This bill authorizes county auditors in Washington State to establish a voluntary property title protection program aimed at preventing land record fraud. Under the new provisions, property owners can record a fraud protection instrument with the county auditor, which would require a secure personal identification number or an approved override process for any transfer of ownership of the property. The bill also allows county auditors to delay the recording of any ownership transfer for properties with a recorded fraud protection instrument for up to five business days. Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to exempt fraud protection instruments from certain recording fees and surcharges.

The legislation includes several amendments to existing statutes, specifically RCW 65.04.030, 36.22.185, and 36.22.240, which now stipulate that fraud protection instruments and their releases will not incur the usual fees associated with document recording. This change is intended to encourage participation in the new property title protection program. The bill is declared an emergency measure, taking effect immediately to ensure the swift implementation of these protective measures for property owners.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 65.04.030, 36.22.185, 36.22.240