N.C. lawmakers are acting to strengthen mortgage regulation in the state. Here's a look at what been done and what is still pending.

HOUSE BILL 2463: The measure aims to protect consumers by preventing abuses that contributed to the housing market meltdown and undermined confidence in the mortgage system. It would require mortgage servicers to be licensed in North Carolina. Servicers act as intermediaries to funnel payments to escrow and to trusts that own loans on behalf of investors. Status: Awaiting Gov. Mike Easley's signature to become law.

HOUSE BILL 2188: Requires that any home loan servicer clearly explain certain fees to a homeowner within 30 days of the fees being charged; puts a cap on points and interest charged to a loan; and makes it illegal for a broker to receive additional compensation, such as a bonus or commission, for inflating a loan value. Status: Awaiting governor's signature.

HOUSE BILL 2436: The revised state budget provides $3 million to expand the state's Home Protection Pilot Program to all 100 counties. The program helps workers keep their homes if they lose their jobs by providing interest-free bridge loans. Status: Awaiting governor's approval of budget bill.

HOUSE BILL 2623: The House has approved legislation that would get the state banking commissioner more involved in an emergency program designed to help reduce foreclosures in the state. Status: Pending before Senate.

AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL

Congress is debating a relief bill. The Senate was expected to pass the bill Friday. The House has passed its version. President Bush has threatened a veto. Here's a comparison of major elements of the Senate and House bills.

* Give the Federal Housing Administration $300 billion in new lending authority and relax standards to provide affordable, fixed-rate mortgages to debt-ridden homeowners. Losses would be covered by a fund drawn from the profits of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the government-sponsored companies that finance mortgages. The House bill makes taxpayers responsible for losses.

* Modernize the FHA and allow it to back loans for riskier borrowers. Permanently increase the size of loans the agency may insure to $625,000 in the highest-cost areas. The House sets the limit at $729,750.

* Bar the FHA from insuring mortgages in which the borrower's down payment is paid by the seller, and prohibit the agency from charging premiums based on risk. The House bill allows loans with seller-funded down payment assistance and includes risk-based pricing.

* Provide $3.9 billion in grants to the hardest-hit communities for buying and fixing up foreclosed property. A separate House bill provides $15 billion in loans and grants for this purpose.

* Create a new regulator and tighten controls on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Permanently raise the limit on the loans they may buy to $625,000 in the highest-cost areas. The House-passed bill sets the limit at $729,750 and delays the effective date for six months.

* Provide low-income housing tax breaks and a credit of up to $8,000 for first-time home buyers who purchase residences between April 9, 2008, and April 1, 2009. The House version includes a first-time home buyer tax credit of $7,500 and is fully paid for.

* Give states an additional $10 billion in tax-free municipal bond authority for low-interest loans to first-time home buyers, construction of low-income rental housing and refinancing subprime mortgages.

* Offer protection from investor lawsuits for mortgage holders that modify loans to borrowers who are in default or about to default.

* Provide $180 million for pre-foreclosure counseling and legal services. The House measure provides $210 million for counseling.