TSSA has taken an active role in 2011 to support changes to the Chapter 59 foreclosure process. During the 82nd Legislative Session, which began January 11, 2011, the bill TSSA helped draft has been introduced in both the Texas Senate and the House of Representatives:

State Senator John Carona (R-Dallas), Chairman of the Senate Business and Commerce Committee, filed the bill as SB 690. 

The committee substitute version of SB 690 was unanimously approved by the Senate on March 24.  The House Business & Industry Committee approved the House version of the bill on April 12. A floor vote by the entire House is still needed.

Highlights of the bill:
• Changes type of mailing required for the notice of claim from certified to verified mail (any type of mail with proof of mailing)
• Allows lien notification of tenants via e-mail
• Adds required language in the notice of claim for active duty military customers
• Incorporates rules of Chapter 70 into Chapter 59 so that special foreclosure procedures are not subject to changes meant only for mechanics’ liens

State Representative Sid Gill (R-Stephenville) also filed a companion bill in the House as HB 1259.  The House Business & Industry Committee approved the revised version of the bill.  As of May, the bill has not been set for the Intent Calendar.

Read the revised talking points for the bill

Track the progress of the bills by entering the bill number (be sure to enter the bill number in the following formats: SB 690 or HB 1259)

Steps involved in legislative success:
• Identify personal connections. TSSA members may know legislators or their key staff members, or someone of influence at state agencies like TXDOT and TPWD. These connections are critical to generating agency support for a bill, while making sure resistance is minimized.

Being able to refer to a relationship can open doors to communicating TSSA’s position, and is one of the key steps in this process.  Let TSSA know if you have a key contact by completing the Legislative Contacts form.

Please check the list of members of the Senate Business and Commerce Committee and the members of the House Business and Industry Committee to see if you have a connection.

• Hire a lobbyist. TSSA has selected Santos Alliances as its lobbying firm.  The Lobbyist Selection Committee for TSSA consisted of four TSSA board members: Robert Loeb, Castle Hills Self Storage (Victoria), Chair; Jay Kanter, O'Connor Self Storage (Dallas); Mark Skeans, Skeans & Associates, LLC (San Antonio); Dan Small, Diamond Management Company (Pearland);   as well as former director Brad Young, 5 Star Storage, LLC (Midlothian).  The committee interviewed a number of lobbyists, and believes that Santos Alliances brings both the experience and expertise needed to advance our cause.

• Educate. How many legislators have stored goods at a member facility? The answer is probably the majority, as a need to store election signs and campaign materials is part of running for public office. But how many of these folks understand what is involved in the foreclosure process, or understand that the current laws are outdated? TSSA has updated the one-page "talking points" document to use when talking with legislators.  Members are encouraged to stick to these bullets, as they have been carefully crafted.

TSSA works for you, but we can’t do it without your help. No legislative victory is ever claimed by one person or organization alone. It will be important for members to voice their support for the bill by contacting the legislators representing them.  Be sure to use the talking points documents to clarify what the bill does and does not do.

What can you do? Do you have a connection to a legislator, staff person, or state agency official? Maybe it’s someone you’re renting to. Maybe you’re in the PTA with, go to church with, or even were in business with a person involved in state politics. Dig deep and think about who you might know. An important part of the process is making those personal connections and making sure legislators recognize Texas self storage as an important part of the business community.

Also, if you are willing to testify at a hearing, have experience with the legislative process or would otherwise like to be involved, please contact Ginny Sutton, or call TSSA at 888-259-4902.
 

Please fill out the key contact form today.

Together we can have an impact!