This bill relieves clerks from that obligation. The recorder of deeds will no longer take and certify the relinquishments of dower of married women. The bill requires every recorder of deeds to be liable on his or her bond for all fees collected and not accounted for and paid into the county treasury. The State Treasurer will make disbursements to qualifying counties to subsidize fees collected by third classification counties. Supporters say that the office of recorder and circuit clerk need to be separated.
Records are too important to assign to another county office.
The volume of work has increased over the years due to the economy. Fees charged by recorders have not been increased since 1985. Counties need this additional revenue to support the recorder's office. There was no opposition voiced to the committee. Current law requires elected clerks and recorders to enter into bond to the state.