Senate Bill Seeks to Clear Titles of Foreclosed Homes

Massachusetts state senators are expected to take up a foreclosure bill when they hold their first formal session since the summer recess began in July.

The bill scheduled for debate Thursday was filed in response to court rulings that voided thousands of foreclosure sales in Massachusetts. It would require that lawsuits challenging the validity of foreclosure proceedings be filed within three years.

Backers say it will help clear the titles of previously foreclosed properties that have since been sold to new owners, who in turn have run into problems selling or refinancing the properties because of uncertainty surrounding the titles.

Critics of the legislation argue it will hurt people who lost their homes to illegal foreclosure.

The bill reached the Senate floor in July but was tabled until after the recess.