Bill > HB1406

This bill amends Pennsylvania law to create a new criminal offense called "title or deed fraud" and provide legal remedies for victims. The bill defines title or deed fraud as a series of fraudulent actions related to real property, including obtaining or attempting to obtain property titles through deception, recording forged documents, altering property instruments digitally or electronically, concealing property documents, or making false oaths about property interests. If convicted, a person would face a second-degree felony, which typically carries significant criminal penalties. The bill also establishes a civil remedy for property owners, allowing them to sue individuals who fraudulently file false deeds or instruments affecting property ownership. Victims can recover actual damages (or at least $5,000), legal costs, attorney fees, and any realty transfer taxes incurred as a result of the fraud. Additionally, the bill modifies existing theft offense laws to specifically include theft involving property titles as a second-degree felony, regardless of the property's value. The new provisions aim to protect property owners from fraudulent manipulation of property ownership documents and provide both criminal prosecution and civil recovery options.

Budget and Finance, Housing and Urban Affairs, Justice

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1406