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 as confidential information, with limited disclosure allowed to state agencies.

Furthermore, the bill introduces Chapter 16, which details the requirements for the notice of real property title transfer, including the necessary form and information to be included. The commissioner of the General Land Office is tasked with prescribing this form and ensuring it captures all required details. The changes will take effect for instruments filed on or after January 1, 2026, with a provision that instruments filed before this date will follow the previous law. The commissioner must also adopt the necessary rules for implementation by December 31, 2025.

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