Legislation to put more verification requirements on property title transactions in Alabama is expected in the 2026 session.
Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, is working on a draft bill he hopes will help prevent title fraud. The proposal requires more notarization of documents and lays out legal recourse for property fraud victims.
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“It seems that there are things we can do in Alabama to better secure property ownership titles, some that other states have done,” Orr said.
The draft also puts restrictions on unsolicited real estate offers, in which people are contacted by those offering to buy property, often for prices well below market value.
Looking for easy targets
Orr said his fear is unsophisticated and elderly landowners who don’t know the worth of their property could be preyed upon.
“They are not sure of the value, and these many times out of state companies try to come in and scoop it up, dirt cheap with a very, very unfair offer.”
He said it must be working because he’s hearing of more such contacts.
This at least begins a conversation, Orr said about the bill.
Title fraud is a growing issue nationwide. Criminals can impersonate property owners in order to take out additional loans against the home’s equity or even try to sell the property.
The 2026 legislative session starts Jan. 13.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Mary Sell and originally published by Alabama Daily News.
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