Why You Should Care About Texas Senate Bill 15

Deed Fraud Is Real and It’s Happening in Texas

A recent Texas Tribune investigation revealed a disturbing rise in deed fraud, scams where criminals forge deeds and file them at county clerks’ offices with no questions asked. In one case, Harris County prosecutors filed a complaint against a couple accused of creating fake ownership records for at least 35 properties, as reported by the Texas Tribune and the Houston Chronicle. In Dallas County, more than 100 properties have been targeted so far this year The Texas Tribune.

Victims often don’t know until years later, and reclaiming your land can take years of legal fights. One such victim, a church in Lancaster, took five years to clear their property title and see a fraudster convicted The Texas Tribune. It’s clear: this form of theft can be devastating.

What’s Being Done This Session: SB 15 & SB 36

Lawmakers are responding. Senate Bill 15 (SB 15) recently advanced unanimously in a Senate committee, signaling strong momentum. Here’s what it does:

• 📑 Mandates ID verification when filing a deed, closing the loophole that lets fraudsters walk into clerk’s offices with forged documents and no oversight, The Texas Tribune.
• 🧾 Merges with SB 36, which criminalizes deed fraud and extends the statute of limitations to 10 years—giving victims more time to take legal action The Texas Tribune.

This isn’t just bureaucratic paperwork—it’s a shield for every property owner in Texas.

Why This Legislation Matters to You

1. Protect your investment: Real property is often someone’s most valuable asset. Stronger legal protections help prevent theft before it happens.
2. Support equitable access: The last bill on this issue (SB 648) was vetoed by the Governor because it risked placing undue burden on low-income or rural Texas families. SB 15/SB 36 aims to strike a smarter balance: preventing fraud without making it harder for honest Texans to file deeds. The Texas Tribune.
3. Prevent emotional, financial trauma: The toll of reclaiming stolen property and fighting fraud is steep. Stronger laws make it less likely you’ll be dealing with this nightmare.

How You Can Make a Difference

✅ Stay Informed: Track the status of SB 15 and SB 36 as they move through the Senate and House.

✅ Reach Out: Let your state senators and representatives know you support these bills.

✅ Share the Story: Forward this post or share the Tribune article with neighbors, friends, and family, especially those who own property.