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MarylandSB 07602026 Regular SessionSenate

Real Property - Recordation and Land Records - Revisions

Sponsored By: Ron Watson (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

4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Stricter recording rules and higher fees

The law sets clear format rules for deeds and other papers: at least 8‑point black type on white paper. Typewritten pages must use black elite type on white paper. In offices that scan records, riders may not cover any part of the page. If a document is not readily scannable, you must pay three times the normal recording charge and attach a black‑typed affidavit with the instrument type, date, parties, property, and other details. Any nonconforming filing is charged three times the normal recording fee. These rules begin October 1, 2026.

Better property indexing from intake

Clerks must add property identifiers from the intake sheet to the index, using the law’s priority if space is tight. When an intake sheet is used, the clerk relies on it to index grantor and grantee names. Clerks must also date each change to the index on the same line as the change. These rules begin October 1, 2026.

Easier recording of certified copies

After a document is recorded in one Maryland county, you can record a certified copy in any other Maryland county. You can also record a certified copy from another state or D.C. if it has the original clerk’s certification and shows the recording reference and registry. These rules begin October 1, 2026.

Liens on money decrees require indexing

When a court orders a plaintiff to pay money or costs, the clerk indexes the plaintiff’s name right away. A lien on the plaintiff’s property and any right to execute do not arise until the name is indexed. These rules begin October 1, 2026.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Ron Watson

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Chris West

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 178 • No: 0

House vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 133 • No: 0 • Other: 7

Senate vote • 3/19/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 45 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 745

    5/26/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/13/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (133-0)

    4/13/2026House

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    4/8/2026House

  5. Favorable Report by Economic Matters

    4/8/2026House

  6. Referred Economic Matters

    3/20/2026House

  7. Third Reading Passed (45-0)

    3/19/2026Senate

  8. Second Reading Passed

    3/18/2026Senate

  9. Favorable Adopted

    3/18/2026Senate

  10. Favorable Report by Judicial Proceedings

    3/16/2026Senate

  11. Hearing 3/05 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/12/2026Senate

  12. First Reading Judicial Proceedings

    2/6/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/26/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/18/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/6/2026

    PDF

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