Clerks back cleanup bill to remove archaic language and reflect electronic land records

House Bill 347 would amend Maryland’s real property code to remove obsolete references to paper-based recordkeeping and to reflect modern electronic recording and transmission practices.

Scott Poyer, clerk of the circuit court for Anne Arundel County and spokesman for the Maryland Circuit Court Clerk's Association, told the committee the bill removes references to "well bound books," linen copies and microfilm and updates language to acknowledge electronic land-records systems and periodic electronic transfer to the State Archives. Clerks and title-industry representatives offered minor friendly amendments that the sponsor said would be accepted.

Delegate Holmes said clerks and the State Archives coordinate to preserve historical records, and the clerk representatives described triple electronic backups and ongoing translation of older data into modern formats when legacy systems are retired. Committee members pressed for assurances that electronic records will be preserved and protected from fraud and obsolescence; the clerks said they work closely with the Maryland State Archives and judicial information systems to translate and secure records and that paper records remain archived for long-term preservation.

Why it matters: witnesses said the bill updates statutory language to reflect how land records are created and maintained today while emphasizing the clerks’ ongoing duty to protect and preserve records.

Next steps: clerks and title-industry stakeholders expect the bill to receive minor technical amendments and a favorable report.