Bulletin: WV2017002

Dear Associates:

Below are some of the legislative changes made by the West Virginia Legislature in 2017 that are being brought to your attention: 

• Senate Bill 588 Effective July 4, 2017, amends and reenacts 59-1-10 a(1) of the WVA Code to increase the recording fee from $15.00 to $25.00 for a deed of conveyance (with or without a plat), deed of trust, fixture filing or security agreement concerning real estate leases. The increase applies only to the documents listed and will apply to such listed documents recorded on or after July 4, 2017, regardless of when executed.
• House Bill 2404 Effective July 5, 2017, amends and reenacts 36-1-20 and 42-4-2 of the WVA Code barring persons who are convicted of certain criminal offenses from acquiring property from their victims through joint tenancy or inheritance; and creating exceptions. 
• Senate Bill 658 Effective July 5, 2017, amends and reenacts 17A-3-12b of the WVA Code establishing a procedure whereby mobile and manufactured homes may be retitled provided certain conditions are met. This section, provided certain conditions are met, allows an owner of a mobile or manufactured home, which title has been previously surrendered or canceled, to apply for a reinstated title in order to sever the mobile or manufactured home from real property.  

If you have any questions relating to this or other bulletins, please contact a Stewart Title Guaranty Company underwriter.

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