In late October, Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell urged the Massachusetts House of Representatives to consider legislation, House Bill 1413 accompanied by Senate Bill 960, that would promote mortgage transparency for consumers. “Clearly the Massachusetts State Legislature is working on critical issues addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, FY ’21 State Budget, evictions and foreclosures, climate change and other matters of importance,” Register O’Donnell stated. “With that said, H.1413, currently before the House Committee on Bills in the Third Reading, is also important legislation that guarantees a homeowner would know when a third party has been assigned their residential mortgage (usually sold by one financial institution to another), since the legislation requires the mortgage assignment to be recorded at the appropriate Registry of Deeds office within 30 days of the transaction.” Additionally, consumers looking to record a mortgage discharge and those facing foreclosure would benefit as the legislation provides a permanent source of reference for the homeowner. They could even view the transaction online via the relevant Registry of Deeds website. Register O’Donnell has been a strong supporter of the legislation and has previously testified on its merits before the legislature’s Joint Committee on the Judiciary. “H.1413 levels the playing field as it requires the larger lending institutions who in the past have not recorded assignments to do so just as the smaller local community banks have been doing all along,” Register O’Donnell concluded. “With the legislative session winding down, I am hopeful the House Committee on Bills in the Third Reading will report the legislation favorably to the floor of the House of Representatives for its consideration. This legislation benefits homeowners across Massachusetts since it will eliminate uncertainty as to which lending institution is the mortgage holder of record.” To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like them at facebook/com/NorfolkDeeds or follow on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and Instagram.com/ NorfolkDeeds. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High St., in Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry’s website www.norfolkdeeds. org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@ norfolkdeeds.org.