04/16/2026
SB 292, the Alabama Property Protection Act, has been signed into law by Governor Ivey as Act 2026-536.๐ This legislation is a major step forward in protecting property owners from title fraud, where criminals impersonate owners to sell or encumber property without their knowledge. The Act adds both prevention measures and faster remedies to detect fraud early, clear title, restore ownership, and prosecute offenders. It also requires identity verification at key stages of listing, selling, and transferring property.
The Act strengthens criminal penalties for fraudulent property transfers, establishes the Alabama Title Fraud Recovery Fund to support victims, and provides an expedited court process to restore ownership of fraudulently obtained property. It also allows probate judges to implement notification systems that alert property owners when documents affecting their property are filed.
Recent data shows that title fraud frequently targets mortgage free, vacant, or unimproved properties in rural areas.
The Alabama Property Protection Act of 2026 was supported by the Alabama Bankers Association, Southeast Land Title Association, Alabama Land Title Association, and Alabama REALTORSยฎ. Thank you to Governor Ivey and members of the Alabama Legislature for their leadership in protecting Alabama property owners.
