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Controversial Foreclosure Bill Overwhelmingly Passes Through FL Senate

MIAMI (CBS4) - The Florida House has passed a hotly-contested measure Wednesday aimed at speeding the state's mortgage foreclosure process.

The bill (HB 213) passed Wednesday by a vote of 94-17. The bill's companion, SB 1890, passed through the Senate by a 6-4 vote on Monday

Proponents want to cut down on the backlog of Florida's foreclosure cases but critics say a speedier process will be unfair to people about to lose their homes.

The measure also has consumer-friendly provisions. It shortens to one year the time for a bank to go after any balance owed after the foreclosure sale of an owner-occupied home.

Backers say the bill is directed at homes that have been abandoned or where the property owner has no valid defense.

(©2012 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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