Bill No. 1578 amends Section 113 of the Oklahoma notary public laws, specifically addressing the responsibilities and penalties associated with notarial acts. The bill clarifies the requirements for notarial officers when taking acknowledgments, verifications, witnessing signatures, certifying documents, and making protests of negotiable instruments. It emphasizes the need for notarial officers to determine the identity of individuals through personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence, including credible witnesses or identification documents.

Significantly, the bill modifies the penalties for notarial officers who fail to make the required identity determinations. The previous penalty of a misdemeanor is changed to a felony, with a fine increased from a maximum of $1,000 to $5,000, and the potential for imprisonment extended from ten days to thirty days. This legislation is set to take effect on November 1, 2025.

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