Bill > SB693

This bill modifies Texas state law regarding notaries public by introducing several key changes. First, it adds a new requirement for notaries to successfully complete education courses established by the secretary of state, both for initial appointment and reappointment. The education requirements are limited to two hours for initial appointment and two hours for reappointment, and must be completed through courses directly offered by the secretary of state. The bill also creates a new criminal offense for notaries who perform notarizations for individuals who did not personally appear before them, with penalties ranging from a Class A misdemeanor to a state jail felony (depending on whether the document involves real property). Additionally, the bill expands the definition of "good cause" for disciplinary action against a notary to include failure to maintain records, and requires notaries to retain their records for ten years after a notarization. Notably, these new education requirements will not apply to notaries appointed before September 1, 2025, and the secretary of state is required to adopt implementing rules by January 1, 2026. The bill aims to enhance the accountability and professional standards of notaries public in Texas by introducing more rigorous education and documentation requirements.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB693