Senate Bill No. 961 amends existing laws regarding the responsibilities of county clerks in Oklahoma, particularly concerning the recording of deeds and the notification of previous deed holders. The bill mandates that upon the filing of a deed, the county clerk must notify or attempt to notify the previous deed holder about the new filing. The county clerk is allowed to determine the most effective notification method, potentially utilizing third-party vendors, and may charge a one-dollar notification fee for each deed filed. Additionally, the bill introduces a mechanism for deed holders to place a trigger within their deed, requiring the county clerk to contact them for verification during any subsequent filings. If the deed holder contests the validity of a proposed filing, the county clerk must halt the process and consult the local district attorney for further investigation.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that the county clerk will not be held liable for any damages as long as the notification processes outlined in the bill are followed. This legislation aims to enhance the security and transparency of property transactions by ensuring that previous deed holders are informed of changes and have the opportunity to contest potentially fraudulent filings. The act is set to take effect on November 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 19-298
Floor (Senate): 19-298