Bill > S2715

This bill establishes the criminal offense of real estate title fraud, defining it as knowingly offering for recording or recording fraudulent documents like forged deeds, fictitious instruments, or false encumbrances on another's property with the intent to defraud. It also allows municipalities to refuse to record "suspicious documents" from individuals who are not "trusted submitters" – defined as title insurers, licensed attorneys, or regulated financial institutions – if the document appears to be from an unrecognized notary, claims exemption from state law, doesn't meet recording standards, or is materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent and not submitted by a trusted party. The bill creates penalties for real estate title fraud, including imprisonment for up to ten years and fines up to $50,000 for a first offense, and up to twenty years and $100,000 for a pattern of fraud, along with restitution. Additionally, municipalities will be required to establish a free property alert notification system by January 1, 2028, to notify property owners when documents affecting their property are recorded, and notaries will have expanded authority to refuse notarial acts if identity proofing information is insufficient or payment is not consented to.

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