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Bill

HB 2298

Authorizing county auditors to create a voluntary property title protection program to prevent land record fraud.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by April Berg and 13 co-sponsors

Authorizes Washington county auditors to create optional property title protection programs to prevent land record fraud and theft.

House Rules "X" file.
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Bill Summary · HB 2298

Legislative bill overview

HB 2298 authorizes Washington county auditors to establish voluntary property title protection programs designed to prevent land record fraud. Property owners could opt into these programs to add security measures protecting their real estate records from fraudulent alterations or transfers.

Why is this important

Property title fraud—where criminals fraudulently transfer or modify land records—can devastate homeowners, forcing them into costly legal battles to reclaim their properties. This bill creates a preventive mechanism at the county level, giving property owners a tool to protect one of their most valuable assets without requiring state-wide mandates.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation variation: Allowing each county auditor discretion means programs could differ significantly in quality, cost, and availability across Washington, potentially creating unequal protection based on county resources
  • Funding mechanism unclear: The bill doesn't specify who pays for program administration—county budgets, user fees, or state funds—which could affect adoption rates and equity of access
  • "Voluntary" limitations: Opt-in programs only protect engaged property owners; vulnerable populations or those unaware of the program remain exposed to fraud, potentially worsening disparities

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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