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MarylandHB 01302026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Task Force to Study Deed Fraud

Sponsored By: Malcolm P. Ruff (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Criminal Law - Substantive CrimesPublic SafetyAdministrative Office of the CourtsAppropriationsAttorney GeneralCommittees and CommissionsCrimes and Punishments -see also- Penalties and Sentnc; etc.DeedsExtortionFines -see also- Penalties and SentencesForgeryFraud -see also- ForgeryGrantsHousing -see also- Apartments; Condos; Mobile & Manuf HomesInterestJurisdictionLand Records -see also- DeedsLeases and RentLegal AidPenalties and Sentences -see also- Death PenaltyReal PropertyRecordationReportsRevenue and Taxes -see also- (specific tax)State Police, Department ofStatutes of LimitationSunsetWrongful Detainers

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Task force to fight deed fraud

The state creates a Task Force to Study Deed Fraud. Members come from prosecutors, the courts, assessment and taxation, legal aid, and housing, plus two Governor appointees (title industry and a notary). The Attorney General’s office and Legislative Services staff it. Members get travel reimbursement but no pay. The Task Force studies fraud patterns, tools to flag fake deeds, who is targeted, victim costs, and how agencies work together. It must report to the General Assembly by July 1, 2028. The law takes effect October 1, 2026, and the Task Force ends September 30, 2028.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Malcolm P. Ruff

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Jon S. Cardin

    Democratic • House

  • Frank M. Conaway

    Democratic • House

  • Susan K. McComas

    Republican • House

  • Gabriel M. Moreno

    Democratic • House

  • N. Scott Phillips

    Democratic • House

  • Karen Simpson

    Democratic • House

  • Sean A. Stinnett

    Democratic • House

  • Kym Taylor

    Democratic • House

  • Jamila J. Woods

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 301 • No: 7

House vote • 4/11/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 130 • No: 1 • Other: 4

Senate vote • 4/10/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 42 • No: 0 • Other: 2

House vote • 3/23/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 129 • No: 6 • Other: 5

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 399

    5/12/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/11/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (130-1)

    4/11/2026House

  4. House Concurs Senate Amendments

    4/11/2026House

  5. Third Reading Passed (42-0)

    4/10/2026Senate

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/10/2026Senate

  7. Favorable with Amendments {433927/1 Adopted

    4/10/2026Senate

  8. Favorable with Amendments Report by Judicial Proceedings

    4/10/2026Senate

  9. Hearing 4/03 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/25/2026Senate

  10. Referred Judicial Proceedings

    3/23/2026Senate

  11. Third Reading Passed (129-6)

    3/23/2026House

  12. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/21/2026House

  13. Favorable with Amendments {273028/1 Adopted

    3/21/2026House

  14. Favorable with Amendments Report by Judiciary

    3/21/2026House

  15. Hearing 2/03 at 1:00 p.m.

    1/16/2026House

  16. Hearing canceled

    1/16/2026House

  17. Hearing 2/03 at 2:00 p.m.

    1/16/2026House

  18. First Reading Judiciary

    1/14/2026House

  19. Pre-filed

    10/2/2025House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/12/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/11/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/21/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/14/2026

    PDF

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