RI H7551

Creates the criminal offense of real estate title fraud for knowingly recording forged deeds, fraudulent instruments, or false liens with intent to defraud, punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment and $50,000 fine for first offense, or up to 20 years and $100,000 for a pattern of fraud.

Starting September 1, 2027, municipalities cannot accept electronic real estate filings from remote locations unless accompanied by sufficient identification or submitted by a "trusted submitter" (title companies, licensed attorneys, or regulated financial institutions).

Municipal recorders may temporarily delay, report to law enforcement, or notify notaries about "suspicious documents" that have mismatched notary information, claim exemption from U.S./state law, or are materially false.

Requires all municipalities to establish free property alert notification systems by January 1, 2028, notifying enrolled property owners within 10 business days of any document recorded affecting their property.

Victims of real estate title fraud may bring civil actions to recover actual damages or $5,000 (whichever is greater), plus reasonable attorneys' fees and costs.