The bill SB322 amends the Code of Alabama 1975 to enhance the regulatory framework governing notaries public. Key changes include an increase in the notary commission fee from ten dollars to twenty-five dollars and a rise in the required bond amount from $25,000 to $50,000. It mandates that applicants complete a training program and outlines specific grounds for application acceptance or denial, such as felony convictions and bankruptcy status. The bill also establishes new requirements for notarial acts, including the necessity for signatures to be acknowledged in the physical presence of the notary, who must verify the identity of the signatory. Additionally, it introduces remote notarization options under certain conditions and ratifies remote notarization actions taken before July 1, 2021, while prohibiting its use for absentee ballot applications.

Moreover, the bill revises the fee structure for notarial acts, increasing the maximum fee from five dollars to ten dollars, and ensures that public employees do not charge for notarial acts performed as part of their duties. It establishes penalties for notaries who violate the provisions, including a Class C misdemeanor for various infractions and a Class D felony for fraudulent acts. The bill also outlines enforcement mechanisms for investigating notarial misconduct. Overall, SB322 aims to enhance the integrity and accountability of notaries public in Alabama while ensuring they are adequately trained and bonded.

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