HB1952 Summary

• Allows notaries to conduct remote notarization via real-time audio and visual technology (including videoconference platforms like Skype, Zoom, and FaceTime) during a declared disaster emergency when the Governor declares an emergency under the Arkansas Emergency Services Act of 1973.

• Permits notaries to validate signatures, acknowledgments, and jurats virtually provided the notary is physically located in Arkansas at the time of signing and witness/signer identity is confirmed by the notary.

• Allows documents signed remotely by multiple individuals in different locations to be executed in counterparts on separate signature pages, and permits legal documents including deeds, wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare proxies to be signed in counterparts absent express prohibition.

• Exempts notaries from filing facsimile signature information, commercial document descriptions, signer names, or written consent with the Secretary of State if the notary determines facsimile signature notarization is appropriate.

• Made retroactive to March 30, 2020, and remains in effect only until the Governor terminates the emergency declaration under Executive Order No. 21-07.