The bill aims to address notary public fraud by amending existing statutes and introducing new provisions related to the practice of law in immigration matters. It prohibits the literal translation of "Notary Public" into any language other than English and establishes penalties for violations. Additionally, it restricts notaries public from using specific terms that imply they possess legal expertise in immigration law unless they are licensed to practice law. The bill also allows for civil actions to recover damages and attorney fees for violations, and mandates expedited trials for such cases.
Furthermore, the bill creates a new section that outlines prohibited practices for individuals not licensed to practice law in immigration matters, including providing legal advice or assistance for compensation. It requires businesses offering immigration assistance to disclose their non-attorney status prominently. The legislation emphasizes the importance of protecting consumers from fraudulent practices in immigration services and establishes clear guidelines for permissible actions by non-lawyers in this field. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.
Statutes affected: S 846 Filed: 117.05, 908.107