TX HB4203

Requires new notary public applicants to complete 6 hours of education and pass a written examination covering notary laws before appointment, and requires 3 hours of continuing education for reappointment

Directs the Secretary of State to adopt rules establishing education requirements, accept applications from third-party entities to develop and administer approved courses, and publish a list of approved courses online

Authorizes the Secretary of State to provide its own education courses for initial appointment and reappointment in addition to third-party courses

Imposes a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per violation on persons who provide notary public education in violation of the law, enforceable by the attorney general or local prosecutors

Requires rules to be adopted by July 1, 2026, with education requirements applying to applications submitted on or after that date; existing notaries must complete initial education requirements at their first reappointment after July 1, 2026