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SB151

Concerning The Transfer Of Real Property To A Revocable Living Trust By Warranty Deed.

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Last Action (May 1, 2023): Sine Die adjournment

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AI-Generated Summary

Senate Bill 151 amends Arkansas law to clarify the legal effects of transferring real property into a revocable living trust via a warranty deed. The bill stipulates that such a transfer will not invalidate existing title insurance or property and casualty insurance, provided the settlor remains a beneficiary of the trust. It establishes that the trustee becomes the insured party while maintaining the insurance company's existing defenses against claims. Furthermore, the bill specifies that transferring property to a revocable living trust under these conditions will not disqualify the property from homestead tax credits or rights of redemption. Finally, the legislation prevents such transfers from triggering due-on-sale clauses in mortgage agreements.

Potential Impact Analysis

Who Might Benefit?

The primary beneficiaries are individuals who utilize revocable living trusts for estate planning purposes. By explicitly protecting their insurance coverage, homestead tax exemptions, and mortgage terms, the bill provides greater security and flexibility for property owners, their trustees, and their estate beneficiaries when managing real estate assets through trust structures.

Who Might Suffer?

Insurance companies and mortgage lenders may be negatively impacted, as the bill limits their ability to void policies or accelerate loan payments based on ownership transfers to revocable trusts. Additionally, legal and administrative entities might face minor operational adjustments to align internal processes with these statutory protections for trust-based property holdings.

Read Full Bill on arkleg.state.ar.us