Choctaw County, probate court, additional filing fees on deeds and mortgages, distribution for office of the judge of probate
Summary
HB300 is a local act applying only to Choctaw County. It requires the Judge of Probate to collect an additional $10 fee for each instrument submitted for recording in Probate Court when the document is subject to deed or mortgage tax. The bill is aimed at recording transactions such as deeds and mortgages, and it creates a dedicated county fund to receive the new revenue.
The bill directs all proceeds, along with any interest earned, into the Choctaw County Probate Judge Fund in the county treasury. Those funds may be used only by the judge of probate, at his or her discretion, for operating the office, including digitalizing records, upgrading or replacing technology, and improving recordkeeping systems. The act becomes effective June 1, 2025.
Impact
HB300 amends local law for Choctaw County by authorizing a new recording surcharge tied to deed- and mortgage-taxable instruments and by establishing a restricted fund for probate office operations. It affects property recording fees, county treasury accounting, and the administrative resources available to the probate judge’s office, particularly for technology and records modernization.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have been broadly supported and noncontroversial. It passed both chambers unanimously, with no recorded dissenting votes in the House or Senate. The voting history suggests general agreement with the county-specific fee increase and the use of the proceeds for probate office improvements.
Contention
No committee debate or recorded opposition is included in the available materials, and the roll-call votes were unanimous. Any potential point of contention would likely center on the added cost to property record filers, especially those recording deeds or mortgages, versus the benefit of funding probate office operations and technology upgrades. However, the available record does not show active dispute over those issues.