S.B. No. 693 amends the Government Code to enhance the qualifications and responsibilities of notaries public in Texas. Key changes include the addition of education requirements for both initial appointment and reappointment as a notary public, which must be established by the secretary of state. Specifically, applicants must now successfully complete education requirements, and notaries must retain records for ten years. The bill also introduces a new criminal offense for notaries who perform notarizations without the signer personally appearing, classifying this as a Class A misdemeanor or a state jail felony if it involves real property.

Additionally, the bill outlines the definition of "good cause" for disciplinary actions against notaries, including the failure to maintain records and performing notarizations without personal appearance. The secretary of state is authorized to charge reasonable fees for the education courses required for notaries. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will apply only to applications submitted on or after January 1, 2026, ensuring a transition period for current notaries.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()
Senate Committee Report: Government Code 406.006, Government Code 406.009, Government Code 406.011, Government Code 406.023 (Government Code 406)
Engrossed: Government Code 406.006, Government Code 406.009, Government Code 406.011, Government Code 406.023 (Government Code 406)
House Committee Report: Government Code 406.006, Government Code 406.009, Government Code 406.011, Government Code 406.023 (Government Code 406)
Enrolled: Government Code 406.006, Government Code 406.009, Government Code 406.011, Government Code 406.023 (Government Code 406)