Bill > S423

This bill is a comprehensive piece of legislation aimed at preventing title fraud by introducing several new requirements and legal mechanisms. It expands criminal penalties for filing fraudulent deeds, requiring registers of deeds to verify the identity of individuals presenting documents for recording by mandating government-issued photo identification for non-trusted submitters. The bill creates a new legal procedure allowing property owners to quickly challenge fraudulent instruments through expedited court proceedings, with provisions for temporary restraining orders and permanent injunctions. Additionally, it requires deeds to include a source of title, mandates tax certification of property ownership, and introduces disciplinary actions for real estate brokers involved in fraudulent deed activities. The bill also requires the Legislative Research Commission to study the feasibility of creating a statewide fraud detection alert system where property owners would be automatically enrolled and able to opt out. Key provisions include stricter identity verification for document recording, new civil procedures for challenging fraudulent documents, enhanced criminal penalties for document fraud, and increased oversight of real estate transactions to prevent title fraud. The bill is designed to provide property owners with more robust protections against fraudulent property transfers and create clearer legal pathways to address such fraud when it occurs.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S423