Property passed down from generation to generation without formal wills or estate planning documents leaves families open to legal and financial risks. A financial and knowledge gap prevents many families from taking steps to appropriately secure their legacies. Unfortunately, challenges presented by heirs' property disproportionately affect communities of color across the country, jeopardizing their wealth-building potential.

"The HEIRS Act will equip families with the resources necessary to ensure the family home stays in the family, helping to create generational wealth and close the racial wealth gap," Williams said.

"On behalf of title companies in every county nationwide, who work tirelessly every day to protect the American dream of homeownership, we commend the leadership of Rep. Williams and her partners in Congress on the introduction of Heirs' Estate Inheritance Resolution and Succession (HEIRS) Act," said ALTA CEO Diane Tomb . "Too many families across the country are harmed by the issue of heirs' property, threatened with the possibility of losing their home and the wealth that it represents. Title insurance professionals work with families every day that are negatively impacted by these circumstances and understand the positive impact this legislation will have on protecting homeownership and wealth creation for millions of Americans. We look forward to working with Congress to pass this legislation and continuing the fight to protect homeownership for all communities and households nationwide."

According to Fannie Mae, the total assessed value of properties impacted by heirship issues is conservatively estimated to be more than $32 billion across 44 states and the District of Columbia .

The legislation also is endorsed by the National Fair Housing Alliance, National Association of Real Estate Brokers, National Low Income Housing Coalition, National Consumer Law Center, National Housing Resource Center, National Association of Realtors and Urban League of Greater Atlanta .