By Bob Katzen

The House, on a voice vote without a roll call, gave initial approval to a bill requiring banks and other mortgage lenders to delay foreclosure proceedings for 60 days after the death of a borrower and to refrain from taking any action to accelerate foreclosure proceedings. The surviving spouse or family member must notify the lender and provide proof of the death of the borrower for the halt on foreclosure to take effect.

Supporters say that widowed spouses are going through a difficult time and should not be harassed by mortgage lenders who are trying to foreclose on their property.

Rep. Priscilla Sousa (D-Framingham), the sponsor of the proposal, did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking her why she filed the bill and how she feels about its passage.