What is LTAMS doing to assist you?
LTAMS is closely following the growing concerns relating to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) and the impact on our members and their customers. We are here for you every step of the way, working to find tools and solutions for the many challenges you are facing as you work to close real estate transactions and manage your operations during this crisis.
LTAMS is equipped and ready to be an effective information clearinghouse and advocate, so please share your concerns, ideas and success stories with us at admin@ltams.org.
Chancery Clerk Operations
Business Continuity Strategies
Below is a list of operational best practices, safe closing protocols, and other tips and hints:
- Safe Closing Protocols
- Visitor Health Screening Questionnaires
The National Notary Association (NNA) has developed health screening forms for the signing agent and borrower in order to protect all parties during a closing.
Having a business continuity plan is essential to keeping an operation going following any type of disaster or crisis. (ALTA)
Remote Online Notarization
Pursuing Temporary Authority to Use RON
At LTAMS’ request, Governor Reeves issued Executive Order No. 1467 temporarily authorizing both “remote ink-signed notarization” and “remote online notarization” for the duration of this emergency. To learn more, read Executive Order No. 1467 and our letter request.
We urge you to carefully read the governor’s executive order in full to understand all the requirements before utilizing this temporary process to comply with COVID-19 public health protocols.
In order to perform a remote ink-signed notarization or remote online notarization, you must be a currently commissioned notary in Mississippi, in good standing and before utilizing either, you must give notice to the Secretary of State by emailing the Remote Notary Notification to remotenotary@sos.ms.gov. To learn more about the requirements, please see the Secretary of State’s press release.
Pursuing Permanent Authority to Use RON
LTAMS is also working with legislators on a proposed amendment to HB 1156 and SB 2394 to permanently authorize remote online notarization and to create a papering-out procedure to ensure these electronic documents can be recorded in the land records. To learn more, view the proposed final draft of the amendment, a proposed draft of implementing rules, and an Executive Summary on the amendment. Both bills previously passed their respective chambers without amendment.
Remote Online Notarization
The Mississippi Commission on Continuing Legal Education petitioned for the temporary removal of the limit on CLE credit earned through online programs. See LTAMS’ letter to the Commission and letter to the Supreme Court in requesting and supporting this waiver. In response to the Commission’s petition, the Mississippi Supreme Court issued Emergency Administrative Order-10, which:
- Authorizes attorneys to complete all 12-hours of their CLE obligations through online programs or webinars for 2019-2020 CLE year;
- Extends the completion deadline to September 30, 2020; and
- Extends the reporting deadline to October 15, 2020.
GSE RON Requirements
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have provided temporary guidance on several policy areas to support mortgage originations, including power of attorney and acceptance of remote online notarization. New guidance also addresses closing protection letters.
- FreddieMac COVID-19 Selling-related Frequently Asked Questions (Updated April 10, 2020)
- Fannie Mae COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions – Selling (Updated April 8, 2020)
On March 31, 2020, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac issued above updated Selling Guidance, including temporary requirements for remote online notarization (RON) and powers of attorney (POA).
- Fannie Mae: Lender Letter LL-2020-03 (Updated March 31, 2020)
- Freddie Mac: Bulletin 2020-8 (March 31, 2020)
- Veterans Affairs: Circular 26-20-10 (March 27, 2020)
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have made available lists of their approved vendors for systems supporting eMortgages, including vendors providing remote online notarization (RON) services, as seen below in order “to save time for Seller/Servicers seeking to get approved to do eMortgage business with Freddie Mac.”
Clerks Are Essential to the US Economy
During these trying times, it is important to focus on the critical and essential function of the Chancery Clerk’s office to power, sustain and restore the U.S. economic engine. Because of the current response to the COVID-19 outbreak, some clerks are reducing hours, staffing and/or services, and some are closing their operations. These moves are understandable as clerks follow the advice of public officials and make the health and safety of employees and customers a priority.
The Chancery Clerk’s office provides constructive notice of interest in real property. Even during difficult situations, the land title and mortgage finance industries depend heavily on the clerk’s documentation as essential functions for their businesses and for the consumer. Clerks provide title professionals with the ability to search the public land records and, after a real estate closing is complete, to record the documents which establish the property rights of the new owner and the lien priority for the lender. This reliance on proof of land ownership drives the economy of our country.
As we face this health crisis, those of us in the land title industry are working together towards common goals of preserving the integrity of the land records and continuing to facilitate the important transfer of real estate across the country.
Board of Supervisor Orders
Below are some of the letters sent to those local Boards of Supervisors that have issued closure orders:
Board of Supervisor’s Association – 03/30/2020
Kemper County – 03/27/2020
Leflore County – 03/27/2020
Sharkey County – 04/28/2020
Tippah County – 04/28/2020
Bolivar County – 04/29/2020
Chancery Clerk and County Office Operations
| County | Open | Limited Access | Closed | e-Record | Notes |
| Adams | Yes | — | — | Yes | Open to the public, subject to requirements of Executive Order (as applicable). E-Recording Vendors: MEDIR |
| Alcorn | Yes | — | — | No | Open to the public, subject to requirements of Executive Order (as applicable). |
| Amite | Yes | — | — | No | Open to the public, subject to requirements of Executive Order (as applicable). |
| Attala | Yes | — | — | No | Open to the public, subject to requirements of Executive Order (as applicable). |
| Benton | Yes | — | — | No | Open to the public, subject to requirements of Executive Order (as applicable). |
| Bolivar-1st | Yes | — | — | No | Open to the public, subject to requirements of Executive Order (as applicable). |
| Bolivar-2nd | Yes | — | — | No | Same as above. |
| Calhoun | Yes | — | — | Yes | Open to the public, subject to requirements of Executive Order (as applicable). E-Recording Vendors: Simplifile |
| Carroll-1st | Yes | — | — | Yes | Open to the public, subject to requirements of Executive Order (as applicable). E-Recording Vendors: MEDIR (possibly … coming soon) |
| Carroll-2nd | Yes | — | — | Yes | Same as above. |
| Chickasaw-1st | Yes | — | — | No | — |
| Chickasaw-2nd | Yes | — | — | No | — |
| Choctaw | Yes | — | — | Yes | Open to the public, subject to requirements of Executive Order (as applicable). E-Recording Vendors: MEDIR (on hold until mid-January) |
| Claiborne | — | Yes | — | No | |
| Clarke | — | Yes | — | No | Open. You must enter through the door on North Side by City Hall (door with Handicap ramp). The clerk is accepting recordings. Abstractors are allowed access to the land records, but access is limited to no more than 2 people at one time. |
| Clay | — | Yes | — | No | Open, but closed to public. The clerk is accepting recordings. Abstractors are allowed access to the land records, but access is limited to no more than 10 people at one time. |
| Coahoma | — | Yes | — | No | Open, but closed to public. The clerk is accepting recordings. Abstractors are allowed access to the land records, but access is limited to no more than 10 people at one time. |
| Copiah | Yes | — | — | No | — |
| Covington | Yes | — | — | No | Come in through Main Street entrance. Must sanitize hands. |
| DeSoto | Yes | — | — | Yes | Open to the public, subject to requirements of Executive Order (as applicable). E-Recording Vendors: CSC, ePN, Simplifile |
| Forrest | Yes | — | — | Yes | Open to the public, subject to requirements of Executive Order (as applicable). E-Recording Vendors: Simplifile |
| Franklin | — | Yes | — | No | Open, generally. The clerk is accepting recordings, but all recordings must be dropped off at the circuit clerk’s office window. Abstractors are allowed access to the land records, but access is limited to no more than 10 people at one time. |
| George | Yes | — | — | Yes | Open to the public, subject to requirements of Executive Order (as applicable). E-Recording Vendors: Simplifile |
| Greene | — | Yes | — | No | Open to public. The clerk is accepting recordings (preference is by mail; hand deliveries must call ahead). Abstractors are allowed access to the land records, but access is limited to no more than 3 people at one time. |
| Grenada | — | Yes | — | No | — |
| Hancock | Yes | — | — | Yes | Open to the public, subject to requirements of Executive Order (as applicable) and temperature check at door. Online records back 32 years. E-Recording Vendors: CSC, Simplifile, |
| Harrison-1st | Yes | — | — | Yes | Open to the public, subject to requirements of Executive Order (as applicable). E-Recording Vendors: CSC, Simplifile |
| Harrison-2nd | Yes | — | — | Yes | Same as above. |
| Hinds-1st | — | Yes | — | Yes | Open, but closed to the public. The clerk is accepting documents for recording online (e-recording) and by mail. No access to any clerk area; all area access doors will be locked. No more than 10 abstractors are allowed in the land records room at one time. All abstractors sign in with Security at the front door during the day, and back desk after hours (for those with key cards). Effective immediately, all searchers must comply with the Hinds County Title Searchers Procedures. E-Recording Vendors: ePN, Simplifile |
| Hinds-2nd | — | Yes | — | Yes | Same as above. |
| Holmes | Yes | — | — | No | Open, without limitations. |
| Humphreys | — | Yes | — | No | Open, but closed to the public. Limited staff on-site. Clerk’s office is accepting documents for recording by mail only. Effective April 6, abstractors will be allowed in the land records room, but no more than 2 at a time and for no more than 2 hours each visit. |
| Issaquena | — | Yes | — | No | Open, but closed to the public. The clerk is accepting recordings (via mail and hand delivery). Abstractors are allowed access to to land records room, but must call ahead and access is limited to no more than 1-person at a time. Use of mask is highly encouraged. |
| Itawamba | Yes | — | — | Yes | Open to the public, subject to requirements of Executive Order (as applicable). E-Recording Vendors: Simplifile |
| Jackson | Yes | — | — | Yes | Open to the public, subject to requirements of Executive Order (as applicable). GAP WARNING: Clerk is 2-3 weeks behind on filings. E-Recording Vendors: CSC, ePN, Simplifile |
| Jasper-1st | Yes | — | — | No | — |
| Jasper-2nd | Yes | — | — | No | — |
| Jefferson | Yes | — | — | No | Open. The clerk is accepting recordings. Abstractors are allowed access to to land records room, with no limitation. All visitors must sign in. |
| Jefferson Davis | — | Yes | — | No | — |
| Jones-1st | Yes | — | — | Yes | Open to the public, subject to requirements of Executive Order (as applicable). E-Recording Vendors: Simplifile |
| Jones-2nd | Yes | — | — | Yes | Same as above. |
| Kemper | — | Yes | — | No | Open, but closed to the public. The clerk is accepting recordings (by mail and hand delivery). Abstractors are allowed in the land records room by appointment only, with no more than 2 at a time (and limited to no more than 2 hours at a time). Must call ahead to make appointment and you must wear a mask. No computer is available to public, so all searches must be conducted by books. |
| Lafayette | Yes | — | — | Yes | Open to the public, subject to requirements of Executive Order (as applicable). E-Recording Vendors: CSC, ePN, Simplifile |
| Lamar | Yes | — | — | No | Open, but closed to public. The clerk is accepting recordings by mail only – there is no access to the clerk’s office. Hand deliveries must be dropped off at a table in the front of the office. Hours are 10AM to 5PM. Abstractors are allowed access to the land records, but access is limited to no more than 10 people at one time. Board of supervisors meeting April 2, 2020 about limiting access. |
| Lauderdale | — | Yes | — | No | Open, but closed to public. No more than 10 abstractors are allowed in the vault at one time. Only 1 door open (Main West entrance) and abstractors have to be health screened before going in. |
| Lawrence | — | Yes | — | No | — |
| Leake | — | Yes | — | No | Open, but closed to public. Attorneys, abstractors, and anyone with filings are allowed in the office. You must first call due to the fact that all doors to the courthouse being locked. We will let you in the south door (the end with the flags). If you prefer to do your search online, our records are online back to 2007. They are available for a fee at psearch.syscononline.com. |
| Lee | Yes | — | — | Yes | Open to the public, subject to requirements of Executive Order (as applicable). E-Recording Vendors: Simplifile |
| Leflore | — | Yes | — | No | Open, but closed to the public. Abstractors are allowed to search land records. GAP WARNING: Clerk is 4 weeks behind on filings. |
| Lincoln | Yes | — | — | No | — |
| Lowndes | — | Yes | — | No | Open, but closed to public. The clerk is accepting recordings (by hand and mail delivery). Abstractors are allowed in the land records room, but no more than 6 at a time. |
| Madison | Yes | — | — | Yes | Open to the public, subject to requirements of Executive Order (as applicable). E-Recording Vendors: MEDIR |
| Marion | — | Yes | — | No | Open, but closed to the public. The clerk is accepting recordings (by hand and mail delivery). Abstractors are allowed in the land records room, but no more than 5 at a time (and only two computer terminals are available – to maximize social distance). |
| Marshall | — | Yes | — | No | Open, but closed to the public. The clerk is accepting recordings (by hand and mail delivery). Abstractors are allowed in the land records room, must complete a pre-screen questionnaire. |
| Monroe | Yes | — | — | Yes | Open to the public, subject to requirements of Executive Order (as applicable). E-Recording Vendors: Simplifile |
| Montgomery | — | Yes | — | No | Open, but closed to public. The clerk is accepting recordings, but land records are closed to the public. Clerk will allow no more than 2 people in the land records room at one time. |
| Neshoba | Yes | — | — | Yes | Open to the public, subject to requirements of Executive Order (as applicable). E-Recording Vendors: MEDIR |
| Newton | — | Yes | — | No | Open to public. The clerk is accepting recordings. Abstractors are allowed access to the land records, but access is limited to no more than 3 people at one time. |
| Noxubee | — | Yes | — | No | Open, but closed to public. The clerk is accepting recordings. Abstractors are allowed access to the land records, but access is limited to no more than 10 people at one time. |
| Oktibbeha | — | Yes | — | No | Open, but closed to public. The clerk is accepting recordings (by mail and hand delivery). Abstractors are allowed access to the land records, but access is limited to no more than 10 people at one time. |
| Panola-1st | Yes | — | — | Yes | Open to the public, subject to requirements of Executive Order (as applicable). Searches may be conducted online via MEDIR; records available online from 1970 to the present. E-Recording Vendors: MEDIR |
| Panola-2nd | Yes | — | — | Yes | Same as above. |
| Pearl River | Yes | — | — | Yes | Open to the public, subject to requirements of Executive Order (as applicable). E-Recording Vendors: Simplifile |
| Perry | — | Yes | — | No | Open, but no more than 1 person at counter at a time; no more than 1 abstractor in land records room at a time; abstractors are limited to 1 hour each. |
| Pike | — | Yes | — | No | Open, but closed to public. The clerk is accepting recordings (for hand deliveries, you must call ahead); Abstractors are allowed access to land reocrds, but must call ahead and be let in by deputy. |
| Pontotoc | — | Yes | — | Yes | Open to the public, subject to requirements of Executive Order (as applicable) and with possible limits on the number of people in the land records room. Searches may be conducted online back to 1999 via CRMSPublic.com (call for credentials). E-Recording Vendors: Simplifile |
| Prentiss | Yes | — | — | Yes | Open to the public, subject to requirements of Executive Order (as applicable). E-Recording Vendors: Simplifile |
| Quitman | — | Yes | — | No | Open, but closed to public. The clerk is accepting recordings. Abstractors are allowed access to the land records, but access is limited to no more than 1 people at one time. |
| Rankin | Yes | — | — | Yes | Open to the public, subject to requirements of Executive Order (as applicable). E-Recording Vendors: CSC, ePN, MEDIR, Simplifile |
| Scott | Yes | — | — | Yes | Open to the public, subject to requirements of Executive Order (as applicable). E-Recording Vendors: Simplifile |
| Sharkey | Yes | — | — | No | Open to the public. Must wear a mask. Temperature checked at the door. |
| Simpson | — | Yes | — | No | Open, but closed to public. The clerk is accepting documents for recording by mail (preferred) and drop-off. Abstractors are allowed in the land records room, but limited to no more than 2 at one time. Records are available online via Delta Computer Systems site (subscription or per document access available). Unsure how far back online records go. |
| Smith | — | Yes | — | No | Open, but closed to public. Hours are 10AM to 2PM only. The clerk is accepting documents for recording by mail (preferred) and drop-off. Abstractors are allowed in the land records room, but limited to no more than 2 at one time. |
| Stone | — | Yes | — | No | Open, but closed to public. Abstractors are allowed to access the records at their convenience. They simply must stop at the one open entrances and address the security guard with the business they have in the courthouse. GAP WARNING: Clerk is 4 weeks behind on filings. |
| Sunflower | — | — | — | No | Open, but closed to public. The clerk is accepting documents for recording by mail (preferred) and drop-off. Abstractors are allowed in the land records room, but limited to no more than 10 at one time. |
| Tallahatchie-1st | Yes | — | — | Yes | Open to the public, subject to requirements of Executive Order (as applicable). E-Recording Vendors: MEDIR |
| Tallahatchie-2nd | Yes | — | — | Yes | Same as above. |
| Tate | — | Yes | — | No | Open, but closed to public. The clerk is accepting documents for recording by mail (preferred) and drop-off (must call ahead). Abstractors are allowed in the land records room by appointment only, but you must call ahead to confirm access. Land records are available online at tatecounty.ms, click land records. Online records from 1973 to present. |
| Tippah | — | Yes | — | No | Open, but closed to public. The clerk is still accepting documents for recording by mail and hand delivery. Abstractors are allowed access to the land records, but must call ahead and no more than 2 at a time in the land records room. All abstractors are encouraged to wear a mask. |
| Tishomingo | Yes | — | — | Yes | Open to the public, subject to requirements of Executive Order (as applicable). Access to the records is available for free online at www.crmspublic.com. Online records from 1920s to present. Call clerk for login credentials. E-Recording Vendors: Simplifile |
| Tunica | — | Yes | — | No | Open, but closed to public. The clerk is accepting documents for recording by mail (preferred) and drop-box. Abstractors are allowed in the land records room by appointment only, and limited to no more than 1 at one time. |
| Union | — | Yes | — | Yes | Open, but closed to public. The clerk is accepting documents for recording by mail and e-recording. There is no limit on the number of abstractors allowed in the land records room at this time. E-Recording Vendors: Simplifile |
| Walthall | — | — | Yes | No | Closed due to a confirmed case of COVID-19. Expected to reopen on Monday, June 29, 2020. |
| Warren | — | Yes | — | No | Open, but closed to public. The land records room is open to attorneys and abstractors only by appointment only and limited to 2 hours at a time. No more than 2 people in land records at a time. |
| Washington | Yes | — | — | Yes | Open to the public, subject to requirements of Executive Order (as applicable). E-Recording Vendors: MEDIR |
| Wayne | Yes | — | — | Yes | Open to public. The clerk is accepting documents for recording by mail and drop-off. Abstractors are allowed in the land records room, but limited to no more than 3 at one time. Hours are 9AM to 3PM. E-Recording Vendors: Simplifile |
| Webster | — | Yes | — | No | Open, but closed to public. The clerk is accepting documents for recording by mail (preferred) and drop-off. Abstractors are allowed in the land records room, but limited to no more than 10 at one time. All visitors must wear mask and gloves. |
| Wilkinson | — | Yes | — | No | Open, but closed to public. The clerk is accepting documents for recording by mail (preferred) and drop-off. Abstractors are allowed in the land records room, but limited to no more than 1 at one time. |
| Winston | Yes | — | — | Yes | Open to the public, subject to requirements of Executive Order (as applicable) and a limit of no more than 10 in office at one time. E-Recording Vendors: MEDIR |
| Yalobusha-1st | — | Yes | — | No | Open, but closed to public. The clerk is accepting documents for recording by mail (preferred) and drop-off, but the doors are LOCKED (must call 662-473-2091) to gain access. Abstractors are allowed in the land records room, but limited to no more than 10 at one time. |
| Yalobusha-2nd | — | Yes | — | No | Same as above. |
| Yazoo | — | Yes | — | No | Open to the public. The clerk is accepting documents for recording by mail and drop-off. Abstractors are allowed in the land records room but limited to no more than 10 at one time. Must check with the security guard at the front door. |
Last Updated: February 3, 2021 (12:05 PM CST)
Please note that limited access may come in many forms. It may mean reduced staff, scheduled filings, staggered shifts. It may also mean that you have to call ahead to be let into the building. Whatever it means, please respect and follow the Chancery Clerk’s safety protocols so that they can ensure the safety of their staff and continued operations.
ALTA is tracking closures of county recording offices nationwide. The document also tracks projected reopen date, if online access is available and if the county accepts e-recording. See County Office Closures – Nationwide.
Governor Reeves’ Executive Order on the COVID-19 Preparedness and Response
Governor Tate Reeves has issued a number of orders related to the coronavirus (COVID-19). Below are those orders that apply to the land title industry:
| Name | Description |
| Executive Order No. 1457 (03/04/2020) | Concerning Mississippi’s coronavirus (COVID-19) preparedness and response. |
| Executive Order No. 1462 (03/21/2020) | Concerning the suspension of MDES garnishments and collections efforts. |
| Executive Order No. 1463 (03/26/2020) | Concerning professional services, including legal services and real estate services (including title services) as “Essential Business or Operation.” |
| Executive Order No. 1465 (03/31/2020) | Concerning shelter-in-place order for Lauderdale County. |
| Executive Order No. 1466 (04/01/2020) | Concerning shelter-in-place order for State of Mississippi for all individuals; Essential Businesses identified in Executive Order 1463 may remain open and operate at such level as necessary to provide essential services and functions. |
| Executive Order No. 1467 (04/06/2020) | Concerning authorization for Mississippi notary public’s to use of remote notarization and remote online notarization. |
| Executive Order No. 1473 (04/17/2020) | Concerning the extension of the shelter in place order from April 20, 2020 to April 27, 2020. |
| Executive Order No. 1474 (04/20/2020) | Concerning the extension of the expiration date for all Mississippi driver’s licenses and ID cards set to expire betwen March 14, 2020 and June 30, 2020 to August 3, 2020. |
| Executive Order No. 1477 (04/24/2020) | Concerning move from “shelter in place” to “safer at home,” encouraging people to stay at home when not engaged in essential business; all evictions within the state are suspended, and all law enforcement officers must cease enforcement of eviction orders. |
| Executive Order No. 1478 (05/04/2020) | Extending safer at home from May 7, 2020, to May 11, 2020; authorizing parks and restaurants to reopen, subject to certain limitations. |
| Executive Order No. 1480 (05/08/2020) | Extending safer at home from May 11, 2020, to May 25, 2020; authorizing gyms and salons to reopen, subject to certain limitations. |
| Executive Order No. 1488 (05/08/2020) | Extending safer at home through Monday, June 1, 2020. |
| Executive Order No. 1492 (05/28/2020) | Institute “Safe Return” to restart the economy and resume community activities safely beginning Monday, June 1, 2020, through Monday, June 15, 2020. |
| Executive Order No. 1496 (06/10/2020) | Extending Safe Return through Monday, June 29, 2020. |
| Executive Order No. 1500 (06/26/2020) | Extending Safe Return through Monday, July 6, 2020. |
| Executive Order No. 1505 (07/02/2020) | Extending Safe Return through Monday, July 20, 2020. |
| Executive Order No. 1507 (07/10/2020) | Requiring residents of 13 counties to wear masks while at public gatherings or in a shopping environment through Monday, July 20, 2020. |
| Executive Order No. 1508 (07/19/2020) | Extending Safe Return through Monday, August 3, 2020. |
| Executive Order No. 1509 (07/19/2020) | Requiring all businesses to attempt in good faith to follow the Mississippi State Department of Health’s and CDC’s guidance to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including, but not limited to social distancing; sending sick employees home or for further medical evaluation; actively encouraging sick employees to stay home or for further medical evaluation; separating and sending home employees who appear to have respiratory illness symptoms; adopting and enforcing regular and proper hand-washing and personal hygiene protocols; and daily screening of employees for COVID-19 related symptoms before beginning their shifts. Applies only to Bolivar, Claiborne, Covington, Desoto, Forrest, Grenada, Harrison, Hinds, Humphreys, Jackson, Jefferson, Madison, Panola, Quitman, Rankin, Sharkey, Simpson, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, Walthall, Washington, and Wayne Counties. |
| Executive Order No. 1511 (07/24/2020) | Amends EO 1492 to provide that in-door group gatherings shall be limited to a maximum of 10 people, and out-door gatherings shall be limited to a maximum of 20 people. |
| Executive Order No. 1512 (07/24/2020) | Amends EO 1509 to add Calhoun, Holmes, Lamar, Montgomery, Winston, and Yalobusha Counties. |
| Executive Order No. 1514 (07/30/2020) | Extending Safe Return through Monday, August 17, 2020. |
| Executive Order No. 1515 (07/30/2020) | Extending EO 1509, as amended, to remain in effect until August 17, 2020. |
| Executive Order No. 1516 (08/04/2020) | Amends EO 1492 to require every person in the state to wear a face covering, covering the nose and mouth, while inside a business, school or other building open to the public, or when in an outdoor public space whenever it is not possible to maintain a minimum of six fee of social distancing. |
| Executive Order No. 1518 (08/14/2020) | Extending Safe Return through Monday, August 31, 2020. |
| Executive Order No. 1520 (08/31/2020) | Extending Safe Return through Monday, September 14, 2020. |
| Executive Order No. 1522 (08/31/2020) | Extends Safe Return through Monday, September 14, 2020 and amends restrictions on group gatherings and businesses. |
| Executive Order No. 1525 (08/31/2020) | Replaces the Safe Return order and its amendments, combines all social distancing measures into one executive order to ensure understanding and keep people better informed, and eases some restrictions, such as increasing attendance at outdoor K-12 extracurricular events such as football games to 50% of seating capacity. Effective through November 11, 2020. |
| Executive Order No. 1527 (10/19/2020) | Extends the Safe Recovery instituted in EO 1525 for Chickasaw, Claiborne, DeSoto, Forrest, Itawamba, Jackson, Lamar, Lee, and Neshoba Counties. Effective through November 11, 2020 |
| Executive Order No. 1528 (10/19/2020) | Amends EO 1527 to add Benton, Carroll, Harrison, Jones, Leake, Madison, and Marshall Counties. Effective through November 11, 2020 |
| Executive Order No. 1530 (10/19/2020) | Extends Safe Recovery Order instituted in EO 1525, as modified, amended, rescinded, or superseded, through December 11, 2020, and amends EO 1527 to add Benton, Carroll, Covington, DeSoto, Forrest, Harrison, Humphreys, Jackson, Lamar, Lauderdale, Leflore, Lee, Marshall, Rankin and Yalobusha Counties. Effective through November 11, 2020 |
| Executive Order No. 1531 (11/17/2020) | Amends EO 1530 to add Hinds, Itawamba, Madison, Montogmery, Pontotoc, Tate and Winston Counties. Effective through December 11, 2020 |
| Executive Order No. 1532 (11/24/2020) | Amends EO 1530 to add Alcorn, Attala, Boivar, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Jefferson Davis, Jones, Lafayette, Lawrence, Lincoln, Lowndes, Neshoba, Panola, Perry, Prentiss, Stone, Tippah, Tishomingo, and Union Counties. Effective through December 11, 2020 |
| Executive Order No. 1533 (12/01/2020) | Amends EO 1530 to add Adams, Amite, Coahoma, Franklin, Jefferson, Kemper, Monroe, Noxubee, Oktibbeha, Quitman, Scott, Sunflower, and Washington Counties. Effective through December 11, 2020 |
| Executive Order No. 1535 (12/09/2020) | Repeals EO 1525 and all amendments; Encourages social distancing and face coverings; Effective through January 15, 2021. |
| Executive Order No. 1536 (12/11/2020) | Repeals EO 1527 and all amendments; Implements mask mandate for some 60+ counties; Effective through January 15, 2021 |
| Executive Order No. 1538 (12/22/2020) | Suspends requirements of MS Business Corporation Act, to the extent they require meetings of shareholders to be noticed and held at a physical location |
| Executive Order No. 1539 (12/23/2020) | Amends EO 1536 to add 17 counties to mask mandate. |
| Executive Order No. 1542 (01/15/2021) | Extends EO 1535 through February 3, 2021; Amends EO 1539 to add 7 additional counties. |
| Executive Order No. 1543 (02/03/2021) | Extends EO 1535 and 1536 through March 3, 2021. |
| Executive Order No. 1549 (03/02/2021) | Repeals EO 1535 and 1536 and all amendments thereto; Encourages social distancing and face coverings, but lifts statewide mask mandate and allows businesses to operate at full capacity. EO 1467, which temporarily authorizes both “remote ink-signed notarization” and “remote online notarization” for the duration of this emergency, is unaffected. |
Last Updated: March 3, 2021 (4:44 PM CST)
For a complete list of Mississippi Executive Orders, click here.
For a list of federal orders that have specifically listed title insurance as a financial service or otherwise as an essential business entity, please see the federal CISA guidelines and definitions from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (see Financial Services on page 11) and a memorandum for the financial services sector from the U.S. Department of the Treasury that also includes insurance and settlement.
Mississippi Supreme Court Orders
| Name | Description |
| MSSC – 2020-AD-00001 – Order 1 (03/13/2020) | All state courts – municipal, justice, county, chancery, circuit, and appellate courts – must remain open for business to ensure courts fulfill their constitutional and statutory duties. |
| MSSC – 2020-AD-00001 – Order 2 (03/15/2020) | Gatherings of more than 50 people beyond the persons involved in the day-to-day operations of the courts are not permitted. |
| MSSC – 2020-AD-00001 – Order 3 (03/17/2020) | Local courts are authorized to take steps and measures consistent with the Court’s order to protect the health and safety of public. |
| MSSC – 2020-AD-00001 – Order 5 (03/20/2020) | Gatherings may be limited to no more than 10 people. Clerks’ offices must remain accessible by telephone and email during regular business hours. Drop boxes may be used for conventionally-filed documents. Entry may be denied based on a response to the questionnaire. |
| MSSC – 2020-AD-00001 – Order 10 (05/05/2020) | The in-person requirement has temporarily been waived, so that attorneys may earn all of their CLE through online programs or live webinars. The Court also extended the deadline to September 30, 2020 with a reporting deadline of October 15, 2020. This waiver and deadline extension also applies to newly licensed attorneys whose new lawyer requirement deadline is July 31, 2020. |
American Land Title Association Resources
Wire Fraud Vigilance
Cyber security researchers have identified a growing number of phishing scams in which fraudsters are using the coronavirus to entice victims. With more employees working remotely, make sure your company is following best practices to protect its data and money.
- Cyber Fraud Resources (LTAMS)
- Best Practices (ALTA)
- Information Security Resources (ALTA)
- What Is Multifactor Authentication? (ALTA)
Remote Digital Closings
On March 18, 2020, U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.) on March 18 introduced the Securing and Enabling Commerce Using Remote and Electronic Notarization Act of 2020. Senate Bill 3533 is bipartisan legislation that permits immediate nationwide use of remote online notarization (RON) with minimum standards and provides certainty for the interstate recognition of RON. This technology allows the consumer and notary to be in different locations using two-way audio-visual communication to securely execute electronic documents.
The SECURE Notarization Act would authorize all Notaries in the United States to perform RONs, requires tamper-evident technology in electronic notarizations and provides fraud prevention through use of multifactor authentication.
In 2019, MISMO released its RON standards, which allow the use of audio-visual communication devices to notarize documents in a virtual online environment. MISMO’s RON standards support model legislation that was developed by ALTA and the Mortgage Bankers Association. Multiple U.S. states are now using this model legislation to enact RON laws in their jurisdictions. To date, 23 states have approved the use of RON technology.
The legislation is also endorsed by the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) and National Association of Realtors (NAR).
Additional ALTA Resources
Safe Closing Protocols
Below are some safe closing protocols that other land title associations have developed and some of our agent members have implemented. What precautions has your company developed to help keep your staff and clients safe? Please share them with us at admin@ltams.org.
Start by Sanitizing
Encourage guests to use hand sanitizer and/or wash hands upon arrival.
Stagger Closings
Stagger closings (30 minutes) to minimize the number of customers in waiting rooms. Split buyer and seller closings.
Limit People at Closing
Allow only signers to the transaction in the office. Ask agents and lenders to attend by conference call. Family and friends should be asked to respect the need for social distancing.
Reduce Time in Office
Use electronic and other means (mobile notary, eClosing platforms, Facetime, Skype, etc.) to perform as many functions as possible. Consider waiving fees for mobile notaries, wires and overnight delivery. Send papers in advance for review.
Check for Symptomatic Clients
Any guest who exhibits symptoms that may be like coronavirus (fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc.) must notify staff upon arrival so they can be escorted out of common areas into a private closing room.
Disinfect Post-Closing
After each closing, the chairs, table and door handle will be wiped down with disinfecting wipes or bleach solution.
Closing Table Items
Remove pens, paper, extra reading glasses and other items normally found on the closing tables. Distribute new pens to each closing participant and don’t reuse them.
Reception Area Items
Remove all reading materials, ceramic mugs and other re-usable items.
Children’s Play Area Items
Remove children’s play areas and place in storage.
Hand Sanitizer
Provide hand sanitizer in closing spaces. If none is available, encourage employees and visitors to wash their hands before and after any closing or other meeting.
After-hours Cleaning
Cleaning personnel should use appropriate germ-killing solutions when cleaning office areas after-hours.
Social Distancing
When possible, place people approximately six feet from others.
Workforce Dispersion
Invest in technology solutions that allow employees to work from remote locations, assuring production and service continuity.
Develop Travel Protocols
Issue guidelines for notifying management if employees have traveled recently or have travel planned in the coming weeks. Ask those employees who have or will travel to self-quarantine for two weeks following their return.
What is Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that has infected more than 142,000 individuals in 134 countries, causing the World Health Organization (WHO) to classify this outbreak as a pandemic on March 11, 2020. Symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Anyone experiencing emergency signs such as difficulty breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or bluish lips or face should immediately seek medical attention.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that for the next eight weeks, organizers cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the U.S.
For the latest updates and more information go to:
What You Should Know
Older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person and the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The CDC urges citizens to monitor your health and practice social distancing. Social distancing means staying out of crowded places, avoiding group gatherings, and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet) from others when possible.
- Workplace, School, and Home Guidance
- People at Risk for Serious Illness from COVID-19
- How COVID-19 Spreads
- Symptoms
- Steps to Prevent Illness
- Testing
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What to Do If You Are Sick with COVID-19
- Stigma Related to COVID-19
- What You Need to Know
- Facts about COVID-19
- Information for People at Higher Risk and Special Populations
- Communication Resources