The bill SB322 amends the Code of Alabama 1975 to enhance the regulations surrounding notaries public, including significant changes to fees and requirements. The fee for notary commissions is increased from ten dollars to twenty-five dollars, and the required bond amount is raised from $25,000 to $50,000. Additionally, applicants must now complete a training program, and specific grounds for application denial are established, including felony convictions and bankruptcy status. The bill also introduces new requirements for notarial acts, mandating that signatures be acknowledged in the physical presence of the notary, who must verify the signatory's identity. It allows for remote notarization using two-way audio-video communication, provided the notary is physically located in Alabama, and includes provisions for recording remote notarial acts.

Moreover, the bill revises penalties for notaries who violate regulations, replacing previous misdemeanor classifications with clearer definitions of Class C misdemeanors and Class D felonies based on the severity of the violation. It establishes a process for investigating notarial misconduct and increases the maximum fee a notary can charge for their services from five dollars to ten dollars. The bill also clarifies that public employees cannot charge fees for notarial acts performed in their official capacity. Overall, SB322 aims to enhance the integrity and accountability of notaries public while ensuring compliance with stricter regulations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 36-20-70, 36-20-71, 36-20-72, 36-20-73, 36-20-74, 36-20-75
Engrossed: 36-20-70, 36-20-71, 36-20-72, 36-20-73, 36-20-74, 36-20-75
Enrolled: 36-20-70, 36-20-71, 36-20-72, 36-20-73, 36-20-74, 36-20-75