SB3443 Summary

• Applicants for notary commissions must now authorize criminal background checks and signature verification by the Secretary of State, and must separately report business addresses if different from residence addresses.

• Notaries must notify the Secretary of State in writing within 30 days of changing their business address, and commissions cease if they fail to do so or move from their commissioned county.

• Bond issuers must notify the Secretary of State when claims are filed against notaries, including details about payments made and circumstances leading to claims.

• The Secretary of State may reprimand, suspend, or revoke notary commissions for official misconduct, prohibited acts, violations of state law, or failure to cooperate with investigations; revoked notaries are ineligible for reappointment for at least 5 years.

• Notaries are prohibited from performing notarial acts while their commission is suspended or revoked, and specific investigation and disciplinary procedures are established including written complaint requirements and administrative hearing rights.