Establishes 180 days from receipt of notary public commission as deadline for taking oath of office.
Impact
By extending the time allowed for notaries public to take their oath of office, A2649 intends to reduce administrative burdens on newly appointed notaries. This change may positively influence individuals considering becoming notaries, as it provides a more generous timeframe to comply with requirements without the risk of an automatic revocation of their commission. Additionally, extending the duration could encourage individuals who might otherwise hesitate due to time constraints to apply for notary positions.
Summary
Assembly Bill A2649, introduced in New Jersey, proposes an amendment to the Notaries Public Act, specifically modifying the timeframe for notaries public to take their oath of office. Under the current law, notaries must subscribe to their oath within three months of receiving their commission. The new bill seeks to extend this period to 180 days, providing greater flexibility for notaries. This extension aims to eliminate uncertainties related to the deadline for taking the oath, thereby helping notaries avoid revocation of their commission and the potential loss of application fees associated with reapplication for their notary status.
Contention
While the bill's supporters advocate for the extension as a logical adjustment to help new notaries manage their obligations, there may be concerns regarding potential inefficiencies or increased risks associated with longer wait times for taking the oath. Critics might argue that by extending the deadline, there is a chance that notaries may delay their responsibilities, which could affect the timely execution of notarial acts. Further discussions will likely focus on the balance between flexibility for new notaries and the need for ensuring that notaries fulfill their obligations in a timely manner.
Relating to the employment of notaries public; to amend Sections 36-20-70, 36-20-71, 36-20-72, 36-20-73.1, 36-20-74, and 36-20-75, Code of Alabama 1975; to provide further for the appointment and service of notaries public; to increase the fee collected by the judge of probate for the commission of a notary; to expand the grounds under which a judge of probate may accept or deny an application for a notary commission; to require an applicant for a notary commission to complete a training program; to increase the bond required of a notary public; to provide further for the acknowledgment of signatures; to increase the fee collected for notarial acts performed; to specify the acts of a notary or other individual that constitute a crime; and in connection therewith would have as its purpose or effect the requirement of a new or increased expenditure of local funds within the meaning of Section 111.05 of the Constitution of Alabama of 2022.