Governor Rick Perry signed into law Emergency Bill 2061, on March 28, 2007. This bill required that certain language, for the protection of state citizenship privacy, appear in a deed, deed of trust, and other publicly filed documents. Specifically, the bill amends Section 11.008 of the Texas Property Code to require that conveyancing instruments – deeds, assignments, deeds of trust – that transfer an interest in real property to or from an individual must contain a notice at the top of the first page of the instrument in 12-point boldfaced or uppercase letters. The notice should read as follows:
NOTICE OF CONFIDENTIALITY RIGHTS
IF YOU ARE A NATURAL PERSON, YOU MAY REMOVE OR STRIKE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION FROM THIS INSTRUMENT BEFORE IT IS FILED FOR RECORD IN THE PUBLIC RECORDS: YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER OR YOUR DRIVER’S LICENSE NUMBER.
Around 2007 and 2008, courthouses and centers for public filings had concerns about implementing the new law. Much disruption and hassle was expected to follow from implementing the Notice. Since that time, however, Texas has implemented the Notice of Confidentiality Rights seam
lessly and without difficulty in millions of public filings. The Notice of Confidentiality Rights legend is now required in all public filings regardless of whether the deed, deed of trust, or other conveyancing instrument actually contains any reference to an individual’s social security or driver’s license number.
The Notice seeks to protect citizen’s privacy rights, and Holmes PLLC is happy to help its clients receive the full benefits of the Notice and the law underlying it.
Holmes PLLC specializes in many oil and gas practice areas that require adherence to the new Notice of Confidentiality Rights. Frequently, the firm’s clients needing help with conveyancing, entity formation, and trust administration must file public documents adhering to the Notice. The firm has many forms and much experience towards effecting the Notice.
If you have any questions regarding Notice of Confidentiality Rights or anything relating to a deed or conveyancing, Holmes PLLC can help. Holmes PLLC is a premier law firm that specializes in oil and gas work, including conveyancing and public filings.