HB 5430 - Elimination of Witness Requirement for Land Conveyances

• Removes the requirement that conveyances of land be attested to by two witnesses, effective October 1, 2012.

• Requires conveyances to be in writing and acknowledged by the grantor, but eliminates the attestation requirement previously mandated in Section 47-5.

• Removes witness requirements from statutory deed forms including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and various trustee and executor deeds.

• Makes conforming changes to related statutes regarding powers of attorney, fine art in buildings, durable powers of attorney, municipal tax liens, purchaser's liens, and judgment lien releases.

• Retains witness requirements for mortgage deeds and assignment of mortgages, and for certain specialized instruments involving works of fine art and durable powers of attorney.