AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- FRAUD AND FALSE DEALING

HB 5662 creates a new criminal offense for real estate title fraud, defined as actions like forging signatures on deeds, filing false documents claiming property ownership, or falsely encumbering property. It requires sellers of unsolicited real estate offers to include clear warnings that the offer may not reflect fair market value or may be below the property’s assessed tax value. The bill also mandates that municipalities accepting electronic real estate filings require sufficient identification (like a driver’s license) to verify the filer’s identity, and makes such filings void without it. Victims of title fraud can sue for actual damages or $5,000 (whichever is greater) plus legal fees. The law takes effect upon passage, directly affecting homeowners, real estate professionals, and local government offices handling property records.