[Legislativecommittee1] request for add'l reviews on HB 2268

Tue Jan 13 11:56:27 PST 2026

Sean has reviewed HB 2268 and is requesting additional eyes on it.  His review is below and he is specifically asking for members of the committee who are familiar with collection escrow accounts to weigh in.

HB 2268 - “Residential Mortgage Escrow Acounts, …”

WLTA position depends on how many members are currently conducting collection escrows on residential real properties (1-4 residences) with associated tax and insurance escrow accounts. Bill defines a “mortgage loan servicer” as any entity that has an agreement with the lender or investor of a residential mortgage loan to collect payments, including principal, interest, escrow, etc. Starting January 1, 2027, for residential mortgages executed on or after that date, servicers will have to pay borrowers interest on funds held in tax or insurance escrows of at least 2% annual simple interest. No fee or charge may be imposed that would reduce the interest rate to less than 2%.  In a low interest rate environment that floor could mean that borrowers would have to be paid more than the servicer could earn on the funds.

My only experience with collection escrows is on the claims side and many years ago. I don’t know enough about collection escrows to provide a recommendation on the WLTA position.  I’m asking other members of the committee who are more familiar with collection escrows and current practices to weigh in.

Assigned to Consumer Protection and Business Committee. Hearing not yet scheduled.

Maureen

[cid:a104cd38-cbbe-4f83-bd04-7c7700d1648d]

Maureen Pfaff, President and CEO

Ph: (360) 457-4451 | Fax: (844) 513-2400

403 S Peabody St, Port Angeles, WA 98362

maureen at olypentitle.com<mailto:maureen at olypentitle.com>

www.olypentitle.com<http://www.olypentitle.com/>

WARNING – FRAUDULENT FUNDING INSTRUCTIONS

Email hacking and fraud are on the rise to fraudulently misdirect funds. Please call your escrow officer immediately using contact information found from an independent source, such as the sales contract or internet, to verify any funding instructions received. We are not responsible for any wires sent by you to an incorrect bank account.

ATTENTION LENDERS:  Loan packages, complete with documents and balanced CD, must be received no later than 2:00 pm PST on the day prior to signing.

[https://ci4.googleusercontent.com/proxy/NTeYNcEClGPpwHggQhZwTEbSA0lLJUWpRPCqETkeQth0ttOrN_jGm27ifReH9Vuc9_0=s0-d-e1-ft#https://i.imgur.com/JbY2vXS.png]

CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ek4TwC9owwY&feature=youtu.be>
ON WIRE FRAUD PREVENTION<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ek4TwC9owwY&feature=youtu.be>

This electronic mail may constitute a client communication that is privileged at law.  It is not intended for transmission to, or receipt by, any unauthorized persons.
If you have received this electronic mail transmission in error, please delete it from your system without copying it, and notify the sender by reply e-mail, so that our address record can be corrected.

________________________________
From: Sean Holland <seanholland at att.net>
Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 10:13 AM
To: Maureen Pfaff <maureen at olypentitle.com>; '1 WLTA Legislative Committee' <legislativecommittee1 at washingtonlandtitle.com>
Subject: Re: [Legislativecommittee1] we're down to 6 bills that need reviewers

HB 2266 “Encouraging permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, etc.”

Neutral. Affects local government permitting only. No direct effect on title industry, land title records system, or real property law.

Various forms of transitional or emergency housing will have to be allowed in all zones other than industrial. Applies to cities and counties subject to Chapter 36.70A RCW (Growth Management Act) and cities subject to Chapters 35.21 and 35.21A RCW. The permitting standards applied to the specified housing types must match those applied to residential housing in general. Does not override private CC&Rs which may limit such housing or impose more onerous requirements than a typical residence might face.

Assigned to Housing Committee. Hearing not yet scheduled.

HB 2268 - “Residential Mortgage Escrow Acounts, …”

WLTA position depends on how many members are currently conducting collection escrows on residential real properties (1-4 residences) with associated tax and insurance escrow accounts. Bill defines a “mortgage loan servicer” as any entity that has an agreement with the lender or investor of a residential mortgage loan to collect payments, including principal, interest, escrow, etc. Starting January 1, 2027, for residential mortgages executed on or after that date, servicers will have to pay borrowers interest on funds held in tax or insurance escrows of at least 2% annual simple interest. No fee or charge may be imposed that would reduce the interest rate to less than 2%.  In a low interest rate environment that floor could mean that borrowers would have to be paid more than the servicer could earn on the funds.

My only experience with collection escrows is on the claims side and many years ago. I don’t know enough about collection escrows to provide a recommendation on the WLTA position.  I’m asking other members of the committee who are more familiar with collection escrows and current practices to weigh in.

Assigned to Consumer Protection and Business Committee. Hearing not yet scheduled.

Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef>
________________________________
From: Legislativecommittee1 <legislativecommittee1-bounces at washingtonlandtitle.com> on behalf of Sean Holland <seanholland at att.net>
Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 7:00:47 AM
To: Maureen Pfaff <maureen at olypentitle.com>; '1 WLTA Legislative Committee' <legislativecommittee1 at washingtonlandtitle.com>
Subject: Re: [Legislativecommittee1] we're down to 6 bills that need reviewers

I’ll do 2266 & 2268.

Sean

Sent from AT&T Yahoo Mail for iPhone<https://more.att.com/currently/imap>

On Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 6:58 AM, Maureen Pfaff <maureen at olypentitle.com> wrote:

HB 2266
Supportive & emerg. housing
HB 2268
Mortgage escrow accounts
HB 2289
Operating budget, supp.
HB 2294
Use restrictions/food, med.
HB 2304
Condominium warranties
HB 2375
Real estate disclosure form

Thank you Lindsy, Michelle, Chris, Craig and Megan for sending in your requests and reviews.

Please reply to me and the leg committee list with the bills you plan to review.

Thanks everyone!

Maureen

[cid:cro8tKDs9f7J2Ty8t1u3]

Maureen Pfaff, President and CEO

Ph: (360) 457-4451 | Fax: (844) 513-2400

403 S Peabody St, Port Angeles, WA 98362

maureen at olypentitle.com<mailto:maureen at olypentitle.com>

www.olypentitle.com<http://www.olypentitle.com/>

WARNING – FRAUDULENT FUNDING INSTRUCTIONS

Email hacking and fraud are on the rise to fraudulently misdirect funds. Please call your escrow officer immediately using contact information found from an independent source, such as the sales contract or internet, to verify any funding instructions received. We are not responsible for any wires sent by you to an incorrect bank account.

ATTENTION LENDERS:  Loan packages, complete with documents and balanced CD, must be received no later than 2:00 pm PST on the day prior to signing.

[https://ci4.googleusercontent.com/proxy/NTeYNcEClGPpwHggQhZwTEbSA0lLJUWpRPCqETkeQth0ttOrN_jGm27ifReH9Vuc9_0=s0-d-e1-ft#https://i.imgur.com/JbY2vXS.png]

CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ek4TwC9owwY&feature=youtu.be>
ON WIRE FRAUD PREVENTION<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ek4TwC9owwY&feature=youtu.be>

This electronic mail may constitute a client communication that is privileged at law.  It is not intended for transmission to, or receipt by, any unauthorized persons.
If you have received this electronic mail transmission in error, please delete it from your system without copying it, and notify the sender by reply e-mail, so that our address record can be corrected.

________________________________
From: Craig Trummel <CTrummel at wfgtitle.com>
Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 8:38 AM
To: Doucette, Lindsy <Lindsy.Doucette at fnf.com>; Maureen Pfaff <maureen at olypentitle.com>; '1 WLTA Legislative Committee' <legislativecommittee1 at washingtonlandtitle.com>
Subject: RE: 21 new bills that need review

I will take the last four

[cid:cUGAYo6TB3lFyIrHsBAi]

[cid:yAV2tpWHo25zCcOIpXRW][WLTA-WTP1 LOGO small]

Craig Trummel
Regional Underwriter/Washington State Counsel
C: 206.580.8344   |  ctrummel at wfgtitle.com<mailto:ctrummel at wfgtitle.com> | www.wfgtitle.com<http://www.wfgtitle.com/>

Confidentiality Notice:  The information contained in this electronic e-mail and any accompanying attachment(s) is intended only for the use of the intended recipient and is non-public in nature and may be confidential and/or privileged.  If any reader of this communication is not the intended recipient, unauthorized use, disclosure, dissemination or copying is strictly prohibited, and may be unlawful.  If you have received this communication in error, please immediately notify the sender by return e-mail, and delete the original message and all copies from your system and promptly destroy any copies made of this electronic message.

Click Here for WFG’s Plain English Privacy Policy<https://wfgtitle.com/privacy-policy/>

From: Legislativecommittee1 <legislativecommittee1-bounces at washingtonlandtitle.com> On Behalf Of Doucette, Lindsy
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 5:14 PM
To: Maureen Pfaff <maureen at olypentitle.com>; '1 WLTA Legislative Committee' <legislativecommittee1 at washingtonlandtitle.com>
Subject: Re: [Legislativecommittee1] 21 new bills that need review

Hi Maureen: I already reviewed the ones I noted below in green. I’m working my way through the list as well! Lindsy C. Doucette VP | State Counsel Fidelity Family of Companies Pronouns: She / Her / Hers Mobile: (206) 619-0451 Email: Lindsy. Doucette@ fnf. com

Hi Maureen:

I already reviewed the ones I noted below in green. I’m working my way through the list as well!

Lindsy C. Doucette

VP | State Counsel

Fidelity Family of Companies

Pronouns:  She / Her / Hers

Mobile:  (206) 619-0451

Email:  Lindsy.Doucette at fnf.com<mailto:Lindsy.Doucette at fnf.com>

This e-mail and its attachments are intended only for the persons named above.  Please do not forward this message to others without permission.

From: Legislativecommittee1 <legislativecommittee1-bounces at washingtonlandtitle.com> On Behalf Of Maureen Pfaff
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 4:04 PM
To: '1 WLTA Legislative Committee' <legislativecommittee1 at washingtonlandtitle.com>
Subject: [Legislativecommittee1] 21 new bills that need review
Importance: High

Hi all, The legislature was busy dropping bills last week and JP went through ALL of them and narrowed it down to 21 bills that need more review. If you will let me know what bill(s) you want to take, I will forward you the AI review that goes

Hi all,

The legislature was busy dropping bills last week and JP went through ALL of them and narrowed it down to 21 bills that need more review.  If you will let me know what bill(s) you want to take, I will forward you the AI review that goes with it. Please reply to the full committee so we don't end up with multiple people looking at the same bills.

HB 2193

Mortgage lending fraud acc.

Monitor. Recommend WLTA Monitor with low priority. ALTA monitoring.

HB 2236

Housing finance commission

HB 2265

Extreme heat/tenants

HB 2266

Supportive & emerg. housing

HB 2268

Mortgage escrow accounts

Deals with lender/servicer management of escrow accounts for mortgages. Not a title issue.

HB 2289

Operating budget, supp.

HB 2294

Prohibiting negative use restrictions on real property that have the effect of limiting consumer access to food and medicine. Adds a new section making use restrictions void and unenforceable if they prohibit a grocery store or pharmacy.

Worth monitoring but no position needs to be taken.

HB 2298

Property title protection

HB 2304

Condominium warranties

HB 2333

Political violence

HB 2354

Common interest communities

HB 2359

Affordable housing funding

HB 2375

Real estate disclosure form

HB 2376

Property tax

Tax relief for retired persons. Not a title issue.

SB 5109

Concerning the mortgage lending fraud prosecution account. Amends RCW 36.22.181 and RCW 43.320.140 to increase fee from $1 to $5 and removes expiration date. Related HB 2193.

Monitor. Recommend WLTA Monitor with low priority. ALTA monitoring.

SB 5929

Exempting assignments or substitutions of previously recorded deeds of trust from the document recording fee and the covenant homeownership program assessment. Amend RCW 36.22.185 and RCW 36.22.250 to carve out exception for these documents.

Support

SB 5938

Concerning the foreclosure prevention fee. Amends RCW 61.24.157 to carve out exceptions to the fee for reverse mortgages, chattel or retail installment loans, etc.

Support, low priority.

SB 5980

Live presentations/sales tax

SB 5998

Operating budget, supp.

SB 6027

Affordable housing funding

SB 6054

Wildfire home hardening/CICs

Maureen

[cid:image001.png at 01DC83E6.BE0B2370]

Maureen Pfaff, President and CEO

Ph: (360) 457-4451 | Fax: (844) 513-2400

403 S Peabody St, Port Angeles, WA 98362

maureen at olypentitle.com<mailto:maureen at olypentitle.com>

www.olypentitle.com<https://urldefense.com/v3/__http:/www.olypentitle.com/__;!!LyAuvDCm-53-y27wV7iK5g!1l4xm-Y9IqL8D_UUn38BNvawAS-Kj1G-TKlux5suwXJL2pjBR14d0f4lMxxZDm2GhQr_oaeGqkwbUYMgJZiYLkc$>

WARNING – FRAUDULENT FUNDING INSTRUCTIONS

Email hacking and fraud are on the rise to fraudulently misdirect funds. Please call your escrow officer immediately using contact information found from an independent source, such as the sales contract or internet, to verify any funding instructions received. We are not responsible for any wires sent by you to an incorrect bank account.

ATTENTION LENDERS:  Loan packages, complete with documents and balanced CD, must be received no later than 2:00 pm PST on the day prior to signing.

[Image removed by sender.]

CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.youtube.com/watch?v=ek4TwC9owwY&feature=youtu.be__;!!LyAuvDCm-53-y27wV7iK5g!1l4xm-Y9IqL8D_UUn38BNvawAS-Kj1G-TKlux5suwXJL2pjBR14d0f4lMxxZDm2GhQr_oaeGqkwbUYMg7U07EJM$>
ON WIRE FRAUD PREVENTION<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.youtube.com/watch?v=ek4TwC9owwY&feature=youtu.be__;!!LyAuvDCm-53-y27wV7iK5g!1l4xm-Y9IqL8D_UUn38BNvawAS-Kj1G-TKlux5suwXJL2pjBR14d0f4lMxxZDm2GhQr_oaeGqkwbUYMg7U07EJM$>

This electronic mail may constitute a client communication that is privileged at law.  It is not intended for transmission to, or receipt by, any unauthorized persons.
If you have received this electronic mail transmission in error, please delete it from your system without copying it, and notify the sender by reply e-mail, so that our address record can be corrected.

________________________________

NOTICE: The information contained in this message is proprietary and/or confidential and may be privileged. If you are not the intended recipient of this communication, you are hereby notified to: (i) delete the message and all copies; (ii) do not disclose, distribute or use the message in any manner; and (iii) notify the sender immediately.

_______________________________________________
Legislativecommittee1 mailing list
Legislativecommittee1 at washingtonlandtitle.com<mailto:Legislativecommittee1 at washingtonlandtitle.com>
http://lists.washingtonlandtitle.com/mailman/listinfo/legislativecommittee1
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.washingtonlandtitle.com/pipermail/legislativecommittee1/attachments/20260113/754f6d98/attachment-0001.html>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: Outlook-wxsoozkl.png
Type: image/png
Size: 76718 bytes
Desc: Outlook-wxsoozkl.png
URL: <http://lists.washingtonlandtitle.com/pipermail/legislativecommittee1/attachments/20260113/754f6d98/attachment-0005.png>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image008.jpg
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 1395 bytes
Desc: image008.jpg
URL: <http://lists.washingtonlandtitle.com/pipermail/legislativecommittee1/attachments/20260113/754f6d98/attachment-0002.jpg>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image009.png
Type: image/png
Size: 22684 bytes
Desc: image009.png
URL: <http://lists.washingtonlandtitle.com/pipermail/legislativecommittee1/attachments/20260113/754f6d98/attachment-0006.png>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image003.png
Type: image/png
Size: 5779 bytes
Desc: image003.png
URL: <http://lists.washingtonlandtitle.com/pipermail/legislativecommittee1/attachments/20260113/754f6d98/attachment-0007.png>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image001.png
Type: image/png
Size: 17202 bytes
Desc: image001.png
URL: <http://lists.washingtonlandtitle.com/pipermail/legislativecommittee1/attachments/20260113/754f6d98/attachment-0008.png>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: ~WRD000.jpg
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 823 bytes
Desc: ~WRD000.jpg
URL: <http://lists.washingtonlandtitle.com/pipermail/legislativecommittee1/attachments/20260113/754f6d98/attachment-0003.jpg>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: Outlook-0nwhtqyu.png
Type: image/png
Size: 76718 bytes
Desc: Outlook-0nwhtqyu.png
URL: <http://lists.washingtonlandtitle.com/pipermail/legislativecommittee1/attachments/20260113/754f6d98/attachment-0009.png>