SB197 Summary

• Authorizes judges of probate to remove and expunge documents filed against public servants that are materially false, fraudulent, or unlawfully issued, with a 14-day validation period and 28-day decision timeline.

• Establishes the crime of offering a false instrument for recording against a public servant as a Class C felony, and the crime of falsely removing an instrument from recording as a Class A misdemeanor.

• Requires plaintiffs to attempt to serve notice on debtors prior to filing a lien and provide proof of such notice when filing with the judge of probate or Secretary of State.

• Authorizes the Secretary of State to remove and expunge documents filed against public servants using procedures similar to those for probate judges, with appeals available to Montgomery County Circuit Court within 14 days.

• Becomes effective immediately upon passage and approval by the Governor.