Mo. bill would end foreclosure mediations
Missouri bill would end mandatory foreclosure mediation in St. Louis
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- The Missouri Legislature has passed a bill that would nullify foreclosure mediation ordinances in St. Louis City and St. Louis County.
The measure passed by the Senate 26-7 on Monday would make real estate loans subject to only state or federal laws. The House passed the same bill last month and it now heads to Gov. Jay Nixon.
The legislation takes aim at the local ordinances that require mandatory mediations between lenders and homeowners before certain foreclosures. Supporters say the ordinances give homeowners a chance to have a face-to-face meeting to persuade bankers to reduce mortgage payments.
Sponsoring Sen. Mike Cunningham of Rogersville says the bill would streamline foreclosure laws across the state, while opponents argue local governments should have discretion to pass foreclosure ordinances.
