HB 7185 Summary

• Transfers notary public administration duties from the Executive Office of the Governor to the Department of State, effective January 1, 2011, while keeping commission issuance and suspension authority with the Governor.

• Requires first-time notary applicants to complete at least 3 hours of interactive or classroom instruction on notary duties and electronic notarization within 1 year before application, with courses offered by registered public or private entities.

• Establishes a state publications program requiring state agencies to furnish the Division of Library and Information Services with copies of publications and designate agency publications liaisons to maintain annual publication lists.

• Reorganizes the Library Information Services Council from 9 members to include representatives from library, archive, and records management professions, plus ex officio members from automation centers, with specified voting requirements.

• Repeals the Great Floridians Program Council and State Historical Marker Council, transferring their duties to the Florida Historical Commission and Division of Historical Resources; authorizes The Grove to charge visitor fees, operate a museum store, and establish an endowment.