SC H5159

Creates the new felony of "deed theft" (also called "title fraud") defined as unlawfully transferring a property owner's title or deed to oneself or another party

Prohibits altering, forging, or counterfeiting real estate instruments including deeds, mortgages, liens, maps, plats, and tax property notices

Makes it illegal to possess or use real estate instruments knowing they have been altered, forged, or counterfeited

Prohibits using false names/addresses, making materially false statements, or concealing material facts when filing real estate instruments

Establishes punishment of up to 5 years imprisonment for conviction of deed theft