Trade Associations
Here's a look at documents from national and international trade associations
Featured Stories
Second Century Ventures Partners With CILA to Accelerate Innovation Across Latin American Real Estate
WASHINGTON, June 13 -- The National Association of Realtors posted the following news release:
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Second Century Ventures Partners with CILA to Accelerate Innovation Across Latin American Real Estate
CHICAGO - Second Century Ventures (SCV), the strategic investment arm of the National Association of REALTORS(R), today announced a strategic partnership with the Confederacion Inmobiliaria Latinoamericana (CILA), the region's preeminent confederation of real estate associations, chambers, and professionals spanning the entirety of Latin America. SCV operates REACH, the world's most active real
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WASHINGTON, June 13 -- The National Association of Realtors posted the following news release:
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Second Century Ventures Partners with CILA to Accelerate Innovation Across Latin American Real Estate
CHICAGO - Second Century Ventures (SCV), the strategic investment arm of the National Association of REALTORS(R), today announced a strategic partnership with the Confederacion Inmobiliaria Latinoamericana (CILA), the region's preeminent confederation of real estate associations, chambers, and professionals spanning the entirety of Latin America. SCV operates REACH, the world's most active realestate technology accelerator, with programs across the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, Latin America, and the Middle East.
The alliance formalizes SCV and REACH as strategic innovation partners within one of the world's most dynamic and rapidly evolving real estate landscapes. Latin America represents over 630 million people across more than 20 nations--where digitization, urbanization, and generational change are converging to create a significant opportunity for technology adoption across the property sector.
Under the agreement, SCV/REACH and CILA will collaborate to advance technology adoption, share global best practices, expand educational and programmatic opportunities, and build lasting bridges between the Latin American real estate ecosystem and the global tech community.
"Latin America is not an emerging market--it is an emerged one, and the real estate sector here is ready to lead," said Dave Garland, managing partner, Second Century Ventures and REACH. "Partnering with CILA gives us access to the deepest network of real estate professionals, associations, and leaders across the entire region. This partnership is a massive step forward for REACH's global mission and brings the best of global innovation to new communities."
The collaboration will span knowledge-sharing on global innovation trends, facilitation of connections between CILA's member associations and the SCV/REACH portfolio, exploration of educational workshops and conference programming, and co-development of frameworks to assess and accelerate technology readiness across Latin American real estate markets. The partnership also creates pathways for future initiatives including regional innovation assessments, benchmarking studies, and collaborative programs designed to support modernization across CILA's member network.
Representing national real estate associations across 19 countries, CILA is the most comprehensive regional voice for the real estate profession in Latin America.
"This alliance with Second Century Ventures and REACH represents a historic opportunity for the real estate sector of Latin America," said Paulina Cueva, president, Confederacion Inmobiliaria Latinoamericana. "CILA has always been committed to elevating the professionalism, innovation capacity, and global connectivity of our member associations. Now, through this collaboration, we are connecting our entire network to the world's most active proptech ecosystem. We are opening doors that have never been open before--and we are doing it together."
This partnership extends SCV's growing global footprint, which already includes established programs in Australia and New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, and Canada. The REACH Latin America program has long served the region's startup ecosystem; the CILA alliance now dramatically expands the institutional depth and practitioner connectivity behind that mission.
"We have been investing in and accelerating top tech companies around the world for over a decade," said Tyler Thompson, managing partner, Second Century Ventures and REACH. "Latin America has incredible founders, a massive market, and real estate associations that are genuinely hungry for what global innovation can deliver. CILA is the right partner to help us go deeper across this region--and we could not be more excited to build this together."
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About Second Century Ventures and REACH
Second Century Ventures (SCV) is the strategic investment arm of the National Association of REALTORS(R) and the world's most active venture fund focused on real estate technology. SCV operates REACH, the leading global real estate technology accelerator, with programs across the United States, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Latin America, and the Middle East. With a portfolio exceeding 375 companies and a presence across 8 global markets, SCV and REACH have helped define and accelerate the real estate sector for over a decade.
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About CILA
The Confederacion Inmobiliaria Latinoamericana (CILA) is the leading regional organization representing real estate associations, chambers, and professionals across Latin America. Committed to elevating standards, advancing technology adoption, and connecting the region's real estate community to global best practices, CILA represents one of the most comprehensive and influential networks of real estate practitioners in the world.
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About the National Association of REALTORS(R)
The National Association of REALTORS(R) is involved in all aspects of residential and commercial real estate. The term REALTOR(R) is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS(R) and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. For free consumer guides about navigating the homebuying and selling transaction processes--from written buyer agreements to negotiating compensation--visit facts.realtor.
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URL: Second Century Ventures and REACH
URL: CILA
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Original text here: https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/second-century-ventures-partners-with-cila-to-accelerate-innovation-across-latin-american-real
[Category: Real Estate]
National Association of Home Builders: Over 1,100 Housing Advocates Call on Congress to Address Affordability
WASHINGTON, June 13 -- The National Association of Home Builders issued the following news release:
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Over 1,100 Housing Advocates Call on Congress to Address Affordability
More than 1,100 builders, remodelers and other housing industry professionals went to Capitol Hill today to call for congressional action to improve affordability and help builders to increase the production of affordable, attainable homes.
"Members of the housing community from across the country are in Washington for the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) 2026 Legislative Conference to call on lawmakers to
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WASHINGTON, June 13 -- The National Association of Home Builders issued the following news release:
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Over 1,100 Housing Advocates Call on Congress to Address Affordability
More than 1,100 builders, remodelers and other housing industry professionals went to Capitol Hill today to call for congressional action to improve affordability and help builders to increase the production of affordable, attainable homes.
"Members of the housing community from across the country are in Washington for the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) 2026 Legislative Conference to call on lawmakers toadvance major housing legislation and enact policies that will let builders build," said NAHB Chairman Bill Owens, a home builder and remodeler from Worthington, Ohio.
In more than 300 meetings with lawmakers, housing advocates focused on four priorities aimed at improving affordability and increasing supply:
Landmark Housing Legislation. House and Senate leaders are considering a major housing package designed to increase production through zoning and land-use reforms, streamlined environmental reviews and broader regulatory changes.
NAHB is urging the Senate to adopt two House-approved changes to the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act: eliminate the single-family rental sale mandate and raise and index multifamily loan limits. The sale mandate could reduce single-family rental production by 40,000 to 70,000 units annually, according to estimates by NAHB and the Urban Institute. Updating multifamily loan limits would better reflect construction costs and support new apartment development.
Workforce Development and Immigration. There is a shortage of more than 200,000 construction workers, and more than 25% of the existing workforce is foreign-born. Home builders will need to add an estimated 2.2 million additional workers over the next three years to keep up with demand and an aging workforce.
NAHB is calling on Congress to pass the CONSTRUCTS Act (H.R. 1055/S. 189), bipartisan legislation pending in the House and Senate that would help prepare young adults for rewarding careers in the skilled trades. NAHB is also urging lawmakers to pass the DIGNITY Act (H.R. 4393), which would strengthen border security while creating a pathway to permanent work authorization for undocumented workers who meet strict requirements.
Permitting Obstacles. Permitting delays at all levels of government put housing projects on hold and raise construction costs. Obtaining a federal Clean Water Act Section 404 permit--essential for many housing projects to move forward--can take more than a year. NAHB is urging the Senate to reform the Clean Water Act to expedite the permitting process by providing clarity and predictability while respecting environmental safeguards.
Natural Gas Bans. Some local governments are banning builders from installing gas appliances in new homes, which limits consumer choice and raises housing costs. The U.S. Energy Information Administration recently forecast that American households using natural gas spent about 42% less on heating this winter compared to those using electricity.
NAHB is calling on Congress to pass the Energy Choice Act (H.R. 3699/S. 1945), which would prevent state and local governments from banning the use of natural gas in new homes.
Before heading to Capitol Hill, NAHB members heard from five leading members of Congress who underscored the importance of housing to both the economy and the nation's social fabric:
* House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.)
* House Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill (R-Ark.)
* Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.)
* Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-Texas)
* Rep. Nick Langworthy (R-N.Y.)
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Original text here: https://www.nahb.org/news-and-economics/press-releases/2026/06/over-1100-housing-advocates-call-on-congress-to-address-affordability
[Category: Real Estate]
Clean Fuels Welcomes DOE's Release of Up-to-date 45ZCF-GREET Model
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, June 13 -- Clean Fuels Alliance America issued the following news release on June 12, 2026:
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Clean Fuels Welcomes DOE's Release of Up-to-date 45ZCF-GREET Model
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Clean Fuels Alliance America welcomes the Department of Energy's posting of the latest version of the 45ZCF-GREET model. The model includes changes to the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit signed into law in July 2025 that became effective at the start of this year, including deduction of Indirect Land Use Change (ILUC) scores and ineligibility for fuels made from feedstocks sourced
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JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, June 13 -- Clean Fuels Alliance America issued the following news release on June 12, 2026:
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Clean Fuels Welcomes DOE's Release of Up-to-date 45ZCF-GREET Model
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Clean Fuels Alliance America welcomes the Department of Energy's posting of the latest version of the 45ZCF-GREET model. The model includes changes to the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit signed into law in July 2025 that became effective at the start of this year, including deduction of Indirect Land Use Change (ILUC) scores and ineligibility for fuels made from feedstocks sourcedfeedstocks from outside the United States, Mexico and Canada. Taxpayers can now use this up-to-date model to calculate and monetize tax credits for fuels produced during their current taxable year.
Kurt Kovarik, Clean Fuels' Vice President of Federal Affairs, stated, "We appreciate the Department of Energy and Argonne National Labs working together to provide this timely update to the 45ZCF-GREET model. Biodiesel, renewable diesel, and SAF producers are grateful that Congress adopted beneficial changes to the 45Z credit last July through the One Big Beautiful Bill. They now have certainty that those changes can be claimed for their current tax year, which for some end as early as this summer.
"This increased certainty will help our industry achieve the administration's goals of generating more domestic energy and creating new domestic market opportunities for farmers - both of which are critical right now."
On May 28, Kovarik testified at the IRS' public hearing on the 45Z Credit, where he highlighted the industry's need for the updated 45ZCF-GREET model. Clean Fuels emphasized the need for taxpayer certainty in April comments to Treasury on the proposed rule and in a January letter to President Trump.
The model updates include improved carbon scoring data for inputs like natural gas that were published in the R&D GREET model in December. The updated model provides calculations for fuels produced in both 2025 and 2026, reflecting Congress' changes that took effect at the start of this year.
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ABOUT CLEAN FUELS ALLIANCE AMERICA
Made from an increasingly diverse mix of resources such as recycled cooking oil, soybean oil, and animal fats, the clean fuels industry is a proven, integral part of America's clean energy future. Clean Fuels Alliance America is the U.S. trade association representing the entire biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel supply chain, including producers, feedstock suppliers and fuel distributors. Clean Fuels receives funding from a broad mix of private companies and associations, including the United Soybean Board and state checkoff organizations.
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Original text here: https://cleanfuels.org/clean-fuels-welcomes-does-release-of-up-to-date-45zcf-greet-model/
[Category: Energy]
BSA Calls on European Commission to Deliver Legal Certainty for AI-Driven Enterprise Software
WASHINGTON, June 13 -- The Business Software Alliance issued the following news release:
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BSA Calls on European Commission to Deliver Legal Certainty for AI-Driven Enterprise Software
BRUSSELS -- The European Commission must deliver clear, enforceable rules for text and data mining (TDM) if the EU is to remain a competitive location for AI development, says the Business Software Alliance (BSA) in its response to the Commission's evaluation of the Digital Single Market (DSM) Directive.
BSA's members are the enterprise software companies building ERP systems, productivity platforms, and
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WASHINGTON, June 13 -- The Business Software Alliance issued the following news release:
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BSA Calls on European Commission to Deliver Legal Certainty for AI-Driven Enterprise Software
BRUSSELS -- The European Commission must deliver clear, enforceable rules for text and data mining (TDM) if the EU is to remain a competitive location for AI development, says the Business Software Alliance (BSA) in its response to the Commission's evaluation of the Digital Single Market (DSM) Directive.
BSA's members are the enterprise software companies building ERP systems, productivity platforms, andsector-specific tools, through which AI reaches healthcare providers, manufacturers, financial institutions, and businesses of every size. Legal uncertainty about TDM scope burdens this entire chain, and falls hardest on the SMEs least equipped to manage it.
"Enterprise software is how AI reaches the real economy. Every hospital, manufacturer, and financial institution that relies on AI-enabled software has a stake in getting this framework right," said Thomas Boue, VP & Director General - Policy EMEA.
BSA's submission sets out four priorities:
* Confirm AI training as TDM. Clarify that Article 4 covers AI model training and that lawfully published, publicly available content constitutes lawful access.
* Standardize opt-outs. Only machine-readable reservations (such as robots.txt) that are discoverable at the time of access should be enforceable. Retroactive opt-outs should have no legal effect.
* Align the DSM Directive and AI Act. Conflicting obligations on data retention and disclosure must be resolved through an inter-institutional working group.
* Pursue maximum harmonization. Divergent national interpretations of Article 4 undermine the single market. The Commission should be prepared to act, including through infringement proceedings, where implementation narrows the Directive's scope.
The US, Japan, and Singapore each provide materially broader TDM freedom. A narrow or unpredictable Article 4 will only redirect AI investment outside the EU.
BSA will monitor the Commission's response closely and stands ready to engage further with policymakers, the European Parliament, and industry stakeholders as the evaluation progresses.
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ABOUT BSA
The Business Software Alliance (www.bsa.org) is the global trade association of the enterprise software industry, representing companies that are leaders in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, quantum, and other breakthrough technologies. We work in over 20 markets in the US, Europe, and Asia, advocating for policies that build trust in technology so that every industry sector and the public can benefit from innovation.
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Original text here: https://www.bsa.org/news-events/news/bsa-calls-on-european-commission-to-deliver-legal-certainty-for-ai-driven-enterprise-software
[Category: Business]
American Bus Association Issues Commentary: Driving Toward Zero - Industry's Journey to a Cleaner Future
WASHINGTON, June 13 -- The American Bus Association issued the following commentary by Senior Director of Content Ben H. Rome:
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Driving Toward Zero
The Industry's Journey to a Cleaner Future
For an industry built on movement, change comes naturally. But the transformation now underway in the motorcoach world isn't about comfort or connectivity--it's about carbon.
Motorcoaches already rank among the most energy-efficient vehicles on the road. A full coach can replace 30-55 cars, cutting per-passenger emissions dramatically. Still, the American Bus Association and its members have committed
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, June 13 -- The American Bus Association issued the following commentary by Senior Director of Content Ben H. Rome:
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Driving Toward Zero
The Industry's Journey to a Cleaner Future
For an industry built on movement, change comes naturally. But the transformation now underway in the motorcoach world isn't about comfort or connectivity--it's about carbon.
Motorcoaches already rank among the most energy-efficient vehicles on the road. A full coach can replace 30-55 cars, cutting per-passenger emissions dramatically. Still, the American Bus Association and its members have committedto doing more.
The Association's 2025 policy platform puts it plainly: "Support achievable national emissions and efficiency standards and all-of-the-above decarbonization technologies without incurring unnecessary costs or facing operational disruptions." It's a pragmatic blueprint for how the industry will drive toward net-zero without leaving operators--or passengers--behind.
Across North America, companies are experimenting with electric and hydrogen-powered buses. Early adopters report lower maintenance costs, smoother rides, and enthusiastic passenger feedback. Cities like Toronto, Seattle, and San Francisco are already incorporating electric coaches into commuter services, while rural operators explore biofuels to reduce their environmental impact.
Manufacturers have stepped up, too. MCI, Prevost, and ABC Companies are investing heavily in research and development, unveiling vehicles with near-zero emissions and extending ranges that once seemed impossible.
But sustainability isn't just about engines. ABA's sustainability committee promotes everything from digital ticketing to recycling programs, driver eco-training, and idle-reduction campaigns. The association's research has highlighted how every small operational improvement--from tire pressure management to trip consolidation--adds up to major environmental gains.
The business side is just as strong. A full coach saves fuel, reduces highway congestion, and supports tourism without overburdening fragile destinations. By removing cars from the road, motorcoach travel reduces carbon emissions, fuel consumption, road wear and tear, and traffic volume, thereby bringing economic savings across many infrastructure areas.
Sustainability has become part of the sales pitch. Tour planners now market bus travel as the "greenest way to go." Universities and companies that charter coaches often cite emissions savings in their sustainability reports. The bus, once considered old-fashioned, is now a quiet climate hero.
Looking ahead, the future feels electric--literally. Charging infrastructure is expanding, federal grants are supporting alternative fuels, and manufacturers are racing to produce coaches that can travel farther on cleaner power.
For ABA, the goal is not only to embrace new technology but to ensure that the transition is equitable. The association's advocacy focuses on helping small and mid-sized operators access the funding, training, and equipment needed to modernize their fleets.
The road to zero won't happen overnight. But as ABA enters its second century, it's clear that the motorcoach industry isn't just part of the sustainability conversation--it's leading it. A century ago, buses united a country through connection. Today, they're uniting it through conscience.
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Ben H. Rome is senior director of content for the American Bus Association.
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Original text here: https://www.buses.org/news/driving-toward-zero/
[Category: Transportation]
ATA ACTION BRINGING TOP FEDERAL POLICY PRIORITIES TO CAPITOL HILL TO SUPPORT PERMANENT ACCESS TO VIRTUAL CARE AND DIGITAL HEALTH TOOLS
ARLINGTON, Virginia, June 13 -- The American Telemedicine Association issued the following news release on June 11, 2026:
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ATA ACTION BRINGING TOP FEDERAL POLICY PRIORITIES TO CAPITOL HILL TO SUPPORT PERMANENT ACCESS TO VIRTUAL CARE AND DIGITAL HEALTH TOOLS
ATA NAMES NEW VP, PUBLIC POLICY & HEAD OF FEDERAL GOVERNMENT RELATIONS AT ATA ACTION
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WASHINGTON, DC -- ATA Action, the affiliated policy and legislative advocacy arm of the American Telemedicine Association, met with 35 Congressional offices, House and Senate leadership offices, and key committee leaders during its 4th annual Hill
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ARLINGTON, Virginia, June 13 -- The American Telemedicine Association issued the following news release on June 11, 2026:
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ATA ACTION BRINGING TOP FEDERAL POLICY PRIORITIES TO CAPITOL HILL TO SUPPORT PERMANENT ACCESS TO VIRTUAL CARE AND DIGITAL HEALTH TOOLS
ATA NAMES NEW VP, PUBLIC POLICY & HEAD OF FEDERAL GOVERNMENT RELATIONS AT ATA ACTION
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WASHINGTON, DC -- ATA Action, the affiliated policy and legislative advocacy arm of the American Telemedicine Association, met with 35 Congressional offices, House and Senate leadership offices, and key committee leaders during its 4th annual HillDay on June 10, to advance federal policies that support permanent access to telehealth and digital health tools and encourage innovation in technology-enabled care.
"ATA Action members are coming to Capitol Hill with a clear message: the time to act is now. In 2026, we're advancing a comprehensive agenda -- from making Medicare telehealth flexibilities permanent and protecting controlled substance prescribing via telehealth, to establishing a reimbursement pathway for prescription digital therapeutics and enacting the Federal Virtual Foodcare Act. We are encouraged by the leadership of the Trump Administration and bipartisan champions in Congress, who share our commitment to modernizing care delivery, expanding access, and supporting responsible innovation. These are not emerging issues; they are urgent opportunities with real bipartisan momentum," said Kyle Zebley, CEO of the ATA and Executive Director, ATA Action. "We look forward to deepening those partnerships and ensuring policymakers hear directly from the clinicians and innovators delivering care on the front lines. Healthcare should meet Americans where they are -- and we won't stop until it does."
ATA Action's top federal policy priorities for 2026:
* Make permanent Medicare telehealth flexibilities and the Acute Hospital Care at Home program
* Permanently allow providers to prescribe controlled substances via telehealth
* Enact policies that preserve and expand a responsible direct-to-patient model, including regulatory clarity, coverage parity, and cross-state licensing
* Pass the Federal Virtual Foodcare Act, legislation that would integrate evidence-based nutrition care into healthcare through telehealth and digital health platforms
* Support legislation to establish a benefit category for prescription digital therapeutics (PDTs) under Medicare and Medicaid, and ensure that PDTs are regulated, reimbursed, and trusted on terms appropriate to their role in care
* Publish updated guidance for the FDA's 2023 draft regulatory framework for the use of Prescription Drug Use Related Software (PDURS) to encourage innovative submissions that pair health technologies with clinically proven medicines
ATA Appoints New VP, Public Policy & Head of Federal Government Relations at ATA Action
Also this week, the ATA announced that Joe Nye has joined the organization as Vice President, Public Policy, and Head of Federal Government Relations at ATA Action. In these roles, Joe is responsible for developing and executing the federal public policy agenda for both organizations. He will help lead and shape strategic advocacy efforts and drive transformative change, build relationships with key stakeholders, and navigate the complex regulatory landscape of virtual care and digital health technologies.
"We are thrilled to welcome Joe Nye to the ATA and ATA Action. Joe brings exactly the kind of strategic experience and relationship-building acumen we need as we push forward on some of the most consequential virtual care and digital health policy battles in years. With a robust federal agenda ahead of us, having Joe leading our government relations efforts gives me great confidence that we will continue to be the most trusted and effective voice for virtual care on Capitol Hill."
Joe has more than a decade of experience at the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, where he worked across administrations of both parties on complex regulatory policy issues, including telemedicine, drug control and development, cybersecurity, agency guidance, and federal rulemaking. Most recently, he served at Hims & Hers, where he worked on digital health, AI in healthcare, telehealth, pharmacy, and broader regulatory and policy strategy.
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About the ATA
The American Telemedicine Association (ATA) is the catalyst for advancing innovation and the transformation of healthcare through virtual care, digital health, hybrid delivery, and AI-enabled care models. Representing the most diverse ecosystem in healthcare - including leading health systems, academic medical centers, payers, technology innovators, life sciences companies, and clinician leaders - the ATA advances clinical standards, policy leadership, education, and evidence frameworks that accelerate high-quality, technology-enabled care.
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About ATA Action
Founded in 2022, ATA Action is the leading advocacy organization dedicated to advancing policy and accelerating the adoption of technology-enabled healthcare. Working collaboratively with federal and state legislators and policymakers, ATA Action drives industry momentum by influencing legislative and regulatory developments in telehealth, virtual care, remote patient monitoring, artificial intelligence in health, health data privacy, private sector healthcare investment, and more. Representing a diverse membership - including hospital systems, technology companies, professional associations, direct-to-consumer digital health providers, payers, pharmaceutical manufacturers, digital therapeutics developers, and remote monitoring organizations - ATA Action facilitates member-led coalitions focused on initiatives such as Advancing Digital Health and Prescription Drug Use-Related Software (PDURS), Virtual Foodcare, and Cross State Care.
ATA Action is a registered 501(c)(6) nonprofit trade organization engaged in lobbying efforts to shape industry-related legislation and serves as an affiliated trade association of the ATA. The ATA, a 501(c)(3) entity, is recognized for its leadership in advancing innovation and leading transformation in virtual care, digital health, hybrid care, artificial intelligence, and next generation connected care.
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Original text here: https://www.americantelemed.org/press-releases/ata-action-bringing-top-federal-policy-priorities-to-capitol-hill-to-support-permanent-access-to-virtual-care-and-digital-health-tools/
[Category: Medical]
ALTA, Maryland Land Title Association and AARP Applaud Attorney General Anthony G. Brown for Action Protecting Homeowners From Unfair MV Realty Contracts
WASHINGTON, June 13 -- The American Land Title Association issued the following news release on June 11, 2026:
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ALTA, Maryland Land Title Association and AARP Applaud Attorney General Anthony G. Brown for Action Protecting Homeowners from Unfair MV Realty Contracts
The American Land Title Association (ALTA), the Maryland Land Title Association (MLTA) and AARP today commended Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown and the Consumer Protection Division for taking action against MV Realty and seeking to terminate allegedly unlawful Homeowner Benefit Agreements and related liens that burdened
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, June 13 -- The American Land Title Association issued the following news release on June 11, 2026:
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ALTA, Maryland Land Title Association and AARP Applaud Attorney General Anthony G. Brown for Action Protecting Homeowners from Unfair MV Realty Contracts
The American Land Title Association (ALTA), the Maryland Land Title Association (MLTA) and AARP today commended Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown and the Consumer Protection Division for taking action against MV Realty and seeking to terminate allegedly unlawful Homeowner Benefit Agreements and related liens that burdenedMaryland homeowners.
According to the charges, MV Realty engaged in illegal consumer lending when it entered into Homeowner Benefit Agreements (HBAs) with Maryland consumers, advancing them a small sum that they would have to repay with exorbitant interest. The Attorney General's action seeks to halt the alleged unlawful conduct, terminate the agreements and related liens, and obtain restitution for consumers.
"Attorney General Brown's action sends a clear message: homeowners should never be trapped in deceptive agreements that cloud title and threaten their most valuable asset," said Caroline Cone, director of state government affairs, ALTA. "Protecting clear title and preserving the ability to sell, refinance or pass on a home are fundamental to consumer confidence and property rights."
Maryland's charges allege that MV Realty trapped Maryland homeowners and their heirs in costly long-term agreements and failed to clearly disclose key terms, including the 40-year duration and the impact the recorded agreements could have on future transfers of the home.
"AARP applauds Maryland Attorney General Brown for taking decisive action to protect homeowners from predatory agreements that trap homeowners and limit their ability to sell or pass on their homes to the next generation. The charges levied against MV Realty make it clear that Maryland will not tolerate schemes that exploit home equity or strip away future choices," said Jenn Jones, vice president of financial security and livable communities, government affairs, AARP. "We remain committed to working with leaders and advocates nationwide to stop these practices and to protecting older homeowners from unknowingly risking long-term security for a short-term payment."
ALTA, MLTA and AARP have worked alongside policymakers and consumer advocates nationwide to raise awareness about these types of agreements, often referred to as non-title recorded agreements for personal services (NTRAPS), and to advance solutions that better protect homeowners from hidden risks. In 2023, the Maryland state legislature passed a law that made NTRAPs unenforceable by law.
"These agreements can create serious uncertainty in the land records and unnecessary obstacles for homeowners and real estate transactions," said Eric Oberer Esq. CLTP, president of the Maryland Land Title Association. "We appreciate Attorney General Brown's leadership in taking action to protect Maryland homeowners and uphold transparency in the marketplace."
"For many older Marylanders, a home represents both financial security and a legacy to pass on to loved ones," said Kathy Lewis, AARP Maryland interim state director. "AARP Maryland is proud to support this action and stand with Attorney General Brown to ensure homeowners are not burdened by predatory long-term agreements that can threaten their ability to sell, refinance or transfer their homes."
ALTA, MLTA and AARP will continue working with state leaders, industry partners and consumer advocates to advance protections against predatory real estate contracts and safeguard homeowners' property rights.
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About ALTA
The American Land Title Association, founded in 1907, represents an industry comprised of more than 17,000 title insurance companies operating across the nation, with over 90% being small businesses.
About the Maryland Land Title Association
The Maryland Land Title Association promotes professionalism and communication throughout the real estate title industry. Its mission includes promoting standards and regulations that increase the effectiveness of the industry through legislative initiatives and educational programs.
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Original text here: https://www.alta.org/news-and-publications/press-release/ALTA-Maryland-Land-Title-Association-and-AARP-Applaud-Attorney-General-Anthony-G-Brown-for-Action-Protecting-Homeowners-from-Unfair-MV-Realty-Contracts
[Category: Real Estate]
