This bill establishes protections against deed theft by allowing federal, state, or local government entities to request a stay on proceedings related to the recovery of possession or quiet title to residential properties when there is an ongoing good faith investigation into theft or fraud concerning the property. The court is mandated to issue a stay upon the agency's demonstration of such an investigation, which includes halting eviction processes. Additionally, the bill requires the court to hold status conferences every six months to assess the continuation of the stay based on the investigation's status. The bill also stipulates that stays must be granted in cases where a criminal complaint related to deed theft or fraud has been filed, or where a government entity has initiated a civil action regarding the same issues.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a rebuttable presumption of fraud in cases where a person has been convicted of a crime related to deed theft, affecting the validity of the deed transfer. It allows the Attorney General or law enforcement to file motions in court to void fraudulent instruments related to real property transactions, ensuring victims can seek relief. The bill also amends existing law to clarify the process for filing notices of pendency in cases involving real estate, particularly when a crime affecting property title has been identified. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance protections for property owners against fraudulent activities and ensure that legal proceedings are appropriately managed in light of ongoing investigations.