The Maryland Judiciary, in collaboration with several government partners, is set to launch a pilot project aimed at introducing electronic recording (e-recording) of land records in Baltimore County. This initiative will allow customers to electronically record land documents starting next spring.
The pilot is a joint effort involving the Judiciary’s Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC), the Baltimore County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, Baltimore County Department of Budget and Finance, and Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation. Following extensive research and a competitive bidding process, Simplifile has been selected as the vendor to develop this system.
Simplifile is an established e-recording company that serves over 1,140 counties. The customized system for Maryland will be developed without any cost to the Judiciary or local authorities. Once implemented, customers can choose to e-record their documents for a small convenience fee per document, while existing fees remain unchanged. The new system will integrate with the current ELROI land records system.
Currently, recording paper documents involves visiting multiple locations such as the Department of Assessments and Taxation and courthouses. E-recording aims to streamline this process by providing a secure and efficient method for document handling.
"E-recording is a winning strategy because we are giving our customers the option to file their land records documents electronically using a system that is no cost to implement and will reduce costs related to the paper process," said Julie Ensor, Clerk of the Circuit Court for Baltimore County.
State Court Administrator Pamela Q. Harris remarked on successful e-recording systems in nearby jurisdictions like Virginia and Washington D.C., emphasizing its importance in enhancing service efficiency and accessibility. "E-recording is another essential step forward as Maryland’s courts strive to meet citizens’ needs for convenient, streamlined services," she noted.
Third Judicial Circuit Administrative Judge Kathleen G. Cox expressed optimism about improved efficiency benefiting citizens: “This service should save staff time and resources."
Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz stated his support: “With our continued pursuit of technological advancements in Baltimore County, we are pleased to participate in this collaborative effort.”
The project's work team plans meetings with Simplifile in November to finalize requirements before testing begins in January 2015. Initially limited to specific document types like deeds and mortgages, more categories will be added gradually. Feedback from legal professionals will also be sought during implementation.