The bill amends Section 12.001 of the Property Code to establish new requirements for recording instruments that convey real property. Specifically, it mandates that such instruments must be signed and acknowledged by the grantor in the presence of credible witnesses or certified by an authorized officer. Additionally, the instrument must be accompanied by a notice of real property title transfer that complies with new provisions outlined in Chapter 16. This notice must include specific information about the grantor and grantee, such as names, addresses, and identification numbers, and must be retained separately by the county clerk. The bill also introduces confidentiality provisions for the notice, allowing disclosure only to state agencies for governmental purposes.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a new Chapter 16 in the Property Code, detailing the requirements for the notice of real property title transfer. The commissioner of the General Land Office is tasked with prescribing a form for this notice, which must include comprehensive information about the transaction and the parties involved. The changes will take effect for instruments filed on or after January 1, 2026, with a provision that instruments filed before this date will be governed by the previous law. The commissioner is required to adopt necessary rules for implementation by December 31, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Property Code 12.001 (Property Code 12)