Bill > A09172

This bill establishes a statewide electronic property recording alert system to help prevent deed theft and real estate fraud, particularly targeting vulnerable populations like seniors, immigrants, and homeowners of color. The system will allow property owners to register for free and receive real-time notifications via email, text, phone, or mail whenever an instrument (such as a deed, mortgage, lien, or satisfaction) is recorded against their property in any county. The bill requires all 62 New York counties to integrate their recording systems with this statewide alert platform, which will be available in the ten most common non-English languages and comply with Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility standards. To support implementation, the bill creates a County Recording Modernization Fund, which will be financed through a recording surcharge of up to five dollars per instrument and potentially civil penalties from deed theft prosecutions. The fund will provide grants to counties for technology upgrades, cybersecurity improvements, and system integration. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Department of State coordinate with the Attorney General and local district attorneys to establish protocols for referring suspicious property filings detected through the alert system. The legislation aims to modernize county recording offices, provide uniform fraud prevention tools statewide, and ultimately protect homeowners' property rights and generational wealth.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A9172