Congressman Aderholt's Notary Public Bill Passes House

CONGRESSMAN ADERHOLT'S NOTARY PUBLIC BILL PASSES HOUSE

By voice vote, the House of Representatives today passed H.R. 1458, a bill making it easier for notarizations to be recognized across state lines. The bill was introduced and sponsored by Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville).

"This has been an ongoing and difficult problem and needed to be addressed to aid businesses and individuals who engage in business across state lines," said Congressman Aderholt.

H.R. 1458 would eliminate the confusion which arises when states refuse to acknowledge the integrity of documents notarized out-of-state. Further, it would require that documents be recognized in any state or federal court if the subject affects interstate commerce and the document is duly notarized by seal or if a seal is tagged to an electronic document. The bill does not preclude the challenge of a notarized document, such as a will contest.

Currently, each state is responsible for regulating its notaries. Typically, an individual pays a fee, submits an application and takes an oath of office. Some states require applicants to enroll in an educational course, pass an exam, and obtain a notary bond. This legislation does not change how states regulate notaries in any manner.

Congressman Aderholt continued, "While there isn't a great deal of time left in this session of Congress, I believe that this is an important issue that needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. I look forward to working with the Senate to ensure that this bill is passed before Congress adjourns."

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/al04_aderholt/12606NotaryBillPassage.html