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MarylandSB 01502025 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Real Property - Recordation and Land Records - Requirements

Sponsored By: Ron Watson (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Real PropertyArchivesDeedsElectronic CommunicationElectronic DocumentsElectronic GovernmentEquipment -see also- Charging; Med. Equip.; MV Equip; etc.Fees -see also- Attys' Fees; Devt Fees & TaxesLand Records -see also- DeedsLaws and Ordinances -see also- Pub Local Laws; Uniform LawsLiensMaps and ChartsMortgagesNoticesPublic InformationRecordationRecords -see also- Land Records; Vital RecordsStandards and Best PracticesState Documents -see also- Maryland RegisterTitles -see also- DeedsTransfer of Goods -see also- Goods&Svc; Leas&Rnt; RetailSaleWeights and Measures

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 3 mixed.

Electronic filings update property ownership records

Beginning October 1, 2025, county assessment offices must accept required ownership-transfer documents through an electronic recording system. Once those documents arrive, the office must update ownership in assessment records effective on the recording date.

Clearer access to recorded property documents

Beginning October 1, 2025, clerks must record property documents in publicly available land records after recording fees are paid. Clerks cannot reject an otherwise recordable document solely because it has corrections. For documents filed again, clerks may require the affected party's written approval of corrections. Mortgage and deed-of-trust assignments, releases, and partial releases must enter the general alphabetical index, whether long or short forms. Clerks must send recorded documents to the State Archivist, replacing the prior year-end transmission of microfilm images or copies.

Foreclosure notice requests get separate indexes

Beginning October 1, 2025, county land records offices must keep foreclosure-sale notice requests in separate paper or electronic indexes. These replace separate dockets or books. The rule applies when a holder of a lower-ranking mortgage, deed of trust, or other property interest files a request.

New formatting rules for property filings

Beginning October 1, 2025, property documents need a top margin of at least 3 inches on the first page. Every page needs left and right margins of at least 1 inch. Clerks cannot be held liable for failed scanning or preservation when documents fail formatting rules. Violating specified printing and formatting rules can also trigger a charge of three times the normal recording fee.

Ground lease notices change for tenants

Beginning October 1, 2025, posting notice is allowed in covered cases involving 99-year ground leases renewable forever. At least six months of ground rent must be unpaid, and the landlord must have a lawful right to reenter. Posting must follow Maryland court rules and is allowed when personal service is unavailable under the stated requirements or no tenant occupies the property. These lease procedures cover nonresidential property, buildings with more than four homes, and mobile homes in parks—not residential properties with four or fewer homes. Mortgage lenders' timely requests for judgment notices must enter a separate paper or electronic index under the borrower's name. Lenders must record requests before judgment to receive the required notice.

Subdivision maps face standards and local fees

Beginning October 1, 2025, owners outside Queen Anne's County must submit three copies of commercial, industrial, or residential subdivision maps. They must use black ink on transparent mylar or a comparable archival black-line process; linen and the specified microfilm-card option are removed. Clerks must record covered maps; Montgomery County may use electronic records with State Archivist approval. The fee is $5 per set, plus additional fees when local law requires them. The fee exemption remains for maps showing property or rights-of-way the State Highway Administration will acquire or grant.

Federal lien records lose specific safeguards

Beginning October 1, 2025, filing officers must record presented federal lien notices, renewed notices, revocations, and certificates affecting liens. The law no longer expressly requires a separate alphabetical federal lien index or its specified entries. It also removes express requirements to keep and attach original notices and certificates.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Ron Watson

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 225 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/3/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 46 • No: 0

House vote • 3/31/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 132 • No: 0 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 3/12/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 47 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 66

    4/8/2025

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/3/2025Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (46-0)

    4/3/2025Senate

  4. Senate Concurs House Amendments

    4/3/2025Senate

  5. Third Reading Passed (132-0)

    3/31/2025House

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/28/2025House

  7. Favorable with Amendments {893220/1 Adopted

    3/28/2025House

  8. Favorable with Amendments Report by Environment and Transportation

    3/28/2025House

  9. Hearing 3/25 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/19/2025House

  10. Referred Environment and Transportation

    3/13/2025House

  11. Third Reading Passed (47-0)

    3/12/2025Senate

  12. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/12/2025Senate

  13. Favorable with Amendments {883323/1 Adopted

    3/12/2025Senate

  14. Favorable with Amendments Report by Judicial Proceedings

    3/12/2025Senate

  15. Hearing 1/15 at 12:00 p.m.

    1/9/2025Senate

  16. First Reading Judicial Proceedings

    1/8/2025Senate

  17. Pre-filed

    10/24/2024Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    4/8/2025

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/3/2025

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/12/2025

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/8/2025

    PDF

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