This bill amends several sections of Louisiana law regarding the bonds required for notaries public. Notably, it increases the bond amount from ten thousand dollars to fifty thousand dollars, while eliminating the option for notaries to maintain errors and omissions insurance as an alternative to posting a bond. The bill also modifies the filing requirements for notaries, specifying that they must file their bonds with the secretary of state and clarifying that bonds signed by a surety company do not need to be recorded with the clerk of court. Additionally, it repeals a previous statute (R.S. 39:342) related to notarial bonds.

The effective date for the provisions of this Act is set for February 1, 2026. The changes aim to strengthen the requirements for notaries public in Louisiana, ensuring that they maintain a higher level of financial responsibility through increased bond amounts and streamlined filing processes.

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)