HB 1355 Summary

• Creates section 54-09-02.1 establishing that certificates and certified copies issued by the secretary of state are admissible as evidence in all courts and public offices, and may be created and distributed as electronic records with the same legal force as paper copies.

• Reduces the fee for issuing a certificate of good standing for real estate investment trusts from $25 to $15, and establishes that certified copies of real estate investment trust records cost the copying fee plus $15 for the certificate and seal.

• Modifies section 54-09-04 to simplify fee structure by removing the separate $5 fee for utility property transfers and consolidating fee language, while retaining the $0.50 per page copying fee and $10 fee for affixing secretary of state signature, certificate, or seal.

• Updates section 54-09-07 to clarify that when the secretary of state is appointed as agent for service of process for individuals, service shall be made according to section 10-01.1-13 to the extent practicable.

• Updates section 43-07-13 to reference the new evidence rules in section 54-09-02.1 for certified copies issued by the secretary of state regarding contractor records.