A federal bill now making its way through Congress calls for a federal mortgage fraud task force after 2009. The bill, if signed into law, would set up task forces for the identification and prosecution of mortgage fraud. Responsibility for enforcement would fall to the Department of Justice, which would then provide training to other law enforcement agencies. The new law would help to encourage states to set up their own mortgage fraud task forces. Originally, the bill was part of the stimulus package, but was recently pulled out of that legislation and made part of the bankruptcy mortgage cram down bill as an amendment. That bill is expected to pass. For up-to-date information on all pending industry legislation, visit the MBA’s website at http://www.mortgagebankers.org.