all our members who have been working with Texas stakeholders and constituents on this bill. Our members play a critical role in local engagement through their efforts. Additionally, we are working with the Canadian Employee Relocation Council (CERC) on protecting RMCs and transferees from the two-year moratorium on foreign purchases of homes in Canada.
Join one of our Public Policy Forums and get involved. For more information, please contact Worldwide ERC Government Affairs Advisor Tristan North (TNorth@worldwideerc.org).
