Mortgage loans.

Existing law, until January 1, 2013, prohibits any person who negotiates, attempts to negotiate, arranges, attempts to arrange, or otherwise offers to perform residential mortgage loan modifications for mortgages and deeds of trust secured by real property containing 4 or fewer dwelling units, or other forms of mortgage loan forbearance for a fee paid by the borrower, from demanding or receiving any preperformance compensation, requiring collateral to secure payment, or taking a power of attorney from the borrower. Existing law makes the violation of those provisions a crime and, with respect to an attorney, cause for imposition of discipline. This bill would extend the operation of those provisions until January 1, 2017. By extending the operative effect of certain crimes, this bill would create a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.