HB 55 Summary

• Eliminates the distinction between county notaries public and at-large notaries public, creating a unified system of notaries commissioned to serve the entire state.

• Notaries public are appointed and commissioned by judges of probate for four-year terms with jurisdiction extending to any county in the state, not limited to their county of residence.

• Judges of probate collect a $10 fee for each notary commission and must report notary information to the Secretary of State.

• Notaries must provide a $25,000 bond, maintain an official seal, and are compensated $1 for performing notarial acts including administering oaths, certifying documents, and protesting commercial instruments.

• Repeals existing Articles 1 and 2 governing county and at-large notaries; defines operating without a valid commission or performing notarial acts after expiration as a Class C misdemeanor; becomes effective January 1, 2012.