Goliad County Texas

Senate Bill 16 went into effect 09/01/2025.  This bill was part of a larger legislative effort to COMBAT DEED FAUD.  This is statewide.

• Mandatory ID Checks: While some large counties could previously ask for ID, the new law makes photo identification mandatory for in-person filings statewide.  Clerks must now copy or record the ID information before accepting.
• Rejections of fraudulent deeds:  Clerks are required to reject documents if a person refuses to show identification.
• Enhanced criminal offenses: The legislation creates new and clarifies existing criminal offenses for real property theft and fraud, with stricter penalties.
• Victims' assistance: New measures allow victims of deed fraud to seek restitution more easily.  Another law allows victims to get a judge to void a fraudulent deed without paying a filing fee.
• Increased notary standards: Stronger requirements have also been enhanced for notaries, including mandated training and record-keeping, and making it a crime to notarize a document for someone who is not present.