Bill No. 1578 amends existing legislation regarding notaries public in Oklahoma, specifically focusing on the acknowledgment, verification, witnessing, and certifying actions of notarial officers. The bill outlines the responsibilities of notarial officers in determining the identity of individuals appearing before them, emphasizing the need for personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence. It also specifies the requirements for certifying copies of documents and the conditions under which a notarial officer can make a protest of a negotiable instrument.

A significant change introduced by this bill is the modification of penalties for notarial officers who fail to make the required identity determinations. The bill changes the offense from a misdemeanor to a felony, increasing the potential fine from $1,000 to $5,000 and extending the possible imprisonment from ten days to thirty days. This amendment aims to enhance the accountability of notarial officers and ensure the integrity of notarial acts. The act is set to take effect on November 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 49-113
Floor (House): 49-113
Engrossed: 49-113