This bill proposes to amend current statutes by adding new requirements for county recorders regarding the verification of notaries public before recording quitclaim deeds. Specifically, it mandates that the county recorder must verify the status of any notary public who notarized the signature of the person conveying an interest in real property. The county recorder is required to check if the notary is listed as active in the state’s database maintained by the Secretary of State. If the notary is not actively commissioned, the county recorder must reject the quitclaim deed and inform the individual to seek a properly commissioned notary.

Additionally, the bill allows county recorders to refer any individuals suspected of engaging in fraudulent activities, including purported notaries, to the county attorney for investigation and potential prosecution. These provisions aim to enhance the integrity of the notarial process and prevent fraud in real property transactions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 11-472
Senate Engrossed Version: 11-472