Committee advances bill to make real-estate listing scams theft by deception

Representative Mary Anne Proctor, who represents Boone County’s 60th District, asked the House Judiciary Committee to add real-estate listing scams to Kentucky’s theft-by-deception law and said realtors and law enforcement reported $396,000,000 in such losses in 2023.

The substitute to House Bill 264 would treat schemes that list property for sale, lease or rent without legal title or authority as theft by deception, covering both commercial and residential property. "These are elaborate schemes done by bad actors where they list as their own real residential property, commercial property, lots," Proctor said, describing how would‑be buyers and lessees are left with large financial losses.

Committee members moved and seconded the substitute and, with no extended debate recorded, the clerk called the roll. Chair Daniel Elliott announced, "With 18 yes votes and no no votes, House Bill 264 is favorably passed." The committee did not record any amendments during the meeting.

The bill will be reported from committee with a favorable recommendation and proceed through subsequent legislative steps.