New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S00605

Introduced
1/8/25  
Refer
1/8/25  

Caption

Prohibits the recording of conveyances suspected of being fraudulent; requires the clerk or registrar to report transactions believed to be or suspected of being fraudulent to the office of the attorney general and to local law enforcement or sheriff's office.

Impact

The adoption of S00605 would represent a significant modification to current practices surrounding the recording of real property transactions. Under the new law, the responsibility would lie with clerks and registrars to assess the legitimacy of conveyances before recording them. This would likely increase scrutiny on property transactions and may help to reduce instances of fraud, fostering a more trustworthy environment for buyers and sellers alike. Additionally, the requirement to inform interested parties of ongoing investigations may promote transparency and communication among all stakeholders in property transactions.

Summary

S00605 is a legislative proposal aimed at amending the real property law in New York, which seeks to prohibit the recording of conveyances that are suspected of being fraudulent. The bill mandates that if a county clerk or city registrar suspects fraud related to a property conveyance, they must refrain from recording it and must report the suspicion to both the attorney general and local law enforcement. This measure is intended to protect the integrity of property transactions and prevent fraudulent activities that can result in significant financial losses for homeowners and lawful buyers.

Contention

Debate around this bill could arise from concerns regarding the potential for overreach in the discretion given to clerks and registrars. Detractors may argue that this could lead to unjust delays in property transactions due to perceived fraud, even when legitimate transactions are in question. There also may be concerns about the implications for property rights and the burden placed on local law enforcement and the attorney general's office to handle the increased investigations that this law may generate. Opponents might highlight the need to balance fraud prevention with the protection of property owners' rights and interests.

Companion Bills

NY A03218

Same As Prohibits the recording of conveyances suspected of being fraudulent; requires the clerk or registrar to report transactions believed to be or suspected of being fraudulent to the office of the attorney general and to local law enforcement or sheriff's office.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.