Mississippi House Bill HB568

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/23
• Refer: 1/16/23
• Failed: 1/31/23

Caption

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

Impact

One significant change introduced by HB568 is the requirement for the clerk to ensure that social security numbers are removed from land transfer deeds before they are recorded. This provision aims to enhance privacy and protect individuals' sensitive information, addressing growing concerns about data security in public records. The ability to utilize electronic filing systems is expected to streamline the process and provide better organization of records.

Summary

House Bill 568 is designed to amend the duties of the chancery clerk under Section 9-5-137 of the Mississippi Code of 1972. The bill specifies that the chancery clerk is responsible for preserving and maintaining all records and proceedings belonging to their office, which includes the recording of various legal documents such as wills, letters testamentary, and guardianship accounts. Notably, the bill allows for both physical and electronic methods of record-keeping to enhance efficiency and accessibility.

Contention

While the bill is generally seen as a step forward in modernizing the duties of the chancery clerk, discussions surrounding its implementation may reveal varying viewpoints. Advocates argue that removing social security numbers enhances privacy for individuals engaging in real estate transactions, while critics may raise concerns about the potential administrative burden this could place on the clerk's office, particularly during the transition to electronic filing systems. Furthermore, the timelines and resources necessary for the full implementation of these changes might also prompt debate among stakeholders.