ME Legislative Document 353
Legislation
State: Maine
Signed: July 01, 2025
Effective: July 01, 2025
Chapter: Resolves 2025, ch. 104
SummaryLegislative Document 353 creates a commission to study and recommend methods for preventing deed fraud in Maine.
AffectsDoes not add to or amend a provision of the Maine Revised Statutes Annotated.
Changes
- Creates the Commission to Recommend Methods for Preventing Deed Fraud in the State.
- Lists the individuals, as specified, that will comprise the commission.
- Requires the commission to gather information on the practice and prevalence of deed fraud, including information and data, if available, on the number and characteristics of incidents of deed fraud and unsuccessful attempts at deed fraud.
- Requires the commission to examine the sufficiency of state laws and practices related to (a) identity verification for the sale of real property located in Maine; (b) notarization and recording of instruments affecting title to real property in Maine, including the requirements for conducting remote notarization; (c) existing criminal penalties applicable to perpetrators of deed fraud; and (d) civil remedies available to victims of deed fraud, including processes for nullifying fraudulently recorded deeds and returning ownership of the property to the rightful owners.
- Requires the commission to submit its findings and recommendations to the Joint Standing Committee on Judiciary no later than December 3, 2025.
Analysis
Legislative Document 353 creates a 13-member commission to study deed fraud and recommend methods for prevention and victim compensation. The commission will assess Maine’s laws on identity verification, notarization and recording, criminal penalties, and civil remedies. Its findings and recommendations are due to the Judiciary Committee by December 3, 2025.