House Bill 777 Summary

• Establishes the "Revised Mississippi Law on Notarial Acts" effective July 1, 2019, replacing prior notary public statutes and transferring commission authority from the Governor to the Secretary of State.

• Authorizes notarial officers (notaries public, judges, and court clerks) to perform acknowledgments, administer oaths, certify depositions, witness signatures, and other notarial acts on tangible and electronic records for a maximum fee of $5.00.

• Requires notaries public to maintain an official seal and stamping device, keep a contemporaneous journal of all notarial acts, obtain a $5,000 surety bond, and meet minimum qualifications including 18+ years old, U.S. citizen/permanent resident, and 30-day Mississippi residency.

• Prohibits notaries from performing notarial acts when they are a party to the record, related to the signer by blood or marriage, or stand to gain financial benefit; also bars non-attorney notaries from practicing law, giving legal advice, or using the term "notario."

• Repeals prior Mississippi Code sections 25-33-1 through 25-33-33 governing notary appointments and sections 25-7-29 regarding notary fees.