County clerks would notify owners when covered property documents arrive

County clerks would send notice to the recorded owner’s last known address in the clerk’s records. The requirement would cover documents affecting legal rights to real estate that must be recorded under ORS 205.130(2)(a). Notice would not be required when certain financial institutions, title insurers authorized in Oregon, or Oregon lawyers authorized to practice real estate law submit the document. The exception would also cover employees or agents submitting documents on their behalf. If enacted, the requirement would take effect on passage. Receipt of a covered document would trigger the notice duty.

County clerks could charge the person submitting a document that requires owner notice. The fee would apply separately to each document requiring notice. The fee could not exceed $20 or the clerk’s actual cost of providing notice, whichever is lower. If enacted, permission to charge the fee would take effect on passage.