HB 5512
Relating to Land Records
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill aims to improve the security and transparency of land records in West Virginia. It establishes a system for notifying property owners about recorded documents, creates a searchable log of land records, and introduces penalties for fraudulent activities like forging deeds. The bill also mandates education for notaries public on identifying and preventing real estate fraud, particularly involving vulnerable populations, and clarifies the roles and responsibilities of recorders and notarial officers.
Key provisions
- Creates a property alert notification system to inform owners of recorded documents.
- Establishes a searchable log of land records maintained by recorders.
- Introduces criminal and enhanced civil penalties for deed theft and fraud.
- Requires notaries public to complete educational courses on fraud prevention.
- Clarifies the authority of recorders to refuse recording suspicious documents.
- Defines key terms related to land records and notarial acts.
- Establishes requirements for obtaining an official stamp for notarial records.
- Creates a process for trusted submitters (title companies, etc.) to provide documentation.
Who is affected
- Property owners
- Recorders of Deeds
- Notaries Public
- Title Insurance Companies
- Real Estate Professionals
Notable changes
- Creates a new article (30-38C) specifically addressing suspicious real property documents.
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