Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1734

Filed
2/27/25  
Out of Senate Committee
4/10/25  
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to status of certain documents or instruments purporting to convey title to or an interest in real property.

Impact

If enacted, SB1734 will amend existing laws within the Government Code, specifically regarding the presumption of fraud related to property transactions. The bill prescribes a clearer procedure for property owners to contest fraudulent documents by filing verifiable motions. This would potentially strengthen the legal protections for property owners and facilitate faster redress in cases of fraudulent claims, ultimately influencing how property transactions are handled and reviewed in Texas.

Summary

SB1734 pertains to the status of certain documents or instruments that purport to convey title to or an interest in real property. The bill aims to streamline the process for property owners who suspect that a document related to their property is fraudulent. It allows property owners to file a motion with the district clerk and submit evidence of the alleged fraudulent nature of a document. The initiative seeks to enhance property security and provide a judicial remedy for those who are affected by fraudulent claims on property titles.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB1734 appears to be generally positive, with proponents advocating for the necessity of a clear and effective mechanism to deal with fraudulent property documents. Supporters argue that the bill is a much-needed response to the increasing occurrences of fraudulent activities related to real property. However, there may be concerns among certain groups about the implications for legitimate property transactions and the potential for misuse of the judicial process.

Contention

Notable points of contention could arise regarding the balance between preventing fraud and ensuring that valid property rights are respected. Some critics may express concerns about the potential for overreach in utilizing judicial mechanisms to contest property claims, fearing that legitimate ownership could be challenged without sufficient grounds. Additionally, there might be discussions about the bill's provisions for determining evidence and the burden of proof placed on property owners.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

  • Chapter 51. Clerks
    • Section: 901
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 901
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 901
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 901
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 901
    • Section: New Section

Property Code

  • Chapter 5. Conveyances
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

TX HB4531

Identical Relating to status of certain documents or instruments purporting to convey title to or an interest in real property.

Similar Bills

TX HB4531

Relating to status of certain documents or instruments purporting to convey title to or an interest in real property.

TX SB1853

Relating to an action to determine the status of certain documents or instruments purporting to convey title to or an interest in real property.

OK SB925

Title theft; authorizing filing of certain notice; establishing requirements for filing of certain notice; establishing felony offenses for title theft; establishing elements of certain offenses. Effective date.

CA AB288

Revocable transfer on death deeds.

IN SB0357

Acceptance of electronic conveyance documents.

TX HB1823

Relating to certain documents or instruments purporting to convey real or personal property.

TX SB30

Relating to the removal of certain discriminatory provisions from a recorded conveyance instrument.

TX SB2611

Relating to the status of certain documents or instruments concerning real or personal property; creating the criminal offenses of real property theft and real property fraud and establishing a statute of limitations for those offenses; harmonizing other statute of limitations provisions; increasing a criminal penalty.