Bill > HB259

This bill amends Louisiana state law regarding notary public bonds by increasing the required bond amount from $10,000 to $50,000 and eliminating the option to maintain errors and omissions insurance instead of posting a bond. The legislation removes provisions that previously allowed notaries to use insurance coverage as an alternative to a surety bond, requiring all notaries public (including ex officio notaries) to post a $50,000 bond that guarantees their faithful performance of notarial duties. The bill also simplifies bond filing requirements, specifically stating that when a notary uses a bond from a surety company authorized to do business in the state, the bond does not need to be recorded with or approved by the clerk of court. Additionally, the bill removes the provision that allowed currently valid notarial bonds to remain in effect until their expiration, meaning all notaries will need to comply with the new $50,000 bond requirement. The changes will become effective on February 1, 2026, and the bill repeals a related statute (R.S. 39:342) in its entirety, streamlining the legal framework for notary public bonds in Louisiana.

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https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?s=25rs&b=HB259&sbi=y