HB 1156 - Revised Mississippi Law on Notarial Acts

• Establishes comprehensive new framework for notarial acts in Mississippi, replacing prior law; notarial officers include notaries public, elected judges, court clerks, and the Secretary of State.

• Notaries public must obtain a $5,000 surety bond, maintain a journal of notarial acts, procure an official seal, and complete a 4-year commission issued by the Secretary of State; Secretary must maintain electronic database of active notaries.

• Authorizes notaries to charge fees not exceeding $5.00 per notarial act; disqualifies notaries who are party to the record, related by blood/marriage to the signer, or will receive financial benefit beyond authorized fees.

• Requires individuals requesting notarial services to appear physically in person and present acceptable identification (unexpired passport, driver's license, government-issued ID, or tribal identification); notaries may refuse acts if transaction appears illegal or false.

• Secretary of State may deny, revoke, or suspend notary commissions for felony convictions within 10 years, failure to maintain surety bond, dishonesty, fraud, or violation of statutes; effective July 1, 2021.