Deed fraud; VHDA to evaluate prevalence, develop recommendations for prevention, etc.

Replaced the 'Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court' with the 'Virginia Court Clerks Association' as a required member of the technical advisory group.

Removed the requirement for the advisory group to consider granting local governments and circuit clerks authority regarding suspected fraudulent documents.

Removed the requirement for the advisory group to consider establishing an alert notification system to inform notaries when documents are submitted for recording.

Removed provisions requiring localities to establish property alert notification systems for owners and document alert systems for notaries.

Removed a new requirement for settlement agents to exercise due diligence in verifying seller identity before recording deeds.

Removed a requirement for notaries to present proof of commission to vendors when obtaining seals.

Added a mandate for the Virginia Housing Development Authority to convene a technical advisory group to evaluate deed fraud and recommend policy changes.

Set a deadline of November 1, 2025, for the advisory group to submit its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly.