Michigan House Bill HB4541

Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/3/25
• Refer: 6/3/25

Caption

Occupations: notaries public; identification number for notaries public; require. Amends secs. 11 & 15 of 2003 PA 238 (MCL 55.271 & 55.275).

Impact

If passed, HB4541 would bring significant changes to the appointment process of notaries public in Michigan. The bill mandates that applicants fill out an application form containing detailed personal information, including their criminal background, and affirms their understanding of the responsibilities of a notary. It also requires the collection of a processing fee, a portion of which will support a notary education and training fund. This could improve the professionalism and accountability of notaries working in the state. Moreover, the bill allows the use of electronic applications and payments, modernizing the process and making it more accessible.

Summary

House Bill 4541 aims to amend the existing Michigan law on notarial acts by updating the requirements and processes for appointing notary public applicants. The bill sets forth various qualifications that applicants must meet, including age, residency, English literacy, and clean criminal records. Specifically, applicants must be at least 18 years old, residents of Michigan or have a principal business location in the state, capable of reading and writing in English, and free from felony convictions or certain misdemeanors. This update is designed to ensure the integrity and reliability of notaries public in Michigan.

Contention

While the bill is largely technical in nature, some points of contention may arise regarding the implementation of background checks and the potential implications for applicants not residing in Michigan. Critics could argue that strict eligibility requirements may limit access to individuals who could offer valuable notary services but do not meet every criterion. Additionally, the requirement for applicants to provide detailed personal information may raise privacy concerns among prospective notaries.