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RI S2715
Bill
Status
2/27/2026
Primary Sponsor
Valarie Lawson
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AI Summary
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Establishes real estate title fraud as a felony punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment and $50,000 fine for first offense, or up to 20 years and $100,000 for pattern fraud
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Beginning September 1, 2027, municipalities cannot accept electronic filings of deeds, mortgages, or other real estate instruments unless accompanied by sufficient ID documentation or submitted by a "trusted submitter" (title companies, licensed attorneys, or regulated financial institutions)
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Requires all municipalities to establish free property alert notification systems by January 1, 2028 that notify enrolled owners within 10 business days when any document affecting their property is recorded
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Allows municipal recorders to temporarily delay, report to law enforcement, or flag "suspicious documents" that have mismatched notary information, don't conform to recording standards, or appear materially false
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Victims of real estate title fraud may sue to recover actual damages or $5,000 (whichever is greater), plus attorney's fees and costs
Legislative Description
Establishes the criminal offense of real estate title fraud. Allows municipalities to refuse to record “suspicious documents” from persons who are not trusted submitters. Also creates penalties for real estate title fraud.
Criminal Offenses
Last Action
Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
2/27/2026