NC H44

Clarifies that reciprocal attorneys' fees provisions in business contracts are valid when signed by hand or with an electronic signature (typed or written with finger/stylus on touchscreen) that demonstrates affirmative acceptance

Allows manual signatures delivered via electronic reproductive image (such as scanned documents) to satisfy signature requirements for business contracts

Modifies notary commission application requirements to permit electronic submission while still requiring pen-and-ink signatures for initial applications

Updates statutory language throughout G.S. 6-21.6 and G.S. 10B-5 to modernize wording (replacing "shall" with "may" or "shall not" as appropriate)

Effective upon becoming law, as recommended by the General Statutes Commission