MarylandHB 09512026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Real Property - Recordation and Land Records - Revisions

Sponsored By: Marvin E. Holmes (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Real PropertyCircuit CourtsClerks of CourtCounties -see also- Chartered Counties; Code Counties; etc.DeedsLand Records -see also- DeedsRecordation

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Easier recording of certified property documents

After a document is recorded in one Maryland county, you can record a certified copy in any other county. You can also record a certified copy from another U.S. state or D.C. in Maryland if it has the original certification, shows where the original was recorded, and is recordable under Maryland law. This change can save time and avoid moving originals. It takes effect October 1, 2026.

New recording rules and higher fees

The law removes the old margin rule for deeds. Papers must be in black on white and at least 8-point type. In offices that scan, you cannot file a document with a rider that covers any text. If a document does not meet the print or scan rules, you must pay three times the normal recording fee. If it is not readily scannable, you must also attach a black‑on‑white affidavit with the required details. These rules take effect October 1, 2026.

Clearer land record indexing and lien timing

Clerks must date each change or correction on the exact line in the general index. When a court orders a plaintiff to pay money, the clerk must index the plaintiff’s name right away. Until the name is indexed, no lien attaches and no right of execution starts. Clerks must keep a full index, include grantor and grantee names and book/page, index vendor’s liens like mortgages, index all mortgage assignments and releases, and include property IDs from the intake sheet. Clerks must rely on the instrument and intake sheet for names. These rules start October 1, 2026.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Marvin E. Holmes
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 178 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 45 • No: 0 • Other: 2

House vote • 3/12/2026