Article by Sharron Kennovin
Earlier this May, VLTA proudly participated in ALTA Advocacy Day—a pivotal three-day event dedicated to educating and empowering members of the title industry to effectively engage with lawmakers. The experience was packed with impactful speakers, strategic training, and invaluable conversations about the future of our industry at the national level.
Attending this event each year is vital. It provides not only a clear view of the legislative landscape affecting the title industry but also the unique opportunity to meet directly with our local Senators and Representatives. Thanks to VLTA and ALTA, we can bring awareness to Congress about the real-world impact of proposed legislation—and how it affects professionals like us.
This year, we focused on three important advocacy issues:
1. Protecting America’s Property Rights Act (H.R. 3206)
Sponsored by Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) and Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX), this legislation addresses concerns about the Title Waiver Pilot Program and seeks to ensure strong protections for property rights.
2. FinCEN Anti-Money Laundering Regulations
We discussed the potential impact of FinCEN’s proposed anti-money laundering regulations on residential real estate transfers, emphasizing the need for practical and industry-informed implementation.
3. SECURE Notarization Act
This bipartisan legislation (H.R. 1777 / S. 1561), supported by Rep. Cliff Bentz (R-OR), Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-PA), Rep. Julie Fedorchak (R-ND), Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA), seeks to establish nationwide standards for Remote Online Notarization (RON), increasing security and accessibility.
Events like Advocacy Day remind us how important it is to have a strong, unified voice in Washington. I look forward to each of you joining me next year for the ALTA Advocacy Day. Together, we ensure our industry is heard and protected.
Sharron Kennovin
Assistant Vice President – Agency Representative, Old Republic Title
Sharron Kennovin is the Assistant Vice President and Agency Representative for Old Republic Title. Originally from Sparta, Michigan, she relocated to Virginia in 1991 to attend J. Sargent Reynolds Community College and later attended Regent University. Her career in the real estate and title industry began shortly thereafter at a real estate law firm.
With decades of experience, Sharron has owned her own title and settlement company and managed two law firms. Her depth of knowledge and leadership has made her a respected figure in the industry.
In 2019, Sharron joined the Board of Directors of the Virginia Land Title Association and currently serves as the President-Elect. She lives in Sandbridge, Virginia, with her family and their dog, Bulliet.
