Mississippi House Bill HB1303

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/22
• Refer: 1/17/22
• Failed: 2/1/22

Caption

Chancery clerk; require to remove social security numbers from land transfer deeds.

Impact

The implementation of HB1303 is expected to enhance the management of legal documents within the chancery clerk's office. The bill mandates that all social security numbers be removed from land transfer deeds. This provision is particularly significant as it aims to protect personal information from public access, thereby enhancing privacy for individuals involved in property transactions. With this change, the bill seeks to ensure that records are both accurate and secure, addressing contemporary concerns surrounding data privacy.

Summary

House Bill 1303 introduces amendments to Section 9-5-137 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, specifically focusing on the duties of the chancery clerk. The bill emphasizes the importance of proper record keeping by the chancery clerk, specifying that it is the clerk’s responsibility to preserve records and keep them secure. This includes managing last wills, letters testamentary, guardianship records, and other documentation that must be officially recorded in a well-organized manner. The bill allows the clerk to use electronic filing and storage along with traditional physical records, aiming to modernize the document management process in the clerk’s office.

Contention

While there are no explicit indications of contention surrounding HB1303 in the discussions documented, the bill does represent a shift towards increased responsibilities for chancery clerks. The reliance on electronic filing may raise questions about the adequacy of resources and training for clerks to handle digital records management effectively. Additionally, the requirement for social security number removal may necessitate adjustments in how records are processed and accessed, potentially leading to debates on the implementation and compliance with these new standards.