AUSTIN – Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued the following statement today upon the passage of Senate Bill 15, Stopping Title Theft and Deed Fraud:

“Fraudulent deeds and titles are a direct threat to Texas property owners. By passing SB 15, the Texas Senate has addressed this critical issue. The Texas Senate will pass this bill over and over again, in each legislative session, until House Democrats return from their ‘vacation.’”

Senate Bill 15 provides county clerks with more tools to identify bad actors to prevent real property fraud or theft from occurring. The bill protects Texas property owners by enhancing the criminal penalties and strengthening restitution requirements in instances where deed or title theft occurs.