House Bill No. 2265 amends the current laws governing notaries public in Oklahoma by introducing new requirements for applicants seeking a notary commission. The bill mandates that applicants must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, and have passed an examination administered by the Office of the Oklahoma Secretary of State or an approved entity. Additionally, the bill establishes a course of study covering relevant laws, rules, procedures, and ethics for notarial acts. The bill also specifies the fees associated with applying for new and renewal commissions, which will be deposited into a designated Revolving Fund.

Furthermore, the bill requires notaries public to maintain a journal documenting all notarial acts performed, which must be retained for ten years after the last recorded act. The journal can be in either a tangible or electronic format, with specific criteria for each. Notaries must make entries contemporaneously with the acts and include detailed information about each act performed. In cases of loss or theft of the journal, notaries are required to notify the Secretary of State promptly. The bill also outlines procedures for the transmission of journals upon resignation, revocation, or death of a notary public, ensuring proper record-keeping and accountability. The act is set to take effect on November 1, 2025.