Texas House Bill HB122

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/27/11
• Introduced: 11/8/10
• Voted on by House: 5/6/11
• Refer: 2/11/11
• Report Pass: 4/20/11
• Engrossed: 5/6/11
• Refer: 5/9/11

Caption

Relating to proof that is acceptable for identifying individuals acknowledging written instruments.

Impact

The enactment of HB 122 is expected to streamline the process of acknowledgment for written instruments by clarifying the types of identification that can be accepted by officials. This change aims to enhance the integrity of the acknowledgment process by setting forth clear guidelines, which in turn may help to reduce the incidence of fraud and identity misrepresentation. The bill is particularly relevant to notaries public and other officials who are responsible for certifying acknowledgments of written documents.

Summary

House Bill 122 primarily addresses the procedures and requirements for the acknowledgment of written instruments in the state of Texas. Specifically, it amends Section 121.005(a) of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code to outline the acceptable proofs of identity that an officer may use when a written instrument is acknowledged. The current bill emphasizes the need for satisfactory evidence to verify the identity of individuals, ensuring that the acknowledgment process is both secure and reliable.

Contention

While the bill does not appear to have significant points of contention based on the available discussions, the implications of the identification standards may raise questions regarding accessibility and practicality for individuals in rural areas or those without easy access to the mandated forms of identification. Stakeholders may express concerns about ensuring that these identification requirements do not inadvertently create barriers for legitimate users seeking to acknowledge written instruments.