Senate Finance Committee Advances Legislation to Stop Deed Fraud, Protect Property Owners

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, January 26, 2026

PHOENIX, ARIZONA— The Senate Finance Committee is advancing legislation today aimed at protecting Arizona property owners by closing a loophole that can leave real estate transactions vulnerable to fraud and disputes.

Senate Bill 1254, sponsored by Senate Finance Committee Chairman J.D. Mesnard, advanced out of committee this afternoon with bipartisan support. The bill strengthens basic property protections by requiring clear proof that the person receiving property has actually accepted the transfer before a deed can be officially recorded.

Under current law, real estate transactions focus almost entirely on the seller. Deeds must be signed by the grantor, notarized, and recorded within 60 days. What the law does not clearly require is confirmation that the buyer or recipient has accepted the property. SB 1254 fixes that gap by requiring documented acceptance from the grantee before a deed can be recorded. That acceptance may be shown through a signature on the deed or through a simple certificate or resolution attached to it.

"This legislation is about making sure the system works the way people reasonably expect it to," said Senator Mesnard. "No one should ever be surprised to learn their property changed hands because of a paperwork loophole. Property rights are fundamental and this bill reinforces those rights by requiring clear agreement from both sides of a transaction. It's a straightforward fix that prevents confusion, reduces disputes, and helps guard against fraud, without adding cost or bureaucracy."

SB 1254 now moves to the full Senate for consideration.

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For more information, contact:

Kim Quintero

Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus

kquintero@azleg.gov