MO SB724

Prohibits knowingly or intentionally filing false or fraudulent documents related to real property or financing statements with intent to harass, defraud, or materially deceive any person, establishing this as a class D felony.

Authorizes courts to declare fraudulent financing statements ineffective, order the Secretary of State to terminate them, and award restitution upon conviction.

Allows debtors named in false or fraudulent financing statements to file civil actions seeking equitable relief, damages, declaration of ineffectiveness, termination of the statement, and reasonable attorney fees.

Empowers the Secretary of State to refuse filing of records if there is reasonable cause to believe they are materially false or fraudulent, or if they appear designed for purposes outside the scope of secured transaction law.

Establishes a presumption that documents filed by or on behalf of inmates in Department of Corrections custody are materially false or fraudulent, rebuttable only by providing a sworn, notarized security agreement signed by the obligor, debtor, or property owner authorizing the filing.