This bill amends various sections of Louisiana law regarding the bonds required for notaries public. It increases the bond amount from ten thousand dollars to fifty thousand dollars and removes the option for notaries to maintain errors and omissions insurance as an alternative to posting a bond. The bill also establishes new filing requirements for notaries, mandating that they file their bonds with the Secretary of State and clarifying that bonds signed by surety companies do not need to be recorded with the clerk of court. Additionally, it repeals R.S. 39:342 in its entirety.

The bill further clarifies that the commission of a notary who fails to renew their bond in a timely manner will be automatically suspended until the required bond is in effect. It also specifies that the bond must be filed with the Secretary of State and outlines the prerequisites for the governor to issue a notarial commission. The provisions of this Act are set to become effective on February 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
HB259 Original: 35:71(A)(1), 35:191(A)(3), 35:192(A), 35:201(A)(3), 35:391(6), 35:412(C)
HB259 Engrossed: 35:71(A), 35:191(A)(3), 35:192(A), 35:201(A)(3), 35:391(6), 35:412(C)
HB259 Reengrossed: 35:71(A), 35:191(A)(3), 35:192(A), 35:201(A)(3), 35:391(6), 35:412(C)
HB259 Enrolled: 35:71(A), 35:191(A)(3), 35:192(A), 35:201(A)(3), 35:391(6), 35:412(C)
HB259 Act 258: 35:71(A), 35:191(A)(3), 35:192(A), 35:201(A)(3), 35:391(6), 35:412(C)