Bill > HB2952

This bill makes several changes related to real property records and notarizations in Arizona. It requires individuals recording documents in person at a county recorder's office or kiosk to present photo identification, with exceptions for certain professionals like escrow officers, title agents, banks, lawyers, and government entities; the recorder will note the type, name, and number of the ID but not keep a copy, and this information will not be public. The bill also mandates that by January 1, 2027, county assessors must establish a voluntary system to notify property owners via email, text, or similar means when there's a change in ownership or mailing address for their property. It updates the requirements for an "affidavit of legal value" that must accompany deeds and real estate contracts, adding a requirement for the buyer and seller's phone number and allowing for additional contact information like email addresses, and clarifies details about financing and property value reporting. Additionally, the bill repeals a statute related to limitations on actions concerning real property and increases the minimum damages for recording forged or groundless documents affecting real property from $5,000 to at least $5,000 or treble actual damages, and also increases the minimum damages for individuals who refuse to correct such invalid documents after a written request from at least $1,000 to at least $1,000 or treble actual damages, while also reclassifying the offense of knowingly recording a forged or invalid document related to real property from a misdemeanor to a class 4 felony. Finally, notaries public will be required to take a thumbprint of the person signing deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, or powers of attorney in their journal, with specific procedures for when a thumbprint is unavailable or the person is physically unable to provide one, though this requirement does not apply to trustee's deeds from foreclosures or deeds of release and reconveyance.

Government Affairs

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/85110