BILL NUMBER: S3809
SPONSOR: HOYLMAN-SIGAL
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public health law, in relation to requiring general
hospitals and nursing homes to offer free notarial services to patients
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
Requires general hospitals and nursing homes to offer free notarial
services to patients
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends the public health law by adding a new section 2805-aa.
Section 2 sets the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Hospital patients and nursing home residents often have the need for the
services of a notary public. Wills, trusts, deeds, custody and guardian-
ship agreements, and executorships are just some of the important docu-
ments that must be notarized. Under state law, a notary public may
charge a maximum of $2 for an oath or acknowledgment, however, the nota-
ry's travel fees are discretionary. As a result, patients and residents
dealing with serious health issues can in some cases be left'with no
other option than to pay fees amounting to several hundred dollars,
depending on the region. I am introducing a bill that will ensure every
hospital and nursing home in the state has a notary on site during
normal operating business hours to perform this vital service at no
charge.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-2024: S7943 (Hoylman-Sigal), Died in Committee
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
None to the state.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the thirtieth day after it shall have
become a law.