The Oklahoma House of Representatives has recently passed House Bill 2265, aiming to modernize the appointment and regulation of notaries public within the state. Authored by Rep. Nicole Miller (R-Edmond), the legislation introduces several key reforms to enhance the professionalism and accountability of notaries, crucial figures in legal and financial transactions.

Key Provisions of HB2265

• Mandatory Examination: Prospective notaries will now be required to pass an examination that covers relevant laws, procedures, and ethical responsibilities associated with notarial acts.
• Enhanced Record-Keeping: Notaries must maintain a detailed journal of all notarial acts for a minimum of ten years. These records are to be stored in tamper-evident formats, whether physical or electronic, to ensure their integrity.
• Clear Guidelines for Commission Process: While the bill does not increase application fees, it provides explicit procedures for the commissioning of notaries, including steps to handle notary journals in cases of resignation, revocation, or death.

Rep. Miller emphasized the importance of these measures, stating, “Notaries are essential to the integrity of many legal and financial processes, and this bill ensures they have the knowledge and tools needed to carry out their duties responsibly.”

Oklahoma County Clerk Maressa Treat also highlighted the bill’s role in combating property fraud, noting an increase in property theft often committed through fraudulent notaries. She remarked, “Passing responsible legislation like this is one step closer to eliminating property theft in Oklahoma and ensuring greater security for all Oklahomans.”

House Bill 2265 passed the House with a 90-3 vote and is now awaiting consideration in the Senate. For more detailed information, you can read the full article here: House Advances Bill to Strengthen Notary Regulations in Oklahoma.