ATLANTA – State Representatives Teddy Reese (D-Columbus) and Gerald Greene (R-Cuthbert), Chairman of the State Properties Committee, recently introduced House Bill 1299. This bill would add a layer of protection for vulnerable Georgia citizens from property theft through fraudulent deed transaction.
“This bill will help us protect the greatest asset for many Georgians: their home and/or property,” said Rep. Reese. “Property theft causes major complications for the people involved. Many times, individuals do not have the resources to fight the matter. This proactive measure will serve as a layer of protection for all Georgia home and property owners.”
“Deed theft is happening at an alarming rate to senior and vulnerable citizens of our state,” said Chairman Greene. “Many citizens in Seminole and Miller counties are concerned over this issue, and many have contacted me to look into this issue.”
HB 1299 would institute a 45-day waiting period for the recording of a deed or mortgages filed in the clerk of superior court’s office by a person other than the owner or deed holder. Exceptions to the 45-day hold would include: the documents are being presented by the currently named owner; the presenting individual is in possession of a properly executed Power of Attorney; or the presenting individual is in possession of a notarized affidavit.
If none of the above conditions apply, the clerk of superior court, within 15 business days, would have to send a certified letter to the owner, using the address of record. The letter would advise the owner that the deed would be recorded at the end of the 45-day waiting period. The letter would also advise the owner to contact the clerk’s office if such recordation attempt is unauthorized.
The full text of HB 1299 may be found here.
Representative Tremaine Teddy Reese represents the citizens of District 140, which includes portions of Muscogee County. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2022 and currently serves on the Economic Development & Tourism, Public Health and State Planning & Community Affairs committees.
Representative Gerald Greene represents the citizens of District 154, which includes Baker, Calhoun, Clay, Early, Miller, Quitman, Randolph and Seminole counties, as well as portions of Dougherty County. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 1982 and currently serves as Chairman of the State Properties Committee and Vice Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Economic Development. He also serves on the Economic Development & Tourism, Public Safety and Homeland Security, Retirement, Rules, Special Rules and Urban Affairs committees.
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