Baltimore and state lawmakers push a blockchain property‑title pilot to combat fraud (SB 168)
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Summary
SB 168 would authorize a blockchain‑based real property title pilot at SDAT to speed verification, reduce title fraud and help law enforcement in wrongful‑detainer cases; Baltimore City and experts described an existing pilot and urged a study and carefully designed safeguards.
Senators heard proposals to pilot blockchain‑based property records to reduce title fraud and speed wrongful‑detainer resolution.
Senator Ron Watson presented SB 168, framing it as a response to a wave of title fraud and squatting where fraudsters use fake deeds, leases, or leases with false identities to occupy homes. Watson and witnesses cited examples of homeowners returning from vacation to find locks changed and extended civil litigation to regain possession.
Baltimore City representatives and private partners described a city pilot that recorded more than 228,000 properties on a blockchain registry and argued the technology provides immutability, time‑stamping, and real‑time validation that can be shared with law enforcement and courts. Baltimore City Solicitor Ebony Thompson said the pilot improved transfer reliability, reduced disputes, and supported vacant‑property initiatives; she urged a state‑level pilot constructed with cybersecurity, privacy, and interoperability safeguards.
Proponents asked the committee to treat the measure as a study this session to design appropriate policy and implementation standards and to coordinate with land records and archives. Committee members asked technical and governance questions about nodes, public vs. private chains, and who would host nodes. The committee did not take a vote.
The bill would create an opt‑in pilot to test a digital‑title mirror, secure APIs for court and law‑enforcement verification, and smart‑contract experiments for transfers and escrows, while requiring cybersecurity and privacy protections.
