Senate Concurrent Resolution No. by Senator Foil urges the Louisiana State Law Institute to study and propose amendments to the "Remote Online Notarization Act" to allow remote online notarization for executing authentic acts, as defined in Civil Code Article 1833, while excluding certain prohibited instruments. The resolution highlights the evolution of audio and video conferencing technology and the ongoing shortage of notaries in rural areas of Louisiana, which complicates commerce and banking for residents. It also notes that other jurisdictions, such as France and Quebec, permit remote online notarization for authentic acts, suggesting that Louisiana could benefit from similar practices.
The resolution calls for the study group to include representatives from various organizations, including the secretary of state, Louisiana Notary Association, and Louisiana Bankers Association, among others. The Louisiana State Law Institute is tasked with submitting its findings and proposed legislation to the Louisiana Legislature by March 1, 2027. This initiative aims to enhance the accessibility and efficiency of notarization services in Louisiana, particularly for those in underserved areas.