(Providence, RI) -- The Rhode Island General Assembly is being urged to preserve protections for homeowners in the state facing foreclosure. Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Kilmartin was joined by mayors, state lawmakers and housing advocates on Monday urging an extension of the state's Foreclosure Mediation Act, which will sunset on July 1st if no action is taken. State Representative Mary Messier and Senator Harold Metts have introduced legislation to lift the sunset, which is scheduled for a vote in the Senate on Wednesday but has been held for further study in the House. The law requires homeowners struggling with their mortgage payment to be given the opportunity to meet with their lender and an independent mediator to review their options, with the goal of staying in their home.