A bill sponsored by Rep. Ray Gallison (D-69) that would protect RI military personnel from foreclosure passed the house unanimously today, according to a state house release. The bill — (H 7225 (pdf) — would allow a stay of foreclosure proceedings on the home of any member of the military during active duty or deployment, or within nine months of its completion.

“Foreclosure has become all too common in this economy," said Gallison. "But there should be some more flexibility when it happens to someone those who are off serving their country. When they come home, home ought to still be there for them.”

Similar legislation in the Senate — S 2533 (pdf) — was voted out of committee yesterday.

“Active service members deserve this break," said Gallison. "Their service makes the society we enjoy possible, and if lenders won’t recognize that on their own, we will have this law to protect them." Gallson represents Portsmouth and Bristol and serves as chair of the House Veterans Affairs Committee.

Editorial note: Written from a press release.