This bill amends the existing laws regarding notaries public in Oklahoma, specifically addressing the appointment process, required documentation, and associated fees. It mandates that all applicants for a notary commission undergo a national criminal history record check, which will be conducted by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI). The bill specifies that applicants must pay a search fee not exceeding $50, and outlines the timeline for OSBI to provide the results to the Secretary of State. Additionally, it establishes that a felony conviction can lead to the removal of a notary public from office.
The bill also increases the fees associated with obtaining and renewing a notary commission. The application fee for a new notary commission is raised from $25 to $50, while the renewal fee increases from $20 to $45. Furthermore, the fee for same-day filing service is also increased from $25 to $50. The bond amount required for notaries is set at $1,000, and the fee for filing this bond with the Secretary of State is raised from $10 to $25. The changes are set to take effect on November 1, 2025.