ST. PAUL – The first bill chief-authored by new Rep. Dennis Smith (R-Maple Grove) passed the House Civil Law and Data Practices Committee unanimously today.
House File 262 allows cities, towns, and counties to use additional evidence of title to approve plats.
Because of an unclear state law, some local governments require property owners and developers to submit an abstract with a request for plat approval. However, many localities permit the title insurance or title opinion – rather than an abstract – to be used as evidence of title. House File 262 clarifies that local governments have the discretion to do this.
“With abstracts becoming increasingly rare and costly, this proposal will decrease the time and expense incurred by property owners and developers in getting plat approval from cities, towns, and counties,” said Smith.
Smith’s bill now heads to the House floor for consideration by the entire body.
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