Public Law 111-22/Division A/Title III

==TITLE III—MORTGAGE FRAUD TASK FORCE==

SEC. 301. SENSE OF THE CONGRESS ON ESTABLISHMENT OF A NATIONWIDE MORTGAGE FRAUD TASK FORCE.

(a) In general.—

It is the sense of the Congress that the Department of Justice establish a Nationwide Mortgage Fraud Task Force (hereinafter referred to in this section as the “Task Force”) to address mortgage fraud in the United States.

(b) Support.—

If the Department of Justice establishes the Task Force referred to in subsection (a), it is the sense of the Congress that the Attorney General should provide the Task Force with the appropriate staff, administrative support, and other resources necessary to carry out the duties of the Task Force.

(c) Mandatory functions.—

If the Department of Justice establishes the Task Force referred to in subsection (a), it is the sense of the Congress that the Attorney General should—

(1) establish coordinating entities, and solicit the voluntary participation of Federal, State, and local law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies in such entities, to organize initiatives to address mortgage fraud, including initiatives to enforce State mortgage fraud laws and other related Federal and State laws;

(2) provide training to Federal, State, and local law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies with respect to mortgage fraud, including related Federal and State laws;

(3) collect and disseminate data with respect to mortgage fraud, including Federal, State, and local data relating to mortgage fraud investigations and prosecutions; and

(4) perform other functions determined by the Attorney General to enhance the detection of, prevention of, and response to mortgage fraud in the United States.

(d) Optional functions.—

If the Department of Justice establishes the Task Force referred to in subsection (a), it is the sense of the Congress that the Task Force should—

(1) initiate and coordinate Federal mortgage fraud investigations and, through the coordinating entities described under subsection (c), State and local mortgage fraud investigations;

(2) establish a toll-free hotline for—

(A) reporting mortgage fraud;

(B) providing the public with access to information and resources with respect to mortgage fraud; and

(C) directing reports of mortgage fraud to the appropriate Federal, State, and local law enforcement and prosecutorial agency, including to the appropriate branch of the Task Force established under subsection (d);

(3) create a database with respect to suspensions and revocations of mortgage industry licenses and certifications to facilitate the sharing of such information by States;

(4) make recommendations with respect to the need for and resources available to provide the equipment and training necessary for the Task Force to combat mortgage fraud; and

(5) propose legislation to Federal, State, and local legislative bodies with respect to the elimination and prevention of mortgage fraud, including measures to address mortgage loan procedures and property appraiser practices that provide opportunities for mortgage fraud.