Section 5-104 - Title plants and backplants. - Maryland Statutes

§ 5-104. Title plants and backplants.
 

(a)  Definitions.-  

(1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. 

(2) "Backplant" means a title plant that antedates the period of time covered by an existing title plant, or that covers additional parcels of land. 

(3) "Title plant" means an integrated and indexed collection of title records consisting of documents, maps, surveys, or entries affecting title to real property or any interest in or encumbrance on the property which has been filed or recorded in the jurisdiction for which the title plant is established or maintained, as well as copies of prior title insurance policies. 

(b)  Title plant allowed as admitted asset.- A title plant shall be allowed as an admitted asset for a title insurer under § 5-101 of this subtitle subject to the provisions of this section. 

(c)  Costs.-  

(1) The costs specified in this subsection shall be capitalized costs with reference to the valuation of a title plant. 

(2) Until a title plant can be used by an insurer to conduct title searches and issue title insurance policies, the costs incurred to construct a title plant, including the costs incurred to obtain, organize, and summarize historical information in an efficient and useful manner shall be capitalized costs. The capitalized costs must be directly related to, and properly identified with, the activities necessary to construct the title plant. 

(3) (i) The costs to purchase a title plant, including a purchase of an undivided interest in a title plant, shall be capitalized costs, recorded at cost at the date of acquisition. 

(ii) For a title plant acquired separately, the costs shall be measured by the fair market value of the consideration given. 

(iii) For a title plant acquired as part of a group of assets, the costs shall be measured first by the fair market value of the consideration given, and then the cost shall be allocated to the title plant based on the fair market value of the title plant in relation to the total fair market value of the group of assets acquired. 

(4) The costs to purchase or construct a backplant may be capitalized if the costs are properly identifiable. 

(d)  Costs not to be capitalized.-  

(1) The costs specified in this subsection may not be capitalized costs with reference to the valuation of a title plant. 

(2) Costs incurred after a title plant is operational to: 

(i) convert the information from one storage and retrieval system to another shall not be capitalized costs; or 

(ii) modify or modernize the storage and retrieval system shall not be capitalized costs. 

(e)  Costs deemed expensed.- The following costs shall be expensed as incurred with reference to the valuation of a title plant: 

(1) costs incurred to maintain a title plant; and 

(2) costs incurred to perform title searches. 

(f)  Aggregate carrying value of an investment.- The aggregate carrying value of an investment in a title plant may not exceed the lesser of: 

(1) 20% of the admitted assets; or 

(2) 40% of the surplus as regards policyholders. 

(g)  Allowed sales.- A title insurer may sell: 

(1) a title plant and relinquish all rights to future use of the title plant; 

(2) an undivided ownership interest in its title plants; and 

(3) a copy of a title plant or the right to use a title plant. 

(h)  Agreements.- Subject to the approval of the Commissioner, a title insurer may: 

(1) enter into an agreement with one or more other title insurers authorized to do business in the State for the purpose of jointly participating in the ownership, management, and control of a title plant so as to serve the needs of the insurers; or 

(2) hold stock in a corporation that owns and operates a title plant for the purpose of participating in the ownership, management, and control of a title plant. 

(i)  Compliance with investment requirements.- Except as provided in this section, title insurers shall comply with the investment requirements under Subtitle 6 of this title. 
 

[1998, ch. 627.]