1. The insurer to pay policy limits if a claim is not fully resolved within 90 days -- or to pay architects, engineers, lawyers fees, mortgage interest and other listed damages.

2. Would require an Earliest Public Records Search (later amended to a MRTA search) in every case; 

3. Payment of policy limits on a failure of title without regard to the value of the insured property; and

4. As amended, would require the issuance of an owners policy at simo rates with every refinance or construction loan. 

As one would expect, the title industry -- agents and insurers alike -- have significant concerns about these requirements.   The search requirements and inclusion of consequential damages will only increase the costs to the consumer.  Yesterday, a committee substitute for this bill (incorporating the changes referenced above) passed out of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee. Copy here

To his credit, Sen. Bennett has expressed a willingness to work with the title industry (and has already amended his bill in response to some of the industry's concerns).  Those discussions will continue in the weeks ahead.