CA AB477

Adds notaries public to mandated reporters required to report suspected financial abuse of elders and dependent adults observed during notary services, with reporting required immediately or as soon as practicable by telephone or confidential Internet tool.

Establishes civil penalties up to $1,000 for failure to report ($5,000 if willful), enforceable only by Attorney General, district attorney, or county counsel.

Extends confidentiality protections to notary public reports of financial abuse and authorizes notaries to claim reasonable attorney's fees (up to $50,000) from the California Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board for defending against actions based on required reports.

Requires county adult protective services agencies to report instances of abuse reported by notaries public and to provide instructional materials about reporting obligations to notaries public.

Clarifies that notaries have no duty to review documents beyond those specified in Government Code Section 8205 and that the requirement applies only when notaries know the victim is an elder or dependent adult.