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House OKs opt-in digital authentication process for county land records
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Summary
The House passed the first substitute of HB319 to create a structured, opt-in process for counties to submit digitally authenticated land records for approval, with safeguards to ensure security and to prevent tax-record sharing.
Representative Cutler described first substitute HB319 as a step toward modernizing county land records by creating a process under which counties may propose digital authentication systems to the state archivist. The bill requires county proposals to address security, audit trails, and consultation with the Department of Technology Services; only after state-archivist and State Records Committee review could a county proceed.
Cutler emphasized the bill is opt-in: "There are absolutely no requirements. And in fact, the bill prohibits county recorders from going digital only," meaning paper records remain allowed and mandated as an alternative. An amendment clarified that this digital-records framework does not affect tax-commission authentication or force tax records to be shared.
Representatives who questioned the sponsor, including Representative Shepherd and Representative Keller, sought assurances that title companies and county recorders were consulted; the sponsor said title companies were invited to meetings, concerns were incorporated in the first substitute, and county recorders agreed some concerns were valid.
On final consideration the House passed first substitute HB319 67–1. The bill now proceeds to the Senate; if enacted, agency guidance and security standards (in consultation with Department of Technology Services) will determine implementation details.
