Montana Gov. Steve Bullock signed legislation that revises title insurance requirements in tax deed laws.
The bill, SB 77, was sponsored by Nels Swandal, R-Wilsall.
Under current law, for each property for which there has been issued to the county a tax lien sale certificate, or for which the county is listed as the purchaser or assignee, the county clerk must notify the parties and the current occupant of the property that a tax deed may be issued to the county unless the property tax lien is redeemed prior to the expiration date of the redemption period.
The new provision requires that the notice by made by certified mail to the current occupant of the property and to each party listed on a litigation guarantee, provided that the guarantee:
- Has been approved by the insurance commissioner and issued by a licensed title insurance producer;
- Was ordered on the property by the person required to give notice; and
- Lists the identities and addresses of the parties of record that have an interest or possible claim of an interest in the property designed to disclose all parties of record that would otherwise be necessary to name in a quiet title action.