New Jersey Assembly Bill A2649

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/14/22
• Refer: 2/14/22

Caption

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.