In 1996, the General Assembly of the state of Indiana passed a legislation which will affect the recording of documents in our offices. Though the requirements are not effective until January 1, 1997, we hope that early awareness will eliminate technical difficulties at that time. A Copy of the new section of the Indiana Code is attached, and a brief explanation follows. If you have questions, please ask. We understand that these requirements may cause some initial anxiety, but they were not enacted without a great deal of thought.

In an age of technological advancement, some microfilm is being replaced by imaging, documents are being processed through machines instead of being hand-stamped, and in an effort to conserve paper, more type is being crowded onto each page. One problem is adequate space for the Auditor/Treasurer/Recorders stamps; another is legibility. To that end, the new law:

1. standardizes page size to no larger than 8-1/2"x 14"
2. requires black ink in at least 10-point type on 20-lb paper
3. requires a 2" margin on the top and bottom of the first and last pages of a document and a 1/2" margin on both sides. Interior pages of the document require a 1/2" margin top and bottom as well as sides,
4. forbids permanently bound or continuous form paper (each page part must be able to be copied separately).

Documents not meeting the above requirements can still be recorded, but an additional fee of $1 will be collected for each. non-conforming page. In other words, if the Recorder has to enlarge the document or add pages so that it will be legible for microfilm or imaging, then the $1 surcharge will apply. Several other states have enacted similar legislation in an effort to insure the integrity of documents for future generations.