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Rhode IslandH75512026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- FRAUD AND FALSE DEALING .

Sponsored By: Brian Patrick Kennedy (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Stronger ID checks for online property filings

Beginning Sept 1, 2027, towns cannot accept remote electronic deeds, mortgages, or other filings unless the filer provides identification or a trusted submitter files it. In-person filings are unchanged. Recorders can pause suspicious documents and alert police or the notary; a court can overrule. Courts can void electronic filings that break the ID rule. Public employees acting in good faith under this law are not liable.

Tougher penalties and help for deed fraud victims

It is a felony to record forged deeds, fake titles, or false liens. A first offense can bring up to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $50,000; a pattern can bring up to 20 years and up to $100,000, with possible restitution. If a false filing hurts your property, you can ask a court to stop it and get a ruling against the person who submitted it. You can also recover your actual losses or $5,000, whichever is greater, plus costs and reasonable attorney fees. Recorders who acted in good faith are not liable for money damages in these suits.

Free property alerts from your town

By Jan 1, 2028, every town runs a free property alert system. Owners can enroll and choose mail, text, call, or email. The system must alert you within 10 business days of any recorded document that affects your enrolled property and include what it is, the property ID or address, and the recording details. Towns may publish a searchable index showing property info, the notary’s name and commission, and the submitter. Recorders and towns are not liable for how the alert system or index is run.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Brian Patrick Kennedy

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Mia A. Ackerman

    Democratic • House

  • Samuel A. Azzinaro

    Democratic • House

  • Arthur J. Corvese

    Democratic • House

  • Megan L. Cotter

    Democratic • House

  • John G. Edwards

    Democratic • House

  • Katherine S. Kazarian

    Democratic • House

  • Carol Hagan McEntee

    Democratic • House

  • Patricia A. Serpa

    Democratic • House

  • Joseph J. Solomon, Jr.

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 195 • No: 18

House vote • 5/12/2026

FRAUD AND FALSE DEALING PASSAGE PASSAGE OF AMENDMENT

Yes: 71 • No: 0

House vote • 5/12/2026

FRAUD AND FALSE DEALING PASSAGE AS AMENDED RULING OF THE CHAIR

Yes: 60 • No: 10

House vote • 5/12/2026

FRAUD AND FALSE DEALING PASSAGE AS AMENDED

Yes: 64 • No: 8

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor — Chapter 054

    6/10/2026Governor

  2. Transmitted to Governor

    6/4/2026Governor

  3. Senate passed as amended in concurrence

    6/4/2026Senate

  4. Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar (06/04/2026)

    6/3/2026Senate

  5. House passed as amended (floor amendment)

    5/12/2026House

  6. Placed on House Calendar (05/12/2026)

    5/1/2026House

  7. Committee recommends passage

    4/28/2026

  8. Scheduled for consideration (04/28/2026)

    4/24/2026

  9. Committee recommended measure be held for further study

    2/11/2026

  10. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/11/2026)

    2/6/2026

  11. Introduced, referred to House Judiciary

    2/6/2026House

Bill Text

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