Hot on the heels of yesterday’s State Court Administrative Office recommendation to cut 49 trial and appellate judgeships comes news of legislation that would require judicial review of most foreclosures on residential properties.
The Lansing State Journal reports that HB 4651
introduced in May by [Rep. Jim] Ananich, a Flint Democrat, and seven other Democratic state representatives, would require a judge to review all foreclosures on owner-occupied residential properties.
Ananich and Ingham County Register of Deeds Curtis Hertel Jr. are touting the legislation. Said Hertel, as quoted by The LSJ:
We need something to make sure banks play by the rules in these foreclosures and also put in an incentive to give people reasonable modifications.
He acknowledged that the bill, if enacted, would bring additional pressure to the court system.
The Michigan Lawyer 