Lawmakers seek foreclosure cure

As a record number of Maryland homeowners face foreclosure, lawmakers Tuesday began considering consumer protections in the first reform of state lending regulations in more than two centuries.

A state Senate committee heard hours of testimony Tuesday on bills that would prevent scams many supporters said are prevalent in the home lending business. Gov. Martin O?Malley-backed proposals include criminalizing mortgage fraud, allowing more time before foreclosures are finalized and requiring foreclosure notices to be personally served.