Bill > H495

This bill establishes a framework for electronic notarization, defining key terms like "electronic document" (any record stored or sent digitally), "electronic notary public" (a commissioned individual authorized to perform electronic notarizations), and "electronic signature" (a unique, verifiable, and controlled digital mark linked to a document). It outlines the requirements for a notarized electronic document, including the electronic document itself, a signer's electronic mark, a time and date statement, and an "electronic notary token" (a digital attachment containing the notary's electronic signature that invalidates if the document is altered). The bill specifies that electronic notaries can perform electronic acknowledgments, administer oaths and affirmations for electronic documents, and perform electronic jurats, which are essentially digital versions of traditional notarial acts. It also details the process for issuing electronic notary commissions and the duties of electronic notaries, such as maintaining a journal of their acts and authenticating their work with the electronic notary token. The bill emphasizes that any alteration to a completed notarized electronic document will invalidate it, ensuring the integrity of digital notarizations.