IN SB0253

Establishes a 13-member deed fraud task force to assess the extent of deed fraud in Indiana and recommend solutions, with a report due to the legislative council by June 30, 2027.

Authorizes county recorders to refuse recording suspicious instruments (documents with mismatched notary information, non-conforming standards, or fraudulent content) and report them to law enforcement.

Requires all county recorders to establish free property alert notification systems by January 1, 2027, notifying enrolled property owners when any instrument affecting their property is recorded.

Mandates background checks for notary public applicants, requires notaries to present commission proof when purchasing stamping devices, and allows notaries to refuse acts when identity proofing is insufficient.

Creates a private cause of action allowing victims of forged deeds or mortgages to sue forgers and those who knowingly submitted or sold property based on forged documents, with recovery of attorney's fees and punitive damages.