House Bill 461 amends Tennessee Code Annotated regarding the requirements for online notaries public. The bill introduces a new requirement for applicants to complete a course of instruction on online notarization and pass an examination administered by the course provider. This addition is reflected in the amendment of Section 8-16-306(b), where a new subdivision (2) is added, and subdivision (2) is redesignated as subdivision (3). Furthermore, the bill modifies Section 8-16-306(c)(7) to require a certification from the applicant confirming their understanding and compliance with the relevant laws and rules.

Additionally, the bill establishes a new subsection (e) in Section 8-16-306, detailing the minimum content of the required course, which must include notarial laws, technology procedures for online notarizations, and ethical requirements for online notaries. The course must be approved by the secretary of state or their authorized representative. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 8-16-306(b), 8-16-306, 8-16-306(c)(7)