Bill > H42

This bill, titled the Uniform Real Property Electronic Recording Act, aims to modernize the process of recording property-related documents by allowing for electronic submissions. It defines key terms such as "document" (information stored in any medium that can be retrieved and recorded), "electronic" (relating to digital or similar technologies), "electronic document" (a document received electronically), and "electronic signature" (a digital mark indicating intent to sign). The bill establishes that electronic documents and electronic signatures will be legally valid for recording purposes, just as if they were on paper and physically signed, and that requirements for notarization or witnessing can also be met electronically. It grants registers of deeds the authority to accept, store, and provide access to electronic documents, while still requiring them to accept paper documents and maintain a single index for both. The Secretary of the Commonwealth is tasked with establishing standards for electronic recording, considering national best practices and security measures, to ensure consistency with other states that adopt similar laws. The bill also clarifies its relationship with a federal law concerning electronic signatures in commerce.