SB 253: Deed fraud.

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

Establishes the deed fraud task force. Provides that a county recorder may: (1) refuse to record a suspicious instrument, unless a court of competent jurisdiction finds that the county recorder's finding that the instrument is a suspicious instrument is erroneous; (2) report a suspicious instrument to the appropriate law enforcement agency; or (3) notify a notarial officer or notary public who has purported to acknowledge or prove a suspicious instrument of the reason for the county recorder's finding that the instrument is a suspicious instrument. Requires each county recorder to establish a property alert notification system. Requires each county recorder to establish an instrument alert notification system. Provides that a notarial officer may refuse to perform a notarial act if the notarial officer is not satisfied that the individual executing the record has provided sufficient information to conduct identity proofing. Requires a notary public to present proof of the notary public's commission to a person that sells or otherwise provides a stamping device to the notary public. Requires an applicant seeking a commission as a notary public to complete a background check administered by the secretary of state. Requires the secretary of state to establish certain security procedures and access controls with respect to the electronic data base of active notaries public. Provides that a person that alleges damages arising from the recording of a forged deed or mortgage has a cause of action against certain persons.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Republican 1

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. January 8, 2026First reading: referred to Committee on Local Government
2. January 8, 2026Authored by Senator Goode