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SD 3293

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds Technological Fund Report

194th Legislature (2025-2026)

The bill would authorize a $650,000 expenditure from the County Registers Technological Fund to back-index Norfolk County Deeds records and enable a state-standard document managem

Placed on file
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Bill Summary · SD 3293

Summary of Bill SD 3293 – Norfolk County Registry of Deeds Technological Fund Report

Status: Placed on file
Introduced: October 16, 2025
Classification: Proposed bill

Overview

SD 3293 concerns expenditures from the County Registers Technological Fund for the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds. The bill describes a plan to fund back indexing and related technological improvements to the Norfolk Registry, with emphasis on interoperability with other registries’ systems and compliance with state indexing standards. The proposal is accompanied by formal consultations with state technology and records offices and requests referral to Ways and Means and Post Audit and Oversight.

Purpose and Intent

  • Authorize a specific expenditure from the County Registers Technological Fund to advance technological modernization at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds.
  • Facilitate back indexing and integration of registry records into a document management system, using standardized indexing practices promoted by the Massachusetts Registers of Deeds Association and the State Secretary’s office.
  • Ensure interoperability of Norfolk’s systems with similar systems used by other registries.
  • Align with the registry’s IT profile and statutory authorities (as referenced in Chapter 4 of the Acts of 2003 and M.G.L. Chapter 29, Section 2KKK).
  • Obtain interagency input (Chief Information Officer, State Secretary, Secretary of State) and seek formal referral to legislative committees for review.

Key Provisions

  • Funding Amount: $650,000.00 (labeled as the total plan expenditure).
  • Purpose: A. Back Indexing of Registry of Deeds Records.
    • Description: Continue the procured re-indexing services for documents recorded at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds.
    • Outcome: Input registry documents into a document management system under current indexing standards to improve access for registry users, title researchers, historians, and genealogists via internet land research.
  • Procurement: All services and equipment to be procured under M.G.L. Chapter 30B.
  • Scope: Described as continuing an ongoing, approved registry project.

Funding and Financial Details

  • Total Estimated Cost: $650,000.
  • Funding Mechanism: County Registers Technological Fund.
  • Use of Funds: Back indexing services and related equipment/services necessary to implement the indexing and document management improvements.

Implementation, Oversight, and Process

  • The plan references coordination with:
    • Chief Information Officer (state level) and State Secretary for interoperability and standards.
    • Secretary of State and Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Office for consultation.
  • Procedural Reference: The plan is to be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means and Post Audit and Oversight for review, per the submitter’s accompanying letters.
  • Procurement Standards: All procurement to follow M.G.L. Ch. 30B requirements.

Affected Parties and Impact

  • Primary Beneficiary: Norfolk County Registry of Deeds (Norfolk Registry District, Land Court).
  • Indirect Beneficiaries: Registry users, title researchers, historical and genealogical researchers, and the public accessing online land records.
  • Impact: Improved searchability, consistency with state-wide indexing standards, and interoperability with other registries’ systems; enhanced efficiency of record access and historical research.

Timeline and Next Steps

  • The bill is currently “placed on file,” indicating it is not advancing as a statute at this time.
  • August–October 2025: Related consultation letters with state agencies and officials provided; plan described as ongoing.
  • Next steps if pursued: Referral to Ways and Means and Post Audit and Oversight for review and potential appropriation decisions, followed by formal implementation timelines if authorized.

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

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