We asked attorney P. Steven Russell III of Portland, Ore., some questions concerning the recent settlement of the fair housing complaint brought against the Portland MLS by the Fair Housing Council of Oregon and the implications for other MLSs. Russell represented the MLS in the case. Here are his comments.

NAR is reviewing for potential negative impact on REALTORS® an advance copy of new regulations on one-stop shopping in homebuying proposed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Last December, President Clinton signed into law an amendment to the federal Fair Housing Act clarifying which housing projects qualify for "55 and over" status and, therefore, are exempt from provisions of the Fair Housing Act that prohibit discrimination against families with children.

Lead paint regulations call for disclosure of known lead-based paint hazards in connection with the sale or rental of dwelling units built before 1978. Owners of one to four residential dwelling units will have to comply with the regulations starting Dec. 6, 1996. Those who own properties with more than four dwelling units will have to comply beginning Sept. 6, 1996.