Gov. Chris Gregoire today signed legislation extending a helping hand to homeowners nearing foreclosure.

The bill, sponsored by Sen. Claudia Kauffman of Kent, gives those on the brink of losing their homes a 30-day extension in the foreclosure process for homes bought between 2003 and 2007 and calls for lenders to make reasonable efforts to work out a way to avoid foreclosing.

“I requested this bill this year with the hope of preventing unnecessary foreclosures. I appreciate that Sen. Kauffman brought it forward and worked for its passage,” Gregoire said during the signing ceremony Thursday.

The new law also gives tenants in properties being foreclosed official notification and 40 extra days to move out.

“This addresses consumer protection issues within the foreclosures that are happening out there,” Kauffman said, “I’ve been in the position of renting a house and two months in, I found out it had been foreclosed on, and realtors were running through the house.”

Washington’s foreclosure rate has jumped 46 percent from April 2008.

Rep. Tina Orwall, D-Normandy Park, who sponsored the House version of the bill, said “we had to do something to address the foreclosure crisis and find ways to stabilize the housing market and economy, with this law, struggling families will get a fighting chance to remain in their homes when possible.”

The legislation is Senate Bill 5810. It takes effect in July.