The Brief

New Texas laws will make it a crime to steal property through deed or title fraud, closing loopholes that left victims unprotected.

Senate Bill 16, authored by Sen. Royce West, requires photo ID for filings, tighter notary rules, and county clerks to report suspicious documents.

Officials say the laws, taking effect next month, give Texas the strongest protections in the nation against real estate fraud targeting homeowners and seniors.

DALLAS - It will soon be harder for someone to commit a crime in Texas that, up until now, has been relatively easy to do.

Thursday, lawmakers and prosecutors discussed the new law targeting property and title theft .

Texas real estate fraud laws

Real estate fraud is big business, with millions lost each year through title fraud and d

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