HB 124 Summary

• Allows electronic versions of conveyances to be recorded in multiple recording districts, with certified copies and electronic versions having the same legal effect as original documents.

• Permits original signatures on recordable documents to be provided in electronic form.

• Enables notaries public to perform notarization for remotely located individuals using communication technology, provided identity is verified and an audiovisual recording is created and retained for 10 years.

• Requires notaries performing remote notarizations to maintain journals documenting the notarial acts, with entries including date, time, parties, identity verification method, and fees charged.

• Increases the notary public bond requirement from $1,000 to $2,500 and allows the lieutenant governor to set application fees by regulation rather than statute.

• Takes effect January 1, 2021, with a transition provision allowing the lieutenant governor to adopt necessary implementing regulations.