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. The bill specifies that applicants must successfully complete these education requirements, and it allows the secretary of state to charge a reasonable fee for the courses. Additionally, the bill introduces a new criminal offense for notaries who perform notarizations without the signer personally appearing, classifying it as a Class A misdemeanor or a state jail felony if it involves real property.

The bill also updates the definition of "good cause" for disciplinary actions against notaries, including new provisions for failing to maintain records and performing notarizations without personal appearance. Notaries are now required to retain records for ten years, and the secretary of state must adopt rules to implement these changes by January 1, 2026. The law will apply to applications submitted on or after this date, with a specified effective date of September 1, 2025.

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)