Connecticut Senate Bill SB00219

Connecticut 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/24/22
• Refer: 2/24/22
• Report Pass: 3/8/22
• Refer: 3/16/22
• Report Pass: 3/22/22

Caption

An Act Increasing The Maximum Fee Payable To A Notary Public Acting Within The Scope Of Such Notary Public's Employment With A Municipality And Eliminating The Maximum Fee Payable To A Private Notary Public.

Impact

If enacted, this bill will directly affect the fees that notaries public employed by municipalities can charge. By raising the maximum fee limit, the legislation may help ensure that notaries receive fair compensation for their work, particularly in areas where travel is required for service delivery. The bill removes the maximum fee applicable to notaries who work privately, which could lead to a more competitive environment and varied pricing for notarial services, potentially benefiting consumers.

Summary

Senate Bill 219, also known as the Act Increasing The Maximum Fee Payable To A Notary Public, was introduced to amend the existing fee structure for notaries public within municipal employment. The bill proposes to increase the maximum allowable fee that a notary can charge for their services in a municipal context from five dollars to seven dollars, while also adding a travel reimbursement of thirty-five cents per mile. This change aims to better compensate notaries for their services, particularly those requiring travel.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB 219 appears to be generally positive, as it introduces a measure aimed at supporting an essential service for local governments while adapting to inflation and economic changes. Legislative discussions indicate that such adjustments are welcomed by many, especially in light of current economic realities that affect the cost of providing legal services. However, some concerns may arise regarding the potential impact on private notaries and how the removal of maximum fees could affect their service pricing strategies.

Contention

The main points of contention stem from the removal of the fee cap for private notaries, which could lead to disparities in what different notaries charge for similar services. While supporters argue that this fosters a more competitive market and adjusts for inflation, some critics caution that it may also result in unintended consequences, such as increased costs for consumers. The debate underscores the balance between fair compensation for notaries and protecting consumers from potentially excessive fees.