TX SB648

Establishes two tiers of recording requirements for real property conveyance instruments: documents filed by attorneys, title agents, title companies, escrow companies, public utilities, or governmental entities require only grantor signature and acknowledgment before a notarial officer OR two subscribing witnesses

Requires stricter recording standards when individuals outside the professional categories file documents: the instrument must be signed by the grantor, acknowledged in the presence of two credible subscribing witnesses, AND both the grantor and witnesses must acknowledge before a notarial officer

Imposes additional requirements for affidavits of heirship filed by non-professional individuals: must include signatures from the affiant, two subscribing witnesses with notarized acknowledgments, and notarized acknowledgments from each living heir to real property who is not under legal disability

Amends the statutory form for affidavits concerning identity of heirs in the Estates Code to add an "Option 2" format with witness statements attesting they have no claim to the decedent's estate, plus a separate heir acknowledgment section

Takes effect immediately upon receiving two-thirds vote from both legislative chambers, otherwise becomes effective September 1, 2025