Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB4202

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to proof of identity of a person making an acknowledgment of a written instrument.

Impact

The impact of HB 4202 will be seen primarily in the realm of notarial practices and real estate transactions. By specifying the types of documents and identification that can be accepted for acknowledging written instruments, the bill could streamline the process for both public officers and individuals involved. Furthermore, these changes are expected to increase the integrity of notarizations by ensuring that only verifiable forms of identification are used. This could lead to a reduction in fraudulent activities associated with notarized documents, thereby providing more security in legal transactions.

Summary

House Bill 4202 aims to amend the Civil Practice and Remedies Code, specifically regarding the process of acknowledging written instruments. The bill establishes clearer guidelines on the acceptable forms of identification that officers may use when taking an acknowledgment from a person. According to the proposed changes, officers can only accept certain types of identification as satisfactory evidence of a person's identity during this acknowledgment process. This amendment is intended to enhance the reliability of identity verification in official documents.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB 4202 may arise from the specific requirements it sets forth for identity verification. Some stakeholders, such as notary associations or professionals in real estate, might express concerns about the practicality of enforcing these new standards, particularly in contexts where unconventional forms of identification are common. Additionally, there may be a debate over the balance between tightening identity verification to prevent fraud and ensuring accessibility for individuals who may have difficulty obtaining the required documents.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Civil Practice And Remedies Code

  • Chapter 121. Acknowledgments And Proofs Of Written Instruments
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.