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Primary Sponsor

Last Action

Ref to the Com on Judiciary 2, if favorable, Housing and Development, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House2025-02-27

Vote Breakdown

No floor votes recorded.

Plain Language Summary

This bill creates criminal penalties for filing fraudulent property deeds, establishes a court process for property owners to remove fraudulent recordings from public records, and allows county commissioners to require tax certification before deeds are recorded.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue this bill protects homeowners from deed fraud, which is a growing crime where criminals file false documents claiming ownership of someone else's property.
• •The bill provides victims a faster civil court process to remove fraudulent recordings and mark them in the public record, while also increasing criminal penalties to deter fraud.
• •It also gives counties tools to prevent tax evasion by requiring proof that property taxes are current before deed transfers are recorded.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents may be concerned that the ex parte (one-sided) court process for emergency relief could potentially allow property owners to remove legitimate recordings without the other party present, though the bill does require a full hearing within 10 days where both sides can be heard.
• •Some may also worry that tax certification requirements could slow down legitimate real estate transactions or create burdens for closing attorneys and registers of deeds.