Deed‑fraud task force proposed after witnesses describe title‑theft cases

Presented by Delegate Ruff’s staffer Shivani Sidd, House Bill 130 would convene a deed‑fraud task force to study the scope of title‑theft incidents, coordination needs and prevention steps for seniors and heirs who are disproportionately targeted.

Sidd described the case of a Kent County farmer whose family land was fraudulently listed for sale after falsified documents were used to transfer title. Witnesses and members said the bill is limited to data collection and coordination; the original, more expansive proposals that would have added felony offenses or a victims’ fund were pared back on the House side pending better information.

Members asked whether the task force would require local IT reprogramming or create local costs; the sponsor said those are implementation issues the task force should address and that amendments could include state assistance for local reporting burdens. Sidd asked for a favorable report.