Bill > SB1523

This bill amends the Illinois Counties Code to strengthen protections against property fraud by establishing comprehensive measures for detecting and addressing fraudulent property recordings. Every county is now required to create and maintain a property fraud alert system that allows property owners to register and receive notifications when documents are recorded related to their property. Recorders must establish a fraud referral and review process to examine potentially fraudulent deeds or instruments, with specific guidelines for identifying suspicious documents, such as those with unusual formatting, unrealistic claims, or improper signatures. If a document is deemed potentially fraudulent, the recorder must notify the property owner and can refer the document to an administrative law judge for review. The bill introduces a new private right of action, meaning that anyone who knowingly files a fraudulent or altered deed can be sued by the rightful property owner in court. The legislation aims to combat a growing problem of property title fraud by providing counties with more tools to protect property owners and create transparency in real estate document recording. Importantly, the bill includes protections for recorders and their employees from personal liability, except in cases of willful misconduct.

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https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1523&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104