MD HB130

Creates new criminal penalties for deed fraud, including up to 10 years imprisonment and $7,500 fine for intentionally selling, conveying, or leasing real property one does not own, or obtaining property through deception, intimidation, or undue influence

Establishes the Deed Fraud Prevention Grant Fund to provide grants for law enforcement efforts, legal services for victims through the Maryland Legal Services Corporation, and emergency housing assistance for displaced victims

Requires the Governor to include $200,000 appropriation to the Fund in fiscal year 2028, with additional funding from fines collected under the new deed fraud statute

Creates a Task Force to Study Deed Fraud with members from the Attorney General's office, Judiciary, and housing agencies to analyze fraud incidents, identify perpetrator patterns, and recommend detection tools and prevention strategies

Task Force must report findings to the General Assembly by July 1, 2028; the Act takes effect October 1, 2026