DES MOINES — The Iowa Senate voted Tuesday to provide more leeway for a growing number of Iowans facing foreclosure because they are behind in making their mortgage payments.

Senate File 364, which passed on a 50-0 vote, is designed to improve the opportunity for mortgage holders to work with their lenders to stave off civil default judgments.

“This is a major issue facing Iowans,” said Sen. Rob Hogg, D-Cedar Rapids. “This bill will help us address the foreclosure crisis and provide additional protections for the homeowner whose property is being foreclosed.”

The number of Iowa properties subject to civil mortgage foreclosure action has nearly doubled from 5,507 in 2002 to nearly 11,000 last year, according to the preliminary estimates.

The bill requires mediation notices “prior to commencing an action” on a residence — a provision that is effective through July 1, 2011. The legislation allows for a 60-day delay in foreclosure sales, and it also provides that lenders may rescind foreclosure action to negotiate a voluntary workout.

Hogg said the proposed change should help reduce unnecessary cost to parties involved in foreclosure proceedings. The bill also should help communities by reducing bureaucratic red tape that stops foreclosed property from being resold or returned to productive use, he said.

In separate action, the Senate voted 50-0 to establish licensing requirements for mortgage loan originators to ensure the lending industry is operating without unfair, deceptive or fraudulent practices.

“Senate File 355 toughens state laws governing mortgage bankers and brokers to fight shady operators who helped cause the national mortgage mess,” said Sen. Swati Dandekar, D-Marion, the bill’s floor manager.

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