The proposed bill amends Arkansas Code 14-15-403 to establish new requirements for county recorders regarding the recording of real estate deeds. Specifically, it mandates that a deed presented for recording, whether in person or by mail, will not be accepted unless the grantor or grantee appears in person at the recorder's office and provides a valid photo identification card or driver's license. The bill defines "valid photo identification card or driver's license" as one issued by a state or federal agency. Additionally, the recorder is required to attach photocopies of the identification to the deed, while ensuring that certain personal information, such as driver's license numbers, electronic signatures, and addresses, are redacted before recording.

The bill also outlines exceptions to this requirement, stating that the in-person identification rule does not apply to deeds presented by attorneys, real estate brokers or agents, representatives of banks or lending institutions, or title insurance agents and agencies. This legislation aims to enhance the verification process for property transactions, thereby increasing the integrity of property title records in Arkansas.

Statutes affected:
Old version SB406 Original - 3-7-2025 12:29 PM: 14-15-403
Old version SB406 V2 - 3-17-2025 10:06 AM: 14-15-403
Old version SB406 V3 - 3-19-2025 02:22 PM: 14-15-403
SB 406: 14-15-403