Texas Senate advances bills to combat deed theft and enhance homeowner protections

Texas lawmakers are taking significant steps to combat property fraud and protect homeowners through two newly proposed bills discussed in the Senate Committee on Business and Commerce meeting on April 10, 2025.

Senate Bill 647 aims to enhance existing laws by implementing two key changes. First, it mandates that true homeowners be notified if their property is involved in any transactions, ensuring that notices are sent to the last known owner, even if their address differs from that of the purported debtor. Second, the bill empowers clerks to refuse the filing of potentially fraudulent documents if a district or county attorney identifies probable cause for fraud. This measure is designed to expedite the process of authenticating deed transfers and protect homeowners from title theft.

The committee also reviewed Senate Bill 648, which introduces additional requirements for recording vital documents related to real property, such as deeds and mortgages. This bill establishes stricter protocols for filing documents, including the necessity for signatures and sworn statements from grantors and witnesses. By tightening these requirements, the legislation aims to deter fraudulent filings that can lead to significant financial losses for unsuspecting homeowners.

Public testimony during the meeting highlighted the collaborative efforts between lawmakers and industry stakeholders, including the Texas Land Title Association. Testimonies emphasized the importance of these bills in providing tools for clerks and protecting the integrity of property ownership in Texas.

As these bills progress, they represent a proactive approach to safeguarding homeowners against the rising threat of property fraud, ensuring that the rights of legitimate property owners are upheld. The committee plans to continue discussions on these important measures in upcoming sessions.