Assemblywoman Christy Smith, D-Santa Clarita, announced Monday that Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a bill she authored that seeks to expand protections to homeowners.

Assembly Bill (AB) 1106 extends Los Angeles County’s Enhanced Homeowner Notification Program by continuing the program’s fraud prevention, information and free counseling services for property owners and tenants, according to Smith. 

“It’s no secret California is facing a housing crisis, even during this period of economic expansion,” Smith said. “This bill provides a safety net for homeowners who have worked hard to purchase and maintain their homes. I’m immensely proud to partner with the Los Angeles Department of Consumer Business Affairs (DCBA) to prevent foreclosure and real estate fraud, promote tenant protections and honor the dignity of work.”

The program has equipped homeowners with resources to keep their homes since its inception in 1992. Through the enhanced program, DCBA has been able to prevent home foreclosures, facilitate successful loan modifications and help homeowners navigate predatory real estate practices, according to officials.

The bill, which marks Smith’s third bill signed into law, allows Los Angeles County to continue these services for another decade by extending the sunset date, according to officials. 

AB 1106 also amassed coauthor support from fellow Los Angeles County representatives Assemblyman Richard Bloom, D-Santa Monica; Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi, D-Torrance; and State Senator Senator Henry Stern, D-Malibu.

“The Department of Consumer and Business Affairs’ Foreclosure Prevention Program has saved over 475 homes from foreclosure, helped homeowners save more than $30 million in successful loan modifications and helped them with fraud avoidance,” said Joseph Nicchita, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs. “I thank Assemblywoman Smith for championing this measure with support from Assemblymembers Bloom and Muratsuchi and Senator Stern, ensuring the homeowners of Los Angeles County can continue receiving this important service.”

AB 1106 is set to take effect on January 1, 2020.

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