House Bill 461 amends Tennessee Code Annotated to enhance the requirements for online notaries public. Specifically, it introduces a new requirement for applicants to complete a course of instruction on online notarization, which must include topics such as notarial laws, technology procedures, and ethical requirements. This course must be approved by the secretary of state or their authorized representative. Additionally, the bill modifies existing language by redesignating certain subdivisions and requiring applicants to certify their understanding and compliance with the relevant laws and rules.

The bill also makes specific deletions and substitutions in the current law, including the removal of the word "and" in a subdivision and the redesignation of a subdivision related to the certification process. These changes aim to streamline the application process for online notaries and ensure they are adequately trained in the necessary legal and ethical standards. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

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