Virginia Senate Bill SB1093

Virginia 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/23
• Refer: 1/9/23

Caption

Notaries; course and examination, journal and electronic record of notarial acts.

Impact

The legislative changes proposed by SB1093 aim to streamline notarial services by permitting remote online notarization and establishing a comprehensive electronic record-keeping system. By integrating technology into the notary process, the bill not only seeks to enhance efficiency but also aims to ensure the security and integrity of notarial acts. This move is expected to broaden access to notarial services, particularly beneficial for individuals in remote areas or during times when in-person meetings are challenging.

Summary

SB1093 focuses on the regulations surrounding notaries in Virginia, significantly updating the legal framework governing notarial acts. The bill features several amendments to the existing code, including the addition of definitions and procedures for electronic notarizations, which allow notaries to perform their duties in a digital format. This includes stipulations on how electronic documents should be notarized, recorded, and verified, thereby modernizing the process to meet current technological standards.

Contention

While the bill seeks to advance notarial practices, it has also raised discussions regarding the security measures involved in electronic notarizations. Lawmakers and stakeholders are deliberating on how to balance technological advancement with the necessity to maintain stringent measures for identity verification and document authenticity. Concerns have been expressed over the potential for fraud and misrepresentation in an electronic setting, leading to calls for robust safeguards to protect individuals utilizing remote notarization services.