H.F. No. 15 Summary

• Permits notarizations via real-time video conference for real estate documents during a COVID-19 peacetime public health emergency and for 60 days after its expiration, provided both parties remain physically located in Minnesota.

• Requires notarial officers to create and maintain audio and video recordings of all remote notarizations for at least 10 years, with recordings subject to inspection by the commissioner of commerce.

• Mandates notarial officers inform signers that the notarization is temporary, being recorded, may be subject to inspection, and recordings will be retained for 10 years.

• Requires notarial officers to take reasonable steps to ensure recording integrity and security, maintain backups, and protect recordings from unauthorized access.

• Effective the day following final enactment and expires January 6, 2021.