Because deed fraud has evolved into a pressing threat—particularly to older Rhode Islanders and heirs of estates—the state took decisive legal action.

Robert Scaralia of the Real Estate Institute of Rhode Island noted that In June 2026, Governor Dan McKee signed House Bill 7551aa and Senate Bill 2715A into law, specifically criminalizing deed theft and transforming Rhode Island's defense system through several measures:

• A New Felony Charge: The law establishes the explicit criminal offense of real estate title fraud. A first offense is now a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $50,000, or both.
• Gatekeeping at the Municipal Level: Historically, town and ...