Bill > HB2298

This bill authorizes county auditors to establish voluntary property title protection programs to combat land record fraud, allowing property owners to record a fraud protection instrument that prevents the transfer of their property's ownership without a secure personal identification number, an approved override process, or a recorded release. The program must include an emergency override for verified court orders or authorized legal representatives, and if an instrument transferring ownership is presented for a property with a fraud protection instrument recorded, the auditor may delay its recording for up to five business days, and county treasurers or excise agents may similarly delay processing real estate excise tax refund applications for up to five days. This new authorization is integrated into existing laws governing property record keeping and surcharges, specifically exempting fraud protection instruments and their releases from certain recording fees and surcharges that fund programs like covenant homeownership, growth management planning, and home security. The bill also declares an emergency, meaning it takes effect immediately upon passage.

Government Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2298&Year=2025&Initiative=false