Courts - Evidence - Proof of Ownership of Real Property

HB 208 establishes that certain documents - such as deeds submitted for recordation or HUD-1 settlement forms - may create a rebuttable presumption of real property ownership in court cases. This applies during the processing time for deed recordation, helping new owners protect property while formal paperwork is finalized. The bill directly affects property owners, buyers, and lenders involved in disputes over ownership during this interim period. It takes effect July 1, 2026, and modifies Maryland’s evidence rules for real property cases.