Hobbs Vetoes Property Title Theft Bill, Lawmakers Stunned

SBINSIDER REPORTING| May 17th, 2025

In a move that stunned both Democrats and Republicans alike, Governor Katy Hobbs vetoed a bill that would have made Property Title Theft a felony. Hobbs did not explain her veto other than to say in her veto letter that ” this bill does not solve title theft problem”  and lawmakers were left trying to understand how Hobbs could sign a different bill that raised the penalty for gift card theft.

The bill was SB1310. 

“It is absolutely infuriating that Governor Hobbs would veto a law that would protect Arizonans personal homes from theft” said Douglas Wolf, Pinal County Assessor. “She adds a litany of other bad decisions which she has made, handing the Republicans a potent issue for the 2026 elections. There is no “solution” to criminal activity all we can do is try our best to prevent it,” added Wolf.

Pinal County has initiated the first of its kind PAL program that allows people to register their property with the Assessor and they will contacted by staff if a transfer document comes to their office. “We have thousands of people registering and I have spoken to people who report that they already have heard from my staff on a pending transfer,” said Wolf. All of the transfer were legitimate and allowed to proceed.

In an Assessor’s meeting this month, one of the larger counties did a search of a past week’s worth of transfers and found a dozen that were possibly fraudulent. The Assessor in that county was “shocked” by the finding.

Senator Vince Leach, who voted in favor of the bill, was contacted by SBINSIDER for a comment but was not available.

Arizona Supreme Court Ruling Impact

Last month the Arizona Supreme Court ruled that a property owner who had not taken action within 5 years to correct a defect in title could lose their property without recourse. In effect the court ruled that it is up to the property owner to keep a close watch to what might been recorded in regard to their property.

“By this ruling, it is possible for a fraudulent deed transfer to be recorded and the criminal could lie in wait for an opportune time later to complete the fraud.” added Wolf.