Ohio. Legislation enhancing consumer protections against mortgage lending abuses is under scrutiny in the state legislature. In addition to existing consumer protection measures, S.B. 185 would extend the state’s Consumer Sales Practices Act to mortgage brokers and loan officers and require licensure for residential appraisers. Mortgage brokers, loan officers and appraisers would be subject to criminal background checks. Loan-officer license applicants would be required to pass a qualifying exam, and licensees who fail to…