Raised Bill No. 399 is a legislative proposal that mandates the Department of Consumer Protection to conduct a study on the licensing and regulatory requirements for individuals who perform title searches of real property in the state. The bill, introduced in the February Session of 2024, requires the Commissioner of Consumer Protection to evaluate the potential establishment of such requirements and to submit a report on the findings to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly with jurisdiction over general law and insurance by January 1, 2025.

The bill specifies that the act will take effect from the date of passage and will create a new section in the law. The purpose of the bill is to explore the need for a regulatory framework for professionals conducting title searches, which are critical for real estate transactions. The bill does not include any deletions from current law but adds new legal language to initiate the study and reporting process.