DAR Launches First Issue of "REALTOR® News You Can Use"
As news that could have an impact on your REALTOR
® business is being discussed or brought forward by local, state or federal government, DAR will strive to keep you informed with the latest information that could affect your bottom line as a REALTOR
®. We are working together with the local associations to make sure you are informed and knowledgeable. The newsletter will be sent out when we have updated information to relay to the membership.
Welcome Charlotte Herbert, Government Affairs Director
DAR has hired Charlotte Herbert as our Government Affairs Director to help communicate to our membership on grassroots issues that are important to you. Please extend to her a hearty REALTOR
® "welcome!" when you meet her. We hope this is a valuable service to the membership and that you will let us know if there are any issues that we need to address. If you have any government affairs news you would like to share or see an issue you would like to get more involved in, please contact Charlotte at
(302) 734-4444,
ext. 12 or
800-305-4445, or e-mail Charlotte at
charlotte@delawarerealtor.com.
Rent Control and First Right of Refusal Legislation
Legislation was introduced last session that would set guidelines for rent increases in manufactured-home communities. A second piece of legislation was introduced that would give residents the right to match an offer to purchase the land which puts the tenants in a superior position by delaying the sale of community for an unknown period of time. While the rent control piece was withdrawn last week, the first right of refusal bill is still being discussed. Both sides of the issue met earlier this week and talks are expected to continue next week. The group is focusing its discussion on the concept of a "notice of intent to sell". DAR sent a letter to the full house expressing its opposition to HB 258 and SB 122.
DAR Met with Secretary of Transportation
DAR held its annual legislative luncheon and met with The Honorable Carol Ann Wicks. She gave a comprehensive presentation on the goals of the department and current constraints at both the federal and state level. DAR expressed its keen interest in the Subdivision Manual, Transportation Trust Fund and the Indian River Bridge.
Eminent Domain
DAR is working on comprehensive legislation on eminent domain which would redefine blight, ensure that eminent domain is an action of last resort and ensure "just compensation." On January 15th, The Honorable Dennis Williams (D-Wilmington North) introduced HB 289 legislation on eminent domain. HB 289 is narrower in scope. The legislation was heard before the House Transportation Committee on January 16th. DAR told the Committee that it has legislation that takes a more holistic approach and looks forward to working with Rep. Williams and interested parties. The legislation was tabled until March 12th.
SB 194 was introduced by Senator Venables (D-Laurel) and referred to the Senate Small Business Committee on January 15th and a hearing was held in the Senate Small Business Committee on January 16th. SB 194 was reported out of Committee and is expected to be considered by the Senate on Tuesday, January 22nd. DAR will continue to work with the General Assembly to codify many current eminent domain practices and ensure "just compensation."
Agency Bill
The 143rd General Assembly passed Delaware's new real estate agency law. Last year, the House passed HB 218, seeking to ensure that commercial real estate transactions are not obligated to provide the Consumer Information Statement and making administrative changes. On January 16th the legislation was reported out of the Senate Sunset Committee and is expected to be considered on the Senate floor next week with additional technical corrections.
Transfer Taxes
Last year the Bond Bill Committee Chairs released a report making a recommendation to create a Community College Infrastructure Fund and increase the Realty Transfer Tax by .28% to 3.28% to support construction at the Delaware Technical and Community College (DTCC). DAR told the President of DTCC, Dr. Orlando J. George, Jr. that while we support the mission of Del Tech we are adamantly opposed to an increase in the Realty Transfer Tax. DAR sent a letter to the full House expressing our opposition to any increase in the real estate transfer tax. On January 17th, HB 293, legislation increasing the Realty Transfer Tax by .28% was introduced by Rep. Lofink (R- Caravel Farms) and sponsored by Senator Venables.
Land Use and Planning
DAR is strongly opposed to HB 239, legislation which will take land use decisions away from local government. HB 239 was scheduled for a hearing this week in the House Transportation Committee. Through collective efforts in the housing community, HB 239 was pulled from the Committee schedule.
Homeowner Insurance Cancellations
DAR supports Commissioner Denn's efforts to protect homeowners from having their insurance cancelled for making inquiries or claims. On January 15th, SB 191 was introduced by Senator Sokola (D-Newark) and sponsored by Rep. Longhurst (D-Bear) which would prevent homeowners insurance companies from terminating policies in response to claims or policy questions.
Septic Financing Report Released by DNREC
"
Community Financing for Septic System Management in the Inland Bays Watershed: A White Paper" has been released. The project stemmed from concern regarding the financial impact of the proposed Pollution Control Strategy Regulations for the Indian River, Indian River Bay, Rehoboth Bay and Little Assawoman Bay Watershed on owners of septic systems. The Sussex County Association of REALTORS
® has been involved in a work group on this issue. They have been working on several issues including the proposed requirement that forces inspection/approval of septic systems before the transfer of property is completed. For more information, please contact Ruth King at SCAOR at 302-855-2300 or
ruth@scaor.com or DNREC at
www.dnrec.state.de.us.
General Assembly Recess
The General Assembly will go out of session today, January 24th. The Joint Finance Committee will be meeting during February. Session will begin again on March 11th. The last week before a recess can be unpredictable, so please stay tuned.
Parting Thought
While legislators are in recess and at home, it's a great time to visit with them and let them know how you feel about these REALTOR
® issues!
