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Primary Sponsor

Last Action

Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate2025-05-07

Vote Breakdown

Plain Language Summary

This bill creates new criminal penalties for title fraud and requires registers of deeds to verify identity before recording deeds from non-professionals. It also establishes a court process for property owners to quickly challenge fraudulent recordings, requires deeds to show their source of title, and directs a study on creating a statewide fraud alert system.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue this bill protects homeowners from criminals who fraudulently record false deeds to steal property or take out fraudulent loans.
• •The identity verification requirement makes it harder for fraudsters to file fake documents, the expedited court process allows victims to clear their title quickly without waiting years, and increased criminal penalties deter fraud.
• •Property owners and title companies would benefit from better fraud prevention.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents may worry that identity verification requirements could slow down legitimate property transactions and create inconvenience for law-abiding citizens recording deeds by mail or electronically.
• •Some may question whether the new court process could be misused to wrongfully challenge valid deeds, and there are concerns about costs to registers of deeds for implementing new verification systems and maintaining identity records.
• •Privacy advocates might object to government retention of photocopied identification cards.